Students from Room 28 at Gallatin Elementary School stood around Art Bennett’s motorcycle, honoring their classmate Joey, who passed away from brain cancer on March 13. Photo by Brooke Karli
The Patriot received word today of the passing of 11-year-old Gallatin Elementary School student Jose “Joey” Luis Vergara, Jr.
Joey battled brain cancer for more than five years and passed away on March 13. Upon hearing about his death, Art Bennett, CSEA Chapter 248 president, decided to honor Joey the way he knew best - riding his motorcycle in his honor at the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Ride for Kids program.
Art stopped by Gallatin today to visit Joey’s classmates and to hand over the poster he had attached to his bike during the Ride for Kids event. The kids were excited to meet Art and were even more thrilled when he let them hop on his bike for pictures.
More about Joey and Ride for Kids in this Friday’s issue.
~Brooke
May 7th, 2008
Downey Memorial Christian Church (above) held its first service on May 18, 1958. Downey-Florence Seventh-day Adventist Church (below) first opened its doors in Downey on May 10, 1958. Photos by Brooke Karli
First and foremost, it’s good to be back…the case I was selected to be on came to an end yesterday after the 12 of us crammed into a jury room to deliberate for two hours. I have to say, it’s a lot harder than it seems in deciding someone’s freedom.
Anyways, because half my week was spent at the Downey Courthouse, my work load was quite light. So, one of the two stories I was assigned this week announces the 50-year anniversaries of Downey Memorial Christian Church and Downey-Florence Seventh-day Adventist Church. Both churches are hosting special services and events this weekend and next.
Even if you don’t normally attend either of these churches on a regular basis, it might be of interest to stop by and learn about their history in Downey.
You never know what you may find out…
~Brooke
May 7th, 2008
Every year since I’ve turned 18, I have been summons to jury duty - that’s right…EVERY YEAR!
And this time around, I have actually been selected to be a part of a jury. So for the next week or so, I will be spending my afternoons in court. Although it’s kind of inconvenient, I’m also kind of excited to experience the process. It should be interesting…
~Brooke
May 2nd, 2008
Ben Barnes, who plays Prince Caspian in the upcoming Disney film, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, read to thousands of children and parents at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on Saturday.
The Doodlebops performed for an excited crowd for the second year in a row.
Aly & AJ, a famous teen-pop duo, read parts of their latest book, “Aly & AJ’s Rock & Roll Mysteries,” to hundreds of screaming fans at the Target Children’s Stage on Saturday.
Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin signed parts of her book, “Leading Ladies,” to an audience captivated by her means of communication.
Julie Andrews Edwards, best known for her roles in Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music, answered questions from the audience at Target’s Children’s Stage on Sunday.
Henry Winkler, more commonly known as “The Fonz,” shared his passion for reading and writing with an adoring crowd at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on Sunday.
Photos by Brooke Karli
This past weekend, I had the privilege of covering the events taking place at the Target Children’s Stage at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, hosted at UCLA.
If you have never been to the festival, it’s quite an experience. Thousands of people attended with books in one hand and sunblock in the other. Hundreds of authors, which include both veterans and newbies to the literary world, also made themselves available for book signings and interview panels.
Target, which was the event’s major sponsor, had a stage of their own, where they hosted some of the most famous authors around (see pictures above). From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, the Target Stage had something to offer the audience, whether it was a book reading, a performance, or an audience Q & A.
Overall, the festival was a success this year, and I’m glad I was a part of it.
More to come this Friday.
~Brooke
April 28th, 2008
Photo courtesy Sebastian Sidi
Believe it or not, I’m actually happy to be at work today! Although this weekend was jammed packed with entertaining venues, it was non-stop and sitting at my desk has allowed me to stop and breathe. AND, I wasn’t beckoned to jury duty today (let’s hope I can dodge it the rest of the week)!
Anyways, my weekend began at the OC Pavilion, where homegrown favorite Sebastian Sidi performed a live concert for PBS, which will air in June. I had seen Sebastian perform before at events such as the Street Faire and Holiday Lane Parade. But his concert on Friday was of a different magnitude, complete with band, lights, and of course, black leather pants. The show was riveting, to say the least, and I couldn’t seem to get enough Sebastian (can I get an AMEN!).
More information on the concert can be read in this week’s Downey Patriot and additional information on Sebastian can be found at www.myspace.com/sebastiansidi.
~Brooke
April 28th, 2008
A.C. Slamet
Sans Eyes
Hyperbola
Promise of Restoration
The Envelope
Photos by Brooke Karli
I have gone to my share of concerts over the years, ranging from sold-out venues such as the Staples Center and Honda Center, to backyard garage and coffee house performances. And out of all the church shows I have been to, the one I attended on Saturday at Trinity Baptist Church in Downey was by far my favorite.
Four bands and one solo act were on the bill for the evening: A.C. Slamet (solo), Sans Eyes, Hyperbola, Promise of Restoration, and The Envelope.
Each band had their own style - some with their own lyrics, and some putting their own twist to songs already released by previous bands. Some got the crowd to participate, while others simply entertained. And while some sang their music, others screamed it.
Regardless, they all brought something to the table. Whether or not it was good or bad is up to the audience. It was an overall entertaining night and it was encouraging to see local bands producing good music. And for $3, who could go wrong?
~Brooke
April 21st, 2008
Photo by Leora Leon
Okay…I normally don’t like posting pictures of myself, but let me explain…
Above, I am pictured with Brandon Leon, a 13-year-old teenager with autism. I have known Brandon for quite some time, as I used to give him private swim lessons when I worked at the Downey YMCA three years ago. Brandon’s mom, Leora, contacted me last week and informed me that the month of April is Autism Awareness Month.
I thought it would make for a good story to write about autism and the Greater Long Beach/San Gabriel Valley Chapter of the Autism Society of America, which services Downey and its neighboring cities. The chapter works hard in promoting awareness and providing services and support to those caring for an individual with autism.
I wanted a picture with Brandon and after he decided to sit next to me and say “Cheeeeeeeeeeese!,” I knew the picture would be priceless. I told him I couldn’t make any promises of it making the paper (solely because I’m in it), so I wanted to include it in my blog. I know it will make him happy to see his picture on the Internet.
For those who have never worked with or been around an individual with autism, let me just say that they are truly special, valuable individuals. They are some of the most compassionate, caring people around and above all, they want - and deserve - the same love and respect any other typical human being may receive.
I hope someday we will be able to put a halt to autism and that these kids will live free of any disability.
~Brooke
April 16th, 2008
Photo by Brooke Karli
Apparently, the long-vacant Downey Lincoln Mercury dealership on Lakewood Boulevard and Gallatin Road is now the new home of Downey Collision, Inc.
The inside of the building is still empty, but I’m assuming the company owns the building considering their name and logo are plastered all over the building’s windows.
~Brooke
April 15th, 2008
Artwork by Coy Sarell
Hey everyone, just wanted to let you know there is a concert this Saturday, April 19, at Trinity Baptist Church in Downey at 6:30 p.m.
Local bands The Envelope, Diversion, Promise of Restoration, and Hyperbola are all on the evening’s bill. Not bad for the three bucks you pay at the door.
Hope to see you there!
~Brooke
April 14th, 2008
Photo by Brooke Karli
Students at Warren High School grubbed on carne asada, beans, rice and tortillas, as well as an assortment of desserts, on Friday during an on-campus barbeque.
Jay Waldron, a Spanish teacher at Warren, treated some of his students to the barbeque after his classes raised more than $2,400 for the Pasta for Pennies fundraiser.
The students were more than happy to donate to the cause and were more than willing to eat as much carne asada as possible!
~Brooke
April 14th, 2008
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