Tuesday November 12, 2024 Vol. 69 Issue 4
MORE ON PAGE #2 Take a glimpse of the hard work and memorable moments of Vicky Santana
NO DREAM TOO BIG: FORMER DACA STUDENT NOW RHC TRUSTEE VP, OSCAR VALLADARES, ELECTED TO A NATIONAL LEADERSHIP ROLE By: Omar Lopez Editor in chief
Oscar Valladares, Trustee Vice-President, has been elected Secretary/Treasurer of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) during the organization’s 2024 Leadership Congress, held October 24-25 in Seattle, Washington. Valladares was chosen by the ACCT Board of Directors consisting of a 25-member body of trustees from community colleges nationwide. He will serve for one year in this new role. In his new role, Valladares will oversee the organization’s finances and play an active part in advocating for community colleges. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share my lived experience as a Dreamer during my community college and higher education journey,” Valladares said. Valladares, who has a personal connection to the challenges faced by immigrant
students, because he is a former DACA recipient, who has worked tirelessly to break down barriers that many students like him encounter in the educational system. “I am a firm believer that it’s crucial for our community to see themselves in people who have overcome
with the support of teachers, counselors, and others, today I find myself in a leadership role for a national organization that advocates for all students.” He added that his story is not just about him but about all the immigrant students who are working hard to create a better future. “My story shows how education can change lives and how it has had a huge impact on my family and community,” he said. Valladares is excited to use his new position to help
Copyright 2024, Keith Weller for the Association of Community College Trustees. Two Rio Hondo College representatives won big at the ACCT Conference. Current Trustee Vice President, Oscar Valladares Honoring Executive Secretary, Renee Gallegos after receiving the Pacific Region Professional Board Staff Member Award. Valladares was elected to serve as Treasurer/Secretary.
similar obstacles and stories,” Valladares reflected. “I have faced many challenges, but
community colleges continue to serve all students, no matter where they come from.
THE RACE IS OVER! DONALD TRUMP TAKES THE VICTORY OVER KAMALA HARRIS IN THIS YEARS 2024 ELECTION By: Justin Chu Reporter
With the 2024 Presidential Election finally over, America has a new Commander in Chief. This year’s race was between the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump, and the Democratic nominee, current Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump was seeking re-election after losing the 2020 Presidential Race to Joe Biden. Harris was a latecomer, replacing Biden after the first presidential debate back in June. As votes rolled in throughout the night, Trump won the swing states of: Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Georgia, North Carolina, Arizona, and Nevada, which means he outperformed his last two presidential runs. Going into Wednesday, Trump had passed the electoral college votes threshold of 270, making the former president, the president elect. Harris got 226 for her electoral college votes. When it comes to the popular vote, Trump also saw major success, winning 73,347, 504
votes to Harris’ 69,019,771 votes. He gained supporters among men and women as well as Hispanic and African American voters. He also maintained his voting block with older white men while Harris struggled to gain supporters outside her established group even with the help of major players within the Republican party such as Liz Cheney. A major demographic that helped Trump with young African American men, a key democratic voting group. Roughly 30% of African American men under the age of 45 years old sided with Trump this election. This is a massive increase from previous years. This, along with small increases among traditionally democratic voters translated to the electoral college. Another major factor in this election was voter turnout and compared to 2020, there was a major drop in voter participation. Voter Bekah Hudson who said she emphasized the importance of voting, citing issues like women's and LGBTQ+ rights, women's health, affordable housing, education, and voting rights themselves as her top concerns.
SAY HELLO TO THE WINNING SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS By: Omar Lopez Editor in chief
WHITTIER UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER, TRUSTEE AREA NO. 3
Josefina Canchola - Winner “I feel blessed and honored to be given the opportunity to continue serving my community and our WUHSD familia as Trustee for Area 3. Serving our scholars and their families is a privilege that I do with corazón and cariño—and a role that I don’t take for granted. I’m humbled that the voters have put their trust in me to move forward efforts that will create educational opportunities and leadership growth for all our students.” - Josefina Canchola
WHITTIER CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT TRUSTEE AREA NO. 1
Caro Jauregui - Winner
"I am excited to continue working with our staff and families to prioritize the children of this district. " - Caro Jauregui
Jaime Lopez- Winner “Dear Voters and Community, Thank you for your trust and support in re-electing me for another four years. I am prouf of what we have accomplished together and excited about the
direction Whittier Union High School District is heading. Your commitment and engagement are vital to our shared success. together, we are building a strong foundation for a stronger future.” - Jaime Lopez
RIO HONDO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER, TRUSTEE AREA NO. 4 Krystal Orozco - Winner
“It’s humbling and energizing to be entrusted with serving my community. It’s also a great opportunity to think about unfinished priorities, things that could be adjusted, and new initiatives to bring forward. “ - Krystal Orozco
LA MIRADA CITY COUNCIL 2ND DISTRICT
EAST WHITTIER CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT, TRUSTEE AREA 2
Michelle Valequez Bean Winner
“I feel truly blessed to have served the EWCSD community the last 17 years and feel honored to continue serving them these next 4 years. I am very grateful and thankful for the support the community has given me throughout my time as a board member.” - Carlos Aparicio
“I am deeply grateful to La Mirada District 2 residents for their trust and support. It is an honor, and I am excited for the opportunity to serve and work together to keep La Mirada a thriving and fiscally sound city. I am committed to ensuring that
Carlos Aparicio - Winner
Measure RH Passed
WHITTIER UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER, TRUSTEE AREA NO. 2
everyone has what they need to live well and prosper in our beautiful community.” - Michelle Bean
Photos provided by all Candidates