Complimentary coffee and pastries are furnished for Chamber members and guests as they meet to network and promote their business services and products. For information, call 923-2191.
"Our website has a great deal of information that I'm certain voters will find helpful in making their decision," said Havice.
The only Democrat for Congress in the 39th District with a campaign website, the Havice campaign has received nearly 1,000 unique visitors in just three short weeks.
Those viewing the site have access to Assemblywoman Havice's biography, her stance on many issues, recent news articles and press releases, upcoming events, the ability to make contributions and a variety of ways to get involved with the campaign. Portions of the site are offered in Spanish.
Seated at the table were Cheryl Andresen and Donald LaPlante, Downey Unified School District Boardmembers; Rick Trejo and Kirk Cartozian, City Councilmembers; Edward Sussman, DUSD superintendent; Ron Thibideaux, ex-officio member of the Community Services Commission; and City Manager Gerald Caton.
Staff representatives included Gary Orsinger, assistant superintendent for the DUSD; Jim Jarrett, the City's director of community services; and Barbara Hruden, the City Manager's secretary.
This effort to provide a quality after-school program including homework help has received approval on all fronts, and been validated by test results such as the SAT 9.
In addition, 78 percent of the students say it is easier to do their homework since being in the after school program, 76 percent of parents say the quality of their child's work has improved, and 61 percent of teachers say students complete homework assignments more often since being in the after school program.
The collaborative aspect of the program is demonstrated by a trip by the students to the Downey City Library, where they are given a tour and signed in for library cards. The library also donates books for the after school program.
The City's Keep Downey Beautiful provides an educational program and campus cleanup activities, the GOOD Committee provides funds for student incentives, along with other service clubs, and the Middle School "Volunteens" provide volunteers. The golf pro at the City-owned golf course even donates weekly golf lessons to one of the middle schools.
After school snack costs are reimbursed through the Federal After School Snack Program, based on the number of snacks served.
While budgetary woes make state funding for expansion of the program doubtful, state funding for continuation of what already exists seems firm.
Meanwhile, the Community Policing Program originally funded through a two-year grant through the auspices of Assemblywoman Sally Havice, has had such an impact on Downey's high schools that funds to continue it have been scraped together.
Downey Police Chief John Finch said at Tuesday's meeting he will find at least a part of the funding in his department's budget, and Gangs Out of Downey (GOOD) will give all funds raised at its annual benefit luncheon to support the Community Policing, which places police on campus in a purely counseling capacity. The program costs about $125,000 a year.
The meeting broke up on a high note following review of these two highly successful programs.
Dick Hsu, the first and only general manager of Downey Acura since its inception, stood on a platform of the agency's decorated and newly remodeled showroom and welcomed a throng of well-wishers. He recounted some of the ups and downs of business over the last decade, and thanked the community and manufacturer for their support.
Several dignitaries from American Honda Motor Company were present to congratulate the dealership. They included the assistant to the president of AHM-M. Nishimae, and assistant vice presidents Dennis Manns and Jeff Conrad, as well as other senior managers from the Acura zone and district.
Shau-Wei Lam, president of the DCH Auto Group-the parent company of Downey Acura-flew in from New Jersey to host the party along with Executive VP Sheg and VP George Liang, as well as several key west coast corporate officers.
Both State Assemblywoman Sally Havice and U.S. Congressman Steve Horn sent representatives who presented the dealership with proclamations of achievement and appreciation.
The party ended with a toast to all those present and a ribbon and cake cutting.