The Weekly Newspaper of El Segundo
Herald Publications - El Segundo, Torrance, Manhattan Beach, Hawthorne, Lawndale, & Inglewood Community Newspapers Since 1911 - (310) 322-1830 - Vol. 107, No. 9 - March 1, 2018
Inside
This Issue
Best of the Best.........4-5,20
Certified & Licensed
Professionals.....................16
Classifieds............................6
Crossword/Sudoku.............6
Entertainment......................8
Legals............................ 14,15
Obituaries.............................2
Police Reports...................17
Real Estate.....................9-13
Sports.............................. 7,17
Weekend
Forecast
Girl Scout Troops Visit Raytheon
Last week, Girl Scout Cadette Troops 2185 and 2865 were among many from the South Bay and Southern California area visiting Raytheon’s Space and Airborne Systems facility in El Segundo for the start
of Engineers Week. By illustrating the endless possibilities in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, these young women can become tomorrow’s engineers, programmers
or scientists. Photo: Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems.
Council Candidates Tackle the
Issues: This Week-Maria Barden
With Suzanne Fuentes and Mike Dugan
opting not to seek reelection, the El Segundo
City Council will soon welcome two new
members. Four candidates threw their hats
into the ring to vie for the available spots
and voters will decide on April 10 who joins
Drew Boyles, Don Brann and Carol Pirsztuk
on the dais. To introduce the candidates to
the community and to get their thoughts on
important local issues, the Herald reached out
to each with questions on a variety of topics.
After growing up in neighboring Manhattan
ES School Board Updated on TLC
Program; Discusses Site Safety
By Duane Plank
Tuesday evening’s meeting of the El
Segundo School Board saw two special
presentations, including a state-of-the
school PowerPoint heralding the strides
made and key programs implemented at
the Eagles’ Nest preschool in conjunction
with the long-standing The Learning
Connection (TLC) led by Denise Azcuna.
Executive Director Guadalupe Grijalva,
along with Azcuna, updated the Board
on the before- and after-school childcare
program and reported higher enrollment,
implementation of digital processes and
new portable classrooms at Center Street
Elementary School. Board Vice President
Nancy Cobb gave kudos to TLC’s progress,
with El Segundo Unified School District
Superintendent Melissa Moore also chiming
in with her support as the venerable
TLC program continues to evolve.
Middle School Principal Melissa Gooden
helmed Tuesday’s final presentation, as
she and Assistant Principal Ali Rabiei,
aided by a student presenter, detailed the
success of the new “bell schedule.” The
schedule, which started at the beginning of
the 2017-18 school year, roiled the typical
school day -- with students attending
eight shortened classes on Monday and
then six more classes the next four days
of the school week, with two classes from
Monday “dropped” each day, Tuesday
Beach and then spending a few years
in Chicago, Maria Barden landed in El
Segundo in 1994 when she purchased her
first home. She and her husband raised two
daughters in town who are now attending
college. Barden earned her Bachelor of
Science degree in Healthcare Management
and was valedictorian of her class. She is
currently the executive assistant to the chief
medical informatics officer at UCLA Health,
working in information technology where
her department implemented the Electronic
Health Record system at UCLA’s hospitals.
She was previously a manager at Murad
Inclusive Health Center in El Segundo.
An active participant with the PTA Run for
Education for over 10 years, Barden supported
the Ed! Foundation throughout her children’s
education in El Segundo and volunteered for
several positions at local schools. She volunteers
for the American Society for Training
Development and Children Uniting Nations
Foster Youth Mentor. Notable El Segundo
recognitions include the Very Special Person
Award and PTA Honorary Member Award.
She also belongs to the Greater Los Angeles
Chapter Community Associations Institute and
Alpha Beta Kappa Honor Society member.
------------------------------------------------------
Why are you running for City Council?
MB: Because I am committed to El
Segundo’s future... I know what makes
our city a special place to live and raise
a family. I want to give back to the community
and ensure other families have the
same opportunity to raise their children as I
have. El Segundo remains one of the safest,
friendliest and prosperous places to live. I
am also excited about the new businesses,
growth and opportunity and see potential to
generate more revenue while still capturing
a small-town feel.
What unique skill sets do you bring to
the table that will benefit the city?
MB: I’ve been in management, marketing,
public relations, customer service and administration
for 30-plus years. I was president
and treasurer of my home association for over
12 years ensuring our operating and reserve
account maintains a healthy balance. I have
a vested interest in El Segundo because I
want what’s best for residents and will take
the time to listen to issues. I know how to
get things done, am a hard worker and really
care. What I say is what I do and will fight
for what is right for El Segundo.
See Maria Barden, page 7
See School Board, page 14
Friday
Rain
58˚/50˚
Saturday
AM Rain
56˚/43˚
Sunday
Mostly
Sunny
59˚/45˚