Dr. JoAnna Downey has been appointed Acting Vice-President of Academic Affairs until an interim appointment can be made in February, according to Dr. Ted Martinez, president of the college. Downey will take over the chores of the vice-presidency following the resignation of Dr. Paul Parnell, who has been the vice-president since 2008.  No reason for Parnell's resignation was given, but his contract was not renewed by the Board a few months ago.

President Ted Martinez has filed a grievance against three professors, who he claims have been critical of him, shocking campus staff and faculty and causing one Board of Trustee member to be critical of him at the latest board meeting.

Silva helps wrestling team

Justin Silva is a sophomore wrestler at Rio Hondo.  Silva competes in the 125 pound division and finished second place at the Reno Tournament on Nov. 5. The Rio Hondo wrestling program has currently finshed the South West Conference as co- Champions and are currently preparing for the Regional and State Championships.

As the season draws to a close the Lady Roadrunners are looking to finish the season strong. They took a big step forward in finishing the season strong by winning their last home game against the first place team in the Foothill Conference Antelope Valley College in four sets, 3-1 (18-25, 27-25, 25-19, 25-16) on Nov. 11. "It felt fantastic. Our team played so fantastic tonight and everything we've taught them and worked on during the season finally gelled and clicked and we did it," said coach Teddi Esko after their big win.

The Whittier Community Theater presents "A Nice Family Gathering," just in time for the holidays. "A Nice Family Gathering," is a play written by Phil Olson based on a typical dysfunctional family gathering for the annual Thanksgiving dinner.  No holiday dinner is complete without the drama that is always involved. Carl an aspiring and struggling writer heads back home to visit his family which consists of the successful older brother, the little sister who's always left out and the mom who is as nutty as they come. 

John Frala's desk is covered in stacks of papers, books, and notes. Off to the side is a smaller table holding the research that didn't fit on the first desk. Frala is an automotive professor here and was recently awarded the Outstanding Instructor Award for green technology by the California Community College Summit and is the first with an automotive background to win the award. Not only does he teach his students all the skills that they need in order to succeed in their careers, but in life as well. Two years ago Frala began growing algae in his classroom and used it as fuel. 

Board of Trustees honored Maria Elena Martinez on Nov. 9 who had spent 20 years on the Board before retiring. Martinez decided to leave the Board of Trustees to seek election on the Pico Rivera City Council on Nov. 8. Election results are still unknown at this time due to the closeness of the race.  Martinez had just a one vote lead for the third and final open seat. Results are pending and will be released soon.