Our Town El Sereno

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FEBRUARY 2012
OUR TOWN
EL SERENO
™
WWW.OURTOWNELSERENO.COM
CLASS OF 1986
MIKE
TOLEDO
Wilson Mule protecting
the streets of Glendale
and loving it. By Julio Torres
W
ilson High School
graduate Michael
Toledo comes from a law
enforcement family and
has moved up the ranks in
the Glendale Police
Department. Toledo is now
a Patrol Sergeant and has
worked a variety of details
such as gangs, robbery,
homicide, reserve and
training coordinator.
“Being able to work
different areas within the
police department is
something I have really
enjoyed throughout my
career” said Sgt. Toledo.
Going on his 20th year of
service with the Glendale
Police Department, he still
remembers the great times
and friends while at Wilson
High School and playing
Varsity Baseball.
Thanks Mike for being a
great role model and a
proud Wilson Alumni.
El Sereno
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COMMUNITY
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MIKE TOLEDO: WHS ‘86
COMMUNITY
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NEWS
o
COMMUNITY
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MEDICAL TIP
COMMUNITY
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L.H. LOOKING FOR ANSWERS
COMMUNITY
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MONSTER JAM
COMMUNITY
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CHEERLEADING
COMMUNITY
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SCHOOL SPIRIT
COMMUNITY
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ESCCC AT HECHO EN MEXICO
COMMUNITY
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DINING
COMMUNITY
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BAND
o
• AUTO BODY REPAIR
• PAINT
• CHIEF FRAME STRAIGHTENING
o
We welcome
all insurance
Free Car Wash
& Detail with
every repair!
We recommend
Angelica Campos, Agent
Insurance Lic. #0C09372
2807 North Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90031
Bus: (323) 222-9966
VISIT US ONLINE:
[email protected]
www.ourtownelsereno.com
4809 N. Huntington Dr. Los Angeles 90032
facebook.com/ourtownelsereno
Tel: 323.227.6775 • Cell: 213.407.4872
community |
Baseball Sign Ups
El Sereno Recreation and Parks are now
accepting sign ups for the upcoming baseball
season. Cost is $65 for each player ages 5-15
and includes trophy and uniform. Girls are
welcome to join the baseball league or sign up
for girl’s softball. Come to the park office and
bring your child’s birth certificate so you can
register your child. We advise early registration
so you won’t be placed on a waiting list which
happens every year. The park is also in need of
coaches and volunteers so if you’re interested
please contact Cheryl Flores or Jennifer Rockwell
and you will be given an application.
Bob Wondries Ford
The Ford Motor Company’s highly successful “Drive One 4 UR School”
test-drive program, which brings together local dealerships and
neighborhood high schools to raise money for extracurricular activities, has
kicked off once again. The program got its start in 2007 and has become
Ford’s most successful test-drive initiative ever, with some 1,500 events
held in 49 states since then, garnering approximately 255,000 test drives
and raising more than $5 million for before and after-school activities
across the country. This year Bob Wondries Ford in Alhambra has selected
Wilson High School for their test-drive campaign on Saturday, March 3rd.
Bob Wondries Ford will give Wilson High School $6,000 if they can
generate 300 test drives in one day (March 3rd). You have to be 18 and
have a driver’s license to test drive one of many new 2012 Ford vehicles
like Fiesta, Focus, Edge, Flex, and Mustang. The event will be from 10am
to 3pm on the Wilson campus and surrounding Hillside Village area.
More details will be posted on the Our Town El Sereno website and
Facebook page. San Gabriel High School held the promotion last year
and had over 500 test drives and were awarded $6,000.
Wedding Announcement
Joseph and Carolyn Mattazaro, long time
residents of El Sereno, and Linda Sicker, are
proud to announce the marriage of their
children, Anna Rose Mattazaro and Shawn
Michael Sickler on October 22, 2012 at All
Saints Catholic Church. Anna and Shawn met
at summer camp where both were working as
camp counselors. Shawn has been serving in
the Army for the past 4 years, including a 15
month tour in Iraq. Anna graduated from Stanford University in June 2011
and is now working in downtown LA. They have taken up residence in
Echo Park.
Taste of Fresco
On February 25th and 26th, Fresco Community Market will host their
annual Taste of Fresco event featuring over 40 vendors where you can
sample many natural, organic, gluten free foods from local vendors. Event
will be from 10am to 4pm. Fresco Community Market is located at 5914
Monterey Road in nearby Hermon. For more info please visit
www.frescomarkets.com or call (323) 274-1040.
4
NEWS
Wilson JV Baseball Car Wash
We invite the community to come and support the Wilson JV Baseball
team. The El Sereno Community Coordinating Council are hosting a car
wash at Valeria’s Market on the corner of Multnomah and Soto. Wilson JV
will be selling pre-sale tickets. Donations are $5 for cars and $7 for
SUV’s. Proceeds are for new baseball uniforms for the Wilson JV Baseball
team before league starts in mid-February so please come out and get
your car washed! Valeria’s Market is located at 2200 N Soto St.
WHS College Corner Fundraising Events
The Wilson High School
College Corner has a few
fundraising events scheduled this
month. First they have a Senior
Shakey’s Pizza Night on February
21th at 6pm. They also have a
Junior Ice Skating Night on Friday,
February24th at 8pm at the
Pasadena Ice Skating Center. A
big yard sale will be happening on Saturday, February 25th starting at
6am at Wilson. Please support these College Corner fundraisers.
2012 5K Run/Walk For Peace
Saturday, April 7th the National Latino Peace Officers Association (East
Los Angeles Chapter) are joined by sponsors Pan American Bank and
Super Estrella 107.1 radio station to host the annual 5K Run/Walk For
Peace featuring live mariachis and Aztec dancers. Registration includes
t-shirt and trophies for top finishers. For more information visit
www.eastlosangelesnlpoa.org or email: [email protected]
Registration Opens at 6:45 am and Race Starts at 8:00 am
community |
MEDICAL TIP
MEDICALERT® + ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION SAFE RETURN®
PROVIDES PEACE OF MIND
Safety service for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease
Studies show that up to 60% of people diagnosed with memory loss
will wander at some point. And the longer they are missing, the
higher their chances of being hurt. Taking measures to ensure safety
can prevent injury and help people with dementia and their families
feel relaxed and less overwhelmed. The Alzheimer’s Association is
offering MedicAlert® + Safe Return®, an emergency response service
to help those who wander and their families. Members wear a
bracelet or necklace and are enrolled in a confidential program with
an ID number. Then, when a wandering person is found, someone
can call the emergency number and the wanderer’s caregiver will be
contacted. First responders, medical personnel and others can call to
get important information on the wanderer, such as drug allergies.
When a loved one goes missing a caregiver can call the emergency
hotline and pictures of the missing person can be sent to police and
other emergency response personnel. The $55 enrollment fee can be
waived for low-income families in Los Angeles, made possible in part
by a grant from Sup. Gloria Molina. The annual renewal is $35.
For safety and peace of mind, enroll in MedicAlert + Safe Return
today. Call (800) 272-3900, visit www.alz.org/safereturn or
contact the Greater East Los Angeles Region at (323) 881-0574 for
an application.
For information on Alzheimer’s disease and low-cost/no cost
services available to families, call or visit the Greater East Los
Angeles office at (323) 881-0574 or 133 N. Sunol Drive,
Suite 237, Los Angeles 90063.
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community |
LOOKING FOR ANSWERS
MISSING MOM IDENTIFIED: $50,000 REWARD OFFERED FOR INFO
The community of Lincoln Heights has lost a mother, daughter and friend. The body of Bree’Anna Guzman was
found recently near the entrance of the 2 freeway at Riverside Drive. Bree’Anna lived with her mom, sisters and
two young children just 3 miles away from where her body was recovered. She went missing on the evening of
December 26th en route to the local Rite Aid at the Lincoln Heights’ “Five Points” intersection. Flyers were posted
on Facebook, local blogs, bulletin boards, telephone poles and street lamps across the surrounding
neighborhoods. Community vigils were held near her residence in hopes of receiving information that would help
find her and also to continue asking the community to not give up the search.
The word came January 26th (exactly one month since she disappeared) when Bree’s mom, Darlene Guzman
Duran, a John Marshall HS alumni, confirmed the identity of her daughter with NBC news and has since
devastated the Lincoln Heights community. Bree’s perpetrator is still at large. The cause of death and motive for
her murder are still not known as Bree’s friends keep asking “Why?” Her case is being handled by LAPD’s
Robbery-Homicide Bureau. If anyone has any information please contact them.
As a mother of a young woman myself, Bree’s disappearance hit close to home not only in residential proximity,
but also in my heart, along with many others in the community. Two young children no longer have their mother;
a mother no longer has her beautiful daughter. With the rash of recent murder victims found in Los Angeles since
the New Year, it is time to be extra vigilant of our surroundings, especially when walking alone or hiking our local
foothills and parks. Another Lincoln Heights teen was abducted and murdered last year and is still unsolved.
District 1 Los Angeles City Councilman Ed Reyes has spearheaded reward offers of $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the
responsible individual(s) in each of the cases (for a total of $100,000)
Anyone with information regarding either of these crimes is asked to call LAPD Robbery Homicide Division Detectives Carillo or King at (213) 486-6890.
During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should
call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S
on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips”
and follow the prompts. Our Town El Sereno sends its condolences to Darlene Guzman Duran, her family, and the community of Lincoln Heights. We pray
for the family’s healing and hope that you will keep the family in your prayers as well. You can donate via the Bree’Anna Guzman Memorial Fund page
on Facebook or visit any Wells Fargo Branch where a fund has been established in her name.
By Annette Cruz
6
community |
MONSTER JAM
Monster Jam Returns to Dodger Stadium
S
outhland motor sports fans will experience a massive collection of the world’s best monster trucks battling it out in the ultimate event of high-octane speed,
racing and destruction as Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam returns to Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on February 18th.
This year’s incredible truck lineup is highlighted with appearances by Monster
Jam powerhouses – the legendary GRAVE DIGGER celebrating its 30th
Anniversary of car crushing mayhem this year, along with World Finals
Champions MAXIMUM DESTRUCTION , EL TORO LOCO , MONSTER
MUTT and BOUNTY HUNTER , plus several all-new Monster Jam trucks will
be showcased for the 2012 season including SON UVA DIGGER (driven by
Ryan Anderson, son of Grave Digger icon Dennis Anderson), CAPTAIN
AMERICA , METAL MULISHA, plus the Southland debut appearances of
MOHAWK WARRIOR™, SPIDER-MAN™, TASMANIAN DEVIL (“TAZ”) and
LUCAS OIL CRUSADER™. Other trucks featured at select events include Grave
Digger: The Legend, The Patriot, Captain USA, Shock Therapy, Hot Wheels,
Obsessed, Predator , Iron Outlaw, The Felon, Prowler , King Krunch , El
Matador, Shocker, Time Fly’s, Titan, Ice Cream Man, Razin Kane, Detour and
more! *truck line-up subject to change
In addition to the world-class racing and freestyle competition action, diehard fans can come to the stadium early to enjoy the Party in the Pits preshow experience – which gives fans unparalleled access to view their
favorite trucks up-close, meet the star drivers for autographs and take
photos!
When: Saturday, February 18th
Where: Dodger Stadium
One of the most popular touring family entertainment sporting events in the world, the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam is a high-flying, car-crushing
explosive event of demolition, speed and powerful stunts with the world’s best monster trucks and drivers whose skills provide an awesome spectacle of
“rock-and-roar” that will bring fans to their feet cheering for more!
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7
community |
CHEERLEADERS
Wilson Cheer Wins in Texas
ilson Cheer competed in the NCA Battle of the Sun City Championship on January
29th. We arrived in El Paso, Texas on January 27th and had a great lunch before
heading over to Austin High School where we were greeted by the Principal and Student
Activities Manager. We were given a tour of the campus and then it was off for a mixer with
the Austin Cheerleaders where we got to share ideas and cheers with one another. Their
school newspaper also stopped in for a photo shoot with our kids and conducted several
interviews. They enjoyed our competition routine so they invited us back to their high
school to perform for their basketball game at half time which was a lot of fun. After
hanging out with the Austin Cheerleaders, we headed over to cheer practice and to meet
one of of two sister teams. Throughout the year Wilson High School has been pen pals
with Montwood High School in El Paso, Texas and Alpine High School in Alpine, Texas so
practicing with Montwood was a great experience for the team since they got to actually
meet who they have been writing to and to see the Nationally ranked Montwood
Cheerleaders. After that we went back to Austin High for their performance and they hit a
solid routine. Then it was finally back to the hotel for some much needed rest. Saturday we
had a two hour practice at West Texas Cheer and after practice we enjoyed a nice sit
down dinner at Cattlemanʼs steak house in Fabens, Texas. Sunday was competition day at
Montwood High School and in the practice room beforehand we had a meet and greet with
Alpine High school which is our other sister team and were greeted with open arms by them. The team really enjoyed all the cheer love they were receiving
from all the other schools. We were even approached by Texas Tech Cheerleaders and the NMSU coaches about recruiting some of our Juniors and
Seniors. After the competition we were invited by Alpine Cheer squad to eat with them at Gatti-Town. The team had a blast and we closed the place down.
We headed back to LA the next morning but not before winning some awards. We received 1st Place in the Intermediate Co-Ed High School Division, 1st
Place in Time Out Cheer Division, Best Use of Stunts Specialty Award that was chosen by the judges, and Nick Agalzoff brought home 1st Place in the
Best Cheerleader Division. We had a great time in Texas but it wasnʼt easy getting there. They had their flight, stay, registration fee and food all covered
because they fundraised every penny. The boosters and the team set a goal at the beginning of the season and with hard work they reached their goal. We
sent out many donation letters but only received a donation from an out of state company and the El Sereno Community Coordinating Council. We are
very thankful for those donations, but other than that all the thousands of dollars needed for the trip was raised by the team and boosters.
W
We are very proud of every single one of our cheerleaders and while we were in Texas we received so many compliments from spectators, parents,
coaches, Southwest Flight Attendants, the Gatti-Town Manager and more on how well behaved and respectful the Wilson Cheer team was. They not only
represented their team well but they also represented their school, their community and their state well. We are looking forward on their next competition at
Knotts Berry Farm, Nationals in April and the U.S. Finals to finish up a great cheer season.
Article by Krystle Corral
8
community |
SCHOOL SPIRIT
Football Players Bring Muscle To The Mat
ords we said before every game at Wilson where the football field was our
battlefield is “The battles we go through life, we ask for a chance fair”. We were the
heart and soul of the team, the offensive lineman like no other, but when the Friday Night
Lights turned off for the last time we saw a new calling. We took our talent from the field
to the mats...cheer mats that is. When it was announced around the school that we
joined Wilson Cheer, nobody took us seriously but when they saw we were attending
practice everyday they slowly became believers and couldnʼt help but to question
“why?”. Well, nobody but us really understood why we joined the school cheer squad.
Our football season didnʼt go all that great, everyone in our own school dissed and
mocked us. However, there was one group of people who through thick and thin stood
by us, and that was the Wilson Cheer Squad. When we saw that they needed the manpower and strength for certain stunts, well we couldnʼt think of a better way to thank
them for the support that they gave us throughout the football season. The road has
been bumpy since weʼve joined and there is a lot weʼve had to overcome and look past
but not for one moment do we regret the decision we made. Yes, we take heat all the
time. There were many jokes said about us, but raising up that 1st place trophy after
every competition more than makes up for it. We havenʼt forgotten our roots though, as
each of us will go on to play college football this coming fall but we are grateful for the
experience to have been cheerleaders and support our high school. We took the road
not taken, but in this situation it seems to have been the better choice. We would like to
thank our cheer team and coaches for believing in us and letting us be a part of the
winning team. And also give a BIG thank you to the EL Sereno Community Council for
helping us raise money for not only us three but the entire Woodrow Wilson Senior High
School Cheer Team. THANK YOU!!!!!
W
Joel Herrera
Jonathan Torres
Emmanuel Bravo
If anything I would hope that in the future football players should consider cheering when
the football season ends as it helps to keep your mind busy and motivated in school and
the competitions are so competitive you may think your playing football again.
Believe me if anyone would have told me your going to be a cheerleader your Senior
year I would have laughed in their faces. Go Wilson!
by Jonathan Torres
Photos By Rafael Orellana
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Eddie’s Body Shop
Gabe’s Bike Shop
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Newland Hardware
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community | DINING REVIEW
Dining With Anthony And Deidre
L
ove is in the air and the best way to introduce yourself to romantic dining is by trying foods of different cultures. We hope you enjoyed our last two food finds,
Tamale Man and La Abeja. This month we have two delicious new finds for you to try and enjoy, Vittoria’s Pizza and Al-Rahman Halal Meat Market.
ittoria Pizza Ristorante Italiano, located at 2622 W. Valley in Alhambra, is a family based operated eatery that
brings you dishes that make you feel wonderfully at home with family and friends. Since 1984, they have been
bringing out delicious meals that surprises even the most humble palate around. We like that they have not swayed far
from the original recipes of its founders, Giuseppe and Rosaria Avola and Salvatore and Giovanna Iacono, who first
introduced these home made dishes to the public from their homes in Vittoria, Sicily. Three generations later, owners, John
Avola and Gaetano Iacono, have kept this well favored food find running with their hard work and expertise of great food.
Keeping to the old recipes is the key to their success as word of mouth and personal experiences from old and new
customers. You can also feel the strength of good customer service as you are greeted at the door with a friendly
familiarity. The sense of respect of family is felt as you walk down towards your seat with the warm atmosphere and well
decorated walls of this poplar eatery. The staff is entertaining and delightfully welcoming, which is rare in today’s eating
establishments. As you bite into their food you understand what has made this eatery a traditional family style restaurant for
years. It is also good to know that they also cater and do fundraising events. Their food is the star that has lightened your
way to what is familiar and well loved. We were honored to eat such savory dishes mainly their pastas and pizzas.
Anthony loved their Meatball Sandwich as well as their Tortellini and Ravioli. Anthony also loved their traditional
Pepperoni Pizza, which he sometimes adds pineapple to. Deidre loves their pizzas as well, especially their Pesto Pizza,
Spinach Pizza and newly introduced Sicilian Pizza. Deidre also loved their Lasagna, with lovingly placed layers of
delight. With such a long list of dishes to choose from their menu, you are sure to find something as well to love and
savor.
V
Photo by Lance Lewis Yep @ www.photoimp.net
This month also brings us to Al - Rahman Halal Meat Market, located at 1408 E. Huntington Dr. in Duarte. This humble
Middle Eastern establishment, which opened 4 months ago, has a bright future filled with great potential of savory dishes
on the horizon. We were fortunate to talk to owners, Ahmer Qureshi and his wife, Farina, both informative of their culture
as well as their home made dishes which brings a spiritual experience to your palates. Growing up in Duarte, Ahmer
moved here from Pakistan in 1986 and because of his love of his culture and dishes he wanted to share the importance of
eating healthy by serving traditional dishes with his and his wife’s own twist. We are delighted to know that they are the
only Halal meat market in the San Gabriel area. They also instructed us on the history of halal food, which is blessed
meat, before the cut, in God’s name. Ahmer also pointed out that all their meat is hand slaughtered with no hormones and
almost all organic which is much more healthy to eat. Farina also told us that she has created recipes with home made
spices which we truly savored as we enjoyed each dish served to us. They also mentioned that they do catering on the
side. Anthony and I enjoyed the Nahari, an overnight and slow steamed beef shank served with a thick gravy, which they
served with Naan, a bubbly leavened, oven-baked flatbread. We both agreed that their steak sandwich and charbroiled
cheeseburger are delightful and tender. They also have savory Samosas, a stuffed, spiced appetizing pastry of love. We
also enjoyed their desserts, Halwa, a traditional dessert of carrots and Gulab Jaman, a tasty moist donut hole shaped
dessert of dry milk powder. Owner, Ahmer enlightened us by saying that you have to get your taste buds developed to
enjoy your dish. With so much deliciously spiced dishes to try, that is something to ponder and grow on. Until your next
dining experience, this month, we wish you lots of good meals filled with love, Anthony and Deidre.
For more information on Al-Rahman Meat Market, call (626) 471-9971
For more information on Vittoria Pizza, call (626) 284-5405 or find them at www.vittoriapizza.net
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community |
BAND
DECISION INCISION
L
ast year my son asked me to take him to see his friend’s uncle perform in a band
called Decision Incision at the Café on Second in Alhambra just behind the beauty
college. My son said that his friend was going to be there and that he’s seen the band’s
music video on YouTube. “You remember Eladio, he’s Karina’s uncle, you know, the one
who takes her to school,” he pleaded. I did remember him and who was I to deny such
a request from a 3rd grader? After all, music holds a special place in my heart.
To my surprise the 3 piece outfit, based out of El Sereno, turned out to be a fun time.
Eladio Madrigal plays guitar and keyboards, his brother Gustavo Madrigal plays bass
and Ismael Ramirez sits on drums. All 3 sing on vocals with Eladio leading the pack.
They don’t really have a demo or an EP release but they do have over 20 recorded
songs uploaded onto their Reverb Nation page. They could be classified as rock but for
me they are more than that since they have this very distinct signature LA sound that
seems unintentionally influenced by The Byrds or Red Hot Chili Peppers.
OTES: What are your favorite local spots to eat?
Ismael: As the only meat eater in the group when I’m in the area, I like to eat here at Troy’s, El Vaquero, the pupuseria, McDonald’s, Jack in the Box, and
any taco stand available after 6pm (laughs).
OTES: You two are Vegan, I say looking at Eladio and Gus Madrigal. What places do you eat out at locally?
Eladio: In Alhambra there’s a place called the Loving Hut, we go there sometimes. Cinnamon in Highland Park is good. Their mole is pretty good.
OTES: When did you know you wanted to play music or be in a band?
Ismael: I didn’t start until high school in my junior year I overheard two guys talking about making a band and they needed a drummer. I told them I could
do it. And they asked me do you know how to play drums? And I said no. But I asked them to give me six months and I’ll get a drum set. We put the
band together to play for a Talent Show but we didn’t make it that year.
Eladio: My story is similar to his. The people I hung out with played instruments so I just picked it up. Everybody went off to make their own bands and
pretty much anyone who didn’t have a band asked me to join them.
Ismael: He’s like Eric Clapton, he just played for everyone. (laughs)
Eladio: We would share each other’s equipment. I didn’t have my own electric guitar and I would borrow someone’s amp, somehow everyone would
show up with a microphone and that’s how we practiced.
OTES to Eladio: Are you older than him? (Referring to Gustavo)
Eladio: Yeah.
Read more on page 15
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Continued from page 13
OTES to Gustavo: Did you start playing because of your older brother?
Tell me how you started playing the bass.
Gustavo: It started when my mom bought us our first guitar and we had
to share it and this guy would hog it.
Eladio: When I first got it, I would play 3 hours a day.
Gustavo: He (Eladio) was in other bands and I would go see him
practice and I felt I had to get in on it.
Eladio: I eventually bought him a bass. I had 3 guitars
wanted him to pick up something else so he could join
better to have someone you live with be part of the band.
5 people, it’s hard to get everyone to practice at the same
by then. I just
the band. It’s
Especially with
time.
OTES: How long has Decision Incision been a band?
New t
en
Shipm ck
o
In St !
Now
Ismael: With this band name, two years.
Eladio: Before that we were in a band called The Bits when we had a
fourth member in 2008.
OTES: How did you guys come up with your band name Decision
Incision?
Ismael: This guy (points to Eladio) always plays around with words.
Eladio: Yeah, I always play around with words and I put two of them
together.
OTES: Did you all go to Wilson?
All: Yes. Class of 2005 and 2008.
OTES: How did you meet?
Ismael: I met him (points to Eladio) at El Sereno Middle School.
Gustavo: And we’re brothers (looks toward Eladio).
OTES: Where do you see the band in 5 years?
Eladio: We are working with a promoter now to play out at different
places.
Ismael: We are starting locally then hopefully moving to play outside of
that. We want to gain a loyal local fan base first. We want to make it
easier for the fans that we do have to come to our shows.
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Gustavo: People come out to the closer shows, the free ones, the
backyard parties. Those are the best but then the cops come.
Orange
County
Showr
Now O oom
pen!
OTES: What’s your process for writing songs?
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