Vikings in the News
Alumnus Peter Maharaj named director of information technology services at San Diego Community College District
The San Diego Community CollegeDistrict (SDCCD) has hired Peter Maharaj as its new director of Information Technology Services.
Maharaj comes to the SDCCD from Cypress College in Orange County, where he served as manager of technology services and academic computing. Maharaj has more than two decades of information technology and business-related experience and has a strong background in project management, business development, data center management, telecommunications, and process improvement.
CYNTHIA TERRY A CHAMPION FOR EDUCATION EQUITY
By Dianne Anderson
In her worst childhood nightmares, Cynthia Terry could have never imagined the things that have become a daily reality for today’s kids.
Back in her day, all she had to worry about was tending to her schoolwork, maybe some chores, and then a little time for play.
“We never had to watch mass shootings, we never saw George Floyd murdered on TV. We never saw a pandemic in our lives. I got to go to kindergarten when I was supposed to go to kindergarten,” she said.
Belmont Shore Postman Sorts His Last Mail
Larry Okamoto was supposed to retire from the Postal Service five years ago, but something kept pulling him back.
The people of Belmont Shore.
“The customers and the people I have met are just the most wonderful around,” said Okamoto, who will hang up his mailbag on April 30 after 35 years. “I’ve been at the Belmont Shore post office for 11 years and this is just the best place.”
Passing of Alumna Joyce D. Pierce
Joyce D. Pierce, 81, passed away Monday, April 12, 2021, at her residence near Fairfield.
There will be no formal services.
She was born in Sioux City, IA Aug. 5, 1939, to Herman and Helen Pierce. Joyce moved to Long Beach, CA with her family at age eleven and finished her schooling there.
She graduated from Long Beach City College and later went to work for McDonald Douglas building aircraft. Joyce worked in all facets of aircraft assembly and production including much work on the C-17 program.
Alumnus Randy Totorp Returns to LBCC as Athletics Director
Randy Totorp, the former Long Beach City College head coach who led the men’s volleyball team to three state championships, has been selected to return as the College’s Athletic Director. “We hated to see Randy leave LBCC because he has such great vision, energy, and solid plans for our athletics program,” said LBCCD Interim Superintendent-President Dr. Mike Muñoz said in a recent press release.
Passing of Alumnus and LBCC Hall of Fame Honoree Wayne Piercy
Wayne E. Piercy served on the Lakewood City Council for a total of 22 years, from 1972 to 1976, and then again from 1987 until he retired from the council in March 2005. He served four terms as mayor.
Ma N Pa Serves Belmont Heights Neighbors For 100 Years
“Ma N Pa Grocery is Belmont Heights,” Belmont Heights Community Association secretary Gina Redican said.
The neighborhood market at 346 Roycroft Ave. is celebrating 100 years in business this year. Zac and Renee Henderson have owned and operated Ma N Pa for the last 17 of those years. Zac started working there as a teenager. As much as this old-school neighborhood store defines the Heights, Renee and Zac are Ma N Pa.
“This is definitely a labor of love,” Zac said as he returned from delivering groceries to customers.
Making Lemons into Lemonade
LBCC Alumna Leslie Perovich is the chief operating officer of Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine. She has used the forced closures of the past year to “make lemons into lemonade” by adding exhibits and retrofitting the 28,000-square-foot facility to meet COVID-19 protocols.
Passing of Alumnus Carl Bergkvist
LBCC Alumnus Carl Bergkvist passed away on February 10, 2021. He was born on July 3, 1938, in Durham, North Carolina. His family relocated to Long Beach when he was a young boy. He grew up on the Westside and went to Poly High School. Carl had an interesting and fun life. After high school, he enlisted in the Army and served with the 82nd Airborne, jumping out of airplanes. After his service, he enrolled at Long Beach City College and was a member of the TONG fraternity. He then finished his schooling at Long Beach State, making many lasting friends with his Sigma Alpha Epsilon brothers.
Alumnus Dan Hurlock is Downey’s Newest Fire Chief
Dan Hurlock will officially take over as chief of the Downey Fire Department next month. Hurlock is no stranger to Downey, as he is a homegrown member of Downey’s community already.
After graduating from Downey High School in 1983, he would go on to Long Beach City College and get his degree in electricity before transferring to Cal State Long Beach and earning a degree in Business Management.
Seal Beach legend and Pat McCormick turns 90
By Aunt Gertie
On May 12, Seal Beach native and Olympic legend Pat McCormick celebrates her 90th birthday. Last week I had a lovely chat with Pat as she reminisced about her life and career. She was surrounded by her dog, Brave, and cat, Mr. Purr.