DOWNEY -- The Southeast Bruins held their annual Summer Mixer on Wednesday, Sept. 5.  The program opened with a farewell address by outgoing President Ricardo Pérez-Villegas and was followed by the new president presenting an award to Perez for the completion of his term.  

There were two special UCLA Alumni guests who administered the oaths to the new board members: Downey Councilwoman Blanca Pacheco ('98) administered the oath for the Board of Directors while Huntington Park Councilwoman Graciela Ortiz ('03) administered the oath for the incoming President Araceli Almazan ('04). 

Almazan expressed excitement about her new role, stating:  "I have been a part of the Southeast Bruins family for many years. I am really excited about working with the new Board and building upon the success of the previous volunteers. I invite everyone to join us and attend our events and in one voice shout: Go Bruins!"  

The incoming Board brings different experiences and backgrounds to the group and includes: President Almazan (deputy city attorney for various cities); Vice President Chris Garcia (Mayor of City of Cudahy); Treasurer Alan Gonez (recent UCLA graduate); Secretary Maria Torres (executive director of Ferias Legales); Membership Director Cecilia Gonez (community activist); City-to-City Liaison Cesar Webb (therapist); and Directors-at-Large: Erika Hernandez (teacher); Jose Rodriguez (engineer); Jorge Antonio Rodriguez (banker); and Alejandra Cortez (parental and community liaison for the Montebello Unified School District). 

Immediate Past President Ricardo Perez (attorney) and UCLA Alumni Affairs Senior Director Kristine Werlinich will remain as ex-officio Boardmembers.  

The Southeast Bruins will be holding their annual family friendly Freshman Sendoff on Sunday Sept. 9, from 12-3 pm.  The event is free and open to all alumni and friends.  As is tradition, they will be kicking off the football season with the Southeast Bruins Watch Parties. 

Known officially as the UCLA Alumni Los Angeles Southeast Network, the Southeast Bruins is recognized as the official regional chapter of the Alumni Association of UCLA.  It is open to alumni and friends who reside and/or work in the Southeast Los Angeles cities of Downey, Whittier, Bell Gardens, Cerritos, Montebello, Norwalk, South Gate, Pico Rivera, Huntington Park, Lynwood, Cudahy, Santa Fe Springs, Hacienda Heights and neighboring cities.  

To learn more about the Southeast Bruins or to get involved, please contact Maria Torres at mtorres@feriaslegales.org.

Pictured L-R: President Araceli Almazan; Huntington Park Councilwoman Graciela Ortiz; Boardmember Alejandra Cortez of Bell Gardens.