Southeast Bruins announces new board to kick off year of programming

DOWNEY – The Southeast Bruins have announced a new Board of Directors for the upcoming year of events.  

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, and neighboring cities.  

The Southeast Bruins will launch a new year of programming with their annual summer mixer at the Olive Restobar and will follow with a family -friendly freshman sendoff on Sunday September 9, from 12-3 pm. 

As is tradition, they will be kicking off the football season with the Southeast Bruins watch parties. Be on the look out for more information of future events.

The incoming Board consists of the following: President Araceli Almazan (attorney); 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 (financial adviser); 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 board members.  

Perez said he feels mixed emotions about leaving the Southeast Bruins now that his term is up but adds that he is excited for what the future will bring. 

“I am proud of the work that all of the different board members and I accomplished together and although I am sad to leave, I know that I am leaving it behind in good hands,” he said. 

To learn more about the Southeast Bruins or to get involved, meet the board and other Bruins at the summer mixer on Sept. 5 at the Olive RestoBar from 6-8 pm, with a ticket price of $20, including complimentary appetizers, live music and a no-host bar.  

For questions, contact Ricardo Perez at rperez@alumni.ucla.edu.