UCLA alumni gather to do good work

DOWNEY – The UCLA Alumni Los Angeles Southeast Network held their first public board meeting at Stay Gallery on April 16. The event doubled as a “Tacos and Beer” mixer and was open to UCLA alumni and members of the public who support UCLA. The board meeting featured a welcome by Downey Mayor Fernando Vasquez and a presentation on veterans issues by Nick Velez, owner of Bastards Restaurant and Grill in Downtown Downey.

Vasquez encouraged the Southeast Network to experience Downey.

“Downey is filled with people who support UCLA and we want to thank the university for engaging their alumni, their friends and supporters,” said Vasquez. “We look forward to many great events in our city!”

The mayor also led the group in UCLA’s famous cheer, the “8-Clap.”  For his part, Velez introduced the group to his non-profit organization, Save the Brave, and stated his desire to see collaboration between UCLA and Save the Brave. Velez touched upon the issue of post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, bringing the crowd to silence when he pointed out that “22 veterans commit suicide every day in America. This is not okay. This has to be addressed.”

Southeast Network President Miguel Duarte encouraged UCLA alumni to get involved with Save the Brave and the Southeast Network. Duarte also announced board elections for late June.

The Southeast Network will be hosting an event called “Bruinco de Mayo,” at La Barca restaurant in Downey on May 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. There is a $5 donation, with proceeds going to fund future Southeast Network events and scholarships.  La Barca also announced that they would donate to UCLA 15 percent of the total amount spent by the group’s guests.

To RSVP for the Bruinco de Mayo event, contact Southeast Network Vice President Ricardo Perez at ricardoperezlaw@gmail.com.

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Published: May 1, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 03