PANORAMA CITY : Congressman Will Speak to Residents

“Advantageous” was not a problem. But when asked to spell “reasonableness,” Guadalupe Murillo, a 12-year-old from Pacoima Elementary School, was filled with doubt. She faltered.

Still, Guadalupe was the only San Fernando Valley elementary school student to take home a prize--second place--from the city of Los Angeles’ second annual Housing Authority spelling bee. Tonight, Guadalupe, who lives in the San Fernando Gardens public housing development, will receive a certificate of recognition from Rep. Howard Berman (D-Panorama City).

Berman will speak at the Panorama City West Neighborhood Assn.’s monthly meeting, at 7:30 p.m. at Mission Community Medical Center, 14860 Roscoe Blvd., room 209-210.

In addition to honoring Guadalupe’s spelling triumph, Berman will speak about trends during the new Congress’ first 100 days, and aspects of the recently passed crime bill.

“Specifically, he’s going to talk about cops on the beat,” said Tom Waldman, Berman’s press secretary. “Republicans want to (give states money) to block grant, Howard (Berman) wants to stick to Clinton’s plan of putting 100,000 cops on the street. In addition, he’ll talk about what’s going on in Washington.”

Berman was invited to speak at the neighborhood association meeting by Leslie Yamashita, director of the association.

“The whole point is, we want people to realize they have direct access to their political leaders,” Yamashita said. “It’s also an informative kind of thing, so our residents know best, which leaders they should ask about different kinds of problems.”