Rep. Berman Speaks to High-Schoolers

With some nervousness, high school junior Gina Flores took the microphone and introduced her father’s boss to about 100 of her classmates at San Fernando High School Tuesday morning.

Her father’s boss is Rep. Howard Berman (D-Panorama City), who in November was reelected in the eastern San Fernando Valley’s 26th Congressional District. He spoke to students about immigration, education and the growing influence of Latinos in state government.

But during the question period, it was apparent that the students were interested in matters closer to home.

“Our school is all messed up, how can we get money to fix it?” asked senior Albert Munoz, explaining to Berman that the school’s drinking fountains and restrooms were broken and textbooks from his government class were 12 years old.

“Well, I would agree with you. That’s a disgrace if your textbooks really are that old,” replied Berman. “With the states and the school districts scrapped for money, I want to see the Congress of the United States helping out more with resources.”

Later, Albert said that although he didn’t agree with everything Berman said, he was happy the congressman took the time to speak to the students.

“He answered all our questions. He didn’t try to avoid them, so that was good,” Albert said. “I think he had some good points, and it seems like he wants to help us improve our school.”

Gina, 16, was also happy with the way it turned out. “Today was great. This was interesting for the students and it has been a big learning experience for me, especially since I want to go into politics.” Her father, Fred Flores, has been an aide to Berman since 1992.

She came up with the idea of having Berman visit and then helped organize the event, said Gus Dominguez, a social studies teacher at the Pacoima campus.

“Washington seems so far away to young ladies and men in high school, they tend to see their representatives as just someone on TV,” said Dominguez. “I hope this inspires them to get involved and participate in the electoral process.”