Week in Review: 18-Year-Old Stabbed, Volunteers and Educators Awarded

Two violent crimes topped this week’s news in Newark. An in a gang-related that occurred in the Newark Square Shopping Center, police said. Authorities are investigating whether the incident is linked to a drive-by, gang-related shooting that occurred five hours later on the 6300 block of Mirabeau Drive. Police added that the location of the shooting is the that injured a 17-year-old boy

Newark Vice Mayor Ana Apodaca is one of eight candidates contending to fill a as a result of former supervisor that came after months of scandals, according to the Oakland Tribune. Media reports noted that the city councilwoman hopes to be appointed to the District 2 seat, which includes the cities of Newark, Union City, Hayward and portions of Fremont and the unincorporated community of Sunol.

Three Newark residents and one nonprofit organization were honored and received Tuesday for their services and volunteer work for the City of Newark. Coming out on top as this year’s Volunteer of the Year was Marla Blowers, who is also on the city’s planning commission. Teenager Angel Vera received the youth award, Kazuko Young received the senior award and Avanzando won the group award.

Also recognized on Tuesday was dozens of employees with the Newark Unified School District, but only was named 2012 Teacher of the Year. Teacher Connie Piserchio was recognized as the district’s top educator. She will go on to be recognized by the county and vie for the tite of Alameda County Teacher of the Year in the fall. Office Clerk Debbie Platko was also awarded and named Classified Employee of the Year.

There was near Newark’s secondary schools Monday as a result of that coated buildings indicating a mass killing on May 14. Authorities said they believe the graffiti could have been linked to a Los Angeles-based rap group. No incidents occurred at Newark Memorial on Monday, but staff did report a much lower attendance that day.