Gardena Elk Lodge members attending the recent Cinco de Mayo Celebration are, seat from left. Bertha
Bermudez, Maria Almaraz, Tish McCauley and Nancy Glueckert. Standing are Reyne Rocha, Jean Kohama,
Rick Monteverde, Norma Flores, Sal Galindo and Councilman Art Kaskanian
Dubbed the “Salsa Divas” are Nikki Sweeney and Susie Santana from the city’s Recreation DepartmentThe mother and daughter team of Leticia and Karina Martinez won the most origin category of the salsa competition. Assisting was their dog Archie.Adelita Rodriguez, right, with daughter Diana Rodriguez won the category of spiciest salsa. Diana’s husband and Adelita’s son is Danny Rodriguez, Gardena Deputy City Treasurer.Ana’s La Gran Fonda and owner Gilbert Bernal won top prize in the professional Salsa categoryVolunteers working the Burnt Tortilla booth are Tyah Sherman and Gaby Coronado.Representing LA County firefighters are Rosemary Vivero of Division 1, Station 158, and Luis Gonzalez of Palos VerdesRepresenting the Gardena-Carson Family YMCA are Leslie Alvarez and Brandon Gonzalez.Manning the DEA booth are, from left, Amin AnbiaiFard, Nicole Nishida, Bill Bodner and Traci Saruwatari.Representing A-DAAP are, from left, (volunteer) Melissa Loza and member Jessica Abaya.Salsa tasting judges are, from left, Patricia Worthy, Tish McCauley and Freddie Flores.The overall winner of the city of Gardena’s 2022 salsa cookout was firefighter Anthony Dixon. He was assisted by Ella Lowe and Alicia Cerda.
