Council honors convalescent center teen

EL CENTRO — Mia Acevedo hasn’t been welcome in the Valley Convalescent Center since she had the temerity to talk to a reporter in early January about a fundraising project she started to help buy new greenery for the grounds.

Apparently, ownership of the property took offense to the notion the visual appeal of the grounds was anything less than stunning, and they barred the 17-yearold Southwest High School Student from the premises.

That decision provoked outrage from the community, and it prompted City Councilman Tomás Oliva to meet with the center’s management at least twice to see if the situation could be resolved.

Apparently, it couldn’t. Acevedo still isn’t welcome in the convalescent center. But she is welcome just about anywhere else in the community, including the El Centro City Council Chambers on Tuesday, where she was presented a certificate of appreciation for her initiative and commitment to community service.

Acevedo remains disappointed with the outcome at Valley Convalescent Center, but she remains committed to making a difference. She’s currently considering how to use the nearly $400 she raised toward another worthy cause.

She said has been surprised and encouraged by the support she’s received from the community, observing that “when one door closes, five more open.”

PHOTO TOM BODUS the el Centro City Council presented Mia acevedo (third from right) for her efforts to raise money for landscaping for Valley Convalescent Center, only to be banished from the center days later because ownership felt the coverage gave the property negative attention.