Fabian Gregory Cordova

Montezuma is telling the story of the Spanish conqueror Cortes' slaughter of the Aztec people of Mexico. It is brutal: "They cut off their heads, their arms, their legs," says Montezuma. It is tragic: "Aztec warriors were being killed by the thousands. They fought bravely, but on Aug. 13, 1521, the Aztecs surrendered to the Spaniards." The gathered schoolchildren are rapt. Montezuma wears a headdress of red, black and yellow feathers. "When you leave here today, go in peace," he concludes.

Montezuma is telling the story of the Spanish conqueror Cortes' slaughter of the Aztec people of Mexico. It is brutal: "They cut off their heads, their arms, their legs," says Montezuma. It is tragic: "Aztec warriors were being killed by the thousands. They fought bravely, but on Aug. 13, 1521, the Aztecs surrendered to the Spaniards." The gathered schoolchildren are rapt. Montezuma wears a headdress of red, black and yellow feathers. "When you leave here today, go in peace," he concludes.

Schoolchildren from across Los Angeles got a living lesson Tuesday in the final days of Mexico's Aztec empire. Montezuma, portrayed by Fabian Gregory Cordova of Canoga Park, wore a beaded breastplate, loincloth and an elaborate feathered headdress. Cordova has performed educational presentations as Montezuma for 10 years.

Strains of ancient Indian music filled the air as Montezuma, the last Aztec emperor of Mexico, emerged from behind stone sculptures adorning the outdoor Plaza of Mexican Heritage at Forest Lawn-Memorial Park. Montezuma--dressed in a flowing gold lame cape, feathered headdress and beaded breastplate, loincloth and boots--strode to the edge of the plaza and introduced himself to 200 students from Valley Alternative Magnet School in Van Nuys. "I am Mexico's last great emperor! Montezuma!"

Schoolchildren from across Los Angeles got a living lesson Tuesday in the final days of Mexico's Aztec empire. The empire's last leader, Montezuma, portrayed by Fabian Gregory Cordova of Canoga Park, wore a beaded breastplate, loincloth and an elaborate feathered headdress. Cordova has performed educational presentations as Montezuma for 10 years.

Several events are planned in the San Fernando Valley to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, commemorating the Battle of Puebla in which ragtag Mexican warriors defeated the French army May 5, 1862. Among the offerings: Montezuma visit: A celebration with Montezuma, the last Aztec emperor of Mexico (portrayed by Fabian Gregory Cordova), will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today and Thursday at the outdoor Plaza of Mexican Heritage at Forest Lawn Memorial-Park, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Hollywood Hills.

First-grader Hector Gamiz didn't know the meaning of the intricate designs decorating his T-shirt until he met Montezuma, the last Aztec emperor of Mexico, on Wednesday at Forest Lawn-Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills. Montezuma, played by actor Fabian Gregory Cordova, described the foods ancient Mexicans ate, the gods they worshiped and the monuments they built as he led about 25 Southland school children on a tour of the outdoor Plaza of Mexican Heritage at the cemetery.

Moctezuma, the last Aztec emperor of Mexico, was trying to make a point about Mexican history to about 150 elementary school youngsters Friday. He asked them, "What day is it tomorrow?" "Saturday," a bright-eyed little girl piped up. Several youngsters sitting around the blonde respondent whispered, "No it isn't." They knew what the old Aztec was driving at. "It's Mexican Independence Day," they said.

It's a majestic 1962 Chevy Impala, painted black and lowered very close to the ground. Paul Andrade, a retired potato factory worker, has spent years polishing its chrome wheels. Sometimes he takes it out to cruise the main drag in this small farm town, past the grain elevators and feed stores. This Saturday, when his Impala rumbles past the town square, Andrade will open a new chapter in Rupert's history. A troop of young men pedaling low-rider bicycles will make history too.

A married couple will start next month as co-pastors of Pasadena Presbyterian Church, the city's oldest church. The Revs. Barbara A. Anderson and Mark K. Smutny, who have been married 16 years, have shared pulpit and administrative duties before. They previously served as co-pastors in Troy, N.Y., and Dayton, Ohio.