Volunteers from St. Irenaeus’ Health Ministry anti-human trafficking ministry, Bridge of Light, staffed a booth at the Cypress Festival on Saturday, October 12th, to raise awareness about all forms of human trafficking in our midst. Varied materials provided a wealth of information on how to detect possible human trafficking victims and how to help them. Red flags were listed to identify domestic servitude labor trafficking. These were taken from Shiyma Hall’s book, Hidden Girl: The True Story of a Modern Day Child Slave, which is about Shiyma Hall who was sold into slavery at age seven by her Egyptian parents and taken to the United States. She lived as a slave with a wealthy family in Irvine until she was rescued.
Other flyers gave tips to help parents protect their kids. One flyer gave parents questions to ask organizations teaching children, such as dance programs, about their instructor training to ensure a commitment to child safety. For example, “Does the organization restrict personal contact between children and staff or volunteers outside the activities of the organization?”
Other materials explained “sextortion.” “Sextortion is a criminal act and a form of sexual exploitation. It involves coercing a minor using, or threatening to use, images/videos previously obtained to demand additional images/videos that are sexual in nature.” Flyers gave tips on how to help someone under 18 who becomes a victim of sextortion. The important point is letting the minor know it is not their fault. Law enforcement should be notified. A case report can be made with CyberTipline at 800-843-5678 or Cybertipline.org. CyberTipline is run by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Another source of help is the local FBI. Contact information is available at fbi.gov or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.
The take-home message was that if you suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center’s 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Thanks to volunteers Carol Reed and her grandson, Noah Barkol, Rick Tkach, and his daughter, Mary, Donna Kriesel, Terry Arenz, and Rosemary Lewallen this important topic was part of the Cypress Festival. If you are interested in more information about human trafficking and how you can help to stop it, contact Monica Kovach, chair of the Bridge of Light: Human Trafficking to Human Triumph Ministry at St. Irenaeus Church, at 310-490-6113.
Now is the time to shoot some hoops and get to dribbling.
This 2025 Winter season, the Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department is excited to be offering Parent and Me Basketball (2-3 years) and Jr. Pee Wee Basketball (4-5 years). These five-week clinic-style sessions will occur at the Oak Middle School Gym (10821 Oak St.) from 5:15 – 6:00 p.m. Sessions will occur on Thursdays from January 9 to February 6. During these sessions, Recreation Staff will cover fundamental basketball skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense. Participants will engage in various drills and skill-based games to enhance their skill set.
The resident price of the program is $65, and the non-resident price is $70. An award is included in the fee. Registration for these programs will close on Thursday, January 9. For additional information, please visit the Recreation & Community Services website at www.cityoflosalamitos.org/recreation or contact the Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department at (562) 430-1073.
The City of Los Alamitos Youth Basketball league, in partnership with Jr. Clippers, is back this Winter! The league starts January 6 and goes through March 29 with practices once a week and games on Saturdays. The league is offered to grades K-8th grade with four different divisions available. Practices will be held either at the Oak Middle School Gym or local school sites. This is a great beginner to intermediate-level league as participants will be introduced to life skills, the fundamentals of basketball, and a fun gameday experience.
By joining this Jr. Clippers League, your child has an opportunity to play in a pro-style Clippers jersey, score a free ticket voucher to select games at Intuit Dome, and much more. In addition to the basketball fun, enroll your child for the Los Alamitos Cheer Team. The Cheer Team will learn basic Song Team cheers and dances to perform at the Los Alamitos Basketball games. Practices are held once a week on Wednesdays from 2:00 – 3:00pm beginning on January 8 at the Los Alamitos Community Center. We hope to see you on the hardwood!
For additional information, please visit the Recreation & Community Services website at www.cityoflosalamitos.org/recreation or contact the Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department at (562) 430-1073.
The Festival of Arts is thrilled to announce tickets for the highly anticipated 2025 Pageant of the Masters production, themed “Gold Coast: Treasures of California,” will be available for purchase starting December 1, 2024.
This brand new production will lead audiences on a coastal journey, showcasing California’s rich history and artistic legacy through “living pictures” that transform iconic paintings and sculptures into live stage art. Performances will take place nightly from July 5 to August 29, 2025. Tickets start at $47, and may be purchased online at www.PageantTickets.com or by phone at (800) 487-3378. “Gold Coast” marks a new chapter for the Pageant, with a theme featuring a collection of masterpieces from California’s most prestigious museums and iconic monuments from the state’s most recognizable cities.
This fresh perspective will re-imagine iconic works from around the Golden State, breathing new life into paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other works of art that capture the state’s diverse heritage and scenic beauty. Iconic pieces from the Getty, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Norton Simon Museum, and many other cultural institutions will be re-created with the Pageant’s blend of theatricality, storytelling, and visual artistry.
“California is home to exceptional art museums and landmarks, each one offering treasures that tell the story of our state,” shared Pageant Director Diane Challis Davy. Describing her inspiration for this year’s theme, she added “After visiting the Hilbert Museum, I felt inspired to celebrate California’s artistic contributions and to encourage audiences to explore the gems in their own backyard.”
To select the works in next summer’s production, Challis Davy and her team of volunteer researchers spent hours exploring online collections and traveling around the state to view potential works of art in-person. As luck would have it, they didn’t need to look too far to find the perfect way to start the show. Susan Hoehn, a longtime Festival of Arts exhibitor and a California native, has been delighting Festival patrons for years with her series of paintings inspired by people-watching at museums. Challis Davy shared “As we were considering the many roles museums play, we thought Susan’s artwork was the perfect way to introduce our theme.
It’ll be exciting to showcase her work on the Pageant stage!”
In addition to Hoehn’s paintings, “Gold Coast” will bring to life a variety of California’s most celebrated art and historical landmarks. Highlights include Claude Monet’s “In the Woods at Giverny” from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and Diego Rivera’s striking mural, “Allegory of California,” in San Francisco.
The Norton Simon Museum will be represented with Edgar Degas’ famous bronze sculpture, “Little Dancer, Aged Fourteen.” From Hearst Castle, audiences will marvel at Emmanuel Fremiet’s gilt bronze “Chariot of Minerva” and the Roman Pool sculptures, designed by Julia Morgan.
These iconic pieces are just part of the unforgettable experience awaiting audiences at the 2025 Pageant of the Masters. Set in the stunning 2,600-seat Irvine Bowl amphitheater, the production will unfold beneath Laguna Beach’s starry skies. Featuring live music, captivating narration, and breathtaking illusions, next summer’s Pageant will deliver a dynamic and visually stunning performance, bringing together California’s rich artistic history and the magic of live theater in a way never seen before.
The 2025 Pageant of the Masters production “Gold Coast: Treasures of California” will run nightly from July 5 through August 29, 2025. Early ticket purchase is recommended, the Pageant is highly sought after and draws art enthusiasts from around the world. Advance tickets go on sale December 1, 2024, starting at $47 (price includes services charges). For updates, follow the Festival on social media @FestivalPageant and visit www.foapom.com.
Since 1932, the Festival of Arts, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, has been a driving force in fostering the growth of the arts and enriching the Laguna Beach community. As a local leader, the Festival remains dedicated to promoting, producing, and sponsoring events that inspire appreciation, study, and participation in the arts. For over 90 years, it has produced two world-class events: The Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the Pageant of the Masters. Together both shows attract more than 200,000 visitors into Laguna Beach. For general information visit www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org or call (949) 494-1145.
To many, it is encouraging when the youth of America begin to see how isolated our society has become. More than that, however, it is truly heartening to see those same young people not only see the need but try to do something about it.
Such is the situation for Brendan Li of Cypress. Seeing too much isolation around him, Brendan, a tenth grader at Oxford Elementary in Cypress, formed the nonprofit ILLUME to illuminate the lives of others in his community of Cypress
“I founded ILLUME with the mission of empowering, uplifting, and illuminating lives. I wanted to create an organization that could spread joy, love, and hope, not just to those immediately around us but to communities that are often underserved and overlooked,” he said this week.
A member of ILLUME solos for a gathering in Cypress. Courtesy photo
“Whether it be seniors who may feel forgotten to unprivileged youth in shelters, I hope to work towards bringing love and compassion to individuals who might not often experience it. The change I want to make in the world is one where community and compassion is prioritized,” said Li.
“ILLUME works towards ensuring that these unprivileged communities don’t feel invisible or neglected, but instead, acknowledged, supported, and cared for. I hope to positively change the world so that it shines a little brighter for everyone,” he said.
After an event in Cypress Oct. 19 that entertained senior citizens, ILLUME booked the Cypress Senior Center in Cypress for its biggest event yet.
The performers and an appreciative audience. Courtesy photo
“Our upcoming event is on November 25th from 10:45am-11:45am at the Cypress Senior Center (9031 Grindlay St, Cypress, CA 90630,” said Li.
“On that day, we’ll be having a variety of performances, including piano, clarinet, dance, flute, violin, saxophone, and more by our volunteers and board members in celebration of Thanksgiving,” he ssaid.
The group is expecting between 85 – 100 seniors in attendance that day. Many citizens, he said, “are often overlooked and left to feel isolated and abandoned.”
“However, through creating joyful moments for senior citizens who often feel isolated, providing care and encouragement to children facing challenging circumstances, and inspiring volunteers to engage with their community, ILLUME truly works towards cultivating a sense of purpose and empathy.” Ironically, Li’s efforts come on the wake of a report by the U.S. sSurgeon General who has declared there is an “epidemic of loneliness” in America.
In fact, there is a loneliness epidemic around the world. South Korea has invested $327 million to alleviate loneliness, both the United Kingdom and Australia have appointed Ministers of Loneliness and other countries are acting as well.
Social isolation is a worldwide problem. Li said he founded ILLUME, a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2023, out of a desire to create joy.
“It was created from a desire to bring joy and love to underserved communities. Through the many successful and diverse events that ILLUME has organized, we’ve positively impacted the lives of over 300 individuals,” he said.
“Many of the people that we have served — youth in shelters, children who have previously lived in abusive households, and seniors in care homes — are often overlooked and left to feel isolated and abandoned,” he added.
He said ILLUME’s mission is to illuminate lives. Through organizing monthly events, ILLUME aims to create meaningful experiences not only for those whose lives we impact, but also for the volunteers, building moments of shared joy and empathy.
“We are dedicated to fostering a spirit of community service and inclusivity by engaging student volunteers in meaningful activities that support seniors, children, and disadvantaged groups,” said Li. “We aim to build a culture of kindness where every person has the opportunity to shine, feel connected, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them. ILLUME believes that through our performances and acts of service, we are able to empower lives,” he added.
“For a child facing uncertainty, giving them a plushie they can call their own gives them a feeling of joy and love. For a senior battling loneliness, sharing a moment of music can offer comfort and remind them they are not forgotten. And for our volunteers, these interactions foster empathy and remind them of the impact they can have on the world around them.”
A dark grey shark, a couple of feet long, stuck its nose out of the water of the round white tank, one of three occupied outdoor tanks at the Hall of Science building. “They’re pretty smart,” said Brayden Ortiz, one of the volunteers at the California State University Long Beach Shark Lab.
Visitors get to look inside the tanks. Wooden steps meant to support two people at a time where provided by a carpenter who offered to help the Shark Lab.
Ortiz explained that the tank occupants would put their nose out of the water because people might possibly bring food or to observe what’s going on.
The occupants of this particular tank included a horn shark, a leopard shark and a grey smooth-hound shark. There were also round rays and orange-colored bat stars. The horn shark is one of those sharks that can rest on the bottom. Great whites are one of those species that have to keep moving.
Two volunteers and Dr. Chris Lowe were waiting for a group of visitors from Peer 1 on 1, a Cypress organization serving families with special needs. According to Dr. Yuping Mao, an associate professor with the Department of Communications Studies at CSULB. She is also the adult leader of the Beach Cities Branch of Peer 1 on 1.
According to Mao, nine neurodiverse kids and 10 Peer 1 on 1 volunteers joined the most recent tour, held Saturday, Nov. 9. The number of visitors made it necessary to break up the visitors into two groups. Mao initiated and organized the tour.
“The vision for the Beach Cities Branch of Peer 1 on 1 is to plan and host STEM and arts related activities that create opportunities for social inclusion between neurotypical and neurodiverse communities,” wrote Mao.
Photo by Topher Cornell Visitors look at sea life in one of the tanks at the California State University Long Beach Shark Lab.
“Through this tour, we hope to give neurodiverse kids the unique STEM educational opportunity to experience and navigate the research environment of marine science. Meanwhile, our high school volunteers can not only gain knowledge and insights of the research the labs conduct but also practice their skills of interacting and working with neurodiverse kids,” Mao said.
Lowe said the CSULB lab is one of the few that is open to public tours. Lowe said about 7,000 visitors a year tour the lab.
Volunteer Javier Mata told an early arrival that the round rays were the ones that you have to worry about. Volunteers and students at the lab (currently two grad students according to Mata) are familiar with the frequency of stingray stings in Seal Beach.
Hanging above the three tanks was the SOS II, an enclosed submersible vehicle that allowed early shark researchers to study reef sharks. According to a sign, the dome and sides were covered with scratches from shark teeth.
Inside the lab, decorated with shark posters and an inflatable great white hanging from the ceiling, was another round white tank. The tenant living in that tank was a small leopard shark. Ortiz put its age at five months. Dr. Lowe put its age at less than a year. Mata said the lab was founded in the 1960s.
“The mission of the Shark Lab is to study sharks, rays and gamefishes using new technology to answer questions about their behavior and ecology previously unknown. Another goal is to get that information out the public as quickly as possible. Ultimately, our goal is to keep people and sharks safe,” Lowe wrote in a follow up interview.
The lab is among the oldest of its kind. “Dr. Nelson, who was the founder, was of the 1stgeneration of trained shark biologists. He and a colleague, Dr. Samuel Gruber each formed shark research labs at the same time (Nelson’s at CSULB and Gruber at Univ. of Miami). Both are still in existence, making the CSULB Shark Lab one of the oldest,” Lowe wrote.
The visitors gathered around the tank and answered questions. One guest speculated that the leopard shark might eat microscopic food. Mata said the leopard shark eats whatever is on the bottom. Mata said in the wild the leopard shark would grow to about 5 feet. He said the little shark in the tank wouldn’t grow much bigger.
Visitors also got to handle a variety of shark jaws, including the jaws of a young great white. On a nearby wall, two larger great white jaws were on display. Mata said those jaws belonged to great whites that would be transitioning to larger prey.
Another set of jaws belonged to a thresher shark. Mata pointed to a thresher shark tail displayed nearby. The tail appeared to be 5 or 6 feet long. Mata said a thresher shark’s tail was about half the length of the shark.
Skin mounted on a piece of wood was passed around for visitors to touch. Run your fingers against the grain of a shark’s skin and that skin will feel like sandpaper.
Guests at the Shark Lab were not allowed to touch the living sharks. (For that, visit Shark Lagoon at the Aquarium of the Pacific.)There was, however, a touch tank inside another room in the shark lab. A creature with tendrils pulled away from the touch of an adult’s fingers.
Outside, Lowe warned the guests not to put their fingers in the tank with the kelp bass. They might mistake fingers for squid. Lowe also warned visitors that the kelp bass were known to spit water. No spitting was observed.
The lab’s future depends on funding.
“Our State funding runs out this month and because of the State budget we were not refunded,” Lowe wrote.
“If I don’t find more funding from private or Foundation sources, we will no longer be able to offer many of the public services we provide. If we get refunded, we have big plans… we are developing an autonomous shark monitoring system that will work along SoCal beaches, expand our telemetry buoy network and make the data available to the general public, open a state of the art public education center,” Lowe wrote.
Near the end of the tour, Lowe began putting out stacks of Beach Days Comic Books, a series about beach safety put out by the lab. One issue was “Shark Spies.” Lowe writes the stories.
“We are happy to schedule tours of the CSULB Marine Lab and the Shark Lab for K-12 classrooms. For more information and to schedule a visit, please contact Yvette Ralph at Yvette.Ralph@csulb.edu,” according to the CSULB website.
“We are also happy to schedule tours of faculty research labs for high school and community college biology or marine biology clubs. To organize such events, please contact Dr. Gwen Goodmanlowe goodmanlowe.csulb@gmail.com,” according to the CSULB website.
For more information about Peer 1 on 1, visit peer1on1.org or email peer1on1forautism.com.
Photo by Charles M. Kelly The Seal Beach Lions Club hosts one of many local events to honor all Veterans of the U.S. military Services on Monday, Nov. 11 in Eisenhower Park. Area veterans from other area cities were invited to attend. The ENE and its readers send our thanks and honor to all of our veterans, of whom we are so proud.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts announces the return of Southern California’s favorite holiday tradition – American Ballet Theatre’s captivating production of The Nutcracker coming to Segerstrom Hall stage with 13 performances from December 12 – 22, 2024.
This year marks the ninth season that the Center has presented ABT’s The Nutcracker, Southern California’s grandest and glorious production of this beloved holiday ballet, featuring ABT’s international all-star cast under ABT Artistic Director Susan Jaffe, who was appointed in 2022.
Co-presented by the Center and American Ballet Theatre with choreography by Alexei Ratmansky, The Nutcracker is the beloved holiday story based on The Nutcracker and the King of Mice written by E.T.A. Hoffmann and set to Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky’s magical score performed live by Pacific Symphony. American Ballet Theatre has produced several critically acclaimed productions of this family-friendly classic tale of Clara and the Nutcracker over the years.
The Nutcracker, with its timeless music by Tchaikovsky and splendid costumes and scenery, is the perfect way to introduce children to ballet and inspire them to study dance and become a little Clara or Nutcracker Prince themselves. This production, with choreography by Alexei Ratmansky, scenery and costumes by Tony Award® winner Richard Hudson (Disney’s The Lion King), and lighting by Tony Award® winner Jennifer Tipton, received its World Premiere in 2010.
Casting for The Nutcracker ABT Artistic Director Susan Jaffe has released principal casting which will include Hee Seo as Clara, the Princess, and Cory Stearns as The Nutcracker Prince on Opening Night, Thursday, December 12.
ABT Principal Dancer Chloe Misseldine will debut as Clara at the evening performance on Saturday, December 14. Of Misseldine, The New York Times said that in Swan Lake this summer she gave “an extraordinary performance of the kind that reminds us how rare it is for a dancer to have not only access to strength and delicacy, but also the ability to weave them together in real time. [When] after a tremendous Swan Lake performance, Chloe Misseldine was promoted onstage [to principal dancer] at the Metropolitan Opera House. The audience went nuts.” Thursday, December 12 at 7 p.m. Hee Seo, Cory Stearns Friday, December 13 at 7 p.m. Christine Shevchenko, Thomas Forster Saturday, December 14 at 2 p.m. Isabella Boylston, James Whiteside Saturday, December 14 at 7 p.m. Chloe Misseldine*, Aran Bell Sunday, December 15 at 12:30 p.m. Skylar Brandt, Herman Cornejo Sunday, December 15 at 5:30 p.m. Hee Seo, Cory Stearns Wednesday, December 18 at 7 p.m. Devon Teuscher, Thomas Forster Thursday, December 19 at 7 p.m. Catherine Hurlin, Aran Bell Friday, December 20 at 7 p.m. Cassandra Trenary, Calvin Royal III Saturday, December 21 at 2 p.m. Sun Mi Park, Cory Stearns Saturday, December 21 at 7 p.m. Devon Teuscher, Thomas Forster Sunday, December 22 at 11:30 a.m. Skylar Brandt, Herman Cornejo Sunday, December 22 at 4:30 p.m. Catherine Hurlin, Aran Bell *Indicates the first time in the role.
The American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School at the Center, headed by artistic director Susan Brooker and associate director Sarah Jones and joined this year by newly appointed faculty member and former ABT corps de ballet dancer Eric Tamm, offers students unrivaled performing opportunities, master classes, lectures by visiting artists, and the highest quality of classical ballet training through the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. Forty students are featured annually in ABT’s production of The Nutcracker; and students have performed alongside ABT dancers in the World Premiere productions of The Sleeping Beauty (2015), Whipped Cream (2017), and the West Coast premiere of ABT’s Harlequinade (2019).
Tickets for American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker start at $32.77 and are available for purchase online at scfta.org, in person at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, and by phone at (714) 556-2787. For inquiries about group ticket discounts of 10 or more, call the Group Services offices at (714)755-0236.
Come and be filled with ye olde Dickens’ London atmosphere as you step back to a time long ago: 1843…….revisit unforgettable character, Ebenezer Scrooge, the old miser with his familiar adage, “Bah Humbug!” Mark Savalle, who acted in TV shows, “Facts of Life” and “Dallas”, said that although he liked working with Hollywood stars, Cloris Leachman and Patrick Duffy, his role as Scrooge at this annual production with ACTS drama group is one of his favorites.
Produced by Scottish playwright and former jazz artist, Kathleen Pedick, the upcoming version of “A Christmas Carol” offers many surprises and unique twists that assure the audience a feel-good experience this holiday season. “Be filled with joy as you hear carolers heartily singing of the Child born in Bethlehem while Bob Cratchit carries Tiny Tim on his tired shoulders, and the crippled child proclaims, “ God Bless us Everyone!” said playwright Kathleen Pedick.”
Calvary Chapel of the Harbour at 4121 Warner Avenue in Huntington Beach would like to extend some seasonal Yuletide Cheer to you and yours as we approach Christmas 2024!! The dates for the free play are Friday December 6th at 7pm, Saturday December 7th at 5pm, Sunday December 8th at 5pm, Friday December 13th at 7pm, Saturday December 14th at 5pm and Sunday December 15th at 5pm.
No tickets are required at the free performances, and there’s complimentary Hot Chocolate, Hot Apple Cider and Christmas Cookies served at the intermission in the Courtyard. If you have any questions please call the Calvary Chapel of the Harbour office at: (562) 592-1800 and http://www.ccoth.com .
The back-to-back Surf League champion Los Alamitos girls basketball team not only is facing a dramatic rebuilding year after graduating three First-Team-All-Surf-League players, but also is immediately facing a veritable obstacle course of four formidable opponents in the first 10 days of the new season, which begins on November 19.
The Griffins shifted to rebuilding mode after losing to graduation the 2024 Surf League Co-MVPs – point guard Kayli Liew and center Kassidy Beach — and First-Team-All-Surf-League guard Megan Lee. Combined, those players contributed 34 points per game and hit 100 threes (3.3 per game). The 6’1” Beach, now playing at Westcliff University, also averaged 10.4 rebounds per game and was an intimidating shot blocker.
The Griffins were 24-6 last season and were ranked by MaxPreps as No. 6 in CIF Southern Section Division 2A. However, the cupboard isn’t bare, as the Griffins return two key starters, First-Team-All-Surf-League junior point guard Tam Yoshida and senior post player Bryn Pagett. In league play last season, Yoshida averaged 12 points per game and for the overall season led the team with 55 threes. Pagett averaged over 9 rebounds per game and played inspiring defense. Also, sharp-shooting junior guard Maya Asumbrado most likely will step into the starting lineup this season. Asumbrado was usually the first player off the bench last season, providing instant offense and smothering defense. She hit 45 threes, scored in double figures 8 times, and had a game high of 16 points.
Despite losing three top players, Griffins Coach Maya DeAnda said she is confident in her new rotations. “I like our team,” DeAnda said. “We return good veteran players who helped us last year and who have continued to improve in the off season, and we have three talented freshmen joining the team. There may be some growing pains, but the team plays hard on both ends of the court, and I expect us to be competitive and to continue to improve as the season progresses.”
The whirlwind of highly ranked opponents will begin with South Torrance, which was 22-8 last season and was ranked then by MaxPreps at No. 11 in Southern Section Division 2A. The game will be at Los Alamitos High at 7:00 p.m. on November 21.
The following week at El Toro High, the Griffins will face three strong Orange County teams in only five days; first, on November 25, Los Alamitos will play JSerra, which last season won the Southern Section Division 3A championship and finished with a 24-10 record. In its preseason ranking, the Orange County Register newspaper currently ranks JSerra as the No. 5 team in all of Orange County. The very next day, the Griffins will play Portola (23-6 last season). The Register currently ranks Portola as the No. 7 team in the county.
On November 29, the Griffins will have a grudge rematch against Beckman, which last season, in a minor upset, knocked the Griffins out of the CIF playoffs with a second-round victory (54-42). Beckman had a 20-9 record last season and MaxPreps ranked them as No. 8 in Southern Section Division 2A.
“We have a challenging early schedule,” said Coach DeAnda, “so we have to be ready to compete right away.”
In December 2022, I was invited to the Los Alamitos City Council Meeting on the Update to its Housing Element, Zoning Ordinance Changes, and Approval of a Negative Environmental Declaration that included the Lampson Project.
I live in Rossmoor and have no personal interest in the outcome of any decision made by Los Alamitos or Seal Beach. At that contentious meeting I made a short presentation asking the City Council to hold a public educational forum on the three issue, but three members of the city council said NO (Doby, Hasselbrink, Nefulda).
My goal was to “cool down” the protest of more than 100 residents from Seal Beach by allowing them to ask the Lampson developer questions and make suggestion to minimize public safety issue with Lampson Ave.
After that meeting I was contacted by two Council Members (Hilbard & Murphy) and asked to assist them with reviewing the financial records and the housing element, zoning and environmental report. (I am a former planning commissioner, council member, and lawyer) That request lead me to secure public records relating to the interrelationships of the developers, city staff, elected officials, lobbyists, as well as reviewing legal and financial documents. My research and analysis has been provided to various State, County, City and Federal agencies by way of whistle blower report.
I am providing you with the background because over 500 hundred written opposition letters were sent to Los Alamitos in November 2022 and again in August 2024 concerning every aspect of the Negative Declaration to be discussed at the Los Alamitos Council Meeting on November 18, 2024.
It has not disclosed in any Los Alamitos staff report or the DEIR and FEIR that the underlying consultants reports used to create the Los Alamitos DEIR and FEIR were ALL prepared by consultants hired by the property owner and his agent T&B Planning and Les Johnson.
This creates the appearance of bias and taints the technical evidence and conclusions that there are NO significant environmental impacts. There was a fundamental failure to consider “cumulative impacts” as required by law. There may also be some provision in the law that was violated as a result of the failure to make the disclosure about who prepared the secured and submitted the technical reports for the DEIR and FEIR.
This is relevant to Seal Beach because of the location of Lampson Project…it borders your city and a military airbase, which means all of the impacts rest in Seal Beach. For example, the FEIR contemplates that the 1000 or so new residents will be utilizing your parks (Arbor Dog, Arbor Field, Heather) without mitigation. The Mitigation Quinby Fee of more than $3 M will go to Los Alamitos, but
it is Seal Beach’s open space and parks that will be impacted indefinitely. Your sewer system is required to serve the property BUT the Rossmoor-Los Al Area Sewer District Board told me that it expects SEAL BEACH to provide a full indemnity agreement to that Sewer District in exchange for an agreement to service the project. Your police department may be called to College Park East to deal with overflow parking and pedestrian accidents on Lampson because the mitigation request for traffic calming measures and adequate parking was rejected.
There is already storm water and sewage flooding in College Park East, and the FEIR has not provided adequate mitigation as described by a letter from your EQCB to Los Alamitos. Your city will be financially responsible for any storm water run off that contains contaminations.
Your Planning Commission and EQCB were not provided with a timely opportunity by your staff to review and provide comments to Los Alamitos before the DEIR and FEIR were drafted – their meetings were cancelled by your staff. On a positive note, your Public Works Director Ms Lee sent a letter in June 2024 identifying the areas of concerns to Seal Beach – which mitigation measures were ignored by Los Alamitos.
There is no evidence the Seal Beach Community Development Director took any action to seek mitigation measures on behalf of Seal Beach, but she has been holding meetings with George Voigt, the developer, on a regular basis – according to public records I received from Seal Beach.
I have provided a member of your city council with a document that Los Alamitos management sought to restrict from public disclosure. The document is the appointment by Matt Waken/Lampson LLC of Les Johnson as the agent/lobbyist for Lampson LLC from the moment he resigned from Seal Beach in November 2021, which matches the date of hiring of Alexa Smittle from Westminster at his recommendation.
That document shows that Les Johnson was working on behalf of KB Homes through T&B Planning. T&B Planning secured all of the environmental reports used to develop the DEIR and FEIR for Lampson. There are also text messages showing Les Johnson was meeting with George Voigt before the bidding on Lampson began, before escrow closed, and was actively involved with preparing Los Alamitos zoning changes that benefited his employer.
I am bringing this to your attention because I have read all of the more than 500 comments from Seal Beach residents and can assure you that the financial impact of Lampson project will fall squarely on Seal Beach. As you know, your city is required to produce over 1200 RHNA units in the next 10 years. Your city’s sanitation system will required major repairs and expansion, as you are aware. Adding 250 units from Lampson to your sewer system increases your capacity demands. Those costs will be absorb by Seal Beach unless Seal Beach officials secure mitigation from Lampson LLC. The adoption of the FEIR in November vests development rights, which may negatively impact your ability to secure mitigation measures.
On a side note, it was mentioned at a recent public hearing that Seal Beach had not received approval of their Housing Element Update. I checked public records in November 2024, and the DHCD records disclose that the last document submitted to the DHCD regarding the Seal Beach Housing Element was September 2021. On November 19, 2021, DHCD sent Alexa Smittle a letter of inadequacy; On April 8, 2022, DHCD sent letters to Les Johnson (who left your employment in November 2021) and to Jill Ingram stating the housing element required additional changes; A year and a half later, in May 2023, DHCD sent a letter to Jill Ingram threatening litigation for failure to make the housing element compliant. Around Decembe 2023, Megan Coats submitted an irrelevant Surplus Land Disposition document to DHCD, and in August 2024, Shawn Temple received a letter from DHCD that your ADU ordinance was defective.
There appears to be no attempt by Seal Beach staff to respond to the threat of litigation made in May 2023. You may wish to ask your Interim City Manager to determine what progress has been by the staff member responsible for updating the Housing Element since September 2021, as a failure to address this issue can result in developers demanding Builders Remedy CONCESSIONS that could result in substantial unintended negative consequences that impact the quality of life ,and more importantly, your city’s financial situation.
Despite questions surrounding environmental site assessments performed of the proposed Lampson Park Place housing development, the Los Alamitos Planning Commission has voted to send the permit application to the full City Council with a recommendation for final approval. Before doing so, however, the Commission engaged in a two-hour discussion that aired many concerns of residents, some of whom are still concerned that the project has potential impacts that are not being properly mitigated.
Based on public testimony given during previous public hearings, sentiment that was once more negative toward the project has edged in favor of the proposed development project. While some residents still expressed concern, a majority of residents spoke in favor of the housing project. Many, however, still had concerns about the overall density of the project, which is proposed for a multi-acre site in Los Alamitos on Lampson Ave. This site is directly across from the College Park East community, located in the city of Seal Beach.
“We’re not against the project,” said Patty Campbell, a resident of College Park East and a member of the Seal Beach Planning Commission, “we’re against the negative impacts to Seal Beach.” “This project is way too dense and there is insufficient parking,” said Campbell during the public hearing testimony. She urged developers who were present at the meeting to cut out one of the buildings in the proposed development, which would make room for parking.
Most of the College Park East residents expressed concern that the density impacts of the 246 units in such a concentrated area would create problems with storm drains, and traffic congestion, and it was not clear which entity would be able to provide sewer service to the proposed development.
“We’re not against housing,” said Dan Brandt, another resident of College Park East, “it’s the density. From the very beginning, it’s been about the density.” “If I could, I would like to make one quick clarification regarding the project’s density,” said Michael Daudt, the city attorney for Los Alamitos, who told residents developers could have almost doubled the proposed density.
“But significantly, this project site is zoned R3,” said Daudt, “which under the zoning code, allows a base density of 25 units per acre. “That would result in a permissible unit count of 308 units on that site, based on the zoning and the acreage, so the applicant is actually proposing 246 units,” he said.
“They (Lampson developers) are actually proposing below the permitted max on the site for our zoning code, and again, they have not sought to use their density bonus, which pursuant to state law, would in fact, allow them to add as many as 154 units on top of the 308,” the city’s attorney clarified.
Others had serious concerns about the recently issued Environmental Impact Report, which stopped short of suggesting the project would have a serious environmental impact.
Susan Perrell, a career environmental engineer with “years of experience leading environmental studies working with federal, state and local permitting agencies,” was one who expressed concerns about the potential environmental impacts of the project on nearby communities.
“I do not see how this project’s EIR can be certified,” said Perrell, noting that the Lampson housing project “will result in significant environmental impacts.”
In addition, she said “the project mitigation measures provided in this EIR will not reduce those impacts to below significance,” she said, even though the Lampson EIR demonstrated no such impacts. Other residents came with a variety of statements, mostly supportive of the project.
An architect’s rendition of the proposed Lampson Park Place Development project. Courtesy photo
“I can’t afford to live there but I think this is a good housing project,” said local resident Max Clark. “I’m a layman when it comes to environmental impacts, but it is a little difficult for me to understand what could be at the Lampson site that would be better than housing.”
“I’m in favor of the Lampson project,” said Frank Marchese, who said he comes from a real estate development family.
“There’s nothing down in that area, that’s 1985 down there (Lampson),” he said. “It’s beautiful, it’s quiet, and that street has very little traffic on it.”
Marchese said this development, “and plenty more” are on the way.
“California is overbuilding because we have a Governor who wants this,” he said.
Ashley Nichols, a Los Al resident said “I’m here again to express my support for this project. “I’ve observed that over the past decade or so, the amount of new housing units being built in Los Alamitos has been very low when compared to other communities around us.”
Elizabeth Handsberg, co-founder and director of the housing advocacy organization of Orange County expressed support for the Lampson Project, especially the affordable units. “This project brings the type of housing that we are desperately in need of,” she said, “which is below market rate.”
Brian Bell, Commander of American Legion Post in Los Alamitos, said “I’m in total support of this project for several reasons. Having below-market housing would not only help the Legion recruit and retain employees, but veterans need below-market housing. ‘
“The G.I. Bill does not go as far as it used to,” said Bell.
Catherine Showalter, Chair of the Seal Beach Quality Control Board, appeared before the Commission to explain the detailed letter of concerns her board has submitted.
In summary, Showalter said her board is concerned about sewer service, traffic, infrastructure, pedestrian safety, construction impacts, and flooding, among others,
“Our board met last Wednesday evening, Oct. 16. The purpose was to listen to public comments and discuss the contents of the EIR (Lampson Environmental Review),” said Showalter. She laid out in specific detail a long list of concerns developed by the Seal Beach QC Board regarding infrastructure concerns.
She made other project enhancement suggestions, including the reinstatement of a Caltrans Park and Ride facility, which she said would reduce vehicle miles traveled, provide safe spaces for ride/share and a safe-haven for children catching the school bus.
Like others, Showalter said the project’s “excessive density and premature nature leaves numerous essential questions” to be answered.
Commissioners learned that Seal Beach has not yet issued a “will serve” to the Lampson Place project for sewer service, not sure yet whether the 60-year-old system can handle the additional flow of the Lampson development.
Development Services Director Ron Noda said the city understands that even if Lampson is not able to work out a cooperative endeavor agreement with Seal Beach for sewer treatment, there are options for sewer treatment services.
He said Seal Beach sewage officials have met with the Rossmoor Los Alamitos Area Sewer District “and it has been agreed that if the City of Seal Beach does not allow the connection to the sewer district, the Rossmoor Los Al Sewer District would find a way to accommodate the sewer connection by building an extension to the development.”
“This (extension) will be constructed at the developer’s expense,” said Noda, noting that there was no “condition” for it to be at the developer’s expense. “We do not have a condition that states that,” Noda told the Commission.
Carol Churchill, a Rossmoor resident expressed concern about the costs associated with the Rossmoor Los Al Sewer District providing a sewer line extension to the Lampson project.
“I’m not going to be happy if my assessment on my property tax bill in Rossmoor is covering the developer’s cost,” she said during public testimony.
“It doesn’t tell me the developer is going to pay for his sewer line. It tells me he’s going to get the district to impose an assessment not only on Rossmoor, but Los Alamitos, and you’re going to see that on your tax bill,” Churchill said.
She asked the commission to make it a condition of approval that any sewer construction to facilitate the project would be at the developer’s expense.
George Voigt, who represents the permit applicant, Lampson Park Place Development, LLC, said earlier in the meeting that he would not object to such a condition.
“We’re happy to add a condition that the sewer will be managed through the Rossmoor Los Alamitos Sewer District at no cost to the city,” said Voigt.
“We are fully committed to building this project in its entirety,” he said, “and we believe that the community and the City of Los Alamitos will be extremely proud of this project.”
Planning Commissioners Art DeBolt and Wendy Grose reviewed the detailed agreement, suggesting potential changes in the conditions involved in the eventual award of a permit by the City Council.
The conditions included things like stating in writing that the city would bear no expense for a sewer line, holding back the development of some market-value residences to ensure the developers build affordable homes, concurrent recording of the project and other technical process details. Daudt went through each condition in detail with the Commission to ensure the Commission’s permit changes would be presented properly when the lengthy document reaches the City Council for final approval.
“Our job here is to use the evidence that has been presented to us and make a decision on this project and this project alone,” said Commission Vice Chair David Zellmer.
“The EIR on this project is not improper,” he said. “Yes, there are certain things that are considered to be adverse to our communities, but our job isn’t to limit every single adverse thing that happens,” he said.
“Our job is to weigh and balance whether the benefit outweighs the adverse effects. I think we as the Planning Commission need to look at the whole here,” said Zellmer. “There are limitations on how many hearings we can do so we need to come up with a decision and move this along.”
“We are a community, and we must understand that we respect other people’s boundaries and other people’s jurisdictions. And in my opinion, while we do have obligations as a planning commission to do what’s right for our city, we should consider other cities,” said Zellmer.
“I honestly think, looking at this, that we’ve done that,” he said.
Planning Commission Chair Mary Ann Cuilty asked for a motion for each of the four resolutions required to propose approval for the Lampson Place housing project.
DeBolt offered each of the four separate motions, seconded by Grose, and the resolutions were unanimously approved by the Commission, sending one of the largest housing projects in the city’s history to the City Council for final approval.
The City of Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department hosted the third annual Elevate Women’s Conference on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. The half-day event was held at the newly renovated Los Alamitos Community Center from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A sold-out conference this year hosted approximately 80 guests from local and surrounding communities.
Like last year, women were invited to experience an invigorating and captivating series of keynote speakers, breakout sessions, lunch, and small group networking discussions. The event utilized multiple rooms to split the participants up into smaller groups and rotate between activities. These activities were designed to help guests connect with other local women, committed to applying new concepts to help them achieve their best personal and professional selves.
Doors opened at 8:30 a.m. to the facility’s larger activity room filled with warm lights and beautifully decorated tables. Guests were invited to enjoy a light breakfast consisting of fresh fruit, granola, yogurts, pastries, juices, and coffee. Stunning balloon arrangements framed two backdrops within the room. One stood behind the podium next to the colossal projection screen ready for the first keynote speaker. At each table a bouquet of fresh flowers centered on the table along with branded tote bags and goodies to enjoy.
An artistically designed booklet sat in front of each chair outlining the itinerary for the day. Suppliers of the beautifully printed program and branded event notepad included sponsors for the event Sir Speedy and Print Masters, both local Los Alamitos businesses.
Mayor Pro Tem Shelley Hasselbrink welcomed the attendees and kicked off the event as the first speaker. She spoke about women and life transitions, with great research on generational information to share, before passing along the spotlight to Tracy Miller with TM Consulting. Tracy spoke about the “Queen Bee Syndrome” and how to avoid letting this social phenomenon create hostile relationships with other women. After a short
The City of Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department hosted the third annual Elevate Women’s Conference on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. The half-day event was held at the newly renovated Los Alamitos Community Center from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A sold-out conference this year hosted approximately 80 guests from local and surrounding communities.
Like last year, women were invited to experience an invigorating and captivating series of keynote speakers, breakout sessions, lunch, and small group networking discussions. The event utilized multiple rooms to split the participants up into smaller groups and rotate between activities. These activities were designed to help guests connect with other local women, committed to applying new concepts to help them achieve their best personal and professional selves.
Doors opened at 8:30 a.m. to the facility’s larger activity room filled with warm lights and beautifully decorated tables. Guests were invited to enjoy a light breakfast consisting of fresh fruit, granola, yogurts, pastries, juices, and coffee.
Stunning balloon arrangements framed two backdrops within the room. One stood behind the podium next to the colossal projection screen ready for the first keynote speaker. At each table a bouquet of fresh flowers centered on the table along with branded tote bags and goodies to enjoy. An artistically designed booklet sat in front of each chair outlining the itinerary for the day. Suppliers of the beautifully printed program and branded event notepad included sponsors for the event Sir Speedy and Print Masters, both local Los Alamitos businesses.
Mayor Pro Tem Shelley Hasselbrink welcomed the attendees and kicked off the event as the first speaker. She spoke about women and life transitions, with great research on generational information to share, before passing along the spotlight to Tracy Miller with TM Consulting. Tracy spoke about the “Queen Bee Syndrome” and how to avoid letting this social phenomenon create hostile relationships with other women. After a short break, to socialize and discuss the inspirational speeches it was time for the breakout sessions.
Two sessions were planned for the day, both offering three subjects to choose from. Discussions ranged from learning about reproductive health to conversations about career growth with a career coach. Breakout Session 1:
Women’s Reproductive Health: Its Importance & Navigating the Challenges – Christine M. Feigal, MD Obstetrician, MemorialCare Medical Group Vice Chair, Obstetrics & Gynecology, MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center
Bridging the Gaps in Women’s Healthcare with Acupuncture – Sarom “Grace” Han, L.Ac – BT Wellness
Resiliency & Inner Strength – Lina Lumme, CEO – The Youth Center Breakout Session 2:
Sound Mind, Sound Body: Empowering Women Through Mental Health & Self-Care with Sound Healing – Dr. Tselane Gardner, DBC, MFT
Lights, Camera, Action: 5 Ways to Become the Maven of Your Midlife – Denyse Rabbat, Career Coach
Stress Management and Social Support – Dr. Laura Zettel-Watson & Dr. Melanie Horn Mallers- GeroFusion Lunch was served at 11:15 a.m. and featured a Mediterranean meal. The lunch break was followed by a small group networking and discussion session, providing ample opportunity for attendees to connect. After much good food and enriching conversations, the day came to an end with a closing keynote panel of previous Elevate Women’s Conference speakers, answering questions and offering personal and professional advice on growth, life transitions, and transformation. Tara Farajian, LCSW, with Transitions in Motherhood facilitated the discussion panel. Her guests included Michelle Boos from Five Elements Consulting Group LLC, Los Alamitos Council Member Tanya Doby, and Felicia Gonzalez with Edward Jones Investments.
This concluded the third successful iteration of the Elevate Women’s Conference for the Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department. With growing participation, excitement, and newfound empowerment guests looked forward to next year’s offerings. The conference provided many a much needed break from the daily grind to hear from extraordinary leaders and make new connections to reinvigorate personal and professional commitments to long-term growth and wellbeing.
On Nov. 11, Los Alamitos High School junior Yara Saadeh will open enrollment for her new program, Level Up!, in partnership with The Youth Center. Saadeh’s newly launched program aims to teach fifth to eighth-grade students how to prepare for the future by helping them advocate for themselves, improve their leadership skills and handle real-world situations. This program, organized by a high school student, allows other young students to learn valuable skills for the future.
“I am incredibly proud of Yara for launching this initiative as a junior. Her dedication to uplifting middle school students reflects her understanding of how vital communication and leadership skills are in overcoming challenges and enhancing both academic and personal growth,” said Lina Lumme, CEO of The Youth Center.
High school students have to experience the ups and downs of academics and socialization. As a junior at LAHS, Saadeh understands these hardships and wants to teach young kids how to reach their greatest potential as students and peers.
“What started out as an idea freshman year has now started a remarkable achievement. I cannot wait to give back to a community that gave me so much,” Saadeh said.
The program is an eight-week course, with each week offering a new skill for students to learn, such as conflict resolution, socializing with acquaintances, listening skills and setting personal goals. Each session will be at The Youth Center from 5 — 6 p.m. from January to March.
“I think it’s beneficial to students who aren’t yet ready for high school or middle school, and (they) will find it helpful,” said freshman Kaylyn Kekacs.
“Level Up! is a program specially designed to help enrich the younger generation of students with social skills and public speaking skills, prepping them for a bright future.”
— Yara Saadeh Saadeh has put two years of hard work into creating the program to help younger generations. From gaining confidence to learning how to speak in front of a crowd, this program can offer students new skills for life.
Level Up! registration opens on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. on the program’s page on The Youth Center website. Make sure to share the news that it’s time to level up! Reese Neiger is a sophomore at Los Alamitos High School and editor of the Griffin Gazette. This is her second year in journalism. She enjoys writing about current events, especially activities and pop culture. She is in the Seal Beach Leos and the Red Cross Club. In her free time, she enjoys baking and walking her dog! Reese is looking forward to writing more opinions and features as she moves into the advanced program in journalism.
Courtesy photo For the 11th consecutive year, the dental office of Dr. Seza Barsamian and her staff will host their Annual Veteran’s Day event where they dedicate their entire day to serving retired veterans. She said veterans will receive a dental checkup, X-rays and a regular dental cleaning at no cost. “We love our veterans and where there is love, there is always an opportunity to serve,” said Dr. Barsamian, who began this free service a decade ago. Veterans will have to call in advance to make an appointment to see the doctor on Nov. 11, her office said. The location is Dr. Seza Barsamian, 4022 Katella, Suite 708, in Los Alamitos. (562) 596-4439. Veterans Day is Monday, November 11, 2024.
The CIF-SS football playoffs are set to begin on Friday and most of the area teams were awarded a playoff berth. Los Alamitos High finished 5-5 overall and in a three-way tie for second place in the Alpha League. Los Al, Edison and San Clemente all finishing with 1-2 records. Mission Viejo captured the championship in the new league at 3-0 and were 10-0 overall.
Los Alamitos received and at-large berth in Division 2 and will host Leuzinger High of Lawndale on Friday at 7 p.m. Leuzinger (8-2 overall) is the third-place team out of the Bay League Edison was awarded the automatic berth for second place by virtue of a coin toss. The Chargers were place in the Division 3 bracket and will host North Torrance on Friday at 7 p.m. North Torrance in the No. 1 team out of the Pioneer League.
Huntington Beach High went 6-4 overall and 3-2 in the Epsilon League to take third place in league. The Oilers earned the No. 3 spot out of the league and will host Western High of Anaheim, which received an at-large berth out of the Delta League in the Division 5 playoffs on Friday at 7 p.m. Western was 5-5 overall, 2-3 in league play and finished fourth in the Delta League.
Cypress High went 2-8 overall and 0-5 in Delta League play, but was awarded an at-large playoff berth in the Division 8 playoff bracket. The Centurions will play on the road against St. Pius X-St. Matthius on Friday at 7 p.m. St. Pius went 1-9 overall and 1-4 in the Angelus League.
Kennedy High finished 7-3 overall and 4-1 in Lambda League play, earning a share of the league title with Marina High and Beckman High. Kennedy was given an away game and will open the Division 9 playoffs at Quartz Hill, the No. 3 team out of the Golden League. Quartz Hill went 7-3 overall and 5-2 in the seven-team Golden League.
Cypress voters have an opportunity to dilute the power of the clique that has been running Cypress by voting for Kyle Chang and Blaze Bhence for city council. The clique has made a number of moves that were bad for Cypress:
1. Granting a long term contract extension to the trash hauler without any competitive bidding
2 Allowing the trash hauler to run a trash transfer station on the city maintenance yard over the complaints of the neighbors about the resulting noise and odors
3. Ignoring voter preferences by appointing Scott Minikus to fill a vacancy while passing over the runner up in the previous election, Carrie Hayashida. This also lost the opportunity to have an Asian American on the council, leaving it open for a lawsuit based at least partly on the fact that there was no Asian American representation in a city of some forty per cent Asian American ethnicity.
4. Deciding to fight a lawsuit brought to force district rather than at-large representation in spite of the fact that cities facing the same type of lawsuit had no success fighting it, and, in the case of Santa Monica, lost millions doing so. Cypress eventually had to agree to council districts and pay $845,000 for settlement of the lawsuit.
5. Harassing council members voting against positions of the clique to the extent that another lawsuit has been filed against the city. Cypress voters should reject this record and the new recruits for the clique by voting for Kyle Chang and Blaze Bhence.
While voting is already underway, voters waiting for the traditional trip to the ballot box will have that chance Nov. 5 next week as the 2024 General Election has arrived.
While early in-person and mail voting is underway, preparations for election day are already moving swiftly, according to the office of the Orange County Registrar of Voters. According to ocvote.gov website, several drop boxes are already in place for voters to drop off their ballots, including;
La Palma City Hall
Los Alamitos Community Center
Cypress Community Center
Cypress Veterans Park
In addition to the candidates running for public office, the cities of Los Alamitos, Cypress, and La Palma have put items on this fall’s ballot that would significantly affect how these cities are operated and governed.
Los Alamitos – Measure X would redefine term limits that regulate city council member terms that would restart the clock for current members, would enshrine in the charter new powers of the purse for the city manager and other changes the city claims are necessary to update its charter. City Council members are currently allowed three four-year terms, but the measure allows incumbents to restart the clock, giving some potentially as long as twenty-four years in office.
Cypress – Measure S would authorize an additional 676 housing units to be developed on available property at the Los Alamitos Racecourse on Katella Ave. Because of the zoning status of the property, only residents of the city can authorize new construction. Actions associated to Housing Element Implementation.
La Palma – Measure W would extend term limits of its members from the current two terms to three and further, would allow incumbents to restart the clock, giving some as much as twenty years in office.
Regarding candidates, the ENE has reviewed the candidates’ filing statements and here is a list of the offices and candidates from our readership area:
Cypress Elementary School District, Trustee Area A Carrie Hayashida, Incumbent (appointed to fill a vacancy) Steve Shanahan, Business owner
Cypress Elementary School District, Trustee Area E Candi Kern, Incumbent Jaime Needham, Teacher
Los Alamitos Unified School District, Trustee Area 2 Chris Forehan, no opposition
Los Alamitos Unified School District, Trustee Area 4 Farnaz Pardasani, Nonprofit board member L. Bobby Papoulias, Professor, Entrepreneur
Los Alamitos Unified School District, Trustee Area 5 Perla Mendoza, Community Volunteer Matt Bragman, School Administrator
Rossmoor Community Services District (Three to be elected) Tony Demarco, Incumbent Nathan Searles, Incumbent Mary Ann Remnet, Community Volunteer Konya Vivanti, Environmental engineer
Orange County Supervisor, District 1 Frances Marquez, Cypress Council member Janet Nguyen, State Senator
Los Alamitos City Council, District 1 Jordan Nefulda, Incumbent, no opposition
Los Alamitos City Council, District 2 Trisha Murphy, Incumbent Gary Loe, International Banker
Los Alamitos City Council, District 3 Tanya Doby, Incumbent Wendy Grose, Doctor/Nurse Practitioner
La Palma City Council, District 1 Debbie S. Baker, Incumbent, no opposition
La Palma City Council, District 2 Vikesh Patel, no opponent
La Palma City Council, District 3 Mark Walkman, Incumbent, no opposition
Cypress City Council, District 3 No incumbent Mark H. Plager, Business owner Kyle Chang, Public Health Statistician Gayel Kaplan, Attorney
Cypress City Council, District 4 No incumbent Leo Medrano, Businessman, Engineer Blaze Bhence, Business owner. Consultant Glen Button, Businessman, Engineer
California State Assembly, District 70 Tri Ta, Incumbent Jimmy D. Pham, Attorney
California State Assembly, District 72 Diane Dixon, incumbent Dom Jones, Nonprofit executive
U.S. House of Representatives, District 47 Dave Min, State Senator Scott Baugh, Businessman
U.S. House of Representatives, District 45 Michelle Steel, Incumbent Derek Tran, Workers Rights Advocate
U.S. Senator (Partial and Full Term) Steve Garvey, Professional baseball representative Adam B. Schiff, U.S. Representative
The superintendent of the Los Alamitos Unified School District announced on Thursday that the highly ranked system is planning to lean into the “extraordinary” moments of its students.
“It’s really about serving all of our students,” District Supt. Dr. Andrew Pulver told an overflow audience inside the packed ballroom of the U.S. Navy Golf Course in Cypress Thursday during his “State of the District” address.
The annual fundraising breakfast is hosted by the Los Alamitos Educational Foundation (LAEF) and generally gives the public an inside look at the overall direction of teachers and administrators within the system.
“As a district, every year, or sometimes every couple of years, we create a theme,” said Pulver. “We plan over the summer as we think about how we are going to frame the work that we’re doing for our students,” the superintendent said.
“We’ve had a forward focus theme for a few years,” said Pulver, also noting “wellness has been a big focus, and we helped establish wall spaces across all nine of our campuses.”
“This vision is about trying to provide access and opportunities for all kids. We have to make sure that our schools work for all kids, not just some kids,” he added. “You hear me say that because it’s true.” For the second year in a row, in 2024, the district graduated 100 percent of its students in its graduating class, which is an achievement reached by few other districts.
“It’s really all about being extraordinary,” said Pulver. “And so, when we think about being extraordinary, what I love about it is that we were intentional to make it to two words, “Be Extraordinary.”
“The “Be” is really something that we make ut something that has a call to action,” the superintendent said.
“It is a state of mind when we say, be extraordinary. It’s not just about being extraordinary, but we even took it deeper when we’re talking about the “Be extraordinary,” theme,” the superintendent said.
“it really stands for us believing in our kids, believing in each other, and believing that great things are possible for all students,” said Pulver. “Believing in students and getting them to believe in their own abilities is really just a continuation of this work that we’re doing,” he said.
“Sometimes we get lost, and we think it should only be these big moments, but we cannot get lost thinking that these moments have to be grand. There are so many wonderful, remarkable, small moments of being extraordinary,” he noted with examples.
“One of the things I love at school performances, or at sporting events, is that I love to watch the eyes of parents because their eyes are so proud when they see their kids,” he said. Small, extraordinary moments happen every day, he said.
“Maybe, it’s when they made a new friend on the first day of middle school, because, you know, we’re coming from different elementary schools… or when they found a home in drama class, you know, sometimes it’s just about all of us trying to find a home somewhere.”
“Or when they passed Algebra Two,” he continued.
For some, it might be just overcoming the burden of physically getting to school.
“And we know sometimes, for some kids, it’s hard to get to school. And I don’t say that as a joke, but it’s a struggle. And so the fact that they got to school on time, that might be an extraordinary moment for them, or it might even be an extraordinary moment for their mom.”
“Extraordinary is both the big and the small things,” said Pulver.
Even the origin story of Los Alamitos Unified is extraordinary, said Pulver, noting the school’s outstanding alumni, now parents, even grandparents, yet still feel connected to the school district.
“This community came together with a plan 44 years ago,” said Pulver, to unify three districts into one,” he said.
“And it’s the dream that this community had to shape the trajectory of their kids, it’s about our kids and the stories that they have and why they want to come back.
“We are a public school system,” the superintendent said, noting the district is “meant to serve the public and meant to serve our parents.”
He invited all former Griffin graduates to stand up, and many former students who are now in business or serving the district in other ways stood to applause.
Pulver said education is about much more than getting a diploma, it is about shaping the future of every student. In that regard, he suggested the district itself, including parents, alumni, and educators, is, in itself, an extraordinary feat.
“This is about our kids and the stories that they have, and why they want to come back,” said Pulver. “Who does that,” he asked?
“That’s what people do here,” he said. “They always feel so connected, and I think that’s one of the things that just makes us so special.”
Such dedication has been ongoing for so long, “I think it has been woven into the fabric of Los Al Unified.”
“If we believe in one another, then the next task for us is to empower our kids, to make sure that they can do extraordinary things, but to empower our staff, to empower one another in this community,” the district superintendent said.
“Just by you being here today, you are part of this empowering of our youth and empowering of one another to make great things possible for all kids,” Pulver told the crowd.
“We are fortunate to be extraordinary, to believe in empowering great things for our students,” he said. Listening intently this year, the audience included the new Orange Council Board of Education Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean, whose own children are enrolled in Los Alamitos Unified.
Carrie Logue, the Executive Director of LAEF, thanked the event’s sponsors and presented Pulver with a ceremonial check for $150,975, representing grants awarded to local teachers to modernize and innovate their classrooms.
“At the end of the school year, we gave the staff an opportunity to write grant applications for ways they wanted to innovate in their classrooms, and we received 112 applications,” said Logue. She said wellness had been a big focus of LAEF over the past years, having contributed towards wellness centers at each of the district’s nine campuses.
In addition, she said, “we have been able to provide stipends to help counseling interns.” Over the past decade, LAEF has contributed more than $3.1 million to the district, crediting the “incredible support of our community.”
“LAEF continues to find ways to help support and extend our reach to all kids,” Pulver said. “We could not do what we do without this amazing partnership.”
