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LAHS student creating chemistry for kids

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LAHS student creating chemistry for kids

With the support of the Dragon Kim Foundation – http://dragonkimfoundation.org – an Orange County, California-based nonprofit whose mission is to inspire our youth to impact their communities while discovering and pursuing their passions, a motivated Los Alamitos High School student has answered a familiar question: What will you do on your summer vacation?

For sophomore Riley Yew, the answer was to combine her love of chemistry with her passion for cosmetics to create Cosmetic Chem for Kids, a hands-on camp that demonstrates how chemistry can be fun and integrated into the everyday lives of underserved kids to encourage them to follow their interest in science and consider academic careers.

Through interactive projects and fun experiments, Cosmetic Chem for Kids shows them a side of chemistry that is interesting and applicable to everyday life and allows for an outlet for self-expression at home. Additionally, the camp encourages kids to use more environmentally sustainable products that are homemade rather than mass produced.
Recently, her lab partners were eager kids at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Anaheim and Cypress. During the course of the camp, they made bath bomb, toothpaste, sunscreen,
moisturizer, lip balm and bubbles.

“Cosmetic Chem this summer has been such an amazing experience,” said Riley. “The joy and amazement on the kids’ faces every time they learned something new is the most rewarding feeling. Listening to them talk about how excited they were for the next project and how much they would miss us when we had to leave made all of the work worth it. I am eternally grateful for this experience and all of the connections I was able to build.”
Her project is one of 28 sponsored this year by the Dragon Kim Fellowship that will be putting almost $150,000 back into our communities by granting up to $5,000 to each Dragon Fellowship team to bring their community service project to life.
The teams receive three weekends of leadership training and hands-on guidance from mentors from the community with experience in their project area, who are bringing diverse backgrounds in business, real estate, engineering, finance, computer science, healthcare, education and more.

“As a first year Dragon Kim Foundation mentor, I am thrilled to be a part of Cosmetic Chem and working with Riley,” said the project’s mentor, Tammy Ho of Canyon Partners. “It has been an amazing journey so far watching her create and develop her ideas into a program that finds unique ways to make chemistry relatable. I admire her passion for education and her enthusiasm to make an impact to the kids and families in her community.”

“We applaud Riley for sharing her love for science with children who might otherwise not have the opportunity to learn more about how everyday products are made and become inspired to keep learning more about the world around them,” said Foundation Executive Director Grace Tsai Kim.

At the end of the program, Dragon Fellows will present their project to a panel of esteemed judges at the Dragon Challenge on September 19. The top projects may be eligible to compete for additional funding to continue their projects.

The Fellowship was founded in honor of the late Dragon Kim, a talented young musician, athlete and scholar who wanted to help others. It has become a seedbed for the next generation of creative thinkers and entrepreneurs who want to create positive change.

Youth Center golf tourney unites parents, grandparents in big success

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Youth Center golf tourney unites parents, grandparents in big success

The Youth Center’s Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament at Rio Hondo Golf Club was a huge success! Unlike most golf tournaments, golfers were encouraged to sign their kids up for the opportunity to play on a team and gain tournament experience.

Event sponsor, The Long Beach Youth Golf League put together a team to play in the tournament, giving young golfers the rare experience of playing in a tournament and most importantly, having a lot of fun!

Proceeds raised from the tournament support the Youth Center’s Scholarship Fund for low-income families.

“Our tournament was unique in that it was open to everyone regardless of age,” said Lina Lumme, Executive Director of The Youth Center. “Three generations played together to raise money for a great cause. The kids loved it, and they all said they want to continue practicing for next year,” she exclaimed.

Teams included: Egan’s Foursome, Mike McCrary’s Foursome, Kunkel’s Foursome, David Walker’s Group, Awesome Foursome, Party of Fore, Four Players, Vero, Fore Hackers, Forehan Foresome, Fine Fearsome Foursome, Southland Credit Union, Shapiros All, Bill Shelton Foursome, The Close Enoughs, Up to Par, Santa Fe Chieftain Alumni, Ronnie Garcia’s Foursome and Luie Rodriquez’s.

Event sponsors included Title Sponsor, SA Recycling, Eagle Sponsors, Southland Credit Union and Pacific Premier Bank, along with Sponsors: Patricia Adams, Edward Jones, Golden State Water Company, CellMark, Long Beach Youth Golf League, Landon HR Consulting, The Seal Beach Lions Club, Keystone Realty Group, Los Alamitos Pediatric Medical Group, Inc., CHOC, Dr. Wendy Grose, DNP, State Farm and Westmont of Cypress.
The Youth Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to transform children’s lives one family at a time through collaborative social, educational and recreational programs. Since the birth of The Youth Center in 1952, The Youth Center has been honored to establish valuable partnerships within the community and acknowledges their critical importance in the organization’s current and future success. For additional information on The Youth Center, please call (562) 493-4043 or visit www.TheYouthCenter.org

Landell Elementary garden is ready for harvest

George Pardon
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Landell Elementary garden is ready for harvest

In Cypress, students in first grade learn all about plants and their structures, the life cycle of how they grow into adult plants from seeds, how they help animals and how animals help spread the seeds, etc. When our grandson Carter, who was in first grade last year at Landell Elementary School, brought home a variety of seeds from his class, we decided to plant them in our garden at home.

Landell Garden at planting. Courtesy photo

The seeds he had brought from school included corn, sunflower, and pumpkin. Knowing that Landell has a wonderful garden area, I asked the school district if my wife, Lynn, and I could work outside in the garden area during the summer and plant corn, sunflower, and pumpkin.

By using the summer as a great growing period, we thought it would be nice for the students to see when they returned to school on August 19. One picture is from June 12 when we planted

Landell garden ready for harvest.
Courtesy photo

the seeds and the other two pictures are just two months later on August 12. One of the sunflowers we planted at home has already been harvested and has produced well over one thousand sunflower seeds from the one plant. We will be harvesting the Landell garden over the next couple of months.

Los Al Educational Foundation donates $25,000 to support wellness

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Los Al Educational Foundation donates $25,000 to support wellness

The Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF) was proud to donate $25,000 last week to support the salary of Los Alamitos USD’s middle school mental health counselor Dr. Kirsten Jensen. In addition, over the past two years, LAEF donated $60,000 for the construction of Well Spaces at both district Middle Schools – Oak and McAuliffe. This year’s donation ensures these important spaces will be staffed and that students will receive the support they need. This also marks the fifth year in a row that LAEF has made mental health a funding priority.

This donation is possible because of LAEF’s major donor group: the Los Al Leadership Circle (LALC). LALC members are distinguished, significant supporters of LAEF’s visionary work who commit to donating a minimum of $1,000 annually. To learn more, please visit LAEF4Kids.org/LALC.

In a continued effort to proactively address the increase in mental health related issues among children and teens, Los Alamitos USD has increased mental health counselor staffing to five full time equivalents (up from 2.6 FTE) to provide emotional support to our students.

A classroom was transformed at each middle school to create the Well Spaces. Known as The Corner at McAuliffe and The Den at Oak, the spaces are centrally located on each campus to allow for easy student access. In addition to Dr. Jensen, school psychologists and mental health interns also staff the spaces, which provide a calm, safe and supportive environment to assist students with issues that impact their ability to be their personal best.

The Well Spaces could not have come at a better time. Amidst the COVID pandemic, youth are dealing with more stress than ever. A national poll on children’s health conducted in March 2021 by the University of Michigan reported that 46% of parents have noticed a new or worsening mental health condition for their teen since the start of the pandemic. Furthermore, 73% of parent report that COVID-19 has had a negative impact on their teen’s ability to interact with their friends. Parents also reported that their teens had changes in sleep, were withdrawing from family, and showed aggressive behavior. Reports show that connectedness to school and community programs that help with coping and problem-solving skills can help improve mental health, which will be a function of the Well Spaces.

“There is so much work to do for our students’ mental health,” says LAEF Executive Director Carrie Logue. “Our next step is to partner with the district to build and furnish a Well Space at Los Alamitos High School. We welcome donations from the community to make this space a reality.”

LAEF is the non-profit partner of Los Alamitos Unified School District. LAEF enhances educational excellence by providing after-school and summer enrichment programs to children in grades Pre-K to 12. LAEF impacts all students by providing significant funding for mental health and STEAM teachers/instruction, as well as igniting new programs and providing valuable resources. For more information, visit www.LAEF4Kids.org or call (562) 799-4700 Extension 80424.Lo

Los Al Chamber cuts ribbon for “Roadrunner Spirits”

Loreen Berlin
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Los Al Chamber cuts ribbon for “Roadrunner Spirits”

“Roadrunner Spirits, Beer and Wine,” 10680 Los Alamitos Blvd., in Los Alamitos, held a Ribbon Cutting ceremony recently, orchestrated by the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce.

Two local brothers, Matthew and Andy Harrison saw a need during the pandemic; if people couldn’t go out to enjoy a drink with friends, then they would bring the bar to people in their own homes, from spirits to tools and recipe ideas.
Their shop is open to the public in Center Plaza along Los Alamitos Boulevard for in-store shopping and ordering online at roadrummer.la and for curbside pickup or delivery for Los Alamitos, Long Beach, Cypress, Lakewood, Hawaiian Gardens, and Seal Beach up until 10 p.m. daily.

“In addition to an array of rare spirits, ‘Roadrunner Spirits’ offers a selection of local beer and natural wine,” said Matthew Harrison. “While a slushy beer or orange wine might not be everyone’s first choice, there is something here for everyone.”

Some of the items Roadrunner Spirits offers for home-mixologists include mixer-containers such as jiggers in glass, metal, julep, shakers and/or bar spoons.

“Thank you all for attending our ribbon cutting today,” said Matthew Harrison. “We have had so much support from our family, friends, and the Los Alamitos community.”
“It’s always great to see a new business open, and even more exciting to see Chamber members contribute to that success,” said Chamber Chairperson Nesi Stewart. “The Los Alamitos Chamber looks forward to Matt and Andy getting involved with the Chamber and our community. Welcome to Los Al!”

Andy Harrison explained, “We wanted to make a place, where people could home-bartend, by purchasing items here to make their own bar at home – we saw the need and wanted to help.”

Andy said that he and his brother grew up as children of a military father, living in many places, including Ramstein AFB in Germany, near the French boarder and finished out his career, stateside, in Missouri.

“All of our family was in California and so we ended up on the Coast of California,” said Andy Harrison. Both brothers attended college in Santa Cruz, Calif. “I’ve always looked up to my older brother, Matthew, and followed in his footsteps and now that’s with a good resolution as our travels have brought us together in Los Alamitos, having previously bartended together in San Francisco.”

The brothers said they enjoy trying new foods and drinks. “That’s part of what brought us here.”

Store hours include Tuesday through Friday from 2 to 10 p.m.; Saturday from Noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday Noon to 5 p.m.

For information, call 562-446-0246 and visit www.roadrunner.la

Former Griffins bringing home Tokyo Gold

David N. Young
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Former Griffins bringing home Tokyo Gold

Two former Los Alamitos High School standout athletes will each be bringing home a gold medal from the long delayed 2020 Olympic Games, which ended in Tokyo this week.

Rachel Fattal

It was gold medal number two for water polo star Rachel Fattal, of Seal Beach, as the Americans established dominance in the sport, routing Spain 14-5 to capture the third straight gold medal in water polo for America.

And for the first time ever an emotional USA Volleyball team overpowered Brazil to win gold for the team that included former Los Al High School volleyball standout Justine Wong-Orantes, of Cypress.

For the team, the win over Brazil became emotional as it became evident that after coming close to gold many times, this time they would finally claim it for their own.

The USA Volleyball team, which had won three silver medals and two bronze since first getting on the medal stand in 1984, got to the top step by beating the team that denied it a chance at gold in the final match of the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

In 2020, it was different. After losing to Brazil in 2008 and 2012, the determined USA team won 3-0 to claim the gold. The additional gold medal also served to carve out a victory in the overall gold medal count, with America edging out China 39-38.

The victory also allowed U.S. coach Karch Kiraly to join Lang Ping of China as the second person to win gold as a volleyball player and then lead a country to gold as coach. Kiraly won gold indoor as a player in 1984 and 1988. He also won gold in beach volleyball in 1996.

Congratulations to the gold medalists and to those who support our area’s recreational programs that fostered these local Olympic Champions.

Los Al to explore speed bump policy

David N. Young
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Los Al to explore speed bump policy

The Los Alamitos City Council unanimously approved a motion to create a process to study requests for speed bumps in the city, however, from the comments made by the council and opposition from first responders, installing them looks a lot less certain.
Speed bumps come in many shapes and sizes, but they are literally bumps in the road designed to make drivers slow down and to prevent damage to the vehicles as they navigate over them.

Ron Noda, the city’s Director of Development Services, reminded the council that in 2019, the city received a petition from citizens in Old Town West requesting the installation of speed bumps. He said the citizens were told there is no speed bump policy, so they opted instead for a pilot striping project.

Noda said the new speed bump policy would, in fact, cover requests from anywhere in a city. He said the policy would eventually be in place “in case another neighborhood” wants to bring back the speed bump or hump policy.

“I want to differentiate the difference between speed humps and speed bumps,” said Noda, saying that they are different, but both are designed for the same goal, to “slow down speeding vehicles.”

Noda said there are disadvantages to speed bumps, “the biggest one that I believe is the impact of emergency vehicles,” whether it is a fire engine or a police vehicle during emergencies, “when seconds count.”

They too, must slow down, to avoid damage and first responders do not favor the installation of speed bumps, said Noda.

Moreover, Noda said in the research they have with other cities, years after they have installed speed bumps or humps, they seem to say, “this may not have been such a good idea.” Also, he said there was some questions pertaining to the city’s liability for any damages made to vehicles sustained crossing the bumps.

Nevertheless, he said the city needs to develop a neighborhood speed policy process, which perhaps defines what neighbors and/or neighborhoods would have to do to present a petition to the city and how the city should review said requests.

Noda said once the policy and/or process is developed, it will eventually be presented to the Traffic Commission for further review and action.

Mayor Pro-tem Shelley Hasselbrink moved to develop the policy but indicated voting to install them might be different.

“We’re not we’re not approving any speed humps here,” she said, “we’re just putting together a policy and we still have the opportunity even under this policy to say no to speed humps should residents request them,” said Hasselbrink.

The council voted unanimously to proceed.

In other action, the council voted to elevate three employees that had been serving in interim roles during the pandemic to formal offices, including Noda as Director of Development Services, Craig Koehler as Finance Director and Emeline Noda as Director of Recreation and Community Services.

According to city attorney Michael Daudt, Koehler’ base salary is $143,000 annually, Ron Noda will be paid a base salary of $122,000 and Emeline Noda $116,000 annually, which he said was clearly within the city’s approved salary and benefits resolution.
City Manager Chet Simmons praised the work of all three during the pandemic and their work in general. All three were unanimously approved.

In other action, the Los Alamitos Council:
• Heard Simmons say the city administrative offices are switching software and improving cyber defenses in the wake of other local governments suffering from cyber and ransomware attacks.
• Heard Mayor Mark Chirco suggest the city work with officials at Joint Forces Training Base to move the July 4 fireworks show closer to the city from the current location closer to Cypress.

Pacific Airshow amps up thrills with Afterburner Music Festival

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Pacific Airshow amps up thrills with Afterburner Music Festival

As if the thrill of aviation firsts, supersonic jets and world-class aerobatics aren’t enough, Pacific Airshow is taking the annual beachfront event even higher with the addition of the two-night Afterburner Music Festival, the first live music event to take place on Huntington City Beach since 2013. The official After Party of Pacific Airshow, the festival will take place October 1 and 2 with an array of musical acts including Sammy Hagar & The Circle, Sam Hunt and X Ambassadors.

“Combining daytime mind-bending aviation feats with evening celebrations of live music has been our vision for Pacific Airshow, and we are grateful to the city of Huntington Beach for sharing that vision. Pacific Airshow is back and bringing extraordinary sights and sounds to our community for the biggest event of the year, and we can’t wait for Afterburner Music Festival to hit the beach this fall,” said Kevin Elliott, Event Director of Pacific Airshow and Afterburner Music Festival.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Sammy Hagar and his band “Sammy Hagar & The Circle” will headline the first night of Afterburner Music Festival on Friday, October 1, with chart-topping, award-winning country artist Sam Hunt headlining the show on Saturday, October 2 with an accompanying performance by X Ambassadors. Additional performers to be announced soon.

Early bird tickets for Friday are $59 for general admission and $159 for VIP tickets with access to the exclusive VIP lounge, premium food and beverage options and VIP restrooms. Saturday ticket prices are $79 for general admission and $179 for VIP tickets. Tickets go on sale on Thursday, August 5, and can be purchased online at afterburnermusicfestival.com or through the Pacific Airshow mobile app.

The festival venue will be located north of Beach Blvd. at Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach.

Sammy Hagar Returns to Huntington Beach
“I’m a beach guy, and it just doesn’t get any better than playing music on the beach. My band and I can’t wait to play for the fans and bring live music back to the sand in Huntington Beach. Afterburner Music Festival is going to be one hell of a show – following the Blue Angels’ performance at Pacific Airshow will be epic – and to play Dreams as a tribute to Van Halen during Blue Angels 75th Anniversary year will be surreal,” said Sammy Hagar.

For more than four decades, Sammy Hagar has been recognized as one of the best and most accomplished lead singers and songwriters in rock music. From breaking into the industry with the seminal hard rock band Montrose, to his multi-platinum solo career, to his ride as the front man of Van Halen, Chickenfoot and his latest best-selling supergroup, The Circle, Hagar has amassed 25 Platinum albums on sales surpassing 50 million worldwide. Along his journey, he has set the tone for some of the greatest rock anthems ever and earned the highest respect of the music industry with a Grammy Award and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Sammy Hagar & The Circle features Michael Anthony, the renowned bassist and fellow Rock Hall of Fame inductee, who’s played with Sammy for the past 30 years in bands including Van Halen and Chickenfoot; Jason Bonham, the acclaimed journeyman drummer and son of Led Zeppelin’s iconic drummer, John Bonham; and Vic Johnson, Hagar’s longtime guitar virtuoso who seamlessly shreds through his own, as well as some of rock’s most iconic guitarists’ riffs. Fans will experience the legendary artists performing some of Hagar’s greatest hits, spanning more than four decades, including songs like “I Can’t Drive 55,” “Dreams,” “Your Love is Driving Me Crazy,” “Mas Tequila,” “Why Can’t This Be Love,” “There’s Only One Way To Rock,” “Right Now,” and many more.

Sam Hunt Debuts in Huntington Beach
At first glance, Sam Hunt might seem like a fairly typical young country singer—he grew up in a small Southern town; spent his school days concentrating on sports but feeling his attachment to music grow deeper and deeper; and came to Nashville with little idea of how the music business worked, but with big dreams. In a short time and on his own terms, he has become one of Nashville’s most hotly anticipated new artists, and in 2015 his debut album, Montevallo, delivered on the buzz and the promise—and then some, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and spawning four top 40 singles.
As for the album’s title, Montevallo is the name of a small Alabama town where Hunt often retreated these past few years to visit friends and escape from the pressures of starting a new career in Nashville. He points out, however, that the word means “mountains and valleys” in Spanish—which, he says, “feels about right, too.” Because as his remarkable set of songs demonstrates, for Sam Hunt, contradictions are meant to be embraced, rules are meant to be broken, and creativity knows no limits. He followed up Montevallo with Southside and has now been nominated for four Grammys.

Pacific Airshow Highlights
The opening act for Afterburner Music Festival, this year’s Pacific Airshow will be headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels celebrating their 75th Anniversary tour and flying new F/A-18 Super Hornets. The Blue Angels will be joined by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, celebrating their 50th anniversary season, the U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II Demo Team led by Major Kristin “BEO” Wolfe, the U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey Demo Team, the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute demonstration team, world-class civilian aerobatic performers and many more.
Airshow fans can use the new Pacific Airshow mobile app for exclusive information about aviation and musical performers, points of interest, an interactive map and to purchase tickets for premium seating options for both events. Fans can download the app from their provider’s app store.

About Afterburner Music Festival
Afterburner Music Festival is bringing live music back to the Huntington City Beach for the first time in nearly a decade. The Music Festival is an epic two-night event held right on the sand at one of Southern California’s best beaches. Fans can enjoy the Pacific Airshow’s incredible aviation performers during the day and turn on the afterburners with world-class musical talent at night. For more information visit www.afterburnermusicfestival.com.

About Pacific Airshow
The first Pacific Airshow took place in 2016, attracting hundreds of thousands to Huntington Beach for a dazzling array of aviation skill and pageantry soaring over one of California’s most pristine beaches. The family-friendly airshow continues to flourish and grow under the directorship of Kevin Elliott and his company Code Four, a Huntington Beach, CA – based full-service integrated experiential, creative and fabrication agency. Elliott has reimagined the airshow experience with a combination of unique aviation performers, on-site hospitality and exclusive show elements that awe and inspire attendees.
Spanning over three days, the Airshow features the best in military and civilian flight demonstrations from teams all over the world, including past performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Royal Air Force Red Arrows and Canadian Forces Snowbirds. In only five years, Pacific Airshow has twice been named Civilian Airshow of the Year by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and most recently was named among the Top 3 2021 Best Air Shows by USA Today’s 10Best. The event has become the cornerstone of the fall calendar for residents and visitors from as far away as Europe and Asia, while delivering a more than $100 million economic impact to the City of Huntington Beach, County of Orange and Southern California.

For more information, please visit www.pacificairshow.com, follow Pacific Airshow on social @pacificairshow, and download the mobile app from your app store.

Sen. Umberg holds a COVID vaccination clinic

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Sen. Umberg holds a COVID vaccination clinic

Senator Thomas J. Umberg (D-Santa Ana), together with Democratic colleagues and community stakeholders from Orange County held a Joint COVID Vaccination Clinic in Anaheim yesterday and successfully issued first or second COVID vaccine doses to almost 100 people.

The clinic, held at Ponderosa Park in Anaheim on Thursday, August 5th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm was co-sponsored by State Senators Tom Umberg and Josh Newman, Congressmember Lou Correa, State Assemblymembers Tom Daly and Sharon Quirk Silva, Anaheim Councilmember Avelino Valencia, the Orange County Employees Association (OCEA), and Albertson’s.

“To my knowledge, this clinic was unique in its number of elected officials co-sponsoring from all levels of government,” said Senator Umberg. “It’s a true testament to the importance of vaccination amidst our re-increasing rates of COVID that our offices were all able to partner together so quickly and efficiently for this kind of event.”

Most of the sponsors of the event worked together last weekend to canvass neighborhoods in Anaheim with low vaccination rates and make people aware of this clinic, as well. The elected officials combined with their staff members and volunteers from the community knocked on approximately 1,200 doors to talk to residents and reassure them of the safety and efficacy of our vaccines and protocols.

“The only way to win this battle against COVID is one vaccination at a time,” said Congressmember Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana). “We walk our neighborhoods and knock on doors. We are good neighbors. We care about each other. We will win.”
“I am pleased to co-sponsor the Joint COVID Vaccine Clinic yesterday with my colleagues to ensure that public health remains a priority in our district,” said Assemblymember Daly (D-Anaheim). “Vaccines are still the most effective tool to keep our communities safe and thriving.”

With COVID-19 cases back on the rise, it is imperative that we all continue doing our part to protect ourselves and others from the virus,” stated Anaheim Councilmember Avelino Valencia. “Getting vaccinated is the best thing we can do to achieve this. I am proud of the collaborative effort put forth in order to provide this service to our community.”

OCEA General Manager Charles Barfield noted that, “OCEA is proud to stand with our elected leaders to bring vaccines into our community. As the union that represents over 10,000 frontline public servants in Orange County we know how important vaccinating our community is to returning to normal.”

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 in Orange County have reached levels not seen since March of this year and officials are reporting nearly 4,000 new infections over the last 12 days increasing the county’s cumulative positive rate to 267,908.

Hospitalizations increased from 252 on Friday to 409 on Wednesday, with the number of intensive care unit patients jumping up from 59 to 69. The county has 20% of its intensive care unit beds available and 74% of its ventilators.

Given these numbers, Orange County would be situated in the purple tier under California’s former blueprint for reopening the economy. Purple tier was the most restrictive mandating very limited indoor functions, only small outdoor gatherings, and no indoor dining. While Orange County’s vaccination numbers are on the rise, there remains a significant portion of the population that remains unvaccinated – especially in coastal areas. This is a particular concern with the mutation of the virus in the Delta variant, which is believed to be considerably more contagious than prior strains.

“The opportunity to jointly message and outreach using our combined resources to parts of the community with low vaccination rates was truly impressive,” added Senator Umberg. “Orange County residents should take note that our delegation, as a whole, is unified on this issue and our ability to deliver resources in a combined fashion is – quite frankly – unmatched to any other time in history.”

“Broken Diamonds” delicately deals with mental health

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“Broken Diamonds” delicately deals with mental health

By Lady Beverly Cohn

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder and one of the top 15 leading causes of disability worldwide. An estimated 4.9% of those afflicted commit suicide, a far greater rate than that of the general population. It is characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, and emotions, manifesting in erratic behavior. ‘Broken Diamonds’ is a tender family film focusing on the relationship between two siblings, one of whom is impaired.

Based on the very personal screenplay by Steve Waverly, Peter Sattler superbly directs the film with a gentle hand. The story begins with the ‘Dear Evan Hanson’ star, Tony and Grammy award-winner Ben Platt, who delivers a brilliant, nuanced performance of his character of Scott Weaver. On his way to sell his car, he is practicing French in preparation for his upcoming trip to Paris, where he has decided to write a book.

But, the road to the City of Lights is paved with challenging obstacles, beginning with the sale of his car falling through. Scott, pretty much a loner, is undaunted in his determination to fulfill his dream but a phone call from his father’s wife Cookie, well played by Yvette Nicole Brown, puts another prick in his balloon as she tells him his father has died.

Saying his last goodbye, Scott folds his dad’s two hands together and gives them a slight pat. Director of Photography Bryce Fortner’s camera lingers on that moment showing the emotional impact of that gesture without one single word. We next meet his schizophrenic sister Cindy, sensitively played by Lola Kirke. Her dizzying emotional transitions are both subtle and believable. She has been living at the Crosswinds Mental Facility where she has frequent clashes with her neighbor. Her latest altercation is the last straw and she is no longer welcome to live there.

The administrator tells Scott she has made arrangements with a new facility to take in his sister in two weeks, which is when he’s leaving for Paris. Because the family has always been fixated on his sister’s problem, Scott has been walking in her shadow his entire life and got used to being invisible to his parents. Despite that, he has been a devoted sibling and agrees to take her into his apartment for the next two weeks. Cindy refuses to sleep on his couch and is about to walk out the door. Her brother reasons with her and gives her his bed.

There is a pivotal moment when Cindy opens her medicine bottle, pours the pills into her hand, but decides to not take the psychotropic drug. Thus, begins even more wild unpredictable behavior, with Scott at her side trying to save her from herself. With his trip closing in, he finally receives his passport but, again, is faced with yet another obstacle as his sister inadvertently starts a fire in his apartment and the passport is destroyed. She has a new idea and that is to get a job, which her therapist agrees might be a good move. Her shrink explains to Scott that while the drugs lower the voices in her head, she still hears them. He gets her a job as a “bus boy” at his old coffee shop but as you can imagine that employment is short lived.

As the effects of not taking her meds becomes more profound, at one point she does not recognize her brother, sounds are amplified in her head, and she thinks people are following her. The tension builds as she disappears. Desperate, Scott goes to the police and gives them a full description of his missing sister, including the fact that she is off of her meds. In desperation, he calls his mother, who has dementia, for advice. She tells him he must go to Paris.

If this were a soap opera, which it clearly is not, here are some questions: Does Scott get on that plane to Paris? Will he write his book? Does Cindy go back on her meds? And, as a sidebar, what is the meaning of the film’s title?

Director Sattler did an outstanding job in eliciting two credible performances from Platt and Kirke, as well as the supporting cast. He did not over-exaggerate Cindy’s schizophrenic characteristics as this is a role that could have easily slid into caricature. He guided the actress in embodying the elements of that mental illness resulting in a sustained performance in which she captured the subtleties and nuances of her character.

While Platt’s character is less extreme or “showy,” he too delivers an actualized characterization of a young man torn between living his own dream contrasted with his sometimes-reluctant devotion to his afflicted sister. The narrative throughout the film is enhanced by Keegan DeWitt and Dabney Morris’ eclectic beautiful musical score with Robert Hoffman’s excellent editing pinpointing the action.

Please don’t let the subject matter stop you from seeing this well-made film. It’s a tribute to the determination of one sibling to help his impaired sister attain some semblance of normalcy. If this were a soap opera, which it clearly is not, I could end this review with: Does Scott get on that plane to Paris? Does he write his book? Does Cindy go back on her meds? And, as a sidebar, what is the meaning of the film’s title?

Distributor: FilmRise
Release Date: Current
Where: In Select Theatres, VOD
Language: English
Running Time: 90 Minutes
Rating: PG-13

Youth Center honors another stellar volunteer

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Youth Center honors another stellar volunteer

In this, the third installment of The Youth Center’s Stellar Volunteer tetralogy, we acknowledge the accomplishments of local high school student, Katie Recker.

The Youth Center recently recognized four extraordinary youth volunteers by surprising them at their homes. The four were selected from hundreds who were nominated for the prestigious 2021 Stellar Volunteer Award. This year’s awardees of $500 scholarships were: Lukas Evert, Katie Recker, Davis Taylor and Kirsten Okamoto. Katie was nominated for the prestigious Stellar Volunteer award by Los Alamitos Unified School District and Girl Scouts.

Katie is a well-rounded, good student, known for doing whatever is asked of her by her community without expecting anything in return. She is an Ambassador Level Girl Scout and volunteers at Casa Youth Shelter, St. Anne Catholic Church and Lee Elementary school.
Katie began her Girl Scouts journey in kindergarten and just completed her 13th year in Girl Scouts with 6 of her original Girl Scout Daisies, plus 3 others who transitioned into her troop throughout the years.

She completed her Girl Scout Gold Award in 2017 by creating a Literacy Fair at Precious Life Shelter, guiding the mothers on how to read and select books effectively for their children. She chose Precious Life Shelter as the beneficiary of her project following in her brother’s footsteps, who completed his Boy Scout Eagle Project there. Learning how to read in kindergarten and 1st grade was a struggle for Katie, which is why she chose a Literacy Fair for her project. She loves kids and aspires to be a teacher one day.

Katie also volunteers at Casa Youth Shelter after having attended a youth leadership conference hosted by the organization. She enjoys helping wherever and whenever she can at the shelter.

Katie attends and volunteers at St. Anne Catholic Church in Seal Beach. She grew up in St. Hedwig’s Church but transitioned to St. Anne to go through the confirmation program there. Once confirmed, she continued to help with the confirmation program, working with incoming candidates. She also volunteers at the Sunday afternoon youth mass as an usher or eucharistic minister.

Finally, Katie volunteers at Lee Elementary (her alma mater) at the beginning and end of each school year, helping set up and tear down her mom’s classroom, as well as those of her mom’s coworkers. She also volunteers during the school year when her schedule allows. This school year, she taught her mom’s 5th grade class how to sign the Pledge of Allegiance.

“Katie stands out as a hard-working, friendly and dedicated student and citizen,” said Lina Lumme, Executive Director of The Youth Center. “I can’t wait to see where life leads her and the impact she will have on future generations,” she concluded.I

Starbucks opens new location in La Palma

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Starbucks opens new location in La Palma

On August 5, 2021, the La Palma City Council and other local officials joined together to celebrate the opening of La Palma’s first Starbucks Coffee Company location.

Located on the southeast corner of Orangethorpe Avenue and Moody Street, the new Starbucks consists of a single-story building totaling 895 square feet, which serves customers via a drive-thru lane and walk-up window.

Other improvements to the property includes outdoor seating as well as new landscaping and contemporary signage. Mayor Nitesh P. Patel said, “The City Council and I are excited to see Starbucks built and open, and I know our community is thrilled.” “Even in the middle of a pandemic, La Palma’s economy continues to grow stronger, and we look forward to more growth this year,” Patel added.

Los Al couple celebrates 70 years of marriage

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Los Al couple celebrates 70 years of marriage

Los Alamitos residents Bruce and Ruth Baldridge celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary Monday, Aug. 2, at Spaghettini in Seal Beach.

The family held a private party on Sunday, Aug. 1, in Los Al. Everyone was vaccinated against COVID-19, according to their son Robert Baldridge. “After 70 years together, they remain deeply in love and even still hold hands,” Robert wrote in a recent email.

Bruce and Ruth at their wedding in 1951

“Bruce Baldridge was born in Houston, Texas on February 1, 1929. Ruth Cooksey was born in Galveston, Texas on June 20, 1930. Bruce enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 and was honorably discharged two years later to attend college at the University of Texas. He met Ruth, a bank teller, at a church event in Houston in early 1951 and they were married six months later, on August 2, 1951.

Upon graduating from college and earning his CPA in accounting, Bruce worked for the Western Natural Gas Company in Houston as the Assistant Controller. He and Ruth had four children by the time they moved to California in 1963, where Bruce accepted an accounting job with Petrolane, Inc., an international petroleum gas company headquartered in Long Beach, where he worked until his retirement. Ruth worked at being the best mother and wife possible, which she excelled at, while Bruce worked his way up at Petrolane to become its Executive Vice President.

As noted, after 70 years together, they remain deeply in love. They are committed not only to each other but to the four children, nine grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and many other extended family members and wonderful friends that have been a part of their lives together.”

MemorialCare Miller Children’s Hospital hosts celebration

David N. Young
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MemorialCare Miller Children’s Hospital hosts celebration

On Friday, Aug. 6, the Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Program at MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach hosted a beach-themed celebration for children who are currently hospitalized and receiving treatment.

Children may have increased feelings of isolation during hospitalization and over the past year have often been confined to their rooms with COVID-19 precautions in place. In an effort to provide them a positive summer experience while in the hospital, employees at Miller Children’s & Women’s transformed a large conference room into a seaside paradise.

“We want our patients and families to know that the hospital cares in every way possible,” says Karina Lopez, RN, clinical educator, Miller Children’s & Women’s. “Since the pandemic affected everyone and we have been unable to do these types of events for the past year, hospital staff really put in the effort to participate to make sure that this celebration was safe and a success.”

Staff from different departments at Miller Children’s & Women’s set up their own beach-themed booths filled with decorations and goodies to give away. Patients were then able to stop by to collect toys, games and prizes to make their hospital stay more exciting and fun.

In the past, members from the outside community were able to participate and interact with event attendees. However, due to COVID-19 precautions, this event was made exclusively for hospital employees, patients and families.

“It’s a win-win,” says Rita Goshert, director of the Child Life Program at Miller Children’s & Women’s. “We were able to bring the beach to the children and allow them to have their own unique summer fun. And this was also a great morale booster for hospital staff because they love giving back to our patients. Every parent wants their child to be happy. We hope that this event brought a smile to their child’s face and made them feel special.”

The Child Life Program aims to make the hospital experience more positive for children of all ages and coordinates events like this to help distract children from their illness and treatments.

Longtime family physician Dr. Ronald Pepitone retires

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Longtime family physician Dr. Ronald Pepitone retires
After 35 years of medical practice in Los Alamitos, family, friends and patients gathered this week to say thank you “to a great doctor,” Dr. Ronald Pepitone.
Dr. Pepitone’s retirement party was held at the St. Isidore Historical Plaza on Reagan Street as patients waited patiently in line, more than 45 minutes for some of them, just to join the party.
Former patients said the large crowd of well-wishers waited as Dr. Pepitone made the rounds, this time sharing memories and taking photos with patients and their families.
According to Cypress resident Tim Yurien, Dr. Pepitone was his family’s doctor, treating his own family and his 98-year-old dad, Robert.
“He always returned your calls and stayed in touch to make sure everyone in the family was healthy,” said Yurien.
Pepitone, a resident of Seal Beach, said he was retiring to spend more time with his family, including his two grandchildren.

Pack your masks: back-to-school season begins at LAUSD

Jeannette Andruss
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Pack your masks: back-to-school season begins at LAUSD

You could feel the excitement in the air at Jack L. Weaver Elementary school last Wednesday.

Students, parents, teachers and staff filled the Rossmoor campus, exuding an energy that matched the sunshine of the summer morning.

“Happy first day!” staff said as they greeted families entering campus.

“Hallelujah!” one mother rejoiced, throwing her arms into the air.

After more than a year of instruction impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, students at Weaver are the first in the Los Alamitos Unified School District to start the 2021-22 academic year with full-time in-person instruction. Students return to LAUSD’s other eight campuses August 16.

“We are so excited that we are going back full-time,” said parent Dalis La moments after snapping a picture of her two daughters in front a giant welcome back sign set up on Weaver’s campus. “It was very stressful when we had to be in the hybrid [format],” La said.

Last academic year, students in the hybrid format were on campus for a just a few hours a day. While it was a precaution taken to limit class size due to the pandemic, it also upended parents’ work schedules and childcare arrangements. Other students were enrolled in an all-virtual learning option known as LosAl@Home.

But this year, LAUSD is offering its roughly 10,000 students a more traditional school experience — a full-day of in-person learning on campus complete with lunch and recess.

Masks Mandatory Indoors on Campus

The school year is starting at a time when COVID-19 cases are increasing in Orange County, mostly among unvaccinated people and fueled by the more transmissible Delta variant. Vaccines are proving effective at preventing severe illness, but children 12 and younger are still ineligible for the shot.

It’s in this climate that health and education officials are trying to achieve their top priority of in-person instruction for all students while keeping them healthy and safe.

The California Department of Public Health is mandating all students and teachers at K-12 schools wear masks inside classrooms, regardless of their vaccination status.

It’s a move backed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC stresses the importance of universal masking indoors as one of the most effective layers of protection against transmission of COVID-19, especially when students cannot be distanced at least three feet apart, which is the case in most LAUSD schools.

At the July 20 LAUSD Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Dr. Andrew Pulver expressed concern about how mask wearing might impact students’ ability to communicate and their mental health. His suggestion was for masks to be optional unless there was a COVID outbreak.

But he also stressed that the decision on masks was not his or Board members’ to make and that LAUSD would adhere to the state’s rules.

“We are grateful for your understanding that our school board and district administration are not permitted to lessen the mandated requirements we are under from the CDPH,” Dr. Pulver wrote in a July 21 email to LAUSD families.

On August 4, students and teachers were masked up as they walked into Weaver’s classrooms.

“I am pretty impressed. I like the precautions,” Magda, a mother of two Weaver students, said after dropping off her children for their first day of school.

While Magda is in favor of the precautions, not every California parent agrees with her.

Last month, parent groups Let Them Breathe and Reopen California Schools filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the mask mandate claiming it is “harmful to students.”

Let Them Breathe is also organizing “School Board Meeting Rallies” across Southern California, including in Orange County, according to its Instagram account, which has more than 12,000 followers.

Last week, the Orange County Board of Education also voted to sue Governor Gavin Newsom over the mask mandate lead by OCBE President and Rossmoor resident Mari Barke.

The move puts the board at odds with the Orange County Department of Education and the Orange County Health Care Agency which issued a joint statement on July 16 saying all local school districts must follow the state’s mask mandate.

Still, a few districts in Orange County, including Saddleback Valley Unified, have passed resolutions asking the state to make masks optional for students.

LAUSD Board of Education President Marlys Davidson said she felt “a crush of disappointment for our children and our community” when the mask mandate for K-12 schools came down.

“The optimist in me so desperately wanted to completely put the past year and a half behind us and open to a truly traditional school setting where students return to see the welcoming smiles of teachers, staff and peers. However, with the surge of the Delta variant and the recent statewide mandate for masks on campuses, we will need to find other ways to connect with one another,” Davidson wrote in an email this week.

Davidson shared that she’s heard from community members in support of and opposition to the mask mandate and said it’s been about 50/50.

“Both sides are very passionate about their perspectives and I value what they share. Their messages come from their love for their children and what they believe is best from their points of view. Ultimately, we plan to follow the state mandates,” she wrote.

Davidson expressed gratitude to staff, parents, students and the community for standing together even as they acknowledge differences.

“As we welcome our students back to school, may we be aware of the hidden tolls this pandemic has taken on all of us. We encourage our students, families, and staff to ask for support when it is needed. We must continue to do this together.”

For more local education news, follow Jeannette Andruss on Twitter @NetteAndruss

Cypress college winning awards for its auto tech education

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Cypress college winning awards for its auto tech education

With auto prices soaring and the technology within them growing more sophisticated each year, Cypress College has developed a specialty in what is becoming a growing career field.

Moreover, Cypress College’s educational partnerships with local schools allows automotive technicians to learn the craft while they are still attending high school.

Five Cypress College students took home prizes in the Orange County Auto Dealers Association’s (OCADA) Automotive Technology Competition, including first place in the contest, the college has announced.

All five students representing Cypress College are dual-enrolled high school students in the Automotive Technology program, including Christina Do, a Cypress High School and College student enrolled in her second semester in the program. Members of the Cypress College team attend either John F. Kennedy High School or Cypress High School during the day.
Students were required to take a written exam to qualify for the competition. Qualifying students were then required to put together a video presentation and a virtual automotive simulation.

Dr. Kathleen Reiland, the Dean of Career and Technical Education at Cypress College, said the Automotive Technology Competition provides students with an excellent opportunity to test their knowledge and skills. She also acknowledged Automotive Technology Instructor David Endo’s dedication as key to his students’ success.

“I am very proud of our Cypress College Automotive faculty in helping our dual enrollment students participate in the event and achieve these awards,” Reiland said. “It was particularly rewarding to see a woman, Christina Do, in first place for the first time in 28 years! We are also thrilled that Cypress instructor David Endo’s extra work and commitment to these competitions was recognized, with him receiving the OCADA Teacher of the Year Award.”

The following video presentations were submitted from members of the Cypress College team:

8th Place winner, Anthony “Charlie” Armstrong (Kennedy-Junior)
6th Place winner, Jonathan Tran (Kennedy-Senior)
5th Place winner, Edward Kim (Cypress-Junior)
2nd Place winner, Vincent Tran (Kennedy-Senior)
1st Place winner, Christina Do (Cypress-Senior)

Winners of the program received scholarships and professional automotive tools.
Cypress College offers students a pathway to their future in an environment in which employees commit to joining students on their educational journey. The college’s half-million-plus alumni include actors, athletes, doctors, executives, mechanics, nurses, and teachers. For some, Cypress College is the ticket into their university of choice, and for others, it provides essential training for a prosperous career. Just one Cypress College class is often all it takes to provide cutting-edge skills that lead to a promotion or a new job.

Cypress College’s 16,000 students and highly qualified teaching faculty are proud of their many excellent academic and vocational programs. Cypress College provides a pathway for each student, offering 56 university-transfer majors, 174 career-certificate programs, and degrees in 98 areas of study. The college’s traditional semesters begin in January and August, while short-term courses start throughout the year. A Cypress College education costs $46 per unit — $138 for a typical, full-credit class — California’s lowest tuition. Eligible first-time students qualify for free tuition through Cypress College’s Charger Experience Promise program. Financial aid and scholarships are also available to qualifying students.

Cypress College is one of three campuses in the North Orange County Community College District and a member of the 116-campus California Community College system. The college primarily serves the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, Garden Grove, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, and Stanton.

Located at 9200 Valley View Street in Cypress, the college is easily accessible from several Southern California freeways, including the 5, 91, 605, 22, and 405. The campus is just a stone’s-throw from Downtown Disney and Knott’s Berry Farm.

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Cypress College’s instruction and services are offered primarily in a remote format. Students can access support services online at cypresscollege.edu/coronavirus.

Cypress School District moves, sets ribbon cutting for new offices

David N. Young
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Cypress School District moves, sets ribbon cutting for new offices

The Cypress School District Board of Trustees have officially set the date for the ribbon cutting to celebrate the board’s move from their existing administrative offices to a large new building within the city’s commercial district.

According to a postcard mailed by the district this week, officials are planning a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, August 24 for their new administrative offices located at 5816 Corporate Ave in Cypress.

The CSD voted on September 10, 2019 to purchase the multi-story commercial building for the new administrative offices, having agreed to sell their existing site which is currently in escrow by Melia Homes, a developer hoping to build housing on the site.

The board agreed to purchase the building for $7.7 million and approved an agreement with Corporate Avenue Tenant Improvements Project: M.P. South, Inc. to perform office space improvements to allow the district’s administrative headquarters to relocate by the fall of 2021.

The Event-NewsEnterprise recently met with CSD Supt. Anne Silavs and Assistant Supt. for Business Services, Dr. Tim McLellan to discuss the economics of the move and will soon present an extended report.

Cypress School District officials say the district was faced with significant costs to renovate their existing 50-plus year-old administrative complex. In addition to obtaining ownership of a tangible asset that will grow in value, the district will retain some commercial tenants.

Moreover, McLellan said estimates to modernize the site they eventually sold for $9.1 million was more than $16 million, not including maintenance and other costs.

He and Silavs said in order to get the “highest and best use” of the existing facility would have required a zoning change approved by voters. After rejection of earlier proposals by voters, Silavs said “we began looking for other alternatives.”

Just about that time, the superintendent said, the Corporate Ave. building became available. “It was very fortuitous,” she said.

“We took a very conservative approach to the modernization project,” said Silavs, seeking to “conserve funds.”

The district’s move caps a massive “modernization” overhaul of the district’s operations that will culminate with the August 24 ribbon cutting of the Corporate Ave. building.
Watch for an in-depth report on the Cypress School District modernization in an upcoming issue.

Eight candidates seeking four votes to fill vacant seat

David N. Young
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Eight candidates seeking four votes to fill vacant seat

Following the Cypress City Council’s decision to opt for an application process and overlook the top unelected vote getter in the 2020 election to fill its vacant seat, eight residents have applied as “candidates” seeking the approval of the four remaining members to be appointed.

The deadline for residents interested in seeking the seat ended Friday, July 30. According to the city’s website, eight people have applied, including Carrie Hayashida, Steve Blount, Soledad St. Hilaire, Christine C. Stellino, Scott Minkus, Rachel Strong, Malini Nagpal and Brittney Cook.

The council voted unanimously to move forward with an application period despite the appeals or many city residents, including at least one former candidate in the 2020 election, to select former candidate Hayashida to fill the seat vacated by the sudden resignation of Mayor Pro-Tem Stacy Berry, given Hayashida’s strong showing in the 2020 contest where two seats were filled.

Mayor Pro-Tem Paulo Morales suggested that the voter approval of Measure P in the 2020 election, which gives the council 60 days (instead of 30) to fill a vacant seat, should be interpreted that voters were providing for time for such instances like Berry’s resignation to create a process to fill vacant seats.

Although she was not elected, Hayashida finished more than 2,000 votes ahead of the remaining candidates in the 2020 election for council.

Nevertheless, the council voted unanimously to instead go through a process of “application” where the remaining four council members will select a “winner” using a subjective method of selection, which the Council has every legal right to do.

“This means the vote to fill the open Cypress City Council seat will be 6,066 votes for Carrie Hayashida to 4 votes for whoever the city council selects,” said Republican activist Robin Itzler in a letter to the editor.

She was referring to Hayashida’s vote of 6,070 vote total in the 2020 election.

According to the selection process hence created by the staff, the council is expected to schedule interviews with each of the qualifying candidates of 45 minutes each. The city’s website indicates the candidate interviews will take place August 9-13.

“Applicants are encouraged to keep this time free to ensure your availability. Applicants are required to appear in person for an interview and interviews will be a maximum of 45 minutes,” according to the site.

From there, the Council will apparently discuss the candidates among themselves and select their choice for the seat on a date not yet determined.

The Council is expected, however, to name a replacement before the 60-day deadline prescribed by Measure P, after which they would be compelled to call a special election to fill the seat.

Only Hayashida and Strong were candidates in 2020. One 2020 candidate, Blaze Bhenze, who did not apply for the open seat, appeared before the council to strongly suggest they appoint Hayashida before the Council decided to move forward with the application process.

Back to school support from Miller’s Children & Woman’s hospital

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Back to school support from Miller’s Children & Woman’s hospital

By Ioana Pal, PsyD
For the Event-News Enterprise

It’s normal for children to feel anxious about a new school year. But this year may be particularly difficult as many kids are making the adjustment from distance learning to a physical campus, and some may even attend school for the first time.

What Can You Do to Support Your Child?
For adolescents, social contact is important and contributes to identity formation. With the disruption to life that COVID-19 brought, readjustment may take a while. Be patient, observant and encouraging; don’t assume all kids will bounce back automatically.
With extra support your child can have a successful school year. Start with these tips:
• Set clear expectations and repeat as needed, verbally or in writing.
• Welcome and be prepared for questions.
• Be honest about your ability to help and who else may be supportive, including other family members or adults in the community and at school.
• Model and role play hypothetical situations that may come up with the return to school.
• Re-instate schedules (eating and sleeping) two to four weeks before school starts.
• Check with the school at least a week before in case new policies are in effect.
• Set up a tour to visit your child’s school or classroom.
• Familiarize your child with the route to school and/or physical space, especially if they’re new to in-person learning.
• Pair your child with a friend for the first week to decrease isolation and improve their chance of socialization from the start.
• Get your child extra support if they’re behind academically.
• Find a support system to lean on during this transition.

Identifying Anxiety or Depression
Children as young as 3-years-old can experience anxiety and depressive symptoms. In fact, more than 20 percent of adolescents experience mental health problems.
Anxiety and depression can look very similar in children. Common signs include:
• Physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches
• Restlessness
• Expressing more negative thoughts
• Anger
• Moping/pouting (out of character)
• Sleeping more or less than usual
• Refusal to engage in specific or previously enjoyed activities
• Being clingy and refusing to leave parents or home
• Fearful of being outside
• Difficulties separating from electronics (more than typical)
• Eating more or less than usual
Some anxiety is normal, but if after a few weeks it persists, you should consult with a school counselor, school psychologist or other mental health professional. Seek professional help if your child is having a difficult time making friends, talking to peers, asking questions or behaving in unusual ways.
You can find additional back-to-school resources from the experts at Miller Children’s & Women’s by visiting millerchildrens.org/School.
About the Author: Dr. Pal works for the Stramski Children’s Developmental Center at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach. Dr. Pal and the Stramski Center are available to help connect families to mental health services and other resources in the community as needed. Learn more about the services offered at the Stramski Center.

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