Dartmouth College claimed the 2021 National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) Division I National Championship with a 28-18 win against the U.S. Military Academy. Under the lights at Anderson Rugby Complex, the Big Green capped its first-ever undefeated season (9-0) and celebrated its second-ever NIRA trophy.
For a player like hooker Sia Meni – one of two freshman starters for Dartmouth, wing Sadie Schier being the other – it’s quite the start to a collegiate career. In addition to spending the first semester of college playing alongside capped USA 7s and 15s Eagles, and international and American age grade standouts, Meni had to learn the ways of the front row. Teammate Lauren Ferridge was huge in that education.
“[She] took me under her wing and showed me the ways of being a forward, specifically a hooker, since I have only ever been a back,” Meni thanked the junior prop.
Then of course there was the national final, and those stakes bring their own set of nerves. To boot, the Nov. 20 game occurred on Army’s home pitch, under the lights and in front of an animated Black Knights crowd.
“Coming into the game my nerves were really high, especially since it would be our first evening game and I knew the stands would be packed with Army fans,” Meni confessed. “The fact that this would also be the biggest rugby game I have played in thus far in my life and I was expected to perform also added to my nervousness. I was confident about the rugby that would be played but the external factors made me very nervous.”
That’s where Dartmouth’s experience took over. Three minutes in, co-captain Emily Henrich raced into the try zone, and flyhalf Abbey Savin, who was perfect off the tee, added the conversion: 7-0.
“As a team we had talked about playing a fast-tempo game and smothering them with our defense,” Meni explained. “We did not want to let up, especially coming into the second half. We knew Army would begin to up the intensity coming into the second half and that’s exactly what they did. They were really moving the ball and putting our defense to the test.”
“Until this morning, when the aches and pains set in, I felt on top of the world,” Meni closed. “Now it just feels unreal. I feel like I have just experienced the best-case scenario for any freshman college sports season, which leaves me anxious about the future since I feel like my base expectations of a season are a bit high, but I am certain though that playing with and becoming family with this special group of girls was the real win, going home with a national title was just an addition.”
By Lady Beverly Cohn for The Event News Enterprise
F“ISSAC” is the multi-award-winning directorial debut by Angeles Hernandez and David Matamoros from their script written with Antonio Hernández Centeno, based on his stage play “El día que nació Isaac,” (“The Day Isaac Was Born.”) The story takes us through the lives of two couples – each wanting more in life than what they have.
Two childhood friends meet quite by chance after 20 years. Nacho, well played by Pepe Ocio, is an unhappy, socially connected, successful attorney while Denis, nicely characterized by Iván Sánchez, is a chef who is currently working as a waiter and aspires to own his own restaurant. Nacho is married to Marta, a very frustrated woman, played by Maria Ribera, while Denis lives with a beautiful young lady named Carmen, played by Erika Bleda. Just a short while into the film, we see a flashback of the two friends as young boys playing.
The flashback device is used frequently to keep establishing the backstory of the relationship between these two men, illustrating a lot of horsing around and close body contact. During their meeting, Nacho expresses his disappointment that his wife has been unable to conceive as he very much would like to have a child. Marta, also an attorney, just tolerates their lovemaking, which is basically passionless. As the two old friends talk, they come up with a plan to have Denis’ girlfriend act as a surrogate which could be a mutually successful enterprise as the arrangement would give our chef the money he needs to open a restaurant and Marta and Nacho would get to have a child.
Carmen, who works in a dress shop, is not enthusiastic about this arrangement calling it “renting her belly,” but Denis convinces her that this is the key to their financial well-being and the fulfillment of his dream. Their lovemaking is passionate and there’s that familiar scene of making love in the kitchen amongst pots and pans. A legal contract is drawn up, which is signed by both parties, and the outcome is set into motion. In somewhat of a turnabout, one-night Marta becomes very amorous but is rejected by her husband who turns over and goes to sleep, leaving her lying in bed sexually unsatisfied.
Nacho takes care of his own sexual release himself, seeming to become more and more frustrated because of his hidden truth. Anyway, his sperm is inserted into Carmen and in short order, she becomes pregnant. Warming up to the idea, Marta invites her babymaker to go away with her for a few days, which they do. The two women, whose lives have become intertwined, enjoy walks, chatting, and swinging on swings in a playground. During this period, Denis is staying over at Nacho’s beautiful home and in one scene, removes all his clothing, and naked, jumps into the pool.
It is at this moment, that Nacho allows his repressed feelings and desires to spring forward and he, too, gets naked and jumps into the pool where the two men embrace each other as they probably did when they were young boys. Passion has been unleashed which Denis handles a lot better than his friend as he really loves Carmen and is much more casual about having sex with his boyhood pal. At a party, Nacho excuses himself and goes downstairs for a quickie with a stranger and from Marta’s reaction as he emerges, we now know that his proclivities, while kept under wraps for decades, was not really news to her – just unexpressed as his political ambitions would suffer greatly, as would his distinguished family name. Admitting that he loves Denis, he tells him he wants to leave his wife and be with him. This is not what his friend has in mind and he says “no.”
Time has passed, and as closing credits roll, in a distant background shot, Isaac appears to be a young toddler playing outdoors with adults seated at a nearby table. As the closing credits continue, Simon Smith and Arnau Bataller’s excellent original music plays as Director of Photography Gina Ferrer Garcia’s excellent camera work zooms in on our chef putting the final touches on a dish he is preparing. Elena Ruiz’s editing pulls all the pieces together in this compelling story about the intersection of four lives and the ultimate symbiotic relationships that develop.
ISSAC
Distributor: Breaking Glass Pictures
Release Date: Current
Where: iTunes/Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, Xbox,
Vudu, Vimeo, & through local cable & satellite providers, & on DVD.
Language: Spanish
Genre: Drama
Running Time: 84 Minutes
Rating: Unrated
St. Isidore Historical Plaza celebrated Veterans Day in song. Auld Wives Tales, a banjo & harmonica group from Leisure World and the Veterans Day Quartet made up of three LAUSD alumni and a 9th grader & parent entertained those in attendance with Patriotic music.
V Veterans Day Quartet Daniel Rey, Carlos Barceló, Madeline Monteal and Haley Bathurst at the St. Isidore Veterans Day Celebration. Courtesy photo
A display of service uniforms and memorabilia was in the Hall and hot dogs, chips, lemonade, and cookies were served. Veterans of all the wars and conflicts were recognized and honored.
Celebrating the United States Marine’s birthday is an event that’s very close to the hearts of all Marines and there’s much tradition celebrated during the birthday dinner.
This year, the Orange County California Chapter of the First Marine Division Association (OCCCFMDA) held one of the finest celebrations in honor of the Marines.
For many years the OCCCFMDA has hosted the Birthday celebration that is equal-to, and surpasses most.
American Legion Post No. 716 Chapter President Sgt. Scott Montoya, began the program with a warm welcome, along with introducing the attending guests, followed by the reading of a letter from the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps, who spoke of the gallant acts of the Marines throughout history; their bravery, integrity and honor, which all Marines rise-to and live-by, at the highest level.
Part of the celebration includes a “Hat Ceremony,” which honors all who have given their lives, while in the service of their Country.
There is representation from all of the five military services, with each representative attired in their individual dress military uniform, who then march forward, carrying the dress hat to be placed on, “The Table of Special Honor,” while the Anthem of their particular military service is played, along with turning an empty wine-glass upside-down and leaning the back of the chair onto the edge of the table, followed by a slow salute. This is a representation of, “All who have lost one of their own.”
The cake cutting tradition involves The Oldest U.S. Marine and The Youngest U.S. Marine in attendance, along with the Guest of Honor.
The Marines march forward, with the cake, while the Sergeant-At-Arms (SAA) carries a special NCO Sword – a first on foreign soil), as a reminder that they are a band of warriors.
This year’s Guest of Honor was USMC Cpl. David Marshall, a “Chapter member” of OCCCFMDA, who has also served many times as its president.
The first piece of cake, cut by the SAA, is presented to the Guest of Honor; the second piece of cake is presented to the Oldest Marine, who then (symbolically this year because of COVID-19 precautions) passes the piece of cake to the Youngest Marine, signifying the passing of experience and knowledge from the oldest to the youngest in the U.S. Marine Corps – a time-honored celebration of Marine Corps Traditions.
Chapter President U.S. Marine Sgt. Scott Montoya, is a Navy Cross recipient, which is the Nation’s second-highest award for bravery in combat. Sgt. Montoya is also currently under review for the “Congressional Medal of Honor.” His chapter and friends wish him all the best while under review during the sacred process.
In the battle for Baghdad, under heavy enemy fire, Sgt. Scott Montoya saved the lives’ of three wounded Marines; carrying one of them to safety on his shoulders. Additionally, during the fire-fight, Sgt. Montoya returned to carry two other wounded Marines to safety.
In addition, there was a vehicle caught in the middle of the road where the driver was shot and killed. It was in that line-of-fire that Sgt. Montoya also pulled two civilians to safety from their car.
Mr. Doogan said, “I’m so proud to have served under the U.S. Marine Command and to be able to call the members of the OCCCFMDA my friends.”
The city of Cypress remains defiant to switching to district-based elections, even after facing a lawsuit and this week being told by a nonpartisan UCLA voting rights organization that barely 30 percent of city residents are white, and citizens of Asian descent comprise 37 percent.
At their regular meeting Monday, the Council voted to organize some type of community forums to discuss redistricting, but insisted they are “not even considering” district-based elections at this time.
Sonni Waknin, speaking on behalf of the UCLA Voting Rights project, a nonpartisan academic research project ensuring voters access to fair voting, said demographic shifts in Cypress demonstrate the potential imbalance in local political representation.
She said based on the 2020 census, 37 percent of the city is now Asian, 33 percent now Latino, and the remainder white and other races. Waknin spoke to the Council during the oral communications portion of the most recent meeting.
Currently, three of the city’s five council members are white. Two are Latino. None are Asian.
Softly, but firmly, Waknin pointed out apparent violations of the California Voting Rights Act posed by the city’s current at-large voting system, suggesting how the CRVA would view at-large districts “impairing” access for Asians and Latinos.
She offered to provide the city with nonpartisan, impartial academic expertise during any process of transformation to single-member districts.
Actually, the city first received formal notice of being in violation of the state’s voting rights law in September, yet Monday’s discussion was the first in public view.
Malibu Attorney Kevin Shenkman, acting on behalf of the California Voting Rights Project, formally notified the City of Cypress on Sept. 29 that there were in violation of state law. In an earlier interview, Shenkman suggested the city council’s refusal to consider appointing an Asian representative to a vacant council seat, in part, prompted his demand letter.
Upon the early resignation of former council member Stacy Berry, the council refused requests to appoint Carrie Hayashida, who is of Asian descent, who ran a strong third in recent elections and later appointed Scott Minikus to the seat.
Since Shenkman’s demand letter in September, the city has met in multiple executive sessions, where the public has been excluded, mentioning only “pending litigation.” The city has not acknowledged their apparent ongoing negotiations with Shenkman or anything that has been discussed in their closed sessions.
City officials on Monday refused to comment directly on a redistricting position and embarked on a course planning a series of community forums in 2022 to discuss redistricting, but without the possibility of creating districts.
The first bit of controversy arose when the Mayor announced a special ad-hoc subcommittee to create a series of forums to discuss voting, then asked City Manager Peter Grant why the mayor has the customary right of appointing who would serve on this ad-hoc subcommittee.
Mayor Peat then nominated only himself and Mayor Pro-tem Paulo Morales to serve on this ad-hoc subcommittee to “recommend a series of community forums on the potential of using a district-based election system.”
Peat flatly refused a request from Council woman Francis Marquez, Ph.D., to place her on the ad-hoc committee.
As a professor on political science, Marquez said she wrote her master’s thesis on redistricting and received special instruction on the redistricting process during her career in Washington, D.C.
“I feel like I’m poised to serve on this subcommittee,” she told Peat. “I respectfully request to serve,” she said.
“I hear your request,” he said, “but the ad-hoc subcommittee is going to be myself and the Mayor Pro-Tem. “We have vast experience here with seven years each,” he said.
Morales suggested Marquez could create a “bias” on the panel, since she would be a candidate for re-election while he and Peat are termed out, but then said the subcommittee was not going to study districts.
Peat had said earlier in the discussion that “this committee’s work is not focused on creating districts [in Cypress],” yet would be some sort of fact-finding mission. In Grant’s recommendation included in the meeting’s agenda, these forums will somehow at some date “inform” later decision making on redistricting.
Nonetheless, Marquez’ request to serve on the ad-hoc committee was denied. Her experience, said Morales, would be considered if and only when “we end up looking at districts, or even the potential of districts.”
Basically, in that statement, Morales claims the city, at this point, is not even considering single member districts, but will hold community forums on the subject.
Activists suggested the city is simply slow walking the issue and that the city’s destiny could be quite different had single member districts been in place.
Local Cypress activist Brittney Cook suggested many controversial issues that were approved 3-2 over the past few years “could have been different” with proportional representation.
Cook said there are “so many things I could name where certain portions of the city are just kind of ignored.” She did not, however, mention specifics.
Nevertheless, she said “there are huge populations, namely Asian and Indian come to mind, for me that are largely underrepresented in our city council and we definitely need some more representation there for those groups of people.”
Cook also questioned the wisdom of appointing Peat and Morales to the ad-hoc subcommittee, when they have been in all of the closed-door meetings that appear to have resulted in little progress.
“We have the same people having another meeting about the same thing. It just seems redundant, excessive and unnecessary,” she said. “I want to see an independent committee.”
David Burke, a Cypress resident who runs a civic nonprofit, presented advantages of district elections and said he too supports an independent redistricting commission should the Council decide to create districts.
“First, with districts, you ensure that every geographic area of the city is represented. And secondly, district elections tend to be cheaper than at-large elections for candidates who run for office,” he said.
“If Cypress does transition to districts,” said Burke, “I think it’s imperative that the districts be drawn fairly, and based on geographics population and demographics, not based on special interests or political considerations.”
The ad-hoc subcommittee will now arrange a series of forums and report back to the Council.
Widespread chatter about the ongoing redistricting process prompted a special meeting of the Los Al Council to get their thoughts on the record and assure citizens about what is not going to happen.
In a special meeting Nov. 8, Mayor Mark Chirco said the special meeting had been called to provide input to the commission redrawing the lines. The special commission authorized by California voters has been doing its work and draft maps were causing much concern in Rossmoor and Los Alamitos.
The California Redistricting Commission have since issued draft maps, which are to be finalized by Dec. 15, according to the commission’s website, www.wedrawthelinesca.gov.
“I’ve been asked by many members of the community about this,” said Chirco. “I think some of the communications have, unfortunately, have not been as factual as they could be.”
Chirco said some citizens have asked him “are we becoming part of L.A. County; is Los Alamitos going to cease to exist?” “No,” he said, Los Alamitos is not becoming part of Long Beach.
The mayor said redistricting is “a very fluid situation.”
“I just looked at the maps and it looked like our senate district was going to be completely in Orange County. Our congressional district was going to be predominantly in Orange County versus currently it’s predominantly in Los Angeles County and includes Los Alamitos and Rossmoor,” he said.
“And our assembly district, which currently is in Orange County, was going to be predominantly in Long Beach now that I’m looking at it. I’m looking on the website. It looks like the assembly district is now completely within Orange County, at least the current drawing. It has Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, and it looks like parts of Newport Beach as well. But, of course, this is all subject to change.”
Chirco said the intent of the meeting was “to express our position that we would like the lines to be drawn in a manner that keeps us with other cities that are similar in size and culture.”
Mayor Pro-Tem Shelley Hasselbrink said she felt like having Orange County representation was critical to the city’s future.
“We predominantly get all of our services from the County of Orange,” she said, whether it’s Fire Authority, the Sheriff’s Department within Rossmoor, Orange County Transportation and it would seem very unlikely that if we had an issue surrounding something like that, that a representative based primarily in L.A. County that they would even understand, or would even care,” said Hasselbrink.
Council member Tanya Doby said there was so much “misinformation and misunderstanding,” that she wanted to make clear in whatever communication was to be issued that the city would remain within the Los Alamitos Unified School District. She said since there was so much talk about having Los Al in the Long Beach district, some citizens have assumed LAUSD would have to merge with Long Beach Unified.
School districts are separate than representative districts, but Doby said people are concerned because they do not fully understand.
In addition, she wanted to make sure concerned residents would have access to wording that could help them write a letter to the commission if they chose to do so. “People or more likely to submit written thoughts if they get a little assistance in putting words to it,” said Doby.
Chirco said the resolution would be posted on the internet and citizens are free to refer to it. Also, he encouraged citizens to visit the commission’s website and make their views known under the public comment section.
The Council voted unanimously to send their resolution to the Commission.
Diane Merrick, Membership Co-VP for the La Palma-Cerritos American Association of University Women (AAUW) introduced guest speaker Pamela Sepulveda at the branch’s November 18, 2021, general meeting at the Cerritos Library. Sepulveda is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and is the Case Manager for the Falcon Basic Needs Program at Cerritos College. She prepared a Power Point Presentation on the topic of “Supporting Our Most Vulnerable Students to Reach Their Academic Goals Through the Falcon’s Nest at Cerritos College.”
Sepulveda has been a social worker for over 20 years. She and her team created the Falcon’s Nest, the centralized support service at Cerritos Community College in June of 2020. She said that she started this Basic Needs Program to offer support for students both on and off campus. She and her team work to ensure that the students’ lack of basic needs do not present barriers to their academic success. The Falcon Basic Needs Center links students to food, hygiene items, housing, financial aid, and includes community collaboration and advocacy.
Sepulveda said that Falcon’s Nest offers wholesome free food shopping, housing partnerships, and preventive programs by seven social workers who prepare “needs assessments” for students and guide them to their most needed resources. Falcon’s Nest also provides for some groceries at Franco’s Pop -Up Market for students who are not eligible for CalFresh or grocery cards. With donations of clothing received from community members, Falcon’s Nest has a section called Franco’s Closet, where students can select gently used professional clothing at no cost to them. Falcon’s Nest is located near the Game Room and the Student Services/Book Store at Cerritos College.
Diane Merrick first heard in March of 2021 that many students at Cerritos College were living in cars and 50 to 60 students lacked food and other necessities. She wanted to help, so she talked to Pam Sepulveda and got a list of food and toiletries that were needed. She then asked the members of the La Palma-Cerritos AAUW for donations. They responded with 250 food items and other personal hygiene items in March and have continued to collect food and clothing in the months that followed. Pam Sepulveda would pick up whatever Diane collected each month.
At the November 18, 2021, meeting, the members of the La Palma-Cerritos Branch of the AAUW brought bags full of canned foods, cereals, toiletries, and other items to the Cerritos Library for Falcon’s Nest. Prior to the meeting that night, Diane said that branch President Beverly Zwick met with her at 5:30 p.m. and brought four boxes of canned food (weighing about 100 pounds) for Falcon’s Nest. More members donated items, so Pam Sepulveda went to Diane’s home in Long Beach to pick up the donations the next day. Pam’s car and trunk were loaded with donations of food and toiletries! Pam Sepulveda thanked members for their generous donations in support of the students at Cerritos College.
At the end of Sepulveda’s presentation, Program Co-VP Karen Cox thanked Pam Sepulveda for coming to give members more information about Falcon’s Nest and the continuing basic needs of students at Cerritos College. Sepulveda received a Certificate of Appreciation and a succulent plant as a gift from all three Program Co-VP’s, Nancy Kawamura, Mary Ann Quinn and Karen Cox.
There is still an ongoing need for donations of canned food, toiletries, and lightly used professional clothing for the students who come for help with basic needs at Falcon’s Nest. Persons who wish to donate items for Falcon’s Nest can contact Membership Co-VP Diane Merrick at 562-594-4129 or contact Pam Sepulveda at Cerritos College at 562-860-2451, X2431.
The Rossmoor Community Services District has announced that the Bierman Brothers Band of Long Beach will perform Christmas songs at its upcoming Winter Festival December 11.
“We are delighted to announce that we have the Bierman Brothers performing at this year’s Winter Festival,” said General Manager Joe Mendoza. He said this year’s in-person Winter Festival will also include a snow play area, a Kids carnival, food trucks, craft vendors and bunches of holiday fun.
The event will be held at Rush Park from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11. The Bierman Brothers, voted the top local band in a recent Event News Enterprise poll, will take the stage from 7 – 9 p.m.
According to Mendoza, the event is being produced by Elite Special Events. For further info, email in**@****************ts.com.
Santa Claus will be on hand to take photos with kids.
After a starting the game on a cold shooting streak, the Los Alamitos High boys basketball team battled back but fell short in overtime to Santa Monica High, 74-68 at the Edison High Thanksgiving Showcase on Friday at Edison High.
Senior forward Niko Griset led the Griffins with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Daniel Mellgoza had 12 points, including eight in the first quarter when the Griffins could only muster 11 as a team. Tyler Matthews also had 12 points, including going 8 for 8 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter and overtime.
The Griffins trailed 14-11 at the end of the first quarter and 33-26 at halftime. The Vikings extended the lead to 48-38 in the third, but the Griffins closed the quarter on an 8-2 run to cut it to 50-46 heading into the fourth. Griset grabbed a rebound and drew a foul on the putback. He hit the free throw to cut the lead to 50-49.
When Matthews and Jake Petroff converted four consecutive free throws, the Griffins held their first lead, 55-54 with 5:41 left in the game. Los Al held the lead most of the way and took a 62-59 lead after two free throws by Griset with just under two minutes to play.
But with :12 left, Santa Monica guard Gus Salem hit a three-pointer to send the game into overtime. Overtime was defensive battle, but a baseline three-pointer, a free throw and jumper by leading scorer A.J. Economou put the Vikings up 70-64 late in overtime as Santa Monica was able to secure the game.
The Griffins are scheduled to play at Wilson High in Long Beach today at 6:30 p.m. and will then open the Corona del Mar Beach Bash Tournament on Monday at 7 p.m. against Redondo Union.
The Cypress Chamber of Commerce will welcome Cypress based author and broadcaster Manny Pacheco as our guest speaker at our December Networking Breakfast. Our event will be held Tuesday, Dec. 14 at the Residence Inn by Marriott at 4931 Katella Avenue, Cypress/Los Alamitos starting at 7:30 a.m. and will follow all current protocols for attendee safety. Manny Pacheco has authored three books on many of the character actors from the golden era of Hollywood who are often “forgotten” in film books. Manny will share some of the historical anecdotes and stories he has collected for his Forgotten Hollywood book series. His books will also be available for sale – just in time for the Holidays.
To celebrate the Holidays for those less fortunate, the Cypress Chamber has adopted Precious Life Shelter for pregnant homeless mothers. Bring a new toy or item for an infant or a gift for mothers such as lotions, slippers (size 8-up), pajamas, etc. A complete list of suggestions is on the Chamber website when you register.
A Cypress resident, author Manny Pacheco has enjoyed a growing acclaim through his Forgotten Hollywood Book Series, included in the library collections of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Hollywood Heritage Museum, and American Film Institute. A Southern California television and radio personality for over three decades, Manny was on NBC’s Santa Barbara, co-hosted the Daytime Emmy-nominated In Studio on KCOP. He is currently a weekend traffic anchor on KNX 10-70 News Radio.
Each attendee will also have an opportunity to stand and introduce themselves and share a little about their business before the program begins.
Reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot for the monthly breakfasts and can be made here. Cost of the breakfast is $25.00. Attendees are also encouraged to bring door prizes to promote their product or service. The program will include time for networking, self-introductions, breakfast, our guest speaker and a question and answer session if time permits.
The Chamber breakfasts, which are open to the public, are held on the second Tuesday of every month. Space will be limited. To assure your seat, please pre-register on the chamber website at https://www.cypresschamber.org/events/details/december-networking-breakfast-2416
Among the 2021 public service heroes honored at this year’s “Heroes Appreciation Luncheon” sponsored by the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce was Officer Gabriel “Gabe” Barreras, a deputy now closing on his first decade of service with the Department.
At the event held earlier this year, Chairwoman Nesi Stewart said she was excited that the 2nd annual event could resume to acknowledge “our community heroes.” Barreras was among a group of first responders and public service professionals honored by the Chamber.
In presenting Barreras, Capt. Gary Knutson of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said he joined the department in 2012. “After graduating the Academy, he was worked in several departments before being transferred to the bureau that provides patrol service to all of the unincorporated areas of Orange County.
“It’s a very expansive area,” said Knutson.
Over the past year, Deputy Barreras has been providing patrol services to unincorporated Anaheim, Midway City and Rossmoor. Gabriel serves as a Field Training Officer for the bureau, where he is entrusted in the training and development of deputy sheriffs newly assigned to patrol operations. He has accumulated over two thousand training hours and was recently selected to be a Master Field Training Officer for the Sheriff’s Department.
Nevertheless, he said Barreras “take a very proactive approach to his patrol duties. “He (Barreras) is very active, and he’s not the type of guy that is not flashy. He just comes in and goes to work,” said Knutson.
“He is the kind of the quiet type that you want out there taking care of business on a day-to-day basis,” he added.
Barreras, said Knutson, “has proven himself to be patient, conscientious and thorough. He accumulated over 2,000 training hours and was recently selected by our field training bureau to be a master and field training officer, allowing him to be trained to patrol anywhere and become part of our patrol operations command.”
“Deputy Barreras takes a proactive approach to his patrol duties and training. He has conducted hundreds of criminal investigations mostly stemming from self-initiated traffic stops, which have resulted in numerous arrests for weapons violations, narcotics violations, identity theft/fraud violations being in possession of stolen property, and warrant arrests,” he said.
Barreras and his wife Kim, have been together for eleven years and have two children, Kiera (8), and Gabriel (4). In his free time, he enjoys training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and has competed in nationally recognized grappling tournaments (IBJJF).
Deputy Barreras has proven to be a true asset not only to the Sheriff’s Department but to the communities he serves, said Knutson before presenting him with the award.
Nearly 200 people joined Los Alamitos Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Andrew Pulver and the Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF) for the State of the District breakfast on Thursday, November 18. “It was an honor and a privilege for me to welcome our families and community to this event while sharing a variety of District highlights to our broader community, especially as the State of the District could not be held last year due to the pandemic,” stated Dr. Pulver. Guests were entertained before the presentation by students from the Los Alamitos High School jazz program and LAHS student Bita Luna beautifully performed the National Anthem.
This year’s presentation began with an update on construction projects. The Los Alamitos High School (LAHS) Aquatics Center was completed in October 2020. The 83,200 square foot STEM building at LAHS will be open for learning in the Fall of 2022 and will transition 26 portable classroom structures to 30 new permanent classrooms – 15 for science and 15 for general use. Design has begun on a new three-court gymnasium at LAHS with construction scheduled to begin during the 2022-23 school year. Replacing elementary school playgrounds continues to be a priority – 15 playgrounds have been completed and the only three remaining will be completed within the year.
Dr. Pulver reviewed the District Priority Goals for 2021-22, which are to passionately pursue academic excellence, cultivate a thriving culture, foster collaborative relationships, provide high quality facilities, and manage and maximize financial resources.
Dr. Pulver also celebrated numerous district achievements. All nine Los Al schools have received the honors of California Distinguished School and Gold Ribbon School. Los Al USD is one of four school districts in the United States to be placed on the AP Honor Roll for seven years in a row. 89% of graduates completed an AP (Advanced Placement), CTE (Career and Technical Education) or dual-enrollment community college course. For more than 20 years, Los Al USD has consistently ranked among the top two districts in Orange County on state assessments. In addition, Los Al USD ranks #7 in the state of California for “closing the achievement gap.”
Dr. Pulver went on to state that in Los Al, we believe in all kids and that each child belongs to all of us. He stated, “we must speak life to them, encourage them and affirm them.” He presented the District’s core values of care, responsibility, equity and commitment.
The 2020-2021 school year brought a new season with an unwavering commitment of support to students. Los Al USD was the first public school district to reopen for in-person instruction (under a hybrid model) in the state of California, while offering an exemplary online education option via “LosAl@Home.” Los Al USD was among the first districts in Orange County to safely reopen athletics. From the moment schools closed in March 2020, District preschool childcare programs remained open and free meals, served every weekday, became available to all students.
While adhering to state and county health guidelines, this school year (2021-22) brought the return of full-day learning, and home to school bussing options. Los Al USD has welcomed parent volunteers on campus again, and the District has doubled mental health staffing to support students.
In closing, Dr. Pulver noted that we need everyone to be a champion for students and that every student should feel successful and worthy. He shared that we should run toward those who need us the most because every kid is only one influential adult away from becoming a success story.
The event was attended by parents, PTA groups, district staff and administration, school board members, LAEF’s board of directors and local city and elected officials. The breakfast took place at On The Greens at Navy Golf Course and all net proceeds supported LAEF. The presentation was video-recorded and will be made available on the District’s YouTube channel and the LAEF website.
“We are delighted to work with Dr. Pulver to provide the opportunity to come together and celebrate our district’s accomplishments. I am so proud of our district and truly enjoy learning about plans for future educational growth and excellence. LAEF is very grateful to Legacy Sponsor Alamitos Eye Care and Valedictorian Sponsors Clean Wave Express Carwash, Epson and RS Crum for their generosity, which ensured the success of the event,” said LAEF Executive Director Carrie Logue.
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 provides significant funding for mental health/wellness and STEAM instruction, as well as igniting new programs and providing valuable resources, to impact all students. For additional information on LAEF, please call (562) 799-4700 Extension 80424 or visit www.LAEF4Kids.org.
Rossmoor Elementary School students are making a difference.
In October, students launched a coin donation drive to support wildlife injured in the oil spill off the coast of Huntington Beach. Fifth graders involved in the campus-based Knight Leadership Council came up with the idea as part of the school’s ongoing community service projects, Rossmoor Principal Amy Coltey explained in a recent phone interview.
“At Rossmoor, we’re thrilled to help those in need in our world and in our community and all around us,” Mrs. Coltey said in a recent video for students discussing the effort. Rossmoor’s mascot is a knight and the school is using the values from Knight P.R.I.D.E. to inspire community service projects. The values of the Knight P.R.I.D.E. acronym are: “Positive, Responsible, Integrity, Display Kindness, Earn and give respect.”
“That’s what Knight P.R.I.D.E. is all about. Thinking of others and helping others,” Mrs. Coltey said.
As Knights, Rossmoor students of all grade levels are assigned to one of four houses. Mrs. Coltey described the houses as another “family on campus.” They are similar to the ones popularized by Harry Potter, but Rossmoor’s are inspired by King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table. Rossmoor Elementary’s houses are: Percival House, Galahad House, Lancelot House and Gawain House.
For the coin donation drive, each house had a jar where students engaged in a friendly competition to collect as many coins as possible for about two weeks.
And all of that spare change really added up!
Last month, Mrs. Coltey delivered the $878.57 the students raised to the Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center.
“Thank you so much. We really appreciate this,” Debbie Wayns, Operations Manager and Board Member at the center told Mrs. Coltey in a video the principal shared with students. Wayns said the nearly $900 would go toward supporting the many animals the center helps year-round, not just the ones impacted by the oil spill. That includes birds, squirrels, raccoons and more. “We have animals here that need food, that need medical care, that need our assistance. This is going to help with that project,” Wayns said.
And the Knights aren’t done helping. Their next community service project is to collect donations for children and teens at Casa Youth Shelter in Los Alamitos. Each classroom is sponsoring one child at the shelter to get them clothing, gift cards and other needed items. Rossmoor students will also write encouraging cards wishing kids a happy holiday season.
“We’re really trying to teach the kids that there are a lot of people out there that need help. It teaches them compassion,” Mrs. Coltey said last week and added, “It really does fill your bucket when you fill someone else’s.”
For more education news, sign up for the Spotlight Schools weekly email newsletter at: https://spotlightschools.tinynewsco.org/.
Sen. Tom Umberg speaks at the ENE “Salute to Service” event.
Veterans, residents and businesspeople filled the American Legion Post 716 Friday evening as the Event News Enterprise held a star-spangled event to honor veterans and to all who serve the community.
“We are here to honor not only those who serve our country,” said State Sen. Thomas Umberg, but “all who serve our communities as well.”
Umberg spoke about the dedication of those who served and the thanks to veterans for having served in service to the United States of America.
Umberg, who currently serves as Senator for District 34, obtained the rank of Captain while serving in the U.S. Army and achieved the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Nevertheless, he paid tribute also to his wife, Robin, “who outranks me.” His wife is a Brigadier General in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Following his tribute to service, all the veterans in attendance came up to the stage for a special performance by Sean and Chad Bierman of the “Veterans Song,” a touching tribute to all soldiers who have, at some point, found themselves in harm’s way and asking God to “please take me home.”
During the veteran’s tribute, American Legion Commander Woody Collins welcomed everyone and led the Pledge of Allegiance, while Vice Commander Ernie Rodriquez said commended the veterans saying, “all of us gave something,” asking then for a moment of silence for “those who gave all.”
Throughout the evening, representatives of more than 100 local businesses came back to pick up their awards, presented by the Event News Enterprise, but were voted on by the publication’s readers.
“This is a significant way we can thank our readers and advertisers,” said Group Publisher Steven Remery. “By far, this was the best event like this that we’ve ever held,” he said, thanking the many people who worked behind the scenes to make it happen.
Los Alamitos television filmed the entire event and a special presentation is currently available for viewing at ourlossltv.com
Wahoo’s Fish Taco catered the evening and served a number of their famous dishes throughout the evening.
A divided crowd packed into the Los Alamitos Unified School District Board of Education Meeting Room last Tuesday evening.
When Board President Marlys Davidson entered the room, the audience erupted. “Resign!” shouted some people. “We love Marlys!” yelled others. Many got out of their seats, waved their signs and raised their voices creating a raucous start to the night.
The mood mellowed after Supt. Dr. Andrew Pulver reminded attendees that people cannot yell when someone else has been recognized to speak and that the gavel would be used if someone is out of order to ensure “decorum at our meeting.” Seconds later, Davidson officially started the meeting.
A large turnout was expected. That’s because it was the first meeting since a video from the last meeting revealed Board President Davidson cursed at a parent under her breath following the parent’s public comment and muttered, “Oh God here we go,” before another parent spoke. Picked up by a hot mic, the remarks were only audible on the livestream of the Oct. 26 meeting. Clips were shared on social media including by proponents of an effort to recall three trustees. The incident fueled many segments on conservative media outlets and made national and international headlines.
It also sparked calls for Davidson’s resignation. She has apologized and said she does not plan to step down.
During Board communications at the Nov. 9 meeting Davidson said, “I make no excuse for my actions and I deeply regret the turmoil I caused, specifically to the two women most hurt by my words. I’m deeply sorry for the pain I caused each one of you.”
Nevertheless, Lauren Roupoli, the parent who last spoke before Davidson cursed, remained steadfast in her position that she should step down.
“You are not a role model,” Roupoli said during public comment at the Nov. 9 meeting. “You’re an embarrassment to the school board and to this community. And I demand that you resign today because the parents standing behind me will no longer settle for anything less.”
Many speakers echoed Roupoli’s sentiments. But others, including fellow trustee Diana Hill, showed support for forgiving Davidson. The other board members did not comment on it during their communications.
Public comment by the numbers
The 43 speakers at the Nov. 9 meeting can be grouped into three rough categories:
People for or against President Davidson’s resignation, the broader recall effort and board and district policies in general. (27 speakers total)
Covid-19 pandemic including vaccine and mask mandates and safety protocols. (Three speakers)
Supporters of a Los Alamitos High School counselor who was put on administrative leave earlier this school year. (Nine speakers)
Four speakers did not fit neatly into the above categories including two who spoke generally about people making mistakes and two who talked about the divided community.
We caution that the commenters at the meeting only reflect the people who showed up and chose to speak. This is an attempt to concisely present what happened at the meeting. You can watch all of the comments online starting at the 57-minute mark and ending at 2 hours 27 minutes.
Split over Davidson
Fourteen people spoke in support of the board and its policies. Eight of them specifically mentioned Davidson.
Thirteen people spoke out against the board, its policies and in support of efforts to recall trustees. Of those, 11 specifically asked Davidson to resign.
Gerri Mejia, a former mayor of Los Alamitos, was one of them.
She said: “I don’t have anything against you personally. I just think that you should do the honorable thing and step aside because it has been something that’s negatively impacted this community. And it isn’t fair to all of us because we don’t run around saying those things because you represent us that makes it look like we’re condoning what you did.”
“I’ve been involved in political campaigns since Robert Kennedy’s in 1968. And I’m telling you that if you don’t resign now, your F-you clip will be heard in every conservatives’ campaign ad in 2022. If you really cared, then set your ego aside and spare us that embarrassment and humiliation and show your real respect for this community by simply resigning now,” said Hope Horning.
“Marlys has no place in this board because of her disrespect and complete contempt for the parents. No apology can erase her true attitude. That is the problem. It’s her attitude,” Kim Francke said.
Other speakers were more forgiving and supported Davidson staying on.
“Although I agree that no one should be cussing at people under their breath, we all have our limits,” one parent named Nicole S. said. She spoke about how critical public comments at board meetings have been over the past twenty months. “Marlys has apologized and I hope we can all agree that she is a fallible human just like the rest of us and I hope we can move forward so she can continue to help to do what is best for the students and the community.”
“We’ve all made mistakes. But what’s been lost here is that you are a great example of what to do when you make a mistake. You own it and you apologize,” parent Leland Jay said.
“I voted for Marlys Davidson. I would continue to vote for Marlys Davidson,” said Tara Farayian, who praised Davidson for apologizing and admitting her flaws. “That’s what we tell our children to do when they make mistakes, not to let that define them, but allow that to be a learning point to continue to grow.”
At least two speakers lamented the division in the air that night. That included the final public speaker, a mother named Julia B. who said it was her first board meeting.
“I’m listening to everybody speak. There is such a separation, which is not something I want my child to grow up in, nor do I want to be in,” she said and added that she thinks it’s the parents’ voices that should matter most.
Lingering issues, an increase in thefts and two recent incidents within the unincorporated area of Rossmoor apparently prompted a discussion of their security, including questioning exactly how many patrols they are getting from local law enforcement agencies.
During a lengthy discussion during their November meeting, directors openly questioned the actual patrol metrics of both the California Highway Patrol and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Since Rossmoor remains an unincorporated municipality, they have little authority to create their own force and depend upon two agencies for patrols and neighborhood security.
In addition, RCSD General Manager Joe Mendoza told directors that there have been two elementary school students on bicycles hit by cars and the California Highway Patrol has told him that additional patrols in Rossmoor would cost at least $10,000 annually.
Director Tony DeMarco questioned Knutson on why patrols were not available recently when a suspicious white van apparently followed a young woman walking her dog, or at least, did not arrive in time to identify the van.
Knutson explained that the OC Sheriff’s deputies that patrol Rossmoor are also responsible for other unincorporated areas, Bolsa Chica wetlands and other areas. Knutson said there are always three to six deputies on patrol.
In Rossmoor, the OC Sheriff’s Department is responsible for security and the CHP is responsible for traffic control, speeding and similar responsibilities.
“How many hours do we get per month and who determines that?” asked DeMarco. “I don’t need the exact time of day,” said DeMarco, but “it would be nice to know.”
Getting such information would “inform us about how the system is working and how it is not working,” said Director Mark Nitikman.
“Do we have enough coverage here?” asked RCSD President Dr. Jeff Barke. “We don’t know where the deputy was and we ‘re never really sure when a deputy is here.”
He asked Knutson if the RCSD needs an “updated contract” with the county, saying metrics would help them determine if they needed to ask the Supervisor for additional resources.
Knutson said there is no contract, per se, between the county and the district for patrols, and Officer Matt Musselman was not available to speak on behalf of the CHP.
Knutson said he understood the district’s concerns, however, he said to the best of his knowledge, the information they were discussing is not currently being tracked. He is sure, however, that Rossmoor is assigned a deputy 24-hours a day.
“You’re [RCSD] one of a very few [unincorporated areas]” that has an assigned deputy, added Knutson.
Barke floated the idea of having Sheriff Dan Barnes attend a future meeting to answer questions. The OC Sheriff’s Office is among the largest in the nation. According to its website, the OC Sheriff has nearly 30 Divisions, 4,000 employees and 800 reserve staff.
Director Jeffrey Rips said while he perhaps agreed with the need for additional patrol metrics, the district should be very careful about letting the public know exactly when deputies were in or out of the community.
Barke agreed and suggested that when and if such a discussion ever ensued, they should ask the legal advisor about considering such information as “privileged” and discuss it in closed session.
Director Nathan Searles thanked Knutson for the OCSD’s vacation patrols, including its vacation checks program. “With the holidays approaching,” Searles said he wanted to remind residents of the program.
Knutson said residents can find information on the OC Sheriff’s Department website, but basically, if homeowners plan to go away on vacation, if they notify the OCSD, deputies will “from time to time,” stop by the vacationers’ residence to make sure everything was okay.
Regarding the elementary students hit by cars on the bicycles, Mendoza said thankfully, there were no injuries, but it is a sign that something needs to happen to keep students safe. “There are so many kids out there,” said Mendoza, “so we can predict that and we want to slow people down.”
Mendoza said his inquiry with CHP revealed that for the cost of $10,000 annually, they could obtain 24 additional four-hour patrols, for which, he said, RCSD should not alone have to bear the entire expense.
Mendoza said while he thought the Los Alamitos Unified School District should contribute, the district refused to financially participate in providing the extra patrols, he said.
Nevertheless, Mendoza said Dr. Jerry Friedman, LAUSD’s Director of Safety and Student Services said, “the school district is not part of that equation.”
“I disagreed with him,” said Mendoza. Friedman did refer him to the Los Alamitos Educational Foundation, said Mendoza, and he does plan to meet with them.
Dr. Friedman confirmed that he meets regularly with the Rossmoor Traffic and Safety Committee.
Supt. Dr. Andrew Pulver briefly acknowledged the incident during his Superintendent’s report on Tuesday.
“We’ve been partnering with RCSD to put up signs,” said Pulver, acknowledging that Dr. Friedman “has been working directly with RCSD.”
He also acknowledged, however, that patrolling the streets “is the responsibility of our law enforcement agencies” and not the school district.
“We have just recently asked them to do another traffic study to see if they would consider additional crossing guards,” said Pulver. “Crossing guards are not under the jurisdiction of the district. They are in the local cities and municipalities jurisdiction, but we will continue to partner with them.”
In addition, Mendoza said he would follow up the board’s recommendation to look for potential grants or other resources offered the OC Board of Supervisors for enhanced Rossmoor safety.
Knutson told DeMarco that the nine reported thefts of catalytic converters in the most recent report each represented a loss of approximately $2500.
Without a doubt, the legacy of Dr. Gregg Stone will long linger throughout the halls, classrooms, and fields of play at Los Alamitos High School.
Even at a high school with a storied history of tradition and accomplishment, Stone’s story strongly resonates in the chaotic discussions of the modern day. After 21 years of standout administration, becoming the only principal to retire twice, Dr. Stone is back, this time forever.
In a new book entitled “Be Well and Stay Positive,” Stone continues the lessons on life that once only emanated from the principal’s office.
In a profile of Stone written in July of 2021 before his second retirement, Stone said he developed the ability to write as a result of his preference for introspective wisdom.
“I’m not the person that’s necessarily out front leading the band, so to speak, but I can do it,” said Stone then, “but it’s not something that I necessarily push for.”
Back when he was in the 11th grade, Stone said his yearbook teacher, Joan Danielsen, advised him to write things down before trying to deliver a public speech.
Dr. Gregg Stone, former Principal of Los Alamitos Unified School District, retires again after a “purposeful” career. Courtesy photo
“So, when I started to script for public speaking, I found it easier to write a poetry piece rather than prose,” he said. Therefore, going forward at key engagements, such as a teacher retirement, Dr. Stone said he would rather write, and deliver a poem. The recipients loved it.
And so began Stone’s lifelong love of witticisms, insights and his ability to cobble together a series of words that connected immediately to the heart. When Stone was called out of retirement in the middle of the pandemic to retake the high school helm, his weekly inspirational newsletter became an instant hit with parents and students.
Now, they are expanded in Stone’s new book.
“Dr. Gregg Stone retired as the principal of Los Alamitos High School in June 2019 after spending 21 years as an administrator there,” said Dr. Andrew Pulver, Superintendent of LAUSD during his report at this week’s board meeting.
“In August 2020, he was asked to return as the interim principal in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. He felt there were two ways to approach the unknown year ahead. One path would be to let the circumstances dictate the outlook. A second option was to take the high road and make the best of a situation the staff and community members had never experienced before,” he said.
“I think that everybody who was a Griffin was really touched by the the pandemic. While it continues it was very hard last year, and a hybrid schedule, families and students had just two different schedules and parents are going to kind of get this all and just feel like things are stripped away from you,” he said.
Yet, even in that environment, “Dr. Stone did such a wonderful job always trying to build positivity and provided a kind of a moral to the story.”
“Dr. Stone continually promoted the positive route,” said Pulver, adding that the book of positivity is now on sale for $13.99 at Amazon.
According to Carrie Logue, Executive Director at the Los Alamitos Education Foundation, Dr. Stone is donating all of the profits to benefit the future education of students.
“Dr. Stone is donating all net proceeds to LAEF (Los Alamitos Education Foundation) for the purpose of providing a scholarship for a Los Al High School graduating senior who shows determination or has a positive approach to whatever life throws their way,” said Logue in a press release.
Moreover, she said Dr. Stone continues to mentor students as a volunteer counselor.
“Gregg Stone is the reigning LAEF King and was crowned in February 2021. This school year, Dr. Stone is volunteering his time at LAHS as a counselor supporting students who need additional academic or personal support. He is a humble and gracious leader who cares deeply about the Los Al community,” she said.
Stone said in his final interview as principal that helping struggling or transitional teens gave him a warm feeling in the heart.
“I told my wife that I really kind of felt drawn to that, especially freshmen kids. Sometimes that transition from 8th to 9th can be a bit abrupt for kids so I kind of felt myself gravitating to help struggling kids,” he said.
In one way or another, Dr. Stone said he has worked with teens his entire career. “Hopefully, you’re impacting the kids, but they impact you,” he said.
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 resources 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 x 80424 today.
The mother of Megan Meier, a Missouri teenager whose suicide 15 years ago shocked the nation and opened the world’s eyes to the lurking danger of cyberbullying, visited Seal Beach this past week.
In an interview, Tina Meier, of St. Charles, Missouri, recounted her daughter’s tragic story and why she ultimately allowed Seal Beach filmmaker Paul James to make the film, “From Under the Bridge.”
Moreover, she discussed how the potential perception of “it must be a bad parent” syndrome keeps many families from fully embracing and confronting real mental health issues affecting children as they age.
Meier said her family then lived in a comfortable suburb of St. Louis. On the evening of Oct. 16, 2006, Megan, 13, believing her new boyfriend Josh hated her, sobbed up the stairs and took her own life.
Four weeks later, Tina learned that in fact, Megan’s boyfriend “Josh” was not a human at all. Josh Evans was merely a virtual identity created by a 47-year-old woman who lived four houses away wanting to “prey on Megan’s psyche.” The gut punch revelations rocked her family and the nation.
Their neighbor had created an online identity on MySpace.com so complete that Megan believed her boyfriend’s name was Josh Evans, that he was 16 and owned a pet snake. Megan had flirted with him online for weeks before that fateful night.
Megan’s story drew national, and even global headlines, as people from around the world expressed further outrage when the woman behind the online character was not charged with a crime.
Local authorities claimed the neighbor’s action might have been “immature and rude,” but “not illegal.”
Tina Meier said the death of her daughter in 2006 opened the eyes of the nation to the cruel underbelly of cyberbullying and left her with a profound sense of grief that she grapples with to this day.
“I have this awful, horrible guilt and this I can never change,” said Meier. Though Meier said she did everything humanly possible to deal with her daughter’s struggles, a cyber bully ultimately proved to have more control.
A year after her daughter’s death, Meier said she poured her grief into her own resolve to make a difference in the lives of other teens suffering with mental health issues and to counter the threat of cyberbullying.
She created a nonprofit foundation, the Megan Meier Foundation, to support mental health and crusade against cyberbullying. She has since become a nationally renowned speaker and has since reached hundreds of thousands of students.
Making of the film
Meier also explained why, after all these years, she granted James the right to make the film. His film, “From Under the Bridge: When Bullies Become Trolls,” dissects the dangers of cyber bulling while telling Megan’s tragic story with an A-list cast and modern story telling techniques.
Tina Meier, right, with Seal Beach director Paul James, daughter London, and producer Connie Jo SeChrist on the Electric Ave. bench where one of the critical scenes were filmed.
James, who has earned a growing reputation as a scriptwriter, also directed the film. James said he had saved the newspaper clippings from all the publicity following Megan’s suicide in 2006. During the pandemic, with other projects on hold, James said he remembered Megan’s story, so he dusted off a script he had written after the incident.
As soon as he could, James said he flew to St. Louis to meet Tina and ask her permission to make a film depicting Megan’s story. Tina said until then, she had never allowed anyone to tell Megan’s story.
“Through the years,” said Meier, “because Megan’s story got so much publicity, we have been contacted by people from all over the world. And so, I’m very protective of Megan’s story,” she said.
After being contacted by James, Meier said “I told Paul, I can’t give you support until I know more about what you’re doing, what’s the purpose.”
Soon as it was allowed by the pandemic, James said he hopped on a plane to St. Louis to visit Tina at her foundation.
“He was there for several days at the office,” she said, “and we had a lot of time to talk.” At the end of the week, “I had trust and faith in him that, you know, where he was coming from was truly from the heart and that he really wanted to make a difference,” said Meier.
Therefore, James proceeded to cast, then shoot his short film, “From Under the Bridge.” The film was mostly shot on locations in and around Seal Beach, in addition to shots inside James’ Dreamotion Studios on Electric Ave.
Since the film premiered a few weeks ago, it has already won awards at a host of major film festivals and this week, James said he learned the film’s songs (Born to Fly and I Can’t Hold On) are in contention for Grammy Awards.
“Fifteen years on,” said James, “Megan’s story is even more relevant today.”
James said he invited Meier to attend the film’s screening at the Awareness Film Festival near L.A. Live this past weekend, and as well, invited her to Seal Beach to see where the scenes were filmed.
“I am so honored to be able to make this film,” said James.
In the film, James directs a talented cast led by Piper Reese (Modern Family), who stars as Megan, as they bring to life a modern version of the sordid tale of cyberbullying that took Megan’s life.
Filmmaker Paul James, left, Tina Meier, center, and Piper Reese on the red carpet at the Awareness Film Festival in Los Angeles.
James said he and the entire cast were in suspense as Meier watched the complete film for the very first time. They did not have to wait long for her reaction.
Lead actress Piper Reese, right, with Megan’s mom Tina. Courtesy photo
“I think he [James] did it beautifully. The actors and actresses were wonderful. The music was wonderful; everything came together,” she said.
“I mean, I’m sure I’m biased, but by far, it blew all the other short films out of the water,” said Meier.
Festival goers agreed. The local director and cast were ecstatic when their film about Megan’s story took home the festival’s Grand Jury Award (best overall film) with Meier in attendance.
Surprisingly, said Meier, she became emotional, especially watching the performance of Reese playing her daughter.
“It made me start thinking about Megan,” she said. Reese’s performance as Megan made her view what happened almost as a third party, said Meier.
Megan Meier, at 13, took her own life believing her boyfriend hated her. As it turned out, the boyfriend was merely a virtual identity created by a neighbor to “prey on her psyche.”
Courtesy of the Megan Meier Foundation
“You know, I didn’t think I would get emotional. I thought I could detach myself from it,” she said. “But watching it and the way that it was made, brought so many different elements and different characters to mind,” said Meier.
“There are all these dynamics that were happening, and then watching what she was going through and seeing that struggle. And then it made me start thinking about Megan, so it was sad. Yes, I cried. Tears were rolling down my face,” she said.
Reese, now 21, said having Megan’s mom there in person at the screening made Megan’s story “come to life” for her. “I was anxious,” admitted Reese, “to have the mother of the girl I portrayed in the room, yet I was incredibly honored that she would come.”
Although the two had met over Zoom during the pandemic, Reese said the emotion expressed in meeting Tina in person “is hard to express in words,” yet Reese too, said the experience brought her to tears.
“I cried with her [Tina] during the screening,” said Reese.
Reese said she has been touched by Megan’s story and that she “feels connected” to Tina.
“It was really special having Megan’s mom attend,” said Reese. “I felt naturally comfortable with her,” she said.
Reese and James are leaving for England next week where they are expected to screen
“From Under the Bridge” in London and visit James’ own high school in a suburb of the city to screen the film for students there.
Meier’s reflections on mental health
For Meier, it has been a long, painful journey since Megan’s death fifteen years ago.
Not only because she lost her daughter, said Meier, but now she says because of the mental health challenges facing both adults and young men and women in similar situations.
“It is unfair,” she said. “Absolutely, I feared the word ‘suicide’. You know when I was a young parent, I did not want to talk about it because, if you talk about your child having depression or struggling with any of these issues, it’s kind of like we must be the bad parent,” said Meier.
Megan Meier in the 3rd grade. Courtesy of the Megan Meier Foundation.
In 3rd grade, Meier said her daughter first began crying at night, “and I couldn’t get her to go to sleep.” “Megan told me she wanted to kill herself. I asked why. ‘Because people hate me’,” Meier said Megan told her.
“When Megan told me, I panicked. I ran into my bedroom, I grabbed a pillow and went into my bathroom and screamed into the pillow for 10 minutes,” said Meier.
“What could I do,” she wondered, “I can’t take her to the emergency room. When you have a broken bone, you can go to the emergency room. When someone has a broken heart, who can you call,” she asked.
“I didn’t know who to call, so I went back upstairs and questioned her and I slept with her that night because I was so scared,” said Meier. Soon thereafter, Meier took Megan to the doctor. “I waited in the parking lot, that’s how scary it was.”
Megan was diagnosed with depression and ADHD and began taking medication.
But for Tina, however, she says it began a period of mental isolation.
Megan Meier in 3rd grade. Courtesy of the Megan Meier Foundation.
“When you look at everybody else’s family, and they’re going to the PTA meetings and they’re going to sporting events and it looks like their lives are so perfect. And then you look around and you think, ‘I have a kid who has talked about suicide,’ or, ‘I have a kid that’s going through this’ and so you try to like kind of hide it and act like that does not exist,” said Meier.
“I felt like the worst parent in the world because I thought my kid talked about this…my kids on medication and going to therapy so I must be doing something wrong,” she said.
“We tried counselors, we tried different psychiatrists, we tried. I mean, you name it, I tried anything I could think of, I think, for me, what I would have known differently was sometimes it’s okay for your kids not to be okay. It’s okay to be able to sit down and let them know you don’t have all the answers and that I see that you’re really struggling,” said Meier.
Through Megan’s foundation, Meier offers teens support and programs “to inspire actions to end bullying, cyberbullying and suicide.”
She now believes the film can play a role in that mission.
“We want to live in a world where cyberbullying no longer exists. We believe that by empowering society to celebrate individuality and the acceptance of others, we can work together to create a safer and kinder world,” claims Meier on her foundation’s website.
“I just wanted Megan to be happy and be okay, that was all I wanted,” said Meier. “Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way.”
Editor’s note: The Megan Meier Foundation is a 501 (c )3 organization. Visit www.meganmeierfoundation.org.
October 2021 was a rewarding month for The Youth Center, which received three distinguished awards for exemplary performance in 2021. The awards are Best Nonprofit in Los Alamitos (voted by Event News Enterprise readers), Best Tutoring Services in Los Alamitos (voted by Event News Enterprise readers) and 2021 Top-Rated Nonprofit by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and nonprofits.
For 69 years, the Youth Center has been providing programs for kids and their families, including music education, after school care, tutoring, summer programs, programs for teens and scholarships for families in need in the local community.
“We are honored to receive these esteemed awards,” says Lina Lumme, Executive Director and CEO. “We are extremely proud of our achievements. Our staff and volunteers work hard every day to ensure we provide top quality programs to our students. We are able to keep our doors open and provide affordable programs in our community due to the generosity of so many local families and businesses. Thank you for your ongoing support and for allowing us to continue with our mission of helping kids succeed and stay healthy,” she concluded.
In October 2021, The Event News Enterprise informed The Youth Center they had been voted Gold Ribbon winners in the categories of Best Nonprofit and Best Tutoring Services by the local newspaper’s readership.
The Top-Rated Nonprofit Award (also awarded The Youth Center in October 2021) is based on the rating and number of reviews that The Youth Center received from volunteers, donors, participating families, and scholarship recipients. One parent wrote, “The Youth Center is a phenomenal organization that serves the youth in our community. The staff are beyond friendly, the facility is clean, the programs are the best in Orange County, and the kids are always smiling when I see them pass through. I can’t think of a better youth program in Southern California that is truly dedicated to serving our children. Kudos, Youth Center, on your outstanding work!”
“The Youth Center is a great example of a nonprofit making a real difference in their community,” said Perla Ni, CEO of GreatNonprofits, “Their award is well-deserved recognition not only of their work, but the tremendous support they receive, as shown by the many outstanding reviews they have received from people who have direct experience working with The Youth Center.”
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.
Courtesy photo
Small businesses play a critical role in the present and future of Los Alamitos. Funded through monies received from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Los Alamitos residents will receive $50 worth of Los Al Bucks to shop at participating Los Alamitos businesses. Please join the City Council along with participating Los Alamitos businesses in supporting Los Alamitos and shop local this holiday season. To view the list of participating Los Al Bucks businesses, please visit the City’s website at www.cityoflosalamitos.org. Here, Los Alamitos Mayor Pro Tem Shelley Hasselbrink with a Los Al Bucks participating business – Green Street Interior and owner Judy Klabouch.
Part of the celebration includes a “Hat Ceremony,” which honors all who have given their lives, while in the service of their Country.
“I just wanted Megan to be happy and be okay, that was all I wanted,” said Meier. “Unfortunately, it didn’t work out that way.”
