Freedom of speech must be protected and revered even when you disagree. Recently we (Dr. Jeff Barke, Rossmoor resident and President of Rossmoor Community Services District and Staci Muller, Seal Beach resident) had our opinion piece published in the local papers. As a result, we have been attacked personally for expressing our opinions. Interestingly, the merits of our opinion have not been contested, just the fact that we dared to publicly share them.
In summary, we opined that the recent woke direction of the Los Alamitos Unified School District may hurt the property values and reputation of our Rossmoor community and beyond. An example was given of an interaction Staci had with a friend that was finding it more difficult to get a renter for her Rossmoor property. Staci also shared an email exchange with the Los Alamitos School Board president who responded to Staci’s question with: “You might want to sell now while you can still get top dollar. I am off to an agenda planning meeting.”
We will not apologize for our opinions! In fact, there are many homeowners in Rossmoor, Seal Beach, and Los Alamitos that share our concerns.
The Los Alamitos school district has earned a fine reputation over the years. Dr. Barke was proud to have served as an elected board member for 12 years and he and his wife entrusted the district with their children’s education. However, LAUSD’s outstanding reputation has been slowly diminishing over the past few years as the focus has shifted from academics, athletics, activities, and the arts to wokeness.
Just recently on the Mcauliffe middle school page, a cartoon was published that underlines how the district is focused on wokeness versus basic studies. The insulting cartoon assumes children are racist, wanting them to repeat:
“No matter how open-minded, socially conscious, anti-racist I think I am, I still have old learned, hidden biases that I need to examine. It is my responsibility to check myself daily for my stereotypes, prejudice and ultimately, discrimination.”
As the Los Alamitos school district implements ethnic studies, social justice standards and socially inclusive instruction (believed by many to be based on critical race theory) there are countless families opting out and instead choosing homeschooling, charter schools, or private schools. Here is one recent message sent to Dr. Barke from Seal Beach resident Dani Sams:
“Hi Dr. Barke, I LOVE your material. Please let me know if we can ever chat. I just pulled my 3 kids from the Los Al public school and will be doing my part to stand in my truth.”
While we respect the will of the school board to vote to bring ethnic studies and social justice standards into the district, we also honor the right of the citizens in our local community to organize, speak out and get involved in local elections.
Another Seal Beach resident Tamee MacKay told Dr. Barke:
“As a result of the actions of the Los Al school board, I will be removing my child from Hopkinson elementary school in the fall and instead will homeschool. I should not have to do this as a taxpayer.”
Barke ran into a Los Alamitos high school teacher at Costco who asked to share anonymously for fear of retribution from the woke staff:
“Ethnic Studies and Social Justice Standards are nothing more than progressive indoctrination disguised as history lessons. It is sad that I cannot speak out.”
Dr. Barke’s title as Rossmoor Community Services District President was used in the byline of our op-ed. It is common practice to use an elected title when writing an op-ed. Read other op-eds and you will see that a person’s current or previous position(s) are listed even if the op-ed represents their personal views. It was never implied or stated that our opinions represented anyone else’s but ourselves.
As a reminder, Dr. Barke was the number one vote-getter in the last election cycle for RCSD. He was also elected by the RCSD Board to be its president. In that capacity, he will continue to do so with the best interest of Rossmoor in mind. Both Dr. Barke and Ms. Muller will also continue to voice their opinions and advocate on behalf of family values and Judeo-Christian principles.
We welcome dissenting opinions and hope everyone will join us in supporting freedom of speech without personal attacks.
Jeffrey I. Barke, M.D.
RCSD President
Staci Muller
Seal Beach resident
Ireland has one of the richest literary heritage in the world from James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, W.B. Yeats, Roddy Doyle, Bram Stoker, Thomas Moore, to Maeve Binchy, Jonathan Swift, Samuel Beckett, CS Lewis, George William Russell, and John Banville. In addition, the enchanting Emerald Isle has an equally rich history of mythology and legends passed down from generation to generation by storytellers in songs, tales, and limericks. Among the most famous in Celtic and Irish myths are: “The Dullahan,” tale of the headless horseman; “The Shamrock;” St. Patrick’s metaphor for teaching the Holy Trinity; and “The Harp,” which the king used to cheer up his people. Other legends include, “Macha, Goddess of the Horses;” “The Leprechauns;” “The Mermaids;” “The Fairies,” “The Butterflies,” and “The Pooka,” the most feared creatures in Irish folklore. This brings me to “Ondine” and the myth of the “Selkie,” a legendary water creature in Irish and Scottish folk tales that can change its appearance from a seal to a human being by shedding its skin.
“Ondine,” originally released in 2009, was directed by gifted auteur Neil Jordan, who was feted for The Crying Game and Michael Collins. The exquisitely shot film by cinematographer Chris Doyle can be described as an Irish romantic drama with mythological overtones. It stars awesome Irish actor Colin Farrell, free to speak in his thick, luscious brogue in his portrayal of a struggling fisherman named Syracuse. Filmed in the seaside fishing port of Castletownbere, Ireland, the story begins with a sweeping shot of the Atlantic Ocean that closes in on the long-haired, unkempt Syracuse steering his fishing boat in the choppy waters trolling for a catch, which has been very sparse lately.
Because of this, he has financial challenges in contributing child support for his daughter Annie, wonderfully played by Alison Barry, who lives with her drunk of a mother Maura, well done by Dervla Kirwan. Suffering from a renal disease and needing a kidney, Annie is confined to a wheelchair, and requires dialysis. Sober for several years, but due to his past sometimes drunken clownish behavior, the townspeople nicknamed him Circus. As he retrieves his net from the water, much to his shock, he finds trapped inside an unconscious woman who he brings back to life. Alicja Bachleda plays the mysterious Ondine, who from the moment she is revived, refuses any medical attention and doesn’t want anyone to see her.
Respecting her wishes, he brings her to his grandmother’s empty cabin and dashes off to pick up his daughter for a treatment. He is very excited and confused about what he has just experienced, wondering how this woman could still be alive after having been submerged in the water for what was probably a length of time. He wants to share his experience with Annie but frames it as a fairytale beginning with, “Once upon a time.” At the end of the story, precocious Annie says, “That’s a real shite* story, jokingly adding that she must be a selkie. The next day, back on the boat with Ondine, she sings a song that echoes deep into the water and when he brings up his net, it is full of fish and lobsters, which he had been unable to snare in the past.
Amazed at his bountiful catch he says, “You bring me luck.” Our grateful fisherman wants to take his new friend into town to buy her clothes but she is reluctant so he goes shopping by himself where he purchases some clothing while stealing other items, which he stuffs into his pockets. Not wanting to actually go for conventional confession, Syracuse visits his priest on a regular basis where they sit on a bench instead of the confession box. He confesses that he stole clothing for this strange woman.
Played by the very talented Stephen Rea, his character is not your stereotypical priest, but one with a good sense of humor, understanding, and forgiveness in his heart. “Will you steal again? “Probably.” “I thought so.” In the meantime, this mysterious woman brings order to the cluttered cabin and plants flowers in the garden. Adding to the enigma surrounding her, is a haunting shot of a nearby lighthouse, where Ondine is sunning herself. There is something otherworldly about the way she faces the sun and holds her body supporting the idea that she could be a selkie. Syracuse convinces her to go into town for the annual boat races.
Suddenly, the brakes on Annie’s wheelchair fail to lock and she falls into the ocean but is quickly rescued by her dad’s new friend, cementing the notion of who she is. As if bringing him bountiful catches and rescuing his daughter from the sea wasn’t enough, his ex-wife is in a car crash in which her disgusting boyfriend Alex (Tony Curran) dies. More good luck, though, as he has a donor card and his kidney is a match for Annie. It is about here that our beautiful myth begins to shred just a bit with the unexpected arrival of a man who threatens Ondine at which point the mystery of her identity supposedly begins to slowly unravel. Our hero is angry at what he perceives as her deception and stashes her on a remote rocky island, breaks his sobriety, and the happy ending of this fairytale is uncertain, or is it?
As a sidebar, there is currently another film called “Undine,” by German director Christian Petzold, which is a modern version of the same myth. It’s next up on my review list, so watch for it.
The Cypress City Council has posted its process that it plans to use to fill the city council vacancy created by the resignation of Mayor Pro-tem Stacy Berry.
Despite requests via email and from citizens in person to appoint third place finisher Carrie Hayashida to the seat, the council instead voted unanimously to create an application process to fill the seat.
As expected, the process was posted to the city’s website this week for Cypress residents interested in filling the seat.
Here is the process as posted:
• Applicants must be registered to vote, a Cypress resident, and cannot have served on the City Council for eight (or more) years. The person appointed by the City Council will complete the vacated term and serve until December 2022.
• An Applicant Orientation will be held on July 27, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. This orientation will provide information on city operations for residents considering applying to fill the vacancy on City Council.
• The deadline to submit your application is Friday, July 30, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. To apply, please submit the following information to ci*******@*******ca.org.
o Your name, contact information, address, and three references. (Maximum of one page)
o Applicants should include a description of your qualifications, experience, education and community engagement as they relate to serving on the City Council. (Maximum of two pages)
o A statement of your interest in serving on the City Council. (Maximum of one page)
o A statement of your vision for Cypress. (Maximum of one page)
The city said applications are limited to five 8.5”x11” pages and applications that do not meet these requirements will be returned to the applicants.
In addition, the City Council will review applications as they are received and applications will be posted on the City website.
Interviews will be held August 9 – 13, 2021. Applicants are encouraged to keep this time free to ensure their availability. Applicants are required to appear in person for an interview and interviews will be a maximum of 45 minutes.
The California Army National Guard is completing an Environmental Assessment (EA) at Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB) addressing potential effects associated with the installation and operation of a solar panel-based renewable energy generation facility (REGF) on the installation.
The proposed project – construction projected to begin in December 2021 – is part of the U.S. Army’s implementation of its Energy, Security and Sustainment (ES2) Strategy. A key component of that strategy is to provide secure sources of energy at strategically located installations across the country.
JFTB is the only major military installation in the Los Angeles basin capable of supporting large-scale emergency-response operations. Accordingly, the installation was selected due to the critical importance of providing a secure energy source in support of the Guard’s mission to conduct long-term operations during federally or state-declared emergencies.
Once the REGF and microgrid are in operation, should the regional power grid go down for an extended period of time due to storm damage, a natural disaster or terrorist incident, the microgrid will operate independently and provide power to JFTB to support civilian and military emergency-response operations. The project will also enhance power reliability of the local grid during normal operations.
The EA is required under the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and evaluates a number of issues related to possible adverse environmental effects to humans and the environment. Analysis includes land use; airspace; visual and aesthetic resources; air quality; noise; geology, topography, and soils; water resources; biological resources; cultural resources; socioeconomics; environmental justice; human health and safety; utilities and infrastructure; traffic and transportation; and hazardous and toxic substances.
Special attention was focused on potential glint/glare impact from solar panels to aircraft operations at Los Alamitos Army Airfield and to occupants of residences located east, south and west of the base.
Upon completion of the EA, the document will be available at multiple locations for public view and comment. JFTB and Guard leadership will keep the public informed as to the release date and viewing locations.
For additional information, please contact Col. (CA) Richard Lalor at (562) 795-2096 or via email at ri******************@**il.mil, or Staff Sgt. Crystal Housman at (805) 458-3825 or via email at cr*******************@**il.mil.
In a revision of its guidance issued on July 12, the CDPH specified that “schools must develop and implement local protocols to enforce the mask requirements” including deciding what “alternative educational opportunities” would be offered to students “who are excluded from campus because they will not wear a face covering.”
“Masking is a simple and effective intervention that does not interfere with offering full in-person instruction. At the outset of the new year, students should be able to walk into school without worrying about whether they will feel different or singled out for being vaccinated or unvaccinated – treating all kids the same will support a calm and supportive school environment,” California Health & Human Services Agency Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly said in a press release.
Based on the CDC guidelines, vaccinated people do not need to wear masks in classrooms. However, CDC also recommends masking in classrooms continue for people age 2 and older who are not fully vaccinated. CDC notes it is “especially important to layer multiple other prevention strategies” like indoor masking if physically distancing 3 feet between students is not possible.
CDPH explained in a press release that in order to achieve its goal of offering safe and full in-person instruction to all students, California could not adhere to the 3 foot distancing rule.
“In California, the surest path to safe and full in-person instruction at the outset of the school year, as well as minimizing missed school days in an ongoing basis, is a strong emphasis on the following: vaccination for all eligible individuals to get COVID-19 rates down throughout the community; universal masking in schools, which enables no minimum physical distancing, allowing all students access to full in-person learning, and more targeted quarantine practices, keeping students in school; and access to a robust COVID-19 testing program as an available additional safety layer,” reads the updated CDPH guidance. Other safety layers include: ventilation, testing, and screening measures.
The CDPH said it plans to revisit and revise school guidance as necessary and will determine no later than November 1, 2021 “whether to update mask requirements or recommendations.”
Reaction in Los Al Unified
Los Alamitos Unified School Board President Marlys Davidson said “speaking for myself, I think the decision by the state to require staff and students to wear masks when our schools reopen may be a rush to judgment.”
Davidson said she has not had time to speak in detail with other board members or District Superintendent Dr. Andrew Pulver, but said in her own opinion, she hopes local districts will be given some flexibility and input on keeping students safe. She noted that last August, LAUSD “followed every guideline and mandate in order to open to a hybrid form of learning on every campus and to keep students and staff healthy and safe,” suggesting school districts have a repository of knowledge on pandemic response.
Students and staff were required to wear masks on LAUSD campuses last year.
As a former teacher with 25 years of experience, Davidson also hopes the COVID-19 precaution conversations to weigh the danger of COVID-19 to children with other issues. “Isn’t is wise to consider more than the virus when focusing on the well-being of our children? Masks can create barriers to the engagement of students and to their connectedness with their teacher and peers. Mental health and learning loss need to be high on the list of determinants,” she said.
Mental health is also a concern of LAUSD parent Matthew Simmons. In a phone interview on Sunday, he said he wants masks to be optional for students when most return to school on August 16. He says masks inhibit communication which he believes is more harmful to children than the risk of catching COVID-19. “These kids are getting disconnected from other people because they are not able to see other people’s emotions,” Simmons said. Simmons said Los Al Unified did a “phenomenal job” getting kids back for in-person learning in the hybrid format last academic year. He admitted he was unsure about a return to campus a year ago but this week remarked, “in hindsight, it turned out to be the best thing for my kids’ mental health.”
LAUSD parents Nathan and Jamie Dusek are not ready to ditch the mask rule.
“I am super happy they are keeping mask mandates for schools in California,” Jamie wrote in a text message. “I was worried,” she added, pointing to the fact that her kids are too young to be vaccinated. Another concern of hers is that unmasked older students could spread the virus to their younger siblings at home putting their unvaccinated classmates – her kids – at risk.
Next month the Dusek’s two children will be on campus at their LAUSD elementary school after their oldest was enrolled in LosAl@Home, the virtual learning pathway, last year. “I’m excited to send both [children] back,” Nathan wrote. He said based on the very few cases of COVID at their campus, school seemed to be the safest place during the pandemic because of measures like mask wearing.
One parent in an LAUSD Facebook group wrote requiring masks may be the only way her child could safely be on campus due to a rare lung disorder. “For those expressing frustration at this [mask] mandate, please consider yourselves lucky that you have children that are not health compromised,” the parent commented.
Protecting immunocompromised people is one reason to keep mask mandates says LAUSD parent and pediatrician Lori Livingston.
“If they are unvaccinated, they should be wearing a mask indoors,” she said in a phone interview on Sunday. She said masks are one of the most effective ways to reduce virus transmission. She also said health officials are still studying the newer, more contagious Delta variant of COVID-19.
Dr. Livingston said she was “surprised” the State of California went further than CDC recommendations but added she is “happy to hear that.” She said it aligns with the American Academy of Pediatrics which advises mask wearing should continue inside classrooms until the COVID-19 vaccine is available for children and “uptake in the pediatric population is high enough to prevent transmission” of the novel coronavirus.
Pfizer’s COVID vaccine is already approved for people 12 and older. It expects to ask for emergency approval from the FDA for its vaccine to be given to children ages 5 to 11 by October.
More than 4 million COVID cases and at least 344 COVID deaths have been recorded among children in the U.S. since the pandemic began, according to AAP data from July 8. “At this time, it still appears that severe illness due to COVID-19 is rare among children,” AAP writes on its website but adds “there is an urgent need to collect more data on longer-term impacts of the pandemic on children, including ways the virus may harm the long-term physical health of infected children, as well as its emotional and mental health effects.”
Despite several personal recommendations and a host of emails supporting the third-place finisher in the 2020 election, the Cypress City Council voted on Monday to allow eligible citizens to apply to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former Council member Stacy Berry.
Berry somewhat surprisingly resigned her seat on the Council effective July 5 so that she and her husband could better prepare for an out-of-state move.
Berry’s unexpired term on the council ends in November of 2022, and the Council discussed a number of options Monday to fill the vacant seat.
The Council agreed almost not to call a special election to fill the seat, and instead, voted to create a process with applicants. They rejecting calls for the Council to appoint the third-place finisher in the 2020 election.
Most were supportive of former candidate Carrie Hayashida, a candidate of Asian descent that somesaid they thought could effectively represent the one-third of the citizens of Cypress who are of Asian or Pacific Islander heritage.
Hayashida finished with more than 6,000 votes in 2020, and although she was not elected (because of only two seats being open), she finished more than 2,000 votes ahead of the next closest finisher.
Even Blaze Bhence, a candidate in that same 2020 race, appeared before the Council to ask them to appoint Hayashida to Berry’s open seat. “Follow the Democratic process,” Bhence urged the Council. “We have an underserved (Asian) and underrepresented part of our community,” he said, which amounts to nearly 40 percent.
“And,” he said, “we do have a vacancy.”
“The people of Cypress have spoken,” said Tim Yurien, another resident. “Whoever came in third should fill that spot,” he said, “regardless of who it was.”
Hayashida, who also attended the meeting, called the vacancy an “equitable opportunity” for the north side of the city to have representation on the council. “While I am committed to run again in 2022, it seems to me that the vacancy should go to the next person in line,” she suggested.
The former candidate, who is a businesswoman in Cypress, acknowledged that in no way did she think she was entitled to the position. However, Hayashida said she simply thought it would be the best utilization of the democratic process for the remainder of the council to appoint someone for whom the citizens of the entire city had already demonstrated such strong support.
“Six thousand and seventy voters already voted for me to serve alongside you,” she said.
Those sentiments were repeated by other speakers, both in person and virtually, and according to city officials, was also reflected in emails sent to the Council.
The Council however, had a different view and under its charter, are under no obligation to appoint any candidate for a previous election.
Council member Paulo Morales, who was earlier in the meeting elected by the Council to replace Berry as Mayor Pro-Tem, said residents in the same 2020 election also approved a process embedded in Measure P that allows the Council to have 60 days to fill any vacancy.
“We are reading the emails,” he noted, and acknowledged many of them, in fact, “spoke up for Carrie.”
Yet, he said while Hayashida received 6,070 votes, Measure P had received approximately 16,000 votes, and that included a process of 60 days to fill a vacancy.
Morales said “we (Council) were elected to speak for the community as a whole.” He said by their vote on Measure P, he thought seven of every ten registered voters were directing the council to go through the 60-day process to fill any vacancy on the council.
Morales flatly rejected calls of “cronyism” and other such suggestions by some of the emails, and quickly moved to create a selection process to fill the vacancy on the Council created by the resignation of Berry.
Council member Anne Hertz seconded the motion and the motion to start a process to fill Berry’s seat passed unanimously 4-0.
Following a long process of answering questions directed to them by City Manager Peter Grant, the Council subsequently agreed to a process that will allow residents until July 30 to submit their notifications of interest in the vacancy to the city.
During the discussion, the council agreed to provide prospective appointees with a broad outline form rather than an application, per se and allow them up to five pages to provide vision and other details.
City officials say they will coordinate the questions with legal counsel and the Council members and post all requirements, etc. on the city’s website in a few days.
Basically, the charter allows almost any citizen who is legally registered to vote, even if they register any time before the appointment, to submit their qualifications for the post, the council was told was legal counsel Fred Galante.
Candidates who have already served two full terms on the council or which the remainder of Berry’s term would put them over the term limit threshold are not qualified to seek the position, he said.
Also, the process will remain a bit fluid, the Council generally agreed to create selection criteria and begin interviewing in mid-August.
Both Galante and Grant said all applicant submissions, and subsequent hearings, will be public and will be posted on the city’s website. Interviews will also be open to the public.
The Council expects to have a selection before their deadline of September 5 (60 days from the date of Berry’s resignation). If they do not fill the vacant seat by September 5, Measure P changes in the city charter will automatically trigger a special election.
If for any reason the city has to resort to a public hearing, however, Grant said, because of various deadlines involved with election cycles, any new member of the council may not be able to take office until May of ‘22.
Grant said county officials say the cost of staging a special election would be approximately $250,000.
After the meeting, Hayashida said, “I’m extremely disappointed but now I want to serve Cypress more than ever.”
The Rossmoor Community Services District learned this week that the Orange County Board of Education had voted to withdraw an application that earlier prompted a heated meeting called to discuss the purpose of the application.
The OCBE had earlier filed the application to rent the RCSD Rush Park auditorium for two educational forums on Critical Race Theory, one on July 27, and the other, potentially on August 24.
Residents both for and against OCBE having the meeting in Rossmoor testified at the special meeting, but longtime Rossmoor residents were largely against the move, outraged that the OCBE “forum” on CRT, with the potential for confrontation, would be held in a residential, bedroom community.
Nevertheless, the RCSD board voted 3-2 to allow the application to proceed, but with the proviso that OCBE pay for all added security costs and other costs of the meeting.
Following its regular meeting last week, however, the Orange County Board of Education has officially withdrawn its request to rent the Rush Park Auditorium. This week, General Manager Joe Mendoza confirmed the fact that the OCBE application had been withdrawn.
Apparently, when those security cost estimates were transmitted to OCBE, officials said holding a meeting at Rush Park in Rossmoor was simply “not workable.”
Coincidentally, at the OCBE’s most recent meeting Wednesday, Mari Barke, of Rossmoor, was elected President of the Board for the next year.
Therefore, the Orange County Board of Education voted 5-0 at their July 7 meeting to withdraw its rental request and instead, voted to hold both of the planned meetings at their existing facility.
Former President Ken Williams, Jr. told the OCBE that the June 22 special meeting held by the Rossmoor Community Services District (to discuss the OCBE rental application) had been “a very contentious meeting.”
“It is quite obvious that there is a good percentage of people locally who didn’t want potentially confrontational groups in their community,” Williams told the OCBE.
Accordingly, he said potential security estimates at both Rossmoor, and Yorba Linda (another potential site), were “cost prohibitive” for OCBE. Williams said neither site turns out to be “workable” for OCBE.
Instead, Williams then recommended the OCBE host both the July 27 and August 24 CRT forums at the OCBE facilities in Costa Mesa. Even though the facility can only accommodate approximately 150 people, Williams asked the staff about setting up a tent outside with live streaming and audio facilities for overflow.
Nina Boyd, Associate Superintendent for the Orange County Department of Education, said cost estimates provided for security at Rush Park were perhaps “overstated,” but she noted because of nearby freeways and the potential cost of calling in reinforcements, the estimate could have indeed been quite expensive.
Boyd leads OCDE’s Governance, Leadership and Community Partnerships division and serves as liaison to the Orange County Board of Education.
While OCBE has arranged such tents for outside facilities in the past, said Boyd, recent discussions with local police indicate they cannot utilize the same spaces, citing additional security concerns.
“The climate has changed in America,” she told the OCBE.
Nevertheless, the board unanimously agreed to change the venue to Costa Mesa and work on provisions to accommodate up to 300 people expected to attend two educational forums on Critical Race Theory.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jeffrey Barke, President of RCSD, who supported the meeting, said “it is very unfortunate that the venue needed to be changed but certainly understandable considering the almost six figure estimated cost for security by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.”
“I look forward to the information that will be presented in the CRT/Ethnic Studies forums – it is critical that parents be informed about this curriculum that is being introduced in many K-12 public schools,” he said.
Director Jeffrey Rips, who strongly opposed having the meeting in Rossmoor, and tangled with Barke at the meeting, said simply the OCBE “made the right decision.”
“I think it was the right decision not to have the meeting in Rossmoor,” he said, “they are going to have it in their own facility, which is great.” He said while the RCSD “should have made that decision,” the fact the OCBE withdrew “is a good thing for Rossmoor.”
Rips and Director Nathan Searles were the only two Rossmoor directors voting against having the meeting in Rossmoor.
Searles also said he thought the OCBE made the correct decision. “It shows they are taking security seriously,” he thought, and “it was the right thing to do.”
Directors Tony DeMarco and Mark Nitikman, who voted to allow the meeting, did not respond to a request for comment.
“It’s sad that a majority of the RCSD board thought this was a good idea for our community,” said Del Clark, a former LAUSD and OCBE board member. “Thank goodness the Sheriff’s Department recognized the potential for unrest and their cost estimate for security forced the OCBE to withdraw.”
She thanked the Rossmoor residents who turned out to “make the case” against “this dog and pony show.”
The U.S. General Services Administration has announced the start of a public sale of Poplar Plaza in Los Alamitos and from all appearances, there is no shortage of interest from local developers interested in purchasing the government surplus building.
Los Alamitos Associate Planner Tom Oliver told the Planning Commission last week that already, since the GSA announcement, more than 35 developers have expressed interest in acquiring the property.
According to the official announcement, “the GSA encourages developers, investors and other potential buyers to consider this opportunity to purchase this 12.36-acre property in the highly desirable community of Los Alamitos.”
This property was identified as one of the properties for the high-value round under the Federal Asset Sale and Transfer Act (FASTA – PL 114-287). Under the FASTA legislation, proceeds from property sales in the high-value round will be used to fund further potential sales of unneeded federal property and consolidation actions to save taxpayer funds.
Poplar Plaza is located at 4665 Lampson Avenue, Los Alamitos. The 12.36+/- acres property is improved with a two-story building (88,000 +/- square feet) and is currently being used as commercial office space. The Navy Golf Course is immediately northeast of the property and the Old Ranch Country Club is west of the property. South of the property is a tract of single-family residential homes.
According to the GSA, the auction is scheduled to start on Monday, June 21, 2021 at 11:00 am (Central Time) on RealEstateSales.gov.
Each bidder is required to submit a bid registration of $250,000 and the minimum opening bid is $16,000,000 (USD).
Additional information about the property and the auction can be found online at RealEstateSales.gov.
Property Tours
The property will be open for tours by appointment only for registered bidders who have paid the registration deposit of $250,000.
The inspection tour dates and times: Wednesday, June 30, 2021 and Tuesday, July 20, 2021 (10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm Pacific Time)
According to GSA’s Region 9 Public Buildings Service Deputy Commissioner Patricia Chang-Lynn, “the auction of the Poplar Plaza is another example of GSA’s ability to dispose of property from the federal inventory, by creating an economic development opportunity in Orange County while generating proceeds for the taxpayer.”
The public can find more information about this auction by contacting Gina Arias-Arrieta at 415-407-5304 or Po*********@*sa.gov.
Senator Thomas J. Umberg (D-Santa Ana) has announced that his Senate Bill 366, which extends the Vehicle Dismantling Strike Team for a period of three years, passed the Assembly Transportation Committee yesterday by a unanimous, bi-partisan vote of 14-0. The Senator used the opportunity to debut new amendments to the measure attacking a massive spike in catalytic converter thefts in California, as well.
“Unlicensed auto dismantling is an environmental justice, economic, and public health issue,” said Senator Umberg. “SB 366 adds on to the important work of my colleague, Assemblymember Santiago, and addresses some newer issues that have arisen pertaining to catalytic converter theft. We owe it to our communities to be more responsible, as a state, in terms of regulation of these illegal activities.”
A significant spike in environmental and public health damage to inner cities attributed to illegal auto dismantling resulted in urgent action from the Legislature in 2016, which resulted in the signing of AB 1858 (Santiago). This measure required the DMV to coordinate enforcement and compliance activity related to unlicensed vehicle dismantling with other state agencies as a part of the Vehicle Dismantling Industry Strike Team. Since then, there have been over 40 operations throughout California, which have resulted in the identification of 824 unlicensed dismantlers.
Unfortunately, the underground economy in California continues to be a huge dilemma facing the auto recycling industry. It is estimated that at least 40% of all end-of-life vehicles are being processed through a thriving underground economy of unlicensed and unregulated auto dismantlers. SB 366 implements the Strike Team’s recommendations to maintain momentum on this issue by extending the Team’s work for 3 more years.
The vehicles processed through unregulated operations and dismantlers represent nearly $100 million in uncollected sales taxes and fees, over 2 million unaccounted for tires, and over 2 million gallons of unaccounted for hazardous fluids along with materials that require special handling, such as, lead acid batteries, mercury switches, catalytic convertors, coolant, lithium-ion batteries and freon.
In fact, unlicensed auto dismantlers play a critical role in the proliferation of catalytic converter thefts throughout California. Thieves target the vehicle exhaust emission control device because it contains precious metals and can be scrapped for quick profit.
“For some reason, people tend to think that auto and auto parts thieves aren’t smart,” said Senator Umberg. “The reality, however, is that catalytic converter theft can be quite lucrative – but only if aided and abetted by illegal auto dismantlers like those targeted by the Vehicle Dismantling Industry Strike Team.”
SB 366 will next be heard by the Assembly Appropriations Committee in the coming weeks.
For questions about SB 366 or any of the Senator’s efforts to protect car owners in California, people are encouraged to contact his Capitol Office at (916) 651-4034.
Local elected officials are supposed to be more accessible to the people they serve because they are members of the same community. This doesn’t mean city council or school board members will agree with every constituent who reaches out to them, but at the very least they should be respectful and accessible in discussing local issues that affect both. Unfortunately, the Los Alamitos Unified School Board (through its President Marlys Davidson) doesn’t appear to care what parents have to say unless it supports the school board’s Ethnic Studies elective that is based on Marxist Critical Race Theory agenda.
On July 7, 2021, Seal Beach resident Staci Muller sent an email (including a link) to LAUSD Superintendent Dr. Andrew Pulver and the entire school board about her concerns regarding the district teaching Ethnic Studies and how this might be affecting property values. As a reminder, for decades being part of the LAUSD was one of the key selling points for people who planned to rent or own and even a key element in convincing residents to vote for a bond to finance new construction at Los Alamitos High School.
From: Staci Muller
Sent: Wednesday, July 7, 2021 10:46 AM
To: Dr. Andrew Pulver; Diana Hill; Meg Cutuli; Marlys Davidson; Chris Forehan; Scott Fayette; Ondrea Reed
Subject: How do you plan to handle this? The parents want to know!
The parents want to know what your plan is! We are creating huge groups of people for homeschooling now. If you have a plan I would let the parents know ASAP!
*On a side note a very well-known parent in Rossmoor sent me this message yesterday:
“I spoke to one of our neighbors in Rossmoor who has been renting her home for years. She’s never had a problem because people always want to move into Rossmoor for the good schools. She spoke to her real estate agent and the surrounding neighbors and so many people are leaving Rossmoor because of the critical race theory stuff. Now she’s having a tough time renting her home since the tenants literally moved out so quickly. (The tenants are parents with kids in the district.) She said she used to talk to realtors who would send her people and now all the realtors say they don’t have anyone because everyone is heading for Utah, Texas, Florida, Arizona, Tennessee, etc.”
It seems that LAUSD President Davidson believes in ignoring constituents who don’t agree with her board’s left-leaning tilt. But Ms. Muller was not just sharing her concerns. She specifically wanted to know the LAUSD’s plan since the anti-Christian, anti-Semitic, anti-American Critical Race Theory embraced by LAUSD (and given flowery names to rebrand the curriculum as Ethnic Studies) has caused concern among some homeowners and renters served by the school district. The worry might not make sense to President Davidson, but she should still have been more respectful and responsive to one of her constituents.
Ms. Davidson responded to Ms. Muller’s parental and homeowner concerns with a “let them eat cake” response:
On Wed, Jul 7, 2021 at 11:29 AM Marlys Davidson wrote:
Thank you for sharing your concerns.
Mrs. Davidson
Ms. Muller quickly responded to Ms. Davidson’s insulting response by again asking what the LAUSD board’s response is to this growing concern:
From: Staci Muller
Sent: Wednesday, July 7, 2021 11:39 AM
To: Marlys Davidson
Subject: Re: How do you plan to handle this? The parents want to know!
You’re welcome lol.
How will you as a board be handling this?
Less than a half-hour later, the insolent Ms. Davidson replied, once again proving that if you do not adhere to her views, she doesn’t give a damn what you have to say:
Davidson responded:
PS – You might want to sell now while you can still get top dollar. I am off to an agenda planning meeting. Have a nice day.
There are many parents and concerned community members served by LAUSD and others who work and/or shop in Los Alamitos that have deep concerns about the district revising its education focus from the iconic Three R’s of Education “Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmatic” to “Reading, ‘Riting and Race.”
The focus should be on the basics. Currently less than 60 percent of LAUSD students meet or exceed standard math requirements!
Ms. Davidson might not care, but these parents and/or homeowners are very concerned about LAUSD stomping on Dr. Martin Luther King’s historic call to judge people by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin. After all, Critical Race Theory (with rebranding names like Ethnic Studies, social justice, culturally responsive curriculum etc.) is a racist curriculum designed to divide the United States of America by teaching students to judge people by the color of their skin.
Our students will graduate with many moving outside of LAUSD, which means this issue affects all Americans. This is why we are appreciative of concerned citizens who live or work outside the district but are involved in what the LAUSD is doing.
Instead of indoctrinating students with Marxist propaganda that goes against everything Dr. King stood for, LAUSD should focus on the basics that our children will require to be successful and productive members of society. Its board members, beginning with President Davidson, should also be more courteous to parents served by the Los Alamitos Unified School District.
Jeff Barke, M.D. is the President of the Rossmoor Community Services District and Staci Muller is a Seal Beach Resident
Los Al HS Rugby Club is excited to have not one but three seniors that have accepted college scholarships to play D1 rugby in prestigious Ivy League schools. Asialeata (Sia) Meni & Reign Jefferson will be jetting off to Hanover, New Hampshire for Dartmouth College next month while Macilee MacKenzie makes her way out to Providence, Rhode Island to attend Brown University.
“This is an exciting time for Los Al Rugby Club” says Coach Steve Faupusa. “These ladies have worked hard on and off the field and deserve this opportunity of a lifetime. We are so proud that they have decided to continue to play rugby at the next level.”
Sia was introduced to rugby at the young age of 8 when her uncle & aunt, Heni & Mona Anesi started South Bay Youth Spartans Club located in Carson, CA. She also played soccer & volleyball but eventually dedicated herself to rugby as a sophomore. She founded the first girl’s rugby team and convinced her soccer teammates Reign Jefferson and Macilee MacKenzie to give rugby a try. It did not take long before Reign and Macilee learned the game and excelled. With only 9 girls their rookie season Los Al Lady Griffins took 2nd place in So Cal Youth Rugby HS Division.
This past Spring the Lady Griffins were off to a great start with only 12 rostered players. They remained undefeated until about halfway through the season when injuries curtailed their plans. They still ended the season placing 2nd in league only losing to a very experienced Fallbrook team from San Diego.
Other Lady Griffins that are continuing their rugby career in college are Jersey Lauti, Madi Baddeley & Savonna McGlothan all attending Grand Canyon University (GCU) in Phoenix, AZ and Jovanna McGlothan attending Lindenwood University in Saint Charles, MO. Returning players to look out for are Simone Bautista, Aliyah Becerril, Jazel Rugama and newcomer Alexa Hartenberg.
The community of Rossmoor and Elite Special Events will be hosting the second of four Summer Foodie Festivals on July 17 at Rush Park. The event will have 10 of the top-rated food trucks in orange county, carnival area for the kids and Live music featuring Rick Parma, Brown the Cous Cous and headliner King Salmon Band.
King Salmon Band
The event will take place from 2-8pm with the headliner King Salmon starting at 6:00pm. The event is Free to the public! Bring your beach chairs and picnic blankets and enjoy a day of great Food and Music! The organizer of the event Ted Holcomb said “it was so awesome seeing the community back out with their families again having fun, dancing, and enjoying great food together. This next event on July 17 should be even bigger and better.”
“If you haven’t seen the King Salmon Band perform live before you won’t want to miss it!”
For more information, please call 310-560-9122.
The cities of Los Alamitos and Seal Beach joined state, county and other officials to welcome thousands of area residents who attended this year’s drive-up fireworks display at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos.
Courtesy photos
Courtesy photo Elected and military officials gather for the July 4th fireworks spectacular at JFTB in Los Alamitos. (L-R) Gen. Michael Leeney, Seal Beach Councilwoman Shelly Sustarsic, OC Supervisor Katrina Foley, Sen. Tom Umberg, Mayor Mark Chirco, Assemblywoman Janet Nguyen, and Los Alamitos Council members Shelley Hassselbrink, Tanya Doby and Jordan Nefulda.Courtesy photo A couple enjoys the spectacular fireworks show from the rooftop of their vehicle at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos July 4. Thousands attending the drive-up event had the opportunity to enjoy music, military tributes and more as the City of Los Alamitos Recreation Department staged its 34th Annual Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular.
The event was replete with military pageantry and the base’s military band.
In a move that surprised many, Mayor Pro Tem Stacy Berry has resigned her seat on the Cypress City Council, effective July 5.
The move creates an interesting situation for the council, since voters approved a change in the city charter in 2020 that requires the empty seat be filled within 60 days and allows the council to appoint someone to fill the seat or otherwise hold a special election.
According to Measure P, a special election could cost taxpayers more than $220,000. Either way, appointed or elected, the new Council member will fill the remainder of Berry’s existing term, which ends in 2022.
According to a city press release, Berry “submitted a letter of resignation to the City Council on June 28, notifying the City Council that she will resign her position effective July 5, 2021, for personal reasons.”
Berry was first elected to the City Council in November 2014 and re-elected in November 2018, her City Council colleagues selected her to serve as Mayor from December 2018 to December 2019.
“I would like to thank Mayor Pro Tem Berry for her years of dedicated service on behalf of Cypress,” said Mayor Jon Peat. “We wish her the best in her new endeavors,” he said in the release.
Berry, meanwhile, thanked Cypress residents for their “overwhelming” show of support at the news. “It really touched me,” she said in an interview, “quite frankly, when you’re in the day-to-day bubble of always having another issue coming up, you don’t always see this side of it.”
“You don’t always hear the good comments,” she said. “I didn’t expect that kind of reaction.”
Berry said she and her husband are moving to Prescott, Arizona. “My husband recently retired and we have decided to move to a home we own there,” she said, “but this is truly bittersweet.”
Berry said she decided to resign now because it was the “right thing to do.”
“We are going to put a for sale sign up in our front yard,” said Berry, and “that’s not a good look for the Mayor Pro Tem,” she said.
“I feel so blessed,” said Berry, “for me, this has been the journey of a lifetime.”
While there have been some “tough votes” along the way, Berry said she is truly grateful that she decided to serve the city.
“I will miss Cypress, especially the wonderful people of Cypress,” she said.
Berry was set to term out in 2022, along with Peat and Council member Paulo Morales.
The Cypress City Council will discuss options to fill the vacant City Council seat at its July 12, 2021 meeting. The Cypress City Charter allows the City Council to appoint a replacement or hold a special election if the seat is not filled within 60 days of becoming vacant.
While one candidate, Carrie Hayashida, finished well above the rest of the pack in 2020, the city charter puts the existing council under no obligation to select the top vote getter in the most recent election.
If the council does, as expected, open the process to allow citizens to apply for the vacant seat, they will have the option to select any of the qualified candidates who apply by a simple majority vote.
The discussion is expected to begin next Monday at the regular council meeting on July 12.
The Los Alamitos City Council honored former mayor and council member Marilyn Poe who was back at the city council chambers this week to receive the California Parks and Recreation Society District 10 Volunteer Merit Award.
The presentation took place at last week’s meeting and was presided over by Mayor Mark Chirco.
“Marilyn has played an integral role in the city of Los Alamitos, and in the Orange County region, by volunteering for numerous organizations, all while raising her family of three children,” said Chirco.
“This is quite an honor,” said Poe, thanking city Recreation official Emeline Noda for nominating her. Poe thanked the people throughout the community who volunteer their time to assist the city.
”We were raised to give back to our community,” she said, “and for our parents, it was just a natural thing. Anything I’ve done for this community; I have always received more than I’ve given,” said Poe.
She urged others to volunteer as well. “For anyone out there that feels like they want to participate, they should jump in with both feet.”
“You will be glad you did,” said Poe.
Chirco said Poe began her public service back in 1988, being appointed to the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts commission. She was first elected to the city council in 1994 where she served for 12 years alongside council member Ron Bates, who recently won a seat to return to the council.
Poe served as Mayor of Los Alamitos in 1999 and 2003 and was re-elected to the city council in 2008 and served again as mayor in 2010. During her years of public service, Poe served on a variety of Orange County boards and commissions, including the Orange County Fire Authority, Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, OC Council of Governments and the Southern California Association of Governments.
In the community, Poe has volunteered for the Los Alamitos PTA, softball leagues, The Youth Center, St. Isidore Historical Plaza, Family Resource Center and many others, all while raising her own three children.
Chirco thanked Poe and congratulated her on receiving the award. Poe was technically nominated for the award by the entire Los Alamitos Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Committee.
“Parks are a big deal here,” said Chirco, “the sense of community we have is a big deal.” During the presentation, Chirco also read a Proclamation that makes July “Parks make life Better” month throughout the city.
Landing close to midnight, travel-worn soldiers emerge from a charter aircraft into a blackened night and are immediately blanketed with seasonal humidity. For the nearly 100 Soldiers of the 40th Infantry Division from Los Alamitos, California, arriving at Yokota Air Base in Japan on June 7 was just the beginning of their overseas training. They will join Orient Shield 21-2, a joint exercise with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force and several other U.S. Army units performing multi-domain operations.
Units like the 311th Medical Logistics Support Team from the Ohio Army Reserve, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade from Wheeler Army Airfield in Hawaii and 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry from Fort Benning, Georgia, will contribute key roles to the upcoming annual exercise that rotates between JGSDF divisions and U.S. Army units.
The 40th ID last took part in the exercise in 2018 when U.S. Army Lt. Col. Brian Wintzer participated as the deputy; this year he is serving as the 40th ID fires support coordinator.
“It feels great being back in Japan working with the JGSDF,” said Wintzer. “Even though our languages are quite different, we share a unique bond as soldiers which enables us to work well together and grow the partnership. I’m excited to be part of such a great bilateral team, learning from one another and sharing ideas.”
The sharing of ideas came after World War II when the United States and Japan entered into an alliance with the U.S.-Japan Mutual Security Treaty signed in 1951. Because the Japanese constitution did not support an offensive military posture at that time, Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida allowed the U.S. to maintain a presence in Japan in exchange for military protection. This agreement allowed the country to rebuild. Over the years, the partnership has grown to become the cornerstone of stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The interoperability of this united force is tested during Orient Shield, which offers an opportunity to exchange not only strategic knowledge, but also culture and lasting collaboration.
“I was prior active duty in special forces operations and it was very important to build rapport with NATO countries,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Victor Gonzalez, an intelligence analyst with the 40th ID, Intelligence and Sustainment Company. “I think the Army should maintain relationships with other partners, especially in a future warzone or combat environment.”
From this spirit of mutual learning comes the ability to hone the skills and readiness necessary to work as a combined fighting force. Past the language barrier, each army must navigate the best blended courses of action should enemy aggression to Japan prompt the formation of a joint task force. The effective coordination between armies and each battlefield element is refined during bilateral exercises like Orient Shield.
“Each time we come to Japan, we deepen relationships and understanding of the JGSDF’s capabilities and strengths,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Laura Yeager, the commander of the 40th ID. “Our natural orientation is toward the Pacific; we have greatly appreciated the opportunities to train with I Corps and U.S. Army Japan.”
On Tuesday, June 22, SynED, a national non-profit organization that identifies emerging best practices for effective articulation between employers, job seekers, and education providers, announced that Henry Hua was selected as its national Cyber Hero for June 2021.
Hua is the Dean of Business and Computer Information Systems at Cypress College, a part of the California Community Colleges system. His passion for cybersecurity education and focus on building relationships with local employers is resulting in a pipeline of employment for community college students, opening doors to high-paying careers in the red-hot cybersecurity labor market.
Cypress College serves students from under-represented and low-income communities that might not always think about cybersecurity as a career path that’s available to them. One of Hua’s goals is to give them the confidence they need to see themselves in the field and acquire the skills it takes to get there.
“What we’re trying to do is have everybody understand that they bring value and how to express that value to potential employers,” Hua said. “We want our students to know that they’re coming into the profession and coming into a career, not just taking a few classes here and there.”
Steve Tran, CISO at MGM Studios, said Hua and his team at Cypress are very receptive and responsive to industry needs and want to do everything they can to make sure that students are set up to be successful from day one on the job.
“Cybersecurity is a complex, broad, and diverse field. Henry’s pragmatic approach to the program is effective because he listens to the needs of the industry and the students to build a program that precisely meets their needs and demands,” Tran said. “Most importantly, he cares about creating opportunities and lowering barriers to address the cybersecurity talent shortage.”
It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day trends and the excitement of launching new programs, but Hua sees his work as something that serves a much bigger purpose.
“I always tell my team that we’re here to change a generation, not to do something new that’s fly by night,” Hua said. “That mantra of changing a generation has always been something that we’ve carved into the work that we do.”
Brandon Nguyen was a student in Cypress College’s cybersecurity program and now serves as one of its mentors while he pursues a bachelor’s degree from UC Irvine. He’s worked with Hua since 2017 and considers him to be a valued mentor.
“Henry always has high goals for our program, but they only make the program better for our students and our partners,” Nguyen said. “He is always on the lookout for projects, competitions, equipment, and resources that our students can use to increase their learning. He also seeks to partner with other institutions and industry to collaborate with them and strengthen cyber education community.”
Hua became interested in cybersecurity while working as a data quality analyst for the North Orange County Community College District and earned a master’s degree in information assurance from Cal Poly Pomona.
He saw the educational opportunity in the field when he began serving as Dean of Mathematics, Business, and Computer Technology at San Bernardino Valley College. Things picked up steam when he arrived at Cypress College in 2017 and met cybersecurity instructor Ben Izadi.
“We have a lot of opportunities in this space, especially in Orange County, right? It’s kind of a hot topic, and there are a lot of companies out here,” Hua said. “Ben and I just started to discuss what it is that we wanted to do and what our vision was for the program, and that snowballed into what we have today.”
Cypress College offers an associate degree in cyber defense, as well as a cybersecurity certificate and a dual enrollment program that serves more than 1,000 K-12 students. It also has a robust CyberPatriot program that allows more than 400 high school and community college students to participate in the national competition.
Along with these cybersecurity-specific initiatives, Hua is also working to make cybersecurity part of the other disciplines within the Business & CIS department. He wants the college’s students to graduate with a “Swiss army knife” mentality that will allow them to bring together various skills and experiences and stay nimble as industries continue to change.
“There isn’t a business that doesn’t need cyber. And without cyber, there is no business,” Hua said. “We’re trying to have students understand that this is a very dynamic relationship that allows people to work together in very different spaces that are closer than they think.”
Izadi said the cybersecurity program has grown drastically in a short period of time thanks to Hua’s vision and leadership. Cypress is one of three colleges in California to receive their CAE2Y (Center of Academic Excellence 2-Year) designation by the U.S. National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.
“Before I met Henry in 2017, our Cybersecurity program had only a handful of students and we barely had any engagement with the middle school and high school students,” Izadi said. “In less than four years, through Henry’s leadership and dedication, we have transformed our program into one that is nationally recognized.”
Few things can bring our community together like the thrill and exhilaration that an Airshow can, and fans can look forward to another great year of world-class aerobatics and supersonic military jets at the family-friendly, patriotic Pacific Airshow. Premium Airshow tickets will go on sale July 1 for the 2021 show, taking place Oct. 1 – 3 over the beautiful Pacific Ocean in Huntington Beach.
This year’s show is set to be the best one yet and will feature the U.S. Navy Blue Angels celebrating their 75th anniversary season and flying new F/A-18 Super Hornets, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds celebrating their 50th anniversary, Captain Kristin “BEO” Wolfe leading the U.S. Air Force ACC F-35 Lightning II Demo squad, the U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey Demo Team, and the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute demonstration team. Dozens of other civilian, military, and local first responder performers will be announced soon.
“Pacific Airshow excites the inner aviator in all of us, unites our community in our common love for our country, respect for our military and veterans, and pride in our innovations,” said Kevin Elliott, Pacific Airshow director. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the beach for the best airshow yet. Stay tuned for a few surprise announcements coming soon.”
Pacific Airshow fans can use the new mobile app to learn about this year’s Airshow performers, discover major points of interest using an interactive map, purchase event tickets, and stay up to date with important event updates and announcements. Fans can download the mobile app through their provider’s app store.
Fans have five options for premium Airshow viewing this year, which can be purchased on the new mobile app and at the Pacific Airshow website.
1. General Admission – $25 per person, kids under 5 free (please bring ear protection for them!)
Located at the water’s edge at Show Center, this open beach area is right in the heart of the action. Formerly known as the “Drop Zone” or “Beach Seating,” this private area on the beach is the perfect place to bring your blankets, chairs and umbrellas and enjoy the action from as close as you can get. Fans will have access to nearby beverage stands including beer and wine, food trucks and dedicated restrooms. EZ Up tents are not allowed.
2. Pier Seating – $40 per person
At 30 feet above the sand, Airshow fans are closer than ever to every roar, twist, and turn. These unreserved seats on the Huntington Beach Pier are offered on a first come, first served basis and fans will have access to the Airshow’s live announcer feed, plus nearby beverage stands, food trucks and restrooms. Coolers, umbrellas or EZ Up tents are not allowed.
3. Premiere Club Seating – $199 per person on Saturday/Sunday, $149 per person on Friday
This all-inclusive topflight ticket is perfect for the most dedicated Airshow enthusiasts. Formerly known as the “Flight Line Club,” this section is located next to the Airshow’s Show Center. Each ticket includes hosted food and beverage options, access to private restrooms, and an unforgettable view of exciting aerobatic performances – all in the comfort of a tented pavilion complete with tables, chairs, and patio umbrellas. Seating is unreserved and personal coolers, EZ Ups and umbrellas are prohibited. Must be 21 years or older to drink alcohol.
4. Premiere Club Seating + Table for 10 – $1,990 on Saturday/Sunday, $1,490 on Friday
Enjoy all the premium offerings available in the Premiere Club Seating section, plus a private reserved table for up to 10 people.
5. Cabanas – $3,950 on Saturday/Sunday, $2,950 on Friday
Personal coolers, EZ-Ups and umbrellas are prohibited.
For more information, please visit www.pacificairshow.com, follow Pacific Airshow on social media @pacificairshow and download the mobile app from the app store.
The Orange County Board of Education has withdrawn its request to hold one or more “educational forums” on Critical Race Theory in the community of Rossmoor, the Event News Enterprise has confirmed.
The Orange County Board of Education voted 5-0 at their July 7 meeting to withdraw its rental request and instead, voted to hold both of the planned meetings at their existing facility in Costa Mesa.
The board had earlier filed an application to rent the RCSD Rush Park auditorium for the CRT educational forums, one on July 27, and the other, potentially on August 24.
Former President Ken Williams, Jr., told the OCBE that the June 22 special meeting held by the Rossmoor Community Services District (to discuss the OCBE rental application) had been “a very contentious meeting.”
“It is quite obvious that there is a good percentage of people locally who didn’t want potentially confrontational groups in their community,” Williams told the OCBE.
Accordingly, he said potential security estimates at both Rossmoor, and Yorba Linda (another potential site), were “cost prohibitive” for OCBE. Williams said neither site turns out to be “workable” for OCBE.
Instead, Williams then recommended the OCBE host both the July 27 and August 4 CRT forums at the OCBE facilities in Costa Mesa. Even though the facility can only accommodate approximately 150 people, Williams asked the staff about setting up a tent outside with live streaming and audio facilities for overflow.
Nina Boyd, Associate Superintendent for the Orange County Department of Education, said cost estimates provided for security at Rush Park were perhaps “overstated,” but she noted because of nearby freeways and the potential cost of calling in reinforcements, the estimate could have indeed been quite expensive.
Boyd leads OCDE’s Governance, Leadership and Community Partnerships division and serves as liaison to the Orange County Board of Education.
While OCBE has arranged such tents for outside facilities in the past, said Boyd, recent discussions with local police indicate they cannot utilize the same spaces, citing additional security concerns.
“The climate has changed in America,” she told the OCBE.
Nevertheless, the board unanimously agreed to change the venue to Costa Mesa and work on provisions to accommodate up 300 people expected to attend two educational forums on Critical Race Theory.
Meanwhile, Rossmoor Community Services District General Manager Joe Mendoza has confirmed that OCBE has, as of Thursday morning, officially withdrawn its Rush Park rental request.
At the OCBE’s most recent meeting Wednesday, Mari Barke, of Rossmoor, was elected President of the Board for the next year.
See more details and reaction in the Event News Enterprise next week.
Courtesy photo
Rossmoor resident Mari Barke is now President of the Orange County Board of Education.
As he exits the principal’s office at Los Alamitos High School this week, Dr. Gregg Stone is more convinced than ever that he is taking with him much more than he gave, which was significant indeed.
And with four decades of inspiring leadership in education, Stone has never lost sight of why he became a teacher those many years ago.
Stone, who first retired as principal in 2019, agreed to return to LAHS in that role at the height of the pandemic following the sudden resignation of his replacement, Dr. Chris Vlasic.
This week he effectively vacates the office for a second time, making way for former Paramount High School Principal Christiana Kraus, who becomes LAHS Principal on July 1. According to LAUSD, Stone has graciously been working with the new principal since her selection.
Over the years, Stone, a former coach, and counselor, has become admired, some say beloved, for his wit, integrity, and reasoned leadership.
Yet, he remains a deeply profound, if somewhat inward leader, who leads by example. Stone has managed to stand out without shouting, or even calling attention to himself, even in a world that increasingly rewards the opposite.
“I’m not the person that’s necessarily out front leading the band, so to speak, but I can do it,” said Stone, “but it’s not something that I necessarily push for.”
A native of Long Beach, Stone began his education at Long Beach City College and received his undergraduate degree at Cal State Long Beach with a teaching credential for English. “I was passionate about it,” said Stone, always knowing he wanted to teach English and coach basketball.
He earned a double master’s degree, one in counseling, the other in educational administration and finally earned his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California in educational administration and management.
He began his career teaching English and coaching basketball at Millikan. As his dream began to take shape. Stone found inspiration from other coaches he admired.
“I’m a firm believer that everyone, you know, has a purpose,” says Stone, and “I knew early on, I wanted to be a teacher and coach and that was kind of my goal and my focus from the get-go,” said Stone.
His purpose, however, goes even deeper as Dr. Stone said he quickly developed an inner urge to counsel struggling students. Stone said early on, he saw fellow coach, and mentor, Max Fraley coaching and counseling and knew he was meant to do it as well.
Dr. Gregg Stone fulfilling his dream. Coaching basketball and teaching English at Millikan High.
“I thought to myself, I really would like to do what Max is doing, being a counselor and coaching. I thought that would be a great blend,” he said.
Also, within a decade, Stone says he discovered that while teaching was rewarding, it was perhaps giving him as much value as he was delivering to students. Even today, Stone carries with him a memento, a photo, from his earliest days to remind him of that impact.
“It’s not very fancy,” he said of the photo. “And people look at it and say, ‘Where are you in this picture?’” “I’m not in it,” he tells them. “It is a picture of the 1983 yearbook class at Millikan, put together with 35 black and white mug shots in there” and then presented to him by the class. He was the class advisor.
For Stone, it’s not about the picture but the “impact” the class had made on him. Still today, these students, now in their early 50’s, remain in touch.
Like all teachers, Stone moved around a bit during his career, accepting a couple of stints as Assistant Principal, first at Rogers Middle School and then back at Millikan.
At 37, he and his wife Chris were married, with another of his longtime mentors, Coach Bill Odell, serving as best man. “He had a big influence on my life,” said Stone of Odell, noting they are still best friends today.
Stone said among his proudest moments were when LAUSD allowed him to present LAHS diplomas to his graduating children. Dr. Stone with his son Michael. Courtesy photo
He and Chris settled in Seal Beach, where the couple’s two children, Michael and Jenna, were born.
At that point, Stone said he had accepted an assignment at Capistrano Valley High School, thinking they may want to move there. “Eventually, though, we decided that we really liked Seal Beach,” where they remain today.
Dr. Stone presenting a diploma to his daughter Jenna.
Stone said he then quickly tired of the commute to Capistrano. Always a doting father, Stone said he quickly became frustrated when traffic jams would steal time away from his children.
“This was not what I signed up for, and put the dad hat on for,” he thought.
When he had a choice to return to Long Beach Unified or fill a position at Los Alamitos Unified in 1998, he chose Los Alamitos High School, where he became Director of Administration and Curriculum Development. There would be no more long commutes and his memories would be filled with Griffins for the remainder of his career.
Eventually, Dr. Stone became Assistant Principal and was later selected to replace Dr. Brandon Martinez as Principal upon Martinez’ retirement.
His devout introspection was further evidenced by his flourishing pen. Over the years, Dr. Stone became an academic poet laureate, of sorts, writing poetry that blossomed into big demand.
He credits his now legendary poetry to a former teacher. Always ready with a story, self-reflection, a Stone parable, if you will, the former Principal somehow always chooses thoughtful words and stories. He says it can be traced back to his own education.
For his poetry, Dr. Stone gives credit to his 11th grade English and yearbook teacher, Joan Danielsen. “When I had to develop public speaking skills, she advised me to script it (write it down first),” said Stone.
“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.
“Then people would ask me to write a poem for them, and I would, not knowing how they were going to land,” said Stone, adding that eventually he began to write poetry for his family on key occasions.
“It adds a personal touch,” he said, “but for whatever reason, the spark of writing has to be attributed to her (Danielsen).”
During his career, Dr. Stone also earned his counseling credential, having never lost his love, and need, to help struggling teens do better.
“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.
When he retired in 2019, students at Los Al produced a touching three-minute video where students, teachers, administrators each took turns “tipping their hats” and making loving gestures to music that simply ended with “no words could ever describe what you’ve done for us.”
Stone said then “it was time to retire.”
Even after his first retirement, however, Dr. Stone was, without fanfare, quietly returning to LAHS to volunteer his time to counsel struggling students. He does the same in Long Beach.
Then, in 2020, Dr. Stone said he got a phone call from his old friend, District Superintendent Dr. Andrew Pulver.
“Dr. Pulver called at the end of July (2020),” said Stone, “and he told me about Chris’ decision (to leave) and asked about whatever time I could give LAHS.” Stone said he asked Pulver permission to think about it and discuss it with his wife, Chris.
Dr. Stone said he and Pulver are longtime friends, having entered the school district about the same time two decades ago.
Given the pandemic conditions, Stone said he told the Superintendent he’d come back for at least one semester, “then we could revisit the idea in September of last year, an admission that Pulver later confirmed.
Despite the pandemic and the massive disruption caused by construction at the high school, Stone said, upon his return, he was comfortable back in the Principal’s Chair, and eventually agreed to remain until July 1, when the new principal steps in.
During Dr. Stone’s unexpected year back at LAHS, his writing and personal stories became an inspiration for parents and students, as he filled the school’s email newsletter with reflections and his parable-like stories that simultaneously taught, led and inspired by example.
Upon his return during the pandemic, however, Stone said he found students and staff “anxious” and “fearful.” Totally understandable, he said, given the pandemic conditions, switching from hybrid to distance, then back again, and with a no-touch protocol on campus.
In many ways, Dr. Stone was seemingly perfect if not pre-destined to lead the school through this once-in-a-century emergency with his quiet wisdom and sure handed leadership despite the world of chaos around him.
It turned out to be a victory lap, of sorts, as Stone was able to join the School Board to cut the ribbon on the new Olympic Aquatic complex and sign the beam for the new STEM building as construction continued during the pandemic, all of which had been facilitated by voter approval of a bond issue.
Throughout his career, Dr. Stone demonstrated his commitment to students at every end of the spectrum, celebrating the overachievers but never forgetting those who lead in different, perhaps more unseen ways.
During his brief interim tenure, Dr. Stone said he informed school officials that he was changing the “Student Leadership Awards” to “Student Impact Awards.”
“If I was going to pick them (award recipients), I wanted to pick students that not only led, but made an impact on leadership and fellow students,” said Stone.
Dr. Stone said he picked a student who wrote him a detailed, three-page letter challenging certain practices, which she later sent to the school board, and a special education student whom everyone knew, but who could only communicate using certain gestures and sounds.
“They may not be in bold leadership roles,” Dr. Stone said he informed LAHS academic counselor Gail Davenport, “but they (students) certainly are making a difference.”
As he reflected on his long career, Dr. Stone said students like those he picked in 2020, were like many throughout his career, that had perhaps impacted him as much or more than he has impacted them.
If they are honest, said Stone, all teachers at retirement “are a little bit different than when they were hired.”
He said when Dr. Pulver called to thank him for coming back and helping the system, “I said Andrew, you helped me as much or more than I helped you.”
Nevertheless, Dr. Stone was named “King of Hearts” by the Los Alamitos Education Foundation in February, which raised $150,000 in his honor for scholarships and other purposes, and the district named Dr. Stone “Hero of the Heart” for the entire LAUSD system last month.
“Gregg, you’re just an incredible man of humility, an incredible man of faith, an incredible man of service and you’re really our Hero of the Heart and I could not be prouder to call you my friend,” said Dr. Pulver in June as they presented Stone with his “Hero” Award.
“You always inspire me to think differently and to be an advocate for our staff and students,” said Pulver, “and to not be swayed from what we know in our hearts is the right thing for students.”
Board President Marlys Davidson said she remembered the time Dr. Stone flatly refused to consider running for School Board because of his counseling work. “You said to me that you didn’t want to give up the volunteer time you had working with the kids at the high school. That’s the kind of person you are,” said Davidson.
Davidson said she felt like it was “destiny” when he was called back to the high school during the pandemic. “I can’t imagine another person on this planet doing the job you did, having the heart you have and caring in the way you do.”
“You are always the calm in the center of any storm,” said long time LAUSD Board member Meg Cutuli, “you just always do what is best for the students.”
Chris Forehan thanked Stone for simply being an “incredible human being.”
Board member Diana Hill, also a longer-serving member, told Stone how she was indeed “impacted” by him when her sons attended LAHS. “It really impacted me who you were and how you handled things,” said Hill.
“You always gave unlimited time and attention to any student who needed it,” she said.
The way that Dr. Stone describes success is perhaps much different than many. In fact, he tells yet another story as an example.
As a former coach, Stone is a great admirer of pro basketball great Bill Russell. “Bill Russell was a center for the Boston Celtics,” said Stone, leading the team to 11 championships in 13 seasons. Yet, said Stone, he never scored more than 20 points per game.
“If you asked Bill Russell about playing a great game, he would say, ‘If I played a great game, only evaluate it on how much I made my other teammates play well.’”
It is seemingly not only a great story about basketball, but a great metaphor for his career as well. Always willing to pass the ball, slap a teammate on the back, encourage them to take more shots, etc. without so much as asking for anything in return but mutual success.
“We all have a purpose,” said Stone, “we all have something to share.” From his earliest days teaching English to his return as LAHS Principal, his core mission, and purpose, has not changed.
From coaching to counseling, and later administration, his role was to find the “gifts” in students and then provide the process and encouragement for them to give voice to share them.
Nevertheless, Stone is still somewhat resistant to the word “retirement,” preferring instead to simply call it yet another “reassignment.” Yes, he said, there will be vacations and cruises with his wife, Chris. But for Dr.
Stone, there is still work to be done.
He has already requested permission from the incoming principal to continue counseling struggling students.
“If I can still help out with counseling, perhaps a case with kids that need help, because if I think if we can get them help and support, I’m going to try to make them better,” said Stone. “I’m not done yet.”
