Cypress College made news last year when it became the only institution of its kind in the USA to install a high tech 737 Max simulator, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous one-million-dollar donor.
Before COVID, the airlines were begging for pilots and with the simulator, enrollment ballooned at the college.
According to Capt. Ed Valdez, Chairman of the Travel and Aviation Department, the growing array of flight simulators was expected to produce “better pilots” as technicians and flight instructors can now simulate a wide range of situations.
Then disaster struck as a series of 737 crashes grounded the aircraft until this past week, when the Federal Aviation Administration finally re-certified the aircraft for commercial flight.
Valdez said this week that although Cypress College will get the procedural and software fixes to the 737 Max, COVID has long prevented students from returning to campus.
This has not stopped flight lessons, said Valdez, “but I really had to think on my feet.”
Using a series of aviation web sites, Google earth and unique programming, Valdez learned how to create a do-it-yourself simulator that allowed students to take lessons via Zoom and other online technologies.
“Students can learn cross country procedures, airport to airport techniques, flight planning, etc.,” said Valdez, saying he learned so much about the hardware and software, that he’s already installed his self-made flight simulators at Fullerton, Torrance and other locations, where students can learn to fly.
He said the screens, monitors, computers, and software are all encased in aluminum and truly, said Valdez, “I kind of like this better than classroom.”
Going forward, he said, students will be able to learn to fly on campus or online. Online students are obviously limited to one-at-a-time, he said.
Valdez is a longtime airline Captain for United Airlines. He is curerently on leave from the airline and will take an early retirement to focus on his new venture.
By necessity, the man who helped buildt the first 737 Simulator thinks his self-made version will soar.
Virus or not, said Valdez, using a bit of ingenuity will keep virtual airplanes in the air. With this new self-made version, he said “flight schools can continue to fly.”
The Cypress School District has entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Melia Homes to sell the District Administration property at Moody and Orange for a base price of $9.1 million. This project is scheduled to be senior housing.
The deal was given formal approval by the Cypress School District’s Board of Trustees at their most recent meeting Nov. 12.
This property is zoned Public/Semi-Public, meaning any affordable Senior Housing development would be permitted use without a vote of the residents.
While plans have not been officially submitted to the city for approval yet, the project has reportedly been described as having 98 senior units, with 50 of them being classified as “affordable”.
Depending on what affordable classification is built, the school district could receive up to $11.2 million for the property. The State has deemed that any project that is 50% + 1 unit is considered an affordable project. This mix of 50% + 1 being affordable and the rest being market-rate senior housing will allow for a project with more amenities and a better land value for the school district.
The project is proposed as 2 story flats so that all the living space is on one floor. A unit will be on either the 1st or 2nd floor.
With the Senior Center, several churches, City Hall, Library, and Concerts on the Green less than a mile away, locals think this is a great location for Senior Housing.
The school district has already purchased another building that will serve as their administrative office at 5816 Corporate Ave, Cypress.
Currently, Cypress has about 4% of its residential units restricted for seniors while 28.5% of Cypress residents are 55 and over.
Oak Middle School 8th grader Phyllisia Rosen is the winner of the 2020 Peace Poster contest hosted by the Seal Beach Lions Club. Students from Oak and McAuliffe middle schools competed for a $250 art supply gift certificate donated in honor of Lion Seth Eaker who passed away last December and was an art enthusiast. Phyllisia’s poster moves to the district level competition. Her amazing drawing was a pizza theme that included “Have a PEACE of Pizza”. For more information about the Seal Beach Lions Club, contact Lion Scott Newton at sc**********@*****il.com. Pictured, left to right are: Jeff Rosen (Dad); Phyllisia Rosen (Winner); and sister Tira Rosen.
In a virtual appearance before the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce Thursday, Los Alamitos Unified District Superintendent Dr. Andrew Pulver presented an inside look at what staff and students have faced since the pandemic began.
Nesi Stewart, Chairwoman of the Chamber, thanked Pulver for “breaking away from your hectic activities to join their November virtual networking breakfast.”
Pulver said he has been in a whirlwind of activity since schools were originally closed March 13.
“Like most of you, I thought then it would be a two or three week closure,” said Pulver. So much has happened since then, Pulver told the Chamber members, that he did not want to focus on the spring and picked up the story in May.
“By the end of May through early August, we spent the summer working with a large group of teachers collaborating on how we would reopen our schools,” said Pulver.
Changing guidance from the state made difficult the safe navigation of the pandemic safety terrain, said Pulver, but he credited the work of staff and the 72 stakeholders with creating a “fluid document” that has thus far created a very successful reopening.
Changing conditions do require frequent changes in the plan. “We do update the document regularly,” he said.
When parents were given a choice to have their students return to school or make a year-long commitment to distance learning, 77 percent of families chose to return, while 23 percent of families chose to remain at home to be educated.
Perhaps the biggest challenge of all during COVID, said Pulver to the Chamber, was “trying to find two different pathways for students all within the same amount of staffing allocations that we have.”
Pulver said the district received about $4 million in federal emergency funding, but he outlined how that money had to be spent, “and then some” to safely reopen the schools.
During the discussion, Pulver explained to Chamber members the difficult task of not only creating a reopening and safety plan but implementing it once it was approved.
He thanked Stewart and her printing company for working under duress to create many of the new placards that allow students to traverse marked up hallways that allow them to move only one way.
The new traffic patterns permit social distancing while switching classrooms. Markings had to be made on the floors for proper distancing, students temperature had to be taken, etc.
“I know all of you as businesses have had to make radical changes to how you operate,” said the superintendent, and it was the same for the school system.
To keep students safe, Pulver explained safety procedures and testing protocols.
Also, he explained the procedures for closing schools, especially now that Orange County has slipped back into the so-called “Purple Tier,” meaning the infection rate has notched up a bit.
The state’s reopening blueprint allows schools that are already open to remain open, even if the county itself falls into a more restrictive category.
Therefore, he said Orange County would not have any direct impact on the LAUSD’s current situation.
Only if three schools (or more than 25% of schools within the district) showed a 5% testing positivity rate would schools be forced to close, said Pulver.
To the contrary, said Pulver, Los Alamitos Unified “seems to be emerging as a model for other districts around the state,” listing the many systems from northern and southern California using the Los Al plan as a model.
He thanked the LAUSD Board of Education for their support, welcomed two new board members, Chris Forehan and Scott Fayette, both of whom attended the meeting.
Pulver also credited parents for their sacrifices and hard work to make kids ready for the special circumstances. Even now, he reminded the Chamber members, Los Al schools were only in hybrid mode, meaning that students are on campus, but only certain days per week.
But, he said, that could change early next year, at least in elementary grades. Pulver said LAUSD is currently studying ways to bring back regular elementary school classes but admitted such a plan “is still aspirational at this point.”
The Aquarium of the Pacific has announced an exciting array of holiday exhibits and activities.
In a press release this week, the aquarium announced it will be opened Saturdays and Sundays, November 28, to December 27, from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Here are the activites:
Discounted Late Nights
The Aquarium will offer Discounted Late Nights on Saturdays and Sundays kicking off Thanksgiving weekend and running through December. Those who make reservations to visit on weekends after 6:00 p.m. can enjoy the Aquarium’s outdoor exhibits for just $15 per person. GuestsThe art of music can only be conveyed through its interpreters,” said Zander, “and the conductor must depend on his ability to make others feel powerful.”
will be able to enjoy holiday décor and special night-time lighting. Food and drinks will be available for purchase and both gift stores will be open for holiday shopping. Lorikeet Forest will be closed.
Cost: $15 per person, free for Aquarium members.
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Info: (562) 590-3100
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Holiday Photo with a Penguin
Join us at the Aquarium for a chance to take your holiday family photos with a penguin. The Aquarium will set up a photo spot outdoors with holiday décor and one of our penguins in the mobile penguin cart. Reservations will be made in five-minute increments, allowing each family to pose and take a photo using their own camera or phone with a tripod provided. All participants age two and older must wear a mask or face covering. Does not include admission. All exhibits and galleries will be closed.
Cost: $25 per family, up to six people.
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Info: (562) 590-3100
Photos for editorial use: Dropbox
Saturday, December 5, 2020
Virtual Holiday Treats for the Animals
10:00 a.m.-1:45 p.m.
Bring the magic of the holiday season to your home as you watch the Aquarium’s animals receive flavorful holiday delights during this free virtual event. In celebration of the holiday season, Santa Diver will dive with sharks, rays, and colorful fish in the Tropical Reef Habitat. The sea otter exhibit will be decked out with “fishmas” treats and real snow, and visitors can watch virtually as the otters savor their holiday treats. Aquarium staff members will give special treats to a sea lion and an octopus. A penguin will enjoy a holiday stroll to explore an indoor area of the Aquarium. Lorikeets will gather on a tree decorated with tasty cranberries. On Saturday, December 5, visit the Holiday Treats webpage for details on how to watch the virtual event.
Cost: This virtual event is free for everyone, no RSVP required.
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific’s website: aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/holiday_treats_for_the_animals/
Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/holiday_treats_for_the_animals/
Saturday, December 5, through Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Aquarium Holidays
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Families can enjoy holiday décor and music as they visit the Aquarium’s outdoor areas with advance reservations. Take selfies with life-size cardboard cut outs of Aquarium mascots in their holiday finery. Look for our hidden “Santa in the Sea” figurine that will be placed in various spots throughout the outdoor areas of the Aquarium. The first twenty-five guests each day to correctly report the location of “Santa in the Sea” figurine will receive a small prize. Plus, get a start on holiday shopping at the Aquarium’s gift stores, which feature marine-related gifts. See some of our most popular gifts on our website. The Aquarium’s free virtual Hanukkah show will stream from the Aquarium Holidays webpage and social media on Saturday, December 12 at 10:00 a.m. with music, storytelling, and Pacific Pals puppets. The Aquarium’s free virtual Kwanzaa event will stream on the Aquarium Holidays webpage and social media on Saturday, December 26, at 10:00 a.m., with opportunity to learn about the principles and practices of Kwanzaa. All Aquarium Holidays programs are subject to change and weather dependent.
Cost: General Admission–$19 per person (outdoor areas only, reservations required). Hanukkah and Kwanzaa virtual programming is free.
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Info: (562) 590-3100 or aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/aquarium_holidays/
Aquarium Holiday Gift Guide
Looking for holiday gift ideas that also help the ocean and support the Aquarium of the Pacific? The Aquarium has many unique options to choose from, including Animal Encounters, personalized Cameo greetings, and symbolic animal adoptions. Dollars spent with the Aquarium support its animal care, conservation, and education programs and help the institution grow and recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. You can check out the Aquarium’s 2020 Holiday Gift Guide on our website.
About the Aquarium:
The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place where diverse cultures and the arts are celebrated and where important challenges facing our planet are explored by scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders in search of sustainable solutions. The Aquarium is dedicated to conserving and building nature and nature’s services by building the interactions between and among peoples. Visit the Aquarium’s website for current information ataquariumofpacific.org or call (562) 590-3100.
The city of Los Alamitos has released specifications within the city that adjusts the community’s overall operations now that the county has been readjusted to the so-called “Purple Tier” in the California Blueprint issued by the Governor.
According to the release, the sustainability of our community businesses remains a priority and the City of Los Alamitos is dedicated to assisting businesses during these unprecedented times. The County of Orange has now moved from the red “substantial” tier to the purple “widespread” tier in the State of California’s “Blueprint for a Safer Economy” re-opening plan. The purple tier is the most restrictive tier in the State’s color-coded, four-tier system aimed at gradually re-opening business sectors safely.
Effective immediately, the following businesses, including those in Los Alamitos, must modify operations to comply with the purple tier restrictions:
Restaurants
May open outdoor only with modifications
Places of Worship
May open outdoor only with modifications
Shopping Centers
Indoor capacity must be limited to 25 percent for shopping malls, destination shopping centers, and swap meets
Common areas are closed
Closed food courts
Retail
Retail capacity must be limited to 25 percent
Grocery stores capacity may remain limited to 50 percent
Hair Salons and Barbershops
May reopen indoors with modifications
Personal Care Services (e.g., nail salons, body waxing, tattoo parlors, piercing studios, skin care and cosmetology, massage services)
May reopen indoors with modifications
Gym and Fitness Facilities
May open outdoor only with modifications
Movie Theaters
May open outdoor only with modifications
In efforts to assist local businesses that have been affected by the current restrictions placed on indoor operations, the Los Alamitos City Council has approved and waived fees for Temporary Outside Business Operations. If you are a business that is interested in operating outdoors, an application must be submitted to the Planning Division for approval prior to conducting outdoor operations. The application can be found on the City’s website and can be emailed to Associate Planner Tom Oliver at to*****@***************os.org.
The complete list is available on the County of Orange website; industry reopening guidelines can be found ont he State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy webpage. For information regarding schools and classrooms reopening, contact the Los Alamitos School District.
For additional information and for the latest updates, visit the City’s dedicated Resources for Businesses webpage at www.cityoflosalamitos.org/resources-for-businesswes.
The Cypress City Council voted Tuesday night to approve an Environmental Impact Report and a conditional use permit to allow Amazon to move into the city.
The motion by Mayor Rob Johnson, was approved by a vote of 4-1, with only Mayor Pro-tem Mariellen Yarc voting against.
With no sales taxes contributed and approximately $100,000 per year in additional tax revenue from gasoline sales, the city nevertheless eagerly invited Amazon to open its “Last Mile Facility” at the former Mitsubishi corporate headquarters on Katella Ave.
Citizens and officials said they believe that e-commerce is shifting the economic development landscape. So while Amazon will not be “selling” products at the site, thus producing no sales tax revenue for the city, the intrinsic benefits that accompany Amazon will more than pay dividends in the long run, the comments suggested.
Before the vote, many citizens, including labor officials from outside the city, spoke in favor of allowing Amazon to convert the facility. With the promise, by some estimates, of as many as 1,000 new jobs and good construction jobs during the conversion, they believe on balance, Amazon “will be a great partner for the city.”
Even those opposing the project complimented the city on the amount of due diligence performed during the process.
Watch for the complete and detailed coverage in next week’s Event News Enterprise.
Officials from throughout Orange County came to Rossmoor Tuesday to pay tribute to Ron Casey, a Rossmoor Community Services District Director who has termed out after 12 years of service.
Casey was first elected to the Rossmoor Community Services District and began his service in 2008. He served as the District’s President in 2018.
Mike Maynard, the current President of the Rossmoor Community Services District, read an official proclamation to Casey, noting that Casey “promoted technological advancement for the benefit and convenience of residents.”
As President, said Maynard, Casey resolved many lighting issues by working with utility companies to install (LED) lighting, also noting many other improvements, including street sweeping and better relations with Los Al Unified and the California State Assembly, among others.
The Rossmoor CSD Resolution also cited the many organizations on which Casey served representing Rossmoor, including the Orange County Transportation Authority.
Maynard mentioned “Concerts in the Park” and numerous programs for Rossmoor championed by Casey during his term.
Tim Whitacre, representing Congresswoman elect and Orange County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair, said honoring Casey would amount to one of Steel’s “last official acts” as Vice-Chairman.
Whitacre told Casey that Supervisor Steel “really appreciates everything you’ve done on behalf of Rossmoor. You’ve done it well, above and beyond,” he added. Whitacre said Casey had demonstrated “distinguished leadership, an example for others to emulate.”
Steel was elected to Congress Nov. 3 and has already departed for Washington.
Lt. Gary Knutson, representing the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, also thanked Casey for his years of dedication of working with his office to protect the citizens of Rossmoor.
“Ron has been a very supportive district director the staff and he undoubtedly has a grassroots heart for the community of Rossmoor,” said General Manager Joe Mendoza. Casey’s ability to communicate with chambers and other elected officials have been very helpful, he added.
Casey thanked the District Board and Rossmoor residents for their support as the board presented him, with certificates, awards, and mementos. They presented his wife with a bouquet of flowers.
OC government representative Tim Whitacre, left, presents a proclamation to outgoing RSCD Director Ron Casey from Supervisor Michelle Steel.
For Casey, he says his service on the Rossmoor CSD has been an eye opening experience.
After winning a Director’s seat in 2008, Casey said he was literally “shocked” when Rossmoor residents overwhelmingly rejected a vote to become its own city. Measure U, which looked to incorporate the 988-acre county island, failed with 3,424 votes against incorporation to 1,350 in favor in November of 2008.
“The residents wanted no part of it,” he said. Casey said he was “surprised,” thinking the residents would see many of the same advantages of keeping all of their tax money within the community. “I thought certainly they would do it,” he said.
“We are certainly a donor (to Orange County) and not a receiver,” he said.
Since 1955, Rossmoor has remained an unincorporated community, meaning taxes paid goes to the county, which then returns them according to a formula, said Casey.
Casey said studies have shown the community consistently sends more than it gets back but he learned quickly that residents “like things just the way they are. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
He said they tried a move to claim more governance power from Orange County LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Commission), but that ran into a dead end as well. Unlike local cities, Rossmoor remains an unincorporated area.
Each of Orange County’s 33 unincorporated islands are part of LAFCO’s structure that seeks to provide some remote governance standards to these unincorporated areas, according to the agency’s website.
Since those early stumbling blocks, however, Casey said he has learned to channel his energy into projects he could accomplish rather than focusing on the things that could never happen. “My background in community involvement and volunteerism has enabled me to determine the best technique to accomplish this objective. My services to the community have been wide and varied,” said Casey.
“In 2012 I served on The Shops at Rossmoor ad hoc committee which was involved with the new owners of the facility. As part of this process the committee was instrumental in keeping low income housing out of the shop’s property,” he said.
Also in 2012, Casey served on a gas company ad hoc committee which was involved in determining the location of two data collection towers which serve the Rossmoor community. While they wanted both towers to be located within Rossmoor, both towers were placed outside of Rossmoor, one in Los Alamitos and the other in Seal Beach “due in large part to the actions of this committee,” said Casey.
He’s learned that change does not come easy in Rossmoor so the board began working to improve the infrastructure like streets, lights. Although a massive lighting project was achieved while he was president, he gives the credit to the board and the residents of Rossmoor.
Where possible, he said, the Community Services District makes life better for Rossmoor’s residents. They have created numerous social events, some recurring, that range from church groups to dancing, from drive-in movies to activities for senior citizens.
“I have also had the privilege to serve as the Rossmoor representative to OCTA and Caltrans during the past eight years,” said Casey. The completion of the West County Connectors “provided our residents with additional traffic lanes adjacent to Rossmoor and a less congested traffic flow,” he added.
Most recently, said Casey “our current RCSD Board also approved paying off Rossmoor wall bonds of $108,000 early to save $9,135 in interest charges. We also reduced administrative costs by $44,900 and increased revenues over expenses by $68,000.”
He said “this was accomplished while completing many community facilities upgrades and ensuring that they are well maintained and serviceable.”
Overall,“there were so many programs, from street paving to maintaining Rossmoor’s ‘urban forest,’” yet Casey said he is most proud of his work to “maintain and enhance the quality of life for all of Rossmoor.”
Any career woman, who has been faced with juggling her work with parental responsibilities, will relate to French director Alice Winocour’s “Proxima.” Co-written with Jean-Stéphane Bron, the film is basically a family drama centering on a female astronaut in training for a space trip to Mars. Driven by the impeccable characterization of Sarah Loreau by Eva Green, the film is a pre-blast-off excursion into the delicate balance between Sarah and her seven-year-old daughter Stella, beautifully rendered by talented Zélie Boulant-Lemesle, who makes her film debut.
Unlike the “Hollywoodish” superficial character and relationship development in the Netflix series “Away” starring Hillary Swank, Winocour’s script delves deeply into the changing family dynamic, which is spot on and intriguing, illuminating the roller coaster of emotions that mother and daughter experience during the pre-flight training process.
Sarah sits quietly with Stella, explaining that she has been chosen to be an astronaut and that her training will commence shortly, after which she will be gone for a year. In a very poignant moment, her child asks, “Will you die before me?” Sarah tries to skim over the answer and as she’s tucking her in casually says, “That is customary.” In order to move forward, Sarah must enlist the aid of her ex-partner and Stella’s dad Lars Eidinger to become the primary caretaker.
Nicely played by Thomas Ackerman, at first Lars is reluctant to be a full-time dad and can’t understand why his “ex” wants to do this. She tells him that being an astronaut has been her dream ever since she was a little girl and put a lampshade on her head. Being in the space business himself, Lars agrees and his daughter moves in along with her cat Laika.
Sarah is the only woman selected for this special mission, the training of which will take place at the European Space Agency in Cologne, Germany under the supervision of team commander, and somewhat sexist Mike Shannon, aptly played by Matt Dillon. On occasion, he tries to pull her off parts of the training that he thinks might be too daunting, citing that she might not have the core skills. Offended, she insists that she can do it, and does as well as the male astronauts, including the grueling 9G Gravity machine.
The training scenes are intense and beautifully captured by cinematographer Georges Lechaptois, who lingers on a frame before cutting to the next shot. Leisure time is given to the astronauts who, one night, sat around a campfire reciting poetry: “Give me a garden of beautiful flowers where I can walk undisturbed.” As the training nears completion, Stella and her dad are moved to housing in Cologne for families of the astronauts. Supervised by astrophysicist Wendy, played by Sandra Hüller, she takes Stella under her wing and becomes her surrogate mother.
In between training sessions, Sarah spends time with her daughter and there is a sweet scene of them ice-skating together. But, Stella is quite unhappy as being dyslexic, she is having trouble keeping up with the other kids and can’t do the multiplication tables.
Throughout the film we see Sarah’s devotion to her training, as well as her deep concern for her daughter’s well being. As the time allowed to spend with her daughter shortens, Stella begins to withdraw and forms a strong bond with Wendy.
Blast-off is nearing and reality of the potential danger of the mission is setting in and each astronaut is asked to write a “just in case” letter to their families. They are also allowed to bring a few mementoes on board to remember their earth connections, such as favorite family photos, shots of water, forests, and even ladybugs.
They can bring enough stuff to fill a shoebox – no more than that. Being so close to takeoff, and to avoid any contamination, the astronauts can now only see their families through a glass partition and you can see the pain Sarah is feeling in not being able to hold her child one last time before she leaves for outer space. It is about here that she takes what is an implausible dramatic action that endangers not only herself, but also the mission.
Perhaps it was to heighten the drama and to hammer home Sarah’s devotion to her child. However, taking that action flies in the face of all her training and leaves you doubting her commitment. Not a good message as breaking serious rules doesn’t shine a positive light on Sarah and brings into question the ability of a woman to walk the line between parenting and career. Despite this contrived dramatic moment, the schedule is maintained and all the astronauts are suited up. But is it a “go?”
Several citizens who live near the Cypress city yard where Valley Vista Services has requested permission to build a direct-tip transfer facility have started a petition drive to halt the project.
The Cypress city council discussed the matter at its Oct. 26 meeting.
Valley Vista Services have proposed to pay for the rights to use the facility to transfer trash from trucks into the large semi-trucks, and to also pay for the upgrade required to host a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) fueling facility for their trucks.
The Council rejected Council member Jon Peat’s attempt to have them approve the project in concept, but did approve an ad hoc committee consisting of himself and council member Paulo Morales to study the proposal and bring the data back to the Council.
Hundreds of citizens have apparently already signed a circulating petition and a World War II veteran who lives next door to the facility has created a video asking citizens to “fight” for him.
“We the undersigned oppose the project that was presented at the October 26 Cypress City Council meeting due to serious health and safety concerns,” reads the petition.
According to the petition, a big concern with the trash transfer facility is that is it “hard to control debris and vectors. Flies, rats, and other pest infestations are major vectors of many infectious diseases specifically related to trash facilities,” the petition states.
In addition, they say a CNG fueling station has safety concerns that were evidenced as recently as June 2020 in Riverside where there was an explosion at a CNG fueling station that injured two people, one critically.
The petitioners also claim these facilities produce smells that no one would want to live nearby.
Further, they claim zoning for the city yard is public/semi-public, and these projects are not permitted without a vote of the residents, pursuant to measure D.
While alternate fuel facilities are allowed on the property, it must be an accessory to a permitted use.
“This project primarily benefits Valley Vista Services, which is a private enterprise, and the agenda item also says they could generate income from private parties” once the facility is operational, states the petition.
“Does the city actually see itself using CNG vehicles for the next 15 to 20 years at a time when renewable energy is the push and electric vehicles are gaining momentum?”
They claim a trash facility is not permitted in the public zone, especially not a trash facility for a private enterprise.
On Veterans Day, 97-year-old veteran Bob Yerian made his own appeal to Cypress residents. Bob has lived in his home with his son Tim for many years adjacent to the city hard facility.
“Hi, I’m Bob Yerian,” says the 97-year-old veteran in the video, “I’m a World War II veteran and I fought for you, so won’t you fight for me and not let them put a dump in my back yard. I also received the Bronze Star.”
Peat and Morales are expected to meet with staff and Valley Vista Services in a fact-foinding mission before reporting back to the Council in December.
Following a two-year development process, the City of Cypress finally broke ground this week on a new, state-of-the art $13 million park that is expected to be completed in the fall of 2021.
“The City of Cypress is excited to announce the breaking ground of its newest park located on the corner of Lexington Drive and Cerritos Avenue,” according to Mayor Rob Johnson.
“The new park will be a versatile facility that has something for everyone in the community,” he said. He said it would not have been possible without a generous nine-acre land donation from the Los Alamitos Race Course.
Johnson said he thanked Los Al Race Track executive Frank Sherren, who attending the ceremony, for the donation. “It was a very generous donation,” he said, with land in Cypress (pre-COVID going for more than $1 million per acre.
In May of 2018, the city accepted a donation of nine acres for the purposes of constructing a park.
City officials developed an initial design for the park using an outreach process to seek input from community members before approving a final layout in July of 2020.
The construction contract was awarded on October 26, 2020 to Horizons Construction Company with work beginning as early as this November.
While it has been referred to as “Cypress Sports Park” as a working title, citizens have expressed interest in undergoing a process to find a permanent name.
Cypress Recreation Director Cameron Harding said at a recent council meeting that they are considering some sort of corporate or institutional “naming rights partnership” for the new park, although they have made no decisions on naming the park.
During outreach with citizens, said Harding, the city received 183 naming suggestions, with Cypress Sports Park being the top vote getter.
Nevertheless, when the item came up last month, Berry said “why is this even in front of us tonight,” saying permanent decisions should be left for the next city council.
“I would agree,” said Council member Paulo Morales, “this (naming) is not a priority.”
Cypress resident Ed Cramer said during open communications that “this is not the general use park we were promised. It became sports fields,” he said, “and a ring around them (walking trails).
Other citizens had questions, such as why so many soccer fields in Cypress? Brooke Nefertiti said Arnold Park is already a sports park and that youth sports are in decline.
Johnson said there are now 21 parks in Cypress, some with no organized sports affiliations. He said while it is true that fewer people have been taking part, he thinks the isolation surrounding COVID has caused a huge demand for people wanting to return to the outdoors.
Johnson, who is termed out, began his career in recreation and served on the city’s rec commission for eight years before being elected to the council.
Diagram of new park amenities. Park will be completed by fall of 2021.
He said the large fields in the new park can easily be used for “gaterings on the green,” concerts and other events. He said it also allows for lacrosse, soceer and organized sports like Friday Night Lights.“We think it meets the needs of the community itself,” said Johnson. “Our 21st park being finished in 2021, there has to be something special about that.”
Harding said construction of the new park is expected to be complete in the fall of 2021.
Cypress city officials said the new park has a variety of pursuits available for citizens and they will wait to discuss formal naming of the facility until June 2021.
The new park includes:
Park Amenities:
1a – Multi-use Natural Turf Field
1b – Multi-use Synthetic Turf Field
2 – Natural Turf Areas
3 – Entry / Exit Points
4 – Child Play Area with shade covers
5 – Tot Play Area with shade covers
6 – Exercise Station
7 – Picnic Shelter
8 – Restrooms / Office / Referee
9 – Storage Area
10 – Flag Pole & Dedication Plaque
11 – Larc Maintenance Yard
12 – 8’ Wide Walking Path (1/4 Mile)
13 – Bleachers
14 – Players Bench
15 – Maintenance Easement
16 – 12’ Wide Deceleration Lane
17 – 20’ Height Netting
18 – Drop Off
19 – Project Monument
20 – Total Parking: 237 + 7 Accessible
21 – Multi-use court (Pickleball, Basketball, & Volleyball)
22 – Electric Vehicle Parking
23 – Trash Enclosure
24 – Sports Field Lighting
25 – Utilities Enclosure
26 – 6’ Chain Link Perimeter Fence
27 – Fire Department
Hammerhead
Jewish Long Beach and the Alpert Jewish Community Center jointly invite the community to a FREE Chanukah cooking demonstration on Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 5 p.m. Celebrated Chef Michael Solomonov is the executive chef and co-owner of Zahav, the 2019 James Beard Foundation award winner for Outstanding Restaurant. He will prepare traditional Chanukah fare, but, if you want to smell or taste the food, you’ll have to prepare the recipes on your own—this demonstration is virtual and the Chef is sharing the recipes with all the registrants.
“We are excited to welcome the community into our virtual Jewish home to experience a contemporary interpretation of a traditional Chanukah meal,” said Jewish Long Beach CEO Zach Benjamin. In a live video format shared through Vimeo, the community can learn how to make the whole menu as listed below.
Apple Shrub – A shrub is a non-alcoholic syrup made with fruit, sugar, and vinegar. Add it to hot tea for a cozy, non-alcoholic holiday beverage.
Abe Fisher’s Potato Latkes – One of the most popular Chanukah dishes, could they be better than French fries? Learn the recipe from Philadelphia’s iconic Abe Fisher restaurant.
Roman Artichokes with Arugula and Olive Oil – Chef Solomonov’s take on “Carciofi Alla Giudia” or Jewish-style artichokes.
Poached Salmon – The main course is often brisket or chicken, but salmon is not uncommon.
Sfenj with Cinnamon and Sugar – Doughnuts all around! Delicately fried and covered with cinnamon sugar for dessert.
Throughout the eight days of Chanukah, which is Hebrew for “Rededication” and falls on December 10-18, 2020, Jews celebrate by lighting one candle of the menorah, or special nine-candle candelabra, each night. The Chanukah miracle of light is inspired by an event that took place in the second century B.C. As the Jews were rededicating their second Holy Temple in Jerusalem after reclaiming the city from the ancient Greeks, there was only enough oil to light candles for one night. Miraculously, the oil lasted eight nights. Thus, oil became an important part of how food is prepared for Chanukah, and the holiday lasts for eight nights.
To register, visit https://events.idonate.com/cookingdemonstration.
Formerly the Jewish Federation and Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Long Beach and West Orange County, Jewish Long Beach serves the Jewish and broader communities through strategic grant-making, development of emerging leaders, advocacy, and management of the community’s philanthropic funds. The organization awards over $500,000 in grants annually to nonprofit organizations throughout Long Beach and West Orange County. It also manages approximately $30 million in assets and owns and operates the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Jewish Long Beach Campus, which houses the Alpert Jewish Community Center and other independent Jewishly-focused community organizations.
Los Alamitos Medical Center (LAMC) has opened a new Step-Down Unit (SDU) to provide the highest-quality care in the most appropriate setting.
The new LAMC Step Down Unit, with its modern technology that includes on-the-wall computer units, provides a higher level of care than regular telemetry units (rooms with vital sign monitors that continuously transmit data, such as your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure) while giving the flexibility to be used as a telemetry unit, if needed.
“We are really excited to be opening this new unit – I’m proud to be able to add this level of service for the patients in our community,” said Kent Clayton, Chief Executive Officer of Los Alamitos Medical Center. “We’ve created spacious rooms with advanced technology that will allow our staff to provide great care to our patients. We really appreciate the hard work of everyone to get the unit ready to open.”
In addition to the state-of-the art technology, the new SDU has 18 beds and single rooms to help with patient flow from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), which means LAMC is better equipped to serve the community during this upcoming flu season.
“Our team is ready to care for patients and our new Step Down Unit provides the right level of care to best serve our community,” said hospital Chief Nursing Officer Judy Chabot.
SDU’s are hospital units for patients that no longer are required to be in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or a Critical Care Unit (CCU) but are not yet well enough to be in the general care unit.
Working together with band boosters for support and innovative technology to make it happen, the Los Alamitos High School Jazz and Orchestra program has announced it will indeed provide fans a winter concert.
“This year, like every other music program in Southern California, all of our traditional performance opportunities have been canceled. To give the students a musical raison d’être, we created the fall production entitled, Inspiration 2020,” said Padilla.
The show will feature every student in the jazz and orchestra program playing their traditional instruments as they perform big band and classical music gems.
Padilla has envisoned a different kind of virtual concert. It will be pre-recorded at several locations and venues and then edited together to make it look like the kids are all playing on the same stage.
This show’s concept merges the student’s pre-recorded home audio with a live stage video shoot, he said. Padilla said the student musicians are 100% involved in the creative process as they learn new recording software, audio engineering techniques, and post-production skills.
“Each musician is developing their independent, self-directed learning and assessment skills, as well as interacting with a professional composer, producer, and video expert on the two days of the camera shoot,” said Padilla.
“This project builds their 21-Century learning skills and will help to enhance their overall self-efficacy as they move towards completion of the show,” he said.
The Los Al orchestra director said Jacob Leonard and Neismar Carrasquillo, both seniors, will host the event and tell the story of “how we overcame adversity and found a creative format to share our love for music with the world.”
In addition, this year’s unique event will break new entertainment ground. They plan do do something “never done before at Los Al.”
Padilla said they plan to include what they are calling “Special Features” from a handful of students who have their own passion projects in the music world.
One student in particular, Nathan Morones (10th grade), is performing his single, “Enough for You to Stay,” taken from his debut album, Vanilla Ice Cream. Another student, Diego Herrera (9th grade), is using his music-production pad called, Launchpad, to “create a live multi-track electronic dance beat right before your very eyes.”
Padilla has also become known for inviting top jazz professionals and studio musicians into his concerts. Not only do they bring “big names” into the event, student musicians in the past have enjoyed performing with them and learning from them.
Willie Murillo to appear
In addition, there are two special guest artists performing with the jazz ensembles. Willie Murillo http://www.williemurillo.com/, one of L.A.’s finest trumpeters and composers is “sitting in” with all three jazz ensembles. He is also the co-producer of Inspiration 2020 alongside Mr. Padilla.
The second guest artist is Chad Lefkowit-Brown https://www.chadlb.com/, a 31-year-old New York based saxophonist, YouTube sensation, and touring saxophonist with Taylor Swift and Chris Botti.
The jazz program commissioned an original arrangement of Dizzy Gillespie’s famous, A Night In Tunisia, which will feature Chad and our very own Santiago Lopez battling it out toward the end of the tune. Santiago Lopez is the 2020 Down Beat Magazine’s Best High School Tenor Saxophone soloist and admires Chad’s playing ability and success in the music world.
Booster Club President Colleen Ryan and Fundraising Chair Cynthia Murnane said the cost of this program is significant and they are stepping to help raise funds and provide for the additional needs.
As a result of COVID, our fundraising goal unique this year, said Murnane. “Normally we are fundraising for the kids to go to competitive music festivals, but this year we are fundraising for this special program and the additional technical and production needs that accompany it,” she said.
“The talent of these student musicians is simply breathtaking,” said Ryan.
The Inspiration 2020 concert will be streamed virtually Dec. 7 and the link will be made available before the event. Murnane said the virtual event will be free for the public but they are hoping for donations on a pay what you can basis. The event will be produced in collaboration with Los Al TV.
An astounding and record-breaking 85.1 percent of registered voters in Orange County turned up at the polls or mailed in a vote as they collectively decided the fate of many office seekers and other public policy initiatives.
According to Registrar of Voters Neal Kelley, approximately 1.5 million of the eligible 1.7 voters in Orange county voters turned out to vote. Exact percentages for local races were not immediately available.
At press time, the Registrar’s Office said there were still about 30,000 mail-in votes to be counted. Kelley’s office said of the approximately 1.8 million pandemic voters, 1,247,827 were mail-in ballots while only 260,302 voters walked in to vote at vote centers throughout the county.
Most of the candidates contacted by Event-News Enterprise preferred to wait until votes were counted so we will include reaction to the races next week. (i) denotes incumbency
Here are the unofficial local returns as of Tuesday, Nov. 10.
While schools within the Los Alamitos Unified School District are open, the fragmentation required by policies aimed at keeping students safe has also prompted an initiative to create a larger sense of connectedness.
With students attending hybrid classes (limited classroom time) and more than 2,000 students attending school at home, Board President Meg Cutuli said it is critical to make students feel like they are still together.
“We want these kids to feel totally connected,” said Cutuli, “and when they are able to return to the school sites that they are truly a part of it and have not been left by the wayside.”
“They are still a part of our school family,” she emphasized.
The board president expressed her appreciation for the many teachers and administrators that have initiated interesting and creative programs to promote unity within the system.
The system must not overlook “our students’ social and emotional health,” said Cutuli during her report to the board at its most recent meeting.
The regimentation of students, coupled with their everyday vigil against the virus, has the potential to affect student’s mental health, she said.
Students are happy to be back in school she said, but they are also besieged by COVID protocols. “When you have to walk one way down the hallway, when you have to keep tugging at your mask, when you wear glasses and they fog up, we all know and deal with these things,” she said.
Cutuli said teachers and administrators recognize “the impact of COVID-19 on all of our children.” She lauded a number of programs throughout the system designed to promote enhanced unity among the students.
Also, said Cutuli, programs that somewhat “bring back the joy and fun of attending school” are both necessary and appropriate for the times. They will make it a lot easier when the students attending school via LosAl@Home return to their campuses.
Accordingly, she said the system had launched an effort to connect in-class and online students as Cutuli lauded various programs throughout the system that are making a difference:
• Rossmoor Elementary “Read-A-Thon” that raised nearly $30,000 and brought students together through storytelling. Also, she said they shared art through a virtual art night and where families can participate in art lessons.
•McGaugh Elementary school art teacher, Ms. Brim, invited students to share pictures of their artwork on her website creating a virtual gallery for all students to see. The art program at McGaugh is funded through Project SEEK.
• Los Al Elementary started “VideoPals,” connected students in one grade to others, “celebrating what makes each and every one of our Tigers unique.” Students make little videos and share them to “start a conversation.
• Los Al@Home students participated into a program entitled “Practicing Gratitude” where they expressed appreciation for teachers, parents and fellow students. Also, more than 100 students recorded themselves reciting the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
• Lee Elementary had a lot of fun decorating Blaze pizzas for Halloween as they hosted a “Spooktacular Pizza” contest.
• Weaver Elementary had a similar event, Literacy O’Lantern, wherein pumpkins were carved representing favorite characters from a book. Both traditional and online students were invited to participate.
• Hopkinson Elementary held inclusive zoom meetings that linked LosAlA@home with in-class students and families. They focused on community service, philanthropy and leadership characteristics. “LosAl@Home students truly feel like they are a part of Hopkinson Elementary.”
• McAuliffe Middle hosted “Birdwatch Student News” reporting on events around campus and they are hosting two upcoming events, including a student mask competition and a “Lip Sync Concert.”
• Oak Middle school created more than 20 virtual student clubs, created a Google site where students at home and traditional can both participate.
• LosAl@Home Middle and High are hosting a leadership class and a Haunted Hallways contest, and they are automatically invited to participate in all traditional middle and high school school activities.
• Los Al High School hosted a Haunted Hallways contest, a student face mask decorating contest and a classroom decorating competition.
“We need to bring the joy of being a kid back to our students,” said Cutuli, who expressed appreciation to everyone assisting in this effort.
The Cypress City Council voted 4-1 to form an ad-hoc committee to study a proposal made by a waste hauling firm that wants an extension of its franchise to use the city public works yard as a transfer facility.
Following a long and somewhat heated discussion, the council voted to create an ad-hoc committee but refused to “accept the proposal in concept.”
“How can you approve the concept when you don’t even know the guts of it,” asked Mayor Pro-Tem Mariellen Yarc?
The discussion followed a presentation by Public Works Director Douglas Dancs, who presented to the council a 4-part proposal from Valley Vista Services, the company that currently owns the city’s waste hauling franchise.
Dancs said the proposal made to the city by Valley Vista has four parts, including 1) a 15-year extension to its current franchise (which ends in 2027), a proposal by Valley View to pay the city $110,000 per year for use of their public works yard, 3) Valley Vista will pay the full cost of the construction of a transfer station and 4), they will also construct a compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station on the site.
Dancs said the transfer station would allow Valley Vista to transfer garbage and recyclables from the 14 trucks used in Cypress to larger semi-trucks, thus the need for a “transfer station.”
Currently, he said, truck collecting garbage in Cypress drive directly to Brea to offload their contents and others drive directly to a recycling facility in City of Industry.
If the city allows Valley Vista to create a transfer station, the garbage trucks would then transfer their contents into covered semi-trucks, which would then carry it to its final destination.
Dancs said the contents of two garbage trucks would fit into one semi-truck.
In addition, he said Valley Vista would construct a compressed natural gas (CNG) filling station, which could be used by Valley Vista vehicles and Cypress public works vehicles, some of which are fueled with CNG.
Currently, said Dancs, the city’s CNG fleet must drive to Buena Park for fuel. Having it available inside the yard would save the city approximately $40k per year in improved efficiency.
He estimated the cost of the project at approximately $2 million, and Valley Vista needs the 15-year extension to borrow the money to make the necessary improvements.
“There’s a lot to look at there,” said Mayor Rob Johnson.
Dancs gave the city council four options to move the project forward, including 1) approving the proposal and having city manager Peter Grant negotiate terms, 2) to “approve the proposal in concept” and appoint an ad-hoc committee to negotiate, 3) simply appoint a fact finding, ad-hoc committee to explore the proposal and 4) reject the proposal altogether.
“This is an enormous decision and commitment before us and I really want the new council to be involved, this is going to be on their watch,” said council member Stacy Berry. “The timing of this is very troubling to me,” she said.
“Moving forward or putting two of us (current council) is simply wrong,” said Berry. “We should let the new council weigh in on such a huge, huge decision.”
“The reality is that any decision we make is not going to me prior to the arrival of two new council members,” said council member Paulo Morales. Quite honestly, I don’t think we’re going to be leaving any of the new council members out of the process,” he said, “even if we appoint the ad-hoc committee tonight.”
Dancs’ proposal gave the city four options, ranging from approval the proposal and allowing the city manager to negotiate to rejecting it altogether.
The other two options were thoroughly explored by the council as Council member Jon Peat repeatedly moved an option to have the council “accept the proposal in concept,” only to have it rejected.
Peat’s initial motion would have had the council approve the Valley View proposal in concept then create an ad-hoc committee of himself and Morales to negotiate the details and bring it back to the council by Dec. 7.
Morales made a substitute motion giving the ad-hoc committee until January to get back to the council.
His substitute failed, then Peat’s original motion failed 3-2 with Peat and Johnson voting for.
Reports have been circulating that Los Angeles and Long Beach school systems have been in meetings with Los Alamitos Unified School District officials in recent weeks.
The Event News Enterprise has reached out to Dr. Andrew Pulver, Superintendent, for additional details, but sources say LAUSD is working with a number of state officials and other systems to establish key reference points.
As part of that effort, LAUSD Vice President Marlys Davidson said Assemblyman Patrick O’Donnell, did confirm that he toured several elementary schools with Pulver, LAUSD Board President Meg Cutuli and Assistant Supt. Ondrea Reed on Monday.
Davidson, who also attended the event, said O’Donnell is somewhat of a native having grown up in Rossmoor and he attended Hopkinson Elementary.
She said O’Donnell wanted to know what some of the techniques and protocols developed in Los Alamitos Unified might look like in other systems. “He was very thankful to Dr. Pulver,” said Davidson.
“It makes me very happy to see all of the hard work done by everyone in Los Al Unified has been validated,” said Davidson, a retired teacher. “They deserve that.”
She said the collaborative effort between Dr. Pulver, Reed, the board, the parents, teachers, administrators and “even the custodians who work all night to keep the schools sanitized,” deserve the credit.
“None of this is easy,” she said.
The topic was expected to be discussed in more detail at Tuesday’s LAUSD Board of Education meeting and the ENE will follow up with additional details next week.
The Los Alamitos Unified School District Board of Education will have two new members after the November 3, 2020 election. It was the first election for the district under its new trustee area voting system adopted earlier this year.
The Board of Education sets policy for nine public schools which are located in Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, and Seal Beach. The district is now divided into five trustee areas.
Former principal and 40-year Rossmoor resident Chris Forehan was elected to represent Trustee Area 2 which includes Weaver and Lee Elementary schools.
Scott Fayette, a former substitute and intervention teacher in LAUSD and current PTA Vice President at McAuliffe Middle school, will be appointed to represent Trustee Area 4 which covers parts of Seal Beach. Fayette’s appointment comes after no one else filed papers to run for the seat.
Meg Cutuli has served on the Board for 20 years and was re-elected to represent Trustee Area 5, which includes McGaugh Elementary school in Seal Beach.
“It is my honor to continue to serve the children of the communities of Seal Beach, Rossmoor and Los Alamitos. The support I have received is humbling,” Cutuli wrote in an email to The Sun.
Cutuli defeated retired engineer Matt Filler 62% to 38%, according to unofficial election results from the Orange County Registrar of Voters posted Nov. 10.
In the Trustee Area 2 race, Forehan won with 44% of the vote. Second-place finisher Paurvi Trivedi trailed him by more than 300 votes while Jody L. Roubanis had 18% of the vote.
“Thank you to the voters in Trustee Area #2,” Forehan wrote in a statement. “I plan to use my 38 years in public education to continue to make a difference for all students, their families and our wonderful community. I will be ready to start on Day #1.”
Joining Forehan as a first-time Board member is Fayette, who will be the only trustee with children currently attending LAUSD schools. He has a son at McAuliffe and another son attends Los Alamitos High School.
In an interview this week, Fayette said that was part of what motivated him to run for the seat. “I’m here as a conduit for all of the parents and the students,” he said and added, “I don’t know if parents and students get as big of a voice as they should.”
Current Board President Cutuli welcomed the new Board members. “I am looking forward to working with them and continuing to do great work for our students.”
A large part of that work will likely focus on meeting the needs of the district’s nearly 10,000 students amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
LAUSD was the first public school district in Orange County to be granted a waiver to allow students back inside classrooms in September. All campuses are currently in a hybrid-learning model where a limited number of students attend in-person classes for part of the day.
Other students are enrolled in LAUSD’s online-only education pathway known as LosAl@Home.
The school year has gone relatively smoothly but there have been challenges. In late September, teachers at Los Alamitos High School threatened a walkout just days before the campus was due to welcome back students. The administration and teachers came to an agreement about concerns regarding health and safety protocols for in-person learning in time to avoid any disruptions to the reopening.
According to numbers posted by the district on Nov. 9, LAUSD currently has 18 confirmed COVID-19 cases. That represents 13 students and 5 staff members or .214% of the in-person population.
Cutuli, Fayette, and Forehan will be sworn in at the December 15 Board meeting. They will officially begin their four-year terms after the swearing-in.
Board of Education members Karen Russell and David Boyer did not seek re-election after each serving 16 years, according to a statement from LAUSD Superintendent Dr. Andrew Pulver.
“They have been faithful, dedicated advocates for the students, staff and families of Los Alamitos Unified,” Pulver wrote of Russell and Boyer.
Board members Diana Hill and Marlys Davidson are up for re-election in 2022.
Living with the harsh reality that the United States Supreme Court is the most conservative since the 1930’s, we are faced with the possibility of reversal of protections – from healthcare to environmental. In that regard, Alan Ball’s compelling Uncle Frank couldn’t be timelier, as it’s a reminder of the harsh laws that governed alternative lifestyles and the consequences of getting caught.
Set in 1973, Uncle Frank is a family drama told through the eyes of young Beth Bledsoe, wonderfully played by Sophia Lillis. She lives in Creekville, South Carolina where her grandfather Daddy Mac, played by Stephen Root, is the strict patriarch at its head. Beth has been accepted by New York University, where her Uncle Frank, beautifully characterized by Paul Bettany, is a highly respected professor of literature and has avoided family visits for decades. From his remarks, it is clear that her grandfather does not like his son.
Beth doesn’t understand this as she finds her uncle to be the most interesting member of the family. He encourages her to reach her goals and in an intimate conversation, promises that he will always be there for her. What she is about to find out is that her uncle is gay and created an acceptable heterosexual lifestyle for the family.
At college, Betty becomes friends with Bruce, a duplicitous young man played by Colton Ryan who, although virgin Betty would like to have sex with him, he declines. She surprises Frank by showing up at his office with Bruce who she introduces as her boyfriend. Frank is happy to see her, but is swamped with work so the visit is short. Beth finds out that her uncle is having a party and decides to show up with Bruce. Frank’s lover Wally (Walid,) tenderly played by Peter Macdissi, opens the door and introduces himself as her uncle’s roommate.
Bruce finds Frank sitting on the fire escape smoking and offers a sex act. Frank tells him to get lost and warns Beth about who Bruce really is. It is during this visit that Frank reveals his true identity to his niece. Shortly after the party, Frank’s father dies and he is reluctant to go to the funeral. He knows his father has despised him since he was a teenager when he caught him in bed with a boy named Sam, played by Michael Perez. Wally encourages his partner to attend the funeral and to use that time to “come out of the closet.”
Wally wants to go with him but Frank says that’s a bad idea. In the meantime, Beth’s mother won’t allow her to fly home, so it becomes a fun road trip between uncle and niece. Beth is curious and wants to know if he ever kissed a girl and when he knew he was gay. It became clear to him when he was 16. In a flashback, he and Sam are swimming in a lake and have their first kiss. Despite telling Wally that he cannot attend the funeral, he follows them down and they run into each other at a gas station. Frank is upset and asks him why he didn’t respect his wishes, to which he replies, “I brought you a razor and a tie.” Frank’s car breaks down along the way so the three of them wind up in Wally’s convertible. They have to overnight in a motel and Frank tells him they must have separate rooms. “We could go to prison if we’re caught.” That revelation gave me goose bumps and served as a reminder of the incredible danger gay men faced at that time. Although Ball’s script deals with a very serious subject, there are plenty of laughs.
In one amusing scene, the desk clerk at the motel demands to know the relationship between them and after answering to her satisfaction, she insists the young girl must have her own room, which leaves the two guys to share a room. But being a closeted gay isn’t the only challenge Frank faces, as it appears he is a recovering alcoholic. Faced with the prospects of being with his family, he starts drinking again, which is of grave concern to Wally who says, “I won’t go through it again.” After the funeral, there are flashbacks and one where Frank’s father catches him in bed with Sam and tells him, “You can’t see that boy again. If you do, I’ll kill both of you.” The rest of the film focuses on Frank’s coming out, his father’s contemptuous last Will and Frank putting his demons to rest.
Director Ball’s script, captured on camera by Khalid Mohtaseb, underscored by Nathan Barr’s music, has skillfully revealed the horrors of being gay in that era without beating you over the head. It’s deft story telling and Bettany’s exquisite, characterization of Frank is Oscar-worthy as is Sophia Lillis’ portrayal of Beth and Peter Macdissi’s Wally. The rest of the excellent cast includes, Judy Greer, Steve Zahn, Lois Smith, Margo Martindale, Stephen Root, Lois Smith, Jane McNeil, Caity Brewer, Hannah Black, Burgess Jenkins, Zach Sturm, Britt Rentschler, Alan Campell, and Cole Doman.
“Uncle Frank”
Where: Amazon
When: November 26, 2020
Running Time: 95 Minutes
MPAA Rating: R
