Home Blog Page 136

Cypress candidates make final pitch to voters

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Cypress candidates make final pitch to voters

Cypress candidates that responded to our request to be included:

Jimmy Fuller

Jimmy Fuller

As a lifelong resident of Cypress, it would be my honor to serve the residents of our great city for the next four years on the City Council. During the past decade plus, I have built a foundation of public service to the Cypress community. This includes my volunteer service with the Cypress Community Festival, AYSO youth soccer, Friends of Cypress Parks & Rec and the Cypress Chamber of Commerce.

During my tenure with the Cypress Festival, acting as Sponsorship Chair I have increased our revenue each year. This combined with Friends of Cypress Parks & Rec all go to raise money for all youth sports groups in Cypress and provide an outlet for Kiwanis to raise money as well.

For my 10+ years of service to AYSO I was honored to have recognized veterans during our annual Memorial Day Classic soccer tournament. Most recently I was able to honor healthcare workers, first responders, and frontline employees by creating and hanging up the “CYPRESS STRONG” banners you see around our city.

Once elected to the council, my number one priority is our public safety. This is followed up by a focus on the local economy, supporting our community, parks & recreation and a partnership with our educators. I bring real solutions to real Cypress problems. I have a plan to bring diverse, corporate, high paying jobs back to the Katella Corridor. I have a plan for regional housing needs including the Lincoln Ave corridor. And I have a plan to better all of our community parks. For all of these reasons, I am endorsed by Vanessa Burtle, Parks & Rec’s commissioner, Sue Ochoa the 2019/2020 Cypress Teacher of the Year, and Shirley Bradley / Amber Jones the 2019 Cypress Business of the Year.

I look forward to providing a voice for residents who have felt left out of the decision-making process at city hall for far too long. To bring transparency and clarity to the city council. And most importantly, to serve all residents of our city with dignity and integrity. Thank you and I look forward to earning your vote.

David Gersten

David Gersten

First, let me thank all the people that have supported me during this campaign. I especially thank the residents that have reached out with inquiries about me and my platform.
I am David Gersten, a 13-year resident of Cypress.

I am a father of two high school boys, a loving husband of 18 years and a professional businessman. As someone that does not own a business in the city, nor is affiliated with any special interest groups, being a member of the Council is the best way for me to serve our residents, businesses, and visitors.

While working with our U.S. Congress and House of Representatives on important technology initiatives regarding personal data privacy and broadband access, I learned that anyone could have a voice. I encourage my boys to use their voice, for example, when they spoke at the Recreation & Community Services meeting about features they wanted included at the new Mackay Park.

I am running for City Council so that I can represent our residents and help give them a voice too.

I will share a few specific topics that many residents have asked me about:

A. Town Center project – CONCERNED – This city needs a town center that encourages residents to stay in our city instead of going to other cities for restaurants and entertainment. This needs to be the focus, not high-density housing, or hotels.

B. Amazon Last Mile project – AGAINST – This project is not a good fit for our community. Traffic, noise, pollution, and infrastructure problems will all be the result. We need to attract businesses like healthcare, technology, clean manufacturers, not distribution centers.

C. Measure P – AGAINST – It allows too much flexibility for how public notifications are shared. This may result in a lack of transparency. In addition, it empowers the City Council to decide on a replacement for vacant seats on the council without a vote.
You can learn more about me at www.davidforcypress.com. My answers to questions from Citizens for Responsible Development of Cypress can be located here https://bit.ly/3kjHXTB

Thank you for your vote and trust!

Carrie Hayashida

Carrie Hayashida

It has been an honor to run for City Council 2020; and I’ve enjoyed meeting residents and business owners in our community. While they overwhelmingly LOVE Cypress, they are concerned about the direction we are heading.

These are unprecedented times and I’m not just talking about covid. The City has an opportunity to grow in size (population) with more housing projects, as well as in commerce with projects like a Cypress Town Center.

These are exciting times and challenging times; and the next Council will face big challenges as the direct result of the current council expediting projects despite community outcries to wait.

While I would have preferred to see the 13 acres become an incredible revenue generating sports complex; and the 9 acres a wonderful nature preserve for the entire community to utilize, I do hope the next council not only listens to, but seeks the community’s input and works for the greater good.

Everyone is busy, but our civic duty is to actively participate in what the Council is doing on our behalf. For example, residents impacted by the Amazon Project need everyone’s support to address this council’s actions to move this project through. It is setting a precedent for what is going to become a “distribution corridor”. There are beautiful campuses on Katella and it will be an eyesore to see them replaced by warehouses and 1000 vans coming and going 24/7. In the same way the Lincoln Corridor has replaced businesses with density housing.

The new council will need to balance growth and sustainability to preserve the quality of life that everyone in Cypress appreciates. Their job is to represent us and to make sure Cypress as a community (i.e., residents and business) will survive this pandemic, a governor’s mandate that Cypress plan for 3900 new homes, and the evolution of ecommerce. I believe it can be done! I believe Cypress is uniquely positioned to not only survive, but to thrive! However, it will only happen IF the new council drastically changes its current path and the community becomes more engaged on a daily basis.

Anne Hertz

Anne Hertz

Coming out of the pandemic, Covid will have a near-term negative effect on the budget by impacting revenue sources such as sales tax and hotel tax. City leaders need to regularly review the priorities in the on-going strategic plan and ensure resources are available for the highest priority projects – especially public safety, infrastructure, and economic development.

We must evaluate the services we provide, seek ways to be more efficient and occasionally make difficult decisions. We need to develop budgets that address the needs of the community in a fiscally responsible way to maintain our high-quality of life.

Cypress residents know our success as a City is in large part due to the success of our 600-acre business park which generates revenue for our community. The City needs to use a wider range of communication strategies to ensure that residents receive information about business development projects so they can engage in meaningful discussions that influence outcomes. Mail, email, social media, and neighborhood meetings should all be utilized.

I encourage Duke Realty to increase public outreach regarding the Amazon Last Mile project. More information is needed to determine if the project is a good fit for Cypress. I support the development of the town center. It will bring dining and entertainment amenities and new housing options to the community.

City leaders will continue to be faced with the challenge of appropriately balancing the rights and needs of our residents with the rights of business property owners. We must continue building partnerships and find ways to support the strong comeback of our business community to generate tax revenue, create jobs, and maintain our high-quality of life.

I’m a proven local leader with 25 years of experience building partnerships with corporations, small businesses, service organizations, law enforcement, schools, county agencies, residents, non-profits, and City staff. If elected I will communicate regularly with residents and work with fellow council members to maintain public safety, promote a strong business community, and preserve fiscal stability all while ensuring our residents have a high-quality of life in this wonderful city we call home.

Steve Mauss

Steve Mauss

There are many critical issues facing the City of Cypress over the next few years, and the decisions taken by the upcoming City Council may have extraordinary repercussions going forward. I’d like to comment on a few of them:

The Town Center Project (as opposed to the “Town Center Specific Plan”)
I do not believe high-density housing is what we want in the City of Cypress. Beyond that, it is clear that the currently-proposed high-density housing, and accompanying parking garage, combined with as-yet ill-defined retail uses, represents neither the desires of Cypress residents nor the character of the rest of the (eventual) Town Center Specific Plan. I believe this project should be reimagined.

Amazon Last Mile Project
I believe the currently-proposed project is somewhat ill-conceived and fails to take into consideration the long-term potential impacts of setting Cypress up as a distribution hub. Additionally, I do not believe the concerns of the residents that back up to the proposed facility have been adequately considered.

Future Growth
The City’s current strategic focus seems to be on revenue, more so than quality of life. Often, it seems like projects are undertaken in an opportunistic way. Citizens are only minimally involved in projects that will have large impacts in their neighborhoods. We need a comprehensive long-term strategy that is more focused on what we want our city to look and feel like.

Measure P
I do not believe Measure P, as currently written, is the most effective way to accomplish the goals the City has stated. I am a technologist; I understand automation well. But pursuing automation for the sake of automation is unlikely to achieve a positive result, or even save the costs that proponents believe it will. Instead of focusing on cost-reduction as the most important element, we should be focused on GREATER transparency, not less.

It is important for Cypress residents to VOTE for those you can TRUST to represent YOU on the City Council, not special interests like trash contractors, unions, and developers. It is important to select those with experience in strategic planning and financial management.”
Again, David, thanks for the opportunity to reach the voters in Cypress. Please let me know if you need any further information. For example, I think it would be a valuable service to publicize each candidate’s website as well, with their essay, so that voters can visit for more detail on a candidate’s position. Mine is https://Steve4Cypress.org.

Rachel Strong

Rachel Strong

As a longtime resident of the city of Cypress, a local small business owner and the mom of a child in Cypress schools I am deeply invested in our community.

I am hoping for your vote to secure a seat on the City Council. The election on November 3rd will be our opportunity to seat two candidates who can be a voice for you, the residents. In the next few years the Council will be voting on issues pertinent to development that will change how our community looks and functions.

Over the course of my campaign, my conversations with voters have shown me that many feel the Council is representing some but not all of our constituents. Issues like development, traffic, transparency and engagement are becoming more pressing.

There are new demands from Sacramento for high density housing. There are ongoing issues like needing to work to manage our ever-increasing traffic and retaining businesses in our industrial corridor. There is the age-old issue of preserving green space that is available for residents to enjoy across many uses. It is my goal to listen to and advocate for a broad cross section of Cypress residents.

Recently, a voter told me that I should be careful about using the term “progressive” to share what perspective I hope to bring to City Hall. When I say “progressive” I simply mean do a few things differently to preserve our quality of life.

I want to continue to strongly support our local police and fire departments. As a frequent volunteer in schools I want us to embrace our new educational landscape. I am against creating or increasing taxes that will further burden our residents and businesses struggling to get through the pandemic.

What I do want is to use technology to innovate some new solutions for all of these. I turned my business on a dime to stay operational when the stay at home order came using a technology platform we implemented literally overnight.

I continued to modify it to operate as a hybrid of virtual and actual delivery of services as our scenario changed. I did this by carefully monitoring information, analyzing risks and making quick but careful decisions. I would love to do this on a broader scale for our city.
There is so much we can do by building virtual operations that will help keep our seniors safe, our kids connected, and our schools supported. The time to step forward and lead with strength is now. I am ready to go to work for you, the neighbors I hope to serve in the hometown I love.

Vote Strong for City Council on November 3rd.

Gouveia traces history of garbage collection in Chamber presentation

David N. Young
-
0
Gouveia traces history of garbage collection in Chamber presentation

Tracing refuse collection back to civilization’s earliest origins, a local representative for Republic Services gave the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce a quick history lesson on garbage this past week.

In her introduction of Manual Gouveia, Chamber Chairwoman Nesi Stewart said “Manny is a giver,” noting that Gouveia and the Republic Services team is always on the front line of many public service efforts throughout the community.

Before joining Republic 10 years ago, Gouveia worked for several elected officials, said Stewart, noting he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles.

“We’re going to hop on a trash time machine,” said Manuel Gouveia, Municipal Services Representative told attending members.

Before jumping back in time, Gouveia noted that Republic Services has served the city of Los Alamitos for the past four decades.

Last year alone, he said, the residents of Los Alamitos generated nearly 15,000 tons of overall garbage, including 76 tons of food waste and nearly 1,000 tons of materials that can be recycled. The company serves 1900 residential customers and 840 commercial customers.

Gouveia said with residents hunkered down indoors for the pandemic, residential collection has skyrocketed and throughout the pandemic, Republic has promoted and honored the frontline workers such as the garbage truck drivers and others who take everyday risks to keep the city clean.

He briefly explained the various containers spread across the city that offers residents various collections services, such as solid waste, green waste, bulky organics, food waste, etc.

“How did we get here,” he asked rhetorically, telling the Chamber that “properly managed garbage collection was there in the beginning and it will be here till the end.” He said consumerism and population have only continued to grow, so “each and every day public health concerns, specifically those stemming from pandemics and the mass spread of diseases have molded the development of trash management that we experience here today.”

While trash collection has turned into a technology filled operation, Gouveia’s stroll through the trash collection time machine took the Chamber members back to 3,000 B.C. and the creation of the first ever garbage landfill in 2,000 B.C.

Even the earliest civilizations came to the realization that proper trash collection and disposal was not only important to cleanliness but also necessary to control the spread of disease that can easily fester in unsanitary conditions.

In 288 A.D., as the Roman Empire continued to grow, citizens could no longer safely exist by simply throwing their garbage “out of their windows,” so Roman emperors created “the first sanitation force.”

Gouveia said it consisted of two-man patrols that walked through the streets “to pick up and toss the garbage into a wagon and transported it to a remote site.”
Mankind learned a hard lesson regarding the lack of sanitary refuse collection in the fourteenth century, said Gouveia, as garbage filled streets, attracted rats and other pests that spread disease.

“The Black Plague, the most dangerous disease ever to hit mankind, broke out in 1350 and killed 25 million people in just five years,” he said.

In America, after its founding, Gouveia said the first law was passed in 1657 in New Amsterdam, modern day Manhattan, ushering in the age of sanitation “to avoid the potential problem associated with unmanaged wastes in urban areas.”

The law prohibited residents from “casting their wastes into the streets” and Gouveia said many communities began organized waste collection projects “in a sweeping effort aimed at maintaining public health.”

As the country evolved, the first consolidated legislation was passed in 1864 after public health officials “became aware” of the potential connection between the spread of yellow fever in Memphis, he said.

In 1895, the New York street cleaning commissioner organized “the first comprehensive U.S. system public sector garbage management service, employing 2000 white clad employees known as “white wings” to clear the streets of garbage.

As society accelerated, said Gouveia, so did the technology and sophistication of the laws governing the growing waste industry.

Cities switched from horse drawn waste collection to motorized collection in 1918 and used ocean dumping and wastelands to create landfills until in 1934 the U.S. Supreme Court banned dumping of residential waste into the ocean, he noted.

Gouveia said shortages during World War I prompted the U.S. federal government to launch what has today become the modern recycling and waste reclamation movements.

New technologies, such as a side-loading truck, were introduced in 1945 “and this process actually still exists today,” he said. Congress passed the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act in 1976, which he said created “a significant role” for the federal government in waste management.

There have been victories in the industry, he noted. Landfills in the U.S. are down from 20,000 in 1971 to 2,800 today.

Gouveia also gave members a detailed breakdown on how California has passed waste management regulations far more stringent that those of the federal government and how companies like Republic have complied.

Gouveia also explained how structural trends caused by international players like China affected the industry and he also explained the complex developments caused by changing regulations such as California’s new organic waste collection mandate, which he said will have trouble meeting its 2025 targets (especially with onset of the pandemic).

He said the average American produces 4.4 pounds of trash per day and approximately 16,000 pounds per year and these numbers grow each year.

“Public health concerns among growing populations and environmental impacts have sparked the need for proper solid waste management,” throughout history, said Gouveia, adding “the same concerns will continue to drive regulation and innovation across the waste industry.”

Los Al Racetrack housing horses rescued from the fire

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Los Al Racetrack housing horses rescued from the fire

Los Alamitos Race Course, which is currently housing 87 horses that had to be evacuated from their homes due to the Silverado Canyon Fire and Blue Ridge Fire currently blazing in Orange County, is prepared to assist 250 more displaced horses if needed.

“We are working closely with various groups in the community to make sure we can provide a safe place for as many horses as we possibly can help during this moment of emergency,” said Ed Allred, the owner of Los Alamitos Race Course.

He said a mix of horses from all walks of lives – ranging from pleasure riding horses to show horses to other equestrian disciplines – were immediately welcomed to Los Alamitos on Monday after the fires began to spread rapidly. Evacuated horses are currently housed on the temporary stalls used at the Cypress track for its recent Los Alamitos Equine Sale on October 3 and 4 and the Fasig-Tipton Yearling Sale on Monday, October 19.
For information on stalls availability for evacuated horses, please call Los Alamitos Race Course at 714-820-2800.

The Silverado Canyon Fire in South Orange has spread rapidly from the Irvine and Lake Forest area. The fire began with 10 acres on Monday morning and by late night it had reached 7,200 acres. The Orange County Fire Authority reported 11,199 acres affected with 5% containment at 7 a.m. on Tuesday morning. The Blue Ridge Fire is on the East Orange

County line in the Yorba Linda area with 8,000 acres affected as of early Tuesday morning.
Track updates will be posted at the track’s website LosAlamitos.com and on its social media pages on Twitter and Instagram @losalracing.

LAUSD officially becomes “solar” system

David N. Young
-
0
LAUSD officially becomes “solar” system

With a unanimous vote this week, the Los Alamitos Unified School District officially agreed to enter the age of solar energy, agreeing to sign a 30-year power purchase agreement (PPA) that is projected to save the district more than $16.3 million over the next three decades.

Following a process of more than 18 months of negotiating and investigation, the board signed the PPA agreement with PFMG Solar to buy electricity at a fixed rate at 10 sites.

“This is one of those things that make financial sense and puts the district in a good place,” said outgoing board member David Boyer. “I think the timing could not be better,” he said.
“This will provide shade (for cars and students) as well as save money,” said Dr. Nancy

Nien, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, who spearheaded the effort.

“The beauty of this agreement is that it doesn’t cost us any money, but it allows us to save funds over the next 30 years,” said Dr. Andrew Pulver, Supt. Also, he said, the company is responsible for installing the equipment and for maintaining it, for cleaning it, etc.

Pulver and Boyer thanked Dr. Nien and her team, including C. J. Knowland, Director of Facilities and Myra Gonzalez, Bond Program Manager. The superintendent says Gonzalez’ negotiating skill saved the district an additional $1 million. Nien credited them as well for their hard work to make the deal happen.

Nien said a separate project should save LAUSD an additional $4 million over that same 30-year period.

“We have gone through all of the terms and we are excited to bring you this opportunity,” said Nien. She said the negotiated rate of 15.6 cents per kilowatt will provide predictable energy costs and third-party ownership of the equipment (by PFMG) will save additional funds.

Federal tax credits will be lowered at the end of the year, so it was important to lock in the maximum district savings in 2020.

According to Nien, solar panels will be installed on campuses in parking lots and open space. In addition, solar shade structures in parking lots will provide shaded parking spots for faculty, students, and the community. Elevated solar structures provide shaded areas for students to gather and play.

Moreover, she said, the community will benefit from a reduction of more than 3,360 tons of carbon dioxide annually.

Once installed, the systems are designed to provide solar power for 75% of the historical consumption of the sites where they are built district wide. This allows for maximum savings for the District by offsetting the highest Southern California Edison (SCE) rates and also provides a cushion for potential reductions in use.

Dr. Nien said the previously purchased battery storage system will allow the district to store power as well. LAUSD officials are planning an outreach campaign to explain the project in more detail to stakeholders and the community, she said.

She said design and permitting is scheduled through early 2021 and construction will commence in late 2021 and is expected to be completed by 2022.

SCHOOL TYPE OF INSTALLATION
District Office Parking Canopy
Hopkinson Elementary School Elevated Structure
Lee Elementary School Elevated Structure
Los Al Elementary School Parking Canopy
Los Alamitos High School Parking Canopy
McAuliffe Middle School Elevated Structure
& Parking Canopy
McGaugh Elementary School Elevated Structure
& Parking Canopy
Oak Middle School Elevated Structure
& Parking Canopy
Rossmoor Elementary School Elevated Structure
Weaver Elementary School Elevated Structure

 

Cypress government says “not hiding” anything with Measure P

Brady Rhoades
-
0
Cypress government says “not hiding” anything with Measure P

Should Cypress voters trust their elected officials — rather than a local newspaper — to alert them when discussions are being held and decisions made about the people’s business?

Amid a flurry of criticism that city hall is trying to reduce transparency, and fewer than two weeks before Election Day, Mayor Rob Johnson says yes.
That’s why he’s pushing for Measure P.

“It’s not being standoffish,” he said, in an interview with the Event-News Enterprise. “It doesn’t mean we can’t go back to the newspaper. It’s just moving with technology.”
Measure P, which updates the City Charter, calls for a watershed change in the way

Cypress citizens are notified about government meetings dealing with ordinances, franchises, public works contracts and other matters.

At present, notices are published in the Orange County Register. If voters OK Measure P, Cypress’ approximately 50,000 residents will be informed via the city’s website, and by posts at three public places chosen by the city.

Why change?

Johnson cited two reasons: 1) Modernization; 2) “It saves taxpayer dollars spent on costly and ineffective newspaper advertising.”
Modernization means use of social media and a mobile app as well as the city’s website, Johnson said.

When asked how many people visit the city’s website on a daily, weekly and monthly basis, Johnson said he didn’t know. When pressed further on transparency and asked why not post notices in a newspaper, on the city’s website and in public places, Johnson did not provide an answer.

Critics claim that senior citizens and others who rely on newspaper postings will be left in the dark when it comes to the people’s business. Moreover, they question the notion of putting government transparency and accountability on such critical issues in government’s hands.

Johnson said he understands the concerns, but stressed, “We’re not trying to hide anything.”

As far as saving taxpayer money, the city, which has a budget of about $45 million, spends $60,000 a year in legal notices published in the Register, the mayor said.

Local Wendel Zeller told this newspaper that there’s a bigger price to pay if Measure P passes: Cypress officials might forget who’s in charge.

“The people are on top,” he said. “The council gets all their power from the people, and not the other way around.”

Johnson and City Manager Peter Grant gave a Zoom presentation to the Cypress Chamber of Commerce and about 30 residents last week, and Johnson’s arguments in favor of the measure are posted on the city’s website.

A through-line of his case is that the city, which was incorporated in 1956 and hasn’t updated its Charter in decades, must address inconsistencies with state law.

“Measure P is an essential amendment to the City Charter that addresses inconsistencies with state law and enables the city to meet our community’s modern needs,” Johnson said.
Measure P further gives the City Council 60 days to fill vacancies on the council —without holding an election. City Attorney Anthony R. Taylor said that change would save taxpayers up to $220,000 per election, but council candidate Blaze Bhence, in a letter to this newspaper, wrote that “this could lead to more stacking of the council. ”

Council members Mariellen Yarc, Stacy Berry, Paulo Morales and Jon Peat, who support Measure P, did not respond to email requests for comments.

To view the full text of Measure P, visit www.cypressca.org.

Rossmoor man riding to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis

David N. Young
-
0
Rossmoor man riding to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis

On Friday evening, Roger Waterman did what he has done this time of year for almost three decades.

This Rossmoor businessman prepared his bike team for a different kind of weekend competition. They were about to bike for a cause that, he is now convinced, has been instrumental in saving his wife’s quality of life.

Almost immediately after learning his wife Roxanne had Multiple Sclerosis in 1993, Waterman said he had the “most helpless feeling I’d ever felt. I wanted to physically do something that could realistically help her,” he said.

But there was nothing, he said, until they were introduced to the National MS Society.
According to Waterman, they explained to them what his wife should expect with the disease’s onset, but also told them about several fundraising and support activities.

One of them was a brief bike ride in Venice Beach that Waterman said he and his wife could participate in together. That was 28 years ago, and Waterman has since graduated to the National ‘Race for a Cure’ event in Orange County called Bike MS.

He said biking involves fundraising, where each team member not only pedals for the cause, but also raises money as part of the team.

“I started in 1994, rode by myself. The following year, a couple of friends rode with me. Next year, five or six, eight or ten.” After two decades the team grew to more than 20 and this year, Waterman said he was proud to welcome six new riders.

Waterman began participating in the L.A. Chapter biking event, which runs from Ontario to Palm Springs but switched to the Orange County in 2004 after moving to Rossmoor. “I’d rather ride along the coast than in the desert.”

Each year, about 2,000 riders brave the elements to ride from Irvine to San Diego, spend the night and bike back as part of the Bike MS fundraising program. “It’s a 100-mile route,” he said, and incredibly challenging.

Waterman said he and his team members begin training each May for the Bike MS race. “We physically train for several months before competing in the event,” he said.

Although the pandemic cancelled this year’s regular ride, the National MS Society did sponsor the “Bike MS – Inside or Out” event. This allows teams of riders to set up their own routes and for those with biking machines “inside” to participate via an app.

“I decided I wanted to do this,” said Waterman, so he sat with his friends/teammates to brainstorm a route. They decided they would start in Rossmoor, travel down Seal Beach Boulevard, turn left on PCH and for team members wanting the 45 mile route would turn around at Balboa Island, and those wanting the 60 mile route would bike to Crystal Cove before turning back.

Waterman’s wife Roxanne and several friends and family members set up support tents along the way to offer them a nearby bathroom, a drink of water, etc.

Waterman has rules for his team that seem to belie the times in which we live. No one wins on his team. For each of the 28 years, his team members always wait for each other so “we can all cross the finish line at the same time.”

He also demands that his team adhere to a “no drop” rule, meaning that occasionally, the team slows to allow the lagging riders to catch up. Togetherness for a good cause.
Waterman knows the real race is the one to find a cure and “we are seeing progress. When we started raising money, there were no medications to treat my wife (or anyone else),” he said.

Teams like the one organized by Waterman have poured more than $100 million into research to create new drugs and treatments for MS over the past three decades. Waterman said there are now 13 medications, including one that has worked for his wife Roxanne.

He said MS is the body’s own immune system attacking itself, with frayed nerve endings covered with scar tissue, eventually interfering with the signal reception from the brain.
Waterman said one of the medications developed as part of this research is now able to arrest the development of MS in his wife’s body and in “those living with MS.”

“We can see the evidence of what we’ve been riding for all those years,” said Waterman. “It is so fulfilling,” said Waterman, whose efforts alone have raised more than $750,000 for MS. He is looking forward to reaching the $1 million mark so he can then complimentarily compete in any of the National MS races nationwide. “They have some beautiful rides across this country,” he said.

Even in the pandemic, Waterman’s team is expected to raise $15,000 for MS resulting from Sunday’s ride. Waterman treated each of the participants to lunch at his Rossmoor home and presented them each an honorary certificate.

“I ride because I can,” he said, “and for those with MS who cannot.”

Waterman is already looking forward to next year’s race and has no plans to slam on the brakes, even after nearly three decades of rides.

“We are closing in on a cure,” said Waterman, “and I believe that it will come in my lifetime.”

For this Rossmoor resident, this is a personal race for a cure that he is determined to win.

Creating the foundation for a new generation of opportunity in Los Al

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Creating the foundation for a new generation of opportunity in Los Al

As the end of my journey on the Los Alamitos city council comes into view, I can still remember the original decision I made to run for the city council.

People say it is an honor to serve the public. I can tell you it is such an honor to meet and work with so many extraordinary people in Los Alamitos. I’ve made so many new friends.
We are so fortunate to live in Los Alamitos and I am honored to serve you.

Back then, I wondered whether a lifelong CPA could make a difference in local government.
In my profession of certified public accounting, my job has always been to create and certify financial statements that justify spending. It has become a way of life for me and I wondered if I could help the city.

When I announced for city council, I made a promise to the public, saying I would never accept a single campaign contribution. At that time, the city was suffering from a contentious trash contract with rumors flying.

Then, or now, I wanted no part of such controversy. I certainly did not want anyone thinking that I was beholden to any special interest. I have remained free to make the best decisions possible, so I have kept that promise.

Also, I promised to spend the city’s money with the same care that I spend my own. I have kept that promise as well.

As a councilman and Mayor, I believe we have been excellent stewards of your money. Problems that now face our citizens began decades ago, yet we as an elected council have been fiscally responsible and we have managed to turn the corner.

In the last eight years, prior to the current budget cycle, we have slashed the number of employees by one-third, from 75 to 50, and in the most recent budget, we cut the equivalent of an additional 19 full-time positions.

Because our dedicated staff works so hard, our citizens never saw the difference in the quality of services they received. What a testament they are to our great city.
Salaries paid to employees in our city are among the lowest in the county. Every major position is at least 25% below the average.

Most importantly, I promised you to tell the truth. no matter how ugly. I would like to think that over the years, I have demonstrated the ability to sift through the fluff and boil each issue down to its basics.

Very soon I will no longer be your mayor or a member of the city council. Frankly, I am not sure how I will adjust, but I will, so I wanted to leave you with a going away thought about our city’s future.

People ask why do we need Measure Y?

Even before COVID, the future of our small city was being forced to pay for the sins of our financial past. Because of state mandates and perhaps bad decisions long ago, we have this challenge, yet we must stop looking back. We have explained it every way possible but must focus on a solution going forward.

The City of Los Alamitos deserves every chance to reach its full potential.

Council member Shelley Hasselbrink is right. She once said that our goal, every single one of us, should be to make Los Al the place where our grandchildren want to come home and settle down. So true.

Deep in my heart, I know we cannot continue speeding down this road without putting some gas in the tank. At some point, our engine will sputter, and our citizens will suffer.
Why not Los Alamitos? Why should we wait and allow this tax money to go to some state agency? We have a rare opportunity to make a difference.

There is no need to repeat all the negative things that will need to happen if measure Y is rejected.

Instead of having to study where to make further painful cuts, your vote Yes will provide the next city council with the resources to begin planning for new jobs, more entertainment, better roads, more parks and perhaps even a new city hall complex. This is our choice.

So, when we ask you to support Measure Y, please understand that we are simply asking you to support the future of our beautiful city.

Your support of Measure Y will keep our city safe, make it more beautiful and give our children and grandchildren even more opportunities than we had.

The citizens of Los Alamitos have given me an incredible gift that I will never forget. Thank you for the honor of serving you and the City of Los Alamitos.

The only promise that matters now is the one you can help make happen for the future citizens of Los Alamitos. On Nov. 3, please join me in saying yes to Measure Y.
It is time now for all of us to make a promise to a new generation.

Richard D. Murphy
Mayor, City of Los Alamitos

Los Al officials making final appeals for Measure Y

David N. Young
-
0
Los Al officials making final appeals for Measure Y

Systematic changes at the state government level regarding the funding of certain activities have created a serious funding situation for the city of Los Alamitos, City Manager Chet Simmons told the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce this week.

Simmons and city consultant David Cain briefly presented the case for the approval of Measure Y, which is the official ballot name for a 1.5 percent sales tax increase on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Before introducing Cain, Simmons said citizens could relate other services to the situation surrounding trash collection, which was the subject of the main speaker for the meeting (see related story).

“Residents just put trash cans out every Monday or Tuesday,” and they are picked up. “But as you just heard, there’s a lot that goes on in the background” to create effective and efficient trash collection, said Simmons.

While the many services received by residents look seamless, Simmons said they actually require a complex mix of personnel, equipment and talent to be efficiently and effectively delivered to residents.

“Unfunded (state) mandates have put a severe strain on city finances,” he added.
Simmons said the city has figured out “different ways” to provide the same level of service to residents while maintaining a balanced budget, but if Measure Y fails, the city will burn through all reserves by 2025 or so.

Cain, a financial consultant, said a number of external factors have contributed to the Los Alamitos postion, but he noted the city has taken a series of significant actions over the past two decades to mitigate the slide.

He said 26 full-time positions have been eliminated, which he said is about “about one-third” of the workforce, with no reducation in service.

Just in 2020, he said, the city saved $1.3 million by not filling several positions, including some in the police department, and making dramatic pay cuts to others.
Moreover, he said city employees in Los Alamitos make about 15 percent less than in most other cities.

Cain said if residents approve Measure Y, it will restore full funding to all city departments, including some capital improvement projects.

In practical terms, said Cain, the measure would cost city residents about 30 cents for every $20 they spend. “It would preserve the high quality of life in Los Alamitos that we have all come to expect and want.”

Another thing that is important, said Cain, is that visitors spending money in the city would also pay the tax so the entire burden will not fall on city residents. Also, he said, “not everything is subject to sales tax,” including medical and dental services, groceries and other items that are not subject to the tax.

He said the city has done surveys of residents and held meetings at various locations around the city to offer residents every opportunity to understand the city’s finances before putting the measure on the ballot.

Cain said the workshops were important for residents so that they could inform city officials as to where they wanted to see the money spent, including recreation, after school and youth programs, anti-gang patrols, enhanced law enforcement, quicker pot hole repairs, etc.

Finally, he said that if voters approve Measure Y, the sales tax would move to 9.25 percent, lower than Long Beach and Signal Hill, but slightly higher than nearby Orange County communities.

Voters in Seal Beach approved a half-cent sales tax measure in 2018 which brings its tax rate up to 8.75 percent. The city of Long Beach, he said, is at 10.25 per cent.

LAUSD says tv video was incorrect; employees get supplemental boost

David N. Young
-
0
LAUSD says tv video was incorrect; employees get supplemental boost

While describing the many positive events involved in the reopening of schools, the superintendent of the Los Alamitos Unified School District said a Los Angeles television station video misrepresented the system during a report.

“Some of you know that last Friday, KTLA news gave a really poor representation of what our school opening looked like,” Dr. Andrew Pulver told the LAUSD board during his monthly report.

Pulver said the station, after visiting the campus for interviews, apparently used some b-roll footage “completely unrelated to our school district.”

The superintendent said he immediately spoke to the station and the notified them of what happened, and he told the board that they retracted the part of the report that was being misrepresented.

Pulver said Friday that the classrooms shown did not reflect the enormous effort Los Al staff and teachers had taken to create a protective environment. The classrooms shown were not from LAUSD, he said, but said the station did resond.

On a more positive note, Pulver gave another quick overview of the district’s ongoing reopening process, complimenting the students themselves, and their parents, for being so helpful to each other and otherwise well behaved.

“I’m pleased to report that our students were all wearing their face masks as they were coming on to the campus and just really following the guidance in the procedures,” he said.
Pulver also showed photos of the many creative ways teachers across the district have created their own ad-hoc safety protocols for a variety of classes. Also, he congratulated teachers who had literally set up classrooms outside to teach.

“Our teachers are being really thoughtful and creative,” he said, and the PTA did a “fantastic” job, getting out to the schools early to erect signs and other messaging to welcome back students.

The superintendent also briefly commented on the district’s new COVID dashboard, explaining how administrators declined to follow the Irvine model because it was too “cumbersome” and had indeed created their own content.

The district has thus far had three confirmed cases of COVID-19, one administrator at Hopkinson Elementary and two students, both from the same family, said Pulver.
He introduced Assistant Supt. Dr. Joe Fraser, who explained the online dashboard in greater detail, including all of the metrics available to parents and concerned members of the community.

Keri Ravelo, a veteran teacher with 27 years of experience, who currently teaches at McAuliffe Middle School, was the only teacher to speak at the meeting. She repeatedly thanked the board and the administration for preparing the schools so thoroughly for a safe and smooth reopening.

“I have heard only exemplary comments from my colleagues on how well the district has handled this trying time; we feel so safe and appreciate the opportunity to do what we do best, teaching in person,” she said.

She said the “district has bent over backwards to provide a safe environment for all of us,” adding that another teacher said it best a few meetings ago: “I feel safer in my classroom than shopping at Target or Vons.”

Assistant Supt. for Business Services, Dr. Nancy Nien, explained the various COVID funding sources from which LAUSD has received $4.7 million in various relief funds.
Nien explained how the money has been or will be used in purchasing software, computers, desk shields and other necessities required to adapt to the safety protocols implemented by the district.

Board President Meg Cutuli presented a report to the board on the North Orange County Regional Occupational Program, a board on which she serves as part of the board president’s adjunct role.

She reported that the program is changing rapidly and working with community colleges and others to provide career technical education to a diverse mix of students seeking careers in public services and other fields.

Fraser told the board they had negotiated a 1% off-salary adjustment for both classified and certificated staff, retroactive from July of 2019. He asked the board to consider adding the same for administrative and supervisory staff.

The board agreed and amended each contract separately.
They voted 5-0 to approve the off-salary adjustment, meaning it is only a one-time supplement.

Courtesy photo

Cypress College opens 4,500 square foot open air facility

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Cypress College opens 4,500 square foot open air facility

Cypress College has expanded its on-campus study space by opening 4,500-square-foot, open-air facility capable of accommodating 70 students. The Outdoor Student Study Space follows the model used by many restaurants to continue dine-in service during the pandemic and expands on the free WiFi program Cypress College initiated in the aftermath of the campus closure in March.

“Finding creative solutions to help our students succeed is an important part of our work to ensure our students can meet their goals,” said Cypress College President JoAnna Schilling, Ph.D. “We know that some of our students are doing homework, attending classes, and even studying in their parked cars because multiple people in their household — siblings, parents, spouses, their own children —are also attending school remotely or working from home. Our Outdoor Student Study Space provides a safe alternative with reliable WiFi.”
Students can use the space for studying or for attending live sessions of their courses.

The study space is available each weekday, from 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and until 5 p.m. on Friday. Students may walk up or reserve a space through the college’s award-winning mobile app.

Students complete a wellness check in the app and must abide by health and safety regulations while using the study space. Restrooms, charging stations, and protective barriers are available.

About Cypress College:
Cypress College offers students a pathway to their future in an environment in which employees commit to joining students on their educational journey. The college’s half-million-plus alumni include actors, athletes, doctors, executives, mechanics, nurses, and teachers. For some, Cypress College is the ticket into their university of choice, and for others, it provides essential training for a prosperous career. Just one Cypress College class is often all it takes to provide cutting-edge skills that lead to a promotion or a new job.
Cypress College’s 16,000 students and the highly qualified teaching faculty are proud of the many excellent academic and vocational programs. Cypress College provides a pathway for each of our students, offering 56 university-transfer majors, 174 career-certificate programs, and degrees in 98 areas of study. The college’s traditional semesters begin in January and August, while short-term courses start throughout the year. A Cypress College education costs $46 per unit — $138 for a typical, full-credit class — California’s lowest tuition. Eligible first-time students qualify for free tuition through Cypress College’s Charger Experience promise program. Financial aid and scholarships are also available to qualifying students.

Cypress College is one of three campuses in the North Orange County Community College District and a member of the 116-campus California Community College system. The college primarily serves the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, Garden Grove, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, and Stanton.
Located at 9200 Valley View Street in Cypress, the college is easily accessible from several Southern California freeways.
In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Cypress College’s instruction and services are offered primarily in a remote format. Students can access support services online at http://cypresscollege.edu/coronavirus.

LAEF donates $35,000 for construction of Well Spaces

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
LAEF donates $35,000 for construction of Well Spaces

The Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF) was proud to donate an additional $35,000 last month for the construction of Well Spaces at both district Middle Schools – Oak and McAuliffe. This donation, along with the $25,000 LAEF donated last year to the mental health department, makes a total of $60,000 donated by LAEF for this construction project. This also marks the fourth year in a row that LAEF has made mental health a priority in funding.

A classroom has been transformed at each middle school to create the Well Spaces. They are centrally located on each campus so students can easily access the space. Psychologists, Guidance Counselors, and Mental Health Counselors will support students in the space, which will provide a calm, safe and supportive environment to assist students with issues (i.e., self-esteem, depression, peer relations, etc.) that impact their ability to achieve their highest potential.

“Establishing a well space at McAuliffe fulfills a huge need for our school community. As we actively seek to provide education around social and emotional wellness, the creation of this physical space goes above and beyond what we could’ve dreamt of for this work,” said Dr. Ryan Weiss-Wright, McAuliffe Principal.

The Well Spaces could not come at a better time. With school shutdowns and COVID lockdowns, youth are dealing with more stress than ever. The Centers for Disease Control surveyed Americans on their mental health at the end of June 2020 and young people seem to be the hardest hit group. For ages 18-24, one in four respondents said they had “seriously considered” suicide in the past 30 days.

Experts believe and early studies suggest that youth suicide and suicide attempts will increase, as it was already at a record high before the pandemic. The loss of regular contact with peers and adults outside the home, something critical to a teenager’s development, has been disrupted. Reports show that connectedness to school and community programs that help with coping and problem-solving skills can help with suicide prevention, which will be a function of the Well Spaces.

“The Well Spaces are a wonderful example of creating partnerships to greatly benefit our students,” said Grace Delk, Los Alamitos Director of Special Education and Mental Health. “The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) is providing the educational expertise, Children’s Hospital Orange County (CHOC) provides the medical expertise and furnishings, LAEF provides the construction funding and ongoing operational costs, and our district staff facilitates the process and staff the spaces. The Well Spaces will be a one-stop-shop to increase access to supports and decrease mental health stigma, and it wouldn’t be possible without this collaborative effort.”

“The Oak staff and students are grateful for the newest addition of our Well Space on the Oak Campus. This new student-centered space will support our efforts to promote social/emotional health for all students on campus,” said Erin Kominsky, Oak Principal. “Our students have been instrumental in the design of this space and we are excited to watch their eyes light up as their visions become reality. Thank you LAEF!”

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

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

Man shot dead after encounter with law enforcement

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Man shot dead after encounter with law enforcement

Part of the 605 Freeway was closed in the Los Alamitos area Thursday morning after someone opened fire at California Highway Patrol officers and a Caltrans crew on the side of the freeway in Orange County in which an unidentified man was later shot and killed.

Jake Sanchez, California Highway Patrol, public information officer, confirmed the incident but said law enforcement agencies were investigating the incident. As California Highway Patrol officers arrived to assist Caltrans workers for maintenance at the off-ramp, someone opened fire on them from a tent under some brush, said CHP Officer Todd Steaffens.

It’s not clear how many rounds were fired. The shooting was reported near the Katella Avenue exit on the southbound side of the freeway. During the initial incident, CHP officers closed lanes of the southbound 605 freeway in response to the initial shooting. While they negotiated for the shooter to leave his enclosure at the Katella onramp, freeway traffic backed up as far as Cerritos. Later, two officers made contact with the man at about 1:30 p.m., CHP Officer Dwayne Graham said.

At that time, an officer-involved shooting occurred.” CHP’s Westminster later issued a statement saying that when officers reengaged the man in the afternoon in a grassy area adjacent to the 605, the man brandished a weapon and fired at them.
One officer returned fire, striking the pedestrian causing fatal injuries, according to CHP.
Though the 605 reopened to traffic at approximately 3 p.m., the Katella on and off-ramps were still closed to traffic and reopened later.

The incident is reportedly still under investigation by the OC District Attorney’s office.
Los Alamitos Police said they assisted in the incident with traffic control and that the traffic jam briefly caused some disruption at nearby city hall.

Youth Center granted $30,000 to add new RASCALS location

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Youth Center granted $30,000 to add new RASCALS location

The Los Alamitos Youth Center recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of a new Rossmoor After School Club and Learning Services (RASCALS) location at St. Isadore Historical Plaza, made possible by a $30,000 grant from Wawanesa Insurance.

The ribbon cutting ceremony, hosted by the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce took place on September 17 at St. Isadore Historical Plaza (The Plaza), the new home of The Youth Center’s third RASCALS location. The Plaza RASCALS will focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Mathematics activities. Dignitaries in attendance included Los Alamitos Chamber Board President, Nesi Stewart and members, The Plaza Board President, Richard Murphy, Councilwoman Tanya Doby, Assemblyman Tyler Diep’s office, Senator Thomas Umberg’s office and Seal Beach Mayor Schelly Sustarsic, as well as The Youth Center Board members and staff.

RASCALS is an affordable after school program that provides a safe environment for children to learn and grow both academically and socially. Activities include sports, arts and crafts, science experiments, games, reading and special seasonal activities. The other RASCALS programs are held at Rossmoor Park and Rush Park and focus on recreation and hands-on nature exploration. With the addition of the Plaza RASCALS location, The Youth Center is now able to directly serve 7 schools in the Los Alamitos School District and many kids who live outside of the school district.

“Thanks to Wawanesa, we were able to purchase the books, crafts, science and STEM supplies, sports equipment and school supplies needed to start the program,” said Lina Lumme, Executive Director of The Youth Center. “We started with an empty room, made possible by The Plaza, built shelving units, added fun furnishings and replaced the air conditioning unit that was broken so the kids could thrive comfortably in their new environment,” added Lumme.

“Until now, children at these schools were walking home to an empty house while their parents were at work, trying to complete their homework without any help and keep themselves occupied for hours. Now they can get homework help, learn new science experiments and stay active and safe,” said Jamie Harris, Programs Director.

The Youth Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to transform children’s lives one family at a time through collaborative social, educational and recreational programs. Since the birth of the Youth Center in 1952, The Youth Center has been honored to establish valuable partnerships within the community and acknowledges their critical importance in the organization’s current and future success. For additional information on The Youth Center, please call 562-493-4043 or visit www.TheYouthCenter.org.

Los Al student starts group to promote Taiwan independence

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Los Al student starts group to promote Taiwan independence

By Kayla Tracy

A Los Alamitos High student recently started a group to advocate for the Independence of Taiwan. The project has been added to participate in the “Global Day of Action” against Chinese threats against regions such as Hong Kong, Tibet, Taiwan, Southern Mongolia, and East Turkestan. In May, Elizabeth Wu, a Taiwanese American senior at Los Alamitos High School, started the Taiwanese Independence Project to educate the community about Taiwanese independence.

In 1949, the Kuomintang, a Chinese Nationalist Party, and Chiang Kai-Shek, a Chinese Nationalist politician, fled to Taiwan during Mao Zedong and the Communist People’s Liberation Army’s development in China. Today, Taiwan has received threats of invasion from China for several decades. Kuomintang still holds rule in Taiwan and agrees with the “One China Policy,” which indicates that China has governance over Taiwan.

However, the Democratic Progressive Party argues that Taiwan is a fully independent country and should solely be under the name “Taiwan” and not its other name, “Republic of China.”

The Taiwanese Independence Project works with various Hong Kong protestors and “Dalu,” a journalist and radio show host who helped expose the Tiananmen Massacre in 1989.
“We are working with several other groups such as Students For A Free Tibet, the Uyghur Human Rights Project, and the Hong Kong International Alliance,” Wu said.

The Taiwanese Independence Project’s planning and work is completed through online meetings with other groups or individually. The project was planned to outreach mainly online, so there have not been major adjustments made since the COVID-19 outbreak.
Recently, Elizabeth Wu planned a protest called “Resist China Now” with other groups including For A Free Tibet, World Uyghur Congress, and Taiwan Association for Human Rights that was held October 1 in Los Angeles. Wu intends to organize group rallies at Chinese embassies as a part of the “Fridays for Freedom” campaign and other in-person events as soon as the spread of COVID-19 fully slows.

For more information go to: resistchina.org or @taiwanindependenceproject on Instagram.
Kayla Tracy is a sophomore at Los Alamitos High School

Pulver praises community for successful LAUSD reopen

David N. Young
-
0
Pulver praises community for successful LAUSD reopen

Five weeks into the new school year, the superintendent of the Los Alamitos Unified School District remains vigilant but has kind words for teachers, administrators, and parents as schools throughout the district are have been reopened.

“I’m surprised that it went as smoothly as it did,” said Dr. Andrew Pulver this week. “It’s really coming together.”

Almost in the same sentence, however, Pulver noted that he “understood the hardships” teachers, staff, students and parents have endured to make it happen.
“I know parents have been inconvenienced and our teachers and staff have had to find creative new ways to reach and teach our students,” said Pulver. “It’s not been easy for them.”

Nevertheless, Pulver said “I am so pleased” about the reopening. “Nothing is flawless,” he said, but the relatively smooth opening without major incident indicates the complex reopening and safety plan, with attention to detail, has largely worked.
The smooth opening “must mean our safety protocols are effective,” said Pulver.
Elementary schools opened Sept. 7, middle schools on Sept. 22, and high schools on Sept. 29.

High school teachers considered a walkout, but later relented when they said LAUSD started listening to their concerns. Several teachers provided technical, specific safety concerns to the board.

Days before the high school opened, staff members were busy installing new HVAC systems, filters and adding powerful air purifiers and fans for halls and classrooms.
He said parents, for both in-person instruction and those working at home through the LosAl@home program “have done a great job.” In many cases, both parents and grandparents were needed to facilitate the new supportive tasks required by pandemic protocols.

Detailed protocols and logistical necessities require families to pick up and drop off students within precise windows of time. Once on campus, students have strict social protocols for movement and socializing. Students learning at home have the same type, yet different challenges, he said.

Teachers too, said Pulver, have gone above and beyond to create a smooth opening for students. “We are all working harder, and differently, than we ever have before.”
“This is a big organization and reopening has been intense,” admits Pulver.

Even though it is only a hybrid approach, meaning students are only on campus three days a week, and teachers must provide asynchronous instruction for the days they are remote. “It is very hard work,” he said.

Even in its current, structured form, and even with its many challenges, Pulver said many students and parents are ecstatic.

“I’ve heard from numerous parents since we’ve opened,” he said, “saying what a difference this has been for their kids.”

Not only does it provide “emotional wellness for their children,” they are thriving and soaking up knowledge and, albeit briefly and socially distanced, seeing their friends again.

A student and a staff member have tested positive for COVID-19, but the superintendent said this was well within expectations.

“We were not naïve to think there would be no cases,” he said.
While he remains vigilant and taking every precaution against the virus, Pulver said he is also concerned about the educational impact of the period students attended “emergency distance learning.”

Pulver knows that hybrid school is not ideal, but students are learning again and this is the only way educators can deal with instructional time lost to the pandemic.

“Given the alternative,” said Pulver, “I’m very pleased.”

La Palma to celebrate 65th Anniversary

David N. Young
-
0
La Palma to celebrate 65th Anniversary

The city of La Palma is planning for a somewhat muted ( due to COVID), yet festive celebration on the 65th Anniversary of its founding later this month.

At the city council’s meeting last week, Mayor Peter Kim said “there have been many changes throughout the years,” as he read a resolution honoring the city for its accomplishments.

Kim cited the many times La Palma has been cited by Money Magazine as one of the “Best Cities to Live” in America and said there is so much that is “very exciting about the future.”
Mayor Pro-Tem Nitesh Patel introduced a short video that featured several members of the council, and other elected officials, praising the city’s accomplishments.
Kim also thanked the current and former elected officials and staff as La Palma turns 65 on Oct. 25.

Also on Monday, residents learned that La Palma will officially reopen its Central Park this month.

City Manager Conal McNamara said Gov. Gavin Newsom latest guidance will permit parks to be reopened and that the city’s staff was preparing for the reopening.

In other action, the La Palma city council;
• Passed a resolution honoring “Fire Prevention Week” as Orange County Fire Authority Administrative Captain Jason Williams thanked the city on behalf of the organization. He said La Palma has been a “proud partner” for more than 25 years.
• Listened a report on updates on the city’s groundwater system, which is supported to two massive underground wells and pumping stations, capable of delivering more than the current 1.6 million gallons per day (80 percent residential). With more than 39 miles of pipes carrying water to city customers, La Palma is also connected to area cities with backup connections, the council was told.
• Directed the city manager to look into an ongoing noise abatement situation surrounding the area’s Walmart after a longtime resident inquired about an ongoing investigation into potential solutions.

Rossmoor Woman’s Club honors Los Al seniors

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Rossmoor Woman’s Club honors Los Al seniors

The Rossmoor Woman’s Club honored Los Alamitos High School seniors Sally Stuart and Hannah Osborne as students of the month for September and October, respectively.
Sally made the school’s nationally ranked Varsity Song team as an incoming freshman. The team has since won three national and two world championships, and Sally was recently named National Senior Solo Jazz Champion at the Universal Dance Association’s nationwide solo showdown.

Sally Stuart

Sally and her team have raised more than $30,000 for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital as part of a UDA initiative. Sally also is active in student government at Los Al, where she has been responsible for student recognition and publicity in the Associated Student Body organization. In the community, she babysits at the Precious Life Shelter and recently hosted a supply drive for shelter residents. Sally maintains a 4.5 GPA and hopes to pursue medical and nutrition studies in college.

Hannah Osborne is a 4-year member of the Los Alamitos Dance team and Advanced Dance class. She is involved in the Spanish Honors society and has achieved a cumulative weighted 4.2 GPA. Outside school, Hannah assists dancers with Down Syndrome through “Down for Dance” and participates in the youth ministry program at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. In the future, Hannah hopes to study kinesiology in college and eventually become a physical therapist. She enjoys dancing, surfing, and spending time with friends and family whenever she can.

Each student received a certificate and $600 scholarship award from the Rossmoor Woman’s Club.

Why I’m voting no on Measure P

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Why I’m voting no on Measure P

As a candidate running for Cypress City Council, I have found one of the best ways of communicating with residents is through neighborhood walking. This isn’t realistic though, for a city of 50,000 people on a weekly basis. I have found over the past few weeks that senior residents, and those that don’t use Facebook, are at an extreme disadvantage – there is no communication from the city to these residents about upcoming projects, community events, the police blotter, etc. And it’s been shocking for me to see just how many residents rely on the local newspaper to get their city information.

Measure P does bring Cypress into the 21st Century on a handful of items (bid postings, openings, etc.) but unfortunately, I cannot in good faith endorse, nor vote for Measure P because of the harm it could do to the City of Cypress. This week (writing as of October 6th), many Cypress households received a flashy, full color mailer directly from the city about the benefits of Measure P along with some other community information. After doing some research at the local post office, I found out the city pays 16 cents to mail each piece. That is $0.16 x ~16,000 households (conservative number) = $2,560 spent on mail costs alone. I have also found out through interviews with city staff that the cost to design and print the flyer was approximately $5,000. I find it ironic that the City of Cypress is sending a mailer out to get residents to vote yes for a measure that eliminates paper communication.

Instead, this money could be put to better use, such as guaranteeing our city to have a weekly full page in the local newspaper dedicated to events, projects, meetings, etc. where we can actually communicate with the elderly residents in our city. Eventually, I do see a time in the future where newspapers could go away, and all information is online. However, we are not there yet in Cypress.

The other major concern I have with Measure P, is that if one member of council were to leave their term early (resignation, death, or other) then the sitting council members will get to choose his/her replacement. This means the voters will have no say in a potential council appointee. This person could not only complete the remainder of a council member’s term, but then run using the “incumbent” title on the next ballot. Studies have shown that someone running as an “incumbent” have a much higher likelihood of getting reelected. To me, the voters of Cypress should have a say of any new person sworn into local office. I believe the voters of Cypress should have the final say for whom sits on the council.

While Measure P does bring some good aspects, there are two major downfalls. This is why I am endorsing NO on Measure P,

Jimmy Fuller
Candidate, Cypress City Council

Cypress ballot measure-P
A brief section of the revised City Charter removes the publication of community updates from the “City official newspaper”.
I wondered what the name of the newspaper that the city had used for updates in the past. Was it the Event-News Enterprise, the OC Breeze, or something published by the Cypress Civic Center?
Since I haven’t noticed updates from any of these newspapers in my 20 years as a resident, I emailed the City Council for the name of the “official city newspaper” and the answer I got was the legal notices section of the Orange County Register. How many people in Cypress read the “legal notices” of the OC Register? I will vote NO on measure-P but I would hope the City Council would use a more transparent news source for community updates.
William Maxey
Cypress

Transient apparently opens fire on officer, CalTrans. Shuts down Katella

David N. Young
-
0
Transient apparently opens fire on officer, CalTrans. Shuts down Katella

Part of the 605 Freeway was closed in the Los Alamitos area Thursday morning after someone opened fire at California Highway Patrol officers and a Caltrans crew on the side of the freeway in Orange County.

The shooting was reported near the Katella Avenue exit on the southbound side of the freeway. Rounds appeared to come from brush near the freeway exit ramp.

As California Highway Patrol officers arrived to assist Caltrans workers for maintenance at the off-ramp, someone opened fire on them from a tent under some brush, said CHP Officer Todd Steaffens told NBC4. It’s not clear how many rounds were fired.

No injuries were reported and CHP Public Information Officer Jake Sanchez said a host of agencies were investigating.

Details about the shooter, who is believed to be in a tent, were not immediately available. There were no immediate reports of injuries.

Traffic is backing up for miles and the Los Alamitos City Hall was affected. Look for full details in next week’s Event News Enterprise

Photo by Toni Hauger

Youth Center named as Top-Rated nonprofit organization

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Youth Center named as Top-Rated nonprofit organization

The Los Alamitos Youth Center announced today it has been named a “2020 Top-Rated Nonprofit” by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and nonprofits.

For 68 years, the Youth Center has been providing programs for kids and their families, including music education, before and after school care, tutoring, summer programs, programs for teens and scholarships for families in need in the local community.

“We are honored to be named a 2020 Top-Rated Nonprofit,” says Lina Lumme, Executive Director and CEO. “We are proud of our accomplishments this year, including being a UCLA Social Enterprise Academy Finalist, offering free childcare for essential workers, offering online programs, being granted a PPL loan, launching a new brand and website and conducting safe and successful modified Camp SHARK, Teen Camp and Leadership Academy, all during the shutdown,” she concluded.

The Top-Rated Nonprofit Award is based on the rating and number of reviews that The Youth Center received from volunteers, donors, participating families and scholarship recipients. One parent wrote, “I love The Youth Center. Lina and her staff really stepped up during this year to help families in need. My sons loved Camp SHARK and are now in the after-school program. The Youth Center staff helps them with distance learning and gives them confidence to be successful at school. They made new friends, play lots of sports and always feel welcomed. They want to work at The Youth Center when they are older. Thank you to everyone who takes care of our boys. What a blessing to have such an incredible organization in our community. I recommend The Youth Center to everyone.”

“The Youth Center is a great example of a nonprofit making a real difference in their community,” said Perla Ni, CEO of GreatNonprofits, “Their award is well-deserved recognition not only of their work, but the tremendous support they receive, as shown by the many outstanding reviews they have received from people who have direct experience working with The Youth Center.”

The Youth Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to transform children’s lives one family at a time through collaborative social, educational and recreational programs. Since the birth of the Youth Center in 1952, The Youth Center has been honored to establish valuable partnerships within the community and acknowledges their critical importance in the organization’s current and future success. For additional information on The Youth Center, please call 562.493.4043 or visit www.TheYouthCenter.org.

1...135136137...324Page 136 of 324