Home Blog Page 140

Committee on 2020 Census Co-Chair Sen. Umberg on Keeping Census on Track amid COVID-19 Pandemic

David N. Young
-
0
Committee on 2020 Census Co-Chair Sen. Umberg on Keeping Census on Track amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Today, Chair of the Senate Select Committee on the 2020 United States Census, Senator Thomas J. Umberg (D-Santa Ana) released the following statement regarding the 2020 Census during the current state of emergency inflicted by the COVID-19 crisis. The statewide effort to count each California resident will directly impact the next 10 years, and beyond. Resident counts are used to determine federal funding allocations to local school districts and to determine how many electoral college votes each community gets, among other political and daily-life impacts.

“Disruptions caused by the outbreak have forced Californians to adjust to a new sense of normal during a pandemic, nonetheless we must make appropriate efforts to maintain the processes by which we represent the people of our state,” said Senator Umberg. “The repercussions that stem from the information we provide to the census is imperative. It only takes a few minutes to ensure we get counted, and we get our fair share of the federal and state funded resources that are available.”

The processes put into place for the initial stages of the Census have gone well, and many Americans have already responded via the census website, by mail or by phone. However, severe limitations brought on by controlling the COVID-19 pandemic will impact mobility and personal contact., making it difficult to reach portions of the population. About 38 percent of households have responded since the online portal opened on March 10, a number in line with the bureau’s projections.

“Census data helps government agencies, school districts, businesses and others, provide the best resources to serve Californians. COVID-19 has shown us more than ever how interconnected we all are, and the census is a rare opportunity to do our part to help our community,” said Senator Umberg.

Fortunately, it is easier to participate in the 2020 Census. You can do it online, over the phone or using a paper form. Invitations have gone out in the mail, but you do not need the ID number from the invitation to complete the form. You can just go to www.my2020census.gov and complete it as soon as possible. Residents can also call 1-844-330-2020 with language support, or by mailing in a paper questionnaire once they are mailed. A census worker only comes to your home if you have not completed the form. So, it is imperative that residents complete the census and encourage friends and neighbors to do the same.

The Senate Select Committee on the 2020 US Census will work with all stakeholders and provide the necessary oversight to help ensure that there is an accurate and complete count. The committee members include Senator Thomas J. Umberg (Chair; D – Santa Ana), Senator Richard Pan (Chair; D – Sacramento), Senator Anna M. Caballero (D – Salinas), Senator Ling Ling Chang (R – Diamond Bar), Senator Maria Elena Durazo (D – Los Angeles), Senator Robert M. Hertzberg (D – Van Nuys), and Senator Melissa Hurtado (D – Sanger).

U.S. Chamber announces new small business resource

David N. Young
-
0
U.S. Chamber announces new small business resource

While hard hit small businesses await more federal money to be pumped into the Paycheck Protection Program, the U.S Chamber announced a plan this week a competitive grant program offering $5000 grants.

To combat the economic destruction threatening the survival of small businesses in every town across America, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce today launched the Save Small Business Initiative — a nationwide program to address small businesses’ immediate needs, mitigate closures and job losses, and mobilize support for long-term recovery.

The Save Small Business Initiative features a four-part campaign including financial aid, resources and guidance, advocacy, and polling, as well as a call to action for the larger business community and government to help small businesses

“Our nation is facing a crisis that requires an unprecedented level of support and collaboration between government and business,” said Tom Donohue, CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “The Save Small Business Initiative is a multifront battle plan to combat the ongoing economic destruction and lay the foundation for recovery.”

A recent poll conducted by the Chamber and MetLife found that more than half of small businesses (54%) have closed at least temporarily or will close in the next two weeks. One in four (24%) are two months or less away from permanently closing.

“Small business owners are fighting day and night to keep their workers employed and their dreams alive. Already, too many small businesses have shuttered, and millions more are teetering on the brink of permanent closure,” said Suzanne Clark, President, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “These small businesses touch every family and every block of every town across America. And they need our help right now.”

“We cannot and will not allow our country’s critical small business sector to collapse,” she said.

The Chamber is calling on every business leader and large company across the country to marshal available resources, talent, and unique capabilities to help small businesses in any way they can. Recognizing that many midsize and large companies also have been hit hard by the pandemic and the economic fallout, the Chamber is developing recommendations for companies that are in a stronger position to leverage their resources, core competencies, and new ideas to assist small businesses.

In addition, the Chamber is calling on federal, state, and local governments to consider additional mechanisms to support small businesses, including accelerating payment schedules for small business vendors, suppliers, and other contractors.

“Since the pandemic began, we have watched many companies rise to the challenge and leverage their core competencies to combat the pandemic and mitigate the impact of the virus,” Clark said. “Now, we need others who are willing and able to contribute their unique expertise and much-needed resources to help small businesses survive.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is launching the Save Small Business Fund. Funded by contributions from corporate and philanthropic partners, the Foundation will provide $5,000 supplemental grants to small employers in economically vulnerable communities. The Foundation is launching the grant fund in partnership with Vistaprint and with support from Merck, S&P Global Foundation, and Travelers.

For more information on the Save Small Business Grant Fund, visit  https://www.uschamber.com/save-small-business.

 

Celebrating birthdays from a safe distance

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Celebrating birthdays from a safe distance

By Jeannette Andruss

Seal Beach resident Landon Pardasani had been eagerly anticipating turning 6 on April 5.

But his birthday would not be marked with a traditional party like in years past.

“He was sad he couldn’t have a celebration or see his friends,” Landon’s mom, Farnaz Pardasani, wrote in an email message.

To curb the spread of the potentially deadly coronavirus, the public has been urged to limit social gatherings.

So, what’s a parent to do if their child’s birthday occurs during this pandemic?

Pardasani said a friend suggested asking people to come by the house to deliver birthday wishes from a safe distance. “With that, the ‘birthday car parade’ was born,” she said.

On April 5, around a dozen cars cruised by Landon’s house in Old Town as he stood out front. Vehicles filled with screaming kids hanging out the windows holding homemade banners paraded by. Upbeat music filled the air. One kid used a megaphone to wish Landon a happy birthday.

“What was to be an ordinary, isolated birthday became an extraordinary celebration thanks to our friends and family,” Pardasani said.

Landon’s not the only one celebrating this way. On April 6, nearly 25 cars rolled through the Hill neighborhood with horns honking to celebrate Weston Beljajev turning 8.

Weston’s mother said birthdays are very important to her three sons. But she realized that the threat of covid-19 made it impossible to host a backyard party as planned. So, they opted for a “drive-by” version.

“Weston was thrilled,” Neyleen Ortiz-Beljajev wrote in an email and noted a highlight was when Weston’s Seal Beach Pony League baseball teammates showed up in uniform.

“It brought tears to my eyes when I saw the little twinkle in his eye return. It has been a while since I have seen that side to him,” she wrote.

The Seal Beach Police Department has also taken part in a handful of drive-by parties recently.

On March 30, officers in patrol cars treated Rossmoor resident Billy Williams to a surprise car parade to mark his 8th birthday.

SBPD posted video of the parade on social media this week.

“That was awesome!” Billy exclaims in the video.

“Due to this unfortunate situation, the SBPD wants to help bring joy to kids who cannot have traditional birthday parties,” Seal Beach Police Chief Phil Gonshak said in a statement.  “Their faces light up when they see police cars driving down the street and police officers wishing them happy birthday over the PA system.”

Billy’s mother Melissa Williams said she thinks this birthday will be more memorable than most. “He will not forget his police car parade driving by.”

Aquarium offers online viewing for homebound visitors

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Aquarium offers online viewing for homebound visitors

The Aquarium of the Pacific is adding new content daily for kids and adults alike through its Online Academy and will host its first virtual Earth Day event.

Though it has been closed to the public since mid-March due to the pandemic, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California, has had its virtual doors open to people around the world. With many kids and adults staying at home, the Aquarium is offering them free online resources with daily live and on-demand content, including new additions, like the live penguin nest cam. The Aquarium hosted its first virtual Earth Day event on April 22 featuring themed classes for kids, an evening lecture for adults hosted by the Aquarium’s president, a special edition of the Daily Bubble show, and live appearances by the Aquarium’s ambassador animals.

You can visit the Aquarium’s website or follow their social media channels for live feeds and updates. Here are some of these offerings broken down by age group and all accessible via the Aquarium’s Online Academy webpage.

Live animal webcams (all ages): Find out which penguin couples decide to build a nest this season with the new nest cam and watch their antics underwater. Take a virtual dive through colorful coral reef habitats teeming with fish or through a lagoon filled with sharks. Feel the tranquility that watching mesmerizing sea jellies can bring, and explore kelp forests with some very big fish. The Aquarium of the Pacific currently features seven webcams where you can experience all of this live, along with accompanying educational resources.

The Daily Bubble show featuring the comedy of the Pacific Pals (all ages): Looking for a laugh while learning? The Pacific Pals hope they can help. This group of puppet characters includes Axl the axolotl, Seymour Shark, Piper the seahorse, Captain Quinn, and the newly added character, Quinn’s son Kevin the crab. You can meet Kevin in this episode, but we won’t say more so we don’t ruin the surprise. In their Daily Bubble show, the Pacific Pals bring you Aquarium news, education, home craft ideas, and updates in their own special way. You can also download Pacific Pals coloring and activity sheets.

Live interactive classes for kids (grades K-12): The kids are home and school is in session with Aquarium of the Pacific educators. These interactive sessions are offered live, and kids can send in their questions via text or email to the Aquarium educator, but can also be watched on-demand. The classes are divided by grade levels: Pre-K to second grade; third to fifth grade; sixth to eighth grade; and ninth to twelfth grade, and feature interviews with Aquarium animal experts, live looks at animals, and opportunities to draw with the Aquarium. These classes cover a diverse range of topics, including learning about animals and their habitats, ocean exploration, marine science, and even about careers in the field. Parents can print out certificates of completion for their fin-tastic students at home.

Virtual Visitor Guide embossing activity with digital prize (all ages): Virtually explore the Aquarium’s galleries and search for answers to questions about the animals. You can download the Visitor’s Guide and use the Online Learning Center to find the answers to all eight questions. Once you complete the activity, you’ll unlock a digital surprise, courtesy of the SoCal Honda Dealers Association.

Lifelong learning through the Guest Speaker Series and Aquatic Academy (adults): If you have an interest in environmental subjects, the Aquarium offers a tremendous volume of lecture videos on-demand, featuring scientists, artists, journalists, and Aquarium staff. These lectures cover a wide range of topics, from ocean research and conservation to how we can use art to build connections to nature. Each speaker also records a short Aquacast at the Aquarium, and that podcast is also archived on the Aquarium’s website. In addition, the Aquarium has made its Aquatic Academy six-part courses a free online resource. These courses feature leading experts teaching adults about environmental topics, including the most recent series from last month about the effects of Earth’s health on human health.

Seafood at home with Seafood for the Future (adults): Looking for recipes to cook at home or ideas on how to make responsible seafood choices? The Aquarium of the Pacific’s Seafood for the Future programs offers online resources to help. This includes the Ocean to Table video series featuring chefs and seafood farmers and its Storied Seafood series, which includes videos in both English and Spanish.
All viewing is free to the public, according to the aquarium.

 

Courtesy photo

Visitors feed the fish at the Aquarium of the Pacific before it was closed because of coronavirus. The AOP is now offering free online exhibits and programming.

 

Aquarium of Pacific invites public t0 free Earth Day celebration

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Aquarium of Pacific invites public t0 free Earth Day celebration

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and the Aquarium of the Pacific is inviting kids and adults at home to join in for its first virtual Earth Day event. You can watch special appearances by the Aquarium’s animal ambassadors, including penguins. For parents looking for educational activities for kids and teens, the Aquarium’s educators will present a variety of Earth Day-themed interactive classes.

The Aquarium’s Pacific Pals characters will release a special episode of their show The Daily Bubble to celebrate the special day. Adults are invited to tune in at 7:00 p.m. PDT for a live-streamed lecture hosted by Aquarium President Dr. Jerry Schubel featuring guest speaker Douglas McCauley, an associate professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. McCauley will share how we can all take inspiration, in challenging times, from lessons of resiliency in our ocean and what responsibility we have, on Earth Day, to recommit to protecting ocean health.

The Aquarium has hosted its annual Earth Day Celebration in April, a weekend-long festival featuring booths and activities, for the past twenty years. This year it will use technology to observe Earth Day and provide a way for the public to connect with ocean science while they are at home.

Virtual Earth Day Full Schedule:

8:45 a.m. Live introduction with Aquarium educator

9:00 a.m. Friends in the Sea (Pre-K-K live class) with sulfur crested cockatoo appearance

9:45 a.m. Animal appearance: sulfur crested cockatoo explores the Honda Blue Cavern*

10:00 a.m. Draw With Us: Habitats (grades K-2 live class) with penguin appearance

10:45 a.m. Animal appearance: Penguins at the Honda Blue Cavern*

11:00 a.m. All About Invertebrates (grades 3-5 live class) with desert tortoise appearance

11:45 a.m. Animal appearance: desert tortoise at the Honda Blue Cavern*

12:00 p.m. The Daily Bubble with the Pacific Pals

1:00 p.m. Honda Blue Cavern Webcam Live with MC

1:00 p.m. Aquarium Live Ep 5: Animals and their Senses (grades K-5 live class) with rosy boa appearance

1:45 p.m. Animal appearance: rosy boa at the Honda Blue Cavern*

2:00 p.m. Whales & Conservation (grades 6-8 live class) with Virginia opossum appearance

2:45 p.m. Animal appearance: Virginia opossum*

4:00 p.m. Moon Jelly Webcam Live

5:00 p.m. Wrap-up for the Day Live

7:00 p.m. Guest Lecture: Flood Tides and the Affairs of Humans with Douglas McCauley

*Aquarium’s Facebook live (all other programming accessible from the Aquarium’s website)

WHERE: Aquarium of the Pacific’s website:  aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/earth_day_celebration/

Food Resource Guide for Orange County

David N. Young
-
0
Food Resource Guide for Orange County
Food Resources for Families
The Orange County Business Council has just released a comprehensive guide to food resources for seniors and citizens affected by the dramatic community showdown.
We are posting it as a resource for those in our coverage area who may have been affected by the pandemic. Please share with all who need.
Tustin Drive Through Food Drive
  • Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Location: Families Together of Orange County Community Health Center, 621 West First St., Tustin CA, 92780
  • Fresh and nonperishable grocery items, packages contain 5 days worth of food
  • Families may receive assistance once every 30 days
  • Locations: Anaheim, Irvine South, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Rancho Capistrano, San Clemente
Second Harvest Food Bank Drive Through
  • Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • Location: Honda Center parking lot: 2695 E. Katella Ave. Enter off South Douglass Road.
Christ Cathedral: Food Bank
  • Pre-bagged food distribution: Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Location: 13280 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92840 by front gate of the property
Salvation Army Orange County: Drive Through Food Distribution
  • Canned foods, produce, frozen goods
  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and Tuesday, Thursday 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • For residents of North and Central Orange County – Bring ID
  • May receive food once monthly
  • Must meet low income guidelines (TEFAP)
  • Location: 1515 W. North Street, Anaheim, CA
Families Forward: Drive Through Food Bank
  • Drive-thru service including food and diapers
  • Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
  • Location: 8 Thomas, Irvine, CA 92618
Food for Christ at the Rock: Drive Through Food Bank
  • Hours: Drive-thru will be 7:00 am – 9:00 am on Saturday.
  • Phone: (714) 331-6311
  • Location: 101 East Orangethorpe Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92801
Southwest Community Center
  • Hot Meals 12:00 pm Monday-Sunday, but the meal must be consumed off-site. The food pantry is offered 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Monday and Wednesday.
  • Phone: (714) 547-4073
  • Location: 1601 West Second Street, Santa Ana CA 92703
South County Outreach: Appointment Online Food Pantry
  • Food distribution will be by appointment only. Any shopper coming without an appointment will be directed to call the hotline. Appts available Monday-Friday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Open to families and individuals.
  • Phone: Pantry Hotline at 949-380-8144 ext. 207
  • Location: 7 Whatney, Suite B, Irvine, CA 92618
Food Resources for Children
OC School Grab and Go Meals: Comprehensive list of all OC Schools
  • Orange County Department of Education has prepared a master list of all school locations in Orange County where families can pick up food.
Tustin Community Foundation: Grab and Go Food
  • Grab and Go lunch and breakfast at no cost to children 18 and under
  • Children must be present at pick up
  • 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. weekdays
  • Robert Heideman Elementary School, 15571 Williams Street
  • A.G. Currie Middle School, 1401 Sycamore Avenue
  • Tustin High School, 1171 El Camino Real
Food Resources for Seniors
Meals on Wheels Orange County: Meals for Seniors
  • Up to 7 grab and go lunches to take home once a week. Must bring ID, or ID for individual who will receive the meals.
  • Locations: Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, La Habra, Orange, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Stanton, Tustin, Westminster
Age Well Senior Services: On the Go Food for Seniors
  • Senior Center Grab and Go Lunch
  • Can get up to 3 meals
  • Locations: Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach/Corona Del Mar, San Clemente
  • Irvine Meals on Wheels provides nutritious, healthy, great tasting meals to senior residents or other individuals who cannot prepare or shop for meals themselves.
  • Food for an entire day is delivered Monday through Friday between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
  • Phone: (949) 724-6927
  • Location: 20 Lake Road Irvine, CA 92604
Alzheimer’s Orange County: Grocery Stores with Special Senior Hours
Senior Services
Office on Aging: Seniors with any need, please call 1-800-510-2020
  • Health Insurance Counseling, Concierge Care Navigators, Answer Resource Guides, Senior Protection Program, etc.
  • Phone: (714) 479-0107
  • Location: 2 Executive Circle, Suite 175, Irvine, CA 92614
  • Provides services that promotes health and well being for seniors
  • Phone: (949) 855-8033
  • Location: 23101 Lake Center Drive, Suite 325, Lake Forest, CA 92630
  • Services for blind and visually impaired adults. While their classes and services are temporarily suspended, they are here to provide support during the “safer-at-home” mandate by phone or online.
  • In this time of separation, Well Connected and Well Connected Español are here to provide support—to provide laughs, intellectual stimulation, inspiration, conversation and more, all via groups you can join from home, by phone or online.
  • Phone: (877) 797-7299
  • Offer free care planning service to seniors of any income, insurance, and/or health condition.
  • Help people learn about great healthcare resources, housing with assistance for low income/disabled seniors and many great programs to seniors improve their quality of life.
Mental Health Services
CHOC Children’s: 7 Ways to Help Kids Cope with COVID-19 Anxiety
  • Tools and information on anxiety; resources for immediate response; how-to articles; webinars and workshops; articles specifically for parents, caregivers, older adults, domestic violence survivors, LGBTQ+ individuals, and veterans.
Girls Scouts of Orange County: Girls Scouts at Home
  • Online resource to serve all K-12 girls at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The resources include access to Girl Scouts of the USA’s new online platform, featuring free, self-guided activities for K-12 girls and local activities from Girl Scouts of Orange County.
Active Minds: Resource Supporting Mental Health
  • Resources for students, young professionals and parents
Sanvello: App Offering Free Premium Access
  • On demand help with reducing stress and anxiety.
Pet Services
  • Pet food is usually available on Wednesday nights at 5:30 p.m. at the Courtyard in Santa Ana.
  • Phone: (714) 451-6198
  • Location: 400 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, 92701
  • Pet food available at Bread of Life Pantry, Thursday’s and Friday’s from 3:00 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Phone: (714) 897-8972
  • Location: 12832 Knott St., Garden Grove, 92841
  • Pet food is available in the food pantry, Monday Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • Phone: (714) 507-2459
  • Location: 7855 Katella Ave., Stanton, CA 90680
  • Pet food available through Paws for Peace pet food pantry. Open most Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  • Phone: (714) 535-1675
  • Location: 827 S Walnut St, Anaheim, CA 92802
  • Open on the first and third Wednesday’s of the month from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., located at Shepard of the Hills United Methodist Church
  • Phone: (714) 282-3097
  • Location: 30605 Avenida de las Flores, Rancho Santa Margarita, 92688
  • Open on the first Saturday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
  • Phone: (714) 282-3097
  • Location: 13280 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove, CA 92840
Volunteer Opportunities
If you are looking for ways to give back to the community, the organizations below are looking for volunteers.

Cypress has 32 COVID-19 cases, La Palma 12 and Los Alamitos 5

David N. Young
-
0
Cypress has 32 COVID-19 cases, La Palma 12 and Los Alamitos 5

While data released early this week indicated a sharp drop in the number of reported cases of COVID-19 in Orange County, experts say it is too early to tell if there is a long-term trend in the lower numbers.

According to the Orange County Health Care Agency, only 9 new cases were reported on Monday and 23 on Tuesday, down significantly from the average numbers ranging from 50 to 100 cases per day in previous weeks.Locally, there are 32 confirmed cases now in the city of Cypress, 12 confirmed cases in the city of La Palma and for the first time, Los Alamitos was reported Tuesday with 5 confirmed cases.

Data from the OC Health Care Agency also suggests that, thus far, the virus is claiming the lives of people with Asian ethnicity in greater numbers, and while there are significantly more cases reportedly in the 45-64 age group, the largest percentage to succumb to the disease is over 65.

Thus far, Orange County has reported 1,299 cases of COVID-19 and 19 people have died as a result of the disease. Currently, as of Tuesday, there were 122 patients hospitalized, including 62 of them in Intensive Care units.

By gender, case incidence and deaths from the disease were exactly the same. Of the cases, 53 percent were men and 43 percent women, and deaths were reported by the agency in exactly the same gender proportion.

By age, 39% of the cases were in the 45-64 age group, followed by 19% in the over 65 group, 17% in the 25-34 age group, 15% in the 25-34 age group and only 2 percent from 0-17 years old.

By death, however, the percentages are different. The data suggests 58% of those who have died from COVID-19 were over 65, followed by 26 percent in the 45-64 age group, 11% in the 25-34 age group, 5% in the 34-44 age group and none of the patients from 0-24 have died.

By ethnicity, 40 percent of cases are “unknown,” while 25% are White, 18% Hispanic or Latino, 9% Asian, 5 percent other and 1% each Black or African American and American Indian/Alaska Native.

The Orange County Health Care Agency reported that deaths thus far from the virus has been 42% Asian, 26% Hispanic or Latino, 21% White, 5% other and 5% Black or African American.

Virus threatens health, steals memories from seniors

David N. Young
-
0
Virus threatens health, steals memories from seniors

Editor’s note: Since people are confined to stay inside their homes, we are trying to tell the “the inside story” and invite local families to send us their “inside story.” What are you doing to cope? Send submissions to editor@event-newsenterprise.com.

With families locked inside their homes, trading liberty for health, there is so much more being lost in the pandemic, say mothers and fathers watching their children cope with the sudden loss of school.

Karen and Larry Denyer is just one affected couple, but they were served with a double dose when the stay-at-home order was issued.

Their son Cade was a star baseball player, looking forward to his final college season. In early March, Cade was on the mound to pitch his first pre-season game against the University of Rochester. Little did he know it, or could have known, that was the last game of his college career.

Their youngest son Carson was a standout trumpet player on the Los Alamitos High School jazz band. He was appointed Spirit Ambassador to the Student Association and was preparing to end his high school career with typical memory making events like senior prom, Jazz night and other events leading up to graduation.

Instead of pitching his season, Cade was given 48 hours to pack up and leave the dorm. Carson left Los Al High School one day only to learn that he would never return – as a student.

“Thinking about it, it sometimes makes me cry,” says their mom Karen. Her story is not unlike the parents of thousands of other students but hit them especially hard since their only two children were both at the apex of their educational careers.

“This is what they will have as senior memories,” she said of all affected students. They put their heart and souls into their education, said Karen, “and a pandemic ended it just like that.”

“Don’t get me wrong, Larry and I are very happy to have their home and we’re learning a lot from them,” she said. “But we would much rather see them finishing their senior years,” she added.

“We are playing quite a lot of water pong,” said Karen, sending a photo of the special table friends made for Carson. “It’s water pong, not beer pong,” she said.

“My son Cade told me I should have bought the good ping pong balls, not the cheap ones I got at Family Dollar,” she jokes. “It amazing what you can learn from your kids.”
Not to sit idle, Karen and other parents from the Los Al jazz band are busy trying to make the special tassels and cords that band members wear at graduation and are finding ways to distribute them.

Also, she said they are making signs to stick in yards letting people know where high school band seniors live.

Yes, she said, Cade will get his degree in Kinesiology and Carson may not get a chance to visit college campuses to decide what’s next in his educational career. For now, she said, he’s committed to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo.

Some of his friends know Carson as “Little Bucket,” she said, since he wore ‘bucket hats’ when he ran – and won – for Junior class co-president.
Since they are both seniors, “it’s hard to keep them motivated” about online learning, she admits. “They miss their classmates. They miss their schools, their activities, their friends,” she said.

For Easter, the Denyers made their two boys recreate their Easter photos when they were 8 and 10-years-old respectively. “We are having fun,” she said, though Karen admits concern about others.

“My boys are fine, but I’m concerned about those teetering on the edge,” she said.

“These are very trying times,” she said, and while she is grateful for her family’s health, she wonders about the long-term impact of what her boys, and so many others are going through.

Denyer said she, and other parents, are looking into what can be done to help Los Al students salvage some sort of graduation, but says like others, she gets a bit depressed when the gravity of what her boys have lost begins to sink in.

On the bright side, however, Karen says “at least I learned that I need to buy better ping pong balls to play water pong.”

Cypress College Transitions to Remote Learning

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Cypress College Transitions to Remote Learning

Cypress College is operating at nearly full capacity as a remote learning environment — with approximately 90% of all coursework transitioned from in-person instruction and essentially 100% of student services available to students online. The immediate transition of all services is unique among regional peer institutions, and perhaps across the state.

Delivery of uninterrupted student support services is especially impressive because Cypress College accomplished the transition from in-person to remote without missing a day of meeting students’ needs.

When state orders accelerated the campus closure in mid-March, Cypress College paused classes on March 13, 16, and 17 to facilitate a transition to remote instruction.

The faculty, Distance Education and Student Services teams kept right at work. For example, using Cranium Café, the student support staff began meeting virtually with students to provide needed support.

Cypress College was in full swing with Counseling, Veterans Services, EOPS, Disabled Student Services, and Admissions & Records available. All services were fully implemented by Friday, March 20.

“Our student services staff have completely reinvented how they provide services,” said Cypress College President JoAnna Schilling, Ph.D. “This expanded capability meets students’ needs on demand and without requiring students to come into an office to receive the same high-touch assistance.”

At the same time services were transitioning, the Distance Education team worked to expand their framework and support — and connected with faculty across the entire curriculum to ensure that nearly all courses (including many with lab components) could transition to some virtual format.

Nearly all employees played some part in the transition. Leadership came from the college’s executive staff, the Academic Senate, Associated Students, and a group of in-house experts such as the Health Center, Maintenance and Operations, IT, and Campus Safety.

“I am so proud of the work accomplished by our employees to make this transition happen,” Dr. Schilling said. “Converting classes from in-person to remote is a tremendous undertaking and I am amazed and thankful for the lengths our faculty are going to in order to make this happen so that we can continue to meet our students’ needs. Our Distance Education team, especially, has done tireless work. This transition is an incredible achievement on its own. It is even-more amazing when you consider that half of our courses are in career-technical fields, such as automotive technology and health sciences. I commend the creativity, hard work, and dedication of our faculty and staff.”

In addition to providing services such as Counseling, Financial Aid, Admissions and Records, Disability Support Services, the Health Center, and the Library/Learning Resources Center, our student ambassadors and Student Services staff are also reaching out to all students through the Cypress Cares Campaign, which focuses on helping students complete their studies.

The college organized and implemented a laptop-loaner program for students and employees who need equipment at home, is raising emergency funds through the Foundation to provide assistance to students, hosted two virtual town hall meetings, and launched drive-up WiFi service for students who need temporary access to high-speed internet connections.

A number of events are also scheduled to continue in virtual format, including: commencement on its original date of May 22; Commit2Cypress; outreach to high school seniors; virtual tours; and the popular Charger Experience/Charger Fridays campus visits.

Cypress College has paused all in-person instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic through May 23 in response to stay-at-home orders.

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 offers 56 university-transfer majors, 176 career-certificate programs, and degrees in 73 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. 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 115-campus California Community College system. The college primarily serves the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, Garden Grove, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, and Stanton.

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

Gov. Gavin Newsom announces reopening framework

David N. Young
-
0
Gov. Gavin Newsom announces reopening framework

Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday unveiled six key indicators that will guide California’s thinking for when and how to modify the stay-at-home and other orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Governor noted that the progress in flattening the curve, increased preparedness of our health care delivery system and the effects of other COVID-19 interventions have yielded positive results. However, these actions have also impacted the economy, poverty and overall health care in California. Any consideration of modifying the stay-at-home order must be done using a gradual, science-based and data-driven framework.

“While Californians have stepped up in a big way to flatten the curve and buy us time to prepare to fight the virus, at some point in the future we will need to modify our stay-at-home order,” said Governor Newsom. “As we contemplate reopening parts of our state, we must be guided by science and data, and we must understand that things will look different than before.”

“Until we build immunity,” said Newsom, “our actions will be aligned to achieve the following:
• Ensure our ability to care for the sick within our hospitals;
• Prevent infection in people who are at high risk for severe disease;
• Build the capacity to protect the health and well-being of the public; and
• Reduce social, emotional and economic disruptions
California’s six indicators for modifying the stay-at-home order are:
• The ability to monitor and protect our communities through testing, contact tracing, isolating, and supporting those who are positive or exposed;
• The ability to prevent infection in people who are at risk for more severe COVID-19;
• The ability of the hospital and health systems to handle surges;
• The ability to develop therapeutics to meet the demand;
• The ability for businesses, schools, and child care facilities to support physical distancing; and
• The ability to determine when to reinstitute certain measures, such as the stay-at-home orders, if necessary.

The Governor said there is not a precise timeline for modifying the stay-at-home order, but that these six indicators will serve as the framework for making that decision.
He also noted that things will look different as California makes modifications. For example, restaurants will have fewer tables and classrooms will be reconfigured.
For more information on California’s response, visit covid19.ca.gov.

WeCare begins online auction

David N. Young
-
0
WeCare begins online auction

Facing increasing demand for services and a decreased donation inflow caused by the pandemic, the nonprofit WeCare of Los Alamitos has initiated an online auction to help them raise funds to assist more local citizens.

According to Rob Lowenthal, the group is “excited for the auction to start. “While going online is new for us, we think we have some great items,” he said.
The items include;
• Chef’s Wine Pairing Dinner for Ten @ Roy’s Anaheim
• 14-Karat White Gold Diamond Pendant
• Newport Harbor Tiki Cruise for 6 People
• Beach Cruiser Bicycle
• The Drinkmaker by Keurig
• For a complete list, visit WeCare website.

WeLowenthal said the group’s annual Fundraiser “from the Heart,” which had been scheduled for April 8, had to be cancelled because of the ongoing coronavirus crisis. He said the group is hoping residents will realize they can still help by purchasing and bidding for items online.
The WeCare online auction is being held at www.wecarelosalamitos.org/calendar.

Rotary Club donates $17,000 to COVID-19 effort

David N. Young
-
0
Rotary Club donates $17,000 to COVID-19 effort

In reaction of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Rotary Club of Los Alamitios/Seal Beach has distributed over $17,000 to organizations and projects serving individuals, families and front line personnel. Among those supported were Grateful Hearts Storehouse, We Care of Los Alamitos, CASA Youth Shelter, Heart of the City and Food Finders.

Also included in the support were two Rotary projects manufacturing and distributing face masks & face shields to those health care professionals and agencies serving those impacted by the virus. Finally, its “adopted” orphanage in Baja, Mexico received much needed financial resources.

Club President, Tom Stretz, said “We are proud to support each of these organizations & projects and thank our Major Sponsors, Southland Credit Union & Ganahl Lumber Company for their ongoing generosity.”

Tips to stay positive during pandemic

David N. Young
-
0
Tips to stay positive during pandemic

The “Asian Oprah,” Dr. Marissa Pei has found success around the globe with a very simple mission. She teaches people how to be happy, yet she realizes that, during a pandemic, cracking a smile is not always easy to do.

Despite the sadness that abounds, the local happiness expert says, “you can choose the silver lining.” Pei holds a PhD in organizational psychology. Her most recent book, “Eight ways to happiness,” is a ranked bestseller on Amazon.

Like most, Dr. Pei is captive to her own home, but says she is “making the most of it.” With all of her scheduled appearances cancelled or postponed, she shared a few thoughts for readers trying to come to terms with another week of confinement.

“Don’t get me wrong,” said Pei, “this is deadly serious. I understand that.” But she said we do much better if we learn to overcome the potential paranoia caused by our internal panic. “We should not pretend there is nothing wrong,” said Pei, “but we do have a choice to determine how we feel about it.”

Since launching her book, Dr. Pei has until now been on the speaking circuit, advising groups and some companies about how to achieve happiness. While happiness means different things to different people, Dr. Pei claims you are generally happy if you “feel good inside.”

Like other psychology professionals, Pei is concerned about the mental health of everyday Americans as the confinement and social isolation drags on.
“In today’s environment,” she said, “citizens are deluged with a flood of bad news, then ordered to stay home,” so naturally, said Pei, the first instinct is denial, then anger, then regression.

“I’m afraid this is also a pandemic of fear,” she said, noting the understandable fear now being felt by many in our communities. “We have been regressed into a complete state of restriction,” said Pei, “I understand that.”

“They are told to stay home, stay apart,” she said. Now working virtually, Dr. Pei is trying to lead people affeted by the pandemic from darkness to light.

Pei said she would have preferred authorities term the need for space as “spatial distancing” rather than “social distancing.” Pei claims that the term “social distancing” tends to take the “kind out of humankind.”

Nevertheless, she said people would do better not to hide their anger and fear, saying it is important to get it out. Scream, throw a pillow, run in place or do something to “get it out,” she said. “If we don’t,” she said, “whatever it is will regress and could push us over the line to paranoia.”

“All of us have been regressed into a complete state of intellectual, spiritual and emotional restriction,” said Pei.

“The first thing we should do in the morning is take a bite from our ‘gratitude sandwich,’” says Pei. According to Pei, a good first step is taking a look around and remembering everything for which we are grateful to have. “It’s much better to move forward with grateful thoughts than to focus on the bad news all day.”

“Our lives are a gift, she said, and “people should write down eight things for which they are grateful. Train yourselves into seeing what’s good,” she said. “My soft bed, my comfy bed clothes, the great taste of coffee, the bird serenade or whatever. It’s a choice and each day will be much better if we “choose” to focus on the good.

“Shift your perspective,” she suggested, “and don’t wallow or marinate in fear but see the good in every day.”

“Just stop the worry,” advises Pei, “and stay away from the easy rabbit hole of fear.”
And while the pandemic can be disruptive and tragic, Pei sees a bright side there as well. “There is an enormous amount of good that will come from this,” she said, including many social norms that she believes could change our lives for the better.

Like a raging forest fire, she said, the pandemic is sweeping across the American landscape. Yet, said Pei, major events like this, including wildfires, leave behind “little seedlings of change” that always sprout, bringing hope and opportunity to citizens.
While confined at home, Pei is holding regular “Peace at Home” sessions, which can be found on eventbrite.com.

“These are proven methods to relieve stress and anxiety without drinking or having to use other escape mechanisms,” she said. “Just choose to do something meaningful every day,” said Pei, and “forgive people, be gracious and you can be concerned, but always take a balanced look.”

Here’s a link to Dr. Pei’s “Peace at Home” sessions.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peace-at-home-peace-within-moving-from-restrictions-to-expansion-tickets-101857149476?aff=erelexpmlt

Les Mis, other productions cancelled

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Les Mis, other productions cancelled

Segerstrom Center for the Arts announces the postponement of upcoming Broadway series performances for CHICAGO, originally scheduled for April 14-19, and Les Misérables, originally scheduled for May 5-17. While the stages remain dark — similar to nearly every theater across the country — the Center continues to work diligently with the New York producers to reschedule national tours of these shows to arrive in Costa Mesa with full cast and scenery when it is possible.

Ticket holders should keep their original tickets while the Center works to schedule new performance dates. If the Center is unable to find new performance dates, ticket holders will be notified and offered a credit to their account, exchanges and refunds.

Segerstrom opens auditions for new talent

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Segerstrom opens auditions for new talent

Starting today, Segerstrom Center for the Arts is accepting submissions for its county-wide talent competition, OC Center Stage. In a period of uncertainty and social distancing, this is the perfect time to become Inspired, brush up and rehearse act, and submit your entry for an opportunity to be among Orange County’s rising stars.

If you sing, dance, play an instrument or perform impromptu music sessions off your balcony, we want to hear from you. Audition for your place on the Argyros Stage without leaving home! Applications are available online and video submissions are accepted through the Center’s website from April 9, 2020 to June 1, 2020.

Ten finalists will be selected. Once we receive the word that we can gather again, we’ll schedule the live performance where they’ll compete for First, Second and Third Place on the stage of the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza in front of a live audience and panel of judges.

The arts have a beautiful way of bringing people together no matter the distance, and. Segerstrom Center for the Arts is looking forward to discovering and showcasing talented performances from around Orange County during this second competition.

Last year, more than 120 submissions were received, and twelve finalists competed for the top prize. Local hip-hop dance group Kingsman Coed wowed the crowd with their high-energy performance and took home the $1,000 grand prize.

Eleven-year-old Ayn Liu from Irvine stunned the audience and judges with her striking vocal talent while accompanying herself with her ukulele. Her voice drew comparisons to Adele. She was awarded the first runner-up prize of $750. Shortly after her win at the Center, Liu was discovered by a casting agent for NBC’s TV show Little Big Shots and headed straight to Hollywood! Ayn shared, “It meant so much to play at Segerstrom because I’ve watched so many great artists like Diana Krall and Jake Shimabukuro perform here”.

Third place went to Undecided Future, an OC band that is no stranger to a live stage. The band has already received recognition as the 2019 recipient of the Young Entertainer’s Award and as the 2017 winner of Ryan Seacrest’s global music competition, Best Cover Ever, where they shared a performance with Jason Derulo.

When we are able to gather again, OC Center Stage 2020 is sure to bring the magic back with new talent discoveries in Orange County. For now, we invite all aspiring local artists to show off your moves, share your performance, and let your art help bring Orange County together! The grand prize winner will receive $1,000, second place will be awarded $750, and third place will win $500.

Additionally, all finalists will receive a stipend: solos and duos will receive $150 for performing, and groups of three or more will receive $300. OC Center Stage is open to residents of Orange County who are at least eight (8) years old and who are non-professionals (you may not generate your full-time income from performing). Full content rules are available below.

Tips and Tricks for Video Submissions
• Now’s the time to send in your submission for OC Center Stage 2020! If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few best practices for creating your submission video.
• Submissions are judged on creativity, originality, technical ability and audience appeal. But the most important piece? Give us a sense of YOU performing live. Lyric videos, audio files, or music videos that do not show you performing can’t show us how great you might look on our stage! For vocal submissions, please do not use vocal backing tracks.
• Videos do not need to be professionally shot. The best videos show YOU off. When filming a video, consider:
• Visibility – Does the lighting allow us to see you performing? Is the camera stable? Does it give a clear picture of what your performance will look like?
• Sound quality – Are you in a quiet space, or are you unintentionally harmonizing with your neighbor’s dog? If you’ve got a pesky echo, sound may be bouncing off hard surfaces, including floors, walls, and high ceilings. Recording in a carpeted or curtained space may help!
• Content – Does your video show the piece you intend to perform if selected? Does it contain any off-color language or subject matter? Is it six minutes or under?
Being a good citizen and practicing social distancing from other members of your performance group? We encourage you to submit a video from a previous performance or get creative through videoconferencing platforms like Zoom.
Still have questions? Contact our Community Engagement team at community@scfta.org.

“Drive-Up WiFi” Program Launched by Cypress College to Facilitate Student Internet Access

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
“Drive-Up WiFi” Program Launched by Cypress College to Facilitate Student Internet Access

In an effort to provide students with reliable, high-speed internet access — and in keeping with social-distancing directives issued by county, state, and national officials — Cypress College is launching “Drive-Up WiFi” available to all enrolled students.

Wireless access will be available to students in Lot #1 on a first-come, first-served basis. Access is for registered Cypress College students with valid login credentials. Access to Lot #1 will be available to students on weekdays, from 7:30 a.m. until the end of the last scheduled class on that particular day of the week (typically 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 5 p.m., Friday).

Students must remain in their cars while using the college’s network and adhere to all current public health directives, including social distancing. In congruence with social-distancing restrictions, the college will not accommodate pedestrians or cyclists; in addition, no restroom or other facilities will be made available. Students will park in every-other parking stall to enhance social-distancing protocols.

To use the WiFi, students will enter the college, and Lot 1, at the main entrance (Valley View Street and Cypress College West) and exit onto Orange Avenue. A valid Cypress College parking pass is required to access the college and Lot 1. Additional restrictions and requirements are designated on the college’s website.

Cypress College President, JoAnna Schilling, expressed her pride at the many ways the college community has stepped up to address student needs.

“The resilience our students have demonstrated during this health emergency has been inspirational, but the need for support is great,” Dr. Schilling said. “Hearing the challenges our students are facing is heartbreaking, but we are grateful to our staff for their personal and professional contributions to our students. We are also thankful for donations made to the Cypress College emergency-assistance campaign.”

Cypress College last held in-person instruction on March 12 before entering a three-day pause to convert instruction to remote methods in response to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. At roughly the same time, the college launched a survey of students to determine their technology needs for continuing their studies remotely. With more than 3,300 responses, Cypress College students indicated overwhelmingly they had access to necessary technology — 92.4% of respondents stated they had access to a computer, 88% noted they have reliable internet access, and an additional 30% indicated they did not have a private space at home to conduct their class work. Students who did not have these resources were invited to request assistance.

With data collected from the survey, the college has loaned approximately three dozen laptops and Chromebooks to students. The “Drive-Up WiFi” program comes in addition to helping connect students to free and low-cost internet opportunities in the commercial marketplace. The Cypress College Foundation has also launched an emergency-assistance campaign to help students: who have lost a job or experienced income loss; buy/borrow computers for home use; obtain access to reliable home internet; and purchase books for online classes. So far, the Foundation has provided 24 emergency grants, totaling $12,000. Donations can be made at https://www.cypresscollege.edu/about/foundation.

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 offers 56 university-transfer majors, 176 career-certificate programs, and degrees in 73 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. 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 115-campus California Community College system. The college primarily serves the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, Garden Grove, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, and Stanton.

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

Yearning for a return to normalcy

David N. Young
-
0
Yearning for a return to normalcy

One month into the pandemic, we’re still strong, even if the stay-at-home pressure is taking a bit of a toll on some but inspiring so many others.
Along the path to a post pandemic world, however, we’ve learned – and continue to learn – much about ourselves.

Without question, this crisis is likely one of the most traumatic events that most will endure in our lifetimes. Having said that, citizens within our coverage area have simply been heroic in their reaction to the COVID-19 crisis. Despite hardships, many locals have found remarkable ways to cope and provide assistance to others.

Almost immediately after the stay at home order, heroic tales began circulating. Citizens and business got creative. We’ve all pivoted, and yes, please excuse me for using that much overused word.

Neighbors helping neighbors. Even in the midst of a sometimes-life-or-death duel with a dreaded foe, our local communities have rallied.

Frozen in place without warning, local governments have learned how to operate remotely, while keeping their employees safe. Police departments and first responders quickly adopted new protocols to keep the peace and respond for service amid a pandemic. Frontline workers risked their own safety to protect ours.

All local governments quickly declared emergencies within their communities, giving local officials flexibility to deal with an unprecedented emergency. Not only local governments, but citizens too reacted quickly.

So many people in Cypress, La Palma, Rossmoor and Los Alamitos are making special efforts to support local restaurants that are still operating, even if they are limited to serving take-out food.

Some have resorted to the trouble of even making a list, making sure to support all of their favorite establishments, while adding those they thought needed more help, as the weeks wear on.

Senior organizations banded together to create new guidelines to ensure safety, yet provide food and relief.

A nonprofit in Los Alamitos (Taste of Los Al) organized their own campaign to purchase 50 meals a day from restaurants in the city and deliver them to frontline workers around the area.

The Casa Youth Shelter created ad hoc health centric policies that allowed it to remain open in the pandemic, invoking the spirit of founder Myldred E. Jones, who ensured the shelter would never close a day since opening more than six decades ago.

These are only examples, because there is simply insufficient space to list the personal and institutional acts of bravery, heroism and gratitude.

So as we prepare for another month, we are at least equipped with the proven knowledge that our communities can unite as a family. Sure, not everyone, but by far, we are perhaps witnessing a massive display of kindness and solidarity.

We can only hope it continues as ours will be a very long crawl back to some semblance of normalcy.

Although hard choices and prolonged healing lay ahead, local leaders should also see, and feel, the political and economic sands shifting under our collective feet.

Imagine what could happen if citizens understood how much their collective involvement could change if the same level of civic engagement continued after this crisis is over.

By no stretch and in no way is a pandemic a good thing. We can only hope, however, that as a collective community, and, as a nation, we can find ways to amplify the silver linings that have emerged. Like rainbows after a rainstorm or seedlings after a wildfire, we always seem to find hope in the wake of such transformational events.

The virus has taken too many lives, stolen too many memories, and created havoc. And, in many ways, the pandemic has held our personal freedoms at bay in a way Americans have never before experienced.

Yet against that backdrop, and despite tremendous fear, our communities have responded with bravery and honor. The real challenge will come when we are collectively released back into the wild.

Harder days are ahead, for sure, but thankfully, we’ve seen what’s possible when we work together. Our cities, towns and neighborhoods have always provided a sense of community and a great place to live, but even moreso now that we have seen our collective reaction to this ever-present threat.

And according to plan released this week by Gov. Newsom, life will return very slowly not to a life we once knew but to what will most assuredly become a “new normal.” (see related story page 12).

The pandemic has nevertheless changed us, and in some ways, for the better. Seems a prolonged lack of personal freedom is creating a greater sense of community and an even stronger appreciation, and yearning, for the personal freedoms to which we hope to eventually return.

American Ballet Theatre at Segerstrom offering free classes

David N. Young
-
0
American Ballet Theatre at Segerstrom offering free classes

William J. Gillespie School lessons for ages 2-8

American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School at Segerstrom Center for the Arts is partnering with ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (JKO) School to bring faculty and teaching artists certified in the ABT National Training Curriculum to your child at home. Children and parents can tune into @ABTSchool on Instagram and the ABT YouTube Channel for daily classes in ballet movement taught by former ABT dancers, and faculty from both schools. The classes will be available through Instagram TV (IGTV) and the ABT YouTube Channel, accessible for ABT Gillespie and JKO students, as well as the global community at large. Daily classes will engage ABT’s youngest students and their families by exploring musicality, fostering creativity and imagination, and teaching ballet fundamentals.

Alaine Haubert, principal of the ABT Gillespie School, shares, “We at the ABT Gillespie School are very pleased to join our sister school, ABT JKO, in New York in providing these free online ballet classes for children ages 2-8. What a wonderful and unprecedented way to introduce young people to the beautiful art of classical ballet and, simultaneously, reach our students currently enrolled in classes to continue training through this special technology.”

Classes are pre-recorded and will be uploaded at the following times:

ABTots (Ages 2–4): Tuesdays & Thursdays at 7:00AM PST/ 10:00AM EST

Primary (Ages 5–8): Mondays & Wednesdays at 11:00AM PST/ 2:00PM EST

Classes will be saved on the @ABTSchool IGTV feed for access following the initial broadcast as well as the official ABT YouTube Channel.

The Center applauds the generous support of William J. Gillespie, Mr. and Mrs. Andy Fimiano, The Copas Roach Living Trust, Alexie Catherine Jones Memorial Fund, and the Pas de Deux Chapter of The Guilds of Segerstrom Center for the Arts, which has provided need-based scholarships to many young dancers.

The American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School at Segerstrom Center for the Arts is an expansion of the longtime relationship between the Center and American Ballet Theatre. The school, which opened in September 2015, combines the resources of American Ballet Theatre, America’s National Ballet Company®, and Segerstrom Center, one of the world’s leading presenters of dance. It offers unrivaled opportunities for training and nurturing future generations of dancers and dance audiences as well as furthering the development and evolution of dance. The school carries the name of Orange County philanthropist William J. Gillespie, who has been a board member of ABT since 1999 and an enthusiastic and generous donor to the Center for much of the institution’s history.

The ABT Gillespie School provides students with the highest quality of classical ballet training through the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. ABT’s National Training Curriculum is a comprehensive set of age-appropriate, outcome-based guidelines, with an emphasis on proper placement as well as safe progressions of movement while remaining sensitive to the needs of younger dancers. The curriculum offers students a rich knowledge of classical ballet technique incorporating elements of the French, Italian and Russian schools of training. The ABT Gillespie School is modeled after the program used at the renowned ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School in New York. Classes include classical ballet technique, pointe, men’s training, character and body conditioning, variations, partnering and modern. All classes are held in the Center’s studios, which are also used for rehearsals by the world’s leading international ballet companies in the Center’s dance series.

Beyond the professional ballet training, students are offered additional opportunities to enrich their ballet studies including priority opportunities to audition for ABT performances at the Center as well as participation in the ABT Summer Intensives, master classes, and special ticket offers for performances at the Center.

American Ballet Theatre is one of the great dance companies in the world. Few ballet companies equal ABT for its combination of size, scope and outreach. Recognized as a living national treasure since its founding in 1940, ABT tours the United States, performing for more than 300,000 people annually, and is the only major cultural institution to do so. For 78 years, the Company has appeared in a total of 132 cities in 50 countries and has performed in all 50 states of the United States. Under the artistic direction of Kevin McKenzie since 1992, ABT has recently enjoyed triumphant successes with engagements in Paris, Brisbane, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo. On April 27, 2006, by an act of Congress, American Ballet Theatre became America’s National Ballet Company®.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is an acclaimed arts institution as well as a beautiful multi-disciplinary cultural campus. It is committed to supporting artistic excellence, offering unsurpassed experiences and to engaging the entire community in new and exciting ways through the unique power of live performance as well as a diverse array of inspiring arts-based education and community engagement programs.

Previously called the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Center is Orange County’s largest non-profit arts organization. In addition to its six performance venues, Segerstrom Center is also home to the American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School and the School of Dance and Music for Children with Disabilities.

The Center presents a broad range of programming for audiences of all ages, featuring international ballet and dance companies, national tours of top Broadway shows, jazz and cabaret, contemporary artists, classical music performed by renowned chamber orchestras and ensembles, family-friendly programming, and free performances on its plaza, such as outdoor movie screenings, concerts, community and cultural festivals.

Segerstrom Center is a leader among the nation’s performing arts centers for providing education programs designed to inspire young people through the arts. The Center’s programs reach hundreds of thousands of students each year in five Southern California counties. The CDI supports flagship artistic programming and a wide range of projects that celebrate innovation, nurture creativity and engage audiences of the future. The Center Without Boundaries develops partnerships with non-cultural organizations to help them in their own efforts to respond to the ever-changing needs of the community.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is also proud to serve as the artistic home to three of the region’s major performing arts organizations: Pacific Symphony, Philharmonic Society of Orange County and Pacific Chorale. Each contributes greatly to the artistic life of the region with annual seasons performed at the Center.

In addition to Segerstrom Center for the Arts as a presenting and producing institution, it also identifies the beautiful 14-acre campus that embraces the Center’s own facilities as well as two independently acclaimed organizations: Tony Award®-winning South Coast Repertory and a site designated as the future home of the Orange County Museum of Arts.

Information provided is accurate at the time of printing but is subject to change. Segerstrom Center for the Arts is a public, non-profit organization. “Segerstrom Center for the Arts” is a registered trademark. For info, call (714) 556-2121 or visit www.scfta.org.

 

Umberg joins DA’s to introduce legislation

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Umberg joins DA’s to introduce legislation

Senator Thomas J. Umberg, in concert with Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer, and San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan, has introduced legislation to combat price gouging in the State of California during a declared state of emergency.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, our state has seen countless examples of unscrupulous individuals using the crisis as an opportunity to turn a profit on essential goods and services. Senate Bill 1196 (SB 1196) will tighten California law to assist law enforcement officials in prosecuting instances of price gouging that are committed by new sellers during an emergency.

“We are committed to protect Californians from those that prey on our community during the trying times of national or global emergencies.

We will continue to use all of the tools at our disposal to prevent price gouging during this, and any future disaster” said Senator Umberg. “There are brave men and women in the health and public safety sectors of our community whose lives are on the line every day. It is immoral and unacceptable to allow some to take advantage of this crisis when so many are fighting to help.”

Currently, under California Penal Code Section 396, price gouging is illegal and punishable by law during a declared state of emergency. However, the code hasn’t been revisited since 1992, and it’s time to bring it up to speed to modern-day standards and to reflect current market technologies. For example, Penal Code Section 396 dictates that a seller has committed price gouging when they charge “a price of more than 10 percent greater than the price charged by that person for those goods or services immediately prior to the proclamation or declaration or emergency.” This section clearly prevents established sellers of specified goods from committing price gouging, but is silent to new sellers in a market place.

“Exploiting the public’s fear and panic is not a defense to engaging in criminal activity,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “Existing law left a loophole that allowed opportunists to take advantage of a crisis and overcharge customers for a product just because they had never sold that product before.

This important legislation closes that loophole and ensures that those who shamelessly exploit people’s vulnerabilities during a time of emergency are prosecuted. In this case we do not reward ‘entrepreneurship.'”

“Emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic bring out the best in most Californians, but some businesses take advantage of emergency conditions to gouge consumers with extreme prices for essential goods and services,” San Diego District Attorney Summer Stephan said. “This bill will help close loopholes that allow greedy actors to escape accountability and ensure that California businesses don’t charge abusive prices for health and consumer essentials during this national emergency.”

Senate Bill 1196 (SB 1196) will be introduced when the legislature reconvenes.

 

 

 

 

Daily Enrichment Episodes Continue with LAEFtv!

For Event-News Enterprise
-
0
Daily Enrichment Episodes Continue with LAEFtv!

School closures have not stopped the Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF) from providing enrichment opportunities to Los Al students.  Beginning March 16 and continuing every afternoon during the school week, LAEF has released a new episode of LAEFtv.

As of April 7, LAEF has released 17 episodes and plans to air a total of 30 episodes by the end of April.

Some of LAEF’s newest episodes include Spanish, STEM, Biology, Sports, Science and Origami Art!  LAEF’s goal is to bring joy and fun into the homes of our Los Al families.  They want to give families a way to connect with each other and LAEF teachers.

“LAEF is so lucky to have enthusiastic instructors who want to continue to engage with our students,” said LAEF Executive Director Carrie Logue.

“We love seeing that hundreds of our families are viewing our YouTube channel and tuning in for LAEFtv episodes,” said LAEF Programs Manager Mike Kahn.  “Five of our episodes have over 500 views, with Episode 1 at over 2,500 views.  LAEF is elated that we are reaching so many families!”

LAEF’s corporate sponsors have stepped up to support LAEFtv.  The business sponsor of each episode directly funds teacher pay for developing content.  LAEF is very appreciative of the local business support, and this partnership will help LAEF continue to enrich Los Al kids, even during these unexpected times.

To see episodes of LAEFtv, visit the YouTube channel (LAEF: LosAlEdFoundation) or LAEF4Kids.org/LAEFtv.

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 email info@LAEF4Kids.org today!

 

1...139140141...315Page 140 of 315
The Event News Enterprise