On July 13, 2019, McAuliffe students braved the heat to compete at the Diamond Bar Performing Arts Contest (DBPAC). DBPAC is a two-day event where students throughout Southern California display their musical talents.
McAuliffe musicians impressed the judges! The talented team of Kiera Wong and LeAnn Lee took 3rd place in the piano duet category. They performed ‘In a Boat’ by Claude DeBussy. As individual contestants, both LeAnn Lee and Kiera Wong placed 3rd in their respective piano solos. A total of four medals were brought back to Seal Beach.
These gifted musicians will again display their talents at the 57th Southwestern Youth Music Festival (SYMF). This competition will take place at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University of Long Beach later this month.
Courtesy photo
Picture from left to right – LeAnn Lee and Kiera Wong
Several officers of the Rossmoor Woman’s Club accompanied President Maggie Paul on a recent morning-long philanthropic outing, delivering checks to six of the local charities the club supports. The donations went to:
The Youth Center, which provides social, educational and recreational programs for children and teens throughout the year.
Casa Youth Shelter, which provides temporary shelter and counseling to runaways and other youth in crisis.
Precious Life Shelter, which offers residential and supportive services for homeless women, before and after they give birth.
We Care, which meets emergency needs of families and individuals by offering rental assistance, utility assistance, therapy services, food, personal care items and more.
Isidore Historical Plaza, site of the oldest public building in Los Alamitos, a 1921 chapel that volunteers are restoring and running as a community center.
The Los Alamitos Museum, which has been preserving and showcasing the history of Los Al since 1975.
During the club fiscal year that ended June 30, the Rossmoor Woman’s Club gave approximately $30,000 in grants to local charities and student scholarships. These grants are possible thanks to community support of the group’s two major annual fundraisers, the Holiday Home Tour in December and the Spring Garden Tour in May.
The 61-year-old club also donates in-kind materials (such as school backpacks and supplies for children of Joint Forces Base personnel) and does hands-on volunteer work (such as spending time cooking at the Ronald McDonald House in Long Beach).
Although the organization, which is affiliated with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, is centered in Rossmoor, members come from all over north Orange County, Long Beach and surrounding areas to participate in a mix of social and community service activities. For more information, visit the club website at www.rossmoorwomansclub.com.
The Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals returns to Los Alamitos Race Course for its 24TH running with 12 dachshund races highlight a fun evening at the Orange County racetrack. The Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals will get underway at 6:30 p.m., with proceeds from the event benefiting the Seal Beach Animal Care Center, a non-profit group dedicated to finding home for stray animals in the Orange County area.
The Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals consists of 50-yard dashes for dachshunds over the racetrack, the same one where the horses run. Over 80 dogs will compete in the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals with the winners of 10 trial races moving on to the final for a chance to earn cash prizes and the coveted title of “Fastest Wiener In the West.” First place prize to the winning owner is $1,000. The champion wiener will also receive a doghouse in the shape of a Wienerschnitzel restaurant plus the “Fastest Wiener in the West” trophy. The pups in action will include two-time defending champion Baby Bo of Newport Beach. Local doxies in action will include
In addition to the fun of the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals, live horse racing will be held in addition to the dachshund races. VIP seating to enjoy the event is available by calling 714-820-2681. General Admission tickets on the day of the event at Los Alamitos are $3 per person. Children 17 and under are admitted free. Los Alamitos Race Course features free general parking.
The Seal Beach Animal Care Center is also selling tickets to the event for $5 each, with ALL proceeds from the sale of tickets going to the Care Center. The Care Center will also raise money by selling t-shirts at the track on the night of the event. The event has helped raise approximately $270,000 for the Care Center through the years. For more information on tickets for the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals, contact the Seal Beach Animal Care Center at 562-430-4993. For more information on the 24th annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals please visit losalamitos.com.
Les Johnson will become interim city manager August 16
The city manager of Los Alamitos on Monday submitted his resignation and announced his retirement from the position, as city officials held a closed session to discuss their options.
Plumlee said after Monday’s meeting that he now qualified for retirement and that he had accepted a job in the private section with HdL Companies.
When the council reconvened in open session, Plumlee thanked the city of Los Alamitos, the mayor and council and the staff for the opportunity to serve as city manager.
The council appointed development director Les Johnson as interim city manager for a period of three months while an ad hoc committee will seek a full-time replacement for Plumlee.
Plumlee will serve until August 16 after which Johnson will take over. Plumlee was originally appointed as city manager in October of 2013.
Plumlee, who has an accounting degree from Cal State Long Beach, said he was looking forward to working with HdL on fiscal challenges in other California cities.
According to the company website, “the HdL Companies provide a full assortment of public agency revenue management services, including sales tax, property tax, lodging tax, business license & tax, cannabis consulting, economic development and more.”
The odd capitalization reportedly derives from an earlier iteration of the business as Hinderliter, de Llamas & Associates after Lloyd de Llamas purchases half ownership.
Although most of this class is retired, they practice their A,B,C’s as though their lives depended on it. In many ways, what they learn here does matter and will make a difference in the everyday quality of their lives.
They are the “Loud Crowd” and each of them are a victim of Parkinson’s Disease. Though the disease has slowly taken from them the ability to be understood, this pioneering program being administered at Los Alamitos Medical Center is giving them a chance to fight back.
“This (Loud Crowd) is a program to give victims of Parkinson’s a chance to reclaim their voices,” according to Speech Language Therapist Lynn Gallandt (M.S. CCC-SLP), who teaches the small class twice weekly.
“I’m proud of you for not let Parkinsons’ take your voice,” Gallandt tells her class as she coaches them through weekly speaking drills. While Parkinson’s Disease affects the brain’s neurochemical pathways in a patient’s brain, Gallandt says the underlying muscle system in patients is very much intact.
As the disease progresses, she says, patients begin to find their voices weaken, eventually softening to the point of not being understood. They begin to speak softly and for some, not at all.
Twice weekly, this group of about 10 victims of Parkinson’s Disease sit around a conference room table as Gallandt puts them through paces that teaches them to use and train the facial muscle which they can still control.
“Let’s say it again,” she tells the group, “this time act like you’re at a football game these phrases,” she said. “Let’s make it a little stronger.” By exercising specific muscle patterns, their voices become stronger, louder and better understood.
“For me, the program has been a tremendous help,” said patient Samuel Samuel Sebabi. “My wife would urge me to go out. I found every excuse in the book not to go. I found myself getting stuck on words. Then I started losing my voice. After just four sessions here,” he said, “I knew I was in the right place.”
Actually, the Loud Crowd is a registered regimen developed by the nonprofit Parkinson’s Voice Project in Richardson, Texas. Patients can only enter the program once they’ve completed the “Speak Out” portion of the treatment, says Gallandt.
While research is still underway, doctors believe Parkinson’s Disease begins to disrupt the brain’s delivery of dopamine, adrenaline and other neurochemicals to the body. This results in a patient’s ability to speak ‘automatically’ as the chemical impulses affected by Parkinsons take hold.
“They lose the ability to do things that once happened automatically,” said Gallandt, like blinking, swallowing, speaking and sometimes walking
Each of the patients in the class has a book as Gallandt goes through the day’s lessons. She calls on them, some as old as 91, to pronounce words, read sentences and similar exercises.
Lou Belanger, 91, a longtime factory manager and yes, an aspiring singer, said “I was having trouble understanding what I was saying. I thought I was the one needing hearing aids,” he said before realizing his voice was slowly, softly disappearing.
Now that he’s in the Loud Crowd, Belanger is back to taking charge in his native New York accent, giving his fellow students advice. ‘Sam, you’ve gotten so much better,” he says to one and, “you need to speak up a bit,” to another.
“This is a great class,” says Belanger, who claims that he is even singing again.
The class continues as Gallandt urges the Loud Crowd to “say it with intention. “You deserve for people to hear you. You deserve people to understand you.”
As they speak, she focuses them on using the muscles in their faces that have not been affected by Parkinson’s that allow them to speak at near normal capabilities.
She teaches them to “say it with purpose” and teaches them breathing exercises to replace the automatic neurochemical responses that Parkinson’s has taken from them.
“It’s made a big difference for me,” says Mark Curley. June Helton, a first timer, said this was very helpful.
While research continues into the neurochemical impacts of Parkinson’s Disease, Gallandt said the Loud Crowd program has shown very promising results. She said the current class, which began in October, is the first-ever for the Los Alamitos area.
For many attending the class, a large majority had virtually given up socializing, are now back enjoying life. Gallandt says she enjoys watching the transformation and hopes the program will expand to help others. She will soon be traveling for additional training, but Gallandt said esults thus far are very promising.
“It’s given them a voice again,” she said, and that is “a wonderful gift.” And said Belanger in his thick, northeastern accent, “I’ve always got something to say.”
The Los Al city council has managed to craft a balanced city budget for 2020 amid voices from its own experts warning their pending pension obligations could lead to dire straits in the years ahead.
Finance Director Eric Hendrickson said while the budget was “balanced,” but that “going forward, it’s going to be hard.”
Also, pension obligations led to a somewhat heated discussion between Mayor Pro-Tem Richard Murphy and city staff, as Murphy initially suggested that an underlying report submitted to the council contained “none of the negatives” about a consultant’s recommendation to set up a pension trust fund nor, he said, were any other potential options included in the staff report.
The debate centered around fiscal sustainability consultant David Cain’s recommendation for the city to set up what is called a Section 115 Trust, which denotes a section of the Internal Revenue Service Code that allows certain provisions for government pension obligations.
Pension obligations in Los Alamitos are not only weighing heavy on the current financial situation, but officials are beginning to explain to residents that by 2025, the pension obligations could absorb the city’s entire reserve of $8 million, then some.
Murphy and city manager Brett Plumlee got into a back and forth about the provision, especially the recommendation that the city transfer $3.6 million into the Section 115 trust.
The mayor pro-tem complained that the backup materials included in the written staff report seemed to favor the creation of the trust account, suggesting that the members of the Budget Standing Committee received a more in-depth briefing of all potential aspects, both positive and negative.
“The fiscal sustainability (budget standing committee) got twice the presentation we (city council) did,” Murphy complained, suggesting the only info in the report made the trust seem like a panacea, saying as described “it’s like the magic beanstalk.”
Both he and council member Dean Grose questioned the commitment of city funds to this trust with a more robust discussion. Neither Murphy or Grose sits on the Councils Budget Standing Committee.
After the item was pulled from the consent calendar, Cain explained that the trust would allow to transfer money into the 115 trust, yet “retain control of the money,” meaning they would have more flexibility in investments of the trust fund.
Murphy, who is a financial professional, wanted clarification that once the reserves are placed into this trust, they may have flexibility but could no longer be used for anything other than paying the pension obligations.
“That’s correct,” said Plumlee, who told Murphy that the staff presentation to the council in the staff report was basically the same as the information presented during the financial sustainability committee meeting.
Nevertheless, both Murphy and Grose voted against a motion to create the Section 115 Trust, as it passed 3-2.
However, later in the meeting, when Murphy again asked for additional clarification, prompting Mayor Warren Kusumoto to ask for a ruling from city attorney Michael S. Daudt as to whether the item could be re-opened.
Once confirmed that only a Council member who vote in the affirmative could reopen it, Council member Shelley Hasselbrink, who favored the trust creation, agreed to reopen the discussion.
Plumlee reintroduced Cain who explained to the Council that there was no cost to the establishment of a Section 115 trust and that the motion was not to actually transfer the $3.6 million into the trust but provided only for the creation of it.
Also, said Cain, any money eventually put into the trust could lead to a “higher interest rate” on investments.
Therefore, the Council voted again, and the motion and Murphy this time voted in favor of creating the trust, as the Council voted 4-1 to create the Section 115 Trust. Grose was still opposed to the move.
In other action, the Council heard two requests from citizens during the public hearing on the upcoming budget vote.
Richard Varderman, who has valiantly lobbied the Council to replace the pumps at the pumping station asked for an additional appropriation, saying the $100,000 currently in the budget would not be enough to do the job.
He praised city staff, saying “they can walk on water but can’t stop it and that’s what we need.” City officials took the request under advisement.
In other action, the Council:
Recognized Det. Delana Lopez for her accomplishment as police officer of the year and Catherine Howard as employee of the year.
Welcomed Riley Hill as records bureau clerk and Detective Mark Gutierrez to the police force.
Heard a presentation from Joseph A. Contreras. regarding the upcoming 2020 Census. Contreas said there were many local jobs available and interested citizens could get more information from the U.S. Census website.
Recognized Parks Make Life Better month.
Thanked Marilyn Poe for her dedication to the Los Al Museum and the city.
Heard Hasselbrink outline her efforts to develop a sister city relationship with Pocheon, South Korea.
Marshall Goodman, mayor of the City of La Palma, was appointed to the Executive Committee of the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority on April 24, 2019. Goodman was appointed to fill the vacant seat of Committee Member Jennifer King whose term on the Palos Verdes Estates City Council expired in March 2019, according to PublicCEO magazine.
“The California JPIA is pleased to welcome Marshall Goodman—our neighbor—to serve on the Executive Committee,” says Chief Executive Officer Jon Shull. “We look forward to the Authority’s benefiting from the reasoning, analytical ability, and consensus-building acumen that he has demonstrated as a leader here in La Palma.”
Goodman, elected to the La Palma City Council in 2016, has served the City as a council member, mayor pro tem, and mayor; and began his service as a member of the Community Activity and Beautification Committee. After joining the Board of Directors for the Authority in December 2016, he immediately was impressed by the content and tone of the educational programming.
“It was as if we were having a conversation rather than watching a presentation,” he says. “That orientation left a strong impression on me. I started asking around, and learned more about the Authority’s risk mitigation efforts, education, and training. That whole side of the story was what drew me to want to join the Executive Committee.”
Goodman—who also represents the City of La Palma as an alternate member and member of the boards of directors for the Orange County Sanitation District and the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District, and sits on the Housing, Community and Economic Development Policy Committee for the League of California Cities—says that bolstering the Authority’s educational programming will be a key priority in his new leadership role.
“The Authority’s educational component has influenced me so much, and I want to pay that forward to whomever may come after me in the same capacity,” he says.
Asked about his 30-second elevator pitch on the Authority, he begins with a summary—“a self-insurance risk pool and risk management organization”—then goes on to describe that, more than simply providing insurance, the organization offers educational opportunities to prevent exposure: “The risk mitigation and risk management presentations and speakers that the Authority puts on are just phenomenal.”
A professional musician, producer and songwriter for more than 25 years, Goodman is an alumnus of California State University-Long Beach, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Africana studies with a minor in entrepreneurship and is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration.
“I am grateful to have this opportunity to work with such a well-operating, well-organized committee, with experienced members who share my commitment to listening and building consensus,” says Goodman, “and with a phenomenal staff that does such a great job and is so efficient, I just couldn’t be more excited.”
Providing innovative risk management solutions for its public agency partners for more than 40 years, the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) is one of the largest municipal self-insurance pools in the state, with more than 100 member cities and other governmental agencies. Members actively participate in shaping the organization to provide important coverage for their operations. The California JPIA provides innovative risk management solutions through a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services, including liability, workers’ compensation, pollution, property, and earthquake coverage, as well as extensive risk management training and loss control services.
One of the more than 15,000 residents who crowded onto the huge airfield at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos to enjoy a day of festivities, military flyovers, hot dogs and music as the City of Los Alamitos sponsored an expanded day of activities and one of the area’s largest fireworks displays. See more photos, page ? Photo by Louis Katz
La Palma continued its series of Flashback Summer Concerts in the Park on Saturday, July 6, with a tribute to ‘80s party music with the band Flogging Seagulls. It was the second of the six concerts that will take place in Central Park (7821 Walker St.) over the next consecutive Saturdays. An impressive crowd turned out to view in the amphitheater and spilled over into the field, filling most of it. There were food trucks, dancers, dogs and picnics, all which made for an idyllic summer night in La Palma. Next up will be a tribute to Stevie Nicks & Fleetwood Mac on July 13, followed by a tribute to the ‘50s, ’60s and ‘70s on July 20. All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. The series wraps up on August 3.
One hundred and twenty-five members and guests gathered at Liberty Park in Cerritos to celebrate the 21st Anniversary of the founding of Da’ Hawaii Seniors Club at their Annual Potluck Picnic. The Decorations Committee, headed by Marion Tesoro, arrived at 10:00 a.m. to transform Liberty Park to a little sample of Hawaii. They decorated the stage and tables with ti leaves, leather ferns, plumerias, hibiscus, orchids, bird of paradise, and other flowers to add to the Hawaiian ambience.
By 11:00 a.m., members and guests entered Camp Liberty at Liberty Park to register themselves and receive their name tags and a ticket to possibly win a door prize later. They carried their donations of food for the potluck and many also donated door prizes. They filled three tables with main dishes, salads and side dishes, and desserts. Food Committee Co-Chairs Mary Jane Fujimura and Gladys Yoshii helped to decorate and prepare the tables of food. They made sure that there were enough paper plates, napkins and utensils for everyone. Some of the men of the club brought bottles of water, soft drinks, cups, coffee, ice and condiments and distributed cold or hot drinks under the direction of Stan Enomoto.
Pictured at Da’Hawaii Seniors Club’s 21st Anniversary Celebration and Annual Picnic at Camp Liberty in Liberty Park in Cerritos on June 29th decorating the table for side dishes, salads and fruits, are Food Co-Chairs Mary Jane Fujimura, at left, and Gladys Yoshii, at right.
M.C. Danny Chang welcomed everyone to the Potluck Picnic, and Hedy Harrison Anduha said the opening prayer and grace before meals. Danny introduced the current Board members of Da’ Hawaii Seniors Club and thanked them for all the work they have been doing for the club and especially for the picnic. Danny then invited members and guests to come to the food tables as he called the number of their tables
After almost everyone had enjoyed their lunch, Amy Tong introduced a game where people passed gifts around their table while music was played. When the music stopped, the person who held it last did not win the gift, but had to pass it left, right or across the table as Amy directed. It was fun for all to play the game and hope to win the gifts.
M.C. Danny Chang then started the entertainment for the day with Frank Yoshii singing Lahaina Luna. Frank asked everyone to join in singing the song, and then announced that he was celebrating his birthday. Everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to him in English and Hawaiian. Danny, and his wife Winona, then sang “Welcome to my world,” and the song “Grandpa,” accompanied by the club’s musicians.
A variety of songs were then sung in English and Hawaiian by the A’Ala Park Serenaders, Puniwai’s Ohana, and Bruno and the Brunettes did a “lip sinc” and dance. There were also hulas danced by Worship Hula dancers, Na Kupuna Wahine and Na Kupuna Kane. Spontaneous hulas were also done by dancers who felt like dancing when they heard the songs played by the musicians.
Solos were performed by Al Shota, Ann Kho, and Harry Aipia, and duets were performed by Rocky Asistin and Howard Koga, Frank Yoshii and Larry Anduha, and David and Edna Ethington.
Pictured at the June 29th Twenty-first Anniversary Celebration and Annual Picnic of Da’Hawaii Senior Club at Camp Liberty in Liberty Park are 125 members and guests enjoying the entertainment provided by the A’Ala Park Serenaders and musicians on stage, and the Na Kupuna Wahine dancing a hula to “Tiny Bubbles” in front of the stage.
David also read the story of how the melody “TAPS” originated during the Civil War. It is the melody that is usually played by a bugler at funerals for veterans and there are actually three verses of the poem that was written for “TAPS.” Harry Aipia ended the entertainment by leading the singing of “Kokee” accompanied by the club’s musicians.
Door prizes that were donated by members were drawn throughout the day and members and guests were pleased to receive their prizes, however, members only could receive the top three door prizes. Amy Tong congratulated the three big winners of gift certificates. The winners were Marion Tesoro for a $25 gift certificate to Trader Joe’s, Carol Yamaguchi for a $50 gift certificate to Roy’s Restaurant, and Stan Enomoto for a $50 gift certificate to Wood BBQ in Cerritos.
M.C. Danny Chang thanked everyone for coming to celebrate the club’s 21st anniversary. He also thanked everyone who brought all the delicious food for the potluck picnic. There was so much food that there was enough for people to take home leftovers for dinner at the end of the day!
A housing and homeless adviser to Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia will speak at Grace First Presbyterian Church on Studebaker Road Sunday, July 14, in the Saul Ministry Center, according to spokesman Jonas Hayes.
Daniel Brezenoff, a licensed clinical social worker with 25 years of experience as an educator and 23 years in community mental health. He has been an adjunct faculty member of the Department of Human Services at Cal State Dominguez Hills since 2014, will be the featured speaker, he said.
Brezenoff is currently Senior Advisor to Mayor Robert Garcia of the City of Long Beach, California, Deputy for Housing and Homelessness, and the First District Council Office Administrator. His writings have been published in the Los Angeles Times, the Press-Telegram, and the Long Beach Post. He lives in Long Beach with his family, where he also maintains a part-time private practice as a therapist.
He said the event and parking are free to the public. The event begins at 12:15 p.m. and the church’s address is 3955 N. Studebaker Road.
Los Alamitos Unified School District has announced its policy to serve nutritious meals every school day under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Effective July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020, children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals if the household income is less than or equal to the federal guidelines.
Households do not need to turn in an application when the household receives a notification letter saying that all children automatically qualify for free meals when any household member receives benefits from CalFresh, CalWORKs, or FDPIR. Children who meet the definition of foster, homeless, migrant, or runaway, and children enrolled in their school’s Head Start program are eligible for free meals. Contact school officials if any child in the household is not on the notification letter. The household must let school officials know if they do not want to receive free or reduced-price meals.
Applications will be sent to the household with a letter about the free and reduced-price meal program. Households that want to apply for meal benefits, must fill out one application for all children in the household and give it to the Food Service department at 10652 Reagan St., Los Alamitos, CA 90720. For a simple and secure method to apply, use our online application at www.lunchapplication.com. Contact Celeste Calubaquib at (562) 799-4592 x 81118 or Cindy Guzman De La Rocha at (562) 799-4592 x 81115 for help filling out the application. The school will let you know if your application is approved or denied for free or reduced-price meals.
Households may turn in an application at any time during the school year. If you are not eligible now, but your household income goes down, household size goes up, or a household member starts receiving CalFresh, CalWORKs, or FDPIR, you may turn in an application at that time. Information given on the application will be used to determine eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year by school officials. The last four digits of the Social Security number from any adult household or checking that you do not have a Social Security number is required if you include income on the application.
Households that receive Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits, may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals by filling out an application.
Foster children are eligible for free meals and may be included as a household member if the foster family chooses to also apply for the non-foster children on the same application. Including foster children as a household member may help the non-foster children qualify for free or reduced-price meals. If the non-foster children are not eligible, this does not keep foster children from receiving free meals.
Your child’s eligibility status from last school year will continue into the new school year for up to 30 school days or until the school processes your new application, or your child is otherwise certified for free or reduced-price meals. After the 30 school days, your child will have to pay full price for meals, unless the household receives a notification letter for free or reduced-price meals. School officials do not have to send reminder or expired eligibility notices.
If you do not agree with the decision or results of verification, you may discuss it with school officials. You also have the right to a fair hearing, which may be requested by calling or writing the hearing official: Dr. Nancy Nien, 10293 Bloomfield St., Los Alamitos, CA 90720, (562) 799-4700 x 80449.
Trista Moldovan, ‘Prima Donna’ Divalicious in Phantom of the Opera at the Segerstrom Center
By Lynda Lacayo
The Phantom brings the “Music of the Night” to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts with Cameron Mackintosh’s extravagant production “Phantom of the Opera July 10 -21, 2019.
For over 30 years audiences have been captivated by the man and the music that is Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera.” The latest adaption of the timeless classic continues the magic with new scenic design by Paul Brown, new Choreography by Scott Ambler, new staging by Director Laurence Connor and brilliant lighting design by Paul Constable. The original costume design by Maria Bjornson still remains at the heart of this “Phantom” as does the magnificent music and dazzling spectacle, including the legendary chandelier. In Producer Mackintosh’s words this is “a new version of ‘Phantom’ which uses a more visceral dramatic approach to create a visual feast, giving audiences the chance to see their favorite musical all over again through new eyes.”
Among the cast of the “Phantom of the Opera” touring production is Trista Moldovan. Moldovan first appeared in “Phantom” during the 2011/12 season, staring as Christina in the 10,000th Broadway production. She’s joined the musical’s 4th national tour in 2016, this time as Prima Donna Carlotta Giudicelli, Christina’s volatile archrival.
Moldovan claims she had never really envisioned herself as Carlotta. She says “I secretly wanted to play Carlotta but never thought I’d be right for it so it was never on my radar. It seemed like such a fun role, kind of sassy. But I’d played Christine and thought this is where I fit in this world. When I finished Christine, I figured that’s it, my time with the Phantom is over. Then I happened to catch the show at the Kennedy Center and I remember thinking, OMG, I want to be Carlotta, that’s where I’m at right now in my life.”
Usually Christina is pictured as a sweet ingénue and Carlotta as an ego driven Diva. Moldovan has updated her role with a bit more humor. She says “It’s nice that the creatives let me bring a lot of myself to the role. When I started learning the part I didn’t realize that what I was doing was funny until my first performance when I started getting some laughs and I thought ‘oh, that was fun.”
Carlotta isn’t all fun and games through. Moldovan describes her as “having worked very, very hard to get where she’s at in a cut throat business. Then along comes Christine from the Corps de Ballet, who as far as she knows has never sung a note in her life. And Carlotta, justifiably so, is not happy about it. She sees Christine as someone who hasn’t paid her dues.”
Moldovan continues “Carlotta is an entertaining Character to play because she is the antithesis of who I am. My approach as an actress is to always keep everything truthful. So, I don’t see Carlotta as a self-centered maniac. It’s more important and effective not to approach her as a villain. She thinks she’s right and unfortunately she’s surrounded by people who don’t agree with her. When Carlotta says ‘These things do happen’ it’s because at this point she’s just completely had it. She’s incredulous when she realizes that everyone around her is an idiot.”
Being an onstage Diva can translate into offstage role playing. Moldovan says “when I walk offstage and fans are lined up at the stage door with playbills to autograph, I feel like I have to embody Carlotta. I carry myself like a leading lady as opposed to Christine where I could just be easy, breezy. It’s fun to explore that side of myself, but really it’s just a way to treat myself by buying nice clothes and getting my nails done.”
“Phantom” is an elaborate production with its cast, crew and orchestra of 130 making it the largest show touring. Audiences can anticipate seeing the show they have always known and loved with all the grandeur of Broadway. There’s a few changes that take “Phantom” aficionados in a slightly different direction. Moldovan explains, “It’s the same story, same music with new staging and sets. Our brilliant Director Laurence Connor looks at it with new eyes, broadening the story a bit more. Eyes for our generation but ‘Phantom’ enthusiasts’ familiar with the celebrated original will love it as well.”
When asked to describe “Phantom” in three words, Moldovan replied with “larger than life” and then added lavish and pyrotechnics to her brief description of a show that is filled with such memorial scenes as her favorite “Masquerade” which she descripts as a highlight of the show, saying “When ‘Masquerade’ opens the 2nd Act and almost the entire company sings, there’s a gorgeous wall of sound, I feel merged together with the entire wonderful company We literally feel the love through this black wall of the audience.”
“Phantom of the Opera” can only be described as monumental with its 230 costumes, 14 dressers 120 automated cues, 22 scene changes, 81 candles and use of 250 kg of dry ice and 10 fog and smoke machines. Then there’s the “Chandelier,” weighing in at one ton with 6000 beads and dropping at 6 miles per second. Here’s another ‘fun fact’ – the most sought after seats are under the Chandelier.
As to those 230 costumes per performance, Moldovan explains “The public doesn’t realize that each actor has their own set of costumes. Principles, ensemble members, we are all covered by two people. And we don’t share costumes so each person has their own. The 100’s of opulent costumes speaks to the scale of the production. The show has been running for 30 years so imagine the New York warehouse with racks & rows of fabulous costumes. It’s a sight to behold.”
Moldovan recommends “Phantom” to audiences because it can be enjoyed by all ages. She says “I’m moved by seeing new generation coming to the show. The young may appreciate the musical’s visual aspects and the older generation can relate to the emotional themes. It’s exciting to be a part of something that has inspired and entranced theater patrons for 30+ years.”
As the Phantom sings, “You alone can make my song take flight, help me make the music of the night. “ It’s a message to audiences to let the music soar at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. “Phantom of the Opera” runs July 10 -21, 2019. For tickets and information: online at SCFTA.org: phone, 714-556-2787; The Box Office, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
The volleyball club team, Pinnacle, competed in the Boys Junior National Championships in Dallas, Texas from July 1-7. Pinnacle is a boys volleyball team based out of Long Beach State and includes high school boys from Wilson, Los Alamitos and Millikan Boys Volleyball Teams. Pinnacle 15s Team: L-R, Coach Nick MacRae, Carson McKeown, Ryan Haynes, Ethan Choi, Leo Pravednikov, Joe Nunez, Riley Rosenkranz, Jack Hopkins, Noah Roberts, Hunter Garland, Aiden Schulten, Tommy Halligan, Hayden Smith and Coach Marc Moody.
Due to a shortage of entries, there will be no daytime thoroughbred racing Thursday, July 11 at Los Alamitos Race Course, according to a track press release.
Track officials say gates will open that morning for simulcast racing – which includes opening day at Saratoga – at 10 a.m.
Live racing resumes Friday, July 12, kicking off the final three days of the Summer Thoroughbred Festival, which concludes Sunday, July 14.
The main event Saturday, July 13 is the $150,000 Los Alamitos Derby, a Grade III at 1 1/8 miles which could attract multiple Grade I winner and 2018 2-year-old champion Game Winner.
Despite the one-day shortage, track spokesman Orlando Gutierrez said the racing this past weekend went well.
“We had nice crowds throughout the four days, enjoying beautiful weather and great racing. We are looking forward to a nice closing weekend with good racing programs for racing fans. The Los Alamitos Derby could feature some outstanding 3-year-olds, just like it has done in previous years when champions like Shared Belief and Accelerate,” he said.
Photo courtesy of Los Alamitos Race Course
While a shortage of entries cancelled Thursday’s racing, track officials say the Los Alamitos Derby will run this weekend.
The Youth Center in Los Alamitos recently received a Run Seal Beach grant for $4,040 earmarked specifically for scholarships to Camp S.H.A.R.K., their summer day camp out of Rossmoor Park.
Run Seal Beach is a non-profit organization whose charter is to raise funds and awareness for recreation or fitness programs or services to benefit the greater Seal Beach community including Rossmoor and Los Alamitos. The RSB event is was held this year in April and is held annually.
The Youth Center’s Camp S.H.A.R.K., is an electronics fre camp that focuses on keeping kids engaged and physically active. They award scholarships to children of families in need, allowing them to attend camp.
“The need for scholarships is big in our community,” said Youth Center Executive Director Lina Lumme. “Many local families go through difficult life situations and live paycheck to paycheck. It’s an incredible feeling of relief when you know that families can get help this year.”
“Getting funding to help our families with children is a true blessing,” Lumme explained. “I can’t thank Run Seal Beach enough for helping us make a difference for all our families.”
For more information about Run Seal Beach, please visit online at www.runsealbeach.com. For more information about The Youth Center’s Camp S.H.A.R.K., please visit online at www.theyouthcenter.org.
Facing hundreds of troops assembled in formation on the airfield and surrounded by hundreds more who came to witness history, Major General Laura L. Yeager accepted the colors of the 40th Infantry Division in a chain of command ceremony that will now go down in the annals of American history.
“Today, we are able to install in command the most well-qualified candidate chosen from the first time in history from a pool of candidates that is no longer constrained by an anachronistic and discriminatory gender-biased policy,” said Major General David Baldwin.
Soldiers from the California Army National Guard’s Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 143rd Field Artillery Regiment, fire a blank ceremonial round from an M119 Light Howitzer during a change of command ceremony for the 40th Infantry Division, June 29, 2019, on Los Alamitos Army Airfield at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, California. The historic ceremony marked the first time a female has become commander of a U.S. Army infantry division. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)
“This is a great day,” said Baldwin, noting that on this day, “we are putting in command the first female as a divisional commander in the history of the United States Army.”
Baldwin, who is the Chief of the California National Guard, presided over Saturday’s ceremony that was full of pomp and circumstance at the Joint Forces Training base in Los Alamitos.
Before introducing Yeager, Baldwin thanked retiring Maj. Gen. Mark Malanka for this dedication and outstanding service as Commander. “Gen. Yeager, you have a tremendous task ahead of you.”
Throughout the installation ceremony, troops engaged in a variety of traditional drills and ceremonial traditions, including converging all of the flags denoting their major excursions since 1917. The 40th Infantry Division enjoys a storied history that has seen action in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and most recently Afghanistan.
While the 40th Infantry Division goes back to 1917, the U.S. Army is one of America’s oldest institutions, founded on June 14, 1775 with George Washington, of course, as its first commander. Ironically, many of the “dress colors” on display Saturday were actually selected by Washington in 1779 (though the Army has experimented, they went back to Washington’s original picks in 2010).
In military parlance, a division is made up of a wide variety of units composed of approximately 10,000 service members, specialists in everything from logistics to artillery and includes units with every major skill required to move, sustain and fight on a field of battle anywhere in the world.
The 40th Infantry Division is made up of units throughout the west coast, Hawaii and Guam and is code named the “Sunburst Division.” The division colors (flags) stand for unity, loyalty and responsibility to the organization.
Taking the Division Colors from Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, California National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Laura Yeager became the first woman in history to lead a U.S. Army Infantry Division. Yeager took command from Maj. Gen. Mark Malanka during a ceremony, June 29, 2019 at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Cossel, 40th Infantry Division Public Affairs)
Walking out into the troops, the actual change of command occurred as retiring Maj. General Mark Malanka handed the colors to Baldwin, who then passed them to Yeager. It was at that moment that Yeager became a historical figure and assumed command of the division.
Throughout the passing of the colors, artillery officers blasted ceremonial bursts from Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 143rd Field Artillery Regiment’s M119 Light Howitzers to pay homage to the men and women who have served and to welcome the historic installation of the division’s first female commander. Many in the crowd came to their feet as they applauded the Army’s first female division commander accepting of the colors.
Yeager, who was elevated to Brigadier General in 2016, received her second star in a short ceremony Saturday morning before the chain of command festivities, ranking her as a Major General. Therefore, the powerful two-star red flag waved throughout, denoting the presence of a a major general officer. The flag will now follow her throughout her mission.
In an interview two days before the ceremony, Yeager told the Event-News Enterprise that it was this moment (passing of the colors) that she thought about the most before it happened. “When the colors pass hand to hand,” she said, “that will be the moment it sinks in. Now it is my responsibility to live up to everything these colors stand for.”
Yeager, a Fountain Valley native, remembers traveling to JFTB in Los Alamitos when her dad served there and it is where she began her own service in the California National Guard.
Now, she stood in front of her troops in formation as the first female commander of the 40th Infantry Division in U.S. Military history.
“It’s an absolute honor to assume command of this great division,” said Yeager. “It’s had a glorious history of service and recently affirmed its excellence with back-to-back deployments to Afghanistan,” said Yeager.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Laura Yeager, new commander of the California Army National Guard’s 40th Infantry Division, is given a hands-on demonstration of the M119 Light Howitzer by soldiers from Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 143rd Field Artillery Regiment, following her change of command ceremony, June 29, 2019, on Los Alamitos Army Airfield at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, California. Yeager is the first woman to command a U.S. Army infantry division. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)
She thanked her family and her role model, her father, Maj. Gen. Robert Brandt (ret). “Having been the daughter of a National Guard soldier, I know personally how drill weekend always seems to land on a birthday, wedding, anniversary, or how the water heater quits working or how the car won’t start,” Yeager said.
Yeager also thanked everyone for coming and told her troops she was ready to accept the awesome responsibilities of command.
Sitting on specially installed bleachers in front of a huge aircraft hangar filled with Blackhawks and UH-1 helicopters, the enthusiastic crowd erupted in patriotic applause as Yeager concluded her remarks.
Shortly before the conclusion of the ceremony, two Blackhawks and a Chinook helicopter buzzed the ceremony in formation to pay tribute to Yeager’s earlier service as a helicopter pilot and her command of a special air medivac unit during the war in Iraq.
There were citizens and media from across southern California on the base to witness the historic event.
The 40th ID award winning band, provided stirring music throughout the ceremony, giving those in the crowd a rare chance to witness such a historical military event.
Following the ceremony, Yeager eagerly jumped down from the dais to greet many who witnessed the ceremony, including a group of World War II veterans including Bill Spurrier of Seal Beach.
Los Al mayor Warren Kusumoto greets Maj. Gen. Yeager after the ceremony.
Los Alamitos Mayor Warren Kusumoto was among the first to congratulate Yeager after the ceremony. Kusumoto along with Council members Shelley Hasselbrink, Mark Chirco and Dean Grose attended the event.
Yeager then plunged into the troops, thanking them personally for their service and even getting a demonstration of the Howitzer cannons from Bravo Battery.
Mona Mapel said she traveled from Pasadena not only because their son served as a Armored Officer in the 40th, but “it was an honor to be at what was a historic event as Maj. Gen. Yeager is the first female commander of the 40th and it is a chance for Americans to once again appreciate the men and women in uniform who serve both the nation and the state.”
It’s been an amazing day, said an unidentified woman who told Yeager she had come with her group from Fountain Valley to witness the event. “Thank you,” said Yeager as she eagerly jumped in a photo with the group. “Yes it has,” she said.
As our world transforms itself with exponential speed and tremendous danger, the country’s first female divisional commander must now keep a force of 10,000 service members ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
“We do not know the where or the when,” said Maj. Gen. Laura Yeager said in an interview this week, as she seriously pondered the future while being somewhat bemused about her own past and her military journey that delivered her destiny on Saturday.
The Fountain Valley native has returned to Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base to command the 40th Infantry Division of the California National Guard, the first woman ever to lead a major U.S. Army Division.
Yet with more than thirty years of service, Yeager seemed as curious as anyone to fully comprehend everything happening around her as media from around the world came calling, hoping to get a word with the new commander.
“I know, it’s kind of crazy,” she says, reflecting on the media circus that has surrounded her since the Army announced her promotion June 9. “I don’t find myself to be that interesting,” she said, “but I’m really excited about all the interest in the military.”
Though she tends to be modest, Yeager projects a quiet confidence that has become the hallmark of an eventful military career. Quietly, she has earned a reputation as an intellectual, yet pragmatic commander through multiple commands and assignments throughout the country and the world.
Before Saturday’s promotion to a two-star general, Yeager has risen through the ranks since May of 1986, when she first joined the Guard. She was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant after joining the Cal. State Long Beach Reserve Officers Training Corps, ostensibly to get financial help for college. Yeager graduated from CSULB with a bachelor’s degree in psychology before assuming her first assignment.
Maj. Gen. Laura L. Yeager pictured with her dad, Maj. Gen. Robert Brandt (ret.)
Although her dad, Maj. Gen. Robert Brandt (ret.), was a top ranked commander and flight instructor during his tour of duty, none of that had rubbed off on her, or so she at first thought. Even so, “my father always had high expectations, but always gave me the independence to choose my own path.”
Brandt recently told military journalists that “I could not be more proud of Laura for having chosen a professional career in which she has devoted her life to the service of our nation.”
When Yeager got her first ride in a military helicopter as an ROTC cadet, however, everything changed. “I wanted to fly. I was determined to go to flight school.” She did, and ironically, got her helicopter pilot’s wings in Fort Rucker, Ala. At the same flight school where her dad was once an instructor.
In fact, Yeager was born in Alabama during the time her dad, was a helicopter flight instructor there, but moved to Fountain Valley at the age of 2 when her dad was transferred to Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos.
Excited to be a helicopter pilot, Yeager soon graduated from Aeromedical Evacuation courses and began a series of missions and assignments that created a glide path to where she is today. She became an accomplished pilot, flying the military’s workhorse “Blackhawk helicopter” on a variety of missions.
Then Col. Yeager during her days as a Blawkhawk pilot (standing in front of a Blackhawk that she flew in an Iraqi combat zone).
She and her husband, Lt. Col. Curtis Yeager, (ret.) have both enjoyed military careers. At one point, however, when they were both serving on active-duty, Yeager said she decided to take a break shortly after their only son, Scott, was born.
“My husband and I were both serving on active duty and were finding maintaining two active duty careers put a huge strain on our family,” she said. They have four adult sons, three from Yeager’s first marriage and their son Scott. “A modern, blended family,” she says.
While in transition counseling after leaving active duty, someone suggested she resume her career in the Army reserves. She did and soon discovered it was a “perfect balance” for her career.
When her husband retired a few years later, she rejoined the California Guard full-time and in 2011, served two tours of duty in an Iraqi combat zone in her role as deputy commander of the 40th Combat Aviation Brigade, the same unit her father once commanded.
Once back from Iraq, the Guard named Yeager Commander of the unit, making her and her father likely the other father/daughter duo to lead the same military unit. “That is one of my proudest accomplishments,” she says, to be able to command the same unit as her father.
Yeager was now getting serious notice by the military. Along the way, Yeager had also earned two master’s degrees. One in psychology and the other in Strategic Studies at the U.S. Army War College.
U.S. Army Maj. Gens. David Baldwin, right, Laura Yeager, center, and Mark Malanka, left, watch as soldiers march by during a pass in review following a change of command ceremony between Yeager and Malanka for the California Army National Guard’s 40th Infantry Division, June 29, 2019, on Los Alamitos Army Airfield at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, California. The historic ceremony marked the first time a female has become commander of a U.S. Army infantry division. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)
In rapid career succession, she became the Chief of the Joint Staff for the Joint Forces Headquarters in Sacramento, then assistant to the Commander, then Brigadier General, then Commander of the Joint Task Force North in Fort Bliss, then, on Saturday, she became the first female officer in the history of the United States Army to command the entire 40th Infantry Division.
“What’s going on here,” Yeager said she thought to herself once all the media frenzy broke out. “To me, this is just my next job.” Though she is easy going, she in no way downplays the role and in fact, has obviously thought about her upcoming command.
With the increased media scrutiny, however, has come deep reflection.
“ I am honored to serve at this level and I know it comes with an enormous amount of responsibility,” said Yeager.
“I would not be here without a long-term commitment from the U.S. military and the California National Guard,” she said. “I am so proud to be a part of an organization that doesn’t just talk about diversity, inclusion and equality but delivers it.”
“If I wouldn’t have had all of those assignments, if I wasn’t able to attend all of those schools, I wouldn’t be here,” said a deeply thankful Yeager.
Moreover, in addition to her military role, she hopes to outreach to men and women, but especially to women. With a heart full of gratitude for the military, Yeager wants desperately for women to understand that given today’s corporate culture, the military offers great career prospects.
“I want to encourage women to do this work,” she said. “This has been a great profession for me, and I know it would be for other women.”
Also, she said, “I get paid the same amount as men, given the same level of service. There are few very corporations or entities where you can work where you know you will get the same responsibility and respect.”
“What I enjoy the most about the military,” said Yeager, “is the diversity of people.” Yeager said she often asks her service members ‘what do you do when you’re not in uniform?’ “I’m a librarian, says one, I’m a CEO says another, and I’m a plumber and I own my own small business” Yeager recalls the responses after speaking casually with her troops.
During her more than 30 years of military service, Yeager says she has met men and women of different ethnicities and religions from all over the country, describing her military career as “such a rich experience.”
Regarding being the first woman commander, Yeager said she was the first woman in her last role, and thinks this will be more complex, but no different because of gender.
Actually, she said being a woman or man makes no difference in today’s military. “Troops care about whether or not you’re good at your job and that you can do the work,” said Yeager, “that’s all they truly care about.”
Also, she believes the Army’s ecosystem is so populated with diversity and inclusion that “I may be the first woman to command the 40th I.D.,” said Yeager, but “there are many more behind me. I just got here first.”
With the pomp and ceremony over, Yeager now digs in for the long haul. Yeager knows that the 40th Infantry Division must always be prepared to deploy and stay ready to move. “We do not know the where or when,” she says more seriously of how the call from command could come at almost any moment.
“We live in a volatile world,” she said. Yeager now watches the news every night, watching world developments that could compel command for the division to deploy.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Laura Yeager hands the 40th Infantry Division colors to Command Sgt. Maj. Joe Derma III after accepting command of the division during a ceremony, June 29, 2019, on Los Alamitos Army Airfield at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, California. The historic ceremony marked the first time a female has become commander of a U.S. Army infantry division. At left is Maj. Gen. David Baldwin, Adjutant General of the California National Guard, and at right is Maj. Gen. Mark Malanka, the division’s outgoing commander. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)
“It is my responsibility now to live up to everything we (40th Infantry Division) stand for,” said Yeager. “Obviously, the division has a great reputation. First and foremost, I want to retain that level of excellence, get the best people…you’ve got to be really good for your division to get the best people.”
“My sense is to get out there from bottom to top so that my vision and intent is understood throughout my entire chain of command,” said Yeager. She will create high maintenance standards and foster innovation.
During her last assignment in Fort Bliss, Texas, Yeager had an apartment so small that “I could vacuum the whole place and never unplug the vacuum cleaner,” she jokes. Now she has moved back to the family home in California.
So, in the meantime, she must still reach for the perfect balance between a major general and a comfortable home life. “If the cat throws up on the carpet or the toilet needs cleaning, being a Major General doesn’t relieve you of that duty.”
Yeager is very happy to be back in California, having memories of Joint Forces Training Base that go all the way back to her father’s service in addition to her own. “I’m happy to be back,” she said, “this feels like home.”
The LAYB 12U All Star team won the St. Hedwig Baseball Tournament by outscoring its opponents 48-14 over 5 games. This was the 3rd consecutive tournament championship for the boys. The keys to victory were solid pitching, clutch hitting and excellent defense. The All Stars now head off to Districts this upcoming weekend in Santa Monica. Pictured, top row (left-right) Manager Chris Leveque, Luke Brennan, Manoah Faupusa, Matthew Leveque, Blake Waddle, Coach Bill Waddle, Ryan Soto and Coach Matt Hammond. Bottom row-Steel Kurtz, Andrew Hammond, Garrett Rodriguez, Shay Tipton, Dylan Lowenberg, Cameron Farmer and Nathan Mueller.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA), the fastest-growing Asian brand in the U.S. for the second consecutive year*, will relocate its headquarters from Cypress, California, to Franklin, Tennessee, a suburb of Nashville, the company announced this week.
The announcement brought an immediate condemnation of state policies from the Cypress Chamber, though they wished Mitsubishi well.
According to the statement, “the Cypress Chamber of Commerce is sad to see a longtime member and supporter leave Cypress and the state, but we wish them well.”
Further, the Chamber said, “this is more evidence that the State of California is falling down on its responsibilities to support a healthy business climate and is instead actively chasing our best business citizens was with their policies and practices.”
Nevertheless, Mitsubishi said the move is part of an ongoing plan to reinvent every aspect of Mitsubishi Motors in the U.S., from corporate leadership to dealer partners to every touchpoint in a customer’s relationship with their vehicle and will sharpen the company’s focus on future growth and innovation.
Since 1988, MMNA has been rooted in California — now Cypress, and Fountain Valley prior to that. This move will begin in August and be completed by the end of 2019, the company said in a statement.
MMNA’s move highlights efforts taken across the entire global landscape of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance to bring the companies closer together in key areas including procurement, development and cost efficiencies. The company chose Franklin as its new home because it allows MMNA to focus its efforts on company-wide reinvention and take advantage of the area’s vibrant technology skillset, all while realizing cost savings through the business-friendly work environment and proximity to sister company, Nissan.
While MMNA has seen an ongoing strengthening of the business for multiple years – six straight years of annual sales gains, the last two years now over 100,000 sales, and retaining its “fastest-growing Asian brand” title for the second year – it is the past 12 months that have seen the greatest changes across MMNA.
“Mitsubishi Motors is changing the way we go to market in the United States, and it is leading to a rebirth of the company,” said Fred Diaz, MMNA’s president and chief executive officer. “This is an exciting time for us, with a refreshed leadership team, new-look dealerships and redesigned and all-new vehicles. As we drive toward the future, this is the perfect time for us to move to a new home. While we say farewell to the Golden State with a heavy heart, we’re excited to say hello to Music City.”
There are nearly 200 people working in MMNA’s Cypress office. All corporate departments will be relocating, including sales, marketing, IT, human resources, communications, parts and service, product planning, dealer operations, finance and legal.
MMNA’s west coast parts distribution center (PDC), currently located on the existing headquarters campus, also will be relocating. MMNA is working with Nissan North America to establish its PDC in a newly constructed shared facility in Riverside, California — further proof of the streamlining and cost savings the Alliance partnership brings to Mitsubishi’s business.
Additionally, 25 employees representing the company’s Western Region operations will move to new offices elsewhere in Orange County, California.
No other Mitsubishi Motors facilities in the U.S. are affected, including Mitsubishi Research and Development North America (MRDA)’s R&D operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan and MRDA government relations operations in Washington, D.C.
“The reputation of Tennessee’s business climate and skilled workforce has attracted countless world-class businesses to our state. Over the years, Tennessee has become the epicenter of the Southeast’s thriving automotive sector, and I’m proud Mitsubishi Motors will call Franklin its U.S. home and bring 200 high-quality jobs to Middle Tennessee,” said Bill Lee, governor of the State of Tennessee.
Initially, MMNA will be transferring operations to a temporary office in Franklin. Beyond that, MMNA officials are working with representatives from commercial real estate firm Jones Lang LaSalle, to identify the company’s permanent offices.
For more information on Mitsubishi Motors North America, please visit media.mitsubishicars.com.
