A very appreciative group gathered to honor the Sailors of the Quarter from the Naval Weapons Station, Seal Beach, at the regular monthly meeting of the Grampaw Pettibone Squadron of the Association of Naval Aviation at the Elks Lodge in Garden Grove held on Thursday, February 13, 2020.
GPS recognized the outstanding sailors with Certificates of Appreciation and other gifts including beautiful plaques from the United States Automobile Association. In addition, the sailors were given gift certificates and coupons from the following local restaurants: Avila’s El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant, Chick-fil-A, Coaches Sports Grill, Finbars Italian Restaurant, Hennessey’s Tavern, The Crab Cooker (Tustin), California Pizza Kitchen (Rossmoor), Santa Fe Importers, and O’Malley’s On Main.
Sailors of the Quarter from NWSSB were: Senior Sailor: MA1 Nicholas Merced; Junior Sailor: MA2 Patrick Myers; and Blue Jacket: MA3 Elise Flores. Sailors of the Quarter from Navy Munitions Command Pacific Conus West Division Unit Seal Beach were: Senior Sailor: MN1 Christian Quezada; Junior Sailor: MN2 Yanina Carrero; and Bluejacket: GM3 Wallace Garlington.
Unfortunately, the sailors from NWSSB could not attend the meeting or awards program because of the needs of the Weapons Station.
Tim Brown, Commanding Officer of Grampaw Pettibone Squadron, presented the certificates and to the sailors. He was assisted by Michael Just, Senior Enlisted Advisor for the Navy Munitions Command, West Division, Seal Beach, and GPS Chaplain Bill Thompson.
The guest speaker for the meeting was COL Greg Raths, USMC (Ret.) who told the audience about his days as a Marine Corps aviator flying various aircraft including the F-4 Phantom and F-18 Hornet in war and peace. He also related a few examples of cheating death while flying. His stories, plus many more, are contained in his book, “9 Lives of a Fighter Pilot”. COL Raths is running for election to the U.S. House to represent California’s 45th Congressional District.
America’s favorite dance show is going back on tour this winter with “Dancing with the Stars – Live Tour 2020.” The longest running tour to date will be dancing through Segerstrom Center for the Arts on March 25 in Segerstrom Hall. Celebrity contestant Kate Flannery (The Office) will be joining the show to wow live audiences across the country by performing fan-favorite routines from this past season.
Single tickets start at $49 and are available online at www.SCFTA.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling (714) 556-2787. VIP packages will be available through VIPNation.com, giving fans the chance to purchase premium tickets, meet and greet opportunities with the cast, exclusive merchandise and photo opportunities.
The all-new production will feature fan-favorite professional dancers wowing audiences with every type of dance style as seen on ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars. The show continues its legacy of performing showstopping routines alongside new numbers choreographed just for the live show ranging from the time-honored dances of the Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Salsa, Tango – and everything in between. In the longest and most expansive North American tour to date, audiences will have the opportunity to experience the excitement, glamour and glitz they see in the ballroom every Monday night live in their hometowns.
The tour delivers a spectacular night of dance performances from world-renowned dancers including Val Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson, Lindsay Arnold, Alan Bersten, Witney Carson, Sasha Farber, Emma Slater, Gleb Savchenko, Brandon Armstrong, Pasha Pashkov and Daniella Karagach.
“Dancing with the Stars – Live Tour 2020” is produced by Faculty Productions in association with BBC Studios. The show is directed by Mark “Swany” Swanhart and co-directed by Amanda Balen. The cast is subject to change.
Christine Ball, President of the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival Association, producers of the annual event, said “it is my privilege to announce our Parade Grand Marshal for this year will be four-time Gold Medal Olympic Champion, Greg Louganis, the greatest diver in the world.
“We are honoring Greg Louganis in observance of the 36th Anniversary of his first two Gold Olympic Medals, which he won here in Los Angeles at the 1984 Olympics, while at the same time celebrating Greg’s 60th Birthday, which was January 29th. Our theme for this year’s Strawberry Festival will be ‘Celebrating the Olympics,” said Ball.
Additional celebrity talent riding in the parade will be announced in the near future,” she added.
“It is my great honor to be selected as Grand Marshal of the 62nd Annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival’s Parade,” said Louganis. “I am very grateful for my career and the opportunities I have been given and feel it’s important to give back,” he added.
The Garden Grove Strawberry Festival Association is a perfect example of a volunteer organization, which gives back to their community by raising monies at their annual Festivals, which is then awarded to deserving non-profits serving the citizens of Garden Grove.
“At the end of the day, that’s what life is all about, giving back,” said Ball.
Lights, camera, action! On February 14, 2020, the students of Frank Vessels Elementary School in the Cypress School District debuted their inaugural musical theater production of Disney Aladdin Kids to the student body. This was followed by evening performances for families and friends on February 18 and 19.
The production, made possible by Disney Musicals in Schools and Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, showcased the amazing singing, dancing, and acting skills of our talented students. Segerstrom provided an amazing level of support and coaching, ensuring a seamless and noteworthy production that was truly memorable for our students and community.
Last spring, Vessels was one of only five Orange County schools to receive a grant from Disney Musicals in Schools. Fifty-eight students in third through sixth grade rehearsed singing, dancing, and acting for 16 weeks under the direction of teachers Julienne Whiteman and Lori McMullin and librarian Stacey Burke. Mrs. Whiteman and Mrs. McMullin were recently honored as nominees for Parenting OC Magazine’s Top Teachers of Orange County award.
We are proud of our teachers and students and all that they have accomplished this year. We look forward to the continued success of our students in musical theater at our school. Vessels Elementary School is truly a great place to learn, and it shows in all that we do!
Run Seal Beach is still 35 days away, but Seal Beach resident Jon Grillo is already feeling the pressure. Not about the race. Grillo is an avid runner and finished 30th overall in the 10K event last year. Running is the easy part for Grillo.
What has him stressed this year is the pressure he is putting on himself to field the largest team. Grillo, 38, teaches world history at McAuliffe Middle School and is in his fifth year of organizing the school’s team. Last year he was able to draw 180 runners onto the McAuliffe team, the largest team in the field. Now he wants to repeat that feat.
“It stresses me out big time,” Grillo said.
Students and their families are the main target for Grillo. He encourages students to register for the race and join the McAuliffe team. Not only encourage, he gets time on the school’s morning announcements and challenges them to run. He offers to buy lunch for any student who beats his time in the 10K. So far, he said he’s only had to buy one lunch.
Grillo pushes the students in fun. But he’s also encouraging them to stay active. Whether they run or walk in the event, he just wants them to participate, for their own benefit and the benefit of the school. Each year, the non-profit Run Seal Beach distributes grants with the money raised to area programs for health and exercise. McAuliffe applies for money to help fun PE and other health equipment and activities.
“That money comes back,” Grillo said of the entry fees.
As a major participant, McAuliffe has a few free entries they can use so the school recently held a student vs. teacher race for a raffle for free entries. Dozens of students showed up after school for a one-lap race against teachers for raffle tickets. Just as many students showed up to watch the races.
There were two races and each time dozens of students raced several teachers and principals and received a raffle ticket for each teacher they beat. Students were sizing up teachers as they got out to the track, talking about which ones they should be able to beat and which ones were the ones might be a challenge.
One student was heard, asking “what about Grillo?” another replied, “he’s more of a distance runner,” not too concerned with his speed. Students were very successful in winning raffle entries and Grillo freely admitted after the race that he is not a sprinter.
In the 10K, however, students will be challenged to beat his time.
Still, for Grillo, the race becomes the secondary goal for anyone who joins the team. For Grillo, primary goal is to bring people together and give them a sense of community for run or walk.
“I think being part of a team is more fun that running on your own,” Grillo said.
In any given year, the race fieldbetween 30 and 40 teams. One of the benefits is that if you have enough runners for a team, race organizers will deliver shirts and bibs to a team organizer, so runners don’t have to show up to collect their own at the event. Race Committee member Tim Mosa said that teams help market the race.
“It’s really good for the race,” Mosa said.
Grillo has t-shirts made for the McAuliffe team, in addition to the shirts provided by the race. Last year, the school used a font like the one used for the band Metallica, for the McAuliffe shirts. The bright blue shirts and lettering stand out among the crowd.
Run Seal Beach has had up to 6,000 runners in past years. In the races 45 year history, it has distributed more than $1.8 million in grants to schools and community organizations. Runners registering for a team get a discount. The cost goes up from $35 to $40 after Feb. 27.
Grillo is in his sixth year teaching at McAuliffe. Having grown up in Seal Beach, he attended McAuliffe and graduated from Los Alamitos High. This is his fifth year leading the organization of the McAuliffe team, having taken over for teacher Valerie Miller, who led the team for many years. Trying to top 180 participants will be a challenge, but Grillo is reminding students that they can extend the challenge to others as well.
“it’s not just for students, get everybody,” Grillo tells his students.
Worried that another state agency will swoop in and grab the remaining amount of local taxing power, the city council in a special meeting Feb. 3 discussed the possibility of seeking a sales tax increase of 1.5 percent, though they will take the discussion to the city voters before making a final decision.
City attorney Michael Daudt and Finance Director Erik Hendrickson explained that the California Revenue code prohibits local governments from increasing their tax base more than two percent.
Council members perked up even more when they learned that a state agency has already captured one-half percent of that existing taxing power.
As the city sprints toward the finish line of a two-year process to put itself back on a sound financial footing, council members have until July to continue discussing their options before placing a measure on the ballot.
While a one-percent sales tax would provide the city sufficient revenue to both meet its pension obligations and run the city without any noticeable reduction in services, the added half-percent would allow for capital improvements.
The additional half-cent discussion comes following a series of outreach meetings and includes the results of a professional survey, in which had voters indicated to city officials they may be supportive of a one cent sales tax, which will marginally provide sufficient new funds to continue operating the city while also paying off a massive pension debt.
Council member Dean Grose said the city should not follow the example of nearby Seal Beach, where voters last year approved a one-cent sales tax which, according to Grose, was mostly being used for “salary increases.”
Seal Beach will potentially have to go back to voters again soon, as likely will the city of Westminster, Grose suggested as the city should strongly consider the additional half-cent.
According to Finance Director Erik Hendrickson, a one-cent sales tax would provide sufficient revenue to continue to operate, but a 1.5 cent sales tax would also give the city an option to pursue some urgently needed capital improvement projects.
Moreover, the council was concerned to learn that the Orange County Transportation has already used one-half cent of the city’s taxing authority after which each member suggested the city should try to use the remaining authority before another state agency gets approval to get a portion of the sales tax.
Translated, this means that one-half percent of all sales taxes collected in the city of Los Al is sent directly to OCTA. The Council expressed concern that if they did not use the remaining 1.5 percent for themselves, other state agencies might try to have their own measures approved.
“My personal feeling is that given the situation, when citizens look back years from now, they will think it was the right thing to do,” said Mayor Richard Murphy, referring to the additional half percent. If we’re going to get taxed, let’s keep it in the city,” he added.
Council member Shelley Hasselbrink said she has been speaking with her neighbors and believes “we can do this.” Based on her personal interaction with residents, Hasselbrink suggested she thinks once voters understand the entire taxing scenario, they will support adding the additional half percent to the one percent. “Somebody’s going to get it and it might as well be us,” she said.
“We need a one-cent sales tax to survive,” said council member Mark Chirco. While he’s open to support adding the additional half percent, Chirco said he first wanted to see “pretty good assurances” that residents would favor the increase to 1.5 percent before actually agreeing to ask for the entire amount.
Council member Tanya Doby said the city needs to put forward a “united front,” regardless of what they decide to do, adding that getting out to the neighborhoods was the best form of outreach.
It also seemed clear from the special meeting discussion that the city is also not interested in putting more than one measure on a single ballot, concluding that also putting an increase in the hotel transient occupancy tax on the same ballot would confuse voters.
The city of Los Alamitos only currently charges incoming guests eight (8) percent while the law allows up to twelve (12) percent. Hasselbrink said the city should wait at least until the Marriott property now under construction is completed next year before seriously discussing any change.
Even with some grumbling about the last survey performed by FM3, the council agreed to potentially bring them back in to create a “statistically valid survey” regarding the 1.5 tax measure before making a final decision.
City manager Chet Simmons said he will work with Hendrickson and others to put together some outreach options and survey cost estimates for the next meeting on fiscal sustainability. City officials expressed confidence that his experience in his prior positions would serve them well on outreach and fiscal issues.
The Council also discussed measures to protect the long-term use of funds, should voters approve the 1.5 percent measure. “Even if the 1.5 percent measure is proposed and approved, we’re still going to use best practices” to promote fiscal sustainability, said Murphy.
A Los Alamitos dentist has been recognized by more than 8,000 dentists around the world after developing a treatment for successful alignment that most dentists apparently thought would not have been possible. Dr. Barry Israel, DDS was recognized at the recent Invisalign Summit in Las Vegas, NV for a successful treatment case he submitted for the Invisalign GP Summit Shootout. His treatment case was voted as a best-in-class example by his fellow doctors of the successful patient results that can be achieved with Invisalign.
Having now practiced general dentistry in Los Al for more than two decades, Israel said this week he was “thrilled” to learn that he his case was selected, but at once taken was aback to learn he would have to present the case in person on stage before 1,600 fellow dentists.
And while it was “a tremendous honor to be recognized by his peers”, Israel said the honor was somewhat bittersweet. Israel said he only decided to prepare the massive amount of paperwork to enter the Shootout following the death of his of his younger sister Marni.
“In a way, entering the Shootout was therapy for me,” he said, noting the hours and hours it took to retrace and document the case that he pursued only following her loss.
The Invisalign Summit is Align Technology’s premier clinical education conference. Doctors from around the world share their treatment experiences, learn clinical techniques and best practices from Invisalign experts, and review new treatment tools and educational resources.
A highlight of the conference is the culmination of the Invisalign GP (General Practitioner) Summit Shootout, a months-long competition where doctors throughout the United States and Canada demonstrate their successful use of Invisalign to treat patients with especially complex conditions. That competition was this year won by the Los Alamitos dentist.
More than 170 treatment cases were submitted in four categories, including Crowding, Spacing, Interdisciplinary, and Bonus. The treatment cases were evaluated prior to going through a double-blind voting process.
General practice doctors throughout North America voted on each treatment case based on before and after photos. Special consideration was given to the difficulty of the treatment and the results achieved. Over 8,000 votes were cast on the 100 top scoring treatment cases.
Israel’s treatment case received the highest score in the Interdisciplinary category.
While challenges in dentistry still exist, make no mistake. Israel loves his work; even more since the digital revolution has inspired technologies like the iTero Element and Invisalign. “It’s hard to believe how much the digital revolution has exploded in dentistry,” said Israel this week.
While the actual process has not changed, the tools now available to dentists have been revolutionized by digital technology.
Long gone are the clay models as dentists, now use hand held scanners to create 3-D renditions of a patient’s gums and mouth. Israel says “it is really fun” as he explains the computer animation on a screen that depicts the movement, over time, of his patients teeth. The Invisalign retainers slowly nudge teeth into new positions to create better alignment and thus, an improved smile for the patient.
According to a statement from Align technology, “we revolutionized the orthodontic industry with the introduction of the Invisalign system, and we have never lost sight of that spirit of innovation.”
“Our teams are constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible—from 3D printing technology to new aligner materials and new software algorithms that determine the optimal way to move teeth digitally with one goal in mind,” said the statement.
Israel, like hundreds of thousands of dentists and orthodontists around the world, have fully embraced the new technology. Here is how it works:
After a dentist scans a patient’s mouth, they use the digital technologies, including x-rays, to determine the amount of pressure required to move teeth around inside the mouth to achieve a better smile.
Using the Align Technology program, dentists use computer-based algorithms, combined with their dental knowledge, to create a successful treatment plan that projects the amount of time it will take for a series of clear, medical grade plastic retainers worn by the patient to slowly align their teeth.
Israel said dentists then submit the program to international professionals who literally create a 360 degree, 3-D model to demonstrate what the dentist has ordered in their treatment plans before sending it back. The 3-D rendition illustrates the movement of the teeth, weekamd animates, week-by-week, the prescribed program as dentists make final changes before sending it back for the retainers to be made.
“Dentistry is an art and a science,” he said.
In every human mouth, he says, the bottom teeth are almost always shaped by the upper layer of the mouth. The “upper arch is the criminal and the lower arch is the victim,” said Israel.
“The case I submitted and won was an extreme case, yet the patient was extremely motivated.”
Given the extreme situation in her mouth, Israel said most experts would have thought the Invisalign process would not work.
In today’s dental world, the old standard, metal braces, are only used in the most extreme cases. “She told me I don’t want to have metal braces,” so Israel designed the program that ultimately was honored by his peers. It was such an “extreme” case, dentists would have not thought the teeth could have been straightened by Invisalign retainers alone, he said.
Israel said he noticed that her wisdom teeth were “impacted,” meaning they were still below the gum on the bone of her jaw. “They had never erupted,” he said, so he thought by surgically extracting them, there might be room for the remaining teeth to be moved.
Over time, his treatment was successful and when the peer review by thousands of dentists acknowledged Israel’s work, he was invited to present the case to more than 1,600 fellow dentists.
Immediately, he called a friend of his to help him prepare for his new role as a public speaker. While the opportunity was gratifying, he said, it was also terrifying to stand before a packed auditorium of peers as he recently presented the case in Las Vegas.
“Thankfully, after the first slide, all the butterflies went away.”
To ensure he delivers the best results for his patients, Israel said he continually leverages improvements in oral healthcare technologies, materials, and techniques. Additionally, he is a partner in the San Antonio Orthodontic Study Group, which provides ongoing education for dentists.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from the University of Southern California and a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Southern California Dental School. He was also a faculty member at the USC Dental School for six years, instructing students in the dental clinic as they treated patients.
Israel is an active member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, the Harbor Dental Association, as well as the International Association for Orthodontics.
“I love improving my patients lives by improving their smiles”, he said. “It was a tremendous honor to have one of those smiles judged by my fellow doctors as a best-in-class example of just what can be achieved,” said Israel.
“It was an absolute thrill to present my treatment case to them, live and in person, and to learn firsthand from the other category winners how I can help my patients’ smile even more.”
The Universal Dance Association (UDA) National High School Dance Competition just concluded in Orlando, Florida at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The event is held every year and hosts over 60 high school dance teams that earn their way to the event by winning regional competitions. It is the premier event for any high school dance team.
Los Alamitos Varsity Song team participated in four different categories (Game Day, Jazz, Pom and Worlds). On day one of the event during pre-lims, LAHS was the high scorer in three of the categories which sent them straight to the finals.
It was a tremendous advantage to get a bye for the next round of semi’s on Saturday. Worlds is only held on Sunday, so there was no preliminary round.
On Saturday during the competition, LAHS Song team won the National title for Game Day. This is a relatively new category that comprises of three short game day dances and a video of the team participating in sideline routines at games and community involvement. LAHS repeated a National Champs in this category.On Sunday, LAHS Song put together an awesome performance and won the National Title in one of the most difficult categories, Jazz. This is one of the premier categories held during the entire competition. LAHS won the title back in 2017. LAHS Song team also repeated as the World Title champs as well. This category is smaller, but represents countries from around the World (Mexico, Columbia, Canada, Ukraine, Mongolia and the USA). The team pulled off a fifth place finish in the Pom category. The category is stacked with local talent like Rancho Santa Margarita, Marter Dei, Poway and Rosary Academy. The winner came from St. Ursula Academy in Toledo, Ohio.
The fourteen girls of LAHS Song (3 of which are seniors) all attend LAHS and are taught by Jennifer Ramirez. They fly home tonight wearing their prestigious “white jackets” that are only awarded to National Champs. Their winning videos can be seen on YouTube, UDA website and will air nationally on ESPN in a few weeks. They are expected to be honored at a LAUSD Board meeting in the coming weeks.
A “suspicious” backpack found by the school resource officer caused a brief of chaos at Los Alamitos High School early Thursday morning.
School officials quickly evacuated the school and motorists in the area were diverted around the school as police and other law enforcement officials were called in to investigate.
In a statement shortly after the incident, LAUSD Supt. Andrew Pulver said “this (Thursday) morning, an unclaimed backpack was found in the School Resource Office near the main office at the High School.
Based upon the recommendation of Los Alamitos Police Department, we have evacuated the campus to the designated safety evacuation area on the fields.”
He noted that the Los Alamitos Police Department was then investigating the backpack and contents.
“Students and staff are safe in the evacuated area,” said Pulver immediately following the evacuation order was given.
Pulver later noted that the all clear had been given two hours after the initial incident.
“It was a misplaced backpack that caused concern but has been deemed by law enforcement to pose no threat” the school or the students, said Pulver. Following the brief evacuation, school continued as normal.
As California continues to endure an ongoing housing crisis, local governments were nevertheless breathing a sigh of relief this week following the most recent failure of controversial Senate Bill 50 (SB50).
Proponents of the legislation claim it would spur the construction of desperately needed housing, especially near high transit areas. Many local governments, however, fear the bill, as currently written, would preempt local zoning, taking control of housing development away from them.
Thus, they believe, the overall character of their communities could be altered as La Palma, Los Alamitos and the city of Cypress had all sent strong letters of opposition to their local senators.
The bill, introduced by San Francisco State Senator Scott Wiener, would have allowed the development of “neighborhood multifamily projects” located on eligible parcels by “submiting an application for a streamlined, ministerial approval process that is not subject to a conditional use permit.”
Local municipalities strongly opposed the measure for a variety of reasons, while most of their concerns centered around the potential of losing local control of zoning, housing and related development rules.
According to a La Palma staff report requested by council member Gerard Goedhart, the SB50 legislation would have allowed developers of certain types of housing projects to override locally developed and adopted height limitations, housing densities, parking requirements, and limiting design review standards.
Because the bill would usurp local land use authority, the La Palma City Council directed staff to draft an opposition letter for the Mayor’s signature and send it to the state legislature.
Additionally, the bill included many other provisions related to “transit-rich” and “job-rich” communities that were opposed by both local cities.
In the summary letter sent to legislators, the city of La Palma was very quick to point out the exact reasons why they believe they do not believe they qualified as a “transit-rich community,” while also noting the state Dept. of Labor had not yet “defined” a “job-rich” community.
In Los Alamitos, a letter signed by Mayor Richard Murphy informs Sen. Wiener that “the city must continue to oppose SB50 unless the measure is further amended to address our concerns.”
The letter from the city of Los Alamitos also noted that the city was “pleased” with some of the amendments, including one that would allow an “alternative” approval process to include “local flexibility plans.”
“The City of Cypress respectfully continues to oppose SB50,” said Cypress city manager Peter Grant in a letter to Sen. Wiener. Grant said Cypress wants more definition in “local flexibility plan” that was recently added to the bill.
Until the local flexibility plan has more definition, Grant worried “developers without a long-term stake in the community” could still potentially override local limits.
In addition, the legislation could “remove the most fundamental elements of local control,” said Grant’s letter. Cities should always retain the “right to determine land use and zoning.” In essence, he said, cities “must maintain the ability to make decisions that make sense for their communities.”
The bill has been amended since first being introduced in 2018 and is expected at some point to resurface with amended language for another vote.
Nevertheless, the cities were breathing a sigh of relief as SB50 was defeated 18-15 in the Senate vote. Sen. Thomas Umberg, who represents Los Al and Sen. Ling Ling Chang who represents La Palma and Cypress, both abstained from voting on the bill.
Every year, nearly four million young people are served by Boys & Girls Clubs. To show their continued support in preparing today’s youth for a bright tomorrow, Ross Stores, Inc. is partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America with a three-week program called, “Help Local Kids Learn.”
This month until Feb. 23, Ross Dress for Less (“Ross”) customers can make a monetary contribution at checkout to be donated to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress. Our Club is partnered with the Ross Stores at the Anaheim Plaza, Cypress Plaza Shopping Center, Buena Park Promenade, Cerritos Towne Center, and Long Beach Towne Center. The funds will be used to support Power Hour, an interactive after-school homework assistance program for members, ages 6-18.
According to Ross Group Senior Vice President Matt Young, “Ross Stores is very excited to host the sixth annual Help Local Kids Learn in-store campaign for the Boys & Girls Clubs. This campaign will directly help kids at local Clubs across the county. BGCA and Ross’ strong partnership of 14 years is rooted in both organizations’ shared commitment to help young people reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”
He said one hundred percent of proceeds raised at each store will benefit local Boys & Girls Clubs. Every $3 donation helps provide one hour of homework help for a Club youth.
The head of the California Military Department has made an official announcement regarding the appointment of General Michael J. Leeney as the new commander of Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos.
“I am pleased to announce that effective Feb. 1, Brigadier General Michael J. Leeney has assumed full installation command of the Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB) in Los Alamitos,” said Major General David S. Baldwin, head of the California Military Department.
Baldwin said Leeney’s command of the installation will be concurrent with his duties as Deputy Commanding General, Operations, 40th Infantry Division.
According to Gen. Baldwin, the new commander “brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and energy to this assignment and will be a strong advocate for the California Military Department in Southern California.
Baldwin’s announcement came in the form of a memo from the Adjutant General, who serves directly under Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Former base commander Gen. Nick Ducich has already assumed his new role in the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C.
Watch for an upcoming interview with Gen. Leeney in an upcoming edition of the Event News Enterprise.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) celebrates its historic 35th anniversary of its signature fundraiser Relay For Life with the 2020 season kickoff. The Relay For Life movement is dedicated to uniting communities around the world to attack cancer from every angle. Since its inception in 1985, Relay For Life has raised nearly $6.5 billion to save lives from cancer. The mission of those who Relay is to “Imagine a world free from cancer and help make it a reality.” Our local Relay For Life of NoW (Northwest Orange County) is scheduled for June 6, 2020 and has teams participating from cities including Seal Beach, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, Cypress, and Buena Park.
“As a two year survivor of breast cancer, I joined Relay For Life to remember those we’ve lost, help those going through the battle right now, and to remind my community that there is a chance for everyone to get involved and take action for lifesaving change,” said Jennifer Stewart-Tai, Relay For Life of NoW Marketing Lead.
Last year, 2.5 million participants worldwide joined Relay For Life to raise funds and awareness to continue our mission to help save lives, celebrate lives and lead the fight for a world without cancer. ACS is the only organization fighting cancer on every front. ACS estimates that 1 out of 3 people in the US will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Relay For Life empowers communities with the opportunity to take action against cancer. Funds raised help ACS fund and conduct breakthrough research and gives cancer patients and their families the resources they need, like free rides to chemo, free places to stay near hospitals, and a live 24/7 helpline for answers and support at 800-227-2345.
Although ACS provides services around the world, Orange County is a direct recipient of the local fundraising. In 2018, ACS Orange County funded research grants totaling more than $7.6 million, provided more than 350 wigs free of charge to cancer patients, and handled more than 1,200 calls and live chats from Orange County residents on the 24/7 helpline.
Founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Washington in 1985, Relay For Life symbolizes the battle waged around the clock by those facing cancer. On June 6, Relay For Life of NoW will circle the wagons at Buena Park Jr. High from 10am to 10pm to “Give Cancer the Boot.” Teams and individual volunteers will take turns walking around the track in honor of survivors and caregivers and remembering those we’ve lost to the disease.
When the sun goes down at Relay For Life, hope shines the brightest. During the Luminaria Ceremony, a bagpiper leads the relay walkers along the track lit with hundreds of luminarias. This emotional ceremony is a reminder of why we relay and fight back against a disease that has taken too much. The ceremony of light symbolizes the hope and perseverance with which we all continue to fight.
Between now and June 6, several events are planned to fundraise and celebrate survivors and caregivers. The easiest way to become involved is to join a team or start your own team. Relay For Life of NoW is also seeking corporate sponsors and donations from local businesses to help make this event a success. The goal for this event is to raise $90,500 by June 6.
Relay For Life of NoW will be hosting their Kick-Off Rally February 19 at 7:00pm at the Ehlers Event Center located at 8150 Knott Ave, Buena Park. This event features an inspirational speaker, refreshments and is guaranteed to get everyone in the mood to Relay. If you have questions about starting a team, this is the perfect opportunity to get more information and meet other Team Captains. Relay For Life of NoW currently has 20 teams and is looking to add more teams to celebrate survivors and conquer this disease.
The Team Captains regularly meet to inspire and keep their teams motivated. The next Team Captain meeting is March 16 at 6:30pm at the Ehlers Event Center located at 8150 Knott Ave, Buena Park.
Relay For Life takes great pride in celebrating survivors and caregivers. On April 20, Relay For Life of NoW will host their annual Survivor Dinner at La Habra Community Center. Survivors are free to attend along with one caregiver. To RSVP, please call Alice Burnett at 310-200-9589.
For information on any of these events or Relay For Life of NoW, please call Alice Burnett at 310-200-9589 or Kelly Hatter at 949-535-0649.
Community Member, Cypress Business Owner, and Former Mayor of Cypress
Over the 43 years I’ve lived in Cypress, I’ve seen our community transform and change. From the growth of our business parks that are home to international companies, to new locally owned businesses, Cypress continues to be a great place to raise a family and take advantage of all that Southern California has to offer.
One positive change on the horizon is the plan by Shea Properties to transform the currently vacant 13-acre parcel on Katella Avenue in front of Los Alamitos Race Track into a new destination ‘city center’ with new retail, entertainment, and dining options.
The Cypress City Council recently approved a development agreement with Shea, which is the first step in a six-month process that will include public input to help shape the site into one that all residents can be proud of.
There are a number of reasons why the proposed project is good for the City and for the wider Cypress community:
Additional local dining and entertainment options. Shea Properties’ proposal includes a high-end movie theater with food and a bar as well as new dining options. Other potential tenants include a fitness studio and small retailers.
Dog park and gathering spaces. An open space located behind the housing portion of the property is planned for a dog park accessible to both the residents and the public. The entire project currently proposes features like gathering spaces around fire pits or water features, and landscaped walkways around the project perimeter.
High-end housing. Cypress is lucky to be home to so many large corporations such as Mitsubishi Electric, Yamaha, United Health, and Rolls Royce. These companies employ professionals who by and large commute to their jobs due to a lack of local housing options. Included on the northwest portion of the site are market-rate, 1- to 3-bedroom apartments that will have resort-like amenities and a private parking garage. This is not low-income or affordable housing, but housing for entry level teachers, accountants, engineers and the like.
Additional city revenue to maintain city services. The Cypress City Center project is estimated to bring in $800,000 annually in new sales-tax revenue to the city, and generate an estimated $5.9 million in fees to the city that can be spent on improving and maintaining our city’s parks.
Despite these benefits, I know some folks are concerned about the planned ‘density’ of homes, which consists of a four-story, 251-unit apartment complex and private parking garage. Some say this will not only generate too much traffic, but will set bad precedent for density in the area.
However, a closer look reveals the proposed density is consistent with nearby housing developments and the city’s specific plan. Using industry-standard calculations, this project is proposing 19 dwelling units per acre, which is the same allowable density as the nearby Ovation senior housing project under the council-approved Cypress Business & Professional Center Specific Plan.
The overall plan is also consistent with the adjacent Town Center Specific Plan which was “intended to be …a vibrant mix of entertainment, retail, restaurant, commercial and residential uses… [to] enable future residents to live within walking distance of stores, restaurants, and recreational areas, while visitors will be able to walk and shop.”
The city anticipates it will take at least six months for the project reviews to be complete, so it won’t go before the City Council again until summer of 2020. When it does, I’ll be there to support it. My wife and I are looking forward to seeing new restaurants and shops there so we can shop locally and support this city we love. And we hope others will do the same!
Folks can find out more about the project, provide input or ask questions, at CypressCityCenter.com or call the project hotline at (714) 786-3880.
Maderas Steak & Ribs Restaurant was packed Friday morning as 60 members and guests of the Los Alamitos Area Chamber of Commerce gathered for their monthly member networking breakfast at the “yawn” early hour of 7:30 a.m. The meeting is an opportunity to visit and enjoy time with other Chamber members, getting to know of their individual company specialties, to see how they can work together, thereby strengthening the Chamber and Community.
Chairman of the Board Nesi Stewart, of Printmasters, acknowledged winners of the 2020 Los Alamitos Chamber Gala Awards and introduced new members that include Sylvie Stanley, Club Pilates; Matthew Thomas, AFLAC; Dublas Paniagua, So-Cal Attorneys; Pastor Jun Jarmin, Gather Los Al; and Mark Mapanao, Twelve Forty-Five Consulting.
Nesi Stewart, Chairwoman of the Los Al Chamber, presents a check to officials of Casa Youth Shelter.
In addition, Casa Youth Shelter was presented a check for $442, as recipient of the Community Partner Award. The check was one-half of the proceeds from the Silent Auction at the recent Chamber Gala and Stewart thanked those who generously donated items for the Silent Auction.
The highlight of the breakfast meeting was guest speaker, Los Alamitos High School Head Football Coach Ray Fenton, who was introduced by LAUSD Superintendent Dr. Andrew Pulver.
If all companies in the nation worked as Coach Fenton suggested and described in his talk, the world would surely be a kinder place in which to live, work, attend school and enjoy recreation.
The Coach drew a comparison of an early caveman brain, of just going head-strong into a moment without thought, to a professor’s brain of thinking methodically through something before reacting. He strives to teach students how to get what they want, yet do it diplomatically.
The Bionic Club (Believe It Or Not I Care), is a student-run peer leadership organization whose mission is to identify and train student leaders. Coach Fenton is introducing a way for students to act through kindness. When students do kind deeds for others, they get to accumulate “dollars” toward things they want to do, adding “money” to their account.
“Get a compliment from a teacher, and a student can write a ‘deposit slip’,” he said. The student who found a Visa card and turned it into the school Principal also earned recognition for the good deed.
“Team members get points added or subtracted, according to whether they show up,” which ultimately affects the team as a whole, making students more accountable to their team.
Fenton said teachers have to make it fun for students to keep them engaged – “Whether it’s important to the students – that’s the game.” When a student makes a mistake and is given a chance to redeem themselves, they’ll come back to get a positive note.” In life, Fenton said the customer is always right, noting that we should ask, “What else can I do for you.” Winners of the game, are also winners in life.
Those attending the breakfast repeated the motto: “We are Los Al; together united and strong; striving to be number one; our team and family, champions will be. At the end of the day, we are a family and we’ll get through it.”
For future Chamber dates and events, visit https://LosAlChamber.org or call 562-598-6659.
Exploring the breadth and depth of American dance, Segerstrom Center for the Arts is pleased to announce a diverse lineup of programming this Spring. It all begins with the World Premiere of American Ballet Theatre’s new work from ABT Artist-in-Residence Alexei Ratmansky titled Of Love and Rage. Recognized as “the world’s most sought-after choreographer” (The New York Times), Ratmansky draws from antiquity for a dramatic new ballet inspired by the first century Greek novel Callirhoe. Of Love and Rage will be performed March 5 – 8, 2020. Then, Dancing with the Stars Live Tour 2020 – America’s favorite 21st century dance show – comes to the Center on March 25. Celebrity contestant Kate Flannery (The Office) joins the cast in Costa Mesa, performing fan-favorites from the show’s past season.
Ailey II – Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s second company – performs on April 11 as part of the Los Angeles International Dance Festival. Universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding emerging choreographers, Ailey II has flourished into one of the most popular dance companies in the country.
Lastly, Segerstrom Center and the Los Angeles International Dance Festival proudly present The Best of Dance: one incredible evening of entertainment with artists from Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance and World of Dance.
American Ballet Theatre: Of Love and Rage – World Premiere
Artistic Director: Kevin McKenzie
March 5 – 8, 2020
Segerstrom Hall. Tickets start at $26.
Choreography: Alexei Ratmansky, based on Chariton’s novel Callirhoe
Music: Aram Khachaturian, arranged by Philip Feeney, performed live by Pacific Symphony
Set and Costume Design: Jean-Marc Puissant
Lighting Design: Duane Schuler
Inspired by the earliest romance novel from Greek antiquity, this World Premiere created by Alexei Ratmansky, today’s foremost choreographer will be one of the dance world’s most important events of the year. Star-crossed lovers journey on the high seas in an enthralling tale of abductions, shipwrecks and mistaken identities as the exceptionally beautiful Callirhoe is reunited with her dashing hero. Drawing from the Greek ideals of beauty and harmony, the past connects to the present in a remarkable new production from “the most gifted choreographer in classical ballet today” (The New York Times).
Dancing with the Stars Live Tour 2020
March 25, 2020
Segerstrom Hall. Tickets start at $49.
America’s favorite dance show is going back on tour this year with Dancing with the Stars Live Tour 2020. The longest running tour to date will be dancing through Segerstrom Center for the Arts on March 25, 2020 in Segerstrom Hall. Celebrity contestant Kate Flannery (The Office) will be joining the show and wowing audiences across the country by performing fan-favorite routines from this past season.
Ailey II
Artistic Director: Troy Powell
April 11, 2020
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Tickets start at $25.
Founded by Alvin Ailey in 1974, Ailey II is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the finest young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding emerging choreographers. Ailey II flourished into one of the most popular dance companies in America under the leadership of Sylvia Waters from 1974 to 2012, combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs. With Artistic Director Troy Powell at the helm, Ailey II continues to thrive as he brings a fresh dimension to this beloved company.
The Best of Dance: Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance and World of Dance
April 25, 2020
Segerstrom Hall. Tickets start at $39.
A one-night-only event, the top three dance shows on American television have joined forces to provide an incredible evening of entertainment! The stars of these amazing shows will perform along with some very special guests. Whether you enjoy ballet, Bollywood, ballroom or break dancing, you’ll experience a never-before-seen evening of your favorite artists from Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance and World of Dance!
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 Art.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA
American Ballet Theatre: Of Love and Rage
March 5 – 8, 2020 | Thursday – Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.;
Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
Segerstrom Hall. Tickets start at $29.
Dancing with the Stars Live Tour 2020
March 25, 2020 | Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
Segerstrom Hall. Tickets start at $49.
Ailey II
April 11, 2020 | Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Tickets start at $25.
It was banana palms, straw fedoras and colorful pineapple trees swaying to a traditional Cuban beat. Dozens of supporters came to sip fruit laden drinks and partake in Cuban salsa and treats.
This year Jim Klisanin is our Campaign Chair and he will lead the campaign with the fortitude of coach and the determination of a winning team. Every year the Campaign Chair comes up with our slogan, this year Jim’s slogan is “Who told you, you can’t do that?” to which The Youth Center says “Not us, we think you can do anything!”
Our big event will be ‘A Night in Old Havana’ on March 7, dinner, live music, dancing, cocktails and silent auction. Old Ranch Country Club will be transformed into a paradise as cigars, fedoras and Cuban guitars will mingle among the palms.
You may see signs of support around town as our participating businesses have posted signs around their locations letting you know they support The Youth Center and hope that you will too.
For more information about The Youth Center or to buy tickets for the event visit TheYouthCenter.org
Although this is his first assignment in this role, newly installed city manager Chet Simmons said this week he is “not beholden to old habits” and that he plans to truly “connect with the community.”
A native of Huntington Beach, Simmons comes to the position with an overall understanding of the area plenty of valuable government experience that may come in handy as Los Alamitos begins its slow climb out of the financial cellar.
“Honestly,” said Simmons, “I don’t think there’s a city in Orange County that has more going for it.” He said just the name “Los Al” garners respect throughout the community “just purely on name recognition.
Just the name conjures up a certain image, said Simmons, and “the question is how do we capitalize on that and continue to elevate to a better life for all our residents.”
Before creating a strategic plan, however, Simmons said he will be on a listening tour throughout the city. “I want to meet as many people as I can and get as much information as I can about this city and how they view it.”
“I want to know exactly where they want to go,” he added. For Simmons, open communication can be a key to effective governance.
“I really want to get a flavor for what Los Alamitos is about,” said Simmons, adding that “you can read all of the facts and figures you want to about a place but until you really get a chance to get out and meet people, you can’t really know.”
Regarding the city’s financial woes, Simmons said it did not factor into his decision. “I think every city has challenges, either financial or otherwise. I looked at it and said this not an unsurmountable issue for the city.”
“I think it is really about education. It’s about getting out and talking to people about what exactly they say about what they want” while coordinating with the Council to create a solution.
The city will ensure that any long-term solution factors in “the important life issues that we need to ensure that we maintain our tight knit, small community.”
Finally, while Simmons was a major factor in bring new economic development to his former employer (City of Westminster), the new city manager said he hope to use the same knowledge in Los Alamitos.
“I want to bring my skill set of the different things I’ve accomplished in the past to be able to see exactly what we can take advantage of in Los Alamitos.”
“Given the amount of transportation that flows through the city and given the businesses that are here now, there’s nothing but upside for Los Al.”
Despite a detailed defense of the parking situation and two character witnesses, the Los Alamitos Planning Commission denied a local chiropractor a conditional use permit to utilize available retail space in the city.
Following a rigorous debate Jan. 22, the planning commission voted unanimously to refuse a request by Dr. Ward Henry the opportunity to move his practice to 10676 Los Alamitos Boulevard. The commission cited the city’s long-standing concerns over parking problems associated with medical office use and its preference for greater retail utilization.
The Commission made it clear to Henry, however, that they were voting because of the city’s ongoing policy, even if they would “love to have” businesses like his in the city.
Henry tried to argue that his office will not even be open at the times cited by the city’s parking study that indicates there will be insufficient parking space. “My office does not create a nuisance,” said Henry, “rather it improves the parking situation.”
Henry, who said has practiced chiropractic services in the city for 26 years, not only presented a detailed defense of his office’s parking situation, he presented two character witnesses. One was a Los Al coach who noted many of Henry’s patients, which are Los Al athletes, will likely walk to Henry’s office if relocated.
Track and field coach Nathan Howard said Henry has treated numerous athletes free of charge and asked the commission to please consider granting the conditional use permit. Henry also read a list of local colleges and universities with which his practice has been associated.
This is not the first time the city’s commission has been compelled to refuse a medical office request for local retail space.
“It is very challenging for us,” said Commissioner John Riley, explaining city rules and current preferences favor retail and that parking needs associated with medical offices makes it difficult to approve the request.
“Oftentimes, we get applicants of really good character with great businesses and we’d love to have them,” said Riley. However, “in the decision we’re being asked to make, it does not apply.” “We have to take character out of the equation because you won’t be in that site forever and the decision we make goes with the site,” said Riley.
The city has apparently been overrun with medical offices trying to serve the nearby hospital and they have routinely turned down permits for medical offices seeking to fill former retail spaces that are empty.
Commissioner Gary Loe said the concentration of medical uses means that “retail zones are getting smaller and smaller.”
Dan Garcia, the commercial real estate agent representing Henry, said while the city wants more retail business to locate here, “the mom and pops you want to fill that space are dwindling,” he said. It’s all going online.”
He expressed frustration at that the doctor had looked everywhere in the city for qualified space and now may have to move out of the city.
Moreover, while the commission appreciated Dr. Henry’s analysis of parking, Section 2 of the parking study performed by the Urban Land Institute, Commissioner Victor Sofekanik pointed out that the shopping center where he wanted to relocate already has an “overall” parking deficiency of 20 spaces. “Even if your math is correct,” he told Henry, “we’re already starting in the negative.”
The city of Los Almitos, both through the city council and the planning commission, has made it abundantly clear that they want retail businesses to locate in vartious spaces throughout the city.
With the sprawling Los Alamitos Medical Center located in the city, many physicians and other medical professionals have sought to locate their medical practices in close proximity to the medical center.
Henry acknowledged the fact that the city’s Associate Planner Tom Oliver, who preceded the discussion with a detailed analysis of why the city should deny the permit, said the city official had been straight up with him, telling him before he applied what to expect.
Before the vote, the Planning Commission voted to reorganize, electing Larry Andrade as Chairman and Wendy Grose as Vice Chairman for 2020.
Cypress College was honored with a 2019 Excellence in Energy and Sustainability award on Tuesday, January 14, 2020, at the California Community Colleges Board of Governors (CCC BOG) meeting in Sacramento for its commitment to reducing the campus’ reliance on electricity. The college and the North Orange County Community College District received top recognition as the Best Project — Large District Category.
The award was presented for Cypress College’s chilled-water, thermal-energy storage tank, which reduces cost and increases energy efficiency. In addition to Cypress, the Board of Governors honored nearly a dozen California community colleges and college districts for environmentally sensitive projects developed to save taxpayers more than $2 million annually.
“We are thrilled to have our project recognized by the state Chancellor’s Office,” said JoAnna Schilling, Ph.D., president of Cypress College. “Sustainability is one of our top priorities. Bringing the energy storage tank online is the result of significant effort by current and former employees who share a vision of providing sound energy and fiscal stewardship.”
The award was received on behalf of the college by Phil Fleming, Cypress College’s Physical Plant and Facilities director, during the CCC BOG meeting. In addition to Fleming’s leadership, the project was initiated and developed under the direction of two now-retired Cypress College employees: Albert Miranda, Fleming’s predecessor, and Karen Cant, the former vice president of Administrative Services. Cypress College’s HVAC staff are also integral to the implementation and operation of the thermal-energy storage tank.
“With 115 colleges across the state, the California Community Colleges have a responsibility to meet the state’s climate change goals,” said Board of Governors President Tom Epstein. “The Board is pleased to recognize this year’s winners for setting the standard in taking action to protect our environment while saving taxpayer dollars.”
Cypress’ 890,000-gallon chilled water Thermal Energy Storage (TES) tank is connected to a chilled-water system that loops the campus to reduce electricity demand. The $7.82 million project included more than $1.7 million of Proposition 39 funds.
“We at Cypress College are honored to receive this award and do our part to reduce our energy use on campus,” said Alexander Porter, Cypress College’s vice president of Administrative Services. “This innovative project saves us $162,000 in annual energy costs and reduces our consumption by 448,000 kilowatt-hours, which is the equivalent to powering a 2,000-square-foot home for more than 37 years. This is just the beginning. We continue to strive to reduce our overall energy usage, and seek sustainable and green energy sources to power our campus.”
Established in 2012 to recognize leadership in implementing goals set forth in Proposition 39 — the California Clean Energy Jobs Act — the Excellence in Energy and Sustainability Awards recognize schools striving to improve energy efficiency and expand clean energy generation on their campuses. Awards are given in the following categories: Excellence in Energy and Sustainability-Proposition 39 Projects, Excellence in Energy and Sustainability-Faculty/Student Initiatives, and Excellence in Energy and Sustainability-Sustainability Champion.
Visit the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office website at www.cccco.edu/About-Us/News-and-Media/Press-Releases/2020-Energy-Awards-PR for a complete list of winning projects.
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.
