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Birthdays in the age of coronavirus

David N. Young
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Birthdays in the age of coronavirus

A local mom said police cars and a parade of friends helped her son celebrate his birthday over the weekend.

“The Los Alamitos Police were kind enough to join in by driving three police cars by our home to personally wish our son, 11-year-old Zander Mackey a very happy birthday,” said Zander’s mom Tracy.

She said they had about 20 friends drive to wish their son a happy birthday, and it was great fun. Nevertheless, she said the police cars were the highlight.

“They were very kind to take time out of their day to wish an 11yr old a happy birthday,” she said, adding that “my son loved it so much, he wants a birthday like this again next year.” And so, life goes on in the pandemic.

WeCare issues urgent appeal for assistance

For Event-News Enterprise
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WeCare issues urgent appeal for assistance

With fundraising down and the need for a variety of community assistance way up, the Executive Director of WeCare Family Support Center issued an urgent appeal this week.

“We continue to monitor the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation and pray for your well-being and health, said Rob Lowenthal, Executive Director.  “As you can imagine, many individuals and families in our community have been significantly impacted by this health crisis and subsequent economic upheaval.  Local and state stay-at-home orders have increased the number of people in our community who are experiencing a reduction in work hours or a lay-off.”

“Not surprisingly, over the past three weeks, the number of calls to We Care has increased by 45%, from individuals and families who can no longer put food on the table, pay rent, or pay their utilities,” the official said in a fundraising appeal.

In addition, he said We Care’s food bank relies on the generous contributions from schools and churches, which hold food drives throughout the year.  “With the closures of these organizations, our food pantry resources are becoming stretched. As an example, we are now limiting families to two bags of groceries instead of the usual three bags,” he noted.

“Now more than ever, our services are needed during this time of uncertainty to meet the emergency needs in our community,” said Lowenthal. “With generous support from donors like you, We Care can continue to provide targeted critical safety-net services for vulnerable individuals and families in our community.”

“At We Care, we assess every individual and family to identify needs and provide immediate relief when necessary, followed by the care that combines food, rent/mortgage assistance, case management, and other critical services,” he added.

Lowenthal said the nonprofit is experiencing an unprecedented challenge as theyu face the COVID-19 health crisis.  He said the donation will help We Care to meet the needs of individuals and families in our community.

“Please support us by donating money, food items such as, peanut butter, jelly, canned pasta meals (chef boy ardee), beef stew, canned fruit, refried beans, chili, pasta sauce, ramen, cereal, instant potatoes, and hamburger helper,” requested Lowenthal.

Those wanting to help or receive more information can visit www.wecarelosalamitos.org.

 

Lowenthal invites small business to funding webcast

For Event-News Enterprise
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Lowenthal invites small business to funding webcast

I would like to invite you to a small business telephone roundtable on Thursday, April 9, 2020, with local and federal government experts answering your questions about assistance and relief programs available to Orange County small businesses impacted by the coronavirus crisis.

Telephone Roundtable On

Orange County Small Business

“Assistance and Relief Programs During the Coronavirus Crisis”

Thursday, April 9, 2020

10 a.m. – 11 a.m. PDT

PANELISTS TO INCLUDE:

Mike Daniel

Regional Director

Orange County Inland Empire SBDC Network

Katrina M Payne Smith

Associate Regional Director

Orange County Inland Empire SBDC Network

Claudia Moreno

Southern California Outreach Manager

Small Business Majority

In order to answer as many questions as possible, and due to the expected high volume of participation, I am asking that you please submit your question(s) when you register for this event. We will not be taking questions live on the call. My staff will do their best to follow up with participants whose questions aren’t answered during the call.

To register for this event and submit your question for our experts, please click the button below to go to the Google form registration page or click on the link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPJSJYYJDgxGths1SYL63JHTyMqqOhGFrHzyoa_xViM_N9ug/viewform

OC Health urges face masks, Cypress with 21 cases; La Palma 7

David N. Young
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OC Health urges face masks, Cypress with 21 cases; La Palma 7

Updated Monday, April 6, 2020

Orange County Health now advises residents to wear face masks.
In an advisory issued this week, the Orange County Health Care Agency said people should wear something to cover their nose and mouth when they go out in public.

Also, residents should absolutely continue frequent hand washing and keeping physical distance from others to help curb the spread of the coronavirus, Orange County public health officials say.

County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick asked residents to keep the following suggestions in mind;

  • Leave the N95 and surgical masks for medical workers and first responders – use a homemade cloth mask, scarf or bandana instead.
  • People should wear a face covering “if they feel comfortable doing so.”
  • Wash your hands after touching the mask.
  • Continue to stay home when possible.

Orange County Health officials said the county is following new guidelines issued by the state Department of Public Health, which advises that face coverings in materials such as cotton, silk or linen, or made from T-shirts, sweatshirts or towels can provide some protection.

Even without symptoms covering your nose and mouth “can help reduce infectious particles from those who could be infected, but are asymptomatic, said the advisory.

Locally, the OC Health Care Agency is reporting that Cypress has 21 confirmed cases, La Palma has 7 and 3 cases reported in Seal Beach.

April 1 was Census Day in Orange County

David N. Young
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April 1 was Census Day in Orange County

The U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years. Responding to the 2020 Census is easy, safe and important, and is key to shaping the future of communities. Census statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives and informs legislative district boundaries. They also inform how hundreds of billions of dollars in public funds are allocated by state, local and federal lawmakers to communities for public services and infrastructure like hospitals, emergency services, schools and bridges each year over the next 10 years.

According to the Census Bureau, 38.4% of households across the nation have responded to the 2020 Census in 43.6% since invitations began arriving in mailboxes March 12-20. This can be compared to 38.4% who have responded in the nation. Response rates are updated in the map daily seven days a week so that the public can see how well their community is doing compared to the nation and other areas.

The Census Bureau is strongly encouraging the public to respond to the 2020 Census online using a desktop computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet. You can respond online or by phone in English or 12 other languages. There are also 59 non-English language guides and videos (plus American Sign Language) available on 2020census.gov ensuring over 99% of U.S. households can respond online in their preferred language. It has never been easier to respond on your own — all without having to meet a census taker. This is really important with the current health and safety guidance being provided by national, state and local health authorities.

Here’s what to do when you respond:

Respond for where you live as of April 1 (Census Day).

  • Include everyone who usually lives and sleeps in your home as of April 1, even if they are staying somewhere else temporarily. This includes relatives, friends, roommates and anyone else who lives and sleeps in your home most of the time — even children under age five and babies born on or before April 1, even if they are still in the hospital.
  • Count college students where they live while attending school. If they live on campus in university/college housing such as dorms or fraternity/sorority houses, they will be counted by school officials and do not need to respond. However, if they live off campus in private housing or apartments, they should respond to the census on their own using their off-campus address even if they are currently staying elsewhere.

Find additional answers about “Who to Count” at 2020census.gov.

You can use the Census ID from your invitation or provide your address when you respond. Then, please make sure your friends, family and social networks know about the importance of responding and encourage them to complete their census. Responding now will minimize the need for a census taker to follow up and visit your home later this year.

Some households — in areas less likely to respond online — have already received a paper questionnaire along with their first invitation. Households that have not responded online or by phone will receive a paper questionnaire April 8-16.

For more information, visit 2020census.gov.

Please note: Based on continuing assessments of guidance from federal, state and local health authorities, the Census Bureau is suspending 2020 Census field operations for two additional weeks to April 15, 2020. The Census Bureau is taking this step to help protect the health and safety of the American public, Census Bureau employees, and everyone who will go through the hiring process for temporary census taker positions. The Census Bureau continues to evaluate all 2020 Census field operations, and will communicate any further updates as soon as possible.

 

Coronavirus Crisis Policies at Los Al Medical Center

David N. Young
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Coronavirus Crisis Policies at Los Al Medical Center

Los Alamitos Medical Center stands united in serving the community and in facing new challenges due to COVID-19. There is not a physician, staff member or volunteer who is not impacted by this pandemic, and we have made swift changes to ensure we’re meeting all public health safety measures.

I am proud to be the CEO of such a caring and dedicated team.

The patient care environment has changed with increased safety precautions, which is why we have temporarily suspended all patient visits to the hospital.

We realize that family and friends are imperative to the recovery process and we encourage continuous connection with patients via virtual visits on FaceTime, Skype and other applications.  Know that our staff is providing care and comfort to our patients as they would for their own families.

The health of our physicians and staff on the front lines is also crucial to our success in fighting the surge of patients we anticipate.  We have dedicated staff screening patients who are entering our facility as well as all physicians and employees.

As we navigate the effects of COVID-19, we expect more changes and challenges ahead. The support and generosity of the communities we serve has been heartwarming and uplifting to our staff.  We appreciate the donations of equipment and food and offers of support.

We encourage our communities to stay safe at home and heed the direction of public health officials.  We are here for our patients and are ready to serve those who need our help in the coming weeks and months.

Courtesy photo

Orange County District Attorney Establishes Coronavirus Scam Hotline

David N. Young
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Orange County District Attorney Establishes Coronavirus Scam Hotline

Businesses are put on notice that price gouging and other COVID-19 scams are illegal and will be prosecuted

SANTA ANA, Calif. – The Orange County District Attorney’s Office has established a hotline to report individuals or businesses they suspect of engaging in price gouging or any other COVID-19-related scam.

The Orange County District Attorney Coronavirus Scam Hotline is (714) 834-3482. Reports can also be emailed to re*********@******ov.com

District Attorney investigators are investigating every report provided to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office regarding a COVID-19 – related scam.

When reporting a suspected scam, members are asked to provide the following information:

the name of the individual or business they are reporting

a description of the conduct

the address or city where the individual or business is located

a contact number for the person reporting the conduct

The reporting party may remain anonymous, but it is important to provide a contact number as District Attorney investigators may need additional information to investigate the conduct. This information will not be shared outside of the District Attorney’s Office.

During a declared state of emergency, it is illegal for a business to increase its prices for essential goods or services by more than 10 percent, unless they can show their own costs have increased.

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in California on March 4, 2020, and the Orange County Board of Supervisors declared a local emergency on February 26, 2020.

“The Orange County District Attorney’s Office is vigorously investigating any and all reports that someone is attempting to illegally profit from the coronavirus threat,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “This global pandemic has understandably caused widespread anxiety and fear. Exploiting the public’s panic is not a defense to engaging in criminal activity. The County District Attorney’s Office is committed to ensuring that those criminals who break the law and prey on vulnerable victims are held accountable.”

Violations of the price gouging statute are subject to criminal prosecution and can result in one year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Violations are also subject to civil enforcement actions including civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, injunctive relief and mandatory restitution.

The law applies to several products and necessities including: food and drink (including food and drink for animals); emergency supplies such as water, flashlights, radios, batteries, candles, blankets, soaps, diapers, toiletries; and medical supplies such as prescription and nonprescription medications, bandages, gauze, isopropyl alcohol, and antibacterial products.

It is also a misdemeanor for a hotel or motel to increase regular rates by more than 10 percent during a declared emergency and for the 30 days following the state of emergency.

In addition to price gouging, consumers should be on the lookout for other types of scams that are common during emergencies. Criminals may set up fake websites or charities, send emails, texts or post on social media pretending to be from the World Health Organization or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in an attempt to profit illegally. They may also seek donations to help victims of this emergency.

Also, be wary of any business claiming to have a miracle cure. There is currently no cure for coronavirus. Do not allow your fear and anxiety to overtake your common sense.

 

Courtesy photo: Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer

 

A Night In Old Havana’ raises over $200K for local youth

David N. Young
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A Night In Old Havana’ raises over $200K for local youth

On Saturday, March 7, the Los Alamitos Youth Center held it’s 2020 Annual Gala – A Night in Old Havana, at Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach. The Gala was the culminating event of the Youth Center’s 2020 Community Support Campaign, which exceeded the nonprofit organization’s fundraising goal of $200,000 for the year.

It was an evening of carefree indulgence, Havana-style, featuring a champagne greeting, fine Cuban cuisine, dancing to live Cuban music, special cocktails, a hosted bar and a Master Cigar Roller.

Special guests at the event included Ryan Billings, representing Assemblyman Tyler Diep, who recognized Jim Klisanin for chairing this year’s Community Support Campaign. Volunteers Debra Macknicki and Cheryl Mendoza were recognized for dedicating more than 2,000 hours in service of our local youth. Also in attendance, were Los Alamitos City Councilwoman Tanya Doby and UCLA student Dominic Le Fort, who shared that by investing in kids today, we ensure a better tomorrow. Dominic is one of 5 UCLA students who work with The Youth Center to help further their mission and support local kids.

Lina Lumme, Executive Director of The Youth Center said, “We would not be able to raise the much needed funds for kids without the support of everyone in attendance, our amazing staff and volunteer campaigners, who worked for the entire month securing pledges of support, and our generous sponsors. When adults come together to invest in kids, anything is possible! It’s a true blessing to see the outpouring of support from our community.”

For one month leading up to the ‘A Night in Old Havana’ event, individuals, local businesses and the community at large were challenged to raise $1,000 each to help The Youth Center meet the needs of and inspire hope in our local kids. Prior to the Gala, approximately $155,000 had been raised through sponsorships, mini events and individuals asking friends and family for their support. Money raised during the Community Support Campaign will help The Youth Center to nurture youth in mind, body and spirit by keeping them safe and active, providing tutoring and homework help, teaching instrumental music, offering leadership, life skills and career training and offering scholarships to families in need.

The following campaigners helped us by raising over $1,000 during the one-month campaign: Jim Klisanin, Arnie Fine, Beth Piburn, Debbie Kent, Gina Phillips, Hans Lumme, Jamie Harris, Jeffrey Blancq, Karen & Eric Frankenberg, Lina Lumme, Nate Epstein, Patricia Adams, Ryan Ziegenbusch, Sean Payne, Shannon Nix, Shawn McLean, Jordan Rivera, and Tom Curran.

Other contributing campaigners include: Andrew Demofonte, Dave Appling, Debra & Mark Macknicki, Jack Nance, Jennifer Fontanilla, Joe Stilinovich, Patricia Eskenazi, Sam McCall, Sara Ho and Tom & Hattie Stretz.

Jim Klisanin, Community Support Campaign Chair exclaimed, “Who said you could not do that? Not me! I was sure we could raise all the funds needed for kids, as we have the generous support of our entire community. My goal for our future generations is that kids never stop dreaming and then go on to make those dreams a reality, no matter who tells them that they can’t. It was my honor to be Community Support Campaign Chair for 2020 and I am glad to leave this legacy for today’s kids.”

The Youth Center would like to thank and acknowledge their magnanimous sponsors: Epson, Edward Jones, The Seal Beach Lions, SA Recycling, Pacific Premier Bank, EVENTography, Alan and Lorraine Chavez and Grocery Outlet Bargain Market in Long Beach.

In addition, The Youth Center is exceedingly grateful to its Legacy Members, all of whom donated $1,000 or more: Alamitos Eye Care, Arnie & Lynda Fine, Beth Piburn, Better Lives Foundation, Blair Carty, Bob Griffith / BGEB Investments, Bond Nichols, Carrie Townsend Foundation, Chad Kidder, Chris & Diana Wade, Dan Qingwell Enterprise, Dan Schwartz, Debbie Kent, Hans and Lina Lumme, Jamie Harris, Jeffrey Blancq, Jim Klisanin, Judith Payton, Kumon – Naomi Rockenmacher, the Lelchuk family, Lorraine and Alan Chavez, Lorraine and Marco Navarro, Los Alamitos Race Course, Mike Shaw, Nancy & Tom Curran, Nate Epstein, Orange County Neighborhood Newspapers, Pacific Premier Bank, Patricia Adams, Pattie Blake – Blue Moon Boutique, Ron & Marilyn Bates, Ryan & Adrianna Ziegenbusch, SA Recycling, Sandy Meseck, Seal Beach Lions, Sean & Amy Payne, Shannon Nix, Sir Speedy of Los Alamitos, Steven & Carol Chudy, The GoodCoin Foundation, Tim Johnson and Trend Offset Printing.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Isolation can help us build community

David N. Young
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Isolation can help us build community

Dear Editor:

Now barely into the fourth week of a pandemic wave to hit our American shores, the medical and economic consequences of the COVID-19 virus have taken many by surprise, some still in disbelief, and most of our health care systems ill prepared for this “existential threat,” as Event- News Enterprise senior editor David Young in his Op Ed of March 25 calls Covid 19. It moves across our national landscape overwhelming health care systems short on diagnostic tools, protective equipment, and professional staffing. Even the federal response was in denial and ultimately way late to this public health crisis. So why are we as Americans, the economic engine of the world, still playing catch up to this pandemic most of our health care elites new was coming. It has been said that all government budgets, from federal to municipal, are a reflection of the ethical values of those governed. It has also been said of us the business of America is business. Now our single-minded pursuit of business has been suspended. Were we so myopically focused on commerce, so disconnected from each other today, so divided by our own tribal interests and lack of shared values as to become blind to this “existential threat” Editor Young speaks of, and dares to pause for a moment to ask the “deeper collective question  “what do we as Americans really value?” it seems like a fair question to ask, and none too soon.

The obvious answer for most of us who live and work in the place we loosely call community, is family. They will always come first. But done right, community can be an extension of family. Unfortunately for many these days community means little more than a place you drive through when you come home from work. In today’s vacuous virtually connected world online it is easy to forget that a local community of real people is a powerful web of shared collective interests and personal collaborations. A place you support with the sweat equity of your own civic involvement, social interactions and local commerce, so that the community can support you and yours in return when your chips are down. There are many such organizations in this community making that connection and will certainly come forward as they have always done when this storm has passed.  For now, we shelter in place, hoping to ride out the storm untouched by the unseen enemy seemingly all around us. But this storm will subside. We will come out of our houses. we will travel the streets of our communities freely again. We may not be standing shoulder to shoulder in our church pews by Easter, but normalcy, or something like it, will return. What will that new normal look like? I for one hope this cataclysmic event will have the effect of slowing us all down a bit, giving us an opportunity to look around this town we call home and begin to redefine our place in it. As David Young puts it in his Op Ed, to “re-engage . . .with the goal of creating policies that reflect what we truly value, what matters most to our common interests.”

The current painful imposition of social distancing should result in evidence enough that we are all hardwired to connect with others, indeed need that connection with others to, in effect, complete the connection within ourselves. The simple and profound human impulse to share leading us pragmatically toward collaboration. As Young’s Op Ed concludes “Life is lecturing us with a hard, yet hopefully, common lesson.” In this place we call community our practical collective interests, more often than not, far outvalue the things that divide us. This time of isolation could serve as a moment of contemplation in which we might ask ourselves what is my idea of place? Have I taken the time to build a connection to this community, or have I just been passing through? Few of us have the kind of job descriptions that can reach out and change the world. But within this place we call community, we all have the capacity to reconnect with others on a personal and daily basis, and once we emerge from our collective isolation, to make that community a better place, a stronger, more resilient place, a place to prepare together to withstand the next storm, before it is upon us.

 

A few years ago, I had the occasion to interview an inveterate local community giver and unabashed optimist Shirley Bailey on one of the many occasions in her life of being honored for her community service. I asked her why she was so compelled to give her time and service so freely to so many causes and organizations? Without hesitation she responded, “Because if you are not giving back to your community that gave to you, you are just part of the furniture.” How’s that as an aspirational goal for the coming “new normal.”

Thank you,

John Underwood

Los Alamitos

 

 

What we value really matters

David N. Young
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What we value really matters

In a prophetic 2015 moment, Bill Gates stood on a stage and essentially predicted the coronavirus epidemic. Gates said while he grew up worried most about the threat of nuclear war, “if anything kills 10 million people in the next few decades, it will, most likely, be microbes, not missiles.”

As a nation, he said, “we have invested a huge amount” in nuclear deterrence, yet “very little in a system to stop the next epidemic.” His thought reminds us of what we value may not always coincide with what our national leaders deliver.

Also, this is not to suggest that coronavirus will kill 10 million people, though it surely cost many lives. It has, however, killed millions of dreams and is causing untold hardship for many of our friends and neighbors who’ve lost their jobs.

Our streets and highways, have, for the moment, truly become boulevards of broken dreams.

Locally, we are seeing heroic stories emerge. Citizens in Rossmoor, for instance, circled the wagons and created multiple activities for adults and kids and spread the word online to encourage participation.

Institutions, teachers, senior centers and citizens are stepping up in a big way. Some local businesses are getting creative and finding ways to survive, yet many who depend on a functioning economy have simply had to hang a sign on the door and wait it out.

Facing such existential threats, all questions, big and small, perhaps involve a deeper collective question of what we value? As Americans, what do we really value?

Is it fair now to ask whether or not it was truly worth it to decimate the manufacturing sector decades ago to allow companies to move offshore, throwing millions of middle-aged American workers out of work? The human cost has been incalculable; the individual opportunity costs monumental and the financial inequities are without question.

These decisions, while some may have been inevitable, do call into question what we value most.

Of course, we need global trade. Yet, when our manufacturing sector cannot even supply our own hospitals and protect our heath care workers, what are we to think? Should we not have a balance?

Since the deployment of the internet, dare we say the largest share of manufacturing gain has sadly been in the ‘manufacture’ of ‘truth’. Anyone is now free to create their own truth without filters. In many ways, this is an amazing development, yet too many times political and special interests on all sides have used it to gain advantage.

What was once called “the public interest” has been splintered into meaningless swathes of narrowed interests routinely served by a vast domain of algorithmic logic that requires no human emotion.

Admittedly, this is a crisis and not the time to look backward, only forward. For now, while we can barely escape the barriers of our own homes, perhaps we can find time to look beyond them.

Together, we need to find new ways to create sustainable, equitable communities that harbor the basic human values we all share and ironically, that same internet has become that common bond.

There are no easy solutions. Life is lecturing us with a hard, yet hopefully, common lesson.

We simply must find ways to balance our collective interests while leaving untouched our individual freedoms.

Every life matters as does the importance of what we value. When we’re all equally threatened, we quickly understand what is truth.

Bill Gates was indeed correct. Yet, we can only hope that post coronavirus, Americans will demand more of those they elect to spend public funds and create the laws that govern us all. We need change.

We can, and we must, retain this togetherness to seek ideas and solutions to re-engage our leaders with a goal of creating policies that reflect what we truly value and, what matters most to our common interest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Redefining the perception of hero

David N. Young
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Redefining the perception of hero

Without question, it is obvious that we are living through American history.

Quite chilling times, actually, as models now predict stunning numbers of infected as we move into the future. If you are not worried and somewhat afraid, you are not listening.

Never have we faced so many moral choices and never have so many aspects of society been laid so bare for all to see.

More ironic perhaps, is while we sit in place with time to think, the world around us is changing so fast that it is truly hard to keep up.

The coronavirus pandemic combines the shock of 9/11, the gravity of World War II and the terror of the Spanish flu into a sensory experience that, I suggest, few living through it will ever be able to forget.
We are collectively surviving within the relative safety of our homes, which offers protection, albeit with a very thin veil. Facing an insurgent threat from a microscopic organism with multiple points of entry is, indeed, unforgettable.

We are only beginning to understand the enormity of our current, collective state of affairs. While it may be impossible to now know how exactly the world will change, be sure that it will.

Isolation is apparently quite the teacher. Many have discovered that there is much more to life aside from the comfortable, yet shallow trappings to which we had become so accustomed.

Neighbors are realizing what a pleasure it is to just have friends and neighbors. We miss them. Most people seemingly yearn to return to the simple things in life.

For the first time in a very long time, Americans have a common purpose…and when that purpose deals in many ways with self-survival, we tend to pay closer attention.

There is already much evidence to suggest just how much the public mood has shifted. Interestingly, even some major celebrities were rebuked for totally tone-deaf posts. Madonna reportedly even resorted to calling the crisis “the great equalizer.”

That much is true. She is correct as trepid Americans are seeing heroic actions from ordinary people, much like themselves, risking their lives to do the everyday things that it takes to keep the country going. Things like delivering mail, pumping gas, truck drivers, delivery people and those stocking and bagging groceries.

In good times, they get little notice. Today, they are saving lives and people know it.

Then we have the first responders, the health care professionals and doctors on the front lines of the pandemic. Nurses, doctors and others have indeed lost their lives as they risked their own to treat the random victims who, are healthy one day, in intensive care the next.

Not just here, as citizens around the world are showing their respect, thanks and gratitude to those who “walk into the fire” of coronavirus infections every day to bring comfort and health to the many random victims of this insidious disease. It comes for anyone.

he public seems for good reason to be much more interested in the roles these dedicated professionals are playing in the most compelling drama of the new century. COVID-19 has put us all on the same stage.

When testing was very rare, superstar players were being tested while the poor guys and gals who may have driven the stakes in the ground to build their performance arenas had to wait…or not be tested at all. Nothing against the superstars, they are merely human and want to be healthy as well, but it does demonstrate the culture in which COVID-19 was discovered and that be transformed by this epic epidemic.

For sure, America may at some point jump back onto the fast lane and return to a culture of fame. For now, however, Americans have again displayed the innate wisdom that has guided us since our democracy began. Occasionally, we get sidetracked, but always unite and seem to understand what really matters.

For now, with good reason, we have redefined the definition of hero as we watch ordinary people on the frontline of this crisis do extraordinary things every single day. For them, and for us, a life or death struggles.

From our reporting, we know citizens in Rossmoor, Los Alamitos, La Palma and Cypress are working together extraordinarily well. These are unpleasant times, for sure, but our collective embrace of each other is indeed worthy of note and an aspiration for the future.

Having a chance to individually perform our civic duties may teach us lessons that outlast the pandemic and the fact that we have already somewhat redefined the role of a hero is a really good start.

 

 

Cerritos Native Continues U.S. Navy “We Build, We Fight” Seabee tradition

David N. Young
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Cerritos Native Continues U.S. Navy “We Build, We Fight” Seabee tradition

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David R. Finley Jr.,

Navy Office of Community Outreac

Petty Officer 2nd Class Christian Raguindin, a native of Cerritos, California, builds and fights around the world as a member of a naval construction battalion center located in Port Hueneme, California.

Raguindin is serving as a Navy construction electrician, who is responsible for interior wiring for construction projects.

“I am a construction electrician and distribute power where it is needed and perform maintenance on equipment,” Raguindin said.

Building in austere environments can be a challenge. Fighting in harsh conditions can also be a challenge. Building in austere environments while fighting in harsh conditions takes a special kind of person with a great deal of perseverance and determination, according to officials with the U.S. Navy History and Heritage Command. These are the kinds of people being trained at Port Hueneme, to provide crucial support to Seabee units deployed around the world.

The jobs of some of the Seabees today have remained unchanged since World War II, when the Seabees paved the 10,000-mile road to victory for the allies in the Pacific and in Europe, said Lara Godbille, director of the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum.

“I enjoy the travel opportunities available to the Seabees,” said Raguindin. “I have been able to see a lot of places that I never thought possible.”

Seabees have served in all American conflicts for nearly 80 years. They have also supported humanitarian efforts using their construction skills to help communities around the world following earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters.

Raguindin is a 2012 Artesia High School graduate. According to Raguindin, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Cerritos.

“I learned to be mature and accountable for my mistakes,” said Raguindin. “This has helped instill discipline that I have applied to my Navy career.”

Port Hueneme is the West Coast homeport of the Navy’s Seabees. It’s one of five learning sites in the Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering domain. They train and develop sailors, soldiers, airmen, and Marines in construction trades and military skills for Department of Defense operating forces to accomplish contingency and peacetime construction, chemical, biological, and radiological operations, and humanitarian assistance missions worldwide.

Port Hueneme and the men and women who serve there play a key role in the Navy’s broader mission of protecting American interests on the world’s oceans.

According to Navy officials, maintaining maritime superiority is a vital part of a Navy that is present today and prepared for tomorrow. The impact affects Americans and their interests around the world, as more than 70 percent of the Earth is covered by water and 90 percent of all trade travels by sea.

The foundation of the Navy the nation needs includes a focus on warfighting, warfighters and the future of the fighting force.

“I am confident that we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “We will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Raguindin is most proud of receiving a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in 2018.

“I am very proud to receive this recognition for my work,” said Raguindin. “It shows that I am one of the best in my battalion.”

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Raguindin, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“Being a Seabee means being flexible,” said Raguindin. “We are required to work construction while at the same time supporting the warfighting effort.”

 

 

County Board of Supervisors COVID-19 Update

David N. Young
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County Board of Supervisors COVID-19 Update

On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, Michelle Steel, Chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors led a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors to update the county on the protective measures that county agencies have been taking to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus in Orange County.

Updates were provided on the steps being taken by the OC Health Care Agency who confirmed the following:

  • 502 confirmed cases as of 3/31/20
  • ventilator availability at 809
  • 80 people on average are being tested daily through the public health lab
  • 78 trailers were delivered to the county to assist with the homeless population

The board also coordinated with the HCA to discuss progress on the development of new secure locations to protect the homeless population. Also discussed were potential alternative care sites in the case of a surge, including Fairview Developmental Center.

The OC Sheriff’s Department updated the Board on the status of OC Jails, while the Social Services agency informed the board that in addition to their dedicated staff, 108 individuals have volunteered to feed and assist elderly, homeless and low-income families. Lastly, OC Community Resources announced that over 2,600 more meals have been delivered to seniors and provided an update on financial relief to businesses and residents as well as employment opportunities for individuals who have lost their jobs as a result of the crisis.

“Our county agencies are working tirelessly to provide support, aid and ensure essential services are being provided to our residents,” said Chairwoman Steel. “It is imperative that we continue to offer as much support as possible to protect our residents not only from contracting this virus, but also from the economic fallout that has come along with it.”

Additionally, today Chairwoman Steel sent letters to the California state legislative delegation requesting critical respirator and medical equipment, N95 masks for law enforcement agencies and for public health and medical teams to be assigned to homeless shelters in the county.

First elected to the Orange County Board of Supervisors in 2014, Michelle Steel represents the residents of the Second District, which includes, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Huntington Beach, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Stanton, the unincorporated area of Rossmoor, and portions of Buena Park and Fountain Valley. Steel, a successful businesswoman and renowned taxpayer advocate, previously served as Vice Chair of the State Board of Equalization where she represented more than eight million people in Southern California, including all of Orange County, as one of the state’s 12 constitutional officers.

 

Local restaurants pivot “overnight” to offer pop-up shops

David N. Young
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Local restaurants pivot “overnight” to offer pop-up shops

Two popular local eating establishments are among many that have found new ways to serve their customers instead of facing the harsh reality of going altogether dark.
The new venture has not only proven to be useful and popular, but could perhaps provide a glimpse of what may emerge in the restaurant industry post Covid-19.

According to Zac Rothman, part owner of the Katella Deli & Bakery and The Original Fish Company, company executives “had to pivot overnight” when the state went into a virtual lockdown last week.

Jessica Jordan, another of the co-owners, said at first, they tried the “social distancing” routine, but when it became clear that authorities were about the order everyone to stay at home, “we needed to do something different.”

She said they dialed up Sysco, their food supplier, who agreed to drop all minimum orders and agreed to deliver six days a week, instead of two.

Just like many other restaurants, many staff members had already been furloughed, and according to Vanessa Travis, a part owner of The Original Fish Company, “our original goal in doing this was to bring back staff.”

“I’m very proud to say we were on our toes from the get go,” said Rothman. When it became obvious that supermarkets were being strained to the breaking point, he said the team decided they would pop up a market selling the essentials; bread, milk, flour, vegetables, etc. “It would allow us to try to keep our employees so we decided to really make this work.”According to residents who have been to markets and to the brother and sister management team, the local popups have been a success from day one.

So much so that “we continue to evolve every day,” said Rothman, admitting that “it is a work in progress.”

Jordan said in addition to the pantry staples, they are offering customers the chance to order cooked meals as well. Beef stroganoff, chicken soup and other specialities.
And according to Travis, The Original Fish Company is offering its entire menu online, with daily specials. Fresh fish is available at the popup market and she said they are busy now developing best practices to refine their ;new normal’ in business.

“We are getting very positive feedback from the community,” said frontline manager Helen Smith.According to Jordan, Sysco was so impressed with what they have developed, they have asked permission to share it with other struggling restaurants. “It’s great for Sysco as well as they can now move much of the goods sitting in their warehouses.”

Travis said the management team is now working on streamlining their online order process. Currently, customers can order online and drive through or come inside to pick up.
Strict social distancing is being enforced for inside customers, she said, which means only so many customers can be allowed inside at any one time.

In addition, the local management team said extra precautions are being taken in delivering food to customers, either inside or out, by putting orders on trays so that it is not touched by anyone but the customers. “We are even asking our customers how they want us to hand it to them,” said Rothman.

“We have an incredibly loyal staff, some of whom have been with us for 30 years,” said Rothman, and while this will not allow the them to bring everyone back, it has given new hope to many of them who have been called back.

He said “it’s not easy to take a business and do a 180 (degree) overnight.” Our job now is to make it seamless, said Rothman.

Practically, he said, the coronavirus emergency only accelerated a simmering trend in the industry which is seeing more and more home delivery of prepared foods. “This situation is bringing more awareness to potential revenue streams in our industry,” said Rothman.
Travis insisted it is their goal to service the community. According to Jordan, everyone “will get through these tough times together.”
According to Rothman, while no one can predict what will come out on the other end of this emergency, one thing for sure is likely for certain. “We will likely remain a one-stop shop.”

Pulver announces extension of LAUSD schools till April 17

David N. Young
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Pulver announces extension of LAUSD schools till April 17

As the Los Alamitos Unified School District began to tweak its online learning system and students somehow adjusted to getting lessons online, they also learned that the “closure period” will now last longer, at least until April 17.

“In light of Governor Gavin Newsom’s order for all state residents to stay home until further notice, along with consultation from orange county district leaders and public health care agencies, we have decided to extend the closure of our schools through at least April 17,” said Dr. Andrew Pulver, Superintendent of the Los Al system in a note to the community.Pulver initially “dismissed” classes for two weeks, yet the board had given him authority to make the decision to extend the closure as necessary to protect the system and its students.

In his letter to parents and students, Pulver said “we will reevaluate this decision as events dictate and as we receive further guidance from public health officials.”
According to Pulver, the Learning Connection, the Los Al Unified instructional program is up and running, “offering our students high-quality enrichment opportunities during the closure period.”

He said teachers are using Google Classroom to provide lessons and resources for students, providing a link to a wide variety of free at-home educational programming from public television and other online sources.

“I think it’s important for all of us to appreciate that Learning Connection is a work in progress,” said Pulver, noting that “in the space of a few days, our amazing teachers and staff planned, created and successfully launched something that normally would have taken a year to deploy and train all involved.”
Pulver said they have “begun fine-tuning the platform, seeking the best ways to engage our students.”

In addition, the superintendent said that because of “high demand and state guidance,” the system would continue the “Grab-n-Go” meal distribution during the school closure period from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. each school day at Los Alamitos, Weaver and McGaugh elementary schools.

Service at Los Alamitos High School is being moved and consolidated to Los Alamitos Elementary location. Additionally, he said, beginning this week, the system would be including a breakfast meal (along with lunch) that can be served at home the following morning.

The Superintendent ended his message with a “bright note,” which included a brief glimpse at a YouTube video highlighting the trials and tribulations of teachers getting connected online with their students.

Joint Forces Training Base at the ready if called

David N. Young
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Joint Forces Training Base at the ready if called

President Donald Trump has announced authorization of deployment of the National Guard in New York and California, adding that the federal government would pick up the entire tab for the crisis.

Generally, the federal government pays for 75 percent of the cost while states must assume 25 percent of the cost. In making the announcement, President Trump said by paying the entire amount, states like California and New York, hard hit by the coronavirus, would be free to use the Guard as necessary.

Meanwhile, personnel attached to the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos are walking a tightrope of sorts, as they comply with Gov. Newsom’s various isolation orders and simultaneously prepare to serve the state if called up by the Governor.
According to Col. Richard Lalor, Public Affairs Officer for the base, JFTB has thus far implemented enhanced security precautions for anyone entering the base. In addition, they have been “put on alert” by Major General David Baldwin, the state’s adjutant general of the California National Guard.

Lalor said anyone entering the base is now being questioned about any recent travel and other personal health symptoms, but he said the base has not yet begun taking temperatures or imposing more draconian measures at the points of base entry.
Also, he said service members are practicing social distancing and the base canteen, Fiddler’s Green, is limiting food orders to take out only, as per the Governor’s order.

All students from the Sunburst Youth Academy and other programs have been sent home.
General Michael Leeney, base commander of JFTB, has instructed personnel attached to the base to “stay calm but carry on,” said Lalor.
Although the Guard has been activated to perform “humanitarian missions” in northern California, no such orders have yet been given to the base or units in southern California.
The massive facility in Los Alamitos has one of the largest working airfields in the western United States, and is a lynchpin for the state when moving massive amounts of goods and equipment.

During wildfires, earthquakes and overseas deployments, the state has called upon JFTB to move personnel, equipment and supplies.
A global pandemic, thus far, has demanded different military assets but Lalor says Gen. Leeney and the base are ready if called upon to serve the citizens of the state.
Following guidelines from state and federal officials to help flatten the COVID-19 curve, Joint Forces Training Base is making adjustments to some installation services until further notice.

Here is the latest operating information regarding base facilities:
• The Troop Store is open and operating with normal hours.
• The pool is open, however all lap swim sessions are canceled. User groups are limited in size.
• The fitness center is open. Users are encouraged to use good hygiene techniques including wiping down surfaces before and after equipment use.
• The Pub at Fiddlers Green is shortening hours but remains open, for take-out service only, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Billeting is open, however front desk hours are shortened to 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. An after-hours phone number is posted at the front desk.
• The Sunset RV Park remains open.

Full text of Governor’s Stay-At-Home order

For Event-News Enterprise
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Full text of Governor’s Stay-At-Home order

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT STATE OF CALIFORNIA

EXECUTIVE ORDER N-33-20

WHEREAS on March 4, 2020, I proclaimed a State of Emergency to exist in California as a result of the threat of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS in a short period of time, COVID-19 has rapidly spread throughout California, necessitating updated and more stringent guidance from federal, state, and local public health officials; and

WHEREAS for the preservation of public health and safety throughout the entire State of California, I find it necessary for all Californians to heed the State public health directives from the Department of Public Health.

NOW,  THEREFORE, I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, in accordance with the authority vested in me by the State Constitution and statutes of the State of California, and in particular, Government Code sections  8567, 8627, and 8665 do hereby issue the following Order to become effective immediately:

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:

1)  To preserve the public health and safety, and to ensure the healthcare delivery system is capable of serving all, and prioritizing those at the highest risk and vulnerability, all residents are directed to immediately heed the current State public health directives, which I ordered the Department of Public Health to develop for the current statewide status of COVID-19. Those directives are consistent with the March 19,

2020, Memorandum on Identification of Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers During COVID-19 Response, found at: https://covid19.ca.gov/. Those directives follow:

ORDER OF  THE STATE  PUBLIC HEALTH  OFFICER March 19, 2020

To protect public health, I as State Public Health Officer and Director

of the California Department of Public Health order all individuals living in the State of California to stay home or at their place of residence except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of the federal critical infrastructure sectors, as outlined at https://www.cisa.gov/identifying-critical-infrastructure-during-covid-19. In addition, and in consultation with the Director of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, I may designate additional sectors as critical in order to protect the health and well-being of all Californians.

Pursuant to the authority under the Health and Safety Code 120125

120140, 131080, 120130(c), 120135, 120145, 120175 and 120150, this order is to go into effect immediately and shall stay in effect until further notice.

The federal government has identified 16 critical infrastructure sectors whose assets, systems, and networks, whether physical or virtual, are considered so vital to the United States that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on security, economic security, public health or  safety, or  any combination thereof. I   order that Californians working in these 16 critical infrastructure sectors may continue their work because of the importance of these sectors to Californians’ health and well-being.

This Order is being issued to protect the public health of Californians. The California Department of Public Health looks to establish consistency across the state in order to ensure that we mitigate the impact of COVID-19. Our goal is simple, we want to bend the curve, and disrupt the spread of the virus.

The supply chain must continue, and  Californians must have access to such necessities as food, prescriptions, and health care. When people need to leave their homes or  places of residence, whether to obtain or  perform the functions above, or  to otherwise facilitate authorized necessary activities, they should at all times practice social distancing.

2)   The healthcare delivery system shall prioritize services to serving those who are the sickest and shall prioritize resources, including personal protective equipment, for  the providers providing direct care to them.

3)   The Office of Emergency Services is directed to take necessary steps to ensure compliance with this  Order.

4)   This Order shall be enforceable pursuant to California law, including, but not limited to, Government Code section 8665.

IT  IS  FURTHER ORDERED  that as soon as hereafter possible, this  Order be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State and that widespread publicity and notice be given of this  Order.

This Order is not intended to, and does not, create any rights or  benefits, substantive or  procedural, enforceable at law or  in equity, against the State of California, its agencies, departments, entities, officers, employees, or  any other person.

IN  WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California, this 19th day of March, the year of 2020.Signed

Gavin Newsom

Governor

 

ATTEST:

 

ALEX  PADILLA

Secretary of State

Chamber Chairwoman eager to get going again

David N. Young
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Chamber Chairwoman eager to get going again

“Doesn’t make sense to be here” says Nesi Stewart

After a very quick start with many ideas for reform and jump starting local business cooperation, the Chairwoman of the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce has not only seen the momentum vanish, but has indeed had to close her own business.

For twelve successful years, Nesi Stewart and her husband have operated Printmasters, the small business they purchased in Los Alamitos twelve years ago.

Stewart took office in late January and had only enjoyed one full board meeting before the coronavirus pandemic literally brought this community to a screeching halt.

Stewart said she and her husband hung for a few days, but even before Gov. Gavin Newsom’s order to stay home, she had closed the doors of her business.

“It just didn’t make sense to be there,” she said. Customers dribbled in, then stopped altogether.

Now she, like many of her Chamber members, is faced with an unprecedented situation.

All Chamber ribbon cuttings had been postponed, now canceled. The March networking mixer is now cancelled, She said the manager of one local hotel she spoke with “had a five (5) percent occupancy. The hotel manager was “doing the housekeeping, bookkeeping and even arranged a makeshift wedding reception for “a crying lady” by rounding up a taco truck.

“We are being forced to take time off,” she said, adding that “this could be God’s way of telling us we’re trying to do too much.”

“There is so much unnecessary pressure from everyone,” she said, “maybe this will be a time of refreshment.”

Stewart admitted that her business, like all local businesses, will “require support” to restart.

“I was really excited about our last board meeting and gung ho about the future,” said Stewart, adding that she will be ready if and when the community gets the signal to get back on track.

“We have to fix this thing (Covid-19),” she said, “but we don’t want to stop moving.”

Photo by Loreen Berlin

 

 

Grace First Presbyterian Church celebrates becoming Earth Care Congregation

David N. Young
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Grace First Presbyterian Church celebrates becoming Earth Care Congregation

Grace First Presbyterian Church of Long Beach recently became Los Ranchos’ second certified Earth Care Congregation of PC(USA)’s Presbyterian Hunger Program. The first was St. Mark of Newport Beach. This honor speaks to the great commitment that this congregation has made to care for God’s earth.

To become an Earth Care Congregation, Grace First affirmed an Earth Care Pledge to integrate environmental practices and thinking into their worship, education, facilities, and outreach.

Beginning in 2010, the Earth Care Congregation certification is designed to recognize churches that make the commitment to take seriously God’s charge to “till and keep” the garden.

The goal of this program is to inspire churches to care for God’s earth in a holistic way through integrating earth care into all aspects of their church life. The Earth Care Congregation certification honors churches that make that commitment and encourages others to follow their example.

“It is exciting that Grace First is one of the 264 churches that chose to dedicate themselves to intentional care of God’s earth this year. In a time of much uncertainty and worry about the future, this congregation’s activities and commitment brings hope to their community. Grace First will inspire others to respond intentionally to God’s call to care for the earth,” says Jessica Maudlin, Associate for Sustainable Living and Earth Care Concerns for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

For more information about Grace First’s earth care program contact Rev. Jonas Hayes at jo**************@***il.com.

For more information on the Earth Care Congregations program visit www.pcusa.org/earthcarecongregations.Rev. Jonas Hayes at the 2019 Interfaith Blessing of the Animals service, which is an outdoor worship service.

Courtesy photos

 

 

 

Aquarium of the Pacific goes virtual

David N. Young
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Aquarium of the Pacific goes virtual

With everything going online this week, the much-heralded Aquarium of the Pacific is no exception.

With a message from the institution’s President and CEO Jerry R. Schubel, the Aquarium announced an “Aquarium Online Academy” this week.

“As we all struggle with unprecedented times, we at the Aquarium of the Pacific want to do our part to help by providing a way for us all to connect, engage and learn, or offer simply a small diversion,” said Schubel in the statement.

He said the Aquarium team is “pleased to offer the Aquarium Online Academy to bring our educational programming as well as fun and entertaining activities to our community.”

The new online academy can easily be found by going to the homepage of the Aquarium (www.aquariumofpacific.org).

“Here you will find both on-demand videos and activities for all ages and a schedule of interactive live programs with our educators, from grade-specific virtual classroom sessions to engaging segments with our Pacific Pals puppets,” said Schubel.

He said the web page will be updated regularly with new content and live dates as they become available. You can also follow us on our social media channels for live feeds, updates and more.

“We hope you and your family are able to enjoy these offerings and, most importantly, we wish you health and peace.”

 

Courtesy photo

A photo from the offerings on the Aquarium’s new online academy that offers live programs and on-demand videos.

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