Los Al TV producer John Underwood interviews retired Orange County Superior Court Judge Francisco Firmat, one of three presenters at a recent St Isidore Historical Plaza Second Sunday program titled Operation Pedro Pan. This is a little known historical exodus of young Cuban children to the United States that took place in the early 1960’s as Castro’s revolution transitioned Cuba to a communist regime. Many parents on the island made the anxious decision to send their young children to the United States from 1960-62. Over 14,000 such young and unaccompanied children, initially flown to Florida and then dispersed throughout the U.S., became known as the Pedro Pans and their stories are remembered by Firmat and two other Pans in an hour long plus talk to a full house inside the plaza’s historical chapel. See Los Al TV schedule for airtimes and dates.
Southland of Los Al among top ranked Credit Unions
After completing an assessment and survey process administered by Best Companies Group, Southland Credit Union was ranked among 50 top credit unions across the United States as one of the best credit unions to work for in 2019. Credit Union Journal partners with Best Companies Group to publish the annual ranking. Only three other California credit unions were named on this year’s list.
The assessment process includes an in-depth questionnaire, with a review of the Credit Union’s benefits, workplace policies and practices. The analysis also includes an extensive employee engagement and satisfaction survey, which provides an opportunity for Associates to offer honest feedback about Southland’s corporate culture, environment, leadership, training and other key focus areas.
“We are honored to be included among some of the best-performing credit unions in the nation,” Tom Lent, Southland Credit Union President & CEO said. “Our Associates are our most valuable asset; we take pride in our outstanding workplace culture, which in turn enables us to work as a team to deliver the best-possible service to our Members.”
Southland Associates named several reasons why they feel the Credit Union is the best place to work, including the “Step into Summer” Fitbit challenge, the annual Associate appreciation party and the 0% APR personal computer loan program.
Those interested in career opportunities at Southland can view open positions and apply online at SouthlandCU.org/careers.
Southland Credit Union is an $810 million credit union that serves 60,000 members in Orange and Los Angeles Counties. Branch locations are in Los Alamitos, Downey, Long Beach, Carson, Santa Monica, St. John’s Health Center and the Los Angeles Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles.
Operating as a not-for-profit financial cooperative, Southland is dedicated to providing our Members with exceptional, comprehensive and innovative financial solutions, delivered with uniquely personal Southland service. For more information, visit www.southlandcu.org.
Los Al American Legion Post seeking memorabilia
The American Legion is hosting a Time Capsule Memorial on Friday, Oct. 11 2019 at 6 p.m., followed by a Fish Fry dinner for only a $9.00 donation.
The public, along with the membership is invited to attend the dinner and to participate in the time capsule ceremony.
“We would love to invite the public to join us in putting into the time capsule things from all four groups, which is the Auxilary, The Riders, Son’s, and the Legion that represent us today,” said post spokesperson Lisa Massion.
She said the post is interested in obtaining centennial challenge coins, a poppy, group patches, pictures, and drawings from the Juniors.
“We are also putting pictures from the past, including a photo of the original members of the Post 716 organizing board, and various newspaper clippings showing the dedication of the post building, girls and boys state attendees, auxiliary president notes from the 60’s, etc.,” she said.
“If there are members of the community that have Post 716 memorabilia, I would love to include it, along with the story behind it,” said Massion.
Please reserve your plate online or feel to call anytime after 12:00 Noon at 562-430-6033.
Pauline Bullock of Damsels in Defense at Los Al Chamber
Pauline Bullock, a retired U.S. Navy Master Chief Petty Officer who is now a representative for the personal protection service will perform demonstrations on how to stay safe at the next regular meeting of the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce.
Bullock now represents “Damsels in Distress” personal protection service will speak and provide the demonstrations at their next meeting, Friday, from 7:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. at Maderas Steak and Ribs. The cost is $25 for members and military and $30 for non-members and attendees are requested to prepay online at www.losalchamber.org.
Ukraine National Guard forces visit JFTB
Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB) welcomed a delegation of military officers from the National Guard of Ukraine (NGU) on Monday, September 9, as part of a National Guard State Partnership Program (SPP) designed to assist the Ukrainian military in re-structuring and modernizing its forces and installations.
Led by Lt. Gen. Yurii Lebid, NGU Deputy Commander, the delegation toured the installation’s facilities and familiarized themselves with the missions, equipment and training capabilities of the Cal Guard’s major Southern California base. The delegation also visited Camp San Luis Obispo and Camp Roberts.
The NGU is the Ukrainian national gendarmerie and is part of the country’s Ministry of Internal Affairs. The NGU is currently engaged in enhancing the development and capabilities of its International Training Centre – expanding operations from individual and staff training to hosting collective training and exercises up to the brigade team level.
Due to Ukraine’s strategic location and strong regional influence, The California National Guard – Ukraine SPP is both important and progressive — a key factor in assisting the growing democracy with a variety of economic, military, political and social issues.
For additional information, please contact Col. (CA) Richard Lalor at (562) 795-2096 or via email at richard.w.lalor2.nfg@mail.mil, or Staff Sgt. Crystal Housman at (805) 458-3825 or via email at crystal.c.housman.mil@mail.mil.
Courtesy photo
Welcome fall
Though pumpkin spice has been on menus since last month, the official start of Fall was Monday, September 23. Though our temperatures aren’t expected to drop below 70 anytime soon and we don’t have the spectacular fall foliage other parts of the country do, the spirit of Fall is alive and well in Orange County. Cypress, Los Alamitos and surrounding cities boast a number of great seasonal kids’ events, Oktoberfests, and Disneyland outdoes itself every year with pumpkins and ghouls galore. Keep an eye on the Event-News Enterprise this season, as we’ll let you know about upcoming Fall festivities and share tips and photos from the best ones, like Anaheim Brewery’s Oktoberfest last year (pictured).
It’s Time to Fix the Broken System and stop lawsuit abuse
By Jeff Allee a Los Alamitos resident and supporter of Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse
California labor laws are intended to protect workers from unfair employers who seek to take advantage one way or another. But, sadly, these well-intended laws instead have morphed into a cynical tool for abusive lawsuits based on minor technical violations.
The result is a cottage industry that generates exorbitant amounts of money for profit driven lawyers at the expense of hardworking business owners and entrepreneurs.
It’s time to turn this flawed system around. And what better time to consider a change like that than during Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week, which takes place this year from Oct. 7 – 11.
Fair-minded employers across the state are facing the onslaught of unwarranted legal action by way of the Private Attorney General Act (PAGA). Signed into state law back in 2004, the original intent of PAGA was to shield workers from bad employers who failed to pay employees their full wages for all hours worked. In some cases, these were unscrupulous businesses that were in operation for only a short period of time and then closed down or skipped town.
Legal loopholes, however, have allowed employees to sue their bosses, making it a cash cow for attorneys who are incentivized to troll and file suits because it is practically impossible for business owners to achieve absolute perfection to comply with hyper technical and ever-changing employment rules. Due to the strict nature of PAGA, an employer with a mere technical violation of the state’s voluminous labor laws, can face extreme penalties.
In fact, more than 40,000 PAGA claims have been filed over the past 15 years.
But even employers who try in earnest to follow all the laws are still getting hit with these meritless suits. For example, employers who fail to list the beginning and ending dates on a paycheck stub, even if the employee was paid, paid on time and the check cleared the bank, are still at risk of being sued with an abusive PAGA class action lawsuit.
When an employer is sued, they are leveraged into settlements because the penalties can create a multi-million-dollar liability, even for business with as few as 30 employees. The penalty is $100 per employee per pay period for a first offense. After that, the penalty doubles to $200 per employee per pay period, for each violation that follows.
PAGA allows the employee to file their complaint on behalf of all employees at the business, effectively making the case a class action lawsuit. Because the violations stack, once a claim is filed, a determined lawyer will search the owner’s records for as many violations as they can to compound the threatened and the resulting leverage to settle.
And the fear certainly drives employers to settle. When Uber was hit with a PAGA suit, the state got $3.6 million, the attorneys received $2.2 million and the aggrieved drivers were given just $1.08 each.
Entrepreneurs need to be able to focus on their next big idea, and employers should be looking at how to grow their business or take care of their teams of employees. They shouldn’t be concerned about facing unfair, stringent regulations and laws that risk putting them out of business. And business folks aren’t the only ones who are hurt by these suits. Cities, non-profits, labor unions and government agencies all face this type of abuse, and employees and consumers are also hurt when jobs are lost, and the cost of goods and services rise.
Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week is nationally recognized. It can be the right time for people across the state, including here in Los Alamitos and Cypress, to take action by urging California’s leaders to recognize the onerous legal burden caused by a rigged system.
State lawmakers need to take a step back from including PAGA as the enforcement tool in almost every new piece of legislation. They must also begin looking at ways to directly curb the misuse of PAGA lawsuits as a way to protect businesses and jobs.
In simplest terms, the goal should be to have our state’s labor laws do what they were intended for — protecting and serving the public in a fair and trustful way.
Jeff Allee is a Los Alamitos resident and supporter of Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse
Youth Center partners with foundation to raise $127,000
The Youth Center in Los Alamitos and eight fellow nonprofits partnered with the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) to host the second annual Igniting Potential, a Giving Day to support the youth of Orange County on Sept. 18. The 24-hour online effort raised more than $127,000 with participation from 518 donors, and The Youth Center raised $5,037 in their first effort at the fundraising drive.
The nine participating organizations included KidWorks, Orange County Boy Scouts of America, The Youth Center, Boys Hope Girls Hope of Southern California, MOMS Orange County, Assistance League of Irvine, Parentis Foundation, Us Too Gymnastics and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County.
“We are so very grateful for everyone’s support in this new endeavor to not only help The Youth Center but also to benefit other organizations who help kids throughout Orange County,” Youth Center Executive Director Lina Lumme said.
OCCF powered this campaign with seed funding for the marketing assets, campaign resources and collaborative partnerships. Igniting Potential is part of a series of collaborative Giving Days held throughout the year that are designed to boost the capacity of local nonprofits to meet Orange County’s needs.
“Our local nonprofit leaders and the generous community joined forces for a second year to make a difference in the lives of Orange County’s youth,” said Shelley Hoss, president, OCCF. “We are proud to continue helping nonprofits achieve greater collective impact.”
OCCF first challenged Orange County residents to “give where their heart lives” during the inaugural Giving Day in 2015, raising more than $1.8 million through gifts to 347 participating nonprofits in just 30 hours. OCCF nearly doubled those results in 2016 during the second annual i?oc Giving Day, receiving contributions totaling $3.2 million for 418 participating nonprofits. In 2017, OCCF re-envisioned i?oc as an expanded opportunity for nonprofits to connect with one another in support of their shared missions. The seven Giving Days held throughout 2018 raised a total of $1.4 million for local organizations.
For more information, please visit oc-cf.org/iheartoc. For more information about The Youth Center, please visit www.theyouthcenter.org.
Taste of the town: Isla Cuban-Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar
Isla Cuban-Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar in La Palma only opened this summer, but has already become a popular attraction in the area.
Family-owned, its location and ambience make it very versatile and put it in a good position for success.
With influence and food from Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Mexico, the menu has a wide range of offerings.
It is located at 30 Centerpointe Dr., Suite 12/13, in an area just off the freeway, surrounded by hotels.
The restaurant has a bit of a gilded feel, with big chandeliers and loud, patterned ceilings and floors that come close to making it feel like a tacky hotel restaurant.
If it were scaled back and quieted down a bit, it would flow seamlessly as an authentic and intimate family-owned place.
It all gives a bit of a mixed message now—it occupies a pretty small space, in a strip mall, in a corporate/hotel center, while almost trying to come across as a “fancy” restaurant, but it’s not. And it’s marketed as an intimate, family-owned operation.
The vision of the restaurant gets a little lost in translation.
But who says there needs to be a clear, cohesive message to give a restaurant success?
A side effect of Isla’s slightly muddled branding is that it’s very versatile. With it being a stone’s throw away from hotels, it’s a good draw for travelers there on business as well as families staying.
When I was there on a Thursday evening, there was a ladies’ book club meeting going on at one table, a family with elementary-age children having dinner together at another, and plenty of tables of couples and friends having dinner and adult beverages.
The place would be a good setting for nearly any type of gathering.
As for the food, it was fine, but the drinks were the star of the show.
Plantain chips and a garlic dipping sauce are brought out for the table first-thing.
Not seeing anything by way of entrees that called my name, I opted for a couple of tapas—Yuca Cheese Balls and Chicken Empanadas—and a margarita.
They do have a very large drink menu, including some fun and original ones off the beaten path.
The food was tasty enough, and came with some interesting dipping sauces that made it unique.
The wait staff was very polite.
Given time, Isla will figure out and grow into its brand. But judging by its relative popularity so far, perhaps most like it just the way it is.
It does spruce up La Palma’s dining scene and has been busy so far.
Isla Cuban-Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar is open 11-9 Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m.-midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Call 714-735-8597 for more information.
Photos by Brooklynn Wong
restaurant review1
Give the Yuca Cheese Balls a try.
restaurant review2
The Chicken Empanadas at Isla were the highlight.
Lee Elementary Names Carrie Harbour 2019 Hero of the Hear
By Robert Ostmann,
Lee Elementary School has honored Carrie Harbour, a long-time volunteer and school parent, as its 2019-20 Hero of the Heart in a presentation before the Los Alamitos Unified School Board.
“The community of Lee Elementary School is affectionately known as the FamLEE,” said Principal Amy Laughlin, “where staff, students, and parents genuinely care for one another and dedicate themselves to helping the children at Lee continue succeeding. Carrie Harbour is the finest example of a FamLEE member.”
In her seven years of volunteering at Lee, Harbour has been a room parent and active in the leadership of the Project LEAP fundraising group and the PTA Reflections program. Laughlin said Harbour’s greatest impact on Lee has been the implementation of a program in which she teaches art to every single class at least six times a year. “This is 150 art lessons every year,” Laughlin said, “that are connected to our school goals and teach students essential art techniques, as well as provide students the background of historical artists like Frida Kahlo and new innovative artists like Yayoi Kusama.” Using student work, Harbour also creates an annual schoolwide gallery of art as part of Special Person’s Day, Laughlin said.
“Carrie’s dedication to Lee is an inspiration.” Laughlin told the school board. “She spends countless hours encouraging children’s natural curiosity, advocating for students to take risks with their creativity, and inspiring kids to express thoughts and feelings through art. Our community is fortunate to have Carrie bring so much joy to so many lives.”
Carrie has deep roots in the community, Laughlin said, growing up in Seal Beach where her family ran the local surf shop, Harbour Surfboards. She is a McGaugh Elementary, McAuliffe Middle School and Los Alamitos High School graduate. She and her husband, Kieran, met at the high school and now have three children in District schools.
“I am truly honored to be receiving this award,” Harbour told board members. “I am very lucky to be able to share my love of art with every one of the students at Lee Elementary. I am grateful to be in an environment where the parents, staff and our great principal are so supportive and see the value of teaching the visual arts and exposing the children to a diverse set of cultures from across the globe allowing us to respect and celebrate how beautiful that diversity can be.”
School Board President Diana Hill thanked Harbour for her efforts. “You are very important to Lee Elementary School but also to our whole district. We love when Griffins come back and raise their families here. It’s something special.”
Courtesy photo
Pictured, L-R, Supt. Dr. Andrew Pulver, Lee Principal Amy Laughlin, Carrie Harbour, and Board Pres. Diana Hill.
Stars and stripes wave as Los Al Chamber awards “Heroes”
Men and women in uniform packed the Rossmoor Community Center on Thursday as the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce held the first of what promises to become an annual event celebrating the heroism of men and women who serve the public In uniform.
Chamber President Dawnette Palmore thanked the sponsors and the agencies responsible for their support of the event as she looked out at a sea of multi-colored uniforms draped by the free-flowing colors of red, white and blue.
“The dictionary describes a hero as someone who is admired or idolized for courage or outstanding achievement,” she said in her opening remarks. “Each person selected (for recognition) has been touched by your presence. Thank you for your efforts in protecting our great country, state, counties, cities and neighborhoods,” she said.
Master of Ceremonies Col. Tom Lasser (retired) kept the event in character and moving through the opening ceremonies, lunch and eventual presentations to recipients from six military, law enforcement and first responder agencies.
The event opened with the presentation of colors by a color guard of service members from the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, followed by the national anthem.
Select members of the Los Alamitos Show Choir were on hand to add to the patriotic theme, entertaining the group with several patriotic songs.
State Sen. Tom Umberg, himself a retired Colonel, set the mood for the day by saying he was impressed with the Chamber’s effort to “recognize those who sacrifice for all of us,” adding that he hoped the ceremony would “become an annual event.”
“Real heroes are not sports stars that come back from an injury,” said Umberg. “Real heroes are not celebrities on tv. Real heroes are folks that get up every day and sacrifice themselves for all of us,” he state Senator said.
Umberg was among a cadre of local officials on hand, either in person or with representation, that presented awards to each of the luncheon’s honorees.
In addition to Umberg’s office, each of the six honorees were presented with awards and certificates by the City of Los Alamitos, Orange County Supervisor Michelle Steel, Assemblyman Tyler Diep, Congressman Alan Lowenthal and the Chamber.
Los Alamitos Mayor Pro-tem Richard Murphy welcomed the group on behalf of the city. He also thanked Master of Ceremonies Col. Tom Lasser for his service. Lasser had left out himself while introducing “heroes,” as Murphy said the thousands of men Lasser rescued as a helicopter pilot over a two-year period in Vietnam “would likely consider you to be a hero.”
Lasser emphasized that while service heroes were being recognized, “they were not selected by the Chamber.” He said each of the agencies were contacted and asked to select someone who had made a real difference to the communities they serve.
The Chamber also thanked Rossmoor Community Services District President Ron Casey and other Rossmoor officials for their hospitality and support of the event.
Following an “All-American” lunch consisting of fried chicken, watermelon, potato salad and other fixings, Lasser introduced each of the six agencies who introduced their honorees.
Here are the 2019 “Heroes” honored by the Chamber for their “courage and bravery.”
- California Highway Patrol – Officer Michael LaRocchia
- Joint Forces Training Base – Sgt. Ashley Q. Solis
- 79th Theatre Sustainment Command -Staff Sgt. Rheana Martinez
- Los Al Police Department – retiring Capt. Chris Karrer
- Orange County Fire Authority- Firefighter Austin Krie
- Orange County Sheriff’s Department – Dep. Alicia Quinones
“Sometimes we take you (heroes) for granted, but we want you to know today how grateful we are for everything that you do in making a difference,” said Palmore.
Los Alamitos Unified Supt. makes annual State of the District community presentation.
Speaking to a packed room of 280 community residents, government officials and school staff, Superintendent Dr. Andrew Pulver laid out the goals and achievements that have made the Los Alamitos Unified School District one of the top two in Orange County for more than 20 years and described projects that will transform the high school over the next few years.
In his annual State of the District presentation, Pulver said the district school board has adopted five priorities for this year:
- Passionately pursue academic excellence from all students.
- Ensure an inclusive, safe, healthy, secure, and substance?free environment.
- Enhance communication processes to engage, inform, and educate all stakeholders.
- Provide high quality facilities to meet the needs of students.
- Manage and allocate financial resources to maximize students’ educational experiences.
Pulver then highlighted the “national caliber results” the 9700-student district has posted and credited highly skilled teachers and staff, ongoing professional training, targeted intervention for students in need, and a culture of innovation across the district.
Pulver said that in addition to the top ranking on annual state assessments, the nine schools in the district has notched achievements in the areas of athletics, activities and the arts as well. He highlighted the following:
- 92 percent of Los Alamitos High graduates go on to enroll in post?secondary education.
- 77 percent of graduates completed University of California admission requirements this year, up 9 percentage points since 2011. “Students who complete the entrance requirements while in high school,” Pulver said, “are twice as likely to graduate from college.”
- 87 percent of graduates have taken at least one Advanced Placement course, a Career and Technical Education class or a community college class while still enrolled in high school. The rigor of a student’s high school curriculum is one of the single best predictors of college and career success, Pulver said.
- 74% of LAHS students are connected to at least one extracurricular activity, club, or service group. Students who are connected to school have better attendance, better grades, are happier, and are more likely to graduate from high school and pursue post-secondary education, Pulver said.
He also pointed out that every school in the district has been designated as California Distinguished School and a Gold Ribbon school, athletic teams have accumulated more than 290 Sunset League championships and more than 20 CIF championships, and arts programs also won honors and championships as well, including the Los Alamitos High show choirs that have been national champs for nine consecutive years.
As strong as these achievements are, Pulver said, the district is committed to doing better.
“We believe that 100% of our students can be proficient, connected to school and the community, and complete college entrance requirements.” In fact, he said, 30 classrooms in grades 3?5 have scored at 100% proficient on state testing in at least one content area in the last two years.
As part of the district’s goal of ensuring an inclusive and safe environment, Pulver said, a Human Relations Task Force made up of community members and school staff is developing recommendations for strengthening district policies and programs to promote diversity of perspectives and the dignity of every person in the areas of professional development for teachers and administrators, hiring practices, discipline and restorative practices, parent and community education, and use of social media.
While celebrating current achievements, Pulver said, the district is also looking to the future with an ambitious implementation of the $97-million Measure G bond issue approved by voters last year. Four major projects are underway for the 51-year-old Los Alamitos High School campus:
- Replacement — nearly complete — of deteriorating electrical and data transmission infrastructure with up-to-date underground systems.
- Replacement of the inadequate pool with a $9.2-million aquatics center capable of supporting competitive swim, dive and water polo teams. The center will open in Fall 2020.
- Construction of an 83,000-square-foot, three-story classroom building that will transform the front of the Cerritos Avenue campus and allow for removal of 26 deteriorating, inadequate portable classrooms. The $52-million facility will open in Fall 2022.
- Construction of a new gymnasium that, in concert with the old facility, will be able to support the school’s extensive athletic program when it opens in 2023.
In addition, Pulver said, the district is replacing elementary school playgrounds across the district and building new restroom facilities at Los Alamitos and Hopkinson elementary schools.
Pulver took time in his presentation to honor the district’s Heroes of the Heart, “special people who go above and beyond to make Los Alamitos Unified a great place for students to learn, grow, and thrive.” The volunteers represented all schools and the district itself and for many years have helped students in ways ranging from being room parents, to leading the PTA, to organizing fund raising to benefit the entire district. Those recognized included:
- Carol Manning ? Hopkinson
- Laura Hall ? Weaver
- Jenny Platt? Lee
- Jennifer Arvizu? LAE
- Janet Murphy – Rossmoor
- Leanne Voigt ? McGaugh
- The Global Culture Education Foundation ? Oak
- Lee Nestlerode ? McAuliffe
- Maureen Wauters – LAHS
- Rob Wigod ? Los Alamitos USD
The State of the District event at the Navy Golf Club in Cypress was hosted by the Los Alamitos Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises funds to support local schools. This year the foundation donated $115,000 to support academic and arts programs and mental health services.
The event was underwritten by donations from corporate sponsors, including Alamitos Eye Care, Adams Photography, BNSF Railway, Erickson-Hall Construction, Knowland Construction Services, National Geographic Learning/Cengage Learning, Oranje Builders, Pacific West Energy Solutions, Rachlin Partners, RS Crum Inc., Sean Payne Certified Financial Planner, Southland Credit Union, Terracon, TGR Geotechnical, Universal Asphalt, West Coast Air, and Westgroup Designs.
La Palma City Manager announces retirement
After 23 years of public service, 13 of which with La Palma, City Manager Laurie A. Murray has announced her retirement effective Dec. 19, 2019, the city has announced in a press release.
Prior to being appointed City Manager in Nov. 2015, Murray was hired as the City’s first Administrative Services Manager in 2006 and was subsequently promoted to the Administrative Services Director position in 2014.
Among her many accomplishments as City Manager, Murray said she is the proudest of the passage of Measure JJ and the restructuring of the City’s unfunded pension obligations, both of which contributed towards La Palma’s long term financial stability; restoring positive labor relations to make La Palma a place that employees want to work; and providing a higher level of transparency and communication to the public.
Murray said that, “When I came to La Palma in 2006, I knew that I had found my professional home,” and added, “La Palma is a wonderful organization, as evidenced by the engaged and supportive community, the talented and hard-working staff, and the dedication and commitment of the City Council.” “I greatly appreciate the opportunity and privileges I have had to serve the residents and businesses of La Palma these past thirteen plus years and will always look back on these years fondly,” Murray added.
Mayor Marshall Goodman said, “Laurie has made a lasting and meaningful impression in our city,” and added, “We will miss the dedication, commitment, and leadership she has shown over the past thirteen years.” “I know I speak for the entire City Council in thanking Laurie for her exemplary public service and in wishing her the best as she moves to the next chapter of her life,” Mayor Goodman added.
Prior to La Palma, Mrs. Murray had previously worked for the cities of Aliso Viejo and Mission Viejo. Mrs. Murray earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Vanguard University of Southern California in May 2007, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
Ranked by Money Magazine in 2007, 2011, 2013, and 2015 as one of America’s Best Places to Live, the City of La Palma is a 1.9 square mile general law city in northwest Orange County, consisting of 15,568 residents and approximately 300 commercial and industrial businesses. The City was incorporated in 1955 under the name of Dairyland and has 55 full-time and 35 part-time employees.
Support growing for Los Alamitos Robotics as they host open house event
Los Al High School Robotics Team (the Meme Team) hosted District School Board members Diana Hill and Marlys Davidson, ASB President Blake Ravelo, and realtor Randy Hill. The robotics open house began at Build It Workspace with team captain and senior student Ashley Kim’s overview of FIRST Robotics Competition and the Meme Team’s involvement in it.
The Meme Team—Team 6220—is a group of Los Alamitos High School students who aspire to work in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields. They pursue their passion by participating in an annual competition held by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), a nonprofit public charity founded in 1989 which motivates students to pursue STEM education and careers. During the competition season, teams of high-school students worldwide design, prototype, and assemble 150-pound robots to achieve specific tasks and score points. However, even after competition season ends, they continue designing, prototyping and building to increase their skills and teach new members. FRC is considered “the ultimate sport for the mind” as it “combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology.”
After Ashley’s presentation, the visitors were given a tour of the team’s workstations, each representing an aspect of engineering required to build such complex robots. Every exhibit showcased professional grade software and machinery. At Build It, Brandon Paul wired an electronics board for the robot and operated a laser cutter, a machine that cuts wood and plastics with a thin beam of light. Meanwhile, Vincent Ngo introduced three new members to the robotics club; it was their first day on the team. Owen Ryan ran CAD software (Computer Aided Design), which is used to design and simulate the robot digitally before it is manufactured and assembled by the team. Alexander Liu was in charge of demonstrating the robot’s code. At Los Al High School, Cameron Hancock explained the use of 3D printers (machines that lay down layers of heated plastic to create any 3D shape) and their frequent use in producing components for the robot. He also operated the plasma cutter: a machine that cuts through metal by super-heating air and creating plasma. Macaine Crawford, Brandon, and Owen were running Tormachs, computerized machines that can cut almost any material into the required 3D shape.
The open house concluded with a tour of the Meme Team’s space at the high school: a storage container set near the track and football field. The Los Al Robotics Team is grateful for the School Board’s time and hopes for their assistance in locating a workspace on campus and help in securing funding.
For more information, contact the Meme Team at losalfrc@gmail.com
Los Al Volleyballers defeat Marina in straight sets
The Los Alamitos High girls volleyball team defeated Marina in straight sets, 25-11, 25-15, 25-15 last week. Pictured is #14 Chase Koepke and #17 Kamryn Parsonage, blocking a spike from Marina #4 Reese Rosas.
Photo by DavePeetersphoto.com
RN’s carry picket signs outside Los Al Medical Center
More than 350 Registered Nurses from the Los Alamitos Medical Center joined more than 6,000 RN’s from around the country Friday to stage a one-day strike seeking lower patient loads and other investments into nursing staff and patient care.
Pacing in a large circular path, the striking nurses carried signs that read “standing up for our patients,” and “Nurses are the heart of patient care,” among other contract complaints. According to a statement released by the California Nurses Association, the walkout occurred at seven other Tenet owned facilities in California in addition to Los Al Medical.
“We believe more California nurses would choose to work at the hospital bedside if there were staffing and other working conditions that supported their providing optimal care to patients,” said Janice Ames, one of over 6500 RNs who work at the Tenet hospitals going out on strike in Florida, Arizona and throughout California.
Tenet local spokesperson Jessica Chen said before the strike that “we value our relationship with all our employees, and we are committed to resolving the contract negotiations. While we respect the nurses’ right to strike, patients and their loved ones can be assured that our patients will continue to be cared for by qualified replacement registered nurses and other caregivers during any strike action,” she said. The California Nurses Association is part of National Nurses United which staged the strike.
Piff the Magic Dragon opens Segerstrom Fall season
Piff the Magic Dragon, standout star of NBC’s America’s Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool Us, brings his one-of-a-kind comedy magic show to Segerstrom Center for the Arts September 27 and 28 in the Samueli Theater for four performances.
After achieving national acclaim on television, Piff The Magic Dragon continues to win audiences across the globe with his magical mixture of wizardry, wit and sarcasm. Recently named one of the 10 Comics to Watch in 2019 by Variety, Piff is accompanied by his trusty sidekick Mr. Piffles – The World’s Only Magic Performing Chihuahua™.
The dynamic duo bring laughs and illusions to Orange County for two nights of unforgettable comedy.
Piff and Mr. Piffles perform nightly to sold out audiences at the newly named Piff the Magic Dragon Theatre at the world-famous Flamingo Casino in Las Vegas. Although Piff might not be as famous as his older brother — Steve — there’s no doubt the recent years following his loss on season 10 of American’s Got Talent have been monumental for the act, voted Best Comedian in the 2018 Best of Las Vegas Awards.
His Las Vegas residency at the Flamingo has rightly earned its reputation as one of the city’s most sought-after shows with a recent addition of a second performance each night due to high demand. Piff and Mr. Piffles have performed to hundreds of thousands in some of the most iconic venues across the globe including Radio City Music Hall, Shakespeare’s Globe, the O2, and the Sydney Opera House.
In 2018, Piff filmed his first one-hour special featuring his good friend, Penn Jillette, and performed his acclaimed show at the 2018 Just For Laughs in Montreal and at the William H. Macy Gala. Piff, along with Jade Simone, a genuine Las Vegas showgirl, are currently performing across the US and Canada in their 2019 tour, The Lucky Dragon.
Single tickets start at $39 and are available now online at www.SCFTA.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling (714) 556-2787.
Courtesy photo
Piff the Magic Dragon and Mr. Piffles
This Week in Prep Sports
Cypress football looks to go 5-0 when they play Capistrano Valley at home on Friday at 7 p.m. Los Al got its first win, handily defeating Carson over the weekend 27-0. They look to capitalize on the momentum when they play St. Paul in Santa Fe Springs this Friday. Kennedy is 2-2 and plays Costa Mesa this Friday. Oxford Academy Girls Volleyball is off to a good start and plays in nearby Cerritos early next week. Here are your opportunities to support local prep athletes:
September 25:
5:10 p.m. Los Alamitos HS Boys Water Polo vs. Edison @ Newport
September 26:
2:30 p.m. Los Alamitos HS Girls Golf @ Corona Del Mar at Newport CC
3 p.m. Kennedy HS Boys Water Polo vs. Tustin
3 p.m. Cypress HS Girls Tennis @ Tustin
3 p.m. Los Alamitos HS Girls Tennis @ Laguna
3:30 p.m. Cypress HS Girls Golf @ Tustin Ranch
4:30 p.m. Cypress HS Volleyball @ Tustin
5:45 p.m. Los Alamitos HS Girls Volleyball vs. Edison
6 p.m. Cypress HS Boys Water Polo @ Pacifica
6:30 p.m. Kennedy HS Girls Volleyball vs. Crean Lutheran
September 27:
7 p.m. Cypress HS Football @ Capistrano Valley
7 p.m. Kennedy HS Football @ Costa Mesa
7:30 p.m. Los Alamitos HS Football @ St. Paul
October 1:
3:15 p.m. Kennedy HS Boys Water Polo vs. Los Amigos
4:15 p.m. Kennedy HS Girls Volleyball vs. Tustin
4:20 p.m. Oxford Academy Girls Volleyball @ Cerritos
4:30 p.m. Cypress HS Girls Volleyball @ Pa
Rossmoor Woman’s Club present scholarships of the month
At its first meeting of the fall season on Sept. 12, the Rossmoor Woman’s Club honored Los Alamitos High students Julia Carpenter and Noah Shafton as Seniors of the Month for September and August respectively.
Violinist Julia was selected for the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association “All Southern” California Honors Orchestra the past two years. She has been in the LAHS String Orchestra for three years. As concertmaster for two years, she played featured solo parts when the orchestra performed at Segerstrom Hall and at Walt Disney Concert Hall. She also performed in Australia with Musique Sur La Mer Youth Symphony and was the Concertmaster for their tour of England and Wales.
In addition, she represented LAHS at the California Girls State leadership program over the summer, is serving as senior class co-president, is president of the Thirst Project (a club that raises money to aid in the global water crisis) and is on the Alamitos Bay Yacht Club’s junior board.
Noah is on the LAHS football team and has also received Certificates of Excellence in Mathematics and Science. He is a board member of the Thirst Project and participates in Spanish Honors Society, Model United Nations and the California Scholarship Federation. In college, he plans to pursue a double major in Communications and Spanish.
The club awarded each student a $600 scholarship.
Rossmoor Woman’s Club prepares for Autumn Fest
Rossmoor resident Sue Goldberg shows off some of the decorative pumpkins made by Rossmoor Woman’s Club members that will be for sale at the club’s booth at the St. Hedwig Autumn Fest Sept. 27-29. All proceeds from the sale will go to fund the woman’s club’s charitable giving program and scholarships for Los Alamitos High School students. Autumn Fest— which includes carnival rides, entertainment, food and more — will be open from 6 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday at St. Hedwig Catholic Church, 11482 Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos.