The Long Beach Republican Women Federated welcomes constitutional law professor Dr. John Eastman to its Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019 breakfast meeting.
The meeting will be held at the conveniently located Long Beach Airport Marriott (4700 Airport Plaza Drive), and the morning meeting includes information critical to Republicans who want to Keep America Great.
Registration starts at 9 a.m. with a scrumptious breakfast served at 9:30 a.m. The cost is just $30 for members and $35 for non-members and there is free parking and the delicious plated breakfast.
Eastman is the Henry Salvatori Professor of Law & Community Service at Chapman University Fowler School of Law. He also served as the School’s Dean from June 2007 to January 2010, where he stepped down to pursue a bid for California Attorney General. He clerked for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and was a Reagan appointee to the Civil Rights Commission. More recently, Eastman is an advisor to President Trump regarding federal judgeships. Republicans have seen him interviewed on multiple conservative programs or read his articles in various publications.
In addition to Professor Eastman’s informative presentation, the breakfast meeting offers like-minded women and men an opportunity to learn more about Republican Women Federated and how they can be part of America’s largest grassroots organization. For information and reservations email LongBeachRWF@gmail.com or call 562-881-5661.
The legendary Cameron Mackintosh’s “Miss Saigon” is on tour with all the splendor of its Broadway revival. It’s winging its way to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts on October 1, 2019 with sensational pageantry, including the helicopter landing on stage and an international cast of 42 multi talented performers. Among the outstanding company is Red Concepcion leading the first-rate company as ‘The Engineer.’
It’s been 28 years since “Miss Saigon” first appeared on Broadway and its producer Cameron Mackintosh says of the once controversial show about war and love “it is still relevant today because of the tragic love story at the heart of the show and innocent people being torn apart by war all over the world.”
“Miss Saigon” is the story of a young Vietnamese woman, Kim, who is torn apart by the war and forced to work in a bar owned by a cunning character known as the Engineer. She meets and falls in love with an American soldier, Chris. They are ripped apart by the fall of Saigon. Pregnant with Chris’s son, she endures hardships until eventually, with the help of the Engineer, she and her son flee to Bangkok. Much like the Puccini’s opera “Madame Butterfly” upon which the musical is loosely based it is the tragic tale of doomed romance between an American lover and a blameless Asian woman.
Philippine actor Red Concepcion, who landed the principle role as the Engineer, had never seen the show prior to landing the part. He explains “Miss Saigon is has been really big in the Philippines since forever because the very first Kim, Lea Salonga, is Filipino. As a child I grew up listening to its music with my family who had the very first cast cassettes. We would play the tapes, but because I was a kid we’d skip over the Engineers parts, the lyrics aren’t exactly kid friendly.”
Because of his background, Concepcion auditioned believing he was familiar with the story. But he was surprised and a bit overwhelmed with the importance of his character. He says “On the first day of rehearsals, Kim, and I, with a couple of others, were asked to just sing through the show. I was really in shock because I didn’t realize how big the role of the Engineer was. I thought ‘OMG,’ how am I going to do this? I had my head in my hands during break, thinking I won’t be able to do this but it turned out to be a plus that I wasn’t familiar with the scale of the character. I was able to take a fresh look at the Engineer and create my own take on him. It’s such a great role and I’m having fun playing the Engineer.
The Engineer is pivotal to the plot of “Miss Saigon.” As Concepcion says “The Engineer serves a lot of archetype roles. He’s the narrator and antihero, although I don’t see him as a villain but more as a product of war and the ways in which it pushes people into what they eventually become. Yea, he’s the bad guy who does some unsavory things and makes unscrupulous choices because that’s all he knows having come from the background of life in a war-torn county. I feel the real villain is war. It changes people. The show is still so impactful because it’s a good reminder of the perils and evils of war. Audiences are reminded to do anything they can to make sure that it never happens again.”
The Engineer is sleazy and cunning, corrupt to the core, yet he’s somehow likable. Concepcion wrestled with how to make the Engineer simpatico for audiences. He says “The Engineer is such a despicable character that making him likable was one of the challenges I had approaching the role. Sure audiences are supported to hate him but also to like him. I was juggling how to navigate this and realized he’s a charlatan. He swindles people with the tools at his disposal, wit and smarts, using charm and charisma to manipulate others. When you meet someone who’s charismatic and funny they disarm you, winning your trust. And that’s was my way into his character. I justify his being likable and such a horrible character simply because it’s just who he is.”
Concepcion as the Engineer, host/pimp and employer of Kim and other down on their luck ladies, has mastered his role receiving accolades from critics. It’s been said that he steals the second act when he sings “American Dream” with sly cynicism and ribald humor. Another critic claimed “Conception’s Engineer is irremissibly charismatic and endearing, despite embodying the most craven and vile opportunism.”
The Engineer may be a callous scoundrel but Concepcion does relish playing him. He says “One of the neat things about playing the Engineer is that I get to wear some really fancy clothes, he’s got a lot more stagger and style than I do. It’s fun to wear the purple jacket with all the bling. When I’m in his shoes I put on his persona. The best part of being him on stage is I have some lots of active numbers. My favorite is ‘American Dream.”
The lyrics to “American Dream,” although outside the kid zone, contain some of what he considers his best lines. But it’s the beautiful duet “I Still Believe” sung by Kim (Emily Bastista) and Ellen (Stacie Bono) that touches his heart. For Concepcion, every scene, song and energy fueled dance numbers are highlights of a visually glorious show.
However, the most memorable moment, for me, in last Century’s “Miss Saigon” was when the three ton Helicopter with a blade extension of 19’8” in diameter lands on the stage to evaluate American troops. The tempestuous scene, in which chain-link fences separate Americans from Vietnamese, freedom from unknown mayhem, is heartbreaking. The musical revival continues to wow audiences with a life-sized helicopter swooping to the rescue of the troops. And it’s just as tear-jerking. Concepcion cautions “bring a box of tissues or lots of hankies.”
“Miss Saigon” is filled with epic emotions while delivering all the grandeur and spectacle of Broadway. And because it speaks to far-reaching issues of immigration, the subjection of women, war, and America’s place on the World stage, it is still relevant in the 21st Century.
The American cultural memory of the Vietnam War is complex. In pop culture it symbolizes American culpability. Grittier and more honest, Director Laurence Connor latest re-incarnation of “Miss Saigon” arrives at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts “Miss Saigon” opens on October 1, 2019. For tickets and information: online SCFTA.org. The Box Office, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa; or phone (909-866-6939). Hours are 19 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily.
Organizers have announced that the 7th Annual Cypress Women’s Conference will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the Cypress Community Center, located at 5700 Orange Avenue.
The Women’s Conference will honor Cypress Woman of the Year Linda Keenan for her notable contributions and active service to the Cypress community. Linda is a member of the Cypress Woman’s Club, serves on the Cypress Children’s Advocacy Board, volunteers for Cypress Chamber of Commerce events and much more.
The Conference will also feature keynote speaker Nicole Suydam, President & CEO, Goodwill of Orange County as well as a variety of breakout sessions. Be sure to register in advance as tickets will not be sold at the door. The cost to attend is $15 and online registration is available at http://cypresswomensconference.eventbrite.com
Forget the fact that everyone in the Los Alamitos High School Show Choir was not even born when Barry Manilow became a superstar songwriter and performer, it was sheer musical harmony when they got the chance to perform on the big stage with him, accompanied by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.
“It was a super fun night,” said Michelle Samuelson, a parent of one of 60 members of the famed Show Choir to appear recently with Manilow at the Hollywood Bowl. Manilow, she said, is a “great entertainer.”
Manilow, she said, was gracious and even self-deprecating. “I know my music will around forever,” she remembers the 76-year-old icon telling the audience, “as long as there are dentist offices and elevators.”
She said for many performers, just one of these three things would be a lifelong dream: perform at an iconic venue, sing with a legendary singer-songwriter, or be accompanied by world-renown philharmonic orchestra.
Yet, the members of Los Alamitos High School (LAHS) Show Choir had an opportunity to do all three in one weekend, she said.
On Sept. 6 and 7, students were invited on stage with Barry Manilow, accompanied by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl.
She said approximately 60 students who are members of Sound FX, the Advanced Mixed Choir, and several members of Soundtrax, the Advanced Women’s Choir, performed at the sold-out event.
“This might be a treasured memory for these dedicated and talented young artists,” said Samuelson.
The latest achievement of the Los Alamitos Show Choir is just one of many amazing feats orchestrated by Choir Director David Moellenkamp, who is now a Vice Principal. Under his leadership, the Los Al Show Choir has achieved stratospheric recognition and a long list of “firsts.
In addition to Manilow, the Los Al Show Choir has appeared on stage and performed with Kristin Bell, Nick Jonas, John Stamos, Journey, Foreigner, Patti Lupon and Kristin Chenoweth, just to mention a few.
While the awards are indeed too numerous to mention, the Los Al choirs and SoundFX have taken home an astounding nine national championships. Even so, the Los Al Choirs do not limit sharing their amazing talent with only celebrities, as they often perform for numerous local charities and public events.
In the weeks before the Manilow event, Samuelson said the students rehearsed the songs under Moellenkamp’s and Associate Director Moana Dherlin’s direction.
At the Hollywood Bowl, they learned the choreography and music from Manilow’s back-up singer, Kye Brackett, she said.
Students were delighted when they had a chance to go backstage at the Bowl and talk with some of the members of the LA Philharmonic.
The Los Alamitos Unified School District has launched a series of major construction projects financed by the $97-million Measure G bond approved by voters last fall. The projects all are intended to create safe, up-to-date environments in which District students can excel in academics, athletics, activities and the arts, according to a press release from Los Al Unified.
New playground at Weaver Elementary School in Rossmoor.
Most of the work is taking place on the 52-year-old Los Alamitos High School campus. The District has nearly completed an overhaul of aging, overburdened data and electrical systems to support the current needs of technology-based curriculum and allow for future expansion and adaptation.
The familiar breezeway entrance to the high school has been demolished in Phase I of construction of a three-story classroom building that will provide students with state-of-the-art science lab facilities and transform the appearance of the Cerritos Avenue campus. The 83,000 square-foot structure — estimated to cost $52.4 million — is planned to open in the fall of 2022 and will include 14 science classrooms, 13 general education classrooms, and career and technical education centers for subjects such as engineering and robotics. In addition, the building will serve as the main entrance to the campus and house administrative, health and counseling offices, and career center, as well as a media center that will be designed to encourage a wide range of student collaboration activities.
Architect rendering of new Aquatic Center on Los Alamitos High School campus. Courtesy photo
Phase II of the classroom building construction will begin this Spring with demolition of the administration building and reconfiguration of the parking lot on the Cerritos Avenue side of the campus. Construction of the classroom building also will enable the high school to remove 26 deteriorating portable classrooms that are no longer adequate to serve student needs.
Construction also has begun on a $9.2-million Los Alamitos High Aquatics Center that will feature a competition pool complex for swimming, diving and water polo, as well as bleacher seating, MUSCO lighting, a 3M competition diving platform and a classroom building. The center is set to open by the start of school next year.
Architect rendering of new Los Alamitos High classroom building facing Cerritos Ave.
Finally, the district is finalizing plans for a second gym at the high school that, in combination with the existing building, will provide three courts for students to practice at school instead of having to be transported off-campus as they are now. The $20-million facility is tentatively scheduled to open for the 2023-24 school year.
Elsewhere in the district, smaller-scale Measure G projects also have been completed or are underway. The District has built new playgrounds at Rossmoor and Weaver elementary schools and soon will build another at McGaugh Elementary in Seal Beach. New restroom buildings also are slated for Los Alamitos and Hopkinson elementary schools.
Foundation work for new Aquatic Center on Los Alamitos High School campus.
A Citizens Bond Oversight Committee is responsible for monitoring District expenditures to make sure bond funds are only used for projects specified in the voter-approved measure.
“Our community gave us a strong vote of confidence last year by passing the bond,” said Los Alamitos Unified School Board President Diana Hill. “We take seriously our obligation to be good stewards of the funds entrusted to us, and the Measure G projects show that we are doing our utmost for our students.”
The Cypress City Council met on Monday, September 9. Included in the happenings of note were a City Clerk personnel announcement, an exciting announcement regarding four young ballerinas, and a brief discussion on the cost associated with being part of the North Service Planning Area.
New City Clerk
It was announced that in closed session earlier in the evening, Alisha Farnell had been named the new City Clerk. Farnell has worked for the city for 13 years, as a Management Analyst, then a Senior Management Analyst. When City Clerk Denise Basham retired in April after an 18-year career with the city, Farnell became Acting City Clerk. The City Council has voted unanimously to remove the “interim” modifier from her title. She is now the Cypress City Clerk.
Success at Strong Dance Studio
Four young ballerinas from Cypress’ Strong Dance Studio were recognized. Young Chloe, Katrina, Sophia and Samara have been selected to begin training at the American Ballet Theatre Gillespie School, housed at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. Studio owner Rachel Strong spoke of the pride she has in her students, getting into this prestigious school that dancers nationwide audition for each year. She called the Gillespie School the west coast branch of the “most prestigious company in North America,” and said it’s bittersweet for her to see these four students she’s trained since their earliest dance days move on.
Mayor Stacy Berry read a short bio of each of the girls, and presented them with awards for outstanding achievement in performing arts.
North SPA controversy
There was a seemingly inconspicuous item on the consent calendar, to “Receive and file the settlement agreement with Orange County Catholic Worker and the Memorandum of Understanding for the North Orange County Service Planning Area Homeless Navigation Centers.” While nearly every other item on the consent calendar passed without discussion, Councilwoman Mariellen Yarc pulled this item and wanted to clarify that she was not in support of it.
The item had to do with homelessness in the region, and the lawsuit brought against some Orange County cities after the homeless encampment at the Santa Ana Riverbed was cleared but there was not a corresponding number of shelter beds for the individuals to utilize. The North Service Planning Area (SPA) is a group of North Orange County cities that collaborated to make plans to open two shelters, in Placentia and Buena Park. This will give local police departments the go-ahead to resume enforcing anti-camping ordinances.
Cypress entered into the North SPA by entering into a Memorandum of Understanding, and effectively opting into helping cover the costs of the shelters as a collaborative effort.
However Yarc said the prices that Cypress is being asked to chip in have “shot up” from what they were originally told, and she wanted the City Clerk to note that she was not in support.
The amount that each North SPA city is to put forth was determined based on city population, homeless population and existing homeless shelter beds. According to a staff report, Cypress’ upfront amount is currently estimated to be $62,000, plus an ongoing share of operating costs estimated at $80,000. The report admits that “these costs will likely increase as the projects proceed resulting in additional contributions.”
The City of Los Alamitos has discussed similar frustrations in their City Council, in July having considered leaving the North SPA, but ultimately deciding to stay after assuring that costs would be capped going forward.
Cities can opt out of the North SPA only by giving a one-year notice and making a withdrawal payment equal to three times their most recent annual contribution.
Despite Yarc’s comment, the item passed with the rest of the consent calendar, though the conversation may continue in the future as the shelters develop and costs evolve.
The Cypress City Council will meet again on Monday, September 23 at 7 p.m. at 5275 Orange Ave.
As of press time, registered nurses plan to hold a one-day strike Sept. 20 at Los Alamitos Medical Center urging management to make further investments into its nursing staff and patient care.
According to a statement released by the California Nurses Association, registered nurses at the facility will hold a one-day strike on Sept. 20 at the Tenet owned Los Alamitos Medical Center.
“This will improve the recruitment and retention of registered nurses and ensure optimal medical care,” said the California Nurses Association in a press release.
The association claims approximately 350 registered nurses work at the Tenet Los Alamitos Medical Center. In addition, they said nurses at seven other Tenet facilities in California will be affected by one-day strikes, they said.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Los Alamitos Medical Center acknowledged the one-day walkout but said they are resolved to remain focused on quality care for their patients.
“The California Nurses Association, the labor union that represents many of our California nurses, has announced its intention to hold a strike on September 20 at Los Alamitos Medical Center,” said Tenet spokesperson Jessica Chen.
“We have been negotiating in good faith with union representatives over the last few months in an effort to reach a new contract. We are disappointed that the union is taking this approach,” she said.
In addition, Chen said Los Al Medical Center has “made progress toward a new contract and will continue to negotiate in hopes of reaching a successful resolution.”
“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.
Moreover, the Tenet spokesperson said the facility will “remain focused on providing safe, quality care to our patients.”
The Los Alamitos Volunteer Program, sponsored by Southland Credit Union, will offer three members scholarships that will assist them in furthering their education. Applicants must minimally fulfill the following criteria.
Be a member of the Los Alamitos Volunteer program for a minimum of two completed years.
Must have a minimum of 100 hours volunteered as a member of the L.A.V.P. program.
Must be in good standings with the L.A.V.P. program
Submit a scholarship application.
Applications will be accepted beginning September 1 with a deadline of October 11, 2019. Three scholarships will be awarded annually. The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commission will determine the scholarship recipients and a presentation will be done at an upcoming City Council meeting.
Gold Scholarship – $750.00
Silver Scholarship – $500.00
Bronze Scholarship – $250.00
Applications to join the Los Alamitos Volunteer Program or to apply for the Scholarship may be found at www.cityoflosalamitos.org/recreation.
As Americans, we should be able to debate issues without using Nazi or Holocaust references, misquoting and misconstruing facts and history.
Comparing President Trump to Hitler, a genocidal maniac who systematically murdered 12 million people – six million of whom were Jewish, or stating that Republicans are Nazis – Socialist fascist murderers that sought to annihilate the Jewish people, is false and unconscionable.
As a Holocaust refugee, I waited in displaced persons camps for four years with affidavits of support from family members to come to the United States legally. I was not given free health care, education, and housing by the U.S. government. The U.S. provided me with what I wanted most – freedom.
Those who support open borders should not compare or call U.S. border facilities “concentration camps.” Let me tell you about concentration camps. In 1944, my family was forcibly removed from our homes and taken to the Munkács Ghetto for three months with nothing but the little fruit and bread my mother packed us, sleeping next to dying fellow Jews in the streets. We were then shoved like sardines into hot, crowded cattle cars, standing for days without food, water, and only a pot for a “bathroom.” In Auschwitz, I was forever separated from my father, mother, two married sisters (each with two children), younger brothers and one sister who were all murdered in the gas chambers; their bodies burned in the crematoria.
My sister and I with shaved heads, prison clothes, and numbers, were slave laborers in Geislingen, and finally near death in Dachau until 1945 when we were liberated by the American Army. Throughout this genocide, there were no warm showers, healthy meals, sanitary restrooms or mattress bedding provided by U.S. authorities. On a daily basis, people were tortured, starved to death, shot and systematically murdered.
THAT is a concentration camp, and those in the media and Democrat party who fuel hate by false comparisons denigrate all of the victims and survivors of the Holocaust.
I am a proud Jewish American, a 91-year old Holocaust Survivor.
I support President Donald Trump, whose deeds on behalf of all U.S. citizens, its Jewish people, and the State of Israel, are the reason I will support him again in 2020.
Over 170 family members, friends, parishioners of St. Irenaeus Church and special guests gathered at Cypress Senior Center to celebrate Cypress resident Margaret “Peggy” Coakley’s 90th birthday on September 7, 2019. In addition to local family members, Peggy’s nieces and nephews came from the states of Alaska, Arizona, British Columbia, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Oregon, and South Carolina.
Guests at the birthday celebration were treated to a delicious Mexican buffet with pork, beef and chicken tacos, rice, bean, chips and salsa prepared by “The Wanted Tacos.” There was a table filled with four colorfully decorated birthday cakes, artistically decorated sugar cookies and cake pops, which were prepared by “Cakes by Marion.” In addition, there were Mexican churros and cupcakes from Sam’s Club, and fruit kabobs, made by Karen Cangey, that were the first desserts to disappear. Another table was filled with an assortment of drinks including margaritas,sangria, pineapple juice, horchata and watermelon juice. The Coakley family members and friends made sure that no one was hungry or thirsty at Peggy’s 90th birthday party!
Pictured at Peggy Coakley’s 90th Birthday Celebration are Peggy and her classmates from Saint Anthony’s Class of 1947. Sitting are Peggy, at left, and Katie Campion on the right. Standing are Vicky Sauter, Betty Buffington, and Bob Thompson.
Peggy’s youngest son, Peter Coakley, and his brother Brian’s wife, Jamie Sims Coakley, were hosts of the party. They welcomed everyone as they arrived. Jamie and Brian later entertained guests with their singing the song “Jackson” with Brian also singing and playing his guitar. They arranged to have the mariachi band, “Trio Mariachi Capri” entertain guests throughout the afternoon and also sing special songs in Spanish to Peggy to celebrate her birthday.
Among the first guests to arrive were Fr. Binh Nguyen, pastor of St. Irenaeus Church. Fr. Binh offered a blessing before meals and a blessing for Peggy for her birthday. Peggy and her late husband, Robert “Bob” Coakley, were members of St. Irenaeus Parish since 1969, so Peggy was pleased to have Fr. Binh come and give his blessings. Peggy and Bob were married for 64 years until Bob’s passing in 2013. Bob was also a former director of St. Irenaeus’ Adult Choir for many years.
Special guests who came to Peggy’s party were four of Peggy’s classmates who graduated with her from St. Anthony’s High School in Long Beach with the Class of 1947. Her classmate, Vicky Sauter came from where she lives in Hacienda Heights. The other three classmates still live in Long Beach. The Long Beach residents who came were Betty Buffington, Katie Campion, and Bob Thompson. Bob Thompson’s daughter, Catherine, brought her father to the party. Peggy and the four other Class of 1947 members s keep their minds sharp by reading books and meeting once a month to discuss the books at Eldorado Park Book Club with Betty Buffington as leader.
3. Pictured are the Mariachi Trio Capri singing songs in Spanish to Peggy with Bob Thompson and his daughter Catherine standing and enjoying their singing.
Peggy said that she was most happy to see Dr. Daniel Gary Busby, Director of Music and Liturgy at St. Irenaeus Church from 1988 to 1997. She joined the St. Irenaeus Choir after her husband retired as choir director. She said she always enjoyed singing with Gary Busby. Gary said that he retired in 2019 from the staff at the University of California at Irvine, as Professor and Chair of UCI’s Drama Department. He is now Executive Director of MY PHILANTHROPIES in Newport Beach.
At 3:00 p.m., everyone joined in singing “Happy Birthday” to Peggy and were able to choose a piece of cake from one of the four colorful cakes that were displayed on the dessert table. There were a variety of cakes including a large chocolate cake and a huge banana cake. A slice of the banana cake was so large that it took two small paper plates to hold one piece of that cake! Peggy blew out the lighted candles on the smallest cake with one breath!
After everyone had a piece of birthday cake or cookies, different groups of people gathered to be photographed with Peggy. Since Peggy and Bob Coakley had five children and 13 grandchildren, there were many pictures taken of her friends, her classmates and family members Including children, grandchildren, cousins, nephews and nieces, and other relatives.
Peggy said that she had been dreaming about her 90th birthday party on her real birthday on September 1st. Now she will have pictures to look at and remember her fantastic 90th birthday celebration on September 7, 2019 with all her friends and extended family members.
The Cypress Boys Under 16 AYSO 154 soccer team volunteered on a recent Saturday in Second Harvest Food Bank’s main distribution center, packing fruits and vegetables and crating them for distribution to the community. Pictured are, left to right, Joseph Lovers, Jake Harris, Joshua Gloster, Coach Christian Harris, Andrew Vazquez, Ethan Lee, Joshua Sandoval, Aayush Roy, Anthony Esteves and Tyler Ngo (not pictured).
Former Cypress softball standout honored in Iowa City
Standing before 70,000 fans in Iowa City this past week, memories of Diane Pohl’s long softball career came flooding in as she became one of the most celebrated athletes to ever enjoy such reverence from fans at the University of Iowa.
Three decades after she was a Cypress High School softball standout, Pohl was back in Iowa to be inducted into the Hawkeye Sports Hall of Fame.
“It was amazing,” she said. “There is no other way to describe it.” Pohl said the university “rolled out the red carpet and it was a humbling experience.”
Pohl with her 10-year-old son Aiden at the induction ceremony.
Pohl, along with a handful of other Hall of Fame selected athletes, were honored at halftime during the Hawkeyes’ win over Miami last Saturday as fans remembered Pohl’s greatness on the Hawkeye softball diamond.
Her feelings toward the fans were mutual, she said, even though the whole Iowa thing was never intended to happen.
Pohl was very highly recruited after graduating from Cypress High School, where she led the team to great success. The former Centurion said she remembers having no real intention to attend the University of Iowa.
Pohl’s softball legend had already begun to grow. From Westminster to Gordon’s Panthers, then, after moving to Cypress High School, holiday travel ball, OC Knighthawks, national titles, CIF appearances, etc., Pohl became one of the most recognized catchers in California.
Back then, many of the most powerful softball programs west of the Mississippi wanted Pohl to play softball for them. Iowa was not high on her list (to say the least).
Nevertheless, Gayle Blevins, then the Hawkeye softball coach, had other ideas. Blevins “relentlessly” recruited Pohl. She called her. Encouraged her; sent birthday cards. It never stopped, Pohl remembers.
Pohl’s now famous jersey.
So much so that, “as a courtesy” to Blevins, Pohl decided to use one of her official visits to travel to Iowa and speak to coach Blevins.
“I only agreed to take the trip because Gayle was persistent,” said Pohl. “She recruited me from the day she got to Iowa,” said Pohl, so “I felt like I at least owed her a trip to Iowa.”
Pohl said the trip changed her life.
Unlike huge universities like USC and UCLA, Pohl said the University of Iowa campus was not restricted to the educational campus. The university, she said, “was the whole town. There are no professional sports in town, so the college is it. And they love it.”
Almost immediately upon arrival, said Pohl, she fell in love with the university and Iowa City. “It’s a Big Ten college town” where the campus and the city are synonymous, said Pohl.
Then, she said, in her meeting with Coach Blevins, the wise coach changed her perspective about the future, making her understand that in Iowa, “you can make more of a difference.”
In fact, the visit was so successful, that when her dad (Tom) picked her up at the airport, Pohl remembers his sort of stunned reaction as she told him, “I might go to the University of Iowa.”
Pohl is now “the only female coach” in West Lin, Oregon where she coaches her son Aiden.
In the end, Pohl obviously decided to attend the University of Iowa where she became a “superstar,” including being named the first-ever All-American girls softball player in the university’s history. In fact, she amassed an amazing assortment of softball records (see chart above).
It had been a long road down the softball base paths for Pohl, beginning her career at 9-years-old when she saw a sign for “Little Miss Softball” signups in Westminster.
While her dad immediately found someone to begin teaching her how to pitch, she remembers Ron LeFebvre showing her the new method of “windmill” pitching.
As time went on, however, she clearly remembers the day LeFebvre told her she seemed more comfortable “catching” the pitcher rather than pitching “and he was right.” So not long after, she switched to catching.
Says Pohl, sitting behind the plate gave her a sense of control of the game which felt incredibly comfortable for her. “I took command of the field and ever since then, I absolutely loved sitting behind the plate and controlling the field.”
According to the Hawkeyes’ website, Pohl became Iowa’s first National Softball Coaches Association All-America selection during a season where she was voted the team’s co-Most Valuable Player.
In her second season, she received a second All-American selection, hitting near .350 with 38 stolen bases and leading the Big Ten in seven categories.
Throughout most of her career, she led the batting order. She was fast on her feet and always ready to play, injured or not. While at the University of Iowa, the Hawkeyes won 170 games, two Big Ten championships, and made two NCAA Regionals.
Although her stolen base record is now gone, she still ranks third and is happy the program has grown to the point of breaking old records.
Following her record shattering collegiate career, Pohl returned to Cypress to coach for several years before landing a corporate job in Oregon, where she now coaches Aiden, her 10-year-old son. She said Aiden, who accompanied her to the ceremonies, said “Mom, I guess you were pretty good.”
Pohl told a university reporter that, during her last game as a Hawkeye, she remembers sitting in the dugout next to Coach Blevins and simply staring at the field. “That was all there was left to do.”
After that last game, a young Iowa girl brought her a Dixie cup full of the infield dirt, telling her she should have it “because you have made such a difference.”
Diane Pohl’s softball legend began in the dirt behind home plate and, as far as that cup of Iowa infield dirt given to her, she still treasures it today.
“I am deeply honored and gratified by the university’s decision” to be inducted into the University of Iowa Hall of Fame. Pohl said her entire collegiate softball career was an amazing experience that began with that unlikely trip to Iowa City as a courtesy to Coach Blevins.
“It was well worth it,” she said.
Coach Blevins was correct. Diane Pohl did indeed make a difference.
Lebanese immigrant Tony Assali shared an inspirational story of unlikely business success on Friday as he recounted to Los Alamitos Chamber members the day when he arrived in America with $28 in his pocket.
He then proceeded to build an empire of successful businesses that, he said, fulfilled his own American Dream.
Now an Orange County businessman, Assali slowly retraced his steps to success for the packed Chamber meeting.
Assali went all the way back to when he first arrived in America and how he began to recognize “white tigers,” his metaphor for lucrative business opportunities that no one else had either seen or pursued.
In fact, Assali has named his recent memoir, “Catch a White Tiger, How I Achieved the American Dream with $28,” and he explained to the Chamber audience his philosophy and why he wrote the book.
In it, he explains how he escaped a civil war in Lebanon, and how he eventually was able to work his way across America and get his entire family to America as well.
Back in the 1970’s, when ethnic and religious differences led to the killing of Christians in Beirut, Assali said his father decided it was time for him to escape the violence.
Assali said he left most of money for his parents and arrived in Boston with $28 and a dream. “I was never afraid,” he remembered, and he said “I wasn’t worried.
Even back in Lebanan, Assali said he had already achieved modest success in business by seeing opportunities that others did not, so he figured in America he would be able to do the same.
After meeting people in church, he landed odd jobs like working in a wholesale donut factory. “I didn’t eat donuts for three years after that,” he said, and soon he had accumulated a bit of money and began to explore the northeast.
When a friend took him to a fancy restaurant, he noticed there was not a wine steward, or sommelier, to match the wine with the menu. “That was another white tiger,” he said, convincing the manager to allow him to do the job and keep a percentage of the sales.
For Assali, the venture became another smashing success. “God Bless America,” he said.
Despite his growing success in America, Assali said he was still desperate to get his entire family out of Lebanon. One day, he said, he composed a letter to the Greek Ambassador, attached his financial statement, and asked the Greek government to round up several members of his family, including his parents, award them tourist visas, then safely get them to America.
“Next thing I know,” said Assali, “my father is on the phone with me telling me” when they would arrive at Boston’s Logan airport.
Even though he was still living in a one-room apartment, they entire family lived together for a time in that one-bedroom. “It was one of the best times of my life,” he said. Actually, Assali’s speech to the Los Alamitos Chamber on Friday came exactly 43 years to day from when his parents arrived in Boston (Sept. 6, 1976).
According to Assali, there are “white tigers,” (a name he uses to characterize hidden opportunities) are available to everyone, but many people do not act on them because of the “inner critic” within us. “We all have an inner critic and a creative side,” said Assali.
While the inner critic is always suggesting consequences or reasons not to do things, the creative side is where ideas and solutions exist if we have the courage to pursue them.
“If you are determined, the word ‘no’ does not exist. Do me favor and set a goal, then achieve it,” he said. “If you’re not going to follow through to achieve the goal, just don’t set it.”
Assali said he eventually got into the food business, became wealthy when he sold it, then built several other lucrative businesses, including an Orange County real estate portfolio.
Please “believe in yourself,” said Assali, “silence your inner critic, trusts your instincts and “find your white tiger,” he urged.
Assali’s book is available on Amazon.com.
In other action, the Los Al Chamber:
Heard Chamber board member Stan Blackwell ask for more volunteers for innovative new marketing programs being developed by the Chamber.
Reminded members to attend the Heroes Appreciation Luncheon, honoring men and women in uniform, September 19 at Rush Park Community Center in Rossmoor.
Heard Robert Butler invite “everyone” to the St. Hedwig’s “Autumn Fest, Sept. 29 from noon to 8:00 p.m. Even though this is the annual fundraiser for the church, Butler said “please come even if you don’t know how to spell the word Catholic. It is for everyone in the community.” losalfair.com
Learned from Los Al Recreation Director Ron Noda that several public meetings have been scheduled to explain the financial posture of the city. Details are available at cityoflosalamitos.org.
Learned that the Rossmoor Homeowners Association was sponsoring forums on “Living Trusts.” ourrossmoor.com
The Center for Law and Military Policy, a Huntington Beach think tank dedicated to protecting the legal rights of active duty service members, has named Orange County attorneys Wylie and Ashleigh Aitken as their 2019 Honorees of the Year.
“Because of their lifelong commitment to veterans and service members, it was an easy choice,” said Dr. Dwight Stirling, CEO of the military think tank.
Ashleigh Aitken
Stirling, of Cypress, cited the Aitkens strong support of the Heroes Hall veteran’s museum that opened in 2017, their continuing efforts to secure a veteran’s cemetery in Orange County and Ashleigh Aitken’s formation of a veterans committee when she was president of the OC Bar Association.
Stirling said the father/daughter duo will be honored Oct. 26 at their group’s annual fundraising gala, which will be held at the Fashion Island Hotel in Newport Beach.
“We will honor them for their tireless efforts to support veterans and active duty service members,” said Stirling. Both honorees are partners at the Aitkens + Aitkens + Cohn law firm in Santa Ana.
In addition, Stirling said the group will recognize Jennifer Siebel Newsom, California’s First Partner, for her work as a producer of the groundbreaking documentary “The Invisible War.” The film explored the explosive growth of sexual assault in the United States military and exposed the problems associated with achieving justice for its victims.
Michael Penn, a Santa Ana attorney, will serve as Chairman of the gala, said Stirling.
Stirling, who is America’s only Feres Doctrine Scholar, said 2019 has been a banner year for the Center for Law and Military Policy.
Stirling was invited to testify before the House Armed Services Committee in April as Congress sought to make changes to the Feres Doctrine. The changes would award service members the right to pursue medical malpractice claims in a civil court of law.
Following the hearing, Congress voted for the first time in seven decades to make changes in the antiquated doctrine. Stirling, a former military prosecutor, said “our mission is to protect the legal rights of those who serve the nation in uniform, so this was a significant achievement.”
Congress is expected to discuss the provision when they return from its summer recess, said Stirling.
“We have experienced a tremendous amount of progress this year and we look forward to an exciting gala on October 26,” he said. Members of the state’s Congressional delegation, state assembly, Orange County Board of Supervisors and local elected officials are expected to attend.
For further info about the upcoming gala, please contact Marcia Marinovich, 949-715-9217.
When it comes to politics in small towns, the concern that there aren’t enough interested or qualified people to run for City Council is a real one. And if the pool is small and there are tough decisions to be made on the horizon, can term limits be altered so those already on the Council or with experience can stick around?
These are questions that the City of La Palma finds itself facing. These questions, and the notion of changing the term limits, struck a nerve in the community and provoked an unusually large crowd to attend last week’s City Council Meeting to make their voices heard.
As it stands now, in La Palma, a City Council Member may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms, totaling eight years. They are permitted to run for Council again after that, but only after taking at least four years off.
However at Council meetings in recent months, there has been an off-and-on discussion to consider changing that. Councilman Gerard Goedhart and others have spoken about the value of keeping those with experience on the Council, so they can continue to draw upon their working knowledge of city dealings to see issues all the way through.
There have been discussions about the steep learning curve involved with being a new City Councilmember, and about how a city with a population of only 16,000 faces unique challenges in consistently getting enough quality candidates to run for Council.
According to City Manager Laurie Murray, the city received numerous emails opposed to the proposal, and every single resident that spoke at the meeting was opposed as well.
One factor being discussed is the cost to the city.
Having the term limits voted on by residents will cost money no matter what. But making it a ballot item in the March 2020 primary election would come with a price tag of $49,000, which is significantly more than what the city would pay if the item were to go on the ballot for the general election next November.
Some of the residents accused the Council of being secretive, self-serving and trying to rush this past the voters in March, where not as many voters typically turn out as at the general election.
A resident named Wendy spoke about the cost, saying there are “too many other needs” for the city to be spending $49,000 to put this on the ballot. She said that money would be better spent on children’s programs, parks and law enforcement. She said that this initiative is not one generated by the voters and “seems kind of self-serving.” She was applauded.
Many of the speakers fixated on the insinuation that there aren’t enough qualified or interested people in La Palma to run for Council, and were upset. Resident Sharon Nix said she disagrees, as did Linda De Carvalho, who said she has a Master’s degree and is a past president of the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, and that there are many like her in the city with substantive resumes. She said the city needs to “get us excited about the possibility of running.”
Resident Robert Carruth similarly said there is “no shortage of community interest.”
In 1982, La Palma voters voted to limit Council Members to two consecutive terms, effectively creating the policy that is in place today.
This was reaffirmed in 1996, with the passage of Measure O, which reinstated term limits after they had been unenforced for four years.
A number of former council members were either present to speak on the matter last week, or submitted letters that they had others read for them.
A Mr. Herman, who served on the Council from 1986-1994, and then again from 2002-2010, said any decision made by the city needs to “represent the will of the constituents,” and doing away with the current term limits would not. He said, “Continuity in the City Council is not all that important,” and that regular interjections of new people and new ideas are needed.
Former Mayor Keith Nelson also spoke, saying this would be “disrespectful” to past councils, who all served their terms and then moved along, and that the current and future councils need to do the same. He said past councils have dealt with issues just as difficult as the ones facing the current council and coming down the pipeline, and that history has shown that new people can be swapped in in the midst of challenges. He insinuated that it was arrogant of the current Council to think that they are especially equipped and need to be the ones to stay on and walk the city through the foreseeable future.
Resident Jerry Lomeli expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the city on this matter. He said he walked some of the city over Labor Day weekend, and most of the residents he talked to said they had not heard that this was something the city was considering, and most thought it was unnecessary. Lomeli said he could not find anything about the matter on the city’s website, so didn’t know how people would go about learning more about it.
Resident Robert Carruth pointed out that if the term limits were changed, people would be able to serve on City Council for 24 out of every 26 years. In addition to sharing his own thoughts, he read a letter from former Councilman Steve Hwangbo, in which Hwangbo suggested that La Palma adopt the model that Cypress and Stanton have, which is that an individual can serve on Council for two terms (eight years), and then they are permanently termed out.
And lastly Lisa Walker, the wife of former Mayor Paul Walker, spoke, not necessarily against the notion, but suggesting that it be put on the November ballot for next year’s general election.
Some of the residents criticized Councilman Nitesh Patel and Mayor Pro Tem Peter Kim for abstaining from voting on this when they had the chance at the last Council meeting.
Patel spoke up about this, saying the only reason he had not voted was because he had not yet made a decision and wanted to get residents’ feedback.
Kim said at this point he does not support altering the policy, and wanted to table it permanently.
Councilman Goedhart and Councilwoman Michele Steggell had some stronger words for the residents who had spoken. Goedhart, who had been perhaps the main proponent for wanting to change the term limits and give experienced council members the chance to stay onboard, clarified that he himself is not planning on running again, so his motives are not self-serving. He said people ought not read too much into it.
He said that making a ballot measure for the March election is not necessary, but didn’t rule out supporting it in the general election. And regarding communication with the public, he said, “We’ll make sure everybody knows” if it’s going to be up for vote in the future.
Steggell said, “We are transparent…If you have something to say, give me a call; I’ve heard people say a lot of things tonight, but I haven’t heard my phone ring.”
Mayor Marshall Goodman got the final word, and thanked the residents for coming out and being engaged in their city. He encouraged them to continue to do so, and clarified that no one on the Council is suggesting that there aren’t qualified people in the city that could run. He said he regularly talks to many that are, but that they give excuses for not wanting to take the step, be it because they feel they are too busy, or have children, or don’t want to get involved in politics. He said he himself joined a city committee and then the Council not necessarily because he wanted to, but because someone encouraged him to and he saw the need.
In the end, he proposed that this matter be tabled indefinitely. That motion passed unanimously.
The La Palma City Council will next meet on September 17.
The Los Alamitos High football team rallied from a 14-0 halftime deficit but could not overtake Long Beach Poly as the Griffins fell, 20-14, to the Jackrabbits in a non-league game on Friday at Veteran’s Stadium Long Beach.
The Griffins struggled on offense and miscues on special teams also contributed to a rough first half for Los Alamitos. The Griffin defense was able to keep the deficit manageable by stopping the Jackrabbits three times in the red zone.
The Griffins were finally able to get on the board in the third quarter on a 37-yard touchdown run by Jaiden Mitchell that cut the lead to 14-7. But the Jackrabbits answered with a touchdown drive that pushed their lead to 20-7.
Griffin quarterback Malachi Nelson engineered an 82-yard scoring drive with a 41-yard completion to Giovanni DeLeon that got the Griffins into the red zone. He completed the drive with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Gavin Porch, but that would be as close as the Griffins would get. A late possession ended with a turnover on downs, allowing Long Beach to hold on for the win.
Los Alamitos will have a bye this week. They return to action at Carson High on Sept. 20 at 7 p.m.
Volunteers bring tasty snacks to the Los Alamitos Youth Center golf tournament. Pictured (left to right) are Patricia Megallon of State Farm Insurance, Youth Center volunteer Nicholas Bond, Youth Center Board Member Sara Ho, and Youth Center volunteer Justin Marston. This team worked very hard all day to provide refreshments and snacks for the Youth Center’s annual golf tournament recently held at Old Ranch Country Club. Sara donated her famous snicker doodle cookies from her dessert shop A La Waffle in Los Alamitos. Courtesy photo
The Rossmoor Community Services District (RCSD) actively partners with The Youth Center in Los Alamitos, making a big difference in the lives of local families and children. This year, The Youth Center provided more than $40,000 in scholarship funds for kids to attend summer camp thanks to the RCSD.
With the support of the RCSD, The Youth Center added a third after school program site, Rossmoor After School Club and Learning Services (RASCALS) at Rush Park. RASCALS at Rossmoor Park was open in 2015. “From homework time, tutoring, sports, art, science projects to reading club, The Youth Center not only keeps children safe but enriches their lives with new experiences, self-confidence, and knowledge to succeed in school and life”, said Youth Center Executive Director Lina Lumme. “The partnership with RCSD allows us to provide meaningful programing and offer scholarships to local families in need”.
“On behalf of the Rossmoor Community Services Board of Directors, we are excited to partner with the Youth Center in expanding after school programs,” said RCSD General Manager Joe Mendoza. “Anytime the District can provide programs and resources to families, and especially for our youth directly through local non-profits, it is a win-win for the community.”
Pictured are two Youth Center children working on a painting project at Rush Park. The Youth Center’s new Rossmoor After School Club and Learning Services (RASCALS) at Rush Park is still accepting applications. For more information, please visit online at www.theyouthcenter.org. Courtesy photo
The mission of the RCSD is to provide superior, cost-effective services that enhance the quality of life for the residents of Rossmoor. Approximately 10,500 residents reside in Rossmoor. The RCSD was formed in 1986 by voters, having many of the powers of a city with the exception of land-use planning. The powers granted to the RCSD were public recreation facilities and services, street lighting, road rights-of-way services, sewer services, collection and disposal of garbage, according to the RCSD website.
“Our partnership with the RCSD is vital to the community,” said Lumme. “Thanks to them, we are able to help more local families and children.”
Since 1952, The Youth Center’s mission is to transform children’s lives one family at a time through collaborative social, educational and recreational programs. Their program area not only serves Rossmoor and Los Alamitos, but also cities in Orange and Los Angeles counties.
The Youth Center now has three after school programs, one next to Oak Middle School in Los Alamitos, at Rossmoor Park and at Rush Park in Rossmoor. They receive no federal or state funding but rely upon the community and grants to offer low cost programs to youth ages 5 to 17 years old. Registrations are going on now for their After School Program at The Youth Center located at 10909 Oak Street in Los Alamitos, with some openings at RASCALS Rush Park. (Rossmoor Park is full.) For more information about The Youth Center, please visit www.theyouthcenter.org. For more information about the RCSD, visit www.rossmoor-csd.org.
The Orange Empire Barbershop Chorus performs throughout Orange County, directed by Craig Ewing of Buena Park with Associate Directors Woody Woodson of La Palma and Tom Nicholas from La Habra lending a directing hand too.
For those who enjoy the four-part harmony of barbershop singing, the Orange Empire Chorus is
scheduled for their Summer performance at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W. Malvern Ave., in Fullerton, on Thursday, Aug. 29, which will be followed by their Annual Christmas Cabaret luncheon and dinner shows at 12:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the La Habra Community Center
OEC members come from many local cities and walks of life including La Palma, Buena Park, Anaheim, Garden Grove, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Brea, Diamond Bar, Long Beach, Irvine, La Habra, Orange, Placentia, Roland Heights, Yorba Linda and all points in between.
The common bond of the chorus is singing four-part harmony, with a love to perform for audiences, in tenor, lead, baritone and bass parts.
Men of any age interesting in joining the group for weekly rehearsals, may do so; rehearsals are held at the Fullerton Union High School choir room, Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Guest are always welcome.
Each year, OEC performs, “Harmony Under the Stars” to benefit their “Youth in Harmony” program that supports music education in local high schools. Since the high school music program began, the young people, directed by OEC member and Associate Director Tom Nicholas have now formed quartets at the high school level, which includes both young men and young women as barbershop members.
As the students have become more skilled, they are often invited to perform during the OEC concerts; it’s easy to see and hear that the youth training has and is paying off and will therefore keep barbershop singing, ringing throughout the next generations.
Tickets for any of the upcoming concerts and/or Singing Valentines in the month of February, may be purchased at oechorus.org/DinnerShow or by calling 714-931-6958 or, they may also be ordered by mailing a check to: Show Tickets, Orange Empire Chorus, P.O. Box 3331, Fullerton, CA 92834 and can be picked up at Will Call or a self-addressed and stamped envelope will get the tickets mailed directly to the purchaser.
The Fullerton Barbershop Chapter is a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, which is an international organization of 40,000 members.
For OEC Barbershop information, visit www.oechorus.org
Battleship IOWA, Featuring USO Style Entertainment to benefit Mission 22
Enjoy fine vintages, craft beer and delicious bites – while raising funds for Mission 22. Step back in time with us and relive the incredible 1940’s aboard the historic Battleship USS IOWA in San Pedro.
There will be top USO Style Entertainment, including headliner Jonathan Stout and his Campus Five led by Hilary Alexander, live music by The Satin Dollz, dance exhibitions by the Hollywood It Girls and more.
In addition, DJ Little Red will perform, there will be vintage cars, photo ops with Pin-Ups for Vets, Swing dance lessons, Best Dressed Contest and more.
There will also be an official announcement commemorating the, End Of The War!
All proceeds will directly benefit Mission 22, a non-profit organization. Every day, more than twenty veterans are lost to suicide. Mission 22 wants to bring that number to zero.
The event will be held at the Battleship Iowa, 250 S. Harbor Boulevard, on Sat., Sept. 28 from 5 – 10 p.m. For tickets or more info, visit https://40sonthefantail.eventbrite.com.
