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Come and Celebrate St. Irenaeus’ First Fall Fiesta on September 20, 21 and 22!

Edna Ethington
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Come and Celebrate St. Irenaeus’ First Fall Fiesta on September 20, 21 and 22!

By Edna Ethington

Rev. Binh Nguyen, Pastor of St. Irenaeus Church in Cypress, announced on July 20, 2019, that St. Irenaeus Church and Parish School will be holding the parish’s first Fall Fiesta for three days, on Friday, September 20, Saturday, September 21, and Sunday, September 22, 2019.  The Fiesta will be held on St. Irenaeus Church grounds at 5201 Evergreen Avenue, Cypress. There will be Bingo games in the parish hall, challenging game booths with prizes, rides for children of all ages, a Silent Auction, and a variety of multicultural food booths. There will also be entertainment by different groups throughout the three days for families to enjoy.

Fr. Binh said that “the Fall Fiesta gives us the opportunity to celebrate while sharing our message of faith, love and joy with the broader community.”  According to Fr. Binh, the Fiesta is a major fundraiser for both the school and the parish.  Funds raised from the Fiesta will support technology enhancements plus tuition assistance programs for the school.  It will also support community outreach programs for the parish. He asked parishioners, by letter, to help make the 2019 Fall Fiesta a success by making donations for opportunity drawing tickets, volunteering in a booth, or simply by attending the Fiesta.

The Fiesta Committee, and other volunteers, responded to Fr. Binh’s request for help by stuffing over 4,400 envelopes with opportunity drawing tickets that were sent to registered parishioners at the end of July.   Each parishioner was sent one book of 40 tickets, to purchase themselves or get a donation of $2.00 for each ticket, for a total donation of $80.  Parishioners then could be the first to return drawing ticket stubs for the opportunity to win the Grand Prize of $10,000, 1st Prize of $3,000, 2nd Prize of $1,500, 3rd Prize of $500. Drawing tickets will be available for purchase during the Fiesta, and winners for these monetary prizes will be awarded on Sunday evening September 22. Parishioners were asked to be sure to make all checks are payable to St. Irenaeus Parish.  If all parishioners sell all their tickets, the Fiesta will be a success!

The Fiesta Committee will be collecting ticket stubs and donations for the Opportunity Drawings after the weekend Masses at the Fiesta Table in the patio starting on Saturday, August 17.  Ticket stubs and checks can also be sent by mail to the Parish Office or brought to the ticket booth at the Fiesta.

For families who would like to enjoy the games and rides and still save some money, the Fiesta Committee will also be selling Presale game and ride tickets at a discount at the patio area of St. Irenaeus church after weekend Masses.  Ride wristbands for unlimited rides will be available only for Saturday September 21 from 2-6 p.m. at the price of $25 at Presale times, and $35 at the Fiesta.

It will take all St. Irenaeus parishioners working together to get all the work done that is needed to prepare for the Fiesta. When returning ticket stubs at the patio area after Masses, parishioners can sign up to volunteer to work at the game or food booths.  They can also volunteer to set up or break down the booths before or after the Fiesta.

Since the Fall Fiesta is a fundraiser for St. Irenaeus Church and the Parish School, sponsors are being sought to defray the some of the cost of the Fiesta itself.  Owners of businesses or individuals who wish to publicize their business with banners or signs with their information, can do so by sponsoring a booth for a donation of $250.  Businesses and individuals who are interested in sponsoring a booth can contact Kristen Villalvazo at 714-220-7125.

For more information about volunteer opportunities for the Fall Fiesta, contact Fall Fiesta 2019 Co-Chairs Patti and Kit Kirby at 714-739-0463.

Photo courtesy of Edna Ethington

 

 

 

Mayor says Cypress benefiting from growing partnership  

David N. Young
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Mayor says Cypress benefiting from growing partnership  

By David N. Young

A large crowd of business owners, educators and community officials turned out for what Cypress mayor Stacy Berry called the “largest mixer in years” Friday to kick off the weekend’s Cypress Festival.

The event was held at Cypress College, complete with extra air-conditioning and tasty food for Cypress merchants, to foster community spirit and create greater bonds of collaboration, said Berry.

“The partnership we’re trying to build,” she said, includes Cypress College and the business community, adding that “the more interaction we have makes it easier it is to make this city a better place to live work and play.”

She said the “incredible relationship” allows the city to accomplish so much for its residents.

Berry presented Cypress College President JoAnna Schilling, Ph.D. with a Certificate of Appreciate for hosting the first ever “Salute to America” on July 3 and thanked her for opening the college to this event.

Berry also noted several other collaborative events now underway with the city.

Dr. Schilling said since she arrived as the President of Cypress College a couple of years ago, it has been her goal to open up a partnership with the community.

She said it was “not enough” for residents to drive by the college and “look at the announcements” on flashing billboards.

One of the largest crowds in years attend in the pre-Cypress Festival mixer on Friday. Courtesy photo

“We are proud to host these kinds of events,” said Schilling, saying it was critical for key business and community leaders to “be on campus” in true spirit of partnership. “We want you to come here,” she said, adding that “these kinds of events are important to us.”

Since she arrived as President, Cypress College and the city have collaborated on swim lessons, opened its door to civic events and stands ready to do even more, said Schilling. “We truly want to create a community partnership.”

Moreover, she said the college was breaking new educational ground, including one of the few working 737 flight simulators on any college campus and that Cypress College was in the process of becoming a Center of Excellence on Cybersecurity.”

Theresa Murphy, Chairwoman of the Cypress Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, echoed the growing nexus between business, education and government.

“We are committed to networking businesses in partnership with community institutions,” she said. She said the community could not accomplish what it does “without the generosity of Cypress College.”

The group recognized other attending dignitaries and thanked all of the vendors and sponsors for their commitment to the community. The festival was held on Saturday (see related story).

 

Cypress Festival huge success…by the numbers

Brooklynn Wong
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Cypress Festival huge success…by the numbers

By Brooklynn Wong

Santana Salsa was an entry in the chili and salsa competition. Photos by Dave Smithson

The community formerly known as Dairy City came together last weekend for the annual Cypress Community Festival.

The last Saturday in July every year, Californians from near and far gather at Oak Knoll Park for food and festivities. Mark your calendars for July 25, 2020 for next year’s iteration. Here are some numbers from this year’s festival:

-12,000: the approximate number of people that attended

-78-85: degrees over the course of the day

-22: cars entered in the car show

-200: vendor booths

-17: chili and salsa competition entries

-899: people that ran in the 5K or 10K

-500: breakfasts served by Kiwanis

-5: live bands that entertained the crowd

-90: age of Ms. Gloria Livingston, who was honored this year as the first festival chair of the Cypress Community Festival and remains involved today

-39: years that the festival has gone on

Los Alamitos Police Department to host National Night Out event

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Los Alamitos Police Department to host National Night Out event

The Los Alamitos Police Department welcomes the community to join us for a nationwide public safety event, “National Night Out” on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019 from 5-8 p.m. at our new venue, Little Cottonwood Park, 4000 Farquhar Avenue, Los Alamitos, CA.

National Night Out Day is observed annually on the first Tuesday in August. This night focuses on the community and raising awareness in the United States. Promoting police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer.

Shining a spotlight on community police programs, National Night Out increases connections between those who serve and their neighborhoods through the programs they provide.  This fun and community-oriented event is held to promote safety, community spirit and help strengthen the relationship between community and police. Attendees will enjoy various informational booths and displays, food, refreshments and free bounce houses, face painting and balloon twisting for children.

Across the country, police and their neighbors celebrate in various ways, including block watches, as not-for-profits, business, and police departments organize events around the country. They may be as small as a backyard barbecue or as large as a full-blown festival. Attendees are asked to post on social media using #NationalNightOutDay hastag.

Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August (Texas and select areas celebrate on the first Tuesday in October).

To learn how you can celebrate this special night along with the Los Alamitos Police Department, or for more information about National Night Out please call (562) 431-2255 x 427 or visit www.cityoflosalamitos.org.

 

Los Al High School hosting Viva Los Al Fundraiser Aug. 10

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Los Al High School hosting Viva Los Al Fundraiser Aug. 10

Los Alamitos High School Song and Cheer is hosting its annual fundraiser “VIVA LOS AL” on Saturday, August 10 at Old Ranch Country Club from 7-11pm.  It’s a night filled with food, casino fun, great auction items, and dancing throughout the evening!  Tickets are $60 each (includes $100 Casino Cash). If you want to play Poker, the cost is an additional $50 for the 1st buy in (includes an additional $25 Casino Cash).  There is also an Opportunity Drawing with amazing prizes!  ($500 gift card to Pacific City, $300 in Chevron Gas Cards, or Apple Airpods).  Tickets are 1@$10 or 3@$25. To attend, donate, or purchase tickets for the drawing, please contact Tracy Hinds at tracy.hinds@kraftheinz.com.

From trash to treasure – Kiewit partners with Youth Center

Laurie Hanson
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From trash to treasure – Kiewit partners with Youth Center

By Laurie Hanson

When no one else would, The Youth Center stepped up to help Kiewit, one of North America’s largest construction and engineering organizations, to recycle over 1,500 bottles and cans weekly for a year from their Long Beach site.

While working for Southern California Edison (SCE) to bring their power plant located at Studebaker Road and Pacific Coast Highway up to today’s standards, Kiewit contacted many nonprofit organizations, seeking to recycle to meet their high environmental standards and to give back to the community.  But unfortunately, no one wanted to do it for different reasons.

“When Nancy reached out to me, I was excited,” said Youth Center Executive Assistant Julie Rubin. “I knew the project would not be easy, but Kiewit has been wonderful to work with. Over the last year they have become a good friend of the Youth Center.”

“Helping the environment together with local volunteers was great,” said Youth Center Executive Director Lina Lumme. “We raised money for scholarships while meeting extraordinary people.”

“The Y.C. Team” consisting of staff, board members, volunteers and kids was armed with aprons and gloves for the “dirty job” where they sorted, bagged and hauled a truck load weekly to the local recycling center. Kiewit provided a year’s worth of empty trash bags to make the project a bit easier.

Pictured in the swing of things is Kiewit employee Lauren Wironen at The Youth Center’s annual Golf Tournament.

When the time came for The Youth Center to hold its annual Golf Tournament, Kiewit management decided to make it a teambuilding event. Kiewit brought a team of 21 employees to the Youth Center’s annual Golf Tournament on July 15 at Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach. “I helped out with the recycling. It was not pretty,” said Youth Center Board Member and Golf Tournament Chairman Arnie Fine. “It made my day when Kiewit signed up for the tournament. Because of their support and commitment to our children, we were able to raise $20,000.”

“Our team had a blast at the golf tournament,” said Kiewit representative Nancy Fohrenck. “Two of our employees ended up winning raffle prizes, and the team I was on won the Honesty Award! We’re so glad we were able to attend and help support the kids.”  She added its part of Kiewit’s core values to give back to local communities and create successful business relationships.

The golf tournament was especially enjoyable for the participating Kiewit employees who liked being outdoors, having great food, contests and a silent auction.

In the end whether it’s by taking on a “dirty job” or teeing up, it’s truly all about the kids. When no one else wants to take on difficult projects, The Y.C. Team does because they see how much of a difference it makes. They work hard throughout the year to raise every penny to fund scholarships for their after school programs, summer camps, and elementary music program.  The Youth Center never turns any child away for inability to pay.

Sign-ups are going on now for their After School Programs and Music Program. For more information and registration, please visit online at www.theyouthcenter.org. The Youth Center is a 501(c)3 local nonprofit. It does not receive any state or federal funding and relies upon contributions from the local community and beyond.

 

 

 

Rossmoor Street improvement plan gets underway

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Rossmoor Street improvement plan gets underway

Orange County Public Works will be repaving or replacing a number of streets in Rossmoor starting this week, according to a notice from the Rossmoor Homeowners Association.

The project is expected to continue through November. The majority of the work will be along Hedwig/Foster/Yellowtail, Ruth Elaine/Martha Ann and Kempton with a few other streets mostly in the north end of the tract filling out the project. OC Public Works distributed a flyer detailing the project along the affected streets. A copy of the flyer is available by clicking the button below.

According to the notice, the Orange County Public Works department will provide door hangers and “No Parking” signs as an additional notification 48 hours prior to construction activity on specific streets. If you require special accommodations during construction, please contact OC Public Works directly.

Working hours for the project will be weekdays between 7:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. If you have questions or concerns about the project, please contact Bruce Poma at 714-448-1672, or Cesar Lopez at 714-474-1565.

 

Ask the Expert: Vision Health as You Age

David N. Young
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Ask the Expert: Vision Health as You Age

Many people tend to expect their eyesight to decline with age – perhaps requiring a stronger eyeglass prescription or “readers” to scan the daily paper.  And while some changes to vision are linked to age, there are some steps we can all consider to help our eyes stay as healthy as possible.

Dr. Linda Chous, OD, chief eye care officer with UnitedHealthcare in Cypress, is here to answer questions.

  1. Are my eyes going to keep getting worse as I age? Is there anything I can do to slow the progression of vision decline?

By no means is your eyesight guaranteed to deteriorate with age, but it is perfectly normal to notice changes to your vision as the years pass. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done to stop normal vision changes. However, it is important to maintain regular appointments with your eye doctor (see below) to help identify pressing concerns.

With age, it is normal to experience:

* Minor adjustments to your eyeglasses prescription or needing to use “readers” for the first time;

* Trouble distinguishing colors, such as blue from black; and

* The need for more light to see well.

Although these changes are often normal, they can also be signs of conditions like cataracts or even diabetes. If you experience sudden vision loss or any rapid change to your eyesight, contact your eye care provider immediately.

  1. I have noticed tiny spots or specks float across my vision. What is that all about?

Many people notice tiny specks within their field of vision. These small spots are tiny threads of protein that float across the gel-like substance between your eye’s lens and retina.

Usually there is no need to worry if you only notice these spots occasionally and they disappear after a few minutes, but only a dilated eye examination can determine the cause of the “floaters”.

However, if your vision is overcome by these specks or you are noticing vision loss, contact your eye doctor as soon as possible, as it could be a symptom of a sight-threating condition.

  1. What are some of the most common vision-related diseases that come with age?

Here is the scoop on some of the most common age-related vision conditions:

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 65. AMD causes damage to the macula, the small spot on the retina that enables people to see clearly and to view things straight ahead of them.

Common symptoms of AMD are distortion and blurring of the center of your field of vision. If caught in the early stage, there are potential benefits from taking certain prescription medications and nutritional supplements. However, late-stage AMD is much more difficult to treat.

Research has found that certain factors like heredity, ultraviolet light exposure, and smoking may increase the risk of developing AMD.  Consult with your eye doctor to determine if a preventive treatment plan is right for you.

Cataracts

The lens in your eye is like a camera lens – it is clear and allows light to pass through to create an image. A cataract is the clouding of this lens, blocking the flow of light to the back of your eye (retina), which ultimately causes loss of sight.

There are many kinds of cataracts, and most usually form slowly and do not cause pain. If the clouding is small, it is possible you may not even notice it. However, significant clouding can form in some people and, ultimately, negatively impact vision.

The good news is cataracts are treatable via surgery that removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a clear plastic lens. Cataract surgery is generally safe and is one of the most common surgeries done in the United States.  Once a cataract is removed, it cannot grow back

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is caused by increased pressure inside the eye, which can cause permanent vision loss and blindness if left untreated. There are several types of glaucoma, but the most common form usually has no noticeable symptoms in the early stages – the only way to detect it is by visiting your eye care provider for routine testing.

Treatment may include prescription eye drops, oral medications, laser treatment surgery or a combination of any of these.  It is important to find glaucoma early because once vision is lost, it cannot be regained.

  1. What are the best ways to keep my eyes healthy as I age?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is as important for your eye health as it is for your overall physical health. Some of the best ways to protect your eyes as you age include:

* Stop smoking. Smokers are up to four times more likely to develop AMD and may contribute to the development of cataracts.

* Maintain a healthy weight. Conditions associated with being overweight, like diabetes and heart disease, increase your risk of developing vision loss from cataracts, glaucoma and retinopathy.

* Wear sunglasses. Help protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays (read on to learn why it is so important).

* Be physically active. A study found people who are physically active experienced less vision loss over 20 years compared to those who didn’t exercise.

* Eat a healthy diet. Colorful fruits and vegetables like leafy greens, tomatoes and blueberries, contain nutrients that can keep your eyes healthy and reduce the risk of AMD.

  1. Do sunglasses really protect my eyes?

Sunglasses can be a great fashion statement, but more importantly, they act as a buffer between your eyes and the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Exposure to these UV rays can put you at greater risk to develop cataracts and AMD.

When shopping for your next pair of shades, look for a pair that offers UV protection that will block out 99% to 100% of UV rays. It is important to know polarization is different from UV protection; however, most sunglasses that are polarized also provide UV protection. Be sure to check out the product tag or ask for assistance in choosing the right pair.

  1. How often should I see my eye care doctor?

Staying on top of your eye exams is crucial to helping maintain your eye health as you age. You should aim to see your eye doctor annually even if your vision hasn’t changed.  Many potentially blinding eye diseases, like glaucoma, have no symptoms in their early stages. In fact, many systemic conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can be first found during a “routine” eye exam.

Not only is it important in helping to catch early warning signs, it allows your doctor to have a trackable record of your eye prescription and eye health over the years, which can be useful when diagnosing an eye disease. That said, if you notice any sudden changes, please see your doctor immediately.

Hit the Beach Again – Reliving a Pivotal Moment in History

David N. Young
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Hit the Beach Again – Reliving a Pivotal Moment in History

The Association of Naval Aviation, Grampaw Pettibone Squadron will present a special luncheon and presentation by Commander Stephen Rose, USN (ret) that will allow guests to understand what it was like for American pilots in the early morning hours of D-Day.

According to a press release, the event will be held Thursday, August 8, at 11:30 a.m. at the Elks Lodge, 11551 Trask Ave. in Garden Grove.

In the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, intrepid American pilots, unarmed except for the

valorous American paratroopers they carried, brave the heavily defended skies of Normandy to

liberate Europe from the oppressive clutches of Nazism.

Steve Rose, pilot of the veteran aircraft, which actually participated in that history making event, will be on hand as one of its devoted acolytes, to describe the perils, the challenges, and the imperative nature of that momentous mission and the 75th Anniversary reenactment.

Reservations are required, so interested attendees are asked to please call (562) 287-4846, no later than noon on Wed, Aug. 70.  The cost for the event is $18.

The entrance fee will also include a buffet lunch. You do not need to be a member to attend but please call the reservation phone number.

Courtesy photo

 

Cypress College’s accreditation reaffirmed through 2024

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Cypress College’s accreditation reaffirmed through 2024

Cypress College received reaffirmation of its accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The college addressed the single compliance requirement identified in its follow-up report and was reaffirmed for the remainder of its review cycle, which runs through 2024.

“The reaffirmation of the excellent work being done on behalf of our students reflects a well-integrated, campus-wide effort,” said Cypress College President JoAnna Schilling, Ph.D. “I am deeply grateful for the leadership demonstrated by our faculty and staff to ensure we can continue serving our community as a premier college. Our priority is to continue as a welcoming environment for all students who seek to learn, thrive, and grow through the power of education.”

Dr. Schilling specifically cited the efforts of: faculty member Liana Koeppel, who chairs the college’s accreditation steering committee; the Academic Senate; and Phil Dykstra, who serves as the college’s accreditation liaison officer.

Accreditation from ACCJC, WASC certifies Cypress College as an effective institution for student learning, assuring the integrity of college programs and transcripts, and facilitating the transfer of credits to English-speaking colleges and universities worldwide.

As part of the continuous accreditation cycle, Cypress College must submit a midterm report in 2021 before receiving its next comprehensive review in fall 2024.

About the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) as a reliable authority regarding the quality of education offered by the institution it accredits in keeping with the Higher Education Act of 1965, the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges works with its member institutions to advance educational quality and student learning achievement. This collaboration fosters institutional excellence and continuous improvement through innovation, self-analysis, peer review, and application of standards. The ACCJC expresses a set of core values: integrity, quality assurance, institutional improvement, peer review, student learning and achievement, and collegiality.

About Cypress College:

Cypress College offers students a pathway to their future in an environment in which employees commit to joining students on their educational journey. The college’s half-million-plus alumni include actors, athletes, doctors, executives, mechanics, nurses, and teachers. For some, Cypress College is the ticket into their university of choice, and for others, it provides essential training for a prosperous career. Just one Cypress College class is often all it takes to provide cutting-edge skills that lead to a promotion or a new job.

Cypress College’s 16,000 students and the highly qualified teaching faculty are proud of the many excellent academic and vocational programs. Cypress College offers 56 university-transfer majors, 176 career-certificate programs, and degrees in 73 areas of study. The college’s traditional semesters begin in January and August, while short-term courses start throughout the year. A Cypress College education costs $46 per unit — $138 for a typical, full-credit class — California’s lowest tuition. Financial aid and scholarships are also available to qualifying students.

Cypress College is one of three campuses in the North Orange County Community College District and a member of the 115-campus California Community College system. The college primarily serves the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, Garden Grove, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, and Stanton.

Located at 9200 Valley View Street in Cypress, the college is easily accessible from several Southern California freeways, including the 5, 91, 605, 22, and 405. The campus is just a stone’s-throw from Downtown Disney and Knott’s Berry Farm.

‘Inside the Millennial Mind’ featured at Los Al Chamber networking breakfast

David N. Young
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‘Inside the Millennial Mind’ featured at Los Al Chamber networking breakfast

Businesses interested in reaching a millennial audience should attend the August monthly networking breakfast of the Los Alamitos Area Chamber of Commerce to be held Friday, August 4 at Maderas Steak and Ribs on Katella.

Speaker Ana Clara Otoni, the founder and creative content strategist of Odara Digital is scheduled to present “Inside the Millennial Mind: The do’s, don’ts and best practices of marketing,” according to the Chamber.

With more than a decade of experience as a journalist, content management, search engine optimization, Otoni is considered to be an expert in strategy,” according to the Chamber’s press release.

“She is widely recognized for deliberate planning, goal setting, generating inbound (internet) traffic, customer service mindset and market analysis,” said the release. Also, it said, Otoni is known for her leadership and training skills as well.

Ana has worked for Silicon Valley startups as reputation and community manager for social media strategy and execution, PR strategy and execution (creative pitch, press releases and outreach), promotional and event planning.

The cost is $25 for members and military and $30 for non-members. The event begins at 7:30 a.m. and interested attendees are asked to pay in advance at www.losalchamber.org.

 

 

Ana Clara Otoni is considered to be an expert in strategy.

Los Alamitos business complex sold by Northwestern Mutual

Event-News Enterprise Staff
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Los Alamitos business complex sold by Northwestern Mutual

Pension fund advisor Alere has purchased Los Alamitos Corporate Center in Los Alamitos, CA from Northwestern Mutual for $128.5 million, according to a report out this week on Connect California website.

The complex is located at 4332-4478 Cerritos Ave., 10541-10681 Calle Lee and 4392-4465 Corporate Center Dr., the property is comprised of 17 buildings on a 36.9-acre lot in the Mid-Counties industrial submarket, according to the report.

The 685,588-square-foot industrial complex is 98% leased, and currently home to 82 tenants with strong historical occupancy. The buildings range from 11,788 to 134,186 square-feet.

The site said to commercial real estate and investment firm CBRE’s Darla Longo, Barbara Perrier, Brett Hartzell, Rebecca Perlmutter Finkel, Eric Cox and Laird Perkins represented the seller.

According to Perrier, “This offering was a unique opportunity to acquire a high-performing asset in the tight Southern California industrial market. This rare asset in an infill market provides the buyer stable cash-flow, due to the strong historical tenancy that Los Alamitos Corporate Center has enjoyed.”

Cypress students receive scholarships

Brooklynn Wong
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Cypress students receive scholarships

cal students receive scholarships

During Scholarship Awards Night at Cypress High School, five students were presented with scholarships and two with Regional Occupational Program (ROP) awards from the Woman’s Club of Cypress.

Scholarships were presented to Joshua Suh, Justin Nam, Garrett Potter and Benjamin James. ROP recipients included: Adla Arafat, Anusha Basak, Anthony Fadonougbo and Natalia LaBeet. The Michael David Adams Scholarship recipients were Kylei Brookhyser and Bryan Lee.

Presenting the awards from the club were Scholarship Chairman Sue Fardette and President Colleen Janssen. They were joined by Mayor Stacy Berry, also a member of the Woman’s Club of Cypress.

Scholarships were presented at Oxford Academy to Varsha Sandadi and Francesca Alcala. Page Betar Memorial Nursing Program scholarships at Cypress College were awarded to Lydia Eng and Hannah Galang. The Darlie Wasicak Performing Arts Scholarship was presented to Javan Campanello.

Thousands of dollars in scholarships and awards are presented each year from monies raised at club fundraisers and bequests from deceased members.

“Our newly-installed President, Carole Shaw, has wonderful plans to raise money over the next twelve months to fund scholarships for the coming year,” said Janssen. “Club members are ready to get to work.”

The Woman’s Club of Cypress welcomes new members and encourages those interested in raising money for scholarships and donations to non-profit organizations, to contact the club by email at WCCypress@gmail.com.

Oxford Academy students selected for prestigious grant

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Oxford Academy students selected for prestigious grant

With the support of the Dragon Kim Foundation—an Orange County-based nonprofit that develops student potential in the arts, athletics and academics—two motivated students at Oxford Academy in Cypress have answered a familiar question: What did you do on your summer vacation?

The response from Fashion Castillo-Delgadillo and Vinutha Sandahi is to use their summer vacation sparking an interest in science in children through engaging lessons connecting sports with science and encourage an active lifestyle.

The high schoolers are putting their plan into action this summer, and that included conducting a learning session that featured a sheep’s brain to help illustrate brain damage that can happen in sports activities last Thursday at the Boys and Girls Club of Anaheim, located at 1260 N Riviera St.

The pair was selected to develop their project, called G.O.A.L. (Guiding Outstanding Active Learners) through the Foundation’s Dragon Kim Fellowship Program (learn more at http://dragonkimfoundation/org/fellowship/.). Theirs was one of 20 teams of motivated high school students who have created and are managing community service projects with support of grants of up to $5,000. The Foundation worked with those 20 projects throughout this spring and summer after selecting them last February from a total of over 150 entries.

As Dragon Fellows, each team went through a six-month incubator where they received leadership training and were connected to a business mentor who helped them develop their project. In September, three teams will be selected as finalists to present their projects in the style of the “Shark Tank” television show at the Dragon Challenge to an exceptional panel of judges selected from the business and philanthropy sectors.

Among the highly esteemed panelists are Dr. Mohamed El-Erian, chief economic adviser at Allianz and former CEO of PIMCO; Jonathan Levin, Philip H. Knight Professor and Dean of Stanford Graduate School of Business; and Sarah Kiani, Director, Masimo Foundation. The panel will select one of the three projects to receive an additional $5,000 to continue their work in the community.

“Together, our Dragon Kim Fellowship projects are impacting hundreds of people, especially children, in Southern California this summer. We’re empowering high school students to go out into the world and do good by sharing their passions,” said Dragon Kim Foundation Executive Director Grace Kim. The Fellowship was founded in honor of the late Dragon Kim, a talented young musician, athlete and scholar who wanted to help others.

Medal of Honor Recipient David Bellavia visits Los Alamitos

David N. Young
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Medal of Honor Recipient David Bellavia visits Los Alamitos

The heroic action of Army Staff Sergeant David G. Bellavia in Fallujah, Iraq in 2004 earned him one of America’s most coveted military honors, the Medal of Honor, and the Buffalo, New York native made a couple of stops in the area last week on a thank you tour.

Los Alamitos Mayor Warren Kusumoto said at Monday’s council meeting that, “there is no more noble cause” than to fight for your country’s freedom. Kusumoto and Council member Dean Grose were among the honored guests to meet Bellavia at an invitation only reception at the Joint Forces Training Base and later, at an official dinner in Yorba Linda.

Kusumoto attended the meet and greet at the base while he attended the formal dinner, said Grose.

In addition to the JFTB reception, Bellavia had speaking engagements in Yorba Linda and Los Angeles, according to base officials. His whirlwind Southern California visit also included a day at Disneyland, they added.

President Donald Trump, surrounded by military officials and 25 Members of Congress, awarded the Medal of Honor to Bellavia in a June 25 White House ceremony for his bravery and “gallantry” during the Second Battle of Fallujah in Iraq.

“We honor you for your extraordinary courage,” President Trump said as he pinned the blue ribboned medal around Bellavia, according to military reports.

Bellavia demonstrated heroism and valor during the battle as he and his platoon were clearing a series of houses in eastern Fallujah during Operation Phantom Fury. From February 2004 to February 2005, Bellavia was stationed in Diyala Province Iraq as a squad leader in the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division.

On this fateful night mission (ironically on his 29th birthday), after clearing 11 of the 12 Fallujah homes with no incident, Bellavia’s platoon was surprised by insurgent forces in the last house. At this point, according to an account of the battle printed on a brochure for the event, Bellavia stepped in with extraordinary courage inside the home, moving floor to floor, to eventually allow his platoon to escape into the street.

Bellavia ended up killing four enemy combatants and injuring three others as he worked his way from the first to third floors to accomplish the mission, calling in a Bradley fighting vehicle in the process.

He left the Army in August 2005 and wrote a book, “House to House,” that detailed his experiences in Fallujah. Bellavia has only reportedly established his own nonproifit organization.

According to a press release issued by JFTB, Bellavia stopped by the base on a whirlwind tour that included a stop at the base for a meet and greet with local officials.

Mayor Warren Kusumoto presented a commendation certificate from the City of Los Alamitos to Medal of Honor recipient Staff Sgt. David Bellavia at a reception hosted by the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of the Association of the United States Army held at the base.

Bellavia, the first living Operation Iraqi Freedom Medal of Honor recipient, is among a highly select group of service members to receive the nation’s highest military honor since the medal was created in 1861. He is only living recipient and the second Army recipient awarded for bravery in the Iraqi conflicts, according to the U.S. Army Center for Military History.

“It was my privilege and honor to recognize and thank a true American hero who is an unabashedly patriotic warfighter,” said Kusumoto. “Staff Sgt. Bellavia’s message of purpose, driven by duty, valor and a deep love of our Nation was inspirational and moving… he embodies the very best of the American spirit and humbly represents the men and women who have sacrificed and served under the Stars and Stripes,” according to the release, which echoed the mayor’s comments at Monday’s meeting.

“When I came to L.A. and New York, I thought I was going to have to fight off protesters and whatnot,” Bellavia told KPCC reporter Libby Denkmann at Disneyland. “None of that’s true. I’m just surrounded by kindness and love and people that are appreciative. And everyone is so respectful and so kind,” he said.

“I want people to just get rid of all of the stigma and the clichés,” Bellavia continued. “We’re healthy as a country and as a people. We might not agree with who holds what office, but our military is beloved, our citizens are appreciative of our freedoms, and I’m seeing that firsthand across the country,” Bellavia was quoted by those who attended the event.

Los Al modifies agreement with North Council homeless group

David N. Young
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Los Al modifies agreement with North Council homeless group

Alarmed city council members finally agreed after a spirited discussion at Monday’s city council meeting to remain a part of a new state authority dealing with the homeless, but only after being assured their costs would be “capped” going forward.

Some members wanted to rescind a Memorandum of Understanding to join the North Orange County Special Planning Area (SPA) following notification that initial estimates for financial participation jumped from $4,000 to approximately $41,000.

“I’m so confused,” said council member Shelley Hasselbrink, especially when numbers had changed not only over the past month, but apparently since the staff report was written before the meeting.

The confusion came after Council discussed whether or not to leave the authority after only recently voting to join a state approved authority of northern Orange County cities.

Finally, council member Dean Grose made a motion, seconded by Hasselbrink, not to rescind the motion that approved the city’s Memorandum with NOSPA, but to limit the expenditures of the city.

Grose’s motion allowed the city to remain a part of the North Orange County administrative district that purportedly includes, including Los Al, all 13 cities located in northern Orange County to more effectively deal with sheltering the homeless.

The new motion called for the city’s contribution for construction to be limited to a one-time $19,102, while the contribution for operating expenses be limited to $25,357 per year and that the operating cost contribution cannot increase more than two (2) percent per year.

Even so, Hasselbrink questioned why even those numbers did not match the figures on the Jul. 15 staff report, which were similar but not exact.

City Attorney Michael Daudt said the city had learned subsequent to signing the original MOU that the “numbers had changed” and that they “keep changing.”

Chirco said he was not opposed to the motion but wanted to be sure that the limitations would be enforceable and accepted.

Bret Plumlee, city manager, said if the NOSPA did not accept them, “we will not be included.” The limitations will likely be accepted, said Plumlee, “because I believe the other cities would be happy to have Los Al in the mix.”

Richard Murphy, Mayor pro-tem, even offered an on-the-spot explanation to residents who may be watching at home.

“We are trying to figure this out. It’s a tough decision,” said Murphy, adding that “anything dealing with the homeless offers limited options and is a moving target.”

“We are trying to bring this up to date where we are now,” he said, since “things have changed since we voted last.

The motion was amended to include the limitations and also, to increase a budget allocation from $4,000 to $41,000 and it passed 4-1. Mayor Warren Kusumoto voted no.

In another non-unanimous voted on Monday, the Council voted 4-1 to spend up to $1500 to pay for the expenses of Grose to attend an upcoming meeting of the Association of Military Communities meeting in Sacramento.

Kusumoto also suggested the city could spend $300 to pay for the “group registration fee” since other members, such as Hasselbrink expressed a desire to attend, but other than the official city representative, other attendees will pay their own expenses.

Grose, Kusumoto and Hasselbrink, who attended the national meeting, said the city can learn about valuable resources and funding sources to strengthen their relationship with Joint Forces Training Base, while Murphy voted against, simply saying “I can’t believe we’re spending any money on this.”

In other action Monday, the city:

  • Took under advisement a suggestion from Finance Director Eric Hendrickson to raise the cap from $15,000 to $25,000 as the authorization limit for the city manager to approve various transactions. The Council various scenarios and options and will create an agenda option for official discussion.
  • Welcomed three new Los Al police officers to the force, Michael Cano, Nelson Ramirez and David Rael Brook.
  • Honored Los Alamitos teenager Jessica Ridgeway, the founder of a nonprofit organization entitled “African Sisterhood” that creates feminine hygiene products for African teens and women designed to allow continue attending school rather than getting married at a very young age.
  • Approved a payroll increase salary adjustment for 10 Salary Executive Management and the Non-represented employees at a total cost of $93,000 to the city.

Courtesy photo

 

Los Al Council recognizes OCFA and its wildfire pilot program

Event-News Enterprise Staff
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Los Al Council recognizes OCFA and its wildfire pilot program

OCFA Division Fire Chief says families should have emergency plan

The city of Los Alamitos made a presentation to Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief Ron Roberts this week in observance of Wildfire Prevention month.

City council member Shelley Hasselbrink, the city’s representative on the OCFA, said residents should not be fooled by all of the green foliage across wildfire landscapes, saying most of the brush underneath is dead and poses a serious fire threat.

“This year is expected to be worse than last,” she said, adding that experts say there is no longer a “fire season” in California. Nowadays, said Hasselbrink, “it is a year-round threat.”

She and other members of the Council presented a proclamation to Roberts, who said he very much appreciated “the partnership with the city and our community.”

Nevertheless, he said recent “shaking” of earthquakes should serve as a reminder to residents to have an emergency plan in place, stocking food and other supplies in the event of any natural disaster.

Hasselbrink also during the meeting made note of a $4 million grant from Southern California Edison to “implement an innovative aerial fire-fighting pilot program managed by the OCFA and operated by Coulson Aviation (USA), Inc.

The “Next Generation Aerial Operations Based Pilot Program” is a 150-day night aerial firefighting program that is structured similarly to the highly successful program in Victoria, Australia, according to an OCFA press release.

The firefighting unit is comprised of a Type 1 helitanker (1,000+ gallons) capable of hover-filling at night from the nearest available water source or portable tank, and a Type 2 intelligence-gathering helicopter. The Type 1 helitanker providing night fire suppression, working in coordination with an intelligence gathering helicopter for risk/benefit decision-making will be the first of its kind in the U.S.

“This project will demonstrate a firefighting capability that is not currently available in the U.S. and provide additional resources to fire agencies across Southern California,” said Chris Thompson, SCE’s Vice President of Local Public Affairs, when the project was initially announced.

“This is an example of the most recent of SCE’s many significant investments to reduce catastrophic wildfire risk using innovative technology,” he said.

According to OCFA Fire Chief Brian Fennessy, “this could be a game changer thanks to Southern California Edison. Fighting wildfires at night is optimal when weather conditions are more favorable – temperatures are down, humidity up and winds typically lighter.”

The pilot program will use features of this unit’s two helicopters to more effectively fight wildifires, Hasselbrink noted.

One of them, the helitanker, has the capacity of carrying 1,000 gallons and can fill its tank at night while hovering over a water source instead of landing to load. The second helicopter will work as the reconnaissance aircraft and will help track the location of water drops more precisely and measure their effectiveness, according to the OCFA.

The duo will be manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will be available to all regions serviced by Southern California Edison including Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

The pilot program will be based at the Fullerton Airport.

 

 

Ready for ‘The Time Machine’?

Loreen Berlin
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Ready for ‘The Time Machine’?

The Pageant of the Masters is here

By Loreen Berlin

Be prepared to be amazed at the Pageant of the Masters as they launch their “The Time Machine” adventure this year.

Local artists and craftsmen create the scenes that are enhanced by lighting specialists for a truly mesmerizing evening, with lots of fun surprises during the evening.

By the way, when Pageant Director Diane Challis-Davy was asked which was “her” favorite scene for 2019, she said, “Oh, that would be too difficult, but I can tell you, ‘not to leave early’ or you’ll miss a great surprise and I cannot tell you what that is.”

Tickets are still available at Tickets@lagunapageant.com

Lily Loesch from Los Alamitos was asked, “How old were you when you got involved in the Pageant of the Masters?”

Her answer may be a surprise, because she’s technically been involved since before, she was born, for her mother, Mary, portrayed, “John the Beloved” in the last scene, “The Last Supper” of the Pageant for many years until after Lily was born; then, Mary took a hiatus.

“A lot of people would hold me as a baby-in-arms while my mother was in the scene,” Lily said. “I was that young; I’ve been at the Pageant most of my life – it’s been like a home-away-from home and it’s a great family experience, since my Dad (Anthony “Tony”) and my cousin Nate are in ‘The Last Supper,’ and Nate’s son is in the Pageant too this year.”

Lily, now 17, was chosen to help in Men’s Wardrobe this year.

There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes before the audience gets to view the actual vignette or “Living Picture,” which is where Lily’s job comes into play, by helping the volunteers get into not only their costumes for onstage, but the preparatory undergarments that are necessary before the costume is placed on the volunteers.

First, costumes for men and boys starts with a layer of a white-or-black cotton shirt and cotton undershorts, before the actual costume and head piece are applied, so the volunteer can easily put their various costumes over the first layer. Makeup is applied before the costume is adjusted on each volunteer.

Does Lily have a favorite costume? “No, I’m not a person who finds a favorite one,” she said, going on to mention that there are several different costumes that have many pieces to them and that the Pageant recently, has a lot of “live action” scenes where suits, ties and coats are applied “in the scene” onstage.

One such “inter-active” scene from last year was, “The Beach Scene” where the cast interacted with the audience by tossing several large inflated orange beach balls from the stage, then from guest-to-guest as part of the scene; it really was a fun and active scene that brought lots of smiles and laughter. For each guest who caught one of the orange beach balls, they had to return that beach ball but were gifted an un-inflated beach ball to take home.

“The Pageant really is a great experience with children 5-6-years-old up to some volunteers that are 80-years of age who are still involved in the Pageant, which helps to have added culture around the art pieces,” Lily continued.

To get involved in the Pageant, it all starts in January of each year, when tryouts are held. That’s when anyone who’s willing to be a volunteer for the length of the show from the second week of July to the end of August, shows up at the tryouts to have their measurements from their wrist, to their height, waist, neck and head measurements taken and recorded on paper and camera.

When each scene is chosen for the year, the regular staff looks over those who have tried out to see if they fit a particular scene they are working on; then selected individuals are called for a rehearsal and put into a set to see if they indeed do fit the scene.

“Sometimes a 5-year-old boy could be chosen to portray an old man in a scene or a female may be chosen to be in a man’s costume,” Lily continued. “My older sister was involved with the Pageant for 15-years before going to college and I want to hit that number too;  so far, I’ve had the opportunity to explore being part of the cast, head dress and Men’s Wardrobe.”

During the nearly two-month run of the Pageant, there’s a blue and a green cast that alternates seven-days-on and seven-days-off, so that volunteers get a reprieve.

With the annual 2019 Pageant of the Masters theme being “The Time Machine,” there are bound to be lots of  “clocks” in various scenes. Here we see a sneak-peak of two clocks that will be seen during the presentation.

What doesn’t change, except for two or three years in the past, is the concluding scene, “The Last Supper.” Those people are mostly cast from the same group each year, as they already fit that scene.

Those familiar with the oil painting of, “The Last Supper” by Leonardo de Vinci, find that’s an overall favorite at the end of the Pageant; however, there are two other artists who have also painted “The Last Supper” that have been used to conclude the Pageant of the Masters.

Those are, “The Sacrament of the Last Supper” by Salvador Dalí, completed in 1955, after nine months of work and Andy Warhol’s synthetic polymer painting from 1986.

That having been said, Anthony “Tony” Loesch has portrayed Christ in de Vinci’s “The Last Supper” for 20 years and his nephew, Nate Loesch, both from Los Alamitos, has portrayed Bartholomew for 11 years, which is the far-left Apostle leaning on the table in the painting.

Nate, who sports no hair on top of his head in real life said with a big smile, “I have hair in The Last Supper picture.” Nate just happens to be the right height and build to portray Bartholomew.

In 20 years, Tony hasn’t taken a break in portraying Christ except for the two years when the Pageant used Salvador Dali’s Last Supper scene.

As a life time member, Tony explained that a person can be a member of the board; vote and get two free tickets to the Pageant each year for the rest of their life.

Since opening in 1932, the Pageant has grown; now, approximately 500 volunteers contribute more than 60,000 hours each summer, with cast members coming from all over, including locally, Riverside and San Diego and they range in age from 4-yrs. to late 80s.

The Pageant is set for July 7 through August 31. For information and to purchase tickets, visit www.PageantTickets.com

Photos by Loreen Berlin

Former Cypress Mayor reveals Cold War secrets

Loreen Berlin
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Former Cypress Mayor reveals Cold War secrets

The Cold War and America

By Loreen Berlin

It’s history now – the Cold War – lasting for decades between the United States and the then Soviet Union – nearly leading to a nuclear disaster.

Today, technology, along with Social Media and quick-turn-around film and or digital camera processing would perhaps tell a different story. However, when Lt. Col. USAF Photo Scientist Leroy Mills, Ret., served in the U.S. Air Force, things were much different. “I was a spy for a while for the United States,” Mills told those gathered during the monthly Cypress Chamber of Commerce Breakfast at the Residence Inn by Marriott in Los Alamitos. “We were known as the ‘Hollywood Air Force.'”

Mills, graduated from West Point Military Army Academy in 1964 and then was commissioned into the Air Force from North Carolina where he grew up, eventually making his way to Sunnyvale, Calif. through the military.  He served 20-years in the Air Force and 20 more years

in the Department of Defense from 1984 to 2004.

After his military career, he spent a year in Mississippi studying Ground Electronics before transferring to California where he was in Command Control of the Satellite – the only one at that time. In the Air Force, he was managing the controls and directing contractors.

“We were doing load commands into the Satellite to operate the cameras, which was hard to hide at 5-feet in diameter and 50-feet long,” Mills said. “Other people were the image analysts who would do their estimate and then tell us what to take a picture of – it was tricky and stressful – today, you can reprogram a Satellite but back then, you only got once chance, you couldn’t reprogram it.”

Film was still in its infancy in the Cold War; for a person who had a camera, once a roll of film was used by a citizen, it was placed in a mailer and mailed to a location to be processed and took at least a week to be printed and returned. Eastman Kodak was the early major film producer then.

It was 1965 when Mills was Ok’d into the covert operation that defended the U.S. during the Cold War.

“Initially, we would take the unprocessed film – Mylar tape – we shot and fly to Syracuse, New York, rent a car, change into civilian clothes and drive back to Rochester, New York to Eastman Kodak to have the film processed and to throw-off anyone who might be trying to follow us,” Mills explained.

Mills explained that he had to be investigated and had to fill out the exact paperwork that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton filled out for a Secret Clearance – form 4414.

During 9-11, Mills was in Washington D.C. but in a different building from the one that was attacked and was able to call his wife, Mary Ann, to let her know he was OK.

“The unsung heroes are the family members and spouses of those serving; they have to be understanding while we serve,” said Mills.

The GAMBIT-3 KH-8 military photographic satellite program, which helped America win the Cold War and lessened national consequences of pilot Francis Gary Powers’ CIA U-2 spy plane that was shot down over the Soviet Union in 1960, was declassified in September of 2011, making it so Mills could  share the here-to-for covertly classified secrets.

“The greatest accomplishment in serving in the military is you are able to defend your country and be part of the solution – such as the Cold War,” Mills said. Asked if he would do it again he said with great assurance, “Yes I would,” explaining that the Air Force has a “Can do”  attitude.

Mills and his wife met in the second grade in school in North Carolina but it wasn’t until they reconnected through a standard West Point Christmas card he sent her on a sudden whim – just out of the blue – as Mills described it, in the early 1960s that they started communicating and dated during his 30-days-off he had during the Summer.”

The Mills are parents to two grown children Kevin and Meredith.

 

 

28th Annual Kids Fishing Derby slated for August 17

For Event-News Enterprise
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28th Annual Kids Fishing Derby slated for August 17

The Rotary Club of Los Alamitos and Seal Beach, in association with the Seal Beach Lion’s Club and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, will host the 28th Annual Kid’s Fishing Derby on the Pier on August 17.

The registration is free and will be open from 7 to 9 a.m., according to a spokesman for the event. In addition, the Lions Club of Seal Beach will provide a free pancake breakfast for all derby registrants. Registration is open to all youth up to 15-years old.

There will be free bait for everyone fishing in the tournament and the Boy Scouts will be on hand to assist the participants. This is a catch and release event, so all fish will be released after proper documentation and weighing.

The fishing derby begins at 7:30 a.m. and will last until noon. There will be trophies and prizes for the largest fish.

Sponsors include: Southland Credit Union, Sir Speedy, New Fishall Bait Company, Ganahl Lumber, Performance Tackle, Seal Beach Police Foundation and Sport Fish Restoration.

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