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Grateful Hearts celebrate 20th Anniversary

David N. Young
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Grateful Hearts celebrate 20th Anniversary

By Anna M. Cleary

The Phoenix Club in Anaheim was the perfect place to celebrate the Los Alamitos based nonprofit’s 2Oth Anniversary. With its nostalgic look coupled with a live orchestra and swing band singers, the place was swinging.

One, then two by two they came all dressed to the the “nines” everyone participated in the suggested “Gatsby Look” and we celebrated in “Gala Style. “ It was the first time I ever saw Grateful Hearts in lights, but there it was across a velvet blue curtain for all to see. Then the enchanting night began.

Although the staff and volunteers had everything we could think of in place, nothing could have prepared us for what was about to happen. As Raji Ahsan, the evening’s emcee took center stage to start the silent auction; he could feel the hesitation of the crowd.

Raji then shared a personal story of how when he was a little boy he and his mother were recipients of the care and provision of Grateful Hearts! His powerful story of giving back set the tone for the remainder of the evening as the bidding began.

“For all the Little Raji’s out there,” he said, and with that, the bidding picked up! Another voice echoed, “if a widow can give then anyone can give.” It was a spectacular evening!

Raji is now living in New York, a graduate of NYU and living his dream as a professional actor, which proves those in need have dreams and we can help them come true!

Our message is not an ordinary one; it is an extraordinary one. The synergy of the message shared by Raji was eye opening.

Blair Pietrini, our founder, came and culminated the evening by saying we have the second highest rate of food security in Orange County! She’s went on to share the plight of the poor and the journey Grateful Hearts has taken alongside as a provider and strong advocate for the homeless and the hurting.

She also shared where it is written that it will be the poor that will mend the bridges and rebuild the city. Imagine that!! Her words were filled with compassion and precision. She brought the house down with an address for the poor unlike any other. I know I will never forget her delivery of what I believe the next level of helping the poor and homeless will be. This is what we do and it is who we are down to the bone and marrow.

Grateful Hearts is looking not only to serve ,but to become a leading learning center to become the very people needed in the city. Picture it because when it is in Blair Pietrini’s ‘grateful heart,’ it will happen!

 

Courtesy photo

Local girl scouts win top awards

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Local girl scouts win top awards

Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The Girl Scout Gold Award, only open to Girl Scouts in high school (grades 9-12), is the highest and most prestigious award in the world for girls and the most difficult to earn. Today, Girl Scouts of Orange County recognizes two Los Alamitos Girl Scouts who earned the Girl Scout Gold Award in 2018.

Annette Wissuchek

Through the Girl Scout Gold Award, girls engage in a rigorous process that calls for leadership at the highest level, as girls tackle issues they are passionate about. Girl Scouts typically spend one to two years on their Girl Scout Gold Award project, which involves taking action on a local or global issue (such as poverty, education, or the environment) and results in long-term, sustainable change.

Girl Scouts who earn the Girl Scout Gold Award distinguish themselves in the college admission process and receive scholarships from colleges and universities across the country, in addition to immediately rising one rank in any branch of the U.S. military.

Over the years, nearly 3,000 Orange County Girl Scouts have earned the Girl Scout Gold Award. This year, 107 Orange County girls have joined this sisterhood of Gold Award Girl Scouts. Girl Scouts of Orange County is proud to celebrate their leadership, dedication, initiative, and community problem-solving.

2018 Los Alamitos Gold Award Girl Scouts

Paige Thompson (17) – Troop 979 – Los Alamitos – 2018 Gold Award Girl Scout

Project Title: The Birthday Brigade

Paige became aware of the extra costs families with special needs students incur, and helped her special education high school peers start their own business making and selling candy leis. This business allows them to self-fund their community field trips – which help them practice life skills and improve their self-esteem. Paige provided a sample product, a PowerPoint tutorial, and campus advertising. She also generated community, administration, and PTA support and donations. Special education students and aides will sustain the business going forward by teaching the incoming freshmen each year.

“Completing my Girl Scout Gold Award has given me confidence in being a leader.”

Girl Scout Ambassador Annette Wissuchek (17) – Troop 979 – Los Alamitos – 2018 Gold Award Girl Scout

Project Title: Reading Rascals

Annette created a literacy program to help elementary school students practice reading and improve their reading proficiency. Annette’s program further spotlights literacy in the afterschool care program by scheduling guest authors, and with its reading buddy component; older children read to younger children. Reading Rascals is now a permanent part of the R.A.S.C.A.L.S. after school care program, which is run by the local youth center. The youth center will continue to hold book drives and support the Reading Rascals program in the years to come.

“This project has shown me the importance of planning and helped me prove to myself that I can do more than I think I am capable of.”

Girl Scouts of Orange County CEO Vikki Shepp shared: “The Girl Scout Gold Award represents the pinnacle of achievement in Girl Scouting. We are so proud of what these young women have accomplished. They are community problem-solvers, who have created meaningful change through sustainable and measurable “Take Action” projects. These Girl Scouts have changed our world forever and for better, and they are poised to continue creating groundbreaking solutions long into the future.”

Girl Scouts has been preparing girls for a lifetime of leadership for over 100 years. According to the Girl Scout Research Institute’s (GSRI’s) report, The Power of the Girl Scout Gold Award: Excellence in Leadership and Life, 90 percent of Girl Scouts surveyed not only attributed their success in life to Girl Scouts, but they also said they wouldn’t have had access to the same experiences anywhere else. Furthermore, Gold Award Girl Scouts far surpass non-Girl Scout alum when it comes to seeing themselves as leaders, providing service to others through volunteerism, and having positive attitudes about themselves and the lives they lead.

Corutesy photos

 

 

 

Students experience “Joy of Grifting” during holidays

David N. Young
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Students experience “Joy of Grifting” during holidays

By Robert Ostmann

Student leaders at Los Alamitos High School have undertaken an unusual project this holiday season. An anonymous corporate donor contacted teacher Tami Sciacca, who directs the Associated Student Body program at the high school, and donated $500 for each of her 46 students on one condition — that they give it away to someone in need.

Sciacca said vital elements of the ASB curriculum are the ideas of servant leadership and unconditional giving to build good will among students and the community. She said once her students found out about the donation, they spent much of November discussing how to give the money in ways that could make a difference in people’s lives.

The ASB students worked in teams to give the money and document the process in a series of YouTube videos entitled “Griffting Season,” a mash-up of the Griffin school mascot and gifting. The students are releasing new episodes each week until all of the money has been given away. The first installments can be viewed at https://youtu.be/8Vl30w3GIxs.

Sciacca said recipients of the $500 gifts are a diverse group that includes a homeless student at CSULB, a car wash attendant in Los Alamitos, an elderly couple who changed a student’s life, a student from Downey who needed assistance to go to outdoor science camp, and a family with six kids living in a hotel.

Sciacca said her students described giving the $500 gifts and spreading joy, positivity, and the meaning of unconditional giving as “life-changing “ and an experience they will never forget.

“I think Anne Frank was on target when she said, ‘No one ever became poor by giving,’ “said Los Alamitos High Principal Dr. Gregg Stone. “Actually, quite the opposite occurs. We get far more when we give than when we receive.”

 

Alyssa Milano visits Los Al to support new military nonprofit

David N. Young
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Alyssa Milano visits Los Al to support new military nonprofit

Center for Law says outdated policy affects veterans and active-duty service membersBy

David N. Young

Activist actress Alyssa Milano joined a powerful group of military legal scholars and former military prosecutors in Los Alamitos Saturday to express their collective support for a local non-profit organization seeking to reform what they consider to be obsolete military policies.

The mission of the Center for Law and Military Policy (CLMP) is to create legal policy solutions for troubling and lingering issues facing veterans and active-duty service members, said the nonprofit’s CEO Dwight Stirling.

Among the super-sized targets of the Center is a wholesale reform of the so-called Feres Doctrine, a comprehensive set of laws passed by Congress in the atmosphere of World War II that prohibits service members from seeking resolution of civil issues outside the military justice system. The CLMP hopes to tackle policy and legal issues to deal with homelessness, suicide, sexual harassment and others.

“I’m driven by patriotism,” said Stirling, a former military prosecutor who now teaches military law at the University of Southern California. “I feel a calling to help because so many are hurting,” he said. Veterans and active-duty soldiers “are the best of us and they give their best to us.” said Stirling.

The event Saturday night at Fiddler’s Green on the Joint Forces Training Base was, in essence, a coming out party for the Center for Law and Military Policy (CLMP). Stirling, who serves in the California National Guard, has been a Judges Advocate General (JAG) officer and a military prosecutor for more than two decades.

“We’ve seen their sacrifice,” said Stirling, yet when service members suffer sexual assault at the hands of an officer or fellow service member, “they have no access to a civil court.”

Several judges, other attorneys and a host of military officials attended the $150 per plate fundraiser to show support for proposed policy reforms.

Col. Robert C. McFertridge, a retired JAG officer and prosecutor, said he will serve as Vice-Chairman of the nonprofit’s board of directors, which includes a diverse selection of scholars, attorneys, veterans and military officials.

Stirling said the think tank would push policy reforms for veterans and active-duty service members affected issues like homelessness, suicide, and sexual assault.

Stirling, and other JAG officers present, say changing the doctrine will not in any way affect the operation of the military but only offer more legal equity to victims of crime who happened to be wearing a military uniform at the time of its commission.

Stirling said the group’s reforms are not aimed in any way at military operations per se, but simply designed to give soldiers the due process to which they should be legally entitled.

The Center for Law and Military Policy Board and staff. Back row L to R: Marcia Marinovich, Mike Cardoza, Michael Vogler, Robert McFetridge, Carlos Yguico, Michael Baroni, Mark Frazier, Grant Frazier, Jennifer Burch, Johannes Marler. Front Row L to R: Jessie D’Agostino, Melissa Aprigliano, Dwight Stirling, Laura Riley, Dallis Warshaw.

According to a Pentagon report, there were 6,769 reported cases of sexual assault in all services during 2017. The report indicated this is a 9.7 percent increase over 2016.

“I am here to actively support our veterans and those serving in our military,” said Milano, who recounted her now famous tweet that ignited the “me too” movement. Americans need

to stand up everywhere to “hold people accountable,” she said. “We are collectively saying NO MORE,” said Milano, who ran through a list of inequities. She said the problems go beyond sexual assault.

Nevertheless, Milano said she would lend her support to the Center for Law and Military Policy to change any “systematic culture of sexual assault.”

“I am happy to be your messenger,” she said.

Laura Riley, who teaches military law at USC Gould School of Law and a member of the CLMP board, thanked Milano for “shining her spotlight on issues that matter.”

Dallis Warshaw, an Orange County attorney, who is the group’s Vice President of Policy, presented an overview of how the think tank planned to accomplish their long-term goals while Marcia Marinovich, Director of Development, said their immediate goal was to “stop the hurting” of veterans and active-duty military service members.

Although many in the group are active at JFTB, Stirling said the main office for the CLMP will be located in Huntington Beach.

Photos by John Fitzpatrick

 

Three-Story Classroom Complex Planned for Los Al High

David N. Young
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Three-Story Classroom Complex Planned for Los Al High

By Robert Ostmann, Los Alamitos Unified School District

The Los Alamitos Unified School District is moving ahead with plans to build a three-story classroom building at Los Alamitos High School that will provide students with state-of-the-art science lab facilities and transform the appearance of the Cerritos Ave. campus.

The 83,000 square-foot structure, planned to break ground next year and open in fall of 2021, will include 14 science classrooms, 13 general education classrooms, and career and technical education centers for subjects such as sports medicine, 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.

Construction of the multi-story building will enable the high school to remove 26 aging portable classrooms that are no longer adequate to serve student needs.

The estimated $52.4-million project will be financed through sale of Measure G bonds approved by voters last month. Coinciding with construction of the new building, the district is also completely renovating the inadequate electrical and data infrastructure of the 51-year-old campus.

 

 

 

 

Los Al youth soccer team takes tourney title

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Los Al youth soccer team takes tourney title

by Rob Poetsch

This past weekend, local Los Alamitos Girls U14 team from AYSO Region 159 took home the championship title in their respective age bracket at the Tustin Soccer Festival. The memorial tournament is for Frank Nunez and hosts youth All-Star teams from around Orange County.

With a record of 2-1 in three pool play games, the Los Alamitos team advanced to the championship game against Long Beach. Trailing after an early break-away goal by Long Beach, Los Alamitos delivered two unanswered goals to win 2-1. Each player received championship medals to recognize their win.

Coaches Mike Flores and Hector Huffington led the team which included Kiersten Roeder, Carina Martin, Serena Simpson, Sofia Huffington, Lindsay Meehan, Sofia Wolovich, Amanda Flores, Sophia Flores, Tabitha Stanfill, Isabella Ferraiz, Allison Bragg, Jennifer Arreola, Milly Verdugo, Callie Schmidt, Lauren Anderson.

Most of these players will represent AYSO Region 159 in the upcoming All-Atar season early next year. Youth players of all ages interested in playing Spring Soccer can still sign up with AYSO Region 159, serving Los Alamitos, Seal Beach and Rossmoor areas. For more information, including how to participate in the developmental academy, visit www.ayso159.com.

 

 

2018 Rossmoor Christmas Lights Celebration awards

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2018 Rossmoor Christmas Lights Celebration awards

By Chris Marshall

Oh Wow – Covering the full Christmas lights spectrum from RV Glamping (yes, that’s a term – Google it) to high-tech sights and sound masterpieces, our Rossmoor owners stepped it up again and set even higher benchmarks!

This being our 12th year for the Rossmoor Homeowners Association (RHA) Christmas Lights Celebration, even the Christmas Lights Hot Spots Map is getting high-tech, and from the RHA website (https://ourrossmoor.com), you can either download it as a PDF, or click on the google link and enjoy an interactive map that helps you determine what route to drive, bike, or even walk (provided it doesn’t snow between now and Christmas).

The interactive Christmas Lights Hot Spots Map takes you directly to a page to see the Santa, Christmas Tree and Reindeer icons designating the winning, special sights and sounds, and honorable mentioned homes!

OK – enough about how to get there. Here are some highlights of what you will experience when you pack up the car with Aunt Mable and hot chocolate:

Passage to Wonderland Award, Den Hartog Family, 3212 Hillrose Drive

Santa’s dancing to the music, welcoming you to walk through the archway and enter wonderland. He had better watch out though, as we spotted his friends from Halloween lurking around the corner! Thanks to the Hartog family for creating a passage to wonderland, right here in Rossmoor.

Christmas Glamping Award, Vega Family, 11325 Donovan Road

It seems that the Vega family may have a surprise ‘lawn guest’? Still, quite a step up from what cousin Eddie brought to the Christmas party at the Griswald’s and it looks like the reindeer agree. The lit trees and lined lawn create the perfect atmosphere to host the special guests – Santa and his favorite Snowman!

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree Award, Skunca Family, 11502 Harrisburg Road

Bring your dancin’ shoes and you’re sure to boost your mood and prepare for the Christmas season! If you thought this was good last year, stop by and see what the Skunca family did this year! A picture can’t do this justice as the entire setup comes to life to the music, with cars lining up and people out rockin’ to the beats.

Welcome to Rossmoor Award, Benjestorf Family, 3371 Druid Lane

You couldn’t ask for a warmer welcome to our neighborhood! The Benjestorf family has done it again, presenting a beautiful display that brightens your day as you drive home for the evening.   If you don’t usually enter on the St. Cloud side of the neighborhood, you may find yourself changing your normal route home!

Kids’ Choice Award, Thurber Family, 3121 Copa De Oro Drive

Written by our 10-year-old judge, Amelia Jen: This house is the kids’ favorite. From the dog in the tree to snowmen, deer, and Santa, this is one of the most festive houses in Rossmoor. Did you see the giant teddy bear wearing the Santa suit? We really liked this house because of all the lights and animals. As soon as everybody saw this house, they KNEW it was going to be a winner.

Rookie of the Year Award, Pahl Family, 2821 Channing Way

Santa – stop here! We had some great new homes on the route this year, and the Pahl’s family’s work stood out! You’ll find a beautiful balance of the classic Christmas fused with modern lasers and a side of holiday surfing.

Special Sights & Sounds, Herzog, Bingham and Monsen Families

For additional Christmas stimulation for multiple sensory overload, these homes have also been Rossmoor favorites each year! The Christmas Lights Hot Spot Map also calls out festive streets you don’t want to miss including Martha Ann, Kempton and Woodstock (of course with the Holiday Light Posts).

Honorable Mentions: So many beautifully decorated homes each year and all worth checking out! Show your support for their efforts by honking your horn while driving by slowly (just not at 3:00 in the morning). All of these homeowners earned a spot on the Rossmoor Christmas Lights Hot Spots Map (which is why the RHA does the Celebration in the first place).

One more way for families to enjoy the Rossmoor homes on the map:

Christmas Lights Bicycle Tour: Happening for the third year, following last year’s ride with over 100 riders decorated in lights and playing Christmas tunes! Starts at Rush Park on Saturday, December 22 at 5:00 pm. Show up with your bike decorated in colored lights, and tour the homes together on a selected route! A local bicycling group, LightningVelo Cycling Club has even more pre and post activities planned for this year’s ride! Here are the details:

  • 5 p.m.: The club will help families decorate their bikes. Bring your lights and/or some will be available for purchase
  • 6 p.m.: Group photo by the lighted tree at Rush Park
  • 6:10 p.m.: Lighted bike ride parade starts from Rush Park
  • Then meet back at Rush Park for warm drinks until around 8:30

In addition to decorating your bike, make sure to wear warm light-colored clothing, including gloves, and of course a bike helmet.

If you haven’t used your bike in a while, there will be two safety check sessions on Friday evening at 7:00 pm or Saturday afternoon at 3:00 pm. Location for safety check is 3131 Druid Lane in Rossmoor.

Another great magical season – we’re getting better after 12 years! And just to put it on your radar screens. Next year, we are planning to host a Christmas lights hanging workshop (learn the tricks of the trade) to hang lights more efficiently and safely. Thanks again to all the participating homeowner families, and Merry Christmas from the Rossmoor Homeowners Association!

The 12th annual Rossmoor Homeowners Association (RHA) Christmas Lights Celebration has handed out its awards and posted a Christmas Lights Hot Spots Map on the RHA website (ourrossmoor.com). It’s available for download as a PDF, or as a google link for visitors to enjoy an interactive map that helps you determine what route to drive, bike, or even walk. Pictured is the Passage to Wonderland Award winner, Den Hartog Family, 3212 Hillrose Drive. For more see pages, 10-11.

The interactive Christmas Lights Hot Spots Map takes you directly to a page to see the Santa, Christmas Tree and Reindeer icons designating the winning, special sights and sounds, and honorable mentioned homes!

 

The financial year in review, Starbucks were discussed before Council

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The financial year in review, Starbucks were discussed before Council

By Brooklynn Wong

With the ceremonious last La Palma City Council Meeting over, in which new Council members were sworn in and the Council was reorganized, the next meeting was due to take place last night, Dec. 18.

Look for a follow-up story next week, as the meeting took place after press time. Here were some items of interest that were slated to be discussed:

A look back at fiscal year ’18

A look at the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) was on the agenda. This dealt with the fiscal year ended June 30 of this year, and all appears to be well. City revenues increased by nearly one million dollars over the previous fiscal year. This comes as a result of fewer projects being done in the city, so money was saved on that front.

Property and other taxes were slightly increased as well.

Spending was down nearly one million dollars from the previous year.

The city expects to receive the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.

New City Attorney

Joel Kuperberg of Rutan & Tucker has served as La Palma’s City Attorney for 31 years, and is retiring. The Council was scheduled to recognize him for his service, and appoint Emily Webb, also of Rutan & Tucker, to the position of City Attorney, effective the first of the year. Webb has served as Assistant City Attorney.

Starbucks extension

A Starbucks drive-thru scheduled to be built at the southeast corner of Orangethorpe Avenue and Moody Street is seeking an extension.

Cancellation of New Year’s Meeting

A City Council Meeting that was scheduled to be held on Jan. 2, 2019, is likely going to be canceled.

Los Al Show Choir ends Chamber year with holiday music

David N. Young
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Los Al Show Choir ends Chamber year with holiday music

In what has become somewhat of a holiday tradition, the Los Alamitos Choir performed a series of searing, soaring and moving holiday classics for the Los Alamitos Area Chamber of Commerce last meeting of the year.

Outgoing Chamber President Shelley Henderson thanked everyone for the support throughout the year before introducing the country’s top vocal ensemble.

David Moellenkamp, Director of the choir, guided the group through a medley of songs, solos and full renditions of carefully selected holiday music.

Members gave the choir and Moellenkamp a standing ovation as the angelic voices filled every inch of the meeting room at the Courtyard by Marriott in Cypress.

Judy Klabouch, owner of Green Street Interiors, sponsored the meeting. She thanked the choir, thanked Henderson for her work leading the group and also thanked outgoing Mayor Troy Edgar, for his service during the past 12 years.

Henderson then reminded members of the “Oscars through the ages” installation banquet Jan. 10 at which Dawnette Palmore will be sworn in (along with other incoming officers) as President for 2019.

 

 

 

 

 

LAUSD names facilitator to lead Human Relations Task Force

David N. Young
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LAUSD names facilitator to lead Human Relations Task Force

By Robert Ostmann

The Los Alamitos Unified School District has hired a facilitator to help create a human relations task force. Danielle Nava-Mijares, an Orange County organizational consultant, will oversee formation of the panel and assist it in making proposals for enhancing inclusion across the district.

A focus group of community members earlier this fall identified several areas of need for the task force to examine, including human relations training for all staff, social media guidelines, and disciplinary and counseling practices for human relations infractions.

Superintendent Dr. Sherry Kropp introduced Nava-Mijares to the district board at its recent meeting. Nava-Mijares told the board members that forming a task force to deal with issues of diversity and inclusion districtwide is “groundbreaking.”

“I’ve worked with so many districts and we’ve done work with individual schools, but no other district is working at the whole district level,” she said. Nava-Mijares has already started working for the district and will communicate to stakeholders as the process unfolds. Information about how to apply to be on the task force will be forthcoming.

“I am so thrilled to be part of this,” Nava-Mijares said. “I have experience and expertise, but I come to you mostly with a ton of heart for this work. I’ve dedicated more than half my life to human relations, and I’m so excited that I’m going to be in a community that’s already doing such amazing work.”

Nava serves on the Fullerton Community Development Citizens Committee. She is an alumna of Hispanas Organized for Political Equality’s (HOPE) Leadership Institute. In 2012, she was appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown to the Fair Employment and Housing Commission. Nava also has served on numerous boards, including serving as past Chair of The Violence Prevention Coalition in Orange County, GLSEN OC and the YWCA, Central Orange County.

 

Rossmoor Winter Festival holiday cheer an Avalanche of Success

David N. Young
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Rossmoor Winter Festival holiday cheer an Avalanche of Success

Over three thousand children of all ages and their parents enjoyed an evening of holiday thrills and chills at the Fourth Annual Rossmoor Winter Festival, Friday, Dec. 14.

Rossmoor Community Services District President Tony DeMarco gave the opening remarks and thanked the many dedicated staff, sponsors and volunteers for their important contributions, without which the event would not have been possible. Honorable Assemblymember Tyler Diep arrived just in time to lead the countdown for a spectacular tree lighting ceremony and take photos with Santa.

Also in attendance were General Manager Joe Mendoza, former General Manager James D. Ruth and the RCSD Board of Directors. Said, President Tony DeMarco, “Events like this are so important because they really build community and foster relationships between friends and neighbors.”

The incredibly successful holiday event is hosted by Rossmoor Community Services District Board of Directors and staff at Rush Park in Rossmoor, CA. Once again this year the Rossmoor Winter Festival Title Sponsor was Chamberlain Real Estate Group. Supervised activities included a snow zone, sledding area, photos with Santa, the Grinch, Snow Princesses Elsa and Ana, holiday arts and crafts, fire truck and petting zoo. Families eagerly lined up for the extremely popular 3-D holiday lights trolley ride.

A fabulous entertainment lineup included talented local school choir performances from Hopkinson Elementary and McAuliffe Middle School and Los Alamitos High School. Calvary Band and Bells of Bethlehem helped to make the season bright. The Seal Beach Lions Club hosted the successful beer and wine garden. The delicious array of gourmet food trucks, which included Cousins Maine Lobster, Dogzilla, BrewWings, Vivace Pizza, Java on the Go, were inundated with hungry families.

We’d like to hear your feedback! Let us know what you liked about this year’s Rossmoor Winter Festival. For information or suggestions about the Rossmoor Winter Festival or to find out how you can participate in next year’s event as a vendor, sponsor or volunteer, visit www.rossmoorwinterfestival.com or contact Chris Argueta at 562-430-3707 x107 and/or rcsd@rossmoor-csd.org.

 

Los Al Medical becoming top stroke treatment center

David N. Young
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Los Al Medical becoming top stroke treatment center

By David N. Young

Approximately 25 fresh faced registered nurses gathered with instructors and recovering stroke patients this past Thursday seeking certification from the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, which instructors from Los Alamitos Medical Center are authorized to issue.

Officials say the stroke training for registered nurses are offered once a quarter and this was the last training session of 2018.

After an introductory classroom session, two instructors from the Los Alamitos Medical Center, Heidi Taylor, program manager, and Nurse Practitioner Melissa Radcliff split the class in two and gathered around stroke patients who have made substantial recoveries from stokes.

With half of the RN’s gathered around, Taylor grabs former patient Bryan Murray’s arm and asks him to raise it. Then, she holds her hand near his face and asks, “what do you see?” The students listen intently as she goes through a check list of physical and motor skill tests that are crucial to determining the extent suffered by incoming stroke patients.

Taylor then shows students how to check everything from eyebrows down the toes, asking Murray to elevate his leg at a 45-degree angle, advising them that “a little bounce is okay.”

The LAMC Program Manger instructs them on how to interpret reactions and how to factor in the age of the patient.

Taylor also instructs the students how to quickly determine palsy (temporary or permanent paralysis) and to access the extent to which a stroke patient has been affected.

Across the way, Radcliff raises does similar tests with her recovering stroke patient, Ron Wingard, then asks her students to step in and do the same.

“When a stroke patient comes into this facility,” she says to the nurses, “this is the worst day of their lives. Your job is first to connect and provide compassion,” she says to the students.

Radcliff emphasizes to the RN’s to remember that stroke patients are people, “loved by their family” and in addition to providing excellent care, nurses are told to deliver the care with “professionalism and courtesy.”

Then she flips the script and asks one of the students to jump in. They do. “How are you,” asks Vanessa Villa.“ Then Villa grabs his leg and asks, “does this feel okay?” Another nurse, Angel Martinez, steps up and asks Wingard to extend his hand and hold it.

Once they complete the course, these nurses will be certified to administer what the National Institute of Health calls the “Stroke Scale,” a regimented series of tests that provide doctors and other medical professionals with immediately health intelligence that will allow them to expedite and administer care to arrest the spread of the stroke to prevent further damage.

There are multiple types of strokes. A stroke may be caused by a blocked artery (ischemic stroke) or the leaking or bursting of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). Some people may experience only a temporary disruption of blood flow to the brain (transient ischemic attack, or TIA) that doesn’t cause permanent damage, and the knowledge gained by this training allow nurses to provide specialized care.

Because of the large volume of stokes in the area (two to three per day), the Los Al Medical Center has become recognized as a CSC (Comprehensive Stroke Center).

Taylor and her staff provide four training sessions per year as registered nurses become the front line for incoming stroke patients.

Once treated, the stroke patients then have access to significant rehabilitation services, as she tells them after the fact that Murray’s ability to raise his leg and function are a testament to why they are becoming certified.

“This patient was told he would never walk again,” she said and “look at him.”

“I like being the dummy” joked Wingard, as he sat up on the stretcher following the demonstration. He suffered a stroke in 2008 and said it was totally scared. He was told he would never walk or drive. “I was in a bad place,” he said.

Yet with compassionate care, he now gets around fine, though not perfect, and he has reclaimed his driver’s license. I come here to give back to those who gave so much to me,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boys and Girls Club of Cypress supports local vets

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Boys and Girls Club of Cypress supports local vets

Boys & Girls Club of Cypress supports local vets through service projects
On Wednesday, Nov. 7, Cypress Mayor Pro Tem Stacy Berry stopped by the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress to work on a special project with Club members. The Cypress Woman’s Club delivered gift boxes for veterans at the VA Hospital a few weeks later, so the Club members assisted the project by making the holiday and thank you cards to go alongside them.
In addition, throughout the month of October, the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress’ teen Keystone Club collected travel sized personal care products to include in the project’s Buddy Boxes. On Nov. 7, teen representatives from Keystone proudly gave two overflowing boxes of collection items to send off to veterans.
For more information, stop by the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress at 10161 Moody St. in Cypress, call 714-527-2697, or visit the website at www.bgccypress.org.

Courtesy photo
Boys & Girls Club of Cypress members Mara G., Langston S., Roman M., Joseph S., Mariyah H., Kathy S., Brooklynn H., and Suri A. pose proudly with their homemade cards for local veterans alongside Cypress Mayor Pro Tem Stacy Berry.

La Palma installs new city council

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La Palma installs new city council

By Brooklynn Wong
Not a seat could be found in the La Palma City Council Chambers last Tuesday, as a much larger-than-usual crowd came to see one new and one returning face take the oath of office to join City Council.
Kathy Flachmeier, who substituted on City Council when an opening presented itself for part of the past year, is moving on. Councilwoman Michele Steggell won her reelection campaign. And popular man-about-town Nitesh Patel was elected to the Council for the first time.
Dozens of Patel’s family members and friends turned out to see him sworn in and then join the festivities afterwards.
Not even the overflow seating set up outside the Chambers, in the lobby, was sufficient to seat all in attendance. Many stood outside the front doors where they could at least hear the projection of what was going on inside the Chambers.
Ms. Flachmeier was honored for her months of service on the Council, and is now moving to Buena Park and chose not to seek reelection.
There were therefore two seats up for election—Flachmeier’s and Steggell’s, since she had served her first two-year term. Steggell won back her seat, and Patel won the other.
And ending his tenure as Mayor was Gerard Goedhart. He is succeeded by Marshall Goodman. Peter Kim was unanimously named the new Mayor Pro Tem.
The new-look Council will next meet Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. at 7822 Walker St.

Photos by Brooklynn Wong
lapalmacouncil1
Though La Palma’s Christmas Tree Lighting was canceled due to rain the following night, the weather didn’t put a damper on the City’s Christmas spirit on Dec. 4, as decorations lined th

LAEF King and Queen of Hearts Royal Court Announced

David N. Young
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LAEF King and Queen of Hearts Royal Court Announced

The Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF) has announced the Royal Court candidates for the King & Queen of Hearts campaign. The King and Queen will be crowned at the Royal Ball and Coronation gala on February 8 at The Grand Events Center in Long Beach. The Royal Court candidates have begun a 9-week fundraising campaign, which culminates in the gala. The LAEF team and last year’s Royal Court selected the candidates. This year’s campaign features 4 couples who were chosen for their connectivity to the school district, passion for educational excellence and general can-do attitude.

Carrie Logue, LAEF Executive Director said, “We are so excited that the sixth annual King and Queen of Hearts campaign has begun! This signature event works in a competitive and collaborative way with community leaders. It allows Royal Court members to engage their networks, sharpen their fundraising skills, and connect to our school district in support of LAEF. Every dollar raised in the couple’s name counts as a vote! There will be many events throughout the campaign and I encourage everyone in the community to get involved!”

The Royal Court Debut event was hosted by Mama’s Comfort Food and Cocktails in Los Alamitos and was the official launch of the campaign. Community members, past candidates, district administrators and LAEF board members helped welcome the candidates and kick off the campaign.

This year’s couple candidates are Vhenus and Jim Belisle of Rossmoor, Rachael and Tony DeMarco of Rossmoor, Jen and Paul Rohdenburg of Seal Beach and Linda and George Sagen of Los Alamitos. The Belisles are Hopkinson Elementary parents; Vhenus is a district school psychologist and Jim is a teacher for St. Hedwig and LAEF’s Summer Enrichment Institute. The DeMarcos are Los Alamitos HS parents; Tony is President of Rossmoor Community Services District and Rachael has served on numerous PTA Executive boards in the district. The Rohdenburgs are McGaugh Elementary parents; Jen is a real estate broker and Paul is an emergency room doctor. The Sagens are parents of Griffin Grads and retired owners of GRS Construction. Each couple has an individual fundraising link on the website LAEF4Kids.org.

Kevin Guetig, president of LAEF said, “These amazing couples are passionate about their community and excited to support the Los Al kids. Proceeds will continue to support STEAM Fairs (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math) on all campuses, which will culminate in the district-wide STEAM showcase on April 6, 2019. We are incredibly proud of each of them for their dedication and willingness to help us fund this amazing program for the school district. I encourage everyone to help the candidates, which supports education in Los Al USD.”

LAEF is the non-profit partner of Los Alamitos Unified School District. LAEF enhances educational excellence by providing after-school and summer enrichment programs to children in grades Pre-K to 12. LAEF impacts all students by providing significant funding for STEAM teachers and instruction, as well as igniting new programs and providing valuable resources. For more information, visit www.LAEF4kids.org or call (562) 799-4700 Extension 80424 today! The King and Queen of Hearts campaign link is www.LAEF4Kids.org/KingAndQueen.

Article courtesy of LAEF

 

 

 

 

Rossmoor and Sheriff’s Department issue warnings

David N. Young
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Rossmoor and Sheriff’s Department issue warnings

The Rossmoor Community Services District and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department are warning its residents of what they are calling the “Grandparent” Scam.

They issued a notice this week to let everyone “be aware of” The Grandparent Scam, a common phone scam that “targets senior citizens” with calls from fraudsters that pose as a grandchild of the victim.

Purportedly, the scammers pose as a grandchild of the victim, calls the grandparent, claims to the in trouble and requests money.

The notice did not say whether or not the community has been affected by such scams and they also issued other tips to protect residents:

  • Be suspicious of callers asking for money.
  • Never purchase debit/gift cards to transfer funds.
  • Develop a secret ‘password’ with family.
  • Ask a question that a real grandchild knows.
  • Verify the ’emergency’ by calling someone.
  • Never send money to someone calling on the phone.

And, with the holidays rapidly approaching, chances are that residents are starting to order presents over the phone, via the Internet, or by mail. Most people have packages delivered straight to their front porch and the majority of deliveries do not require a signature and are generally left at your door, even if no one is home to accept them. According to the notice, this time of year brings out those looking for a crime of opportunity as well as those thieves that actually target your delivery. Thieves will follow or watch for the UPS, Fed Ex or other delivery trucks and then target a home after a delivery is made.

Here are the tips to help keep your presents safe from porch pirates:

  • Install a security camera on your porch.
  • Use your workplace as the shipping address
  • Track your shipments by phone, on-line, or by carrier app so you know what day they should arrive
  • Ask your neighbor to watch for your delivery and then hold the items until you arrive home
  • Keep an eye on your neighborhood and report suspicious persons and vehicles sitting or cruising the area – See Something, Say Something!
  • Request a signature delivery option, if available
  • Have the shipment be held at the shipping facility such as a UPS office or an Amazon Pick Up Point
  • Utilize “mailbox” businesses in your town and see if they will accept shipment of your item for a fee
  • If you do not receive your shipment on time, check with the company of origin and confirm the delivery. If the item was delivered and you did not receive it, then report the theft or loss to the original company, the shipping company, and your local police.

City of Cypress officials assist Youth Center

David N. Young
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City of Cypress officials assist Youth Center

Cypress city officials recently turned out at The Youth Center Christmas Tree Lot. Pictured (left to right) is Youth Center Board President Shawn McLean, Cypress Councilmembers Rob Johnson and Stacy Berry with Cypress City Manager Pete Grant, Youth Center Executive Director Lina Lumme, Cypress Mayor Jon Peat and Youth Center Executive Assistant Julie Rubin. The City of Cypress partnered with The Youth Center this year to provide a new tree lot location at 5047 Katella Ave., (corner of Katella and Siboney) in Cypress.

Los Alamitos Unified now setting breakfast table at local schools

David N. Young
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Los Alamitos Unified now setting breakfast table at local schools

The Los Alamitos Unified School District has launched a school breakfast program at three schools with plans to expand it district-wide. Los Alamitos Elementary and McAuliffe Middle School offer breakfast before school, and McGaugh Elementary offers food both before school and during morning recess.

“We are excited to offer breakfast to students on three school campuses as it is widely acknowledged to be the most important meal of the day,” said Ondrea Reed, Assistant Superintendent, Education Services. “Research indicates that eating breakfast has a positive effect on children’s cognitive performance, particularly in memory and attention.”

In addition, having the option of breakfast at school can relieve a lot of stress for busy families, said Celeste Calubaquib, Director of Food Services for the district.

The breakfast menu includes cereal or an entrée, such as French Toast, omelet wrap, or breakfast pizza. Fresh fruit and cheese are also offered each day. Entrees rotate on a two-week cycle. Menus for both elementary and middle school breakfast can be found online at https://bit.ly/2QaIdZU.

Breakfast costs $2.25, but free and reduced-cost meal eligibility also applies to breakfast so that all students can afford to eat if they choose. No sign up is needed; teachers ask the day before who will be eating breakfast so that the district knows how much to cook. Food is prepared at each school site.

On a chilly recent morning, an enthusiastic group of breakfast patrons proclaimed the chocolate chip muffins and the chocolate chip pancakes to be the best of the menu offerings. Why? “Because they have chocolate!” said one girl, giggling.

 

Dr. Sherry Kropp announces retirement

David N. Young
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Dr. Sherry Kropp announces retirement
Los Alamitos Superintendent Dr. Sherry Kropp somewhat surprisingly announced her retirement this week. She will retire in April of 2019. Below is the entire text of the announcement she sent to the Los Alamitos community.
Hello, Los Alamitos Unified Families,  
It is with bittersweet emotion that I let you know that I plan to retire in early April, 2019.  I have been blessed to work in education for over 40 years (34 in Los Al) and to be the Superintendent for the last eight years.  Getting to do this work in Los Al with all of you and our spectacular students, teachers, administrators, and support staff has been a dream come true.  I love all things Los Al and consider it a privilege to have been even a small part of some amazing work.  Your support for children and our schools will continue to inspire me – even in retirement.  
I’m making the announcement early so that the Board of Education has ample time to select the next Superintendent.  I have had the honor of working for an amazing Board of Education – a Board that believes in the power of education and unlimited possibilities for young people, always puts kids first, and who prioritizes the dreams our families have for their children.    The Board of Education will be soliciting input from families and other stakeholders regarding the next Superintendent in January.
I will volunteer after April 7, 2019, if necessary and desired, to ensure a smooth transition.  It’s important to have the new Superintendent in place before May as a lot of planning occurs for the following school year between May and July.  
I will definitely miss so many wonderful people, but Los Al will outlive all of us and is much bigger than any one person.  It’s our students, our staff, our families, our community, our passion, our culture, our drive for excellence, our relationships, our commitment to children, and the list goes on…. that make Los Alamitos Unified a great place to live, work, and go to school.  
Mostly, thank you for the opportunities of a life-time, for the friendships, and for the cherished memories.  It has been my honor to work with you.  And, I still have four months until I retire, so I look forward to seeing you soon.  
With gratitude,
Dr. Sherry Kropp

Restaurateur Art Garcia’s special Christmas mission

David N. Young
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Restaurateur Art Garcia’s special Christmas mission

By David N. Young

After four decades in the restaurant business, Art Garcia has never forgotten how much America owes to those who have served in the military and he has made it a holiday tradition to give something back.

Garcia owns Maderas Steak and Ribs in Los Alamitos, and he is preparing to feed nearly 200 of veterans who would likely be completely forgotten on Christmas.

His holiday service to veterans’ dates back to Long Beach many years ago when he would serve Christmas meals to homeless veterans. Since he opened Ma1deras in 2007, however, he has searched for more meaningful ways to serve.

Born in Torrance, Art’s family moved Mexico City, only to return when he was 19. He

has lived in America most of his life and for four decades, he’s made an effort to give something back.

In fact, he was ready to serve in the military, registered for the draft during the Vietnam War, but “was never called to serve.”

Garcia obviously has a very soft spot for the veterans who did. Even more, his heart aches for veterans confined to the spinal cord injury ward, along with other, less frequented wards of the Veteran’s Administration hospital in Long Beach.

A restaurateur most of his life, Garcia began serving Christmas steak dinners to veterans in the VA Hospital four years ago. At first, the local businessman was horrified by what he found.

“There was no Christmas music, no tree, no decorations,” he said during his first foray into the spinal cord ward of the Long Beach V.A. hospital.

Garcia said hospital officials told him then that holiday decorations in the VA were not allowed because they were a “fire hazard.” Since then, however, Garcia has managed to get approval to have decorations for the day.

While it is a festive occasion, Garcia urges his “team” to prepare themselves for sights they are perhaps unaccustomed to seeing. To be sure, those who venture into the hospital on this mission will see things that could be disturbing since many of those confined to these wards have sometimes suffered horrific wartime injuries.

In fact, Garcia instructs everyone who chooses to accompany him to “reflect, pray or be inspired” to “get prepared” for spreading holiday cheer. “Sometimes it’s hard not to breakdown,” he said.

His mission, nevertheless, is to bring “joy and laughter” to those veterans in these wards who would otherwise be “sad and lonely at Christmas.” These men and women have served their country, said Garcia, and no one who has served should be forgotten.

But these are exactly the veterans Garcia wants to serve. He is preparing 180 meals, each of which to include a famous Maderas salad, a filet mignon, roasted garlic-mashed potatoes and a vegetable prepared for easy consumption. For dessert, Garcia instructs his chefs to prepare cheesecake in the shape of a heart topped with dark Belgian chocolate.

To accomplish the mission, Garcia fields an army of about 50 chefs, sous-chefs, servers and volunteers to make this happen, and, at press time, he has about 10 positions available for volunteers. Also, he is seeking to have each of the meals sponsored at $25 each to help offset the cost. So far, he has received donations for 44 of the 180 meals and he promises to serve all of them, paying himself for those meals that are not donated.

Four years in, Garcia has enlisted quite a bit of support for these Christmas missions. The Rossmoor Woman’s club now provides decorations and assistance. He now has a corps of Christmas carolers from Bethel Romanian Pentecostal Church. As the meals are being served, they walk the halls to spread the love of Christmas with music to let these shut in veterans knows that America appreciates “what they have done for us.”

“This is a way for me to be of service to America,” he said. “I am so blessed to be able to do this. These veterans should not be sad and lonely on this day,”

Anyone wanting to either donate a meal or volunteer for the mission to bring joy to severely disabled veterans on Christmas are urged to call Maderas (562-598-0401) or signup at the restaurant, located at 3642 Katella Ave, Los Alamitos.

 

 

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