All it took to “show the love” to 4000 Soldiers activated at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos was a crazy idea, a brigade of volunteers and more than 800 pizzas, according to a statement issued by the organization.
It’s been a long, hot, and challenging no-notice activation for 4000 Soldiers from the California National Guard.
Unairconditioned tents, away from home over a National holiday, good food that gets repetitive after weeks of the same menu. But like all Soldiers, they serve where they are sent and do the job they were asked to do, with all they have in them.
“We knew the Soldiers at Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB) have been somewhat isolated at the Base since the deployment began,” said LTC (Ret) Pete Seitz, president of the Geater Los Angeles Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (GLAC AUSA). “We really wanted to let them know the community supports them and values their service – we wanted to thank them for their service.
“They have fought our forest fires, they helped with the Pacific Palisades fire and clean up, and they provide help and support in their local communities across the state every single day,” Seitz added. “We wanted to let them know their service and sacrifice is appreciated.’”
Activated since early June, the Soldiers assigned to the Federal Protection mission needed a boost for their spirits and morale (and perhaps their stomachs.) It was served up to them hot, fresh and tasty by the Geater Los Angeles Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (GLAC AUSA) in the form of 800 pizzas.
Courtesy photo The pizza were made and cooked on site at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos.
Not just any pizzas. No soggy cardboard delivery boxes. These pizza were made and cooked on site at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos.
It’s not an easy task to feed hot, fresh-baked pizza to 4000 Soldiers. It takes, well, an Army. GLAC AUSA had plenty of assistance for this huge endeavor: the Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos Staff; Federal Task Force 51; and the cadets and advisors of Post 558 Military Explorers, a youth organization that meets at the base. In addition to Seitz, the on-site GLAC team included Ron Cabrera, Tony Marraccino, and Bill Wenger.
It was the local branch of pizza company, Pizzarageous, though, that really made this mission a success. When asked if they could provide pizza for 4,000 Soldiers, they didn’t even blink!
The ovens and pizzas were set up in the early morning. Pizzas were stacked and ready for the oven. The team began feeding Soldiers before noon and continued making and serving pizza until every Soldier was full around 5 p.m. When the stacks of pre-made pizzas got low, Pizzarageous simply made more.
After concluding one of the largest events they have ever hosted, GLAC AUSA’s response was “what can we do next for our Soldiers?”
The Association of the United States Army is a nonprofit educational and professional development association serving America’s Army and supporters of a strong national defense. AUSA provides a voice for the Army, supports the Soldier, and honors those who have served in order to advance the security of the nation. www.ausa.org.
The Youth Center is proud to announce the return of its highly popular After School Academy, once again providing free after-school care for students in grades 6 through 8. This program begins August 13 and is hosted at The Youth Center, located at 10761 Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos, CA.
A cornerstone of the community since 1952, The Youth Center continues its mission to serve local families with accessible, enriching, and safe programs for youth. This year, in response to the rising need for affordable childcare, the Academy is being offered at no cost, aside from a one-time $25 membership fee for the entire school year—an amount that secures a student’s spot in the program.
The need for affordable after-school care in California is greater than ever, with 1 in 3 families unable to afford it. The Youth Center is bridging that gap with a high-impact program designed to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of today’s middle schoolers.
Courtesy photo The Academy operates Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with early opening on Wednesdays and minimum days.
The After School Academy offers a wide variety of engaging activities and support services in a safe, supervised environment. Students have access to computers, video games, pool, foosball, basketball, arts and crafts, and a dedicated Learning Lab—an ideal space for studying, reading, or simply relaxing. Enrichment programs include STEM activities, leadership and life skills workshops, mindfulness sessions, and cooking classes. Staff members are available daily to help with homework and mentorship, helping students grow both personally and academically.
The Academy operates Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with early opening on Wednesdays and minimum days. The program aligns with the Los Alamitos Unified School District calendar. Tyler, a student at Oak Middle School and returning participant in the Academy, shared:
“I love the After School Academy! I’ve made new friends, played pool, got to finish projects I started, and the cooking workshops are super fun. It’s my favorite part of the week.”
“We’re proud to offer a program that feels like a second home for many of our students,” said Lina Lumme, CEO at The Youth Center. “Because of the continued generosity of our community, we are able to provide this vital service at no cost to families who need it most.”
Enrollment is now open, and space is limited. Families are encouraged to register early to ensure placement. For more information or to register, visit www.TheYouthCenter.org or call (562) 493-4043. Kate Schumacher is a Youth Center Apprentice
Courtesy photo Kelly Ruggirello, President of the Long Beach Symphony.
The Long Beach Symphony has announced that one of its key executives has been awarded a major artistic award for her leadership.
Kelly Ruggirello has demonstrated 12 years of transformative leadership at Long Beach Symphony, driving artistic excellence, community engagement, and organizational sustainability. Nominated by Issy Roberts, Vice President of Operations & Education, Kelly is praised for her clear and compelling vision to make the Symphony an essential cultural force that inspires, educates, and unites the community through music.
“She doesn’t just articulate that vision—she brings it to life in everything the Symphony does,” Roberts said. “Her leadership is inclusive and strategic, her communication transparent, and her passion contagious,” the spokesperson said.
Under Kelly’s guidance, the Symphony has deepened its community impact through education programs, partnerships, and compelling performances. Her authentic and respectful leadership style has rallied staff, musicians, donors, and board members around a shared mission, making the Symphony a dynamic, resilient, and mission-driven organization.
In an increasingly competitive market for new technology, the La Palma City Council voted unanimously to terminate its contract with the current provider after a spokesman for the city’s police department testified that officers are dissatisfied with their current provider.
Just last year, the city voted to spend $63,000 as part of a five-year deal worth approximately $300,000 with Lenslock, following a memo written by then-Chief of Police Ron Wilkerson and approved by then-City Manager Conal McNamara.
“The proposed system manufactured by Lenslock is an all-inclusive system that provides the Department with body-worn and in-car camera systems and includes all necessary hardware and components,” wrote Wilkerson in a June 4, 2004 memo to the Council.
Further, he said the system is supported by an evidence management system, which allows staff to easily manage and store all digital evidence entered into the system. The system also includes redaction software and case management features to allow for easy interaction with court discovery requests for digital evidence,” Wilkerson said in the memo.
“These features are web-based and can be accessed via a desktop computer, the Officer’s Mobile Data Computer (MDC), or from an app on a handheld device such as a cell phone or tablet,” it said.
The Council approved the recommendation and authorized the first payment of $63,442 on a five-year, $291,000 contract to Lenslock, records show.
Once in the field, the new technology was underwhelming, according to La Palma Police Captain Jesse Amend, who asked the Council to terminate the contract.
Amend said the department implemented the Lenslock system, which included body-worn cameras, in-car video, and other software and technology features that theoretically integrated the entire system.
Overall, Amend said the La Palma Police Department has been effectively utilizing body-worn cameras for the past two decades, but they’ve simply had too many issues with the new system.
“Our current vendor, Lenslock, has fallen short of our expectations in several critical areas that are either non-functional or significantly limited,” Amend told the Council.
“I’ll give you some examples of some of the issues that we’re having,” Amend said.
“So the body cameras have a new feature. Our expectation was that the officer could momentarily disarm the body camera (audio) if we’re talking about something confidential, such as tactics or things like that surface,” he told the Council. When officers let go of the mute button, the Lenslock cameras stayed muted, said Amend, “which can be problematic.”
Another issue we’re having is the tagging of videos,” he said, explaining in detail the process of associating videos together in the field.
Amend said officers on the street were expecting to have an ability to have at least one minute to “capture critical incidents,” but once implemented the Lenslock system would allow only 30-second report capability with no options for more time.”
Amend went on to detail other problems, such as trying to use the system in the interview room. etc.
Mayor Pro-Tem Nitesh Patel asked Amend about the due diligence the department had done before recommending the system last year and whether they had done due diligence on Motorola’s “Watch Guard” system, which the department was requesting now to acquire.
”So to get here, I wanted to ask, did we not go out and actually, you did site visits on this one, and you’ve actually tested the equipment of the new the contractor you’re asking for, correct and previously, we didn’t do that with the other system, right? No. How come we didn’t do that,” he asked?
“I guess I could say as a management team at the time, I think we thought that we were doing our best at due diligence. We thought we were getting a good product. A lot of the things that we were told would be there just turned out not be there,” said Amend.
“I guess the sales pitch process, so definitely a valuable lesson we learned as a team and knowing the proper questions to ask and all the proper things to do,” he added.
With those lessons, Amend said the department has gone out to look at Motorola’s new system in depth before coming back to the Council. “We knew exactly what to do,” said Amend.
During the process of discovery of the “Watch Guard” product, Amend said police found out that it was the same product being used by a major OC agency that uses the same dispatch system as the city and records management system so they saw, first hand, how the Motorola product will work in La Palma.
“We got to see how all those systems integrate together,” he said, detailing the many advantages of the proposed new system.
In addition, Amend told the Council that overall, the new five-year agreement with Motorola will save the Council more than what was spent on the first year with Lenslock.
“This is a big win for the department,” said Amend.
Patel questioned Amend and the City Attorney Agit Thind about terminating the Lenslock contract, with both acknowledging there is a provision in the agreement allowing the city to terminate with owithout cause.
There will be no further payments due Lenslock upon cancellation, Patel was assured.
With that as a pretext, the Council approved 4-0 a new, five-year agreement with Motorola to provide the “Watch Guard” package of body-worn cameras, in-unit video and other features to the La Palma Police Department.
Council member Janet Keo Conklin was not present.
City officials said the five-year Motorola agreement of $232,796 is approximately $58,000 less than the now-canceled $291,208 Lenslock agreement.
Just to be sure, however, Patel wanted to make sure the Motorola agreement with the Police Department would include the same, with or without cause termination clause in their agreement.
What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that the California Employment Development Department is awarding $11 million to help six California organizations connect underserved adults — including veterans, people with disabilities, and at-risk young adults — with job training and career development services.
A nearly $11 million grant will help six California-based organizations develop and deliver job training and career development services to Californians facing some of the most significant barriers to finding employment. This includes veterans, people with disabilities, English-language learners, the long-term unemployed, workers over the age of 55, and at-risk young adults who are not in school or are unemployed. According to a national Georgetown University study, Jobs for All, there are approximately 27 to 35 million individuals who want to work but face significant barriers (such as poverty, disability, or long-term unemployment) to getting hired.
In California, investments like the Employment Social Enterprise program supports Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Career Education, which aims to bridge the gap and equip all students and workers with the tools necessary to achieve stability through good-paying jobs.
“Every Californian deserves the opportunity to pursue a meaningful career. This investment advances California’s Master Plan for Career Education and California Jobs First by expanding access to career pathways for Californians who’ve historically faced systemic barriers. It’s a step toward a more inclusive and opportunity-rich economy for everyone,” said Newsom.
“The Employment Social Enterprise Program brings jobs and dignity to Californians who’ve been left out of the workforce by connecting them to real work, supportive services, and long-term opportunity. These grants help mission-driven businesses grow while unlocking potential in communities too often excluded from the labor market,” said Stewart Knox, Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development.
“By providing opportunities for those who have been overlooked in society, we’re helping more Californians build lasting careers that strengthen our workforce,” said EDD Director Nancy Farias.
These awards from the Employment Development Department (EDD), in coordination with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, are part of the Employment Social Enterprise program.
Employment Social Enterprises are businesses that sell goods and services and provide transitional jobs and support to people breaking through employment barriers. Grant funds focus on transitioning individuals into stable, good-paying jobs — where they can earn wages, gain work experience, improve job skills, and access supportive services. Supportive services may include housing assistance, childcare access, mental health services, job coaching, and more.
The Employment Social Enterprise program is a part of the California Jobs First initiative. In partnership with its 13 economic regions, the State is investing in job creation, industrial strategy, and economic development initiatives, to create a more equitable economy that works for all Californians.
Jeff Negrete, Executive Director, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fresno: “At Catholic Charities, we’ve always been here to meet immediate needs — food, clothing, and critical support in moments of crisis. But this grant allows us to do something more. It gives us the opportunity to offer a true hand up.”
The public is invited to the Aquarium of the Pacific’s next First Wednesday lecture, this one will explain Ocean bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon where living organisms in the ocean emit light, according to an AOP press release.
“This captivating display is primarily produced by various species of plankton, jellyfish, and certain fish, which utilize biochemical reactions to create illumination,” according to the Aquarium.
“Join us on a photographic journey with Patrick Coyne, that captures the mesmerizing beauty of bioluminescent waters. This visual exploration highlights the enchanting glow of the ocean at night, revealing a world where light dances on the waves. Each photograph tells a story of nature’s magic, where you will experience the serene yet vibrant atmosphere of these illuminated seascapes,” the statement said.
Following the presentation, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy cocktails, conversations, music, and crafts in our Art Gallery and experience our interactive Paint-a-Fish exhibit. This is an adult-oriented program recommended for young professionals – seniors (not suitable for young children). This lecture will also be live streamed for those unable to join in person.
The date of the event is Wednesday, August 6, 2025, from 7:00–9:00 pm, and the cost is $5.00 per ticket for advance online reservations or $10.00 per ticket on the day of the event at the door (pending availability. Please check first).
Parking is $6.00 for the for 2.5 hours in the structure located directly across from the Aquarium.
Guest speaker Patrick Coyne is a professional photographer from Los Angeles, California, who specializes in low-light photography/videography. With a large social media presence, Patrick shares where bioluminescence is located up and down the California coast, which attracts thousands of people. He partnered with the Aquarium on a Night Dive event where he brought real bioluminescence for guests to experience.
The Aquarium of the Pacific’s First Wednesday’s series focuses on animals, nature, and conservation efforts. The events bring scientists, authors, and other experts into its Honda Pacific Visions Theater for an illustrated talk paired with book signings or meet and greets and cocktail/social hours with music and crafts. The programs are best suited for high schools and college students, young professionals, and adults of all ages. For tickets, visit www.aquariumofpacific.org.
Date: July 2 thru August 29, 2025 Time: Monday thru Thursday 4:00 – 11:30pm, Friday thru Sunday 11:00am – 11:30pm Cost: General admission $10 weekdays, $15 weekends Information: https://www.foapom.com/summer-art-show/
Event: Festival of Arts Fine Art Show Step into the vibrant open-air art scene at the Festival of Arts, an acclaimed juried fine art show featuring over 100 award-winning artists from Orange County. Explore a diverse range of art styles and mediums—from stunning paintings and unique ceramics to eye-catching glass and photography— all available for purchase straight from the artists themselves. Beyond the art, enjoy live art demos, music performances, art classes, special events, and more—perfect for collectors and casual visitors alike! Plus, it’s just a few blocks from the beach and regularly ranked as one of the top things to do in Orange County. The Festival of Arts is sponsored by Volvo Cars, City of Hope Orange County, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, and KOST Radio 103.5. Date: July 2 thru August 29, 2025 Time: Monday thru Thursday 4:00 – 8:00pm, Friday thru Sunday 12noon – 8:00pm Cost: Free with Festival admission, additional fee applies to ceramics Information: https://www.foapom.com/summer-art-show/art-workshops-lectures/
Event: Workshops at the Festival Art Center Drop by the Festival’s Art Center and create your own masterpiece with ceramics, printmaking, and multimedia art. The Art Center, sponsored by Bank of America, is open daily- Monday through Thursday from 4 to 8pm, and Friday through Sunday from 12noon to 8pm. Please note it will be closed on Saturday, August 23, 2025. For groups of six or more, contact ar*******@****om.com. Date: July 5 thru August 29, 2025 Time: 8:30 – 10:30pm Cost: Ticket prices vary, see website Information: https://www.foapom.com/pageant-of-the-masters/
Event: Pageant of the Masters “Gold Coast: Treasures of California” Get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience with the 2025 Pageant of the Masters, “Gold Coast: Treasures of California.” This epic show takes you on an unforgettable journey along California’s coast, showcasing masterpieces from world-class museums like the Getty, LACMA, Laguna Art Museum, De Young, Timken Museum of Art, and more, plus iconic monuments from some of the state’s most famous cities. With living pictures, original music, and captivating storytelling, the Pageant brings California’s rich legacy to life in a way you won’t want to miss. Highlights include Edgar Degas’ “Little Dancer, Aged Fourteen” from the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena and Millard Sheets’ “Pleasures Along the Beach” from the Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University. Performances run nightly from July 5 to August 29, 2025. The Pageant of the Masters is sponsored by Volvo Cars, City of Hope Orange County, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, and KOST Radio 103.5.
Nightly Music Schedule Date: Sunday, July 27, 2025 Time: 5:30 – 7:00pm Cost: Guaranteed seating is available by purchasing a ticket in the reserved section (“Nightclub” VIP seating). This ticket includes admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the concert. Limited free seating is available for each concert with $15 Festival Admission. Information: https://www.foapom.com/event/terry-steele-sings-luther-vandross/ Event: Soulful Sundays with Terry Steele Soulful Sundays, a music series dedicated to rich melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and the power of emotion through song. From bluesy ballads to gospel grooves, each performance is a journey through the depth of soul, jazz, and R&B. Come enjoy the music that moves you! On Sunday, July 27, enjoy the music of Terry Steele Sings Luther Vandross. Terry Steele is a two-time Grammy nominee and two-time ASCAP Award-winning songwriter who has performed worldwide, touching millions. He has written for or collaborated with Whitney Houston, Dionne Warwick, Patti Labelle, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and more. As the writer of Here and Now for Luther Vandross, he earned a Grammy nomination in 1990. He’s recorded three solo albums and six with Hiroshima, and held staff roles at EMI, Warner Chappell, CBM Entertainment, and Sony Music. He’s also starred in musical productions including Mama, I Want to Sing and Here and Now: The Legacy of Luther Vandross. Date: Monday, July 28, 2025 Time: 5:30 – 7:00pm Cost: Guaranteed seating is available by purchasing a ticket in the reserved section (“Nightclub” VIP seating). This ticket includes admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the concert. Limited free seating is available for each concert with $10 Festival Admission. Information: https://www.foapom.com/event/darden-the-band/
Event: Darden On Monday, July 28, enjoy the music of the Darden. Darden is made up of Clara (guitar), Havi (mandolin), Tabbi (bass), Josiah (drums), and Noah (keys), with the sisters on vocals. Raised on the California Coast in a musical family, they toured the U.S. in an RV in the early 2000s. After settling in 2008, the sisters formed their own sound, joined later by their brothers. All members now write songs and play multiple instruments. Drawing from their diverse musical upbringing, Darden has created a unique blend of Alternative and Modern Americana, featuring crystal-clear harmonies and fresh takes on classic styles. They regularly perform around Fullerton and Southern California. Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 Time: 5:30 – 7:00pm Cost: Guaranteed seating is available by purchasing a ticket in the reserved section (“Nightclub” VIP seating). This ticket includes admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the concert. Limited free seating is available for each concert with $10 Festival Admission. Information: https://www.foapom.com/event/carl-verheyen-band/
Event: Carl Verheyen Band On Tuesday, July 29, enjoy the music of Carl Verheyen Band. Carl Verheyen is a critically acclaimed guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, arranger, producer, and educator with over 50 years of experience. A longtime “first call” session player in LA, he’s played on hundreds of records, films, and TV shows. He’s released sixteen albums, two live DVDs, and earned international recognition for his versatile style and guitar mastery. A member of Supertramp since 1985, Carl has performed to millions worldwide. As leader of the Carl Verheyen Band, he tours globally with a genre-spanning discography. He also collaborates with Stewart Copeland in the PDO project, performing Police music with symphony orchestras. Date: Wednesday, July 30, 2025 Time: 5:30 – 7:00pm Cost: Guaranteed seating is available by purchasing a ticket in the reserved section (“Nightclub” VIP seating). This ticket includes admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the concert. Limited free seating is available for each concert with $10 Festival Admission. Information: https://www.foapom.com/event/billy-nation/
Event: Tribute Wednesdays with Billy Nation – A Tribute to Billy Joel The Festival of Arts brings some of Southern California’s top tribute bands to the stage, celebrating music legends with unforgettable performances. From iconic hits to fan favorites, these talented musicians will have you singing along and tapping your feet. Need a midweek boost? Wednesday nights at the Festival of Arts are the perfect way to recharge with great music and good vibes! On Wednesday, July 30, enjoy the music of Billy Nation – A Tribute to Billy Joel. Billy Nation is a high-energy tribute to Billy Joel, delivering an authentic concert experience of his top hits from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Led by pianist/vocalist Adam Shapiro, the band features signature grand piano, saxophone, rich harmonies, and audience engagement. From anthems like “Piano Man” to rockers like “You May Be Right” and ballads like “Just the Way You Are,” Billy Nation captures Billy Joel’s full range. More than a cover band, they recreate the look, sound, and spirit of Joel’s prime-era shows, offering a nostalgic and passionate performance for fans old and new. Date: Thursday, July 31, 2025 Time: 5:30 – 7:00pm Cost: $30 for wine and chocolate flight in addition to $10 Festival admission. Guaranteed seating is available by purchasing a ticket in the reserved section (“Nightclub” VIP seating). This ticket includes admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the concert. Limited free seating is available for each concert. Must be 21 and over to participate in wine tastings. Information: https://www.foapom.com/event/art-jazz-wine-guerrero-booth/
Event: Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate with Tony Guerrero with Lia Booth Chocolate, wine, and all that jazz sweetens up the Festival of Arts this summer! On Thursday nights, indulge your senses at the “Art, Jazz, Wine and Chocolate” series, sponsored by Charles Schwab and Cambria Estate Winery. Sample a wide variety of wines specially selected and paired with organic, gourmet chocolates. The Festival’s casual and classy outdoor setting, together with the soulful sounds of jazz surrounded by fine art, creates an ideal evening for friends, sweethearts, and family. On Thursday, July 31, enjoy the music of Tony Guerrero with Lia Booth. Since his 1988 solo debut, Tony Guerrero has built a celebrated career as a jazz flugelhornist, trumpeter, composer, and producer. He’s released twelve solo CDs—several charting on Billboard—and toured worldwide, performing at top jazz festivals and venues. His work spans over 200 albums and includes credits in film and TV. Guerrero has collaborated with artists like Freddie Hubbard, Tom Scott, Paul McCartney, Chance the Rapper, and Dick Van Dyke. Joining him is jazz vocalist Lia Booth, known for her dynamic, heartfelt performances. With a style rooted in classic jazz and a fresh, modern touch, she continues to win over audiences across Southern California. Date: Friday, August 1, 2025 Time: 5:30 – 7:00pm Cost: Guaranteed seating is available by purchasing a ticket in the reserved section (“Nightclub” VIP seating). This ticket includes admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the concert. Limited free seating is available for each concert with $15 Festival Admission. Information: https://www.foapom.com/event/tribute-to-holly-orbison-cash/
Event: Southern Nights with Blue Days, Black Nights – The Music of Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison Get ready for warm summer nights filled with the sounds of country and blues! Featuring talented musicians and a relaxed summer setting, it’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend. This music series promises unforgettable performances! On Friday, August 1, enjoy the music of Blue Days, Black Nights – The Music of Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison. Rock out to the hits of Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, and Johnny Cash in this high-energy tribute featuring Buzz Campbell, Neil Morrow, and Travis Daggett. Buzz, founder of Hot Rod Lincoln, has toured worldwide with Lee Rocker and brings his dynamic guitar and vocals to the role of Buddy Holly. Neil Morrow, a seasoned entertainer with credits in Sister Act 2, ER, and Fuller House, channels the legendary Johnny Cash. Travis Daggett, a top roots-rock guitarist, brings Roy Orbison to life with a resume that includes performances with Tom Jones, The Beach Boys, and top Elvis tribute artists. Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025 Time: 1 – 2:30pm Cost: Guaranteed seating is available by purchasing a ticket in the reserved section (“Nightclub” VIP seating). This ticket includes admission to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the concert. Limited free seating is available for each concert with $15 Festival Admission. Information: https://www.foapom.com/event/the-lao-tizer-band/
In a field that included two past champions and three other championship finalists, doxie girl power was in full effect as Florence and Sean Gregory’s Winnie, a 2-year-old red female from Huntington Beach, held off Kimberly Rosas’ Avi and her pink colored ears to win the 28th running of the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals on Saturday night at Los Alamitos.
The two lady doxies ran perfectly from the seven and eight racing spots with Weenie leading every inch in the about 50-yard race for dachshunds to claim the title of Fastest Wiener In the West. Winnie, who covered the distance 6.59 seconds, also earned a $1,000 cash prize and a doghouse in the shape of Wienerschnitzel restaurant. This was Weenie’s first ever entry in the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals, the premier racing event for wiener dogs in the country.
While this was Winnie’s first Wiener Nationals, she arrived with some strong credentials. Baby Ween, as her owners like to call her, is the current Grand Champion of Dexters Dachshund Derby at Wine Country Wiener Fest in Temecula California and also placed 2nd at SoCal Wiener Fest. When her owners entered the Wiener Nationals, her owners wrote a letter in Weenie’s behalf that said. “I bring absolutely nothing to the table except for speed. My team and I are ready to take the gold.”
Courtesy photo Florence Gregory and Winnie, this year’s Wiener Nationals Champion.
She sure did that on Wiener Nationals night.
“We take her to the beach, and she just loves to run,” said Flo Gregory, still in shock after Winnie’s winning performance. Fourth in last year’s Wiener Nationals Championship, Avi, an 8.5-pound miniature female, improved to second place in this year’s final to earned $500. Representing the city of La Habra, Avi is small in stature, but she’s got speed to spare. “She is a little girl full of energy,” Kimberly Rosas said. “Don’t be fooled by her size, she is small but mighty. She lights up when she runs free, you can see it all over her face with her tongue flying off to the side. Avi has entered a few weenie races before and she’s been the smallest competitor so far in all her races.”
Paula Boxie’s Forest, who traveled from San Antonio, Texas to compete in this year’s Wiener Nationals finished a strong third in his first Wiener Nationals. The championship field also featured the 2023 champion Beenie VonWeenie, owned by Nicolee Leonard of Fullerton, who came in fourth, and Leo Rodriguez’s Bella Rose of Santa Monica, another female doxie, who ran solid to finish in fifth. Ariana Gonzalez’s Burr, the hometown hero from Cypress, California, finished sixth in his third championship race, while Vanessa Gomez’s Chorizo, the SoCal WienerFest Halloweenie champion, was seventh. Rounding out the field were the 2022 champion Paisley, owned by Danielle Ramos of Moreno Valley, Rowdy, the skating doxie, who was also racing in the championship for the third time for owner Kim Estrada and Ivan Cano of Hollywood, and Stella, the winner of the Long In the Tail race for older doxie. She’s owned by Erica Halverson of Long Beach.
The event also featured the 3rd annual Diaper Dash for doxies 12 months of younger. Boo Boo Bear, owned by Oscar Loreto, won the Diaper Dash while also being the largest Diaper Dash winner. He’s one to watch in future Wiener Nationals.
With a full house of wieners, the big winners were the Seal Beach Animal Care Center, a non-kill shelter in Seal Beach, as the event raised funds to benefit this great organization. That figure includes a $5,000 donation by Ed Allred, the CEO of Los Alamitos Race Course, and his wife, Cathy Allred, the president of Los Alamitos. Total attendance for the event was over 8,000 to make it the highest attended Wiener Nationals since 2018. The event was not held in 2020 or 2021.
The Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals is a fundraising event for the Seal Beach Animal Care Center, a non-kill shelter in Orange County. The Wiener Nationals and SBACC have raised around $315,000 over the years. Sign-ups for the 2026 Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals have already begun at LosAlamitos.com.
The Rossmoor Woman’s Club (RWC) has already begun their planning of the annual Rossmoor Holiday Home Tour to be held on December 7, 2025. This event is one of the two major fundraisers for the club’s philanthropy work.
Since 1963 RWC has raised and donated $1,184,630 to charity and Los Alamitos High School student scholarships. Susan Denley, RWC President and Treasurer Lorena Bartlett ended the membership year playing Santa with distribution of the club’s monetary donations to Precious Life Shelter, We Care, the Youth Center and St. Isidore Historic Plaza.
Earlier in June, $1,000 each was delivered to the Los Alamitos Museum, Fix Long Beach, Lydia House homeless shelter, the Viking Vault at Long Beach City College, and KherUT (which helps formerly trafficked women).
These monetary donations are part of the more than $37,000 that was donated to local charities and student scholarships in fiscal year 2024-2025. For a list of supported charities go to the RWC website: www.rossmoorwomansclub.com
The Holiday Home Tour Committee is currently looking for homes to feature in Rossmoor and the Rossmoor Highlands for the fundraising event this year.
On the day of the tour, club members will be stationed in the homes as docents to make sure everything runs smoothly. Homeowners in these neighborhoods are encouraged to consider this opportunity to participate and give back to the community by offering their home for display all decked out for the holidays on Sunday, December 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact Sue Goldberg, Holiday Home Tour Chair, for any questions or concerns: 562-243-7199 or ss*********@***il.com.
The Cypress School District has announced the appointment of a San Gabriel School District executive to fill the shoes of Dr. Tim McLellan, the former Assistant Supt. for Business Services, who has retired after many years with the district.
McLellan’s last day with the district was July 11, CSD spokesperson Debbie Parker confirmed for ENE.
The Board of Trustees has now unanimously approved the employment contract of Larry Ferchaw, who will replace McLellan, at its regular meeting on July 10, 2025. Mr. Ferchaw will officially begin his new role on August 1.
“Mr. Ferchaw’s breadth of experience and demonstrated leadership will be an asset to the district,” said Cypress School District Board President Troy Tanaka in a statement.
“We are pleased to welcome him to Cypress and look forward to the positive impact he will make in support of our students, staff, and community,” the board president said.
Cypress officials say Ferchaw brings more than two decades of experience in school finance and facilities management to the role.
“He most recently served as the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services for the San Gabriel Unified School District, where he provided strong leadership rooted in stakeholder engagement, systems thinking, and a strategic approach to long-term fiscal stability,” the district announced in the statement.
Prior to that, he spent 18 years as a consultant in the private sector, managing facilities planning and financing services for school districts across California. In 2010, he supported the Cypress School District during its school closure and boundary realignment process, gaining familiarity with the district and community that will support a smooth transition into his new role.
“Larry’s expertise in school business operations, combined with his strategic insight and collaborative approach, make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team,” said Cypress School District Superintendent Anne Silavs.
“His previous work with our district provides a valuable foundation, and we are confident his leadership will support our ongoing efforts to ensure fiscal responsibility and operational excellence,” she said.
Mr. Ferchaw holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he graduated summa cum laude, and a Master of Science in Journalism from Columbia University.
He also earned a School Business Management Certificate from the University of Southern California and holds additional certifications from both the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) and the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT). For more information about the Cypress School District, please visit www.cypsd.org.
“Segerstrom Center for the Arts will host American Ballet Theatre’s Giselle this July, which will be ABT’s first summer engagement in Orange County in over 15 years. Featuring choreography after Jean Coralli, Jules Perrot, and Marius Petipa with music by Adolphe Adam, and staged by Kevin McKenzie, American Ballet Theatre will perform the production five times from July 24 to 27, 2025. Tickets are currently available at scfta.org.
Giselle is a two-act ballet that adeptly portrays themes of unrequited love, profound loss, and eventual forgiveness. The narrative centres on a young peasant woman, Giselle, who falls in love with Albrecht, believing him to be a fellow villager. Unbeknownst to her, Albrecht is actually a nobleman already engaged to another. Upon discovering the truth, Giselle succumbs to heartbreak and dies, yet she later returns as a spirit to forgive Albrecht and protect him from the vengeful Wilis.
In this highly regarded production, American Ballet Theatre’s distinguished ensemble of international ballet artists presents Giselle with compelling nuance and artistry. Alastair Macaulay of The New York Times observes, “Onstage love, death and dance converge in an engrossingly beautiful display… this performance continues to embody the quintessentially Romantic essence at the core of ballet. [This is ABT’s] strongest interpretation of a nineteenth-century ballet classic.”
According to the Cypress Police Department, a routine traffic stop has led to the arrest of a driver with an outstanding felony warrant and a cache of drugs and ammo.
A Cypress Police Department spokesperson said authorities said officers with the Cypress Police Department conducted a traffic stop and discovered the driver had an outstanding felony warrant for a probation violation. During the search of his vehicle, authorities found:
Over 4 pounds of methamphetamine
6 ounces of fentanyl powder
6 ounces of heroin
Psilocybin mushrooms
Several hundred counterfeit fentanyl
Adderall and Xanax pills Additionally, dozens of rounds of ammunition and over $7,500 were seized.
The suspect was arrested for various felony narcotics and weapons violations and was booked into the Orange County Jail.
The family and friends of Sarkis Manoukian are mourning his loss, a business owner who passed away only one day after his mother, according to a statement issued by his family. Manoukian died unexpectedly June 23, his family said. Sadly, his mother had passed away just one day earlier.
Manoukian owned and operated Norm’s Automotive, a well known automotive shop in Los Al known and respected by his many customers throughout the city, including city officials, the Los Al PD and many others were heartbroken to hear about his death.
His wife Carol Manoukian issued the following statement.
“Thank you all for the tremendous outpouring of love, support, and compassion as our family walks through the heartbreaking loss of both Sarkis and his mother – just one day apart. Your kindness has carried us through an unimaginable time, and we are deeply grateful.
In light of these recent losses, we will be closing at 12:00 p.m. Friday, July 11th. We will be closed Saturday, July 12th, and will reopen on Monday, July 14th at 7:00 a.m.
We also want to share something deeply meaningful to us: our sons, David and Michael, have made the courageous and selfless decision to leave their lives and business in Austin, Texas, to return home and carry on their father’s legacy. Sarkis built this business with heart, integrity, and a relentless commitment to doing right by every customer. David and Michael are committed to honoring that same spirit, and to making their dad proud.
In the coming weeks, they will begin implementing a new computer system designed to streamline and modernize our operations – but as with any transition, this will take time. For now, we will be limiting our workload and focusing on smaller jobs as we prepare to lay our loved ones to rest, allow the boys time to wrap up responsibilities in Texas, and help them transition home permanently.
Many of you may remember that David worked closely with his dad until moving to Texas to earn his Master’s degree in Geoscience, and Michael was by his father’s side every day until three years ago, when he joined David in launching their own venture. Their return now is a full-circle moment – one grounded in love, duty, and devotion.
We kindly ask for your patience and understanding during this time. We will be back to full operations as soon as possible, and you have our word that the business Sarkis built will continue with the same honesty, care, and compassion that defined his every day. It’s not just in our plans – it’s in our blood.
Later this summer, we will be holding a Celebration of Life in honor of Sarkis – an opportunity for all who knew and loved him to come together and remember the incredible man he was. It will be open to the public, and details will be shared throughout the community as the date approaches.
Thank you for standing with us during this time. Your support means more than words can express.
While most were out celebrating freedom with fireworks, about 50 or 60 protesters walked peacefully outside the gates of the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos on July 4 to use their freedom of speech to protest the use of ICE and the National Guard troops stationed now being trained to wage street war with other Americans.
Organizers Stephanie Wade and Amy Stevens, of OC Indivisible Coalition, said it was a protest, not against the troops, but a protest to disagree with the way they are being used.
“With a masked, secret police abducting people off the streets to ship them, sans due process, to foreign gulags and the National Guard deployed to Los Angeles in a provocative attempt to incite fear and violence, many of us felt that the most patriotic thing we could do on Independence Day was to protest the un-American activities now being run out of our local base,” said Wade.
“I want to be very clear about something,” said Wade after the protest. “I did this not because I’m antagonistic to the 4000 National Guardsmen that are operating outside of this base, Joint Forces Training Base here in Orange County, California. “I did this not because I don’t support the troops,” he continued, “I did it because I support the troops and what I really want to make certain of is that none of them make the wrong decision if they’re given an unlawful order,” said Wade.
‘I spent nine years in the Marine Corps and am very proud to say that I was an infantry officer who served with distinction. I wasn’t protesting the troops, I was protesting to support them.”
As ENE has reported since the federal initiative began, certain detachments of the military and immigration police are using JFTB as a base of operations. Federal officials have made a major investment in the base, creating massive tents for housing, mess halls, training and presumably for other purposes.
Srephanie Wade outside JFTB. Couttesy photo
Wade said protesters wanted to send a specific message to the 4000 guardsmen who may be “acting on orders against the interests of the people in Los Angeles every day. Just this week, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and the city Council held a news conference to protest a show of force in MacArthur Park while Gov. Gavin Newsom has repeatedly tried to regain control of the state’s National Guard to redeploy them to other missions.
Wade was joined by other protestors who said they disapproved of the federal initiative.
“Many of us in Orange County didn’t feel very celebratory this July 4th – our immigrant neighbors being brutally kidnapped while just trying to live their lives and support their families,” said protester Amy Stevens.
She said peaceful demonstrations have been interrupted by police forces with “less lethal” weapons and tear gas, our cities occupied by our own military. I couldn’t party while I felt so much rage and anguish,” she said.
“What else could we do but follow the example of the earliest Americans and protest government overreach and discriminatory practices,” said Stevens. Some folks organized, others planned last-minute pop-ups,” she said. She said tensions are building within growing areas of the county.
“In Villa Park, a man named Mel stood on the street corner he’s been on every Friday for weeks, this time with dozens of supporters; in Irvine a last-minute sign-wave and food drive drew over 800 people and filled 16+ vehicles with food and essential items for those affected by ICE raids; in San Clemente a family resisted alone and a lone woman walked an intersection in Huntington Beach; there were many other groups big and small throughout the county,” said Stevens.
“And in Los Alamitos, 75 people gathered to send a message to the armed troops sent to quell Constitutionally-protected speech, possibly with violence: You don’t have to follow unlawful orders, your oath demands it of you,” said Stevens.
That was a message that she and the other protestors wanted to get to the troops as many in this group expected the situation to get worse.
Stevens, who lives in Villa Park, said she has founded The Indivisible Coalition to give people a voice as the federal initiative continues.Wade and Stevens could not point to any unlawful orders given, but they say if the situation deteriorates, it is not out of the question.
Wade said he used the example of the order given by former General Mark Milley and the Secretary of Defense used to “disobey one of President Trump’s orders like my sign says General Milly and Secretary of Defenses for how to disobey one of Trump’s unlawful orders in 2019 and 2020 when the President suggested shooting unarmed protesters.”
Wade, a former Marine, said troops have a duty under the Uniform Code of Military Justice to disobey that and any other order they know or ought to know is unlawful. “I say that because the fate of our democracy may soon depend on young men and women in uniform refusing to follow unlawful orders, he predicted.
While it has been widely reported that President Trump asked Joint Chairman Milley and Secretary Mark Esper about shooting protesters in the legs, there is no documentation that the President ever actually gave the order after Milley and Esper provided their infamous input.
“I want these young guardsmen, and most of them are extremely young…I want to fortify them with the courage, and I want them to consider under what circumstances they would disobey an unlawful order,” she said.
“They have an obligation, and they all know it,” said Wade.
“I don’t want them to make the wrong decision and do something like shoot unarmed peaceful protesters and then have to live with that kind of a moral injury for the rest of their lives,” said Wade, not to mention you know I think these protests are going to grow and grow and they must grow and then they’ll grow exponentially.”
Although no such orders have been documented, the former Marine warned “if they resort to nothing but naked violence against unarmed Americans, that’s when these protests will explode,” citing other examples when this has happened.
July 4 protesters at Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos. Courtesy photo
SIn past conflicts, when the organs of state and institutions determined they should deploy violence against their citizens, that “they have a positive obligation to disobey. It is unlawful to do so,” said Wade, suggesting that was intent of the protest to let the National Guardsmen inside know of their choice.
It is incumbent on all of us–civilian and veteran alike–to remind these young warriors that they are meant to protect, not repress the American people,” she said.
If any such orders are given to act upon citizens, Wade said American troops will have a duty, under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, to disobey that and any other order they know or ought to know is unlawful.
“I say that because the fate of our democracy may soon depend on young men and women in uniform refusing to follow unlawful orders and I say it because I don’t want them, in the heat of crisis, to make a wrong decision that they will carry as a moral injury for the rest of their lives,” she said.
“Ultimately, I think in the end, these Guardsmen are not going to side against the American people, I don’t believe they will.”
Lt. Col. Dan Fox, JFTB base commander, said National Guard troops “absolutely retain the right to protect themselves, but I can assure you they are under no orders to shoot anyone,” he said in response to the protest.
The City of Los Alamitos has announced at its most recent Council meeting that it will soon introduce its own system to transport senior citizens around town free of charge.
“This is just the first step in the implementation of our senior master plan,” said City Manager Chet Simmons, announcing plans to roll out a four-vehicle transportation system that will provide free transportation within the city for residents 55 and above.
“This will be the first of its kind in Orange County,” he said.
With a growing population of over 55 residents, Simmons said the city worked with the Orange County Transportation Authority to partly fund the service and that the city had found a local sponsor to fund half of the city’s share of the matching part of the grant.
Ron Noda, the city’s Director of Development Services, said more than 10 percent of senior residents noted in a recent survey that transportation was a growing problem. City officials said residents 55 and over currently make up more than 30 percent of the city’s population and is a growing sector.
Noda said the entire cost of the project is $3.8 million, with OCTA playing half the cost, with the city responsible for a 50 percent match for the $1.9 million grant.
The seven-year project will cost approximately $257,000 per year, with the OCTA paying the other 50 percent, he added. “While the city has its first-year matching taken care off, “we’re working very hard to to get either a grant or a sponsor to cover the next six years.”
Noda said the company called “Circuit,” which runs similar programs in nearby communities, has been awarded the project following a request for proposals.
Accordingly, he said that discussions are underway to potentially provide transportation to other communities such as Rossmoor, Seal Beach, Cypress, etc.
Right now, said Noda, the proposal will only provide free transportation to “every corner of Los Alamitos.”
In response to a question from Council member Emily Hibard, Noda said persons under 55 will not be prohibited from riding, but there may be a small fee of $3, although he noted exact amounts would not be determined until the program was fully developed and approved by the Council.
Noda suggested the service will operate much like a current ride-share operation, where residents can notify the service when they need to be dropped off or return from a doctor’s visit, or whatever.
“We are very excited about the program,” he said. Although waiting times will vary, he said residents should have to wait between 8-10 minutes for a ride to arrive.
He said the project will fund a fleet of four electric vehicles, including two sedans, one bus, and a larger-type bus, primarily for citizens requiring service under the American with Disabilities Act.
“All of the vehicles will be electric, and the carbon footprint will be zero,” he said.
Noda said the proposals for the service requested operations of five days per week, 12 hours per day, probably Tuesday – Saturday, although that was not yet official.
In addition, Noda told Mayor Shelley Hasselbrink that the service will offer communications in various languages to accommodate everyone in the city.
He said the vehicles, once acquired, will be branded with the city’s logo and other markings.
In other action, the city honored Sydney Forsyte, a senior at Los Alamitos High School, who had spearheaded the effort to bring the “Anne Frank: A History for Today” exhibit to her school. She is the granddaughter of two Holocaust survivors and an intern with the Freedom Writers Foundation.
“I want to thank the city for declaring Anne Frank day here in the city of Los Alamitos, “ said Forsyte, who recently graduated from LAHS, “especially at a time when it is more important than ever to stand united against anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination, “ she said.
“Since working with Anne Frank LA to bring the travelling freaking exhibit to Los Alamitos high school where I just graduated by the way yeah I witnessed a truly inspiring shift students coming together learning and story and embracing the importance of inclusion and empathy in everyday life another learning and story,” Forsyte told the Council.
“Today our city not only preserves Anne Frank’s voice and legacy, but also affirms its commitment to compassion, justice, and fighting against hatred of all forms, she said.
Mayor Hasselbrink said while several major cities in Los Angeles have declared Anne Frank Day, Los Alamitos becomes the first in Orange County to do so. From here on, May 12 will be remembered as Anne Frank Day in the city, said Hasselbrink.
In other action, the city heard from former Mayor Marilyn Poe and Debbie Kent, Vice President and President, respectively, of the Los Alamitos museum, as they thanked the city and its public works department for the recent upgrades to the museum.
Kent reported that the museum recently hosted a luncheon for city workers to show their appreciation for everything the city does to support the historical association.
“Everybody that works there is a volunteer,” she said, “and we all love the city or we wouldn’t be there. We thank the city for its support of the building and for keeping it beautiful,” Kent told the Council.
Sisi, a 14-year-old dachshund from Seal Beach, is this year’s Senior AmbassaDOG for the 2025 Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals to be held at Los Alamitos Race Course starting at 6:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. There will be a total of 14 doxie races with the championship race to be contested at 9:15 p.m.
Sisi will lead the pack in the Long In the Tail division — a special race for dachshunds aged six and older — bringing her spirit and joy to fans who have adored her for years. A total of 10 doxies will compete in the Long In the Tail race with the winner advancing to the Wiener Nationals Championship race to also be held on July 12.
Sisi’s journey is one of second chances and unconditional love. “Sisi was 8 about to turn 9 when we got her,” shared her mom, Kiley Majeski. “One of my softball students messaged me during the pandemic and said, ‘There is a weenie dog that needs a home, do you want her?’ Sisi’s original owners had surrendered her, and she was living at an animal hospital before we brought her to her new home.”
Since then, Sisi has become the heart of Kiley’s family. “She’s changed my life a great deal. Having a senior dog reminds me not to take any days for granted and to enjoy the moment I’m in,” Kiley reflected. “Sisi has taught me to live in the now and appreciate every moment. Even on the hard days, I remind myself how lucky I am she’s here with me.”
Fans of Sisi know she’s living the dream: “She is literally living her best years and life really does revolve around Sisi!” Kiley laughed. “She goes on vacations, has weekend adventures, gets handmade meals, and is never short of an extra treat!” Her involvement in the Wiener Nationals was a longtime goal. “I was a huge fan of the race before ever having a dachshund,” said Kiley.
“I attended nearly every year, dreaming of being in the race with my own Doxie. So, when we got Sisi in May 2020, I hoped she might be able to race.” Now entering her third year at the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals, Sisi may not have claimed the grand prize, but she’s captured the hearts of countless fans.
Orlando Gutierrez, Marketing Director at Los Alamitos Race Course, shared, “Sisi is truly a huge crowd favorite — she shows up with her own fan club that gets so excited to cheer her on. We’re thrilled to have her join us again this year. But beyond Sisi, we want to celebrate all doxies — we don’t want to exclude any from the fun. The Wiener Nationals are all about bringing people and their pups together for an unforgettable day.”
Kiley hopes Sisi’s story inspires other senior dog parents: “My message is simple: never take your time for granted. Senior dogs are still full of love and joy, even if they don’t run or hike like they once did. Every kiss, every snuggle, every treat — appreciate those moments. Realize how lucky you are to have that little frosty face looking up at you with loving eyes, because the one thing we never get enough of as dog owners is time.”
Sisi and her proud family. Courtesy photo
Sisi is one 98 doxies vying for the title of Fastest Wiener in the West, a Wienerschnitzel doghouse and a cash price of $1000 for the paw-rents to be used exclusively for treats. VIP seating to enjoy the event is available by calling 714-820-2681. General Admission tickets on the day of the event at Los Alamitos are $3 per person. Children 17 and under are admitted free. Los Alamitos Race Course features free general parking.
For more information on the 28th annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals please call 714-820-2690.
The Youth Center is proud to announce its graduation from the esteemed Octane Nonprofit Accelerator Program, a transformative initiative that empowers nonprofits to operate with the strategic mindset and sustainability of a thriving business. This milestone reflects The Youth Center’s deep-rooted commitment to continuous learning, innovation, and excellence in service of children and families.
Since 1952, The Youth Center has been more than a safe place for kids—it’s been a launchpad for opportunity. The organization’s participation in the Octane Accelerator Program further strengthens its mission to serve youth with not only compassion but with the tools and strategies that ensure long-term impact.
“At The Youth Center, we believe in thinking and operating like a business—not for profit, but for purpose,” said Lina Lumme, Executive Director. “Graduating from this program reinforces our culture of learning and growth. Everything we do, we do with the mindset that kids deserve the very best—whether it’s in programming, leadership, or sustainability.”
The Octane Accelerator Program, sponsored by Edwards Lifesciences, provides nonprofit leaders with high-level mentorship, training in organizational scalability, and access to an extensive network of professionals. The Youth Center’s participation culminated in a graduation pitch event where the team showcased how it is elevating youth services with innovation, transparency, and measurable outcomes.
The Youth Center extends its heartfelt thanks to the mentors, instructors, and program leaders whose guidance will leave a lasting impact. A special thanks also goes to Eric Frankenberg, Board President of The Youth Center, who supported the team at graduation.
As The Youth Center continues to evolve, this experience reaffirms a key belief at its core: that when we grow smarter and stronger as an organization, our kids grow stronger too. About The Youth Center:
The Youth Center is a nonprofit organization based in Los Alamitos, CA, dedicated to transforming children’s lives through educational enrichment, leadership development, and community support. Learn more at www.theyouthcenter.org. Reyna Rivera is an intern for The Youth Center
For some, The Youth Center’s Annual Golf Tournament is a day on the green; for others, it’s a lifetime of impact. This event raises money to empower at-risk youth in the community through scholarship programs. This year’s tournament, as always, promises a day of friendly competition, community spirit and the opportunity to directly impact local youth.
Set to take place on July 14 on the hills of the Rio Hondo Golf Course in Downey, Calif., the tournament offers a day packed with golfing, prizes, contests and more.
“The tournament is not just a fundraiser; it’s an opportunity to bring the community together and celebrate the love of golf while supporting a great cause,” said Arnie Fine, the 2025 Golf Tournament Committee Chair for The Youth Center. Guests can register now online! The day starts with free golf goodies and lunch provided by Habit Burger. At 12:30 p.m., the Shotgun tournament begins, and golfers can swing their heart out and enjoy a summer day on the greens.
At 6:00 p.m., the day isn’t over yet! Guests can enjoy a delicious dinner and learn more about the vital work of The Youth Center; dinner tickets are available for $70. This is a great opportunity to relax after a day of golfing under the sun, network with other participants or attendees and celebrate the evening.
The funds raised through the annual golf tournament are vital in providing at-risk youth with safe spaces, educational support and opportunities to thrive. According to The Youth Center, last year’s golf tournament raised over $30,000 to fund their mission!
Of course, the annual golf tournament wouldn’t be possible without the support of many individuals and organizations.“Our incredible Golf Committee ensures every hole offers something fun and exciting, making it an experience to remember all while making a difference in the lives of kids in our community,” said Lina Lumme, CEO of The Youth Center.
The tournament’s success and positive impact on the community are a result of the generosity of sponsors and the dedication of the event’s partners and sponsors. The Youth Center would like to thank SA Recycling, Z Fuels, Edward Jones, The Family Plumber and Cal Custom Interiors for being the driving forces of this event. The Youth Center is also incredibly fortunate to have Reyes Coca Cola Bottling provide drinks and Tim DeShazer photographing the event.
Additionally, The Youth Center would like to thank sponsors like Edward Jones for providing goodie bags!
The Youth Center’s volunteers also donate their time to make the tournament a success. From on-course activities to registration and meals, their support helps the tournament run as smoothly as possible.
“Our Golf Tournaments would not be successful if not for the generosity of our sponsors. We can say the same about our volunteers who graciously donate their time to make our tournaments run smoothly and successfully. We are blessed to have the many sponsors and volunteers it takes to run a successful event,” Fine said.
By participating, sponsoring or supporting this fundraiser, you are directly empowering youth in the community. Don’t miss out on this chance to make a difference in the lives of our local kids! Secure your spot for this year’s Youth Center golf tournament at www.theyouthcenter.org.
Proud families, uniformed cadets, and local leaders gathered at Cottonwood Church in Los Alamitos, June 20, to celebrate the completion of Class 35 from Sunburst Youth Academy, a voluntary military-style high school that guides Southern California teens toward brighter futures through discipline, leadership, and education.
Dressed in perfectly pressed khaki cadet uniforms adorned with patches, shoulder cords, medals, and military-style ribbons, to mark their individual achievements, 171 Southern California teens marched in formation one last time, earning their certificates of program completion and a fresh start. Fifteen students also earned their high school diplomas.
The teens left home and moved onto Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, Jan. 20, in search of change, a chance to become a better version of themselves, and the opportunity to earn 65 high school credits – more than a year’s worth – in half the time.
Their journey was not easy.
“You have faced some of your biggest fears and challenges during your residential phase,” U.S. Army Lt. Col. Sarah Rambo, academy director, told the cadets. “However, the biggest fears and challenges you faced were the ones we did not tell you about – the ones that were inside of you. Nevertheless, you faced your fears and emerged stronger and wiser on the other side.”
A Journey of Growth and Discipline
Sunburst Youth Academy Cadet David Sarabia is congratulated by U.S. Army Lt. Col. Sarah Rambo, academy director, while receiving his high school diploma during a graduation ceremony, June 20, 2025, at Cottonwood Church in Los Alamitos, Calif. Sarabia and his classmates moved onto Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, in January and completed a year’s worth of high school credits in five months while living and going to school on the base. Sunburst is a partnership between the Orange County Department of Education and the California National Guard’s Task Force Torch youth and community programs directorate. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Crystal Housman)
Founded to provide structure, mentorship, and academic opportunity for teens facing adversity, Sunburst Youth Academy combines military-style discipline with a rigorous academic program and emotional support services. Sunburst is a tuition-free residential high school credit recovery school for students 15.5-18 years old. The school is a partnership between the Orange County Department of Education’s ACCESS alternative education program and the California National Guard’s Task Force Torch youth and community programs directorate.
Over the past five months, cadets participated in physical training, workshops to learn life-coping and leadership skills, community service, and intensive classroom instruction.
“The past five and a half months have not been easy, but growth never is,” Sunburst principal Dinah Ismail told the cadets. “You faced early mornings and long, long days. You faced challenges that pushed you in ways that you never expected.” “Some days, many days, you probably thought it was easier to just give up, but you didn’t,” she said. “You chose to show up, push forward, and bet on yourselves, and that choice has made all of the difference.”
Ismail touted the cadets’ test scores which show an average of 3-4 grade levels of growth in both reading and math. Many cadets arrived at the school with academic setbacks, personal struggles, or unstable home lives. But for those willing to commit to the program, graduation represents a significant personal victory.
Student Voices: Courage, Redemption, and Hope
Graduates reflected on their journeys with gratitude and pride. Some shared stories of past hardships, while others spoke about discovering strength they didn’t know they had.
“I remember my first week being here. We were taken to a ropes course with the lesson of the day to overcome your fear,” said Cadet Makhy Allen, class president and one of the ceremony’s student speakers, who reminisced during his remarks. “I’m not gonna’ lie to you. I got up there looked down and thought to myself, ‘naahh.’ But with the encouragement of my fellow cadets, I completed it.”
Dressed in a purple cap and gown, Cadet Brianna Garcia shared her tumultuous journey with the crowd of more than 2,000. She bounced through four different high schools before dropping out completely after being told by a school administrator that she would never graduate.
“What no one knew – not even me – was that I still had a spark,” she said. “I just needed the right place to help me find it.” Garcia, who plans to enlist in the military and then pursue college, earned her high school diploma at Sunburst while also participating on the school’s competitive JROTC Raiders field sports team and serving as the class vice president. She also won a $5,000 small business grant and mentorship from the Young Entrepreneurs Academy to help her launch a beauty and makeup consulting business.
“I had no motivation toward my future,” said Cadet 1st Sgt. Issabelle Arroyo Greene who rose through the ranks to becoming the academy’s top student leader. When her five year old sister asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, Arroyo Greene knew she needed to make a change. “She was my reason to dig myself out of the hole I created and challenge myself to something I had never experienced before.”
“It was a tough and tiresome process to get to where we are now, but we got through it together,” she told her fellow cadets. “We’ve gone from being the cracks in the concrete to the flowers that bloom through them.”
Sunburst Youth Academy graduate Deborah Velazquez, right, hugs a fellow cadet following the academy’s program graduation and high school graduation ceremony for its 35th class, June 20, 2025, at Cottonwood Church in Los Alamitos, Calif. The event marked the completion of five months living and going to school on Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, for 171 Southern California teens, and it also served as the high school graduation ceremony for fifteen cadets. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Crystal Housman)
Honoring Achievement and Looking Ahead
The ceremony included a presentation of the colors by the school’s color guard, and presentation of academic and leadership awards. Orange County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Stefan Bean, commended the cadets for their courage and discipline and hailed the cadets’ collective 3.8 average grade point average.
“Each of you have the gift to inspire; you have the gift to succeed,” said Bean. “You have the gift to become whoever you want to become. We are here as a witness to that.”
“What a remarkable journey you took,” he said.
Two members of Congress were also there to show their support for the program’s mission and impact. Rep. Derek Tran, from California’s 45th district which includes Los Alamitos, praised the cadets’ success.
“You chose a path of discipline commitment and personal growth, and you saw it through,” he said. “Sunburst is more than just a place where cadets learn structure. It’s a place where they discover their voice, their value, and their power to shape the future.”
Tran, who served as a mentor to another Sunburst cadet years ago, knows the cadets’ journey well.
“The strength you have shown in completing this program are the same traits that leaders are made of, and I am so proud of every single one of you.”
Rep. Lou Correa, from California’s 46th Congressional District, added, “You showed us, your family, and more importantly you’ve shown yourselves that you can make it.”
A Community Effort
Sunburst’s graduation is not just the end of a five month journey; it is the result of effort from staff, mentors, family members, and the broader community. Cadet speakers acknowledged their teachers, cadre, and academy staff as key to their success.
During her speech, Arroyo Greene asked homeroom teacher Adrianne Beauchamp and Sgt. Judith Garcia, a military cadre member, to stand.
“These two amazing women made this cycle the greatest growing period of my life They put me to the challenge mentally and even physically,” Arroyo Greene said. “They saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. You kept me afloat, and I now know how to swim.”
The crowd erupted in applause as Class 35 turned to face the audience after the last cadet crossed the stage. Whether their paths lead to the military, college, vocational training, or employment, the graduates leave with newfound confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.
Ismail reminded the graduates, “Today, we don’t just mark the end of a chapter we celebrate the launch of a brand new story. Class 35 today is about new beginnings, bold dreams and the limitless future that lies ahead of you.”
The Legacy Continues
Sunburst continues to serve as a resource for youth seeking direction and opportunity. With each class, the school adds to a growing legacy of transformed lives and restored hope.
The academy is currently in the final registration steps for its next class, which starts July 20.
As Class 35 funneled outside the church to hug loved ones for the first time in weeks, the pride in the air was unmistakable, a testament to perseverance, discipline, and the power of second chances.
Editor’ note: Tech. Sgt. Crystal Housman is with the Sunburst Youth Academy Outreach, Admissions & Recruiting Dept.
The spirit of classic Americana was alive and gleaming in the sun July 4 as the Silver Fox Classic Car Club presented its 10th Annual July Fourth Classic Car Show at Leisure World, Seal Beach. Against the backdrop of waving flags, live music, and community celebration, more than 170 vehicles spanning more than a century of automotive history were displayed before a crowd of over 2,000 attendees.
From a 1915 Ford Model T Touring to the sleek 2026 Tesla Model Y Juniper edition fully electric car, the show was a journey through time, with every era of motoring represented. Hosted in the heart of Leisure World, Seal Beach’s vibrant 55+ active adult community, the event served as a cornerstone of Independence Day festivities.
Organized by the Silver Fox Classic Car Club, along with Leisure World’s Golden Rain Foundation (GRF) recreation staff with support from the members of Leisure World’s Community Emergency Response Team, this year’s event drew the show’s largest number of vehicles, drawing in residents and classic car lovers from across Southern California.
“We go out to a lot of car shows in the Southland, so they’re getting flyers that we’ve been passing out since March,” said car club president Ted Green, who has been drumming up interest in the show for months by talking with owners of cars on display at other shows in Southern California. “If they decide to come all the way back out here, that’s great.”
Visitors strolled through rows of polished chrome and vintage upholstery, chatting with car owners, taking photos, and casting their votes for Resident’s Choice and People’s Choice awards. Each vehicle on display was unique, lovingly restored or preserved, with a story to tell.
Car club judges handed out 25 trophies in various categories, including multiple Judge’s Choice honors, two crowd-voted awards, and the coveted Best in Show.
This year’s Best in Show went to Tony Christina of Lakewood for his eye-catching teal and white 1964 Volkswagen Double Cab pickup truck – a vehicle that stood out not only for its color scheme and immaculate restoration but also for its rarity. “It’s a half bus, half pickup truck,” said Green. “That was unusual.”
He said judges were impressed with the vehicle’s overall aesthetic.
Judge’s Choice trophies are lined up, July 4, 2025, during the Silver Fox Car Club’s 10th Annual July Fourth Classic Car Show at Leisure World, Seal Beach. More than 170 cars participated in the show and entrants came from Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the Inland Empire. (Photo by Crystal Chatham Housman)
“The paint was impeccable. It was just really eye-catching,” Green said.
Lakewood resident Tony Christina, visibly excited after the trophy presentation, said the restoration was a true labor of love. Christina purchased the truck in 1992 from a Huntington Beach resident who used it to source parts while restoring a pair of similar vehicles.
“It was drivable, but not safe and drivable,” Christina said. “I had to do brakes and steering and just about everything.” Once the truck was roadworthy, Christina, a middle school English teacher in South Gate, drove it to work every day – weather permitting – for 24 years. Now retired, he still drives the truck four times a week and has fond family memories of taking the truck to run errands or get treats for his three children when they were growing up.
The win marked Christina’s second Best in Show award and the first at a show this size.
“This is a huge show,” Christina said. “This is exceptional, so I’m very, very happy.”
A man and woman decked out in patriotic colors pedal through the Silver Fox Car Club’s 10th Annual July Fourth Classic Car Show at Leisure World, Seal Beach, July 4, 2025. The show was part of a larger community celebration which also included a golf cart parade, live music, food trucks, and a craft fair. (Photo by Crystal Chatham Housman)
While the cars were a visible centerpiece, the car show was part of a broader Independence Day celebration that brought joy and entertainment to all ages. Throughout the day, the community enjoyed live music, dancing, a holiday golf cart parade, and a craft fair featuring resident artisans. This year’s event moved to a larger venue space near Leisure World’s north gate and enabled the car show to grow. The move created the opportunity for more events to happen simultaneously inside nearby clubhouses while dovetailing as a single Independence Day community celebration.
“Every venue was absolutely full,” Green said. “I got a lot of feedback about people just loving the new location.” This year marked a decade of classic car showcases at Leisure World, and the Silver Fox Classic Car Club continues to grow the show in both numbers and impact. Founded by a small group of automobile aficionados, club members who meet monthly to share stories, take field trips, and plan the annual car show.
“This was a really big win for the car club and for the GRF recreation folks,” Green said.
