The Rossmoor Woman’s Club recently honored Los Alamitos seniors Sydney Valone and Jackson Lawrence as the seniors of the month for November and December respectively.
Sydney, the captain of the girls’ tennis team, is interested in marine biology and earned more than 90 volunteer hours participating in the Aquarium of the Pacific VolunTEEN program. She has also attended Girls in Ocean Science conferences since 2014 and was accepted into the Yale Young Global Scholars for sustainable development and social entrepreneurship. She is on the board of the school environmental club and active in the Spanish Honor Society and the LEOs.
Jackson, the captain of the boys’ water polo team, holds a 4.5 cumulative grade point average and participates in National Honor Society and the LEOs. He was named Orange County’s Wave League All-League MVP water polo player in 2018. He also surfs and has worked on getting his pilot’s license.
For years, conservative union members have complained about having to pay mandatory dues to left-leaning unions that spent the money on liberal causes they vehemently disagreed with.
One 28-year elementary school teacher finally said NO! Friedrichs, who has an op-ed each Sunday in the Orange County Register, challenged both the California and national teachers’ unions. Her case was the first of its kind heard in the United States Supreme Court.
The community is invited to hear Friedrichs’ journey at the Rossmoor-Los Alamitos (RLA) Republican Women Federated Saturday, February 16 breakfast meeting. Held at the conveniently located Cypress Courtyard by Marriott (5865 Katella Avenue at Valley View), the meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. with a textbook buffet breakfast.
“As someone who cares deeply about education, I so respect Rebecca for making the decision to go against the behemoth teachers’ unions,” said VP Programs Mari Barke who was elected to the Orange County Board of Education, Trustee Area 2 in June. “Thanks to Rebecca, who laid the groundwork for the United States Supreme Court to rule in favor of making union dues optional.”
The RLA club, which serves northwest Orange County cities and greater Long Beach, welcomes like-minded women and men who want to impact local, state and national politics.
The cost of the February 16 buffet breakfast meeting is $25 for members and $28 for non- members. Interest is very high to hear Rebecca Friedrichs speak and seating might be limited. Reservations can be made at: Ro**********@***il.com.
Rebecca will have books for sale for $25 cash or $27 charge. She cannot accept checks and the prices include tax.
A group of Los Alamitos High School musicians has emerged from a rigorous professional audition process to be honored by the Southern California School Band & Orchestra Association. The organization brought together Southern California elementary, middle school, and high school student musicians in jazz, orchestra and band and selected the best as SCSBOA 2019 Honor Musicians.
This year, these Los Alamitos High musicians received the award:
Julia Carpenter, junior – Violin II, High School Orchestra
Lance Kaiser, senior – Trumpet III, Jazz Ambassadors
Santiago Lopez, sophomore – Tenor Sax II, Jazz Ambassadors
Brennan Murray, sophomore – Drums, Jazz All-Stars
Max Nguyen, freshman – Drums, Honor Jazz Band
The jazz students will perform on Friday, January 25 at 7pm in the Grand Ballroom B at the Orange County Hyatt Hotel. Carpenter and the orchestra will perform on Sunday, January 27 in the same venue. Admission is free for both events.
Easy Choice names Cypress physician as Chief Medical Officer
Easy Choice Health Plan, Inc., a WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) company, announced it has named Dr. Teri L. Rhetta, of Cypress, as their chief medical officer in California.
In this role, Dr. Rhetta will collaborate with independent practice associations (IPAs) to help drive clinical outcomes while managing medical and behavioral health integration. She will also oversee the quality, behavioral and medical analytics teams. She will report to Karen M. Johnson, regional president, Medicare west division, WellCare Health Plans.
“We’re excited to welcome Dr. Rhetta to our team,” said Johnson. “With more than 14 years of experience in the medical field, her leadership and expertise will help ensure our members are receiving the care and quality services they need to live better, healthier lives.”
“It’s an honor to join Easy Choice Health Plan,” said Dr. Rhetta. “I look forward to working with the team to support quality improvement, provider relations and healthier communities in California.” The company serves more than 30,000 customers in the state.
Prior to joining Easy Choice Health Plan, Dr. Rhetta practiced medicine at Loma Linda University Medical Center, Riverside County Regional Medical Center and Loma Linda Murrieta. Most recently, she served as medical director of health services at Inland Empire Health Plan where she provided physician support for more than 1.2 million Medi-Cal and Medicare patients, coordinated complex and routine case management and oversaw the inpatient review process.
Dr. Rhetta earned a master’s degree in medical management from the University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business and a doctor of medicine degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. She also received a bachelor of science in business administration from Loyola Marymount University.
“Before the Parade Passes By” Betty Buckley starring as Dolly Gallagher Levi in “Hello Dolly” enters the Segerstrom Center stage, with a full orchestra is playing, in a horse drawn trolley. The celebrated Buckley dressed in a beautifully designed 1890’s costume will wow audience’s at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts January 22 – 27, 2019. The Center’s audiences can kick-off the New Year in “Gay Nineties” style as they return to 4th Avenue, New York in the Tony award winning musical revival of “Hello, Dolly.”
This show is vintage musical comedy straight out of the “golden era” of Broadway. “Hello Dolly” has broken Broadway records, holding the all-time high for (10) Tony Awards and receiving critical acclaim since it’s opening in 1964,.
“Dolly” has continued to delight fans in film and in three spectacular revivals with leading lady super stars. Now, the 2017 touring company, led by renowned ‘voice of Broadway’ Betty Buckley, is coming to town, complete with the entire New York award winning creative team. Audiences can expert to get all the on-stage eye candy of great Broadway productions. The dazzling show is an extravaganza of postcard perfect scenery, ballet infused dance numbers, and gaily colored costumes.
The magnificent Buckley isn’t the only star to shine bright in “Hello Dolly.” She is joined by a cast of brilliant performers. Among the up & coming actors is Analisa Leaming as Irene Molloy, Hat shop owner and young romantic whose life is changed through the interactions of Dolly, the manipulating matchmaker. Leaming and her co-leads lend much of the joy to this joyful production. Dolly, that delightful Diva, might exclaim “they are simply marvelous!”
Analisa Leaming, like the rest of the touring show, is a gift from the Broadway production. She was in the ensemble and understudied her role, Irene Malloy. She’s thrilled to be touring from town to town in the captivating show with the illustrious Betty Buckley. She says that working with a Broadway legend is amazing. She describes Buckley as “one of the most charismatic people I’ve ever shared the stage with. Buckley really lights up the stage and working with her is an honor.”
Leaming’s character Irene may live in the 19th Century but Leaming envisions her as going to suffragette meetings. She defines her as “quite spunky with a sense of adventure. She is a very forward thinking, actually in the story, all the woman, especially Dolly, are the smart ones even through this is the 1890’s.”
Vogue called “Hello Dolly” a “glorious new production,” perhaps because of the grandeur of the musical. But, it’s more than just the razzamatazz of this old-fashioned story that engages modern audiences. Leaming thinks that the reason the show is so appealing today is because it’s so jubilantly enjoyable. She recalls a young gentleman, seeing the show for the first time, saying to her “I had no idea what to expect, I didn’t know if I would even like it. I love it, I had the best time, it is just so much fun.”
Leaming added, “that’s the response we get night after night. This show is just so joyful and fun-filled. That’s important now because with our political climate and everything going on in the world people need happiness in their lives. I love being on tour in this show because we spread so much real joy from city to city.”
Audiences aren’t the only ones feeling the joy, Leaming was ready with an amusing antidote when asked about humorous happenings in “Hello, Dolly.” She describes a really funny incident during the tour. She says, “In a second act scene, Dolly is eating dinner and doesn’t realize she’s being watched by the company. It’s this whole comedic bit that’s always done and always brings on the laughs. Dolly’s silent for several minutes, just eating Turkey. And then this little child burst into hilarious laughter and couldn’t stop laughing. The rest of the cast is supposed to be on stage frozen as we silently watch her. But just hearing the little girl’s laugh we all got the giggles. Then Betty Buckley started laughing so hard she couldn’t eat her food. It was so infectious, I had tears streaming down my face. The whole audience was laughing with us, laughing with the child. Moments like that happen every now and then. And yeah, that’s what is so great about live theater.”
There’s so many ‘wow’ moments in “Hello Dolly” that Leaming says “everything about this musical is show-stopping because it is so vibrant. Everything from the costumes, well, wait until you see those costumes, is bright & vivid. The choreography is amazingly full of high energy dancing backed by a glorious full orchestra. ‘Hello, Dolly’ is a feast for the eyes, the ears, the whole show is ‘wow’ worthy.”
Leamng likes everything about “Hello, Dolly” but she says “what I love best is the joy and heart of it. And while the total package is a ‘highlight’ in musical theater, I have a few favorite things, there’s the farce in the Hat Shop in Act I – it’s a hilarious, fast-moving comedic scene. “Dancing” brings the entire ensemble on stage in an exquisite dance number. As for a favorite song, ‘So Long, Dearie’ is a heartwarming finale to a delightful theatrical evening.”
As Irene Malloy, Leaming’s character says “the world is full of wonderful things” and that’s certainly true in “Hello, Dolly’s” imaginative universe. Leaming describes the light-hearted musical comedy in one word, “Joy!” And she recommends it to audiences, saying “This is an old-fashioned classic piece, yet there’s so much about it that’s alive, fresh, and vibrant. It’s relevant today. This is the must see show for a beautiful evening at the theater.”
“Before The Parade Passes By” catch “Hello Dolly” at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Segerstrom Hall for one week only, January 22-27, 2019. For tickets and information: online SCFTA.org; phone, 909-556-2787; The Box Office, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Navy Midshipman Precious Cuaycong, from La Palma, California, participated in the 2018 winter Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) ship selection draft as a future member of the Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) community.
More than 40 midshipmen from NROTC units around the country chose to serve as surface warfare officers. Each selecting midshipmen are ranked according to their grade point average, aptitude scores and physical fitness.
“NROTC has been influential on my growth in leadership skills in both a professional and a personal manner,” Cuaycong said. “NROTC taught me how to hone my strengths and use it to influence others, and showed me my weaknesses that I have improved upon for my betterment.”
According to their rankings, each midshipman provided a preference of ship or homeport to the junior officer detailer at the Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee. If these preferences were available, they were assigned as requested.
“This ship selection marks the beginning of a very exciting, adventurous, long journey ahead of me as a Naval Officer,” Cuaycong said. “The best part about this is I get to choose the experience that awaits me.”
Cuaycong, a 2014 Ernest J. King High School graduate, has selected to serve aboard USS Porter. She is majoring in mechanical engineering at Tuskegee University. Upon graduation, she will receive a commission as a Navy Ensign and report aboard Porter as a surface warfare officer.
Commissioned in 1999, Porter is home ported at Naval Base Rota, Spain. Porter is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer that provides multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities. Destroyers can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, expeditionary strike groups, and missile defense action groups.
“I am looking forward to joining a lively wardroom and dedicated sailors that have the same goals as I do,” Cuaycong said. “I am excited for the challenge of my job and responsibilities with that job, driving the ship, and leading my sailors.”
The midshipmen’s ship selection is not only a major personal milestone but also an important day for the ships in the fleet. Not only do the midshipmen choose where they are going to start their Navy career, but the ship they choose will also gain a motivated, eager, young officer to help lead and improve an already great team, according to Navy officials.
“NROTC units across the country instill essential warfighting fundamentals, professional core competencies, and ethics required in a Navy or Marine Corps officer,” said Rear Adm. Mike Bernacchi, Commander, Naval Service Training Command, which includes the NROTC Program. “I am enormously proud of our graduating midshipman for completing this demanding program, and look forward to them joining the fleet.”
“Enthusiasm, commitment, honesty, and hard work are the qualities I will add into the ship,” Cuaycong said. “I take great interest in learning different materials thoroughly, be it a system or my community. Having a good quality work matters so much for me because not only does it show one’s work ethic, it also shows how much one truly cares for the job or task.”
Los Al #10 Micquire Monson drives past HB #2 Nick Saccacio
The Los Alamitos Griffins win another home game against Huntington Beach High School Oilers 84-51. The Griffins were led by Kevin Kent’s 21, Micguire Monson’s 14, Logan Gillespie’s 12, and David Olcomendy’s 10.
Though the rain tried, it could not keep La Palma’s dogs and their owners away from the city’s “Bark in the Park” event on Saturday.
The event was a test-run for a dog park in the city. The same thing will happen this coming Saturday, Jan. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 7821 Walker St., near the civic center.
The simulation is part of an ongoing process for the city to test and develop a location for a municipal dog park. Four different locations were being looked at initially, but after further research and looking into the financial impacts, city staff recommended somewhere around city buildings as an optimal site.
The pop-up dog park over these two Saturdays is in the area of Central Park, by the City of La Palma Recreation & Community Services building.
This site was chosen because if a dog park was permanently set up there, no existing infrastructure would need to be removed, it has a low pre-development cost and shade trees are already in place there.
About an hour in on Saturday, about ten dogs were happily playing in the light rain, as their owners stood and chatted.
City employees were also on hand to provide water and waste bags, and to gather feedback.
So far, the feedback seems to be all positive, with one attendee from the day saying, “what a great experience! Go show your support! Go next weekend if you missed today.”
In the event of rain, the event Saturday, Jan. 19, will be cancelled, though as of now no rain is in the forecast, city officials said.
The Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce took somewhat of a risk this year in bringing back an annual “gala” event to honor its businesses and community members and, by most accounts, it went so well many are already thinking about how to make it better next year.
“The event was such a success,” said Dawnette Palmore, the incoming Chairman of the Los Al Chamber, adding that she would push to continue the event because it is a “great way to honor our businesses.”
“They (local businesses) give so much to the community and this is a way of giving back,” she said.
Toni Hauger, the Executive Director of the Chamber, who coordinated the black tie event entitled “Oscars Through the Ages,” said some attendees made suggestions about how to improve the event next year.
Justin Padilla and the Los Alamitos High School Jazz Band played big band tunes as Chamber members and their guests began streaming into the U.S. Navy country club ballroom to witnesses the installation of new officers and presentation of awards.
Dr. Jeff Barke, former president of the Los Alamitos Unified School District, served as Master of Ceremonies for the event.
Bret Plumlee, Los Alamitos City Manager, administered the oath of office for the incoming officers and directors, including Palmore as Chairwoman, Nesi Steward, 1st Vice President for economic development, Mark Lengsfeld as Vice Chairman for Budget and Finance and Shelley Henderson as immediate Past Chairwoman of the board.
The new directors include Jay Bobnes, Manuel Gouveia, Emile Jorge, Judy Kalbouch, Susan Morales, Dr. Andrew Pulver, Michelle Ratzlaff and Dan Swartz.
Ganahl Lumber was named the Los Alamitos Business of the Year, Restaurateur Art Garcia was named Citizen of the Year, Precious Life Shelter was named the Chamber’s Community Partner of the Year and Golden State Water Company was awarded for having made the most Economic Impact.
Hauger said since Garcia was unable to be present (because of an emergency), the Chamber will present his award to him personally at their next regular breakfast.
In addition, the executive director said there was a silent auction that raised money during the event.
The Los Al Chamber board will at some point consider all of the feedback from the gala event to determine a way forward, said Hauger.
Overall, she said, the revived “gala” was a tremendously successful event for the Chamber. Members seem to very much enjoy the event, she said, and so much so, that some even suggested bringing back dancing after the program is complete.
Bridge of Light: Human Trafficking to Human Triumph Ministry will be hosting Catholic Relief Services’ “Turn on the Light” Solidarity Walk for Victims of Human Trafficking on Friday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. in St. Irenaeus Parish Hall, 5201 Evergreen Ave., Cypress, CA 90630.
Accordingly, Feb. 8 is the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking as well as the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita, patron saint of human trafficking victims. St. Josephine was kidnapped and sold into slavery at age seven, causing her terrible suffering.
Everyone is welcome to join together as a sign of solidarity in support of those affected by this horrendous crime.
Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world and a global industry estimated at $150 billion a year. This modern-day slavery exploits our most vulnerable populations, including young women, girls, refugees and those who live in poverty. Organized criminal organizations have expanded beyond drug and gun sales to selling human beings.
Let us be the light that shines in the darkness so that victims hidden in plain sight will be seen, the root causes of human trafficking will be revealed and the exploitation of laborers will be exposed.
Dress warmly because the Solidarity Walk Prayer Vigil will begin in the Parish Hall and then all will proceed outside before returning to the Hall, where letters to Congressmen will be prepared. There is no charge for this event. If you have any questions, please contact Monica Kovach at 310-490-6113.
Rossmoor Community Services District outgoing President Tony DeMarco presented his 2018 State of the District Address at its Tuesday, January 8, 2019 regular meeting of the Board. The address focused on the financial, technological and operational accomplishments of the District, as well as important traffic and community issues over the past year.
“It has been my honor and privilege to serve as your Board President in 2018,” said DeMarco.
“As we conclude the 2018 calendar year and look forward to great things for the RCSD in 2019, I would like to express my appreciation to the entire Board of Directors for their support and hard work as we worked our way through an exciting year for the District… The District has been working with Southern California Edison towards the installation of 796 new Light Emitting Diodes (LED) street lighting fixtures in Rossmoor. Approved in June 2018, the lighting installation project is scheduled for February 2019…Our fiscal position is strong and our community’s low crime rate and high quality of life continues to make living in Rossmoor one of the best places in the region to be,” proclaimed President Demarco. The entire address can be read on the RCSD website at www.rossmoor-csd.org
Afterwards, the annual election of officers was held in which Ron Casey was elected president, Michael Maynard, First Vice President, Mark Nitikman, Second Vice President, Tony DeMarco, Director and Bill Kahlert, Director.
Newly elected President Ron Casey thanked outgoing President Tony DeMarco for his leadership over the past year and presented him with a proclamation of commendation and commemorative gavel. President Casey also congratulated First Vice President Michael Maynard and Second Vice President Mark Nitikman on being unanimously elected to serve as the board’s 2019 leadership team. These individuals will serve a term of 12 months during the calendar year 2019.
“Thank you for the kind words. I am excited to be President of the Board and thank my fellow Board members for their vote of confidence,” President Casey stated. “I plan to do the best job I can with the resources I have—and I have all of you, so I know the District is in excellent hands.”
In addition, the Board, serving as the Public Improvement Finance Corporation held an election of officers and appointment of officials including Ron Casey as President, Michael Maynard as Corp. Vice President, Joe Mendoza as Secretary/CFO and Jones & Mayer as General Counsel. These individuals will also serve a term of 12 months during the calendar year 2019.
Regular meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Rush Park auditorium, 3021 Blume Drive in Rossmoor, CA 90720. You may also view televised versions of the meetings on local channel LATV-3 and online at www.rossmoor-csd.org.
The January 10th meeting of the Grampaw Pettibone Squadron, affiliated with the Association of Naval Aviation, included in the program the recognition of several very outstanding sailors. They were the Sailors of the Year selected by the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station. The Base Commander, Capt. Noel Dahlke, made the announcement of the selections. They included: the Senior Sailor of the Year–MA1 Frederick Joshua; the Junior Sailor of the Year–MA2 Jessica Mahon; and the Blue Jacket of the Year—MA3 Johnathon Lewis.
Also, at the Naval Weapons Station, from the Munitions Command Pacific CONUS West Division Seal Beach, the selections were: Sailor of the Year—YN1(SW/AW) Joseph Williams; and the Junior Sailor of the Year—MN2(SW) Christian Quezada.
Certificates of Appreciation from the Grampaw Pettibone Squadron were presented to the Sailors of the Year by personnel from the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station, including CMDCS Paul Ellis, Command Senior Chief; and MAC John Mantle. Paul A Faulkner, Office Manager for H & R Block, Seal Beach , presented Coupons for a Tax Return to each of the Sailors of the Year. Also, each of them received an attractive medallion from the USAA Insurance Company.
The Grampaw Pettibone Squadron meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Elks Lodge in Garden Grove .
When Rossmoor-Los Alamitos (RLA) Republican Women Federated members meet on Saturday, January 19 for their first monthly breakfast meeting of the New Year, they will welcome their newly elected board headed by President Pat Eskenazi. Eskenazi is well-known throughout Los Alamitos and Seal Beach as she is active with the Los Alamitos Youth Center, Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce and Los Alamitos/Seal Beach Rotary Club. During the January 19 morning meeting at the Cypress Courtyard by Marriott (5865 Katella Avenue at Valley View) members will focus on goals they want the club to achieve during the coming year. The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. with a star spangled buffet breakfast.
“If you only listen to the liberal mainstream media, you might think there are no Republicans in California,” says Eskenazi. “Of course that’s not true! About 40 percent of California voters cast their vote for Republican John Cox who was running for governor. That’s a lot of Californians who don’t agree with how the state is being managed. That’s why Rossmoor-Los Alamitos will have an active agenda throughout the year that promotes conservative patriotic values.”
Publicity Chair Robin Itzler points out that while House Democrats will be imploding with ridiculous investigations on President Trump, Senate Republicans will be busy confirming a record number of federal judges. “The club will also focus on the 2020 presidential election to ‘Keep America Great,’” adds Itzler.
The RLA club, which serves northwest Orange County cities and greater Long Beach, welcomes like-minded women and men who want to impact local, state and national politics.
The cost of the January 19 breakfast meeting is $25 for members and $28 for non-members.
To make your reservation contact Chris Barnes at Ro**********@***il.comor 562-865-3258.
Cypress’ Jared Brown drives for a layup against Torrance’s Kyle Nakanishi. Cypress’ Christian Chai defends the ball. Cypress’ Anthony Tello drives around Torrance defender Angel Trent.
On Dec. 22, Cypress High boys basketball defeated Torrance High School in a non-conference game 58-52. The game was played at Staples Center after a Clippers game. Pictured, clockwise from left, Cypress’ Jared Brown drives for a layup against Torrance’s Kyle Nakanishi. Cypress’ Christian Chai defends the ball. Cypress’ Anthony Tello drives around Torrance defender Angel Trent. Photo by Dave Peeters
Children at The Youth Center in Los Alamitos recently got a sweet holiday treat when The Helpful Honda Guys in Blue came out to spread “Random Acts of Helpfulness”.
“We were looking for great organizations where we could host a gingerbread house making event to make the holidays a little brighter and came across The Youth Center,” said Dianne Mangahas, SoCal Honda Dealers representative. “We brought gingerbread kits for all the kids and helped each child build their very own gingerbread house.”
The Southern California Honda Dealers have been surprising SoCal residents with hundreds of weekly Random Acts of Helpfulness for more than 10 years. They have done things like pump and pay for drivers’ gas as prices spike, dispatch the Helpful Honda ice cream truck with free ice cream on National Ice Cream Day, help four-legged friends find forever homes, and hand out roses on Valentine’s Day.
“Since 2007, the SoCal Honda Dealers have been demonstrating, firsthand, that they are truly Helpful… no strings attached. Why? It’s our job to be helpful,” added Mangahas.
“We are so honored and thrilled to have had SoCal Honda come to us to make the holidays even that much more brighter for our kids,” said Youth Center Executive Director Lina Lumme. “Our kids had a blast doing something extra special, complete with treats!”
The Youth Center has more than 150 children enrolled in their After School Program at their location in Los Alamitos, with 50 enrolled at their R.A.S.C.A.L.S. site in Rossmoor. The award-winning nonprofit has served the community since their inception in 1952 with social, recreational and educational programming. Children served come from Los Alamitos and the surrounding communities of Rossmoor, Cypress, Long Beach, Hawaiian Gardens, Buena Park and Garden Grove. For more information about The Youth Center, please visit online at www.theyouthcenter.org.
A visionary high technology company based in Los Alamitos may soon put the excitement of space utilization within the economic reach of everyday citizens.
While space was once limited to the confines of NASA, government officials and a few billionaires, NovaWorks™ , founded by Talbot Jaeger is working to make satellite space available to everyday citizens with big ideas.
“We offer a new way of thinking about space…if you have an idea, we can build it,” said Jaeger, who is also the company’s Chief Technology Officer, says with excitement.
Jaeger explains his concept sort of like “Lego blocks” meeting the frontier of space.
NovaWurks’™ Hyper-Integrated Satlet (HISat™) modules are biologically inspired, cellular building blocks, capable of aggregating and conforming to payloads of any size or shape.
“The entire NovaWurks team is proud to be creating and supporting such a groundbreaking technology,” said Jaeger in a press release.
The company’s technology offers the potential of revolutionizing the space industry by providing flexible, customized spacecraft solutions based on the mass-produced HISat™ platform, which drastically decreases the time and costs associated with traditional monolithic spacecraft solutions.
NovaWurks™ is celebrating the launch in December of its eXperiment for Cellular Integration Technology (eXCITe) satellite, apparently bringing more momentum to the HiSat™ concept.
According to the company, the SmallSat Express, was launched from Space Launch Complex 4E (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Air Force Base aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. This is the company’s third successful launch, prompting growing excitement at the company. They have worked with NASA, commercial entities and DARPA on deployed Sat-lets.
The latest experimental satellite has been successfully deployed and the SmallSat Express is now operating above the planet in a polar low Earth orbit, according to the company.
As of now, the craft is operating flawless, according to the release.
“Immediately after deployment, eXCITe began demonstrating the robust capabilities of a HISat™ based spacecraft; accepting commands, providing telemetry, aggregating its sensors and actuators, performing body steering, demonstrating the thermal control, and more,” he added.
The eXCITe spacecraft was just one of 64 payloads aboard the Falcon 9 rocket, the largest single rideshare mission from a U.S.-based launch vehicle, and the first instance of a SpaceX booster being refit and deployed a third time.
Designed and built as part of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Phoenix project, this most recent phase of the project provides advanced testing and an opportunity to demonstrate the validity of NovaWurks’ Hyper-Integrated Satlet (HISat™) concept in low Earth orbit (LEO). Further, it validates the concept of an aggregated satlet system cluster.
Longer term, the NovaWurks’ HISats platform potentially provides a foundation for building safe, rapid and cost-effective solutions for space utilization.
Each HISat module contains all of the functional capabilities of an autonomous satellite, and the flexibility to conform to the shape or capability.
To Jaeger, who previously worked for Northrop Grumman, these clustered, “small satellites in a box” offers incredible promise for the future.
The boxed modules can individually be programmed remotely, or they can be changed or substituted for new modules, bringing both the “ride-share” and the “sharing economy” to the utilization of space.
“This will be quite an adventure for the next generation,” said Jaeger, acknowledging the economical platform of tiny sat-lets within a mainframe satellite is truly a groundbreaking technology with the promise of revolutionizing space utilization.
This disruptive technology opens up the commercial space market to all industries, entrepreneurs, and academic institutions, as well as to multiple commercial entities seeking access to space previously precluded by the traditional barriers to entry associated with the space industry.
Talbot Jaeger
In the video, Jaeger provides an example of NovaWurks™ working with a group that has programmed one of its modules to provide technology to facilitate an eye in the sky over Africa.
This single Sat-let provides ground-based volunteers in the savannahs of Africa the chance to literally monitor elephant poaching in real-time and report violators, he said.
The Los Al based NovaWurks team of designers, scientists and engineers offers a diverse background in spaceflight, consulting and research work with decades of experience in managing complex, visionary projects for government, military and corporate clients.
Chief Operating Officer Jim Greer said the company was founded in 2012 and has been located on Katella Ave. in Los Alamitos since then.
“This is a great community and we enjoy being a part of it,” said Jaeger.
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!
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.
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.”
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.
