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Cypress Art League to celebrate 50-year milestone with April Anniversary Show

David N. Young
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Cypress Art League to celebrate 50-year milestone with April Anniversary Show

As the City of Cypress prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary later this year, the Cypress Art League is celebrating a milestone of its own with Annivesary Show April 19

After five decades of capturing the city’s growth of art and culture on canvas (and other media), the Cypress Art League is planning its 50th Anniversary Show on April 19th at the Cypress Community Center, according to spokesperson Hedi Roethel.

She said the event will be open to the public from 12 p.m. noon until 4 p.m. at the Cypress Community Center, 5700 Orange Ave.and approximately $3,000 in prize money will be distributed with the awards.

According to the Art League’s long-serving President Pat Edep, the League has filled a creative void in the city for almost as long as the city has existed.

A painting by Susan Tierney. Courtesy of Cypress Art League

“The Organization fills a crucial role for local creatives,” said Edep. “If not for the League, there would be no venue for artists to show their work and work with others in their field to advance,” she said.“Thanks to the City of Cypress, we have space to meet and expand our knowledge,” she said, noting the city has been supportive of the Cypress Art League and generous with its usage of the Community Center for its meetings, shows and other events.According to Roethel, Cypress Art League began as a small group of local artists. A few years later, in 1969, the League was incorporated as a non-profit organization with the purpose and aims to promote understanding and enjoyment of the visual arts among the citizens in Cypress and surrounding communities.

In addition, the organization hoped to encourage advanced study in the Arts, provide art exhibits and programs of interest to the membership and community, and grant scholarships to students in the field of Art.

She said the Annual Spring Art Show (April, 1976) was first presented 50 years ago; a golden Anniversary which is celebrated this year.

“A few years later an Annual Autumn Art Show (September) was produced, and that is still going strong. For the Spring Show around 200 pieces of art are expected to be entered in a wide range of creative interests and skill levels,” she said in a statement.

Since its first show, the Cypress Art League has welcomed a variety of artists and now recognizes art in several media.
Roethel, said the Shows are divided into three Divisions. Division I – Paintings for professional classifications such as teachers or members who have won a minimum of three First Place ribbons in any juried competition.

Division II – Photography, Three-Dimensional or Digital Art

Division III – Paintings for students or those artists looking to advance.

According to the Art League, an independent Judge is engaged for each show, who awards the ribbons for Best of Show, The Mayor’s Award, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places, as well as Honorable Mention. In addition, the judge selects special awards which are supported by community business and individual donors, who are the Benefactors of the Awards Program. Awards are being presented from 4:00 to 4:30 p. m. on the opening day of the show.

All pieces entered into the show will be featured in the League’s online gallery, giving artists recognition beyond the walls of the Community Center.

The Cypress Art League holds five General Meetings featuring acclaimed artists who share their expertise through lectures and live demonstrations.

These events offer valuable opportunities for members to learn from professionals and advance their own skills, and are open to the general public. The meetings also give members the opportunity to bring some of their artwork to be judged by the attending membership for ribbons, and the demonstrator will pick the Best of Show ribbon.

Best of Show at a past show. Painting by Tony Podue. Courtesy photo

The meetings also include an Opportunity Drawing during which varied items can be won, including a piece of Art from the Demonstrator. Refreshments are also served, and all meetings are free to the public, she said.

As a non-profit organization, Cypress Art League also awards scholarships to enrolled students in the field of Art and Photography at Cypress College. This takes place during the month of May and many scholarships have been awarded during the past 50 years.

Roethel said the Cypress Art League also holds “Paint Parties” several times a year, where members gather at the Community Center “for a full day to work on their own paintings, share a lunch together, give friendly critiques to each other, and foster closer bonds with like-minded artists.”

The Cypress Art League is a volunteer-driven organization guided by a Board of Directors and Committee Members. These individuals give freely and generously of their time and ingenuity to connect artists, residents, and visitors through creativity, education, and shared experiences.

Marina rallies to overtake Lady Griffins 2-1

Ted Apodaca
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Marina rallies to overtake Lady Griffins 2-1

In a showdown of first-place teams in the Sunset League, the first meeting of Los Alamitos and Marina High softball teams ended with a late-inning rally by the Vikings as they topped the Griffins, 2-1, on Saturday at Los Alamitos High.

The two teams won CIF-SS championships in May, behind strong pitching by Marina’s Mia Valbuena and Los Alamitos’ Jaliane Brooks. Both pitchers led their teams to the championships last year and both were in the circle for Saturday’s battle.

The two did not disappoint as they held opposing offenses scoreless through three innings. Valbuena kept hitters off balance, striking out 16 batters, while Brooks kept the Vikings off the scoreboard by inducing ground balls and fly outs. Brooks had three strikeouts and four hoppers back to the pitchers that she fielded for a ground out.

Los Alamitos was able to set up an opportunity in the bottom of the second, when they had a single by Erin Denny, a hit batter, and an intentional walk to load the bases with one out. But a squeeze bunt attempt was popped up and caught by Marina third baseman Kimmie McDonnell, who threw to third where shortstop Eva Mazzotti was covering for the inning-ending double play.

Photo by Ted Apodaca
Junior outfielder Erin Denny had a single and home run, the first given up by Mia Valbuena this season.

After escaping the threat, Valbuena struck out the side in the third and had three strikeouts in the fourth. However, the only player to put the ball in play in the fourth, Erin Denny, lofted a shot to deep center for a solo home run that put the Griffins up 1-0.

Marina had an opportunity in the top of the fourth when catcher Gabby DiBenedetto led off with a single up the middle. Pinch runner took second on a passed ball. After a strikeout, the next batter sliced a liner down the left field line. The runner tried scoring from second base, but was thrown out at home.

The Vikings were able to load the bases with two outs in the sixth, but a hard grounder down the first base line was knocked down by first baseman Julia Gordon, who recovered to get the force out at the bag. In the top of the seventh, the Vikings got a lead-off walk by Sophia Capelle. Pinch runner moved to second on a sacrifice bunt and raced to third before the right fielder could get to third base to cover the base. After a walk, DiBenedetto laid down a squeeze bunt that brought in the run to tie the game at 1-1. After a single by Mia Valbuena, the next batter drove in Olivia Archer with the go ahead run. Valbuena had two strikeouts and a pop up to end the game.

Second half rally lifts Los Al Lacrosse over Edison

Ted Apodaca
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Second half rally lifts Los Al Lacrosse over Edison

The Los Alamitos High boys lacrosse team overcame a slow start and rallied in the second half to a 10-7 win over Edison High, in the Sunset League opener for both teams. Edison jumped out to a 3-1 lead by the end of the first quarter and extended the lead to 6-3 by halftime.

But the Griffins turned things around in the second half. A goal from Robstan Hansen, off a crossing pass from Thomas Argenzio, cut the lead to 6-4 and Sebastian Marr added another goal from about 12 meters in front of the goal to cut the lead to 6-5.

Los Al scored a similar goal from the front of the goal to tie it up at 6-6, with 3:51 left in the third quarter. Edison regained the lead, 7-6, on a goal by Dylan Hale, but that would be the only goal the Griffins would allow in the second half. Los Al Head Coach Matt Cunniffe said that the Griffins were simply sluggish in the first half.

“The biggest thing was effort, and a lack of effort in the first half,” Cunniffe said. “The second half was a different story.”
Hansen tied the game again, 7-7, on a quick catch and shoot in front of the goal, off a pass from Marr, at the 7:08 mark. Marr would give the Griffins a 7-6 lead with an outside shot from an angle. Less than a minute later, Marr found Argenzio in front of the goal with a pass that Argenzio buried in the back of the net.

Hansen finished the scoring with another goal in front of the net, this time off a pass from Argenzio from behind the goal. The defensive stance in the second half, where the Griffins allowed just one goal by the Chargers, is something Los Al has been pretty consistent with this year, according to Cunniffe.

“Defense is all about body position and playing with your feet and fists and playing as a six-man unit and relying on your goalie and making sure that you’re doing the little things correctly and making sure that you’re anticipating whatever they’re going to throw at you on offense,” Cunniffe said.

The Griffins were ranked No. 7 in this week’s CIF-SS rankings. They fell to 10-3 on Saturday with a 13-3 loss to No. 4 ranked St. Margaret’s. The Griffins won the Sunset League title last year and should be in the hunt again this season. Corona del Mar is looking solid so far, ranked No. 5 in the Southern Section, at 7-1.

Golden named Asst. Supt. for Business Services at Los Al Unified

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Golden named Asst. Supt. for Business Services at Los Al Unified

Following a thorough and highly competitive selection process, Los Alamitos Unified School District (Los Al USD) has selected Mr. Tim Golden as its next Assistant Superintendent of Business Services. Golden will assume the role on July 1, 2026, following the retirement of longtime leader Elvia Schnur, who has served the district with distinction for the past 11 years.

Golden currently serves as the district’s Director of Fiscal Services and has quickly made a strong impact through his thoughtful leadership, operational expertise, and commitment to supporting schools. During his time at Los Al USD, he has strengthened financial systems and processes, improving efficiency, collaboration, and transparency across the district.
“Tim is not only a highly capable leader, but someone who genuinely cares about people and the work we do to support our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Andrew Pulver. “He has quickly earned the trust of those around him through his thoughtful approach, strong work ethic, and commitment to doing what is right for our schools.

“I’m excited to see him step into this role and continue making a positive impact across our district.”

Before joining Los Al USD, Golden served as Director of Fiscal Services in both Ocean View School District and Oceanside Unified School District. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Financial Management from California State University, Long Beach, is a certified Chief Business Official through the California Association of School Business Officials, and is a graduate of the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team Chief Business Official Mentor Program.

“I’m honored to step into this role and continue serving the Los Al USD community. I look forward to building on the strong foundation in place and supporting the important work happening across our schools,” said Golden in a statement.

Golden will assume the role following the retirement of Elvia Schnur, who has served Los Al USD with distinction for the past 11 years. As Assistant Superintendent of Business Services, Schnur has played a vital role in maintaining the district’s strong fiscal foundation, ensuring that resources are aligned to support high-quality programs and opportunities for students, said Pulver.

“Elvia’s leadership has had a lasting impact on our district,” he added. “Her integrity, deep knowledge, and unwavering commitment to doing what is best for students have helped guide Los Al USD through important decisions and continued success. We are incredibly grateful for her service and wish her all the best in this well-deserved next chapter,”the superintendent said.

Courtesy of Los Al Unified

Legendary Paul Anka returns to Cerritos Center for Performing Arts

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Legendary Paul Anka returns to Cerritos Center for Performing Arts

The New York Times called Paul Anka “a polished performer, confident but not brash. There is charm and a voice that easily handles sentimental and swing songs. [He] could give lessons on showmanship.” See for yourself when the crooner delivers his greatest hits at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) on Sunday, May 24, at 8 PM. Tickets start at $89.

With more than 100 million albums sold, Paul Anka has the distinction of being the only artist in history to have a song on the Billboard charts throughout seven consecutive decades. One of the most successful singer-songwriters in music, the legend gives audiences “A Man and his Music,” highlighting an impressively long list of successful singles, including Put Your Head on My Shoulder and My Way and songs from his recent albums Inspirations of Life and Love, Sessions, and Making Memories.

With just one hit, Diana, Anka went from regular teen to a worldwide phenom – at age 15. Written for the object of his teen crush, the No. 1 song sold millions of copies and paved the way for an illustrious run highlighted by more than 90 million album sales, television shows, movies, a Vegas headline act, and successful collaborations with music industry luminaries such as Buddy Holly and Connie Francis. With his music and career greatly influenced by the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis, Frankie Lyman, and Chuck Berry, Anka continued his streak on the music charts with the No. 1 song You’re Having My Baby, Lonely Boy, Crazy Love, and You Are My Destiny. Billboard named Anka one of the most successful musicians in history, a list that also includes Elvis Presley and the Beatles.

Anka also found great success in writing songs for others. He penned The Tonight Show theme song; She’s a Lady, which was Tom Jones’ biggest hit; and Puppy Love for Donny Osmond. Anka, who also co-wrote the late Michael Jackson’s No. 1 worldwide hit This Is It, was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1993.

With his Duets record – featuring Sinatra, Jackson, Jones, Céline Dion, and Michael Bublé – Anka became the only musician to have had a record on the Billboard Top 100 Chart for seven separate decades. Anka’s “ability to seize and hold a stage only seems to deepen with the passage of time,” cheers the Chicago Tribune. The Los Angeles Times concurs: “Anka is still a powerful performer who does what he does with consummate skill.”

For tickets or more information, call (562) 916-8500 or go to cerritoscenter.com.

Da’Hawaii senior club learns about “Circle of Care” mixed with a bit of singing and dancing

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Da’Hawaii senior club learns about “Circle of Care” mixed with a bit of singing and dancing

Members of Da’ Hawaii Seniors Club of Cerritos enjoyed singing songs and learning about new information at their meeting on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the Cerritos Senior Center in Cerritos. The meeting had special presentations by Pathways of Lakewood, Pete Kahele with his steel guitar, and music provided by the club’s Audio-Tech Group of Susan McCormick, Cesar Franco, and Carrie Kumabe.

President Carmelita Tiongson welcomed everyone to the meeting at 2:00 p.m. Member Frances McCormick led members in saying the Pledge of Allegiance, and Glenda Ujiie and Gladys Yoshii led the singing of the Hawaiian anthem, Hawai?i Pono??”. Members joined in singing Happy Birthday to Millie Yoshioka, who celebrated her 88th birthday earlier in March.

President Tiongson then conducted a short business meeting with reports from Treasurer Ken Matsuno saying that there currently are 109 members in the Da’ Hawaii Seniors Club with 57% being residents of the city of Cerritos. He also said that the club currently has $8,516.76 in the treasury. The secretary’s minutes by Secretary Pro-Tem, Carol Yamaguchi, were accepted with no corrections. Tiongson asked members to help plan for a club picnic on September 12. She also asked for help in inventorying the contents of supplies in the club’s “Cage” in the Cerritos Senior Center. She will be discussing both subjects again at the club’s meeting in April. Ann Kho asked members to sign-up if they wished to perform a Disney themed entertainment at the May 28th club meeting to celebrate Disney’s 70th Anniversary.

After the business meeting, member Annie Kelly introduced two guest speakers from Pathways, a community-based 501c3, nonprofit organization, who has been part of the Greater Lakewood/Long Beach area and surrounding areas since 1985. Guest speakers, Anilia Figueroa and Kaitlin Wood, took turns describing Pathways’ three-part ”Circle of Care” service. The three-part “Circle of Care” includes: (1) Care Navigation for older adults and chronically ill, (2) Hospice Care for clients and their families experiencing terminal illness, and (3) Bereavement Counseling and Support for children, adults, and families in grief. Anilia Figueroa said that this service to the community is provided all at no cost for adults, sixty-five years and older. Annie Kelly is a volunteer companion through Pathways and distributed information from Alzheimer’s of Los Angeles about Memory Loss. She encouraged members to contact Pathways if care needs arise.

The third part of the program for the day was the singing of songs led by Susan McCormick, Cesar Franco, and Carrie Kumabe, who are the club’s Audio Tech Group

Susan talked about the history of St. Patrick’s Day, and led the singing of the Irish songs, “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling,” “Danny Boy,” and “MacNamara’s Band.” Irish songs. She also led the singing of the song, Love Will Keep Us Together, in honor of the late Neil Sedaka.

After she led the singing of the song, I Miss You My Hawaii, she introduced Pete Kahele. Kahele played his steel guitar to accompany the song, Blue Hawaiian Moonlight. Kahele showed what the steel guitar looks like and how it differed from guitars. He said that the inventor of the steel guitar was Joseph Kekuku and that the steel guitar is usually placed on a table. The person playing the steel guitar sits behind it.

The steel guitar has a higher pitched sound than a regular guitar.

Tiongson announced the names of members who won raffles prizes that day. March birthday celebrant Millie Yoshioka won the first prize of the book of poetry, Caregiving Through Poetry. The book was written and donated by Jim Kelly, a poet and caregiver advocate. Tiongson also presented 10 other members with colorful shopping bags that were awarded as raffle prizes.

Los Al High School boys soccer team wins first CIF Southern Section to become State Champs

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Los Al High School boys soccer team wins first CIF Southern Section to become State Champs

Local employee laments closure of “Jade on the Water”

David N. Young
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Local employee laments closure of “Jade on the Water”

Jade on the Water, a popular local eating and gathering spot for people in the area, has shut its doors as of March 23, according to local reports and former employees.

Local owner Rod Frontino told a Long Beach website over the weekend that the massive, 7,000 square foot facility formerly known as Forbidden City was closed permanently on Monday, March 23.

“This sign goes on the door, website, and socials Monday morning: ‘Jade is closed to pursue new concepts and opportunities. Thank you for every visit and the years of community support’,” Frontino told longbeachize.com.

“The decor of the space is truly beautiful,” Rod told me back in 2019. “We had little work to do as we moved around the space, just touch-ups here and there. The decor was the inspiration behind the name. The previous owners [Michael Brausen and Gao Yan] had a lotus blossom fountain hand-carved from a jade boulder.”

Local resident Shawn Kelly, who kept the bar area humming for more than seven years, said this past Sunday, March 22, was a particularly “emotional” day.

“We only found out Friday that we were closing,” said Kelly, noting that on Sunday, crowds of friends and supporters showed up for a final visit.

“It was absolutely jam packed,” said Kelly, who in his spare time was also well known for having a singing voice that allowed him to sing like Robert Plant in the local Led Zeppelin tribute band, Led Zepland.

“It was like a Cheers bar,” said Kelly, and “I tried to built it up to that.”

“The locals are what made it what it was,” he said. “We had a great clientele, they were all wonderful people and now they’re all my friends,” he said.

“All the people that came in to support us were there and I’m still tired from an unbelievable closing day,” said Kelly.

“Everyone was sad and upset that it is closing,” he added.

“We don’t know what, if anything is going to happen,” he said, and “if anyone can get the capital, rebrand and reopen it, you know, I’d love to be a part of it.”

The restaurant, which sits on the water in Marina Pacifica, featured Asian fusion cuisine, and its entrance was highlighted by a 5,000-lotus-blossom carving carved from a nine-ton boulder imported from northern China.

Beatriz Porto explains the tasty success of homegrown bakery to Los Al Chamber

David N. Young
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Beatriz Porto explains the tasty success of homegrown bakery to Los Al Chamber

A second-generation owner of Porto’s Bakery spoke at the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce’s February meeting, giving a packed auditorium on the Epson America campus a riveting rendition of a true American success story.

Beatriz Porto explained how her family left Cuba with little or nothing but a dream for a better life. Only with the work ethic of her father, Raul, Sr., and the baking skills of her late mother Rosa’s, could the family transform hard knocks into a family fortune.

“It is a story 50 years in the making,” said Beatriz, going into riveting detail about their lives in Cuba before coming to America in 1971.

“There was no money (in Cuba) because the money was worthless,” she told the group. When her parents fell onto harder times after filing papers to leave Cuba, her mom secretly baked and sold cakes, she told the group.

Garage Pilates owner Kristin DiMiceli is pictured with Chamber President Richie Barnes, who honored the local business as the Chamber’s “Business of the Month.”
Courtesy photo

Even if there was no money, “they would pay her with beans, rice and chicken,” remembered Porto.

She said the family made a smart move after arriving in the USA, she said. While most Cuban refugees went to Miami, “a lot of smart people were telling us ‘there are no jobs in Miami, come to California,’” she said.

They did, and the rest is history.

Her dad soon found a job at a Dutch company and her mom started baking again, but had to experiment.

“It took her several months to figure things out because (in America), the flour was different, the milk is different and the butter here is different,” Porto said.

“Two months later, she was making wedding cakes,” said Porto. “Although my dad wanted her to fail because he wanted her to get a job, she said ‘if I was able to have a business in Cuba, how could you not be successful in America,’” Porto said she remembered her mother saying.

Pretty soon, the Porto’s kitchen was super busy and in 1976, they were driving in Silverlake when they found an abandoned bakery and opened. They moved to Glendale in 1982 and never looked back.

Today, Porto’s Bakery is known throughout the region as one of the tastiest treats on the Southern California restaurant menu.

Porto’s took the number one spot on “Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the US.” In 2021 Porto’s Bakery was voted Best Bakery in the Southland, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Beatriz said just as Porto’s Bakery started in Rosa’s home back in Cuba, with Porto’s Bake at Home, “we now ship our most popular pastries and cakes nationwide” for customers to bake at home.

Porto’s has gradually grown into six current locations in Glendale, Burbank, Downey, Buena Park, West Covina, and Northridge, with a seventh location in the Downtown Disney® District on the way.

“Quality is the key,” said Porto. “We’re no longer just a bakery, we’re a business,” she said.

Chamber President Richie Barnes thanked Porto for speaking to the Chamber and several other officials were on hand to present Certificates of Appreciation to Porto.

In other action, the Chamber honored Garage Pilates and owner Kristin DiMiceli for being named “Chamber member of the month.”

Rossmoor Woman’s Club honors two LAHS students with $1,000 scholarships

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Rossmoor Woman’s Club honors two LAHS students with $1,000 scholarships

The Rossmoor Woman’s Club presented $1,000 scholarships to Los Alamitos High School students for their January and February selections.

Michelle Wittenberg, RWC liaison the club’s Student of the Month scholarship program, made the presentations to the Trent Massey as the January scholarship winner and Christian Szymborski was named the February scholarship winner.
Massey was named Senior of the Month at Los Alamitos High School for January ‘26. He is a four-year member of the Associated Student Body, spending countless hours at school events, and is also on the Improv team at LAHS.

Academics are a key aspect of his life. He has maintained straight A’s while earning a 4.3 cumulative GPA. Trent is heavily focused on philanthropy.

He is a member of the National League of Young Men, where he has learned important life lessons while giving back to his community. In addition, he is the intern for Summer Harvest, a non-profit whose mission is to feed local families over summer.

Aviation is one of Trent’s life passions. On campus, he is the Co-President of the Aviation Club. Outside of school, Trent is a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, where he attends monthly meetings discussing and learning about aviation.

Through EAA, he also volunteers at Young Eagles events, where pilots volunteer to fly children for free. Trent is also taking steps towards his dream career as a commercial airline pilot. He has flown for about 40 hours and is working to attain his Private Pilot License. Trent has recently been accepted into his dream college, California Baptist University. After graduating from Los Al, he will attend CBU and major in Aviation Flight.

Christian Szymborski was named Senior of the Month at Los Alamitos High School for February ‘26. As a resident of Rossmoor, Christian began his education in the Los Alamitos Unified School District at Rossmoor Elementary School, where he attended from Transitional Kindergarten.

Throughout his academic journey, Christian has demonstrated exceptional dedication to learning, particularly in mathematics and science.

At Los Alamitos High School, Christian has distinguished himself as a standout STEM student with a strong passion for chemistry and physics. He has been an active member of Science Olympiad and the American Chemical Society (ACS), representing Los Alamitos in the very competitive Orange County region.

Christian helped lead his team to a third-place finish as a sophomore and a sixth-place finish as a junior, earning the highest individual team score for two consecutive years. He is currently working toward qualifying for the national ACS competition.

His academic excellence is further reflected in his honors, including being named a PSAT Commended Student and earning the distinction of AP Scholar with Distinction. He has maintained straight A’s throughout high school and will have completed 14 Advanced Placement (AP) courses by graduation. In addition, Christian has pursued dual enrollment at Long Beach City College and Cypress College, where he has taken Organic Chemistry, advanced mathematics, and multiple college-level physics courses.

Christian Szymborski and RWC scholarship representative Michelle Wittenberg. Courtesy photo

Beyond academics, Christian is deeply involved on campus and in the community. He serves as Vice President of the Kindness Club, is a member of the Spanish Honor Society, which focuses on inclusion and service, and is a Student Ambassador, welcoming and supporting new students at Los Alamitos High School. As an athlete, Christian is a regular at the Seal Beach Swim Club and has competed on his high school’s swim and water polo teams. During his junior year of swim, Christian was honored with the Coach’s Award, presented by Mrs. Weber.

He credits the encouragement of many outstanding educators along the way, beginning with Mrs. Hinsche at Rossmoor Elementary School and continuing with mentors such as Mr. Jones, who has supported and inspired his passion for STEM disciplines.

Christian is also known for his generosity with his knowledge and time. He regularly tutors fellow students and in his free time, Christian enjoys combining his passion for chemistry with baking, often applying scientific principles in the kitchen. He is well known for arriving at school and social gatherings with fresh-baked cookies.

Looking ahead, Christian plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in physics, ideally within the University of California system, with long-term goals of earning a Ph.D. in Physics.

Christian is honored to receive the $1,000 scholarship from the Rossmoor Woman’s Club, whose commitment to education, community service, and social responsibility reflects the values he hopes to carry forward in his academic and professional future.

Annual March Madness march draws 300

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Annual March Madness march draws 300

More than 300 women and men toughed it recently, “rucking” 6.8 miles from the Huntington Beach Pier to Balboa Peninsula to raise awareness for veterans at risk of suicide.The third annual Ruck March fundraiser held by American Legion Post 291 involved a walk carrying weighted backpacks “rucksacks” at a brisk pace, used in military training to build cardiovascular strength, endurance, and mental toughness.

Proceeds from the event are earmarked for veterans programs to provide counseling housing and other needs to prevent suicide, according to Legion Post 291 Adjutant and event organizer Nick Saifan.

Thanking veterans for their service, Huntington Beach Mayor Casey McKeon launched the Ruck March by telling the crowd how members of American Legion Post 133 start each Huntington Beach City Council meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

“I introduce a different veteran at each meeting and provide a brief bio on the individual of his or her service to our country.”

Dressed in military regalia, Dennis Bauer of Huntington Beach American Legion Post 133 “held the colors,” a tradition of veterans bearing and honoring the U.S. flag in ceremonies, said: “We think this walk is a great way to represent Veterans and help those in need.”

Learn more on American Legion 291 and 133 at: http://www.al291.com and http://www.hbpost133.com .

Lenten “Last Call” for fish fry sounded at St. Irenaeus in Cypress

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Lenten “Last Call” for fish fry sounded at St. Irenaeus in Cypress

By Irv Cuevas

St. Irenaeus Knights of Columbus send a friendly reminder of its final Lenten Friday fish fry dinners served 4:30-7:30 p.m.in the St. Irenaeus parish hall, located at Grindlay and Evergreen Streets in Cypress.

Friday, March 27th is the final night to let someone else do the cooking and treat yourself to inexpensive dinners featuring delicious baked salmon, New England clam chowder, Fish & Chips, spaghetti with marinara sauce, coleslaw, green salad and other side items.

Sit-down service is an added feature to avoid standing in long waiting lines. There is also a raffle for a luxurious stay at a popular Palm Desert resort.

Prices are very affordable: ranging from $14 for the baked salmon fillet with savory rice or fries; Fish and Chips $12 to $15 depending on number of pieces of fish you desire. All come with coleslaw or green salad.

Other selections include spaghetti with marinara sauce and green salad $8; clam chowder $3; cauliflower or tempura green beans $3.

No charge for lemonade, water, coffee and dessert.

Grand Knight Paulo Morales says proceeds of the dinners help the St Irenaeus Knights of Columbus support numerous local charities and community service projects.
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P.I. Kathie Allen to speak to Cypress Chamber

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P.I. Kathie Allen to speak to Cypress Chamber

The Cypress Chamber of Commerce will welcome Orange County Private Investigator Kathie Allen as our guest speaker at our April Networking Breakfast. The event will be held Tuesday, April 14th at the Residence Inn by Marriott at 4931 Katella Avenue, Cypress/Los Alamitos starting at 7:30 a.m.

Kathie Allen is the Founder and Principal Investigator of Allen Morris Investigations LLC, a licensed California private investigation firm based in Orange County. Her program that she will present is called “Responding to Harassment and Discrimination Complaints: Critical Steps for Business Owners.”

Kathie recognizes that most business owners are not prepared when a harassment, discrimination, or misconduct complaint lands on their desk. Yet the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours are often the most critical. How leaders respond during this window can reduce liability, protect employees, and prevent small issues from becoming costly legal disputes.

In the time we have at our breakfast program, Kathie will share a presentation that offers a practical, structured guide to handling workplace complaints with clarity and confidence. Attendees will learn how to recognize protected complaints, determine when an investigation is required, preserve evidence, avoid common mistakes that create liability, and decide when to involve HR, counsel, or an outside investigator. The session also covers early warning signs, documentation essentials, neutrality expectations, and the importance of trauma-informed communication during initial reports.

Kathie hopes to demystify the investigation process for business professionals, as well as provide a few actionable steps for responding to allegations long before attorneys become involved. Participants will leave with a clear framework they can apply immediately to ensure fairness, compliance, and organizational integrity.

Kathie Allen brings more than twenty years of experience in investigations, employee relations, compliance, and administrative review work. A California licensed Private Investigator, Certified Title IX Investigator, and Certified Mediator, Kathie conducts impartial investigations for employers, public agencies, educational institutions, and law firms throughout California. Her work includes harassment, discrimination, retaliation, whistleblower, leadership, and student misconduct matters. She applies a neutral, trauma-informed, and evidence-based approach to produce clear and defensible findings that support informed decision-making.

Each Chamber breakfast attendee will also have an opportunity to stand to introduce themselves and share a little about their business before the program begins.

Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online. Cost of the breakfast is $25.00. Attendees are encouraged to bring a door prize to help promote their product or service. The program will include time for live networking, self-introductions, a breakfast buffet, as well as our guest speaker.

The Chamber networking breakfasts, which are open to the public, are held on the second Tuesday of every month. Space at these events is limited. To assure your seat, pre-register on the chamber website at https://www.cypresschamber.org/events/details/2026-april-networking-breakfast-2782

Silavs already gone; Board reaches out to former Asst. Supt. for Business Services as Interim Superintendent

David N. Young
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Silavs already gone; Board reaches out to former Asst. Supt. for Business Services as Interim Superintendent

Note: This article has been updated since the print edition of the Event News to reflect action taken at yet another special meeting Monday, March 16, at which they hired a former Asst. Supt. as Interim Superintendent.

Anne Silavs, the embattled Superintendent of the Cypress Elementary School District is gone.

With a frustrated Board of Trustees asking pesky questions about why the district is more than $3 million in debt and for a full accounting of its non-education assets, Silavs announced her retirement last week in a message that even caught the Board of Trustees off guard.

“We knew she’s been talking about retiring, but we had no advance notice of the announcement,” said Board President Lydia Sondhi, Ph.D. Even then, Silavs’ announcement claimed she would retire at the end of the school year.

Former Cypress School District Anne Silavs has resigned and taken early retirement as the board seeks to fix a $3.3 million hole in the budget. Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo

Sondhi announced this week that Silavs is already gone, leaving the board to working with others to find the vexing answers to accounting for the state of the of the district’s ailing finances.

In addition, the Board asked for a complete accounting of so-called “Fund 40,” an account with significant reserves derived for outside board investments.

With the 2025 retirement of long-time Assistant Superintendent for Business Services Dr. Tim McLellan, the district installed Larry Ferchaw as his replacement.

As the school administration seeks answers, they will now have to deal with two relatively new faces, as the board has named Dr. Tracy Mouren-Laurens as Interim Supt.

Sondhi made the announcement about Silavs’ departure and Mouren-Laurens at the board’s regular meeting March 12, saying the board had met in special session March 10.

“The board voted unanimously to accept Superintendent Anne Silavs’ request for early retirement effective March 10, 2026,” said Sondhi.

“Consistent with the terms of her employment contract, Ms. Silavs will receive her current salary through June 30, 2026, and receive health benefits on the same basis as active certificated employees until age 65, or when she otherwise becomes eligible for Medicare, whichever comes first,” she said.

Sondhi said the Board had also unanimously voted to appoint Ms. Tracy Mouren-Laurens, Executive Director of Human Resources, as Acting Superintendent effective immediately.

“The Board will meet in the coming days to select an Interim Superintendent to oversee district operations and the 2026/27 budget reduction process,” she said.

“We acknowledge Ms. Silavs’ years of service and her contributions to our music and STEM programs. Our priority remains the stability of our schools and the success of our students during this period of change,” she said.

“We are confident in a smooth transition with Ms. Mouren-Laurens,” said Sondhi.

Anne Silavs has served the Cypress School District as Superintendent since 2015 and her career ends in 2026, marking almost 11 years with the district.

However, with barely enough notice to meet state law, the Cypress Board of Trustees met again in special session on Monday, March 16, to consider bringing back a former employee with perhaps the greatest depth of knowledge about Fund 40 as Interim Superintendent.

According to the notice of meeting, the board interviewed Mouren-Laurens and Dr. Tim McClellan, the former Assistant Supt. for Business Affairs, who had retired last year for the position of Interim Supt. as they seek some stability to survive their current budget crisis.

“The Board of Trustees has unanimously voted to appoint Dr. Tim McLellan as Interim Superintendent effective April 9, 2026. This decision follows a thorough and thoughtful review process aimed at ensuring stable and effective leadership for the district during this transitional period to find a permanent Superintendent,” said the Board in a statement after the meeting.

Tim McLellan, Ed.D.

More announcements are expected April 9, as Mouren-Laurens is expected to return to her positions in Human Resources and a more definative contract announcement for McLellan.

The Board also announced its Teachers of the Year at its March 12 meeting. The ENE will feature those selections in next week’s edition.

Yamaha Motor Corp. announces departure from Cypress business district

David N. Young
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Yamaha Motor Corp. announces departure from Cypress business district

Another major corporate entity currently located in Cypress’ famed business district has announced its departure from the city.

Yamaha Motor Corporation announced this week that over the next three years, it will transfer all corporate activities from Cypress, California to Kennesaw, Georgia.

In a press release, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it has decided to relocate its U.S. group company, Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (“YMUS”), currently located in Cypress, California, to Kennesaw, Georgia.

“This relocation will be happening, by function, over the period from the end of 2026 until the end of 2028,” the company said.

The action comes not as a total surprise to those in the motorsports industry, as the company reorganized in 2019, sending much of its operation to Georgia, a southern state where Yamaha already has three company offices.

Of greater interest to Cypress residents, however, is what entity will end up with the company’s plush 25-acre campus, as the company announced they plan to sell it.

“In connection with this relocation, the Company has also decided to proceed with the sale of all fixed assets owned by YMUS in Cypress, including land, offices, and warehouses,” Yamaha announced in the release.

When Mitsubishi abandoned their campus, Amazon built warehousing but was forced to keep the Katella office building functional and well-maintained.

Mayor Leo Medrano said the city is, of course, aware of the situation and the Council has discussed the overall business district strategy with staff at its recent strategic planning session.

He deferred to a statement issued by Planning Director Alicia Velasco on the Yamaha announcement.

“The City of Cypress regrets Yamaha’s decision to relocate its headquarters to Georgia. As one of the first companies to locate in the Cypress Business Park in 1980, Yamaha has been an important part of our business community for more than 40 years. We thank Yamaha for its long-standing partnership with the City and look forward to working with its management to transition to new ownership,” Velasco said in the prepared statement.

Yamaha said “this initiative is positioned as one of the Company’s key measures aimed at improving asset efficiency and enhancing profitability in the United States.”

Further, the company announced the decision at least three years ago internally and has slowly been transferring necessary assets to Georgia.

According to Yamaha,the Cypress facility has served as the headquarters of Yamaha USA for approximately 50 years.
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. aquired the land in 1978 and established the office in 1979.

However, in response to changes in the Company’s business focus within the U.S. market, the Marine Business was relocated to Kennesaw in 1999 to serve the customer better, and Motorsports Business was relocated to Kennesaw as well in 2019, according to research.

As a result, the Cypress facility currently primarily houses corporate functions and the Financial Services business. The total site area is approximately 25.1 acres (approximately 102,000 square meters.

In connection with the sale of these assets, the Company plans to utilize a sale-and-leaseback arrangement for a certain period to ensure business continuity and to facilitate a smooth relocation to Kennesaw.

Details such as the sale price, purchaser, and timing of the transaction are currently under review, the company said in its announcement.

Elsewhere, it has been reported that, in addition to implementing cross-business cost reduction initiatives, the Company is seeking over the medium- to long-term to build a profit structure that is not solely dependent on top-line growth, thereby transforming itself into a more resilient and robust organization capable of adapting to change.

Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. is undertaking structural reforms aimed at improving profitability of its U.S. operations in response to cost increases resulting from U.S. tariffs and changes in the market environment, they said.

When Mitsubishi decided to move, the City Council voted back then to allow Amazon to utilize the space but insisted that the multi-million building that stands along Katella at the site must be maintained and not removed.

Therefore, while the Cypress business park retains its original look, fundamental changes in the market are slowly eroding, or changing, the priceless addition by the founder that has given the city an outsized corporate presence and more than $200 million in reserves.

La Palma secures $850,000 in federal funding from Congressman Tran and Sen. Padilla

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La Palma secures $850,000 in federal funding from Congressman Tran and Sen. Padilla

The City of La Palma is proud to announce the securing of $850,000 in community project funding to modernize the La Palma Public Safety Center. This significant federal investment was made possible by the direct advocacy of U.S. Rep. Derek Tran and U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla.

The funding will support a comprehensive enhancement of the Public Safety Center. By modernizing aging infrastructure and integrating modern technology, the project ensures that La Palma’s first responders operate out of a facility that meets modern safety, efficiency, and accessibility standards.

“On behalf of the City of La Palma, we want to express our sincere appreciation to Rep. Derek Tran and Sen. Alex Padilla for their leadership and commitment to the safety of La Palma residents,” said Mayor Nitesh P. Patel in a statement issued by city hall.

“Our dedicated public safety professionals deserve a workspace that is up to current building standards. This funding allows us to provide a reliable, secure environment for public safety operations,” he said.

“I’m proud to deliver $850,000 in federal funding to the City of La Palma. Hard-working families deserve to see their tax dollars reinvested directly into their communities. This funding for the La Palma Public Safety Center will give our law enforcement professionals the resources they need to keep our neighborhoods safe,” said Tran.

“I’m grateful for the steadfast partnership of Senator Alex Padilla and Mayor Patel, whose advocacy and support helped make this investment possible. Together, we will continue fighting to bring vital resources home to Southern California families.”

The Public Safety Center serves as the operational heart for both the La Palma Police Department and the Orange County Fire Authority Station #13. This enhancement project will incorporate essential public safety facility needs, including:

  • Environmental Systems: Replacement of the HVAC and lighting systems to improve energy efficiency and air quality.
  • Facility Rehabilitation: Installation of new flooring and ceiling tiles to restore interior integrity.
  • Accessibility: Renovating bathrooms to ensure full ADA compatibility, providing an inclusive environment for both staff and the public.
  • Advanced Security: Integration of modern security cameras and sensors to better equip law enforcement to address the evolving needs of the community.
    The modernization of the Public Safety Center will allow the City of La Palma to improve working conditions for public safety personnel and ensure the community continues to receive the high level of service it expects.

Former Los Al standout receive to receive collegiate football’s highest receiving honor

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Former Los Al standout receive to receive collegiate football’s highest receiving honor

The Tallahassee Quarterback Club (TQC) Foundation, Inc., the Florida-based creator and sponsor of the prestigious Biletnikoff Award, will honor unanimous 1st-Team All-America receiver Makai Lemon of the University of Southern California as the 2025 winner of the Biletnikoff Award and Foundation scholarship winners at the sold-out 32nd annual Biletnikoff Award Banquet, a black-tie event, before 700 patrons on March 28, 2026, at the basketball arena at Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee, Florida.

The Biletnikoff Award annually recognizes the college football season’s outstanding FBS receiver. Any player, regardless of position (wide receiver, tight end, slot or inside receiver, wing back, or running back) who catches a pass is eligible for the award. As such, the Biletnikoff Award recognizes college football’s outstanding receiver, not merely college football’s outstanding wide receiver. Tight end Kyle Pitts was a finalist in 2020 and other tight ends were semifinalists in other years.

Moreover, the Biletnikoff Award is a single season, not career, award.

The Biletnikoff Award is one of the most highly followed college football awards. In 2024, the announcement of the Biletnikoff Award winner on X garnered a remarkable 2.6 million views, second only to the Heisman winner’s announcement with 3.2 million views.

Makai Lemon caught 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.

The Biletnikoff Award’s semifinalists, three finalists, and award recipient are selected by the highly distinguished Biletnikoff Award National Selection Committee, a group of 625 prominent college football journalists, commentators, announcers, Biletnikoff Award winners, and other former receivers. Foundation trustees do not vote and have never voted. For a list of voters, please see BiletnikoffAward.com/voters.

The Biletnikoff Award candidate eligibility and voting criteria, transparently explicit and detailed, are available for review at BiletnikoffAward.com/criteria.

The correlation between Biletnikoff Award winners and stardom in the National Football League is nearly uniformly consistent. Past Biletnikoff Award winners include Calvin Johnson, Randy Moss, Michael Crabtree, Amari Cooper, Golden Tate, Brandin Cooks, the late Terry Glenn, Ja’Marr Chase, DeVonta Smith, and Larry Fitzgerald.

The 501(c)(3) TQC Foundation’s charitable mission is the provision of college and vocational scholarships to North Florida high school seniors who have overcome significant challenges to achieve at the highest academic and extracurricular levels.

Participation in sports is not a requirement, but does count as an extracurricular activity. The all-volunteer Foundation has provided over 375 scholarships with benefits of nearly 7 million dollars through 2025. TQC Founding Trustee & many-times chairman Walter Manley II, serving his 29th year as fundraising chairman, recently announced a goal of 10 million dollars in the aggregate to be awarded in scholarships by 2030.

Makai Lemon will be presented the Biletnikoff Award trophy by TQC Foundation Chairman John Harris Jr., assisted by Coach Lincoln Riley and College Football Hall of Famer Raghib “Rocket” Ismail, keynote speaker, at the sold-out black-tie Biletnikoff Award Banquet & Celebration at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The banquet, always sold-out and attended by 700 patrons, was hailed by 2014 keynote speaker Dick Vermeil, as well as by 2013 keynoter Larry Csonka, as “the best banquet in college sports.”

Lenten Labyrinth Walk March 23

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Lenten Labyrinth Walk March 23

Everyone is invited to experience the Lenten Labyrinth Walk 2026 at St. Irenaeus Parish Hall on Monday, March 23, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., 5201 Evergreen Ave., Cypress, CA 90630. We are starting earlier this year to accommodate more people. This is a prayerful way to prepare spiritually during your Lenten journey toward Easter. Walk with an open mind and heart so you are better able to receive God’s grace and peace. The candlelit, meditative environment will calm your thoughts from stress and concerns.

Give yourself a break from the news and the daily demands of your lives. Let yourself, “Be still and know that I am God,” (Psalm 46:10). The walk takes about half an hour, but you can stay longer if you wish to bathe in the meditative atmosphere. For more information, please get in touch with Monica Kovach, Chair of the Labyrinth Ministry, at 310-490-6113.

Paws for the Planet April 25

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Paws for the Planet April 25

The City of Los Alamitos invites you to join us for a heartwarming Pet Fair & Arbor Day Celebration.

Celebrate your animals and Arbor Day by putting down roots and helping a furry friend do the same! This collaborative event is taking place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Laurel Park located at 10862 Bloomfield Street, Los Alamitos CA 90720. Adopt a new best friend, shop pet supplies, plant a tree for the future, and enjoy a day filled with nature, love, and second chances. Through its ongoing commitment, the City recognizes the significance of its urban forest expansion, improvement to the community’s quality of life, energy conservation, stormwater attenuation, and a greener future.
Event Activities include:

  • Pet ADOPTIONS and Vendor Fair
  • Eco and Family Friendly Activities
  • Free Saplings for the first 50 guests
  • Plant a Tree with the Los Alamitos Public Works Department
  • Los Alamitos Police Department K9 Demonstration
  • Dog Costume Contest at 11:00 a.m.
  • Pup playtime at the new Los Alamitos dog park
  • Free Face painting
  • All guests must register at Cityoflosalamitos.org to attend this FREE event. Wristbands will be given upon arrival for all registrants to enter the event. Entrance will be located on Bloomfield (adjacent to the tennis courts). Parking is available for event attendees at Los Alamitos Elementary School and UCI Health – Los Alamitos Parking Structure. The City would like to thank event sponsors contributing towards a variety of elements of this event:
    EPSON
    Financial Partners Credit Union
    Universal Waste Systems, Inc. (UWS)
    Event information is subject to change or cancellation. For more information, please visit www.cityoflosalamitos.org/recreation or contact the Recreation and Community Services Department at (562) 430 – 1073.

Los Al Recreation to present soccer programs

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Los Al Recreation to present soccer programs

Get ready to kick, score, and celebrate! The Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department is excited to offer three fun-filled youth soccer programs designed to introduce young athletes to the game while building confidence, coordination, and teamwork. This spring, families can register for:

  • Parent and Me Soccer (Ages 2–3)
  • Jr. Pee Wee Soccer (Ages 4–6)
  • Pee Wee Soccer (Ages 7–9)
    These five-week, clinic-style sessions will take place on Saturdays from April 11 through May 9 at Little Cottonwood Park (4000 Farquhar Ave.).
    Program Schedule:
  • Parent and Me Soccer: 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
  • Jr. Pee Wee Soccer: 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
  • Pee Wee Soccer: 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
    Led by Recreation staff, each session focuses on age-appropriate fundamentals through engaging skill-building activities and game-based drills. Whether your child is kicking a ball for the first time or already loves the sport, all skill levels are welcome in this positive and encouraging environment. The resident fee is $65, and the non-resident fee is $71.
    Spots are limited, so families are encouraged to register early and join us for a season full of soccer fun. We look forward to seeing our community on the field this spring!
    For additional information and to register, please visit the Recreation & Community Services website at www.cityoflosalamitos.org/recreation or contact the Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department at (562) 430-1073
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