Dust off the superhero capes, adjust the princess tiaras, and get ready for a night of trackside family fun at the annual Los Alamitos Race Course Halloween Carnival on Saturday evening, October 24.
The Cypress track will transform its grandstand area into a spooktacular festival packed with more than 25 games for children of all ages. Alongside an action-packed live horse racing program, the evening’s main event will be the track’s famous Halloween costume contest, awarding cash prizes across seven age divisions throughout the night.
One of the most anticipated annual traditions at the track, the Halloween Carnival starts at approximately 6:00 p.m. Admission is just $3 for adults, children 17 and under are admitted FREE, and general parking is always free.
Fun costumes from participants of all ages. Courtesy photo
Staged right along the track’s spacious grandstand area facing the finish line, the Carnival offers a safe, secure, and enclosed space for families to celebrate. Beyond carnival games, kids can enjoy pony rides, a football toss, and a festive photo booth to capture their costumes. Game tickets will be available at the event for as low as 50 cents each (some games require multiple tickets). Plus, every costume contest participant receives a free bag of popcorn!
The LARC costume contest is one of the best known in the area and often brings out the best of the imagination to the event. Courtesy photo
Drawing around 350 costumed contestants each year, the Halloween costume contest is one of the largest in Orange County. Cash prizes will be awarded in seven age categories: 2 & Under; 3 & 4; 5 & 6; 7 & 8; 9–11; 12–15 and 16 & Up. In every division, 1st place wins $200, 2nd place receives $125, and 3rd place takes home $100. To top off the night, all 1st-place category winners will advance to compete for the $500 Grand Prize.
“The participants in the costume contest never cease to amaze us with their creativity,” said Orlando Gutierrez, Marketing Director at Los Alamitos Race Course. “The costumes just seem to get more colorful and imaginative each year. Our staff is dedicated to putting this event together for the community, and it’s wonderful to see so many families enjoying a safe, festive Halloween celebration.
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As always, we are thrilled to support great, community organizations through this event.”
Proceeds from the Halloween Carnival benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Anaheim-Cypress.
In addition to the carnival festivities, race fans can enjoy a night of live Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred racing. Los Alamitos Race Course hosts premier year-round racing every Saturday and Sunday evening, as well as daytime Thoroughbred race meets, including December 4–13.
For more information, please call 714-820-2800 or visit losalamitos.com.
Despite advances in technology and informational access, young people today are still facing stresses of life that they may not be able to deal with, or possibly even fully understand. Phones have become a wealth of information and an overload of stimulation.
While the world around them may have improved in many ways, navigating that world and avoiding its pitfalls can be as difficult as ever. After diving into some of those issues and looking for ways to help, local student Niharika “Niha” Goel has taken a big step forward and has spearheaded the organization of a youth services event called Thrive: Youth Wellness Fair 2026.
The idea is to bring together organizations that can help students and young people deal with anything, whether it be substance abuse, depression, school pressure or mental health and wellness. If a young person is struggling with it, Niha is hoping to have someone there to help them.
“I think the biggest part of this is making sure that students have whatever resources they need,” Niha said.
While that is the lofty goal of this inaugural event, it is also the overall hope moving forward. Niha said there are a lot of organizations in and around the Orange County area, but young people may not even know where to look for them. Niha is taking the training and education she received with CADCA (originally Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America) and HOSA (originally Health Occupations Students of America) and putting it to work in her own community.
She grew up in Rossmoor and attended Weaver Elementary and Oak Middle Schools. She is currently a sophomore at Oxford Academy in Cypress. She volunteers at Weaver and is also the Secretary of the Seal Beach Leos Club. Her connection to other students has helped her recruit a large group of student volunteers to run the Wellness Fair.
Niha has said that her experience leads her to believe that a message to a young person, delivered by a peer can be more effective than a message delivered by an adult or organization.
“The most credible prevention staff are already in Los Alamitos, the students,” she said to the LAUSD Board during a recent meeting.
The Wellness Fair is set up for 30 booths, most of which had already been reserved as of the start of October. The fair will be set up with zones that include: substance-use prevention, mental health and wellness, youth leadership and community partnerships. Students will also be able to get various health and wellness screenings, and engage in demonstrations and activities.
The scope of the fair was a bit lofty, but Niha persisted. She reached out to the Seal Beach Lions Club, spoke at school board meetings and to city councils. Her father Rahul Goel said she was able to build some credibility, despite her young age. He also noted that when she partnered with Project Eli founder Perla Mendoza, that opened a lot of doors.
“I think having Perla’s support was instrumental, you know, through the Seal Beach Council that’s important and very valuable … and I think the agencies and organizations she’s reached out to are very intrigued,” Niha’s father Rahul said. Along with the support booths, the event will have some live music, prizes and some food vendors. Attendees will receive a passport card to collect stamps from booths. The stamped cards will be used towards a prize drawing. The fair is free to attend.
It is being run under the umbrella of a non-profit that Niha started, called the Resilient Stars Foundation. For more information on the event, or the non-profit, visit resilientstars.org.
As the Queen Mary continues to celebrate the 90th anniversary milestone year of her maiden voyage, visitors are invited to venture deeper into the paranormal stories and legends that have become part of her legacy. Starting this September, three new immersive staterooms invite passengers to spend the night inside stories inspired by the ship’s legendary spirits and lore.
The debut of Paranormal Passage headlines a season packed with new and returning experiences, from the all-new Grey Ghost Galley and Spookeasy to full moon experiences, murder mystery dinners, haunted tours, spooky movie nights and more.
“There’s an incredible fascination with the Queen Mary’s paranormal history and the stories that have become part of her lore,” said Dylan Matteson, General Manager of the Queen Mary. “Our guests want to know more, explore more and get closer to those stories. We’re excited to give them entirely new ways to do that. This season is about inviting visitors to experience a side of the Queen Mary that continues to captivate generation after generation.”
At the center of the new offerings is Paranormal Passage, a collection of three immersive staterooms that transforms some of the Queen Mary’s most enduring paranormal stories into overnight experiences. Located at B326, B328, and B334, the passage builds upon the fascination surrounding the famous Stateroom B340, inviting guests to choose which Queen Mary legend they dare to sleep beside. Each room has its own story, atmosphere and interactive details, creating three distinctly different ways to experience the ship’s paranormal lore long after the lights go out.
Each immersive overnight stateroom draws inspiration from some of the Queen Mary’s most rumored spirits and enduring legends. Those brave enough can settle in for the night in the room dubbed The Dressing Chamber, inspired by the fabled Lady in White; Jackie’s Room, drawing from the beloved legend associated with the First-Class swimming pool called; or The Officer’s Study, where stories of the ship’s officers intertwine with legends of uniformed figures roaming the passageways.
Also new this spooky season, the Queen Mary’s Show Room transforms into Grey Ghost Galley, an all-you-can-eat Halloween feast serving up plenty of tricks and treats before a night at Dark Harbor. The 90-minute buffet features hearty favorites including sliced sirloin with red wine demi-glace, spicy sausage hoagies, buffalo tenders, sweet chili tofu, mac and cheese, a build-your-own nacho station and a seasonal fall salad with butternut squash, pomegranate seeds and glazed pecans. For something sweet, guests can dig into nightly-changing Halloween-themed desserts, including black cake with orange cream frosting and festively decorated cookies.
Giving visitors time to feast and get into the spirit before the scares begin, Grey Ghost Galley opens during Dark Harbor nights only and includes early access aboard the Queen Mary before Dark Harbor opens. Seatings are at 6 p.m., with an additional 4 p.m. option on Fridays and Saturdays for $70 per person.
Visitors 21 and older can also sip with the spirits during the new Spookeasy, beginning September 28. The evening starts with tales from The Queen Mary’s haunted history over a spooky cocktail before embarking on a mini tour past some of the ship’s most intriguing spaces. The night ends at the hidden No.3 Speakeasy, where crystal, tarot, and palm readings, a haunting meditative sound bath and additional handcrafted cocktails await. Spookeasy kicks-off on September 28 and continues October 5, 12, and 19 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Murder on the High Seas takes place Sept. 13 through October 19. The interactive musical experience combines a three-course dinner with suspicious characters, unexpected clues and plenty of audience participation as guests race to crack the case. The murder mystery, Murder on the High Seas will have one matinee on September 13th, followed by evening performances on Oct 5, 12 and 19.
Even movie night takes a spookier turn. Movies on the Mary brings haunt-season favorites to the Queen Mary’s private theater, including Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” on Sept. 28, “Beetlejuice” on Oct. 12 and “The Shining” on Oct. 19. Check-in begins at 6 p.m., with each film beginning at 6:45 p.m. Popcorn and movie snacks will be available for purchase. Guests can also save on three spooky experiences with the Queen Mary’s new Spooky Package. Available for $125, the package includes one admission to Murder on the High Seas, Movies on the Mary and the Spookeasy, with visitors able to choose their preferred October date for each experience.
The ship’s year-round paranormal experiences will continue throughout the fall, giving guests even more opportunities to explore the stories behind the Queen Mary’s haunted reputation. Graveyard Tour, Paranormal Ship Walk and Haunted Encounters venture into the ship’s history, reported paranormal activity and rarely seen spaces. Jackie’s Spirit Shoppe offers curios and keepsakes inspired by the Queen Mary’s supernatural lore.
In addition to the spooky events onboard the Queen Mary, fright fans can also experience the return of Dark Harbor, bringing its signature mazes, monsters and maritime mayhem for select nights from Sept. 18 through Nov. 1. For more information, upcoming events, programming, and more, visit www.queenmary.com/seasonal-events.htm and queenmary.com/whatsondeck, or connect with us on social @TheQueenMary.
For more information, reservations, and upcoming programming, visit The Queen Mary or call (888) 217-1153.
Assemblymember Tri Ta (R-Westminster) today expressed disappointment following Governor Gavin Newsom’s veto of Assembly Bill 760, bipartisan legislation that would have provided state tax relief to residents and businesses receiving settlement payments related to the 2026 Garden Grove chemical evacuation incident.
AB 760 would have excluded qualifying settlement payments from state personal income and corporate taxes, allowing affected families and businesses to keep all of the compensation intended to help them recover from losses associated with the disaster. The measure received unanimous approval in the Legislature.
“Orange County residents deserve immediate relief after being forced from their homes and businesses because of this chemical disaster,” said Assemblyman Ta. “I am deeply disappointed that after declaring a disaster, Governor Newsom vetoed AB 760. These families did nothing to cause this disaster, and they should not face uncertainty over whether the state will tax the compensation they receive because of it.
“The Governor says this issue should be handled through the state budget process, but that process is often negotiated behind closed doors with little opportunity for public scrutiny. “I appreciate Senator Strickland’s leadership and partnership on this effort, and we will continue working to find a path forward to provide this relief,” concluded Ta.
In his veto message, Governor Newsom stated that he supported the intent of AB 760 but argued that tax exclusions with General Fund implications should be considered through the annual state budget process.
“It is astonishing that Governor Newsom vetoed AB 760, and in doing so, turned his back on families and businesses already forced to bear the consequences of a chemical disaster. I co-authored this bipartisan bill because those displaced should not be punished twice: first by the disaster, and then by the tax code. These families deserve better, and this veto will not stop us from fighting for them. I’ll continue working with Assemblymember Ta to see how we can find a way to provide relief for those affected by the disaster in May,” said Senator Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach), principal co-author of AB 760.
“Orange County residents impacted by the chemical evacuations earlier this year deserve relief and certainty, not another burden from Sacramento. I’m extremely disappointed that Governor Newsom vetoed AB 760. His decision leaves families who were forced from their homes facing uncertainty over whether disaster relief payments could now become a tax liability. These residents did nothing to cause this disaster.
The Governor had an opportunity to give them peace of mind and certainty but chose not to. Thank you to Assemblyman Tri Ta and Senator Tony Strickland for their leadership and for standing up for the Orange County families impacted by this disaster,” said Mayor David Shawver, Mayor of the City of Stanton.
California has previously provided tax exclusions for certain disaster-related settlement payments. AB 760 sought to provide similar relief to Orange County residents and businesses impacted by the chemical disaster.
Crowned “Las Vegas Magicians of the Year” eight times, the globally renowned, award-winning duo PENN & TELLER is taking its act on the road to Cerritos! Marking 50 years in the spotlight, the magic mavericks take the stage at 8 p.m. for a spellbinding evening at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) on Thursday, November 5. Tickets start at $95 and are available on cerritoscenter.com.
The Guardian said it best: “If you like the idea of being outsmarted while not being made to feel entirely stupid, Penn & Teller is the ticket.” Longtime friends and globally renowned magicians Penn Jillette and Teller “have evolved from iconoclastic magicians into an institution,” hailed The Hollywood Reporter. The veteran illusionists have amazed crowds all over the world, and their record-breaking Las Vegas show at The Rio Hotel & Casino just marked its 25th anniversary, outselling every other resident magician on The Strip and becoming the longest-running headline act in Sin City history.
Emmy nominated 13 times for their Showtime series Penn & Teller: Bullsh*t!, which tackles the fakes and frauds behind topics such as alien abduction, psychics, and bottled water, The New York Times best-sellers currently host the hit series Penn & Teller: Fool Us, which was nominated for a 2017 Critic’s Choice Award and features up-and-comers and magic veterans vying for a chance to star in the pair’s hit Las Vegas show. The duo’s Penn & Teller on Broadway was hailed as “deliciously unsettling” by USA Today. It was the highest-grossing non-musical on Broadway for its entire six-week run. The partners have also appeared on The Simpsons, Modern Family, The Drew Carey Show, and Top Chef.
Penn and Teller’s acclaimed documentary Tim’s Vermeer, about Texas-based inventor Tim Jenison and his exploration of methods used by painter Johannes Vermeer to produce realistic art, was nominated for a British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award and shortlisted for an Oscar.
For tickets or information, call (562) 916-8500 or go to cerritoscenter.com.
Six-time (a record breaker!) Dancing with the Stars champion Derek Hough is simply “spectacular,” hails The Washington Post. The four-time Emmy winner waltzes onto the stage, unleashing his energy, athleticism, choreography, and storytelling at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, November 14, at 8 p.m. Tickets, with prices starting at $97, are available on cerritoscenter.com.
A familiar and trusted name to millions of television viewers worldwide, DEREK HOUGH has been praised by critics and audiences for his talent, creativity, and commanding stage presence. Establishing himself as one of the most dynamic performers in dance and entertainment, Hough’s performances go far beyond dance – they combine mesmerizing movement, music, tales, humor, and emotion to create the kind of live experience that audiences remember long after the final curtain.
The current host of the long-running television program Extra, Hough recently returned to Dancing with the Stars as a judge. His acting credits include the movie Make Your Move, the ABC series Nashville, and High School Musical the Musical. His stage performances include Radio City Music Hall’s Spring Spectacular, the critically acclaimed production of Footloose, and Hairspray Live! The showman’s memoir Taking the Lead: Lessons From a Life in Motion is a New York Times best-seller.
In addition to DEREK HOUGH DANCE FOR THE HOLIDAYS, his tours have included Derek Hough Symphony of Dance, Derek Hough Live: The Tour, and his wildly popular Las Vegas residency Derek Hough: No Limit, a critically acclaimed dance-centric show that explores styles ranging from ballroom and Tap to Salsa, Hip-Hop and everything in between. For tickets or more information, call (562) 916-8500 or go to cerritoscenter.com.
Students and staff across Los Alamitos Unified School District spent last week focusing on something simple that can make a big difference: saying hello and making sure others feel seen, included and connected.
Schools throughout the District participated in Start With Hello Week, a national initiative from Sandy Hook Promise designed to teach students how to recognize social isolation, reach out to someone who may feel alone or left out, and help create school communities where every student feels a sense of belonging.
Sandy Hook Promise is a national nonprofit organization founded and led by family members whose loved ones were killed in the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The organization works to help prevent violence in schools and communities through education and prevention programs that teach students and adults how to recognize warning signs, reach out to others and get help when someone may be at risk.
Students carry signs to enhance engagement and reduce loneliness. Courtesy photo
Start With Hello is one of the organization’s school-based prevention programs and focuses specifically on reducing social isolation and strengthening connections among students. The idea is simple: students can learn to recognize when someone may feel isolated, take the first step to reach out and help create an environment where their peers feel welcomed and included.
Led by Los Alamitos Unified school counselors, Start With Hello Week included activities, conversations and daily opportunities for students and staff to put those lessons into action.
At campuses across the District, students were greeted as they arrived at school each morning, setting the tone for a week centered on connection. Students and staff participated together in activities that encouraged them to reach out to others, include someone new and recognize how even a small gesture can have an impact on someone’s day.
Courtesy photo
The week also gave counselors an opportunity to reinforce messages they focus on throughout the school year, including building healthy relationships, supporting student wellness and making sure students know they have trusted adults on campus they can turn to when they need help.
While Start With Hello Week lasted just a few days, its message is one Los Alamitos Unified hopes students carry with them throughout the school year: notice others, make connections and never underestimate the power of a simple hello.
In Freedom Hall in Fountain Valley, where officials began erecting cots in the middle of the night on May 21 so 50,000 people could be temporarily relocated there, First District Supervisor Janet Nguyen brought together a wide range of local and regional officials this week to issue a formal “thank you.”
From fire and police officials to park supervisors, city clerks, mayors, and staff members who had worked with little sleep for five days, Nguyen haphazardly gathered them together Sept. 30 to tell them, “You’re the best of the best,” she said, “the best of humanity.”
On that day in May, around 3:30 p.m., Nguyen and other key officials learned that an industrial storage tank holding methyl methacrylate (MMA) at a GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove began overheating and venting vapors.
First District Supervisor Janet Nguyen speaks to officials at Freedom Hall in Fountain Valley. Photo by David N. Young
Almost immediately, a coalition of firefighting and emergency officials coordinated by the Orange County Fire Authority issued mandatory evacuation orders affecting roughly 50,000 residents across parts of Garden Grove, Anaheim, Cypress, Stanton, Buena Park, and Westminster.
“By 10 p.m.,” Nguyen told the officials, “I remember helping Fountain Valley officials put out beds in this hall.”
“Everyone did their part,” said Nguyen, “did it perfectly, and we trusted them. The professionalism displayed throughout the community, though chaotic, was not panic, she suggested, and your overall credibility is what gave the community its calmness.”
“People left home without medication,” she called, “yet medication and assistance were somehow available immediately.” She said elected officials throughout affected communities of Garden Grove, Stanton, Cypress, Los Alamitos, La Palma and Anaheim showed up to work.
“Not just for one day but every day,” said Nguyen.
“What I learned from this is that we need to know our neighbors,” the First District Supervisor said, thanking city staff and her own for what she termed a remarkable response to the emergency.
Nguyen introduced Fountain Valley Mayor Jim Cummeen, whom she said was at Freedom Hall that night erecting beds for evacuees to sleep in, and he thanked Nguyen “for stepping up to the plate and for your continued assistance to residents.” The mayor recalled managing the many various duties of staff required to manage the hazardous materials response while police and other officials were out evacuating shocked neighborhoods who were asked to leave with little more than the clothes on their backs. Fountain Valley Council member Ted Bui also shared real-world examples of local officials stepping up to solve problems during the emergency. Nguyen said she and Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein barely slept throughout the five days, as the city’s operations and normal way of life were turned upside down. “We never slept throughout the entire five days,” said Nguyen. Klopfenstein thanked the supervisor’s office, first responders and city staff for their excellent response to the incident. “Agencies, public health professionals and park organizations brought critical expertise and resources to the effort. Throughout the city, vulnerable employees were saddled with emergency roles, and the response was ever more coordinated as a result,” the mayor said. “Our plans, our training and procedures matter, but ultimately, our ability to serve the public depends on our people,” she said, “and it depends on relationships.” In addition, Klopfenstein, like Nguyen, said the entire emergency response revolved around trust. “It depends on professionalism from different agencies trusting one another,” Klopfenstein said, “sharing information, bringing their expertise to the table and staying focused on the same goal.” “It is about protecting the people of our city,” the mayor said, “and we saw that, and it helped that we responded responsibly.” Nguyen and her staff issued hundreds of official Orange County proclamations for each person involved in the various cities, stacking them at tables in alphabetical order so each person received a document memorializing their participation in the response. Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief Nick Freeman spoke on behalf of the “excellence” demonstrated across the board during the response. Officials from the Orange County Fire Authority, along with other police and firefighting officials, were recently recognized for their response to the dramatic incident at a separate ceremony, the annual “Heroes Luncheon” staged by the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce at Rush Park in Rossmoor. Orange County’s interim CEO K. C. Roestenberg also thanked the assembled local officials for their dedication during the Garden Grove incident. Nguyen said the impromptu ceremony honored the brave public sector employees who worked “behind the scenes,” covering every aspect of the evacuation and emergency response. “The competence shown should provide confidence in the public protection offered to Orange County residents,” Nguyen said, before inviting everyone who received a certificate to join her for what could be the largest selfie ever attempted as officials joined her for a group photo in front of the huge American flag that hangs in Freedom Hall.
Pacific Air Show CEO Kevin Elliott, joined by other air show officials, attended a pre-show welcome ceremony at Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, citing economic gains and showcasing NASA technology, including a brief flight of newly designed “Skyfall” Mars helicopter.
The preview kicked off the 10th anniversary of Pacific Air Show Huntington Beach, which this year coincided with the nation’s 250th birthday. Over the course of the afternoon, organizers, local officials, NASA representatives and international performers made the case that the show has outgrown its beach-town roots.
Elliott opened with economic impacts.
He cited an economic impact study in Huntington Beach that put consumer spending at more than $70 million and the air show’s net economic community benefit at more than $120 million.
Extrapolated across Orange County and the broader region, Elliott claimed the show’s impact could top $1 billion over 10 years.
He also pointed to the show’s growing contribution to STEM education programs. Last year’s Students with Altitude Day brought thousands of students to the beach free of charge for the show, said Elliott.
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds streak through the skies during this year’s Pacific Airshow. Photo by David Smithson
“Essentially,” he said, “this is the largest field trip in the history of Southern California, as far as I know,” noting that he expected even more students to attend this year.
This year’s Pacific Air Show ended Sunday, marking its 10th annual show, and while attendance figures and other data are still being calculated, Elliott said, in the presence of education officials, that there is little doubt about the show’s impact on students.
Elliott also told the large crowd gathered in the JFTB hangar that the event has also become international.
Pacific Air Show Gold Coast in Australia has now completed its third run, and Elliott said it is the second-largest event in that country, behind only Formula One. “I’d like to put them on notice that we’re gaining quickly,” he said.
A Russian MIG-29 sits on the tarmac of the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos prepared to take part this year’s Pacific Airshow. Photo by David N. Young
Elliott said he first attended the Huntington Beach show in 2016 as a local resident who grew up flying remote-control airplanes. “And here I am,” he said, “combining my passion and my profession.”
Elliott thanked the Huntington Beach City Council, saying it “has never wavered in their support for Pacific Air Show, in spite of the difficulties and the challenges that we’ve had.” Mayor Casey McKeon, Mayor Pro-tem Butch Twining and former Mayor Pat Burns were in attendance at the base.
McKeon, who said he and Elliott are both “local HB kids,” relayed that pilots he met that morning told him the Huntington Beach show is the best in the world. He said the city expected more than a million people over the weekend, and that 90% of attendees surveyed say they will return to Huntington Beach outside of the show.
The Huntington Beach mayor even floated an idea to expand the show. McKeon said he spoke with representatives of Mach Industries, a defense company based in Huntington Beach, about working with the show on a defense and aviation convention in the days before the air show.
“When that F-35 big boy rips over the hotels and over the pier, and the hair stands up on your neck, and your spine tingles with that American patriotism, there’s nothing better,” Mayor McKeon said.
Los Alamitos Mayor Tanya Doby, who presented Elliott with an award on behalf of her city council, called the base a vital part of the city’s history and identity and a key asset for the region, state and nation.
“There’s something truly special about watching these aircraft take to the skies right here from Los Al,” she said, “knowing that just minutes later, hundreds of thousands, no, millions, of spectators along our beautiful SoCal coastline will look up.”
Elliott also thanked the airfield staff, including Rob Wilson, Jeff Sibley, Steve Garcia and Lupe Mora, saying the show “would just simply not be possible” without the base. He also thanked Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen, who represents the First District, as a longtime supporter.
Elliott singled out the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, who are marking their 55th anniversary. He said the Huntington Beach show will be their second-to-last performance in the Tutor jet. He also credited the team with helping the show through last year’s federal government shutdown, which kept many U.S. military performers on the ground. “You saved us last year when the government shut down,” he said.
NASA flew in F-15 and F-18 aircraft from Armstrong Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force, with the F-15 painted in a special Stars and Stripes livery for the nation’s 250th birthday. NASA test pilots, including one flying the X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft, were made available to media. The Mars Skyfall presentation drew the closest attention of the day. Will Pomerantz, head of space ventures at AeroVironment, which co-developed Ingenuity with JPL, said the Mars mission is scheduled to launch in 2028.
Will Pomerantz and the Skyfall helicopter. Photo by David N. Young
Rather than land first and fly later, Skyfall’s three helicopters will deploy while the spacecraft is still descending under its parachute, thousands of feet above the Martian surface and the specially built helicopters will fly themselves to the ground.
Unlike Ingenuity, the Skyfall helicopters will carry dedicated science instruments: wind and temperature sensors, a radiation sensor to help prepare for human missions, cameras including near-infrared imagers, and ground-penetrating radar, which Pomerantz called the top of the wish list for nearly every planetary scientist he has spoken with.
The Royal Air Force Falcons parachute display team jumped from 10,000 feet over the base, trailing smoke forming their signature carousel.
Without explanation, California National Guard officials were not present at the hanger for the event nor did Base Commander, Lt. Col. Jubilee Satele, appear at the preview ceremony as scheduled
It’s a popular phrase to say someone is “going to Disneyland,” but rarely does one hear “Disneyland” is coming to a community.
Yet this week, in what appears to be a routine sale of an entire city block, officials disclosed that Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S. Inc. has purchased the Yamaha site for $115.3 million.While Disneyland Resort, the park, will stay put a few miles down the road from Cypress, the Disney move is raising questions as to what exactly Disneyland officials will be doing when they come to Cypress and occupy the site.
Disney officials have suggested that the five- or ten-minute drive to the main Disneyland Resort on Katella (given average traffic), played a major role in the acquisition.
According to real estate records, the property’s development, which literally covers an entire city block, occured in 1979 and Yamaha moved onto the site in 1980. It includes a two-story, 50,160 sq ft office building, a 55,984 sq ft research laboratory, and a 155,878 sq ft warehouse, for a total of 278,964 sq ft., records indicate.
Earlier this year, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., announced their planned relocation from Cypress to Kennesaw, Georgia. Georgia Gov. Kemp later said the decision traces back to October 2025 meetings with executives at the SEUS-Japan gathering in Tokyo.
While some have reported that Yamaha has moved entirely to Georgia, a company spokesman said only about 200 of 250 employees in accounting, corporate planning, and financial services remained in Cypress, per spokesperson Bob Starr. At its peak, the site had about 450 employees in Cypress.
Though Disney issued a brief statement confirming the report, it is not yet known exactly what the company has in mind for the site. The Orange County Register reported that Disney planned to use the site for “back of the house” operations.
Broker Avison Young told the Orange County Business Journal that Yamaha stays under a net lease agreement until it vacates by the end of 2028. The Dis Insider gives the end date as December 31, 2028.
On September 19, the Beach Cities Branch of Peer 1 on 1 collaborated with the Port of Long Beach to host a free harbor tour for neurodivergent children and their families. The clear weather and ocean breeze made the harbor views especially enjoyable and helped create a welcoming setting. The event welcomed 42 guests from 15 families, along with 14 volunteers, many of whom came from the Department of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).
More than a regular sightseeing excursion, the boat tour brought communities together through ocean views, conversation, photography and shared experiences while offering new insights into the Port of Long Beach. Port of Long Beach CEO Dr. Noel Hacegaba said: “We’re pleased to offer families of all kinds the opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of the Port. We serve the entire community and it’s important to take the steps that will make people feel welcome.
The story the Port is one that we all have in common, and we’re always eager to explain how Port operations relate to everyday experiences, from shopping for clothes to breathing cleaner air.”Peer 1 on 1 is a nonprofit that aims to create meaningful social interaction between neurotypical peers and neurodivergent individuals. In partnership with the Port of Long Beach,
Peer 1 on 1 offered this inclusive experience during a limited booking window. Interest was strong enough to even fill another session, with families traveling from San Diego to attend. Volunteers helped families feel comfortable participating in a tour that might otherwise have been difficult to navigate on their own.
Neurotypical peers joined neurodivergent guests and their families to facilitate social interaction and provide companionship throughout the tour. Michelle Liu, the mother of an 11-year-old son on the spectrum, shared that it was the first boat tour for her son and many of the other neurodivergent children. She said families were delighted to see their children enjoy the new experience so much with the support of the volunteers. Parents really appreciated the unique opportunity created through the collaboration between Peer 1 on 1 and the Port of Long Beach.
Courtesy photo The event welcomed 42 guests from 15 families, along with 14 volunteers, many of whom came from the Department of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB).
During the tour, participants viewed the RMS Queen Mary, known as the “Grey Ghost” for its service as a World War II troop transport, and the Long Beach Container Terminal’s clean-powered crane system. Guides discussed the Port’s history, operations and technology.
Guests passed large container ships, rows of towering cranes and automatic clean-energy technologies at work in one of the busiest ports in the United States. Along the way, guests learned about the Port’s 2050 vision to double its cargo volume by 2050 while transitioning to zero-emissions operations to fight climate change and protect public health.
Throughout the trip, guests and volunteers moved between the outdoor decks and the comfortable indoor seating area. From the open-air decks, guests watched the harbor’s maritime operations up close and photographed the giant ships carrying cargo and the peaceful ocean scenery.
In a cheerful and social atmosphere, passengers mingled while learning about the impressive scale of the harbor’s ships and cranes. Complimentary drinks on board and popsicles served at the end of the trip made the summer experience cool and refreshing.
The free, narrated tour is one important way the Port of Long Beach serves and connects with the community. According to Dr. Noel Hacegaba, “The Port of Long Beach started offering free public harbor tours in 2005 as part the what was then the new Green Port Policy, which has led to aggressive, industry-leading programs to improve air and water quality, protect marine wildlife and implement sustainable practices.
Part of that policy is to engage and educate the community and we find that harbor tours are an effective way to show the public firsthand how we are building the Port of the Future™.”
This boat tour was one of several events that Peer 1 on 1 collaborated with the Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) department at CSULB, with many volunteers coming from the department. At events such as therapeutic ceramics and the recent Long Beach Harbor Tour for neurodivergent children and their families, SLP students have volunteered alongside community members to offer support and inclusive engagement. According to Dr. Shriya Basu, Associate Professor and Undergraduate Mentor of SLP Department, “Undergraduate students in the SLP department were able to gain valuable community-based experiences and an opportunity to impact the community with compassion and connection.”
Dr. Basu also shared that students described such events as “special experiences” and appreciated the opportunity to connect with neurodivergent participants and families, reinforcing the value of connection and community-based service. These events and volunteering opportunities bring families in need and future clinicians together.
At the end of the tour, Josellin Sanchez, the mother of a 10-year-old son on the spectrum, shared that her son was very excited about his first boat experience and was already asking when he could do it again. She said, “For me, it was really reassuring to see how well everything was organized and how safe and enjoyable the experience was.
It was wonderful being able to share such a fun and memorable day with my son.” Jayden Wei, a teenage volunteer, reflected that the volunteering experience allowed him to understand the daily realities and the resilience of families with neurodivergent children. The overwhelmingly positive experience shared by families with neurodivergent children and volunteers reflects the Port’s vision for creating more inclusive experiences.
As Dr. Noel Hacegaba stated, “The Port of Long Beach listens to community feedback to shape our harbor tours and programs, allowing us to continually improve their experience. We want residents to connect with the waterfront and to see themselves as part of our story.” With strong interest from families, Peer 1 on 1 hopes to partner with the Port again next year and offer two tour sessions to bring this unique experience to more families with neurodivergent children. Peer 1 on 1 thanked the Port of Long Beach, volunteers and guests for making the event possible.
St. Irenaeus Bridge of Light Ministry manned the Stop Human Trafficking booth on September 26th at the Cypress Community Festival. Festival attendees were encouraged to contact Governor Newsom and ask him to sign AB 1267 to “End Child Marriage Under 18 No Exceptions.”
Significant progress has been made over the past two years toward this goal. In 2025 and 2026, signatures were collected on a petition to ask the Cypress City Council to pass a resolution affirming that the City of Cypress is committed to ending child marriage in California. The Cypress City Council responded by passing Resolution Number 7043 and sent it to Sacramento. Assembly member Gail Pellerin (Santa Cruz) authored AB 1267.
It passed with no votes in opposition. We are thrilled to report that on September 30, the Governor signed AB 1267 into law, ensuring that children under the age of 18 can no longer marry in California, no exceptions. This law takes effect January 1, 2027.
Bridge of Light Ministry, with the guidance of Rima Nashashibi, founder of Global Hope 365, has worked on this issue with our Cypress City Council since 2022. The turning point was inviting the entire City Council to the St. Irenaeus Solidarity Walk and Prayer Vigil to Honor Human Trafficking Victims & Survivors in February of this year. We presented a prayer station on Ending Child Marriage Under 18 – No Exceptions. Council Members received baseline information and the chance to sign the petition to show their support.
Passing AB 1267 is important for many reasons. For example, if married minors want to leave a marriage, they are faced with many obstacles:
If they leave, they’re typically considered runaways and sent back home.
Domestic Violence shelters typically don’t accept unaccompanied minors.
Children aren’t old enough to hire an attorney.
As minors, they’re not allowed to initiate legal proceedings, such as protective orders or filing for divorce, unless represented by a guardian or other representative. Additional reasons that this bill is necessary are stated in this excerpt from Cypress City Council Resolution No. 7043:
“Child marriage, a formal marriage or informal union where one or both parties are under the age of 18, is defined as a human rights abuse by the Department of State, UNICEF and Human Rights Watch.
The American Medical Association has called for an end to Child Marriage stating, ‘Child marriage is associated with higher rates of sexually transmitted infections, early pregnancies, divorce, and intimate partner violence than women married at age 21.’
The detrimental effects of Child Marriage are many, including but not limited to, an adverse effect on the child’s health, education, and employment opportunities, as proven by UN Women and the World Bank.
Minors in unwanted or abusive marriages suffer social isolation from their support networks like school, friends, and family, which contributes to their poor mental health.
Young women and girls ages 16-19 face intimate partner violence victimization rates almost three times the national average.
Minors who marry early are more likely to ‘discontinue their formal educations prematurely, earn low wages, and live in poverty.’ Girls who marry early are fifty percent more likely to drop out of high school and four times less likely to graduate from college.”
Bridge of Light: Human Trafficking to Human Triumph Ministry brings hope to victims and survivors. They strive to raise awareness and prevent human trafficking. They will actively be working to ban child marriage in the remaining 32 states to ensure that it is banned at the federal level as well. If you want more information or are interested in joining this ministry, please contact Monica Kovach, Ministry Chair, at 310-490-6113.
The City of Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department would like to invite the community to attend the 15th Annual MemorialCare Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital Long Beach Trunk or Treat presented by Southland Credit Union! The free event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Little Cottonwood Park (4000 Farquhar Ave).
This spooktacular event provides a safe space for families to celebrate Halloween. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in children’s costume contests, pick their very own pumpkin (until supplies last) from the free Pumpkin Patch sponsored by Southland Credit Union, play carnival games, win prizes, visit trunks for candy, shop at vendor booths, jump on moon bounces, ride the spooky train, enjoy the sensory activity area, purchase adult beverages from the beverage garden benefiting the Los Alamitos Community Foundation, and more! Families are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costumes to enter the ever-so-popular Costume Contest.
The Costume Contest has five divisions: ages 0-3, ages 4-7, ages 8-12, the family division, and the pet division (dogs must be leashed)! First, second, and third-place prizes will be available for each division. Thank you to our event sponsors, MemorialCare Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital Long Beach, as Title Sponsor, Southland Credit Union as Presenting Sponsor, and Grocery Outlet Long Beach Wardlow as a Gold Sponsor. Contest Times (participants report to Stage):
5:10 p.m. / Ages 0 – 3 Costume Contest / Awards
5:40 p.m. / Ages 4 – 7 Costume Contest / Awards
6:10 p.m. / Ages 8 – 12 Costume Contest / Awards
6:40 p.m. / Family Division Costume Contest / Awards
7:10 p.m. / Pet Division Costume Contest (Dogs must be leashed) / Awards *Timeline always subject to change
For more information, please visit www.cityoflosalamitos.org/recreation or contact the Recreation and Community Services Department at (562) 430 – 1073.
The City of Los Alamitos invites participants (ages 5+) requiring additional support or accommodations due to physical, mental, or developmental disabilities, and their families, to participate in a fun and inclusive afternoon at the third annual Pals of Los Al Youth Sports Day. Held on November 4, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. at Sunburst Field #4 (11212 America Dr., Los Alamitos) participants will rotate through four different sports rotations: football, track and field, soccer, and volleyball.
Athletes from Los Alamitos High School will be on site to cheer on, assist, and connect with participants throughout the afternoon. Together, with the Los Alamitos Recreation & Community Services Department, the Development Services Department, the Administration Department, and the Police Department, will give a welcoming, encouraging, and high-energy environment where everyone can experience the joy of sports, teamwork, and community. To celebrate the day’s activities, all participants will enjoy a complimentary treat from Kona Ice. Schedule: Check-in – 3:10 p.m. Warm Up – 3:30 p.m. Sport Rotations – 3:40 –4:25 p.m. Kona Ice – 4:25–4:45 p.m. This event is free of charge, but space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Please note that a parent/guardian and or aide is required to accompany participants at all times. For any questions about this event, please visit www.cityoflosalamitos.org/recreation or email ah*****@***************os.org. To register, please visit losalrecreation.myrec.com.
For some, volunteering means helping younger students. For others, it means supporting a local organization, helping at a family event, carrying on a family tradition or simply finding a way to step away from the daily grind. Service can take many forms, but it all starts with the desire to help others.
On Sept. 19, the community came together at The Youth Center’s annual Crystal Hearts Ball to honor individuals, families, organizations and businesses that have chosen to give their time, skills and energy to help others. Their stories span different ages, interests and communities, emphasizing that there is no single path to making a difference.
The Youth Center awards outstanding contributions to the community.
The Mediterranean-themed evening brought students, community members, organizations and businesses together to celebrate service and the impact it can have on children and families.
For Junior Crystal Hearts honoree Abby Bednar, giving back began with something she already had a passion for: singing and dancing. High school can often be stressful, making it difficult for students to find healthy ways to step away. Bednar shared how performing arts helped her relieve stress and connect with friends while encouraging young people to step away from screens and discover something they love.
“I’ve been given the opportunity to be part of programs like Camp SHARK that give kids the chance to try new activities, make new friends and discover their passions,” Bednar said. “Getting to see kids smile, laugh and truly enjoy themselves has made me realize that even the simplest experiences can make the biggest impact on your mental health.”
More sponsors, winners and Youth Center contributors.
Fellow Junior Crystal Hearts honoree Kayla Teng used her interest in technology to help others stay safe online. Through Cyber Force, an interactive program focused on data privacy and cybersecurity, Teng teaches students how to navigate the digital world safely.
“Together, we will fight big tech in mock trials, catch scammers and demolish nasty little malware. The Air Force protects our skies, and Cyber Force will help us protect our online lives,” Teng said.
Junior Crystal Hearts honoree Thai Vu centered his service on understanding and inclusion. Through his work with fifth-grade students and The Youth Center, Vu promotes neurodiversity awareness and helps students better understand and support their neurodivergent peers.
“Leadership isn’t just about blowing up the Death Star. It can be the small act of just including someone,” Vu said. “A simple hello is what changes the world.”
While some honorees found service through personal interests, Allison Han, recipient of the Crystal Hearts Youth Award, found her path by creating opportunities for others. As co-president of The Youth Center’s Leadership Council of Students, Han has spent the past seven years helping develop programs based on students’ needs and ideas.
Rossmoor Community Service District President presents Award to Marian Last.
Han has helped develop programs such as Meaning Meeting Mindfulness, an emotional awareness project; Seeds of Service, which introduced elementary students to civic engagement; and Prep for Success, a program developed directly from student feedback.
“The guidelines of leadership are not an act of order, but rather an act of reflection, fostering growth in those around you,” Han said.
For Carol and Steve Chudy, recipients of the Family Award, volunteering has become a family tradition. Each winter, Carol crafts handmade wreaths for The Youth Center’s Christmas Tree Lot, while Steve runs the register and greets customers.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the Chudy family made it a priority to look for what needed to be done next to support The Youth Center.
“Every time I open our electric bill, I’m reminded of this beautiful family because their solar gift means those dollars go right back to kids,” said Lina Lumme, CEO of The Youth Center.
Southland Credit Union representatives accept award.
This year’s Crystal Hearts Ball demonstrated how much a community can accomplish when people are willing to take time out of their day to support others. Each honoree followed a different path, but their mission was the same: making a positive difference in the lives of others.
2026 Crystal Hearts Award Recipients
Individual Award: Marian Last
Youth Award: Allison Han
Organization Award: Seal Beach Leos Club
Family Award: Carol and Steve Chudy
Business Award: Southland Credit Union Junior Crystal Hearts Honorees
With massive construction along the greenbelt resulting in less parking, the 27th Annual Sunset Beach Chili Cook Off still managed to raise nearly $40,000, according to Dawn McCormack, Sunset Beach Woman’s Club Co-President. “It’s wonderful that we’re still able to support local students and folks who want to do continued education and professional development ,” she said.
More than 600 people attended the recent event, including Huntington Beach Mayor Casey McKeon who said: “I had such a great time participating as one of the chili judges. Every entry brought a unique flavor and style which made the judging very difficult as they were all delicious.” There was a huge turnout, the weather was incredible and everyone had a fun time, he said.
Along with rocking music from Cat Reed and Back Alley, there were raffles with prizes including a Bill Anderson Artwork Reproduction Print, food & drinks and plenty of sizzle from sunshine to spicy recipes, according to Sunset Beach Woman’s Club Event Chair Cheryl Coleman. “We look forward to seeing you at our 28th Annual Chili Cook Off on Saturday, September 18th, 2027,” she said.
The winners are: Best Decorated Booth: 1st Place – Sunset Grill 2nd Place – Oklahoma Red Top 3rd Place – D’Arcy’s Tartan Room
People’s Choice 1st Place – HB O’Connells 2nd Place – Oklahoma Red Top 3rd Place – Redneck Red
Judge’s Choice 1st Place – HB O’Connells 2nd Place Tie – Oklahoma Red Top and Sunset Grill 3rd Place – D Arcy’s Tartan Room
So far, it’s been nonstop for the relatively new President and CEO of the Aquarium of the Pacific, Jeff Flocken, since he arrived in 2025, and this week was no different.
Flocken brought together NOAA weather experts in January who predicted significant impacts from this year’s El Niño, which has brought hurricanes, humidity, and heat to the Southern California Coast.
Little did he know that his staff would be called out on a rescue mission for rare sea turtles because of those impacts, but indeed it happened this week.
Biologists were called to the sandy beaches of Seal Beach where an olive ridley sea turtle was seen nesting for the first time ever. With another hurricane in the Pacific now threatening coastal flooding, Flocken authorized biologists on his staff to jump into action and rescue the sea turtle eggs.
Olive ridleys are also among the smallest sea turtles and are found in the tropical and warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. Their closest known nesting locations were 700 miles south in Mexico before the most recent discoveries.
Flocken said this was the first recorded occurrence of an olive ridley sea turtle nesting on a southern California beach. In addition, the aquarium said later it found yet another olive ridley sea turtle nest farther south near Huntington Beach.
Both nests have now been moved, along with about 200 Ridley sea turtle eggs, to the Aquarium
The Aquarium of the Pacific has been authorized by U.S. Fish and Wildlife to rescue sea turtle nests when they are threatened, as well as ill or injured sea turtles, said Flocken.
The organization announced that it moved olive ridley sea turtle nests on Southern California beaches.
“As animals adapt in unexpected ways to changes in their natural world, humans will need to adapt and make space to ensure endangered and threatened species are given a fighting chance,” said Flocken.
“If they successfully hatch, these baby turtles may one day return to nest to carry on future generations on these very same beaches, giving us a remarkable opportunity to help a species expand its range and thrive,” he added.
Biologists from U.S. wildlife agencies say Aquarium staff will care for the eggs during their forty-five-to-sixty-day incubation period. If the eggs successfully hatch, the young turtles will be released on the beaches where the eggs were laid to make their journey across the sand to the ocean.
Hazardous surfing conditions, beach erosion, and flooding could destroy or wash away the nests as Hurricane Polo approaches.
Biologists from U.S. wildlife agencies overseeing the eggs’ protection believe the option with the highest chance of survival is to collect them and hatch them under human care.
They are being held in sand-filled containers in a quiet, private area at the Molina Animal Care Center, where staff will carefully monitor and maintain temperature and humidity during incubation.
“This is an unprecedented situation, and we’re proud to provide a temporary home for these eggs as they incubate,” said Dr. Lance Adams, veterinarian at the Aquarium of the Pacific. “We’re hopeful that this will lead to a successful hatching in the near future and a successful release back to the wild.”
These nests were the first-ever recorded nesting of olive ridley sea turtles in California. It is not known why these turtles chose Southern California beaches as nesting sites, but it may indicate an important historical change with long-term implications for the species and for local sea turtle management and protection.
Olive ridleys are one of the smallest sea turtles, found in the tropical and warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Mexico’s Pacific coast arribada breeding populations are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, and all others are listed as threatened. We are at the peak of the nesting season for olive ridleys in Mexico, which runs from July to December.
Additional turtles may nest or have already nested on Southern California beaches. The public should watch for sea turtle tracks in the sand. If the public sees a sea turtle nesting, in distress, or suspects they have found a nest, they should call the 24/7 West Coast Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline: 562-506-4315. Keep a safe distance from wildlife.
It’s that time of year again when we start thinking about the upcoming holidays and how we can make it festive. Well, the Rossmoor Woman’s Club (RWC) has been working on this all summer and now that it’s fall we are ready to announce the annual Rossmoor Holiday Home Tour fundraiser.
The self-driven tour will be held on Sunday, December 6 from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Six holiday decorated homes will be on display for your enjoyment. Mark your calendar and make plans with family and friends to spend some time driving through the beautiful Rossmoor neighborhood. It’s a good time to get together and enjoy the spirit of the season with Iothers while getting ideas perhaps for your own home decorating!
Afterwards you can stop by the RWC Christmas Boutique which will be held in the F&M Bank parking lot. Complimentary refreshments will be served. Vendor shopping and raffle baskets will be available for your Christmas shopping needs. And Santa will be paying us a visit as well!
Tickets are on sale now for $25 through the club’s website at https://rossmoorwomansclub.org and at the local merchant stores listed below. All net proceeds from this annual fundraiser go to support local charities and student scholarships. For more information on the club’s activities with charity groups and scholarships go to their website listed above.
Ticket Locations
Britta’s Old Town Gardens – 225 Main St., Seal Beach, CA 90740
Prep Kitchen Essentials – 12207 Seal Beach Blvd, Seal Beach, CA 90740
McNally Electric & Lighting – 10792 Los Alamitos Blvd, Los Alamitos, CA 90720
Cinnamon Stik – 10641 Los Alamitos Blvd, Los Alamitos, CA 90720
Every show since the Pandemic seems to get bigger and better, according to Cypress Art League President Pat Edep, and this fall’s recent show was just more evidence of it.
She said the the CAL is getting more submissions, a greater variety of submissions and some really talented sculptors too. The 2026 Autumn showcase attracted hundreds of art pieces from a growing legion of artists who compete in the show, said Edep.
A beautiful, a perfect dimension acrylic piece by Tony Podue, called the “Point Fermin Lighthouse” took the “Best of Show” Award from the judges, while the Judges Award went to “The Defensive Line,” a drawing by Steven Coler.
Below) Tony Podue, with his “Point Fermin Lighthouse” acrylic painting, after winning “Best of Show.
Bob Rosenfield won the sculpting division with a beautifully sculpted cypress knee appropriately entitled “Cypress.” In addition to thousands in prize money, Edep said the Art League handed many of the artists other valuable prizes donated by local organizations and businesses.
For a complete list of winners and participants in the 2026 Autumn show, visit CypressArtLeague.org.
yball team plays Newport Harbor in a match tonight that will all but clinch a Sunset League championship for Griffins. One win separates the Griffins (9-0) and the Sailors (8-1). A win by the Sailors puts a shared title as the most likely outcome.
The Griffins have been steady most of the season, compiling a 22-5 overall record. After back-to-back losses early in the season, the team re-assessed what they were doing and focused in on what they needed to do, according to Head Coach Dave Huber.
They proceeded to reel off 14 consecutive wins, including a 3-0 start in Sunset League play. Despite some key losses to graduation, the Griffins returned a solid core of veteran players and have enough talent to make serious noise in the playoffs.
“Really, for us, it has been trying to find some consistent energy and intensity, and I think that’s what we’ve started the show, and that’s what I’m excited about,” Huber said after a 3-0 sweep of Fountain Valley on Thursday.
Two key leaders have been senior Libero Kaitlyn Herweg, a four-year starter and senior outside hitter Charlotte Hall, a three-year varsity player.
The Griffins added a 3-0 set sweep of Edison on Monday to set up the showdown with Newport Harbor tonight. The Griffins handed the Sailors their only league loss of the season on Sept. 8 with a 25-20, 25-22, 18-25, 25-18 victory at the Griffin Center. Tonight’s match will be at Newport Harbor with a 5:45 p.m. start time.
The Griffins will host Marina on Tuesday, at 5:45 p.m. for their final home match of the regular season. They close out the regular season on Oct. 13 at Corona del Mar.
