A fascinating origin of Valentine’s Day
Legend has it, that in the third century, Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage.
Valentine, a Catholic priest, disobeyed these orders and performed marriages in secret.
The emperor had Valentine put to death on February 14.
Another story says that Valentine wasn’t a priest at all, but a prisoner who fell in love with the daughter of his jailer and sent her letters signed, “From your Valentine.”
Veterans Voices: Valentine’s Day stories
Oxford edges Crean Lutheran
Oxford Academy took on Crean Lutheran on Jan. 27 at the Crean campus in Irvine.
The game went down to a failed last second shot and Oxford came out on top with a 47-44 victory over the Saints.
Oxford held a half game lead over the Saints going into the game and the victory could play a major factor in determining the 2017 Academy League champion.
The win takes the Lady Patriots’ record to 14-5 overall and 6-1 in league with five games remaining.
Cypress wins, honors mayor
Cypress High School redeemed itself on Jan. 27 after beating Valencia High School 62-83. The team’s victory is a bit of retribution after losing to Valencia in the first game of the season. After the game the team posed and honored Cypress Mayor Paulo Morales and City Council Member Rob Johnson.
Cal Guard Aviator visits Los Al High
Los Alamitos Army Airfield (LAAAF) Manager and California Army National Guard helicopter pilot, Lt. Col. Jeff Sibley, was the guest speaker at the January meeting of the Los Alamitos High School Aviation Club.
Teens can enter local March Madness tourney
Are you a teenager and want to show off your basketball skills? Well, then you are in luck. The City of La Palma and Cypress will be hosting a March Madness Basketball tournament at Central Park. The tournament will be held at Central Park, 7821 Walker St. in La Palma on Friday, March 10 at 6 p.m.
Teens can register as a solo player and be placed on a team, or register as a team of three and must be between the ages of 13-18.
Nominations wanted for volunteer awards
Cypress Recreation and Community Services Commission is accepting nominations for its annual Volunteer Service Award, Youth Volunteer Award, and Outstanding Contribution to the Arts Award. These awards provide an excellent opportunity to recognize and appreciate Cypress residents who have made significant contributions to the community through their volunteer service.
Lee Elementary sees surge in academic success
Lee Elementary School posted extraordinary achievement growth in mathematics and language arts scores in all grade levels on the latest round of state assessments.
In a recent report to the Los Alamitos Unified School District board, Lee Principal Amy Laughlin said year-to-year performance in language arts increased 10 percent points in third grade, 19 points in fourth and two points in fifth.
Griffins slam through Barons
Los Al High School’s basketball team persevered through a tough game against Fountain Valley on Jan. 20 to secure a 62-53 victory. The win improved the Griffins’ league record to 4-1, which puts them just one game behind first place Edison High in the Sunset League standings. The team’s next two games were against Huntington Beach on Jan. 27 and Newport Harbor on Feb. 4. Los Al had confidence going into those next two games as the team has already pulled out victories against both earlier in the month. Pictured is Zach Ruiz putting away a one-handed dunk.
Nominate a local Veteran for an award in Cypress
Recently, AYSO Region 154 Cypress announced the league is soliciting names of veterans from the community to recognize and honor during this year’s 25th Annual Cypress Memorial Classic. Families and friends are being asked to submit their names of deceased, retired, honorably discharged, and active duty service men and women to the league. AYSO Cypress intends to place each name on a banner that will hang from various light poles around the city.
Lice clinic donates to LAEF, opens its doors
New Los Alamitos business Lice Clinics of America recently held a ribbon cutting event on Jan. 19 to mark its official opening. The event also included a donation, on behalf of the clinic, to the Los Alamitos Education Foundation in the amount of $3,236. The clinic donated the money after reaching a fundraising goal. Pictured from left to right is Carrie Logue – Executive Director Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF), Marlena Weiss – Lice Clinic Co-Owner/Partner, Scott Weiss – Lice Clinic Owner. The clinic is located at 4012 Katella Ave. Suite 104.
Local boutique gets a new look
Dixie James boutique decided to have a little work done.
The Los Alamitos home boutique, which opened last summer next to Shenandoah at the Arbor, closed last week for a renovation that included a new floor plan, expanded space, fresh paint, light fixtures, and refinished wood floors.
“It’s just beautiful,” said one shopper, who traveled to the store from Ontario and peeked at the work in progress. “We come here because we love the look — modern farmhouse, like Joanna Gaines.”
Veterans Voices: Veterans needed
Military Veterans, male and female, and/or spouses having served in the United States Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine are all invited to join one of the existing Veterans’ organizations in your nearby community. We need you.
Irrespective of commission officer status, or just being one of the GI’s who served, whether you are a leader or a follower, you are needed to join a local Post, or an Auxiliary.
Cypress police share the SATs of workplace crime prevention
“What is the criminal view?” asked Detective Chris Lee, Cypress Police Department. “The SATs include: surveillance, access and territoriality.”
Local business professionals attended the networking breakfast held monthly for members by the Cypress Chamber of Commerce at the Residence Inn by Marriott. In the room were representatives from industries including real estate, government, banking, cemeteries, computer support and more, each interested in hearing how best they can protect their business from criminal activity.
Local soccer squad wins California State Invitational tourney
The Los Alamitos Chapter of FC Premier Girls 2004 team won the California State Invitational in Irvine from Jan. 14-15.
The great achievement comes in the wake of a run for the State Cup in February.
FC Premier Girls 2004 has been together since they were in the Under-9 division and presently play in the Under-13 in the competitive Southern California Development Soccer League.
The team is always looking to add more players to their squad. Follow them on Instagram: @fcpremierlosal2004.
Mac-Fusion, Wells Fargo each donate $2,000 to charity campaign
Mac-Fusion on Main Street in Seal Beach and Wells Fargo provided $2000 to the King and Queen of Hearts Campaign at the Duke/Duchess level.
This is Wells Fargo’s consecutive year donating to the King and Queen of Hearts.
Street improvement project nears start
Editor’s note: This version contains corrected statements. Los Al Mayor Shelley Hasselbrink told the News Enterprise on Feb. 15 that she doesn’t know what the impact to traffic would be during construction of the first segment. She said, “the city will do everything it can to keep two lanes of traffic flowing in each direction of Los Alamitos Boulevard during the construction.” Hasselbrink also clarified that the City will try to get the first segment of the project done by September.
SPORTS PHOTOS: Cypress basketball team routs Pacifica 64-26
The Centurions allowed Pacifica to score double digits in only one quarter of last week’s game. The team started hot and stayed hot throughout the game. The team’s next game was on Jan. 24 against Tustin High School. Score was not available by press time.
Orange County Food and Wine Festival on March 5
Surround yourself with beautiful classic cars while enjoying an afternoon that features samplings of fine wines, craft beers and gourmet food from all over California. Proceeds from the event will be given to the Boys and Girls Club to build a teen center in Brea, as well as other local community programs.
Local clubs sweeps Anaheim Cup
FC Premier Los Alamitos (Boys 2005) head coached by Donovan Martinez (LAHS varsity soccer coach) brought home the 2017 Anaheim Cup this past weekend. The team went undefeated, scored 15 goals and gave up one goal to become the 2017 Anaheim Cup Silver Division Champions. Pictured front row to back row are: Wilson Fedre, Reed Flores, Chase Mclachlan, Antonio Apuzzo, Jacob Herrera, Jaison Calub, Connor McLachlan, Alex Skalmowski, Jack Brown, Mario Botan, Shaun Im, Dominic Primeaux, Mathew Kuras, Dylan Marin and Ethan Frank.