When I was very young and just beginning to form my view of the world one prominent media figure captured my imagination, tempted me to imitation, and struck me as heroic rising above all other intellects in clear thinking and execution of style in conversation. No it was not JFK. It was notorious conservative and talk show host William F. Buckley Jr. On his 1960s and 70s confrontational television program Firing Line Bill Buckley would fearlessly invite some of the most articulate liberal thinkers and talkers of the time.
SPORTS PHOTOS: Cypress’ boys basketball teams beats Kennedy 75-43
Enjoy a some snapshots from the Cypress High School’s game against Kennedy High on Jan. 18.
St. Hedwig students tour Washington D.C.
Eighth grade students of St. Hedwig School went on a five-day educational trip to Washington D.C. and Virginia late last year from Nov. 28 to Dec. 2. They were accompanied by their teachers Ms. Keri Flynn (History), Mrs. Sarah Visser (English) and four parents. Ms. Flynn explained, “The objective of this trip was for the students to have a firsthand experience of the topics they learn in US History in 8th Grade.
Women’s Lacrosse makes a comeback
Coach Sophia Aragon (Los Al 2012 alum) held what she hopes to be an annual alumni lacrosse game on Friday, Dec. 23. It was a fun yet, competitive event in which old and young faced off on the field fighting for something they both believed in: the beauty of the game.
Village 605 appeal withdrawn
Call it a sign of the times.
When the Los Alamitos City Council approved the Village 605 shopping center last year, it appeared to sail through the city. But when residents noticed the sign advertising the shopping was gigantic, digital and 120-feet tall, an appeal was filed.
The developer, Lincoln Property Co., downsized the offending sign the day before the appeal was to go before the city.
So the project has the green light again, with a scaled down sign and crosswalk modification.
Village 605 appeal hearing on Jan. 30
An appeal challenging Los Alamitos Planning Commission’s approval of the Village 605 project will come before Los Al’s City Council in a special meeting on Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. Los Al’s City Clerk Windmera Quintanar confirmed the date on Jan. 5 to the News Enterprise.
The appeal, filed on Dec. 6 by Seal Beach resident Nathan Pinson, questions the Commission’s traffic analysis and its approval of a height variance allowing the construction of a 120-foot freeway pylon sign.
Cypress Seniors get fit with Tai Chi
Calm, purposeful, and healthy, these are some of the words to describe the art of Tai Chi. The Cypress Senior Center is the place to be for older adults who want to learn this ancient practice
“It’s good exercise and helps with balance and memory,” said Marilyn Fowler. “I’ve been coming for over a year. My neighbor Donna Newton and I come here from Long Beach.”
Veterans Voices: VA-SI-LO-PITA
Hopefully, everyone enjoyed a plentiful, year-end holiday season with appreciative gift-exchanges, joyful events, and hearty festivities, including New Year’s Eve.
Soula and I watched TV, alternating between various channels to watch the extensive ceremonies all across the USA. Eagerly anxious to stay up until midnight, we sipped a Rum-Daiquiri, and prepared to watch the final countdown, ”… 4, 3, 2, 1” of the big ball in New York City.
We wish you a very “Happy New Year” for 2017, and many decades ahead.
John B. Goodman’s memoir released
The Goodman Group, a senior living and health care industry leader, has released founder John B. Goodman’s memoir on audiobook. His book, The Road to Self: Reflections from a Soulful CEO, was published in Fall 2015 to help readers discover how a deep connection to inner self can bring happiness to personal life and professional life. After his unexpected passing in early 2016, Goodman’s legacy lives on with the new release of this 3-disc audiobook set.
Grand Jury seeks residents to serve
The Superior Court of Orange County is taking applications through January 20, 2017, for residents interested in serving their community. The candidates selected for service from throughout the county will take the oath of office on June 30, to serve for a one-year term.
“I encourage Orange County residents to take advantage of this exciting opportunity to work behind-the-scenes to improve Orange County,” said Assistant Presiding Judge Kirk Nakamura, who chairs the Grand Jury Recruitment/Selection Committee.
PHOTOS: Griffins girls basketball routs Cypress 60-33
Los Al’s girls basketball team beat Cypress 60-33 on Jan. 3. The team’s next game was on Jan. 10 against Newport Harbor High School at Los Al High. Following that, the team will begin play in the South Coast Classic Tournament when it faces Woodbridge High School on Jan. 28. Photos by Dave Peeters.
PHOTOS: Los Al’s soccer team wins 2-1 with a late second-half goal
Los Al boys soccer team’s late surge in the second half earned itself a 2-1 victory over rivals Huntington Beach High School after scoring late in the second half of the game on Jan. 6. Photos by Dave Peeters.
PHOTOS: Griffins boys basketball team defeats Huntington Beach
Los Al boys basketball team defeated the Huntington Beach Oilers 59-42 on Jan. 6.
Local students earn top marks at their university
Kaitlyn Nichole Spear named to Dean’s list at the University of New Haven
JFTB announces 2017 public tour schedule
The Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos announced its 2017 public base tour program on Jan. 6.
Dates include Feb. 16, May 18, Aug. 17 and Nov. 16. Tours are scheduled on Thursday afternoons and get underway at 1 p.m. from the Military and Veterans Resource Center (Building 244) located just inside the JFTB main gate on Lexington Drive. Those taking the tour should plan for approximately three hours.
Rotary hosts OC District Attorney
The Los Alamitos/Seal Beach Rotary hosted the District Attorney of Orange County, Tony Rackauckas as the guest speaker at its regular meeting at Griffins Grill in December.
Rackauckas talked about the success of the District Attorney’s office, the number of cases prosecuted, and the strong law enforcement presence in Orange County. Currently, Rackauckas is serving his fifth term as the District Attorney and was a former Superior Court Judge.
Collecting toys for Military kids
Love and giving is what St. Hedwig School demonstrated this past Holiday season.
Last month, St. Hedwig students and their families donated 18 boxes of brand new toys, books and more for local military children. Also in doing so, the school hopes to pay tribute to the military men and women who’ve served and those who still serve our country.
Cypress Board of Trustees reorganizes
At its Annual Organizational Meeting in December, the Cypress School District Board of Trustees elected new officers as follows:
• Brian Nakamura, President
• Lydia Sondhi, Ph.D., Vice President
• Sandra Lee, Clerk
• Candi Kern, Member
• Donna McDougall, Member
‘Count the Santas’ winner crowned
Mason Arias of Cypress is the winner of this year’s “Count the Santas” contest at the Cypress Santa Center. Mason won $50 for getting the correct number. There were seven people with the correct number; those names were put into a hat and Mason’s name was pulled. “Mason was thrilled and his whole family came over to pick up the prize, and then they were going shopping with him, so he could buy some video games,” said Cypress Councilmember Mariellen Yarc.
La Palma AAUW donates to Su Casa
The La Palma-Cerritos Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) gathered in December to celebrate the Holiday season with their spouses or significant others. Members brought a variety of appetizers, main dishes, salads and desserts to share at the gathering. In keeping with the holiday spirit of helping others in need at this time, members also brought toys, toiletries and other gifts to donate for families being helped by Su Casa. Su Casa is a non-profit, community based organization dedicated to “Ending Domestic Violence” by offerin