Use maxims to drive instruction
Why this assignment? Why this task? What’s the purpose? What type of adult is this activity building?
Letter to the Editor: Locals loved the JFTB tour
Dear Editor,
My husband and I took the bus tour of the Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB), Los Alamitos, this past week and had a wonderful time! If you haven’t taken the tour, you are missing an amazing adventure right in our own back yard. The M-16 firing simulation range was the tour highlight for me!
I have lived in Seal Beach/Rossmoor and been to the Base many times. I thought I had seen it all. Wow, not even close to what I experienced on the Base tour.
All the Base personnel were awesome — special thanks to our hosts, Dean Grose, Los Alamitos City Council, and Colonel Richard Lalor, JFTB Public Affairs Officer.
The next tour is August 18, 1:00pm – 3:30pm. Free to the public. To reserve your space on the tour, contact the JFTB Public Affairs Officer, ri******************@**il.mil.
Enjoy!
Laurie Fulton
Rossmoor
Memorial Day at FCA
As we remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our country’s armed forces – we also honor those who continue to serve. We are blessed by one of our own congregants, Glenda Kuehl, who serves in the army. She serves our country with excellence. Glenda has been given numerous awards for her devoted service, and she also faithfully ministers in Faith Christian Assembly’s music department, singing and playing guitar. She is such a blessing to us and we honor her.
To receive a free newsletter and for more information on the church, call 562-598-9010 or visit their website at www.FCAchurch.net.
Club water polo team beach party
All friends and family of International Water Polo Club are invited to a day of watersports followed by a barbecue and fire at Tower 16 in Bolsa Chica State Beach. Bring sunscreen, towels, toys, chairs and snacks. The club will set up at 6:15 am and continue until closing at 9:30 pm. Contact Mark Browning at cz*****************@***il.com for more information.
U.S. Baseball will open summer camp in Los Al
U.S. Baseball Academy, which operates a national network of affordable hitting, pitching, catching, fielding and baserunning camps for players in grades 1 through 12 during the winter months, recently announced the addition of a Summer Camp Program in Los Alamitos to its lineup.
U.S. Baseball Academy’s 2016 Summer Camp provides young players with advanced hitting, pitching, catching, fielding and baserunning training programs. Instruction is given by the area’s top coaches at the area’s top facilities. Players who choose multiple skills qualify for discounted session prices.
U.S. Baseball Academy’s 2016 Summer Camp program will be held at nearly 75 sites across the United States. The session in Los Alamitos runs July 18, 19, 20, and 21 at The Cage Facility. Compton College Assistant Coach, Joe Magno, will direct the program. Instructors will include a staff of the area’s best coaches. With a player-coach ratio of 7 to 1, each player gets plenty of individual attention in a small-group atmosphere. Numerous age-specific sessions ensure instruction is specially tailored for each ability level.
Registration deadlines are approximately two weeks before each session begins. Because of the low player-coach ratio, spots in each session are limited. Complete details and times for each sites, as well as registration forms are available online at www.USBaseballAcademy.com or by phoning toll free 866-622-4487.
Youth Center holds Spring Finale Concert
Young musicians demonstrated that they learned more than how to skillfully play their instruments at the Youth Center’s Elementary School Spring Finale Band Concert on May 12 at McAuliffe Middle School in Los Alamitos. More than 300 attended the event, which included spine tingling improv performances by the 4TH and 5th graders in the Jazz Combo Band under the direction of Youth Center instructor Tom Mitter.
“We’re using music to teach life skills,” said Mitter. “They are learning attendance, responsibility, self esteem and poise. Music is the vehicle we are using to teach them these things.”
One drummer was 11-year-old Adam Jaffe of Los Alamitos who has been fascinated with percussion ever since he a toddler, according to his father Brent Jaffe. “Music has benefited him immensely,” he said. “It’s given him a chance to be creative, motivated and well-rounded.” Brent is a straight ‘A’ student who is now on the Honor Roll at Lee Elementary School in Los Alamitos, plays all-star baseball and is in the Cub Scouts.
Music is also fun for 11-year-old Nathan Morones of Long Beach who talentedly and skillfully performed in the Jazz Combo Band. This young man’s talent was very apparent to the audience who could be heard saying ‘bravo,’ while rigorously giving applause. His concentration on his performance was that of a professional musician as he kept time and rhythm. Nathan has been playing trumpet for three years through the Youth Center and has been taking private lessons through Applied Music in Los Alamitos. Of his love for music, he says it’s fun and gives him a chance to express himself especially in solos.
“He’s been interested in music since he was one year old,” said father Eric Morones. “We’ve got videos of him dancing and singing, and at an early age he was always banging on something. I’m convinced music makes you smarter. He does really well in school, and developed good communication and social skills.”
“It takes a lot – playing these instruments is not easy,” said Mitter. “They are reading music and following tempo. The key to enjoying it is practicing. If parents praise them for practicing, then the kids will have fun.”
Although the Youth Center’s Elementary Music Program for this school year is coming to a close, parents interested in giving their children the joy of music can enroll them in the Youth Center’s Summer Music Program which will be held in July. Students can choose from classes in strings, band instruments, guitar and keyboard instruction for $59, with instrument rental costing $15. And, this year, they’re inviting parents to also learn an instrument with their child’s for just $20. For more information and to register, visit theyouthcenter.org, stop by their office or call The Youth Center at 562-493-4043.
Congressman Lowenthal to hold Service Academy Night
Congressman Alan Lowenthal (CA-47) will be hosting a Service Academy Night in Los Alamitos to offer an opportunity to interested students, parents, counselors, and school officials to learn more about the United States Service Academies. Each Academy offers young men and women a free college education at a highly-ranked, nationally recognized university program while preparing them for an officer’s commission in the armed forces.
Entrance to four of the five U.S. service academies–West Point (Army), Annapolis (Navy), Colorado Springs (Air Force), and Kings Point (Merchant Marine)–requires nomination by a Member of Congress or the Vice-President. The United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, does not require a nomination. You can find out more about the Congressional nomination process on the Congressman’s website at http://lowenthal.house.gov.
The event will be held at the Los Alamitos Unified School District Board Room at 10293 Bloomfield St., Los Alamitos on Tuesday, May 31, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Representatives from each of the academies will be on hand to talk to attendees.
To R.S.V.P. to the event, please contact Robin McCray in Congressman Lowenthal’s district office at ro**********@********se.gov or 562-436-3828.
Mother’s Day Champions
The OC Firecrackers ‘05 softball team, whose core is comprised of the 2015 Los Alamitos Gold All Stars, has continued their strong showing at tournaments around Southern California with a big win over the Mother’s Day weekend. The team grinded out the wins, to be crowned champions of the Corona Angels Mother’s Day Classic.
The team went undefeated in all seven games, outscoring their opponents 69-13. Their pitching dominated with four no-hitters and three shutouts, and their hitting was overpowering. Even though the team lost key players to injury and the competition fierce, the girls showed up determined to win and beat some of Southern California’s top teams. Through their recent success, the OC Firecrackers have qualified for both the TCS World Series and the PGF nationals this summer.
The team ended 2015 as champions of the OC Batbusters Christmas Tournament. They started 2016 with a trip to the championship game at the Triple Crown Sports OC Coastal Classic and then moved on to win the Cal A’s Diamond Elite Valentines Day tournament in February.
Gold Ribbon Award for LAE
Los Alamitos Elementary (LAE) celebrated its California Gold Ribbon Award with students, parents, and community members on Monday.
LAE’s Girl Scout Junior Troop 3059 opened the ceremony as the Oak Middle School’s jazz band played and McAuliffe Middle School’s Student Council created and led a special cheer for LAE.
The LAE Ambassadors shared their thoughts on what made LAE a Gold Ribbon school and the choir led the school in singing “Step into the Spotlight.”
Council Member Dean Grose, School Board Member Dave Boyer, Assistant Superintendent Josh Arnold, Director Chris Vlasic and Director Ondrea Reed also joined the ceremony to congratulate LAE.
Council Member Grose presented Dr. Sunghie Okino, who’s LAE’s Principal, with special recognition from the Mayor and the City Council congratulating LAE for “outstanding educational programs and practices” and highlighted the “talented staff,” “amazing students” and “supportive parents.”
In addition to the 2016 Gold Ribbon Award, LAE also received recognition as a 2016 Title 1 Academic Achievement Award School.
Youth Center offers Leadership Academy
Learn how to handle real-world challenges for life beyond high school at the fourth annual Youth Center Leadership Academy running from June 27 to June 30 at the Youth Center in Los Alamitos.
The first 25 applicants selected for the Academy will be able to attend for free thanks to the Better Lives Foundation. Youth ages 17 to 19 can apply online now at www.theyouthcenter.org.
This exclusive workshop has been refined each year to include the hottest topics recommended by teens who have just moved out or will soon be living on their own.
“We want to keep things fresh and relevant for the participants to ensure that in the short time they’re with us, they learn the basics about many aspects of living responsibly on their own,” said Julie Rubin, Youth Center Program and Operations Manager.
Each graduate will take away a certificate of completion, written goals, a letter of recommendation, resume, bank account (upon parental approval), a professional photo, a mentor and peer-to-peer friendships.
The Youth Center will also work with local businesses to offer academy graduates internships to gain work experience and job skills for those that are interested.
“My experience in the Leadership Academy and mentor relationship helped me to adjust to the rigors of college life, new employment, to branch out socially and be more involved in my school,” said 2015 Leadership Academy graduate Elizabeth Duran. Her mentor helped Elizabeth in attain her Girl Scout Gold Award and apply for colleges. “This on-going relationship made a world of difference for me, especially in coping with my first quarter away from home.”
Today, Duran is in her junior year at UCSD studying to be an environmental/chemical engineer and hopes to work in the field of alternative energy. She is an intern for the college’s Residential Life office and had recently applied to be a House Advisor.
Since the first Leadership Academy in 2012, the Better Lives Foundation has partnered with the Youth Center, their only partner in the U.S., helping to offer the Academy to students through their generous financial support specifically for the academy.
For more information about the Youth Center’s Leadership Academy, please contact Youth Center Programs and Operations Manager Julie Rubin at 562-493-4043 or visit theyouthcenter.org.
The Leadership Academy can be found on their website through “Programs.”
LAMC receives American Heart Association Award
Los Alamitos Medical Center recently received the Get With The Guidelines®-Heart Failure Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Foundation’s secondary prevention guidelines for patients with heart failure.
Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure is a quality improvement program that helps hospital teams follow the most up-to-date, research-based standards with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing hospital readmissions for heart failure patients.
LAMC earned the award by meeting measures that include evaluation of the patient, proper use of medications and aggressive risk-reduction therapies, such as ACE inhibitors/ARBs, beta-blockers, diuretics, anticoagulants, and other appropriate therapies. To learn more about Los Alamitos Medical Center, visit www.losalamitosmedctr.com.
Local Republicans hold annual barbeque
A crowd of 250 enthusiastic Republicans made it out for the 15th Annual Long Beach Area Republican Party BBQ last week. It was an exciting evening at the El Dorado Golf Course with Larry Elder, popular Radio Talk Show Host on AM870, as the keynote speaker. Additional speakers included Duf Sundheim, running for U.S. Senate, Andy Whallon and Sanford Kahn running for Congress and Steve Napolitano running for Los Angeles County Supervisor, 4th District. Event was emceed by Peter Sovich, President of Long Beach Area Republican Party. For more information contact Dorothy Kistler, Membership Chairman at 562-439-9390.
Local American Legion raises money for Girls State
The ladies at the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 716, Los Alamitos hosted the Girls State luncheon for 54 young ladies who represent various schools in Orange County. The ladies will go to Girls State camp for one week learning all about politics in their mock cities.
The 54 ladies are representatives from Units within District 29 of the American Legion Auxiliary. District 29 for the most part is comprised of Units within Orange County, from Los Alamitos to Laguna Beach and as far North as Placentia.
Riley’s Gold Award project
Since the first grade, I have been an active member in Girl Scouts.
Through my years of scouting, I have learned that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.
Through my commitment to scouting, I have achieved my Bronze and Silver Awards. I completed these projects at Precious Life Shelter in Los Alamitos.
After completing these two projects and seeing how the people of my community benefitted from my efforts, I was inspired to complete my Gold Award.
I developed a strong relationship with Precious Life Shelter during my work on my Bronze and Silver Awards.
Growing up with a single mother, I know and understand the love, dedication, and commitment the women at the shelter have towards raising their children.
My main goal for my Gold Award project is to raise community awareness of the struggles of single mothers and to advocate for the shelter for all the good it is doing for the women of our community.
Precious Life Shelter operates a three-phase residential supportive services program for homeless, pregnant, adult women. It is a home which gives these women a place to make positive change in their lives and in their community.
As part of my Gold Award project, I made a website entitled “Following Footprints” where I put my ideas into action.
The website not only provides information about the work of the shelter but also allows members of the community to “follow the footprints” of the lives they are changing and impacting through their generous monetary and non-monetary support.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to be part of these courageous women’s walk through life and to be part of a positive change for the homeless pregnant women in our community.
For more information about Riley’s Gold Award project, please visit http://rojasriley.wix.com/followingfootprints
Death sentence delayed in JFTB murder case
The sentencing of Daniel Patrick Wozniak in the Joint Forces Training Base murder case has been postponed. Instead, the court has scheduled two hearings to determine if the authorities provided the defense with all the records the defense is legally entitled to get. The judge in the case was scheduled to sentence Wozniak this week. On Jan. 11, a jury recommended the death penalty for Wozniak, 32, who was convicted of the 2010 murder of his neighbor, Samuel “Sam” Herr, and murdering Herr’s friend Juri “Julie” Kibuishi.
Cypress holds Police Appreciation Luncheon
The City of Cypress held its 6th annual Police Appreciation Luncheon Tuesday, May 17, at the Community Center.
“It’s an honor and privilege to be here today and share a little about the Cypress Police Department,” said Police Chief Rod Cox. “I get to brag about the exceptional work the women and men of the Cypress Police Department do day-in-and-day-out and I’m blessed with the tremendous opportunity and responsibility to lead this great organization and whole-heartedly believe our public safety team is one of the best in the state,” he said.
The Chief went on to praise he City Council and City Manager for their support of public safety and the men and women who protect the city. “The men and women of the Cypress Police Department have an incredible responsibility to keep Cypress a safe community to live, work and play in, and being able to recognize a few of the police people who do this on a daily basis is truly an honor,” he said, thanking the Police Foundation for hosting the luncheon.
“Your efforts are deeply appreciated.”
Those honored included Ryan Scott Brown and Ivan Reyes-Acosta with Good Samaritan Awards; the 2015 Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Melody Bell-Hiller and Police Officer Ismael Lassalle earned the Silver Distinguished Service Award. Volunteer of the Year Award for 2015 was RACES/CERT member Loree Erpelding; Police Services Officer Christen Bartlett was acknowledged as the 2015 Employee of the Year and Officer of the Year for 2015 was Police Officer James Brewer.
There is so much good that can be said about each of this year’s honoree’s, included below are just a few of each of their accomplishments. Brown was recognized for his example of outstanding citizenship to the community; the information provided by Brown led the Police Department to identify and arrest a bank robbery suspect and his accomplice.
One evening, resident Brenan Cheung was at Cedar Glen Park near the Cypress Boys and Girls Club when he collapsed. Boys and Girls Staff member Reyes-Acosta began CPR while other staff members called 911. Thanks to the quick response of the staff members, including Reyes-Acosta, not only did Cheung survive what was considered a serious health issue, he’s now doing well and living an active life.
He was at the luncheon to thank Reyes-Acosta. Bell-Hiller was recognized for creating and administering the Cypress Crime Watch and Cypress Community Facebook pages started last year. She monitors conversations removing any negative comments on what now has 6,300 registered members. Lassalle responded to a family dispute report, where the caller said her brother was at their home threatening to kill the family, while holding his mother down and threatening her with a knife.
After talking with the man, Lassalle was able to convince him to drop the gun, which turned out to be a replica gun and six other replica guns were also found. The man was taken to a hospital for evaluation and treatment. The Cypress Police Department and the neighboring police agencies, established the West County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in 2009 and one of the first volunteer members was Erpelding.
She is credited with immediately taking a leadership role as the Logistics Section Chief and co-founded the Organized Communities Emergency Volunteers Association, which provides emergency services supplies and training for under-served, low income communities. She was also acknowledge for her service to Neighbor-4Neighbor and RACES, being instrumental in establishing policies and procedures for RACES. Bartlett was assigned to the Property and Evidence Unit in 2012, where she plays an integral role in proper storage and legal release of property and evidence; she is a member of the California Association of Property and Evidence and earned the title of Certified Property and Evidence Specialist by the International Association for Property and Evidence.
Brewer currently serves as the Department’s Training Officer and is a member of West County S.W.A.T. and the Volunteers in Policing and Chaplain program coordinator. He received the Medal of Valor from the California State Fire Fighters Association and the Cypress Police Department’s Gold Distinguished Service Medal for his heroic rescue of an elderly woman from her fully-engulfed residence.
He was awarded Employee of the 2010 Quarter for conducting detailed residential burglary investigations and one such investigation resulted in the arrest of a substantial partner in a property crime ring that targeted a retail chain throughout Southern California. The event was presented by the Cypress Police Foundation and sponsored by Forest Lawn Memorial Parks and Mortuaries.
Griffin bats hot in playoff win over Bruins
The Los Alamitos High softball team had a shaky start but after they settled in the Griffins rolled to a 7-3 win over Long Beach Wilson in the first round of the CIF-SS playoffs on Thursday at Los Alamitos High.
Sophomore pitcher Brianna Jewett came in in the second inning and ended up pitching six innings with two runs allowed and three strikeouts to get the win.
Meanwhile the offense needed a couple of innings to zero in on Wilson pitcher Joette Vega, but soon had their plan.
“She didn’t throw a lot of off-speed pitches and we talked about that,” Griffin catcher Mary Iakopo said.
Iakopo had a home run to lead off the top of the sixth inning to spark a three-run sixth that turned a 4-3 Griffin lead into a 7-3 advantage going into the seventh inning. Junior Cami Sellers followed the home run with a double.
Pinch-runner Allison Young went from first to third on a ground out and then scored on a single by Alexa Schultz.
One out later, Schultz scored on a groundout that capped the three-run inning.
The Griffins had fallen behind 3-1 going into the bottom of the third inning, but responded immediately.
Senior outfielders Ariana Belarde and Jenna Holcomb led off the third with consecutive singles.
Junior outfielder Jenna Kean then brought them both home with a triple.
Holcomb scored on a sacrifice fly by junior infielder Andrea Gonzalez, as the Griffins took their 4-3 lead and kept the Bruins scoreless the rest of the way.
Griffin coach Rob Weil said the team seemed a little out of sorts, possibly pressing too much, so he opted to make the early pitching change.
He also said the offense was chasing pitches and needed to settle in and make the pitcher work more.
“We said we just need to be a little more patient and hit out pitches,” Weil said.
The Griffins will play Chino High in the second round at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday at Chino High.
Lexington Junior High students show their stuff in speech and debate event
It was a special day for more than 60 students at Lexington Junior High School as they participated in the first speech and debate event in the school’s history. This event, which took place April 16, was sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Cypress as part of club president, Sal Sapien’s vision to prepare our students for public speaking and critical thinking.
The students participated in pairs for the debates while others gave impromptu and prepared speeches. The event was a complete success due to the tireless efforts of teachers Ms. Marianne Stewart and Mrs. Tracy Heck, with administrative support from Mrs. Amber Houston, the school’s principal and Henry “Hank” Machal, Kiwanis member and program chair.
Special thanks also to the eleven members of Cypress High School’s Speech and Debate teams who donate their time each week to the education and training of these middle school students. “We want to get these kids excited and prepared for our high school program.
Plus, it’s just fun to work with these guys,” said River Robles, Cypress High School debate club president. The Kiwanis Club of Cypress provided donuts, juice, water and coffee for breakfast with sandwiches, chips and water for lunch as well as medals which were awarded for first, second and third place in each of the three events.
Judging consisted of a three panel team of a teacher, high school mentor and Kiwanis Member. Former Mayor of Cypress and Kiwanis President Elect Lydia Sondhi sounded excited about the debates. “I was very impressed by the students who made compelling arguments for the affirmation and negation of their given topics,” Sondhi said.
All in all, the First Annual Lexington Speech & Debate Event had tears, fears and cheers but in the end, the kids, the parents, educators and Kiwanis members were saying, “That was fun. When are we going to do it again?”
Stay tuned through the Kiwanis Club of Cypress on Facebook and also Lexington Junior High School for details on these and other local events.
Assemblywoman Young Kim hosts 2nd Annual Asian American Heritage Month celebration
Assemblywoman Young Kim (R-Fullerton) hosted her 2nd Annual Asian American Heritage Month event on Saturday at the Buena Park Community Center, in partnership with the City of Buena Park. Over 200 people were in attendance. “I am so honored to be able to host my 2nd Annual Asian Heritage Month Event to celebrate the rich diversity of California and recognize the important role that the API community has played in our state and in the 65th Assembly District,” said Kim.
Griffins show some grit in getting past Wolverines
After defeating Harvard Westlake in the CIF-SS team tennis finals last year, the Griffins knew the Wolverines would be out for revenge when they came to Los Alamitos last week for a second round match.
Last year, the Griffins defeated the Wolverines 14-4, but losing several seniors from last year, the Griffins knew they would have a target on their backs as people would expect them to be more vulnerable.
The two teams were tied at 6-6 in sets as they entered the final round. The Griffins had the edge in number of games won, which would be the key if the two ended in a tie in matches. It nearly came to that, after Danny Lassos and Nick Vogt won their final doubles match to give the Griffins a 9-8 advantage.
As Luke Moorhead and Spencer Sween battled in the final set, the Griffins knew they would advance on total games, even if Moorhead and Sween lost the set. But with their teammates now serving as cheerleaders, Moorhead and Sween dug in for the fight. Moorhead said they wanted the set and talked about staying mentally tough.
“Just stay focused and take it one point at a time,” Moorhead said of the conversation between Sween and him. They fell behind 4-3, but held serve in the eighth game to tie the set at 4-4. Both again held serve to tie the set at 5-5 before the Griffins broke serve to gain a 6-5 advantage.
With the game tied 30-30, Moorhead hit an angle volley at the net to put the Griffins at game point. Harvard Westlake would double fault on serve to give the Griffins a 6-5 advantage. In the next set, the Griffins would fall behind 30-15 before a long serve return by the Wolverines tied the game at 30-30.
On the next rally, Moorhead hit a baseline volley down the middle of the court, as the Wolverine duo froze in place as each thought the other was taking the ball. On Moorhead’s next serve, the return sailed wide and the Griffins celebrated a 10-8 set win.
“These guys just came and showed what we are capable of when you play together,” Los Al coach Jordan Bridge said. No. 1 singles player Riley Smith and Ethan Kolsky each swept all three matches. Despite knowing they would advance, Smith said the Griffins all wanted to end the match with a set victory as they supported Sween and Moorhead. “I think everybody on our team wanted it … it didn’t matter what, they were going to do anything to win,” Smith said.
For the Griffins, however, their run would end on Monday, as they fell to No. 2 seeded University High of Irvine, 11-7.