In January, the Rossmoor Woman’s Club proudly inducted Pat Shedd, Margie Beck, and Cindy Scott (pictured above with Barb Lyon, RWC membership chair) into our club.  The RWC is a group of active, dedicated women committed to improve our local communities through volunteer efforts and donations to such causes as: Bethune Transitional Center, Precious Life Shelter, Volunteer Services for LB Veterans Medical Center, Harbour Area Halfway Houses, AAUW Tech Trek Camp, and other local charities. The members also volunteer to cook for Ronald McDonald House residents and provide back-packs for the children of our armed forces.

Rossmoor-Los Alamitos Republican Women Federated member and Ben Carson supporter Mari Barke, who was on-the-ground in Iowa for nearly three weeks as a Carson volunteer, shared her experiences and insight about the Iowa caucus during the Saturday, Feb. 20 Republican Women Federated breakfast meeting.
“What happened to the Carson campaign was very frustrating,” Barke said adding, “And I fully agree with Dr. Carson that the tactics used against our campaign cannot happen again in any caucus or primary.”
Barke shared her thoughts about the dynamics between the various campaigns and what it was like to speak at a caucus on behalf of Dr. Carson.

Oak Middle School 6th grade students packed the house last weekend for three performances of Seussical the Musical, Jr. The performance was especially special as these performers have not even completed an entire semester at Oak yet. Characters such as the Cat in the Hat, Jojo, Horton, Gertrude, Mayzie, Mr. & Mrs. Mayor and more were brought to life when the 11 and 12 year old performers jumped on stage. In addition, the stage crew consisted of all 7th and 8th grade students. Oak students were truly running the show. Pictured from left to right are Savannah Fisk as Mayzie, and Jack Flaherty as the Cat in the Hat.

The American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 716 of Los Alamitos held a Scentsy Fundraiser on Sunday, Jan 24 to raise money to ship care packages to 210 soldiers who recently deployed from the Joint Forces Training Base.  Some troops deployed to Kuwait and some to Iraq.  The boxes have been filled with items requested by the soldiers.  About 20 boxes were filled by the ladies of the Auxiliary and Junior Auxiliary, and were mailed last week.  Pictured from left to right are Sharon Starr, Jackie Johnson and Ashley Atwood.

An increase in rental rates for the pool at the Joint Forces Training Base is just one of many pool operation changes to come about in the near future.
Starting March 1, JFTB’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation department will assume control of maintenance and operation of the currently city-managed pool on the base.
That will mark the beginning of a transition period, which is expected to last until Aug. 31.
During that time, JFTB “will allow [Los Al] to continue to act as scheduler for the pool at $150/hour,” reads a city staff report.
Los Al Mayor Richard Murphy said that number looks to have dropped to just under a $100/hour following a meeting with Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Reddicks and his team on Feb. 1. Murphy also said the city would potentially get a break for the first couple of months at a rate of “low 60s to 70s an hour.”
Following the transition period, MWR would oversee the entire operation of the pool including scheduling.
How local non-profits, water polo and swim teams that use the pool will fit into the scheme of things is still unclear.
All this is coming about as a 20-year-old agreement is set to expire Sept. 1. A modification to the agreement in 1998 gave Los Alamitos joint-control of the pool as well as the responsibilities of renovating, maintaining and operating the fairly unused pool at the time.
Since then, Los Alamitos “spent millions of dollars in upgrades, renovations, daily maintenance and operations of the pool,” reads a staff report.
Today, this information and more comes to the desk of Los Al’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission in the form of a pool update at its monthly meeting at 7 p.m.
The commission will be looking to aid the city council in deciding how involved the city should remain.
Swimming lessons, lap swimming, water aerobics, master’s swimming and other programs funded by the city will be looked at to determine if Los Al can continue to do so under the expected rate increase.
How the city will handle nonprofits renting the pool is still yet to be determined.
Options that will be brought up in the pool update offers paying the difference for club teams and nonprofits that currently rent the pool regularly.
The City’s current rental charge ranges from $20 to $60 depending on the group. Los Al would be looking at roughly $70 or more in subsidized payment each time a nonprofit group rents the pool under the increase.
The City could also choose to have the groups pay the full amount and stay out of that process all together. A final option listed would have those who currently rent the pool through the city go directly to the MWR department and schedule pool time themselves.
The pool update states that groups have already expressed concerned over the increase and said they would look for alternative location to run their programs.

The families at Li’l Cottonwood Preschool in Rossmoor recently held its first ever Cozy Critter Campaign in which more than 50 handmade and used blankets were donated to SPCA-Long Beach P. D. Pitchford Animal Village and Education Center so shelter pets can keep warm this winter.
In addition, families donated pet food, toys and treats to a very deserving organization. Li’l Cottonwood Preschool is a non-profit cooperative in Rossmoor. For more information on the school, attend the Open House on Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. For enrollment information, visit www.lilcottonwoodpreschool.com or call 562-430-7761.

Police Chief Todd Mattern celebrated his last day with the City of Los Alamitos on Sunday, Jan. 24 and his retirement celebration was held Jan. 28.
Todd Mattern began his law enforcement career as a police aide with the City of Cypress in 1984, while he studied criminal justice at Golden West College.  In 1985, he enrolled in the Golden West College Police Academy as an independent recruit and shortly after graduation, he was appointed as a reserve police officer in Cypress. In 1986, Chief Mattern joined the Los Alamitos Police Department as a full-time police officer, where he has worked a variety of assignments, including patrol, investigations, press information officer, Special Weapons and Tactics, administration, and as an investigator with the Orange County Regional Narcotics Suppression Program.  In 1987, Chief Mattern was recognized as the Officer of the Year.
He worked as a Recruit Training Officer for the Police Basic Course at the Golden West College Criminal Justice Training Center from 1997 – 2004.  He believes mentoring recruits and helping to shape their careers has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his law enforcement career.
In 2008, Todd Mattern became the eighth Chief of Police in the City of Los Alamitos and he holds the distinction of being the first officer in Los Alamitos’ history to rise through the ranks to head the Department.  Chief Mattern recently completed a 4-year term on the board of directors of the Orange County Chiefs of Police and Sheriff’s Association and served as their president in 2013/2014.
He received his AA degree from Coastline Community College after earning his Certificate of Achievement in Administration of Justice at Golden West College, and his BS degree in Occupational Studies from California State University, Long Beach.  Additionally, Chief Mattern is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy.  In 2012, Golden West College awarded Chief Mattern with the Pillar of Achievement Award, which recognizes selected alumni who have achieved notable recognition in their field of endeavor.
Chief Mattern is sincerely fond of the community he serves.  He sits on the Boards of the Casa Youth Shelter and Los Alamitos Medical Center.  He is also the immediate past president and proud member of the Los Alamitos-Seal Beach Rotary Club and was named as the club’s 2011-2012 Rotarian of the Year.  Also in 2012, Rotary District 5320 named Chief Mattern their Business Rotarian of the Year for Leadership Excellence.
Chief Mattern looks forward to spending more time with his wife, Rosalia, and their two grown children.

Parents experience peace of mind with top-rated non-profit The Youth Center’s After School Program (ASP) in Los Alamitos, which has been making a difference in the local community for school age children for the last 64 years. Children ages 5 to 17 years old have a home away from home once school is out for homework help and activities including indoor/outdoor basketball, arts & crafts, pool, air hockey, foosball, games and Snack Shackall while under the watchful eyes of The Youth Center staff.

Each year the Cypress Senior Citizens Commission recognizes the outstanding contributions of a senior by presenting them with the Grace Lachina Outstanding Senior Recognition award in April.
In order to be eligible to receive the award, nominees must meet the following criteria:
1. Nominees must be a resident of Cypress, 50 years of age or older, been active in the City of Cypress and made outstanding contributions to the senior community.
2. The nominee’s contribution(s) must be above and beyond the criteria of their normal duties.
3. Each nomination must be made on the attached application form outlining the nominee’s accomplishments and related activities.  If more room is needed, please attach additional sheets to the application.
Nomination forms are available at the Cypress Senior Center, Cypress Community Center, and online at www.cypressrec.com.  Nominations must be received by Friday, Feb. 26 by 5 p.m.

The Woman’s Club of Cypress (WCC) celebrates its 50th anniversary on Wednesday, March 2 at Old Ranch Country Club (3901 Lampson Avenue) in Seal Beach with special guest California Federation of Women’s Clubs President Chris Herzog.
Open to members and guests, the celebration will begin at 10 a.m. with a short general meeting. A special program and luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $33 person, with reservations due by Feb. 19.
Club President Veena Narain is excited to be part of the planning for the March 2 celebration, “It’s wonderful to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Woman’s Club of Cypress. I am happy to be a part of this organization of hard-working, civic-minded women.
Our members are enthusiastic about volunteering to help others, whether it’s in our own community or overseas. I think we are especially fortunate to have two founding members, Bobbie Bloch and Gloria Livingston, still attending our meetings and events.”
The general meetings of the Woman’s Club of Cypress are usually held on the first Wednesday of each month, at 10 a.m., at the Cypress Community Center.
For tickets to the 50th Anniversary Luncheon or information about the nonprofit organization or upcoming meetings and events, contact Veena Narain at v_******@***oo.com or 714-236-0173.

Outgoing Los Al Chief Todd Mattern was honored for his 29 years of police service on his last day of active uniformed service with a “Walk of Honor” on Jan. 22.
About 50 people lined the City Hall walkway to surprise, congratulate Mattern on his retirement and to say goodbye. Several officers from the Seal Beach Police Department were also in attendance, as many knew Mattern having worked with him during his time with the police department.
Mattern was the eighth Chief of Police for Los Al, but the first to rise through the ranks to lead the organization.
On Jan. 28, the Los Alamitos Police Officers Association is hosting a retirement party for Mattern at the Old Ranch Country Club at 5 p.m.
Anyone with questions about the event can contact department secretary Catherine Howard at 562-431-2255 x.401.

A proposed change in street parking throughout Los Al was heavily opposed by residents in attendance at a city council meeting on Jan. 19.
Many business owners showed up voicing concerns over employees’ inability to park if the proposed changes went into effect.
A move towards two- and three-hour parking in areas where there are currently no restrictions was on the city council’s consent calendar.
When pulled for discussion, worries over the impact to local businesses arose.
“You’re going to run your businesses out of town,” said Judy Klabouch, owner of Green Street Interiors. “We need those spots.”
A town hall meeting to be scheduled for sometime in February was the result of the proposed change. Residents are encouraged to attend and voice their opinion.
The city council agreed with business owners concerns and suggested the issue was going to take time to get right.
“It’s a solution looking for a problem,” said councilmember Warren Kusumoto.
The city’s method of announcing the item on the agenda was releasing a map of the effected area.
Some areas listed were proposed to change from eight hour or all day parking to limited two hour or four hour parking.
Creating circulation of customers was a reason behind the proposed change.
However, several business owners said it will effect their employees because they are the ones that use the street parking.
“It’s not convenient and it’s not business friendly,” said Jill Wilson, owner of Shenandoah at the Arbor.

Cypress Mayor Mariellen Yarc delivered her State of the City Address and presented Business of the Year awards at the Cypress Community Center on Jan. 20.
Yarc’s speech recounted many of the City’s accomplishments in 2015, which include: City Council adoption of a strategic plan and a balanced budget; improvements in transparency and communication with the community; a new farmers market; new business and retail centers under construction; and the ongoing success of community recreation programs. Yarc also highlighted the accomplishments of Cypress’ school community.
Yarc’s address focused on the theme “Balance is the Key to Life.”  She highlighted the efforts that contribute to ensuring that Cypress is a thriving, balanced community in which to live, work and play. Additionally, Yarc recognized Oxford Academy student and Cypress resident Dan Ta, for his many accomplishments including recently being selected as one of Orange County’s 100 Most Influential.
Three businesses were also honored during the event with the Annual BRACE, AGENT, and SPIRIT Business of the Year Awards.
The recipient of the BRACE Business of the Year Award was Christie Digital Systems.  In attendance to receive the award was Anna Escudero, Senior Director of Human Resources.  Christie has called Cypress home since 1994.  They provide state of the art visual and audio equipment and display solutions for companies like AMC Theatres, Boeing, Fox TV Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, and Starbucks.  In addition to being a global leader in its field, Christie is also a generous corporate citizen, providing sponsorships and donations for innovations in the arts, culture, education and the environment.
The AGENT Business of the Year Award was awarded to Kaeser Compressors. Keith Baker, Branch Manager, was in attendance to receive the award.  Kaeser Compressors provides compressed air systems and services. They are the preferred choice of many top automotive restorers and fabricators featured on television shows, including Stacey David’s Gearz on Velocity TV and West Coast Customs featured on Fox Sports.
The recipient of the SPIRIT Business of the Year Award was Hansen Auto Body & Paint. Chuck Hansen was in attendance to accept the award.  Hansen Auto Body & Paint is a family-owned business that has been providing Cypress with the highest quality auto body repair services for more than 55 years.
Yarc concluded the event with a quote, “As Albert Einstein said, ‘Life is like riding a bicycle, to keep your balance you must keep moving.’ And my colleagues and I will do everything possible to keep Cypress moving in the right direction.”
For more information regarding the City of Cypress, the BRACE, AGENT, and SPIRIT programs, other City services for the business community, or for information on how to relocate your business to the City of Cypress, please contact Redevelopment Project Manager Steve Clarke at 714-229-6728.
A video of the Mayor’s State of the City Address can be found on the City’s website at www.ci.cypress.ca.us.

At its Jan. 19 meeting, the Los Alamitos City Council voted 5-0 to approve the appointment of Eric R. Nuñez to replace retired Police Chief Todd Mattern.
Chief Nuñez has served with the La Palma Police Department since 1991 and has been their chief for the past five years.  Nuñez took over the top position of the Los Alamitos Police Department on Monday, Jan. 25.
Nuñez, 53, has a Master’s degree in Leadership from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from the University of La Verne.
He is an adjunct staff instructor at the Golden West Criminal Justice Training Center, teaching police recruits topics like cultural diversity, racial profiling, and ethics.
Last year, he authored an article for the Journal of California Law Enforcement entitled, “Recruiting for Emotional-Social Intelligence: Enhancing Leadership, Performance, Community Trust, and Saving Lives”.
The new chief was selected among several applicants following an extensive recruitment process that was initiated last fall and included multiple interviews, one of which was with a panel of local community leaders.
Nuñez and his wife, Molly, have four children, ages 8 – 25, and next month they are expecting their first grandchild.  Of his selection, he said, “My family and I are so very excited to become part of this incredible community and for me to take the reins of this extremely well managed police department utilizing my leadership background and police futuring interests to provide a solid platform for Los Alamitos PD to take policing and community service to the next level,” said Nuñez.
“I look forward to working with our business community, non-profits, Los Alamitos Unified School District, elected officials, and of course our residents to continue to make Los Alamitos a safe and vibrant place to live, work, educate, and most importantly, enjoy with our families.”
A ceremony to welcome the new chief, with Mayor Richard Murphy administering the Oath of Allegiance, was held on Tuesday, Jan. 26 at the Los Alamitos Community Center.
Outgoing Chief Todd Mattern, who has been with the City of Los Alamitos since 1986, retired last October but has remained with the Police Department as the interim chief during the recruitment for the new chief.  His official last day was Jan. 24.

After a strong bond campaign, led by current Board of Education member, Diana Hill, the Los Al School District’s Board of Education responded by authorizing placement on the November 2008 ballot, Measure K, a general obligation school construction bond.  As passed by the voters, Measure K provided $126 million for a wide array of District facility needs, with every campus receiving improvements by having classrooms and facilities repaired, upgraded, and modernized as necessary, along with $2 million for technology needs and $2 million for athletic projects.
Measure K was authorized under Proposition 39 and contained a number of requirements, including the provision by the District of a complete and detailed list of all projects to be undertaken with bond funds. Proposition 39 also included a Citizens’ Oversight Committee, which has had the responsibility of oversight, monitoring, and informing the public of how the District has done throughout the process.  This Committee has always confirmed that we have been “On Time and On Budget.”  The original bond campaign was led by Hill, who’s now on the Board of Education.
Going beyond
But like all things “Los Al,” the District was able to set an aggressive construction project schedule that allowed them to apply for and receive $24 million in matching state funds.  In addition, the District spent 10 percent less on soft costs (i.e., architectural, engineering, construction management) than the average normally dictates, which allowed more funds to go to hard construction and much more than the original project.  These additional funds enabled the District to add air conditioning to the sites, modernize all kitchens, add new classrooms at several sites, add a new weight room for all the PE and athletic students at LAHS, provide an All-Weather Track and Field Complex, upgrade the Oak Middle School fields, and modernize the District Auxiliary Offices.
Currently, all but the last two completed projects have been closed out with the California Division of State Architect, and the District has also increased its financial ratings during the financial processes.  The District’s bond rating was increased by Standard & Poor’s from “AA-” to “AA” and was affirmed by Moody’s Investors Service at “Aa2”.  The rating agencies cited a stable tax base, strong finances, and effective management, which helped to attract a large number of investors, allowing for lower final interest rates.  The District restructures the original series of bonds which will save taxpayers over $2 million in interest.
“The District is proud to be good stewards of the public funds as we remain well respected among investors and able to provide so much more to our community and the public tax payers,” commented Patricia Meyer, Los Alamitos USD Deputy Superintendent.  “We were committed to achieve more than we promised in the 2008 bond campaign in order to provide students with the environment and tools they need to achieve further academic success, and we have done just that!”
The Los Alamitos Unified School District, which serves the cities of Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, and the communities of Rossmoor and Surfside, is a nationally recognized leader in providing top quality education.  The achievements have been accrued by the District as a result of the long history of visionary leadership from the District’s Board of Education, as well as from teachers, staff members, parents, and members of the District communities.  During its long history, the District has benefited from a community that supports its educational institutions by establishing high standards for academic achievement, while at the same time providing the means required to meet and even surpass those expectations.

The Cypress Recreation and Community Services Commission is accepting nominations for its annual Volunteer Service Awards.
The awards provide an opportunity to extend recognition to those Cypress residents who have contributed in such areas as recreational activities, youth sports leagues, auxiliary groups, community activities, or volunteer work that promotes the arts within Cypress An awards reception will be on Tuesday, April 19, at the Cypress Community Center. Nomination forms are available at the Cypress Community Center, 5700 Orange Avenue, and on the City’s website, www.cypressrec.com.  Nominations must be received by 5 p.m. Friday, March 4. For more information, call 714-229-6783.