Los Al High’s girls soccer team is off to a strong start in their season, having reached the championship game of the Excalibur Tournament at Foothill high over the weekend. The Griffins have been doing it with defense so far and are 6-2-3, with nine shutouts in that span. Both ties were 0-0 final scores.
In the Excalibur tournament, the Griffins posted three shutouts, including a 0-0 tie with Mater Dei in the semifinals. The championship game ended with a 1-0 win for Edison High to take the title from the Griffins.
Head Coach Pat Rossi is certainly pleased with the start to the season, especially for a team that prides itself on defense and ball control to win games.
“As a coach shutouts are good, especially seven out of eight, so I like that because we like to build from the back to the front,” Rossi said after the teams opening round 1-0 win over Los Osos on Friday.
The Griffins got an early goal from Zamorah Malinoski, off an assist by Baylee Fernley to give the Griffins a 1-0 lead that the defense would make stand up. With junior goalkeeper Avarie Gonzalez unavailable for the game, the keeper duties were shared by Sarah Appleby and freshman Bella Wilfert.
Another freshman, Addie Fennessey, helped anchor the defense in the back row. She could be a big help to the group of experienced veterans who should give the Griffins a tough team. Players like Cali Koepke, Natalie Lobo, Addison Bousard, Abby Nuez, Malinoski and Gonzalez give the Griffins a lot of potential this year.
In a gritty come-from-behind tournament championship win last week, the Los Alamitos girls basketball team scored 6 clutch points in the final minute of the fourth quarter to force overtime and defeat highly ranked El Dorado, 36-35.
The Griffins (10-5) reached the December 28 championship game of the Sunny Hills Winter Classic by earlier upsetting higher-rated Lakewood, 57-49, and blitzing Desert Christian Academy, 81-35.
Against El Dorado (9-6), Los Alamitos scored first to lead 2-0 but didn’t lead again until junior guard Tam Yoshida was fouled driving to the basket with only 9 seconds left in overtime and hit one of two free throws to win the game. It was the only point scored in the extra four-minute frame.
Late in the fourth quarter, El Dorado had opened up a 35-29 lead on a corner three with only 63 seconds left, and overtime seemed unlikely, but freshman guard Maile Heng answered with a three from the left wing to revive the Griffins’ hopes with 46 seconds still on the clock.
The energized Griffins quickly forced a back-court turnover. After a time out, Los Alamitos missed a shot, but senior center Bryn Pagett grabbed the offensive rebound. Then with 18 seconds remaining, Yoshida drained the game-tying three from the left wing to force overtime. Junior guard Maya Asumbrado assisted on both final-minute threes with quick passes from just beyond the top of the circle.
Tam Yoshida, who was named tournament MVP, scored 12 points with 3 steals. Heng chipped in 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists, and Asumbrado added 7 points, 4 steals and 3 assists. Pagett grabbed a whopping 18 rebounds with 4 steals, freshman forward Torri Yoshida added 7 rebounds and 6 steals, and senior guard Ava Duarte had 4 steals and 4 points.
Both teams played aggressive defense, with the taller El Dorado blocking numerous Los Alamitos’ shots and the quicker Griffins’ full-court pressure causing numerous El Dorado turnovers.
At game time, the Orange County Register newspaper had ranked El Dorado No. 9 in Orange County and had ranked Los Alamitos No. 16.
“Even though we were behind most of the night, the girls never gave up,” said Coach Maya De Anda. “They showed great grit, teamwork, and intensity.”
In the semi-final victory a day earlier over Desert Christian Academy (8-8), the Griffins hit an astounding 18 three-pointers, including 4 each by Tam Yoshida and Maya Asumbrado, three by Duarte, two each by junior wing Lexi Kyriakos and freshman guard Sydney Asumbrado, and one each by junior guard Madison Norberg, Heng, and Torri Yoshida.
Tam Yoshida led the scoring with 17 points, and senior forward Mikayla Aguayo grabbed 10 rebounds.
The Griffins open Sunset League play on January 3 at Edison at 5:30 p.m.
The Los Alamitos girls JV basketball team had its second strong tournament showing in two weeks, as the Griffins finished in second place last weekend at the Ocean View Winter Classic, losing a hotly contested championship game to Cypress, 42-45, on a last-minute, bank-shot three-pointer.
The Griffins (11-5) battled back from a miserable 0-12 start in the Saturday, December 21 game, and finished the first quarter down only 6-12. Losing ground in the second quarter they finished the first half behind 18-27, but in the third quarter, an aggressive full-court press fueled a spirited 15-5 comeback as Los Alamitos entered the final quarter up by one point, 33-32.
The seesaw final frame saw a couple of lead changes, and the game was tied 42-42 with about a minute left when a Cypress guard from the right wing shot too long and slightly right –off just enough to luckily bank in the final basket.
“The girls played hard enough to win,” said Coach Patrick Kennedy. “But that’s just the way the ball bounces sometimes. Of course, it helps not to get down 12-0 in the first three minutes of the game, but the way the girls kept battling back was very impressive.”
Griffins sophomore guard Remy Hoang scored a game-high 15 points, including 5 in the fourth quarter. Freshman forward Maryah Collier chipped in 9 points, and freshman point guard Mio Emi added 6 points.
For the four-game tournament, Hoang averaged 10.3 points a game, sophomore guard Ashley Matsumoto averaged 7.5 points, and sophomore wing Danira Jones averaged 6.8 points.
Jones also led the team in rebounding, grabbing 7.5 boards per game, followed by junior forward Morgan Oropeza with 6 rebounds a game.
To reach the championship game, the Griffins earlier had defeated Kennedy, 49-17, Ocean View, 55-5, and Villa Park, 41-21.
This is the third strong tournament for the Griffins, who on December 14 won the championship of the Annual Millikan High School JV Tournament and in late November finished third in the El Toro Thanksgiving Classic.
In these recent back-to-back tournaments, including the Saturday final, the Griffins played 8 games in 13 days, including two stretches of three games in a row; they finished that gauntlet 6-2. Next is the Sunset League season opener on Jan. 3 at 6:30 p.m. at Edison High.
1. Cypress citizens create change in local government
The citizens of Cypress finally have an Asian representing them on the City Council.
Comments at meetings and at public election gatherings after the November elections made it clear that many in Cypress felt that their government was out of step with their citizens.
The ruling majority of the previous Council spent millions of taxpayer dollars before deciding to settle a lawsuit which alleged the city of Cypress was in violation of the state’s Voting Rights Act, which compelled the city to switch to single-member voting districts and by-district elections.
With nearly 40 percent of Cypress’ population now consisting of citizens of Asian descent, the single member districts did create one district which included an “Asian” majority.
Even then, it was a close race, but Cypress residents did finally elect an Asian member of the Council. Both winners in the Nov. 5 election were Democrats.
Moreover, with a plurality of Cypress voters being Democrats, the city will finally have Democrats at the helm, including David Burke as Mayor and Leo Medrano as Mayor Pro-tem. This is the first time in recent memory that such an occurrence has happened.
Cypress enjoys a financial surplus of more than $100 million, owing it to a large corporate base within a large portion of the city dedicated for industrial use that has been in place long before any of the previous City Councils were elected.
2. Lampson Park Place Project
Citizens from Seal Beach who live in College Park East have been in a civic wrestling match with the city government of Los Alamitos for more than a year struggling to alter a proposed housing project that will be the largest in the city’s history.
The construction permit for the 241-unit complex, which will also consist of approximately one-third low to moderate income units, was approved as one of the last significant actions of 2024.
Residents from CPE said early on that they were not necessarily “opposed to the project,” only sought to make changes in the density of the project that they claim will bring immense congestion to a traffic corridor already overcrowded and will send residents to parks and other facilities maintained by Seal Beach, not Los Alamitos.
Seal Beach officials testified about many concerns, but since the project was not officially approved by a split vote, the fallout, if any, will be real and no longer perceived.
The frustration for citizens in CPE and, to a lesser degree, Seal Beach city officials, is that even though the impacts are largely going to be in Seal Beach, the entire governance of the project lies with Los Alamitos, within whose corporate boundaries the entire project is located.
3. Los Al Medical Center
Healthcare has become a hot topic of late, and during 2024 there was surprising, yet seemingly welcome news that the Los Alamitos Medical Center would become part of the historic buy-out of four area medical centers by UCI Health of Irvine.
In a transaction of approximately a billion dollars UCI Health acquired Los Al Medical from Tenet Healthcare along with the other facilities.
“I am excited for this new beginning and transformation for the infinite possibilities,” said Kent Clayton, the CEO under Tenet who remained in that position under the new ownership.
“For over 50 years, Los Al Medical has continued to expand its services,” he said.
Chad Lefteris, whose vision since being named Chief Executive Officer of UCI Health in 2020 has transformed the academic health organization, now leads an organization that ranks in the U.S. News and World Report’s top ten U.S. healthcare networks.
“We are truly excited to bring the power of academic medicine, with the brightest minds, innovations, understanding patient relationships and service,” said Lefteris.
“Our future offers a very unique opportunity to blend those strengths, share our knowledge and enhance our overall capabilities ensuring individuals access to healthcare,” he said.
4. Los Al Unified School District
While the Los Alamitos Unified School District is a frequent subject in the news, their continued excellence makes them a standout again this year.
First of all, having just opened their multi-million STEM building, which brings college level technology and vocational education to the high school level, the system announced the groundbreaking of an approximately $25 million sports complex which will bring the campus a high tech and roomy competitive facility that adds to their new aquatic facility to give Los Al one of the most advanced high school campuses in the region, and perhaps the state.
Los Alamitos Unified School District announced the groundbreaking of an approximately $25 million sports complex which will bring the campus a high tech and roomy competitive facility that adds to their new aquatic facility.
Regarding educational excellence, Los Al High School, for the 2nd year in a row, made history by graduating 100 percent of its high school class, one of the first schools in the state to achieve such a feat in two successive years. In addition, the system’s teachers competed and won in various competitions, its elementary schools were named in the esteemed Blue Ribbon awards and its students were named again for National Merit Scholarships.
By every metric, including many more not named here, the area’s top tier educational system is above the fray and one of the top stories of the year.
Superintendent Dr. Andrew Pulver announced at the annual State of the District address that the focus of the system for 2025 will yield even more extraordinary results.
“It’s really all about being extraordinary,” said Pulver. “And so, when we think about being extraordinary, what I love about it is that we were intentional to make it into two words, “Be Extraordinary,” Pulver announced at the event.
5. Navy Ammunition Pier
Following a long and expansive construction period, the U.S. Naval Ammunition and Net Depot (otherwise known as the Navy Pier) completed a project that they Navy said will make them competitive into the future.
Established on March 21, 1944 as a U.S. Naval Ammunition and Net Depot, the base has had a long and proud history of stewardship, safety, and support of the Pacific Fleet.
Following the end of World War II the station was placed into a reduced operating status but was soon reactivated in 1950 at the beginning of the Korean War. Since that time the base has seen the advent of guided missiles and other precision weapons and supported the Apollo moon rocket program and the creation of the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge.
Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach is now the Pacific Fleet’s premier ordnance loading and storage installation and is the only weapons station port within 1,000 miles of the fleet concentration in San Diego. The base provides munitions for a majority of the fleet’s surface ships, and services approximately 40 U. S. Navy vessels annually.
6. Joint Forces Training Base rejoins communities
After a post COVID period of radio silence from Joint Forces Training Base, the dispatch of Lt. Col. Dan Fox from the Pentagon to command the area’s most prominent military installation has sure put the base back in the news.
Fox made no secret of the orders he was given before assuming command of the facility, which he said was to find ways to integrate the base into local community activities.
In 2024, some of the efforts by Fox became obvious which included several local community activities held on the base, including the more well known “Race on the Base” which had been banned from the facility but returned in 2024.
In addition, Fox hosted a Los Al Chamber of Commerce meeting on the base, opened up the base for the Pacific Airshow and held a record breaking Independence Day fireworks show. Several other activities were held throughout the year.
7. Los Al, La Palma term limit expansion
While the cities of La Palma and Los Alamitos, unlike Cypress, agreed to settle immediately for a mere sum of money and divide their voting population into districts, elected officials got their revenge in November by selling a package to voters that will allow some politicians to stay on the till for as long as 24 years.
While according to the Pew Research Institute, more than 80 percent favor term limits on politicians, both local governments proposed term limits but in some cases used euphemisms and scant information to give the impression voters were voting on government reform.
Of course, voters will have the final say on how long politicians stay in office, as local elections recently have proven, the value of holding local office is hard, though not impossible, to overcome for political challenges. Since such a situation has not existed before, the long-term impact of this noteworthy change is impossible to predict.
Despite Los Al facing a series of cautionary comments from fiscal auditors, the city manager gained significant new spending powers under the amendment while La Palma remains one of two local governments in Orange County that refuses to share their meetings with residents on video.
The Rossmoor Community Services District won a 2024 Risk Management Award from the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) for Best Overall Performance in the Workers’ Compensation Program for non-municipal agencies. More than 200 public agency peers recognized the District.
The Risk Management Awards highlight dedicated efforts and achievements in risk management by recognizing California JPIA members that have demonstrated excellence and effective leadership in the Liability and Workers’ Compensation Programs.
To select the winners, California JPIA staff evaluated various factors that reflect an organization’s risk management efforts, including overall claims performance, improvement in claims performance over time, responsiveness to Loss CAP (Control Action Plan) recommendations, members’ engagement with risk management, participation in risk management programs, and attendance at training and academy opportunities.
“I am proud of all this year’s Risk Management Award winners. It’s a noteworthy achievement,” said California JPIA Chief Executive Officer Alexander Smith. “Not only does it recognize the winner’s risk management efforts, but the award also highlights how good governance and effective management benefit all California JPIA members.”
In other big news, Rossmoor homeowners overwhelmingly rejected a plan funded by the Orange County Public Works aimed at slowing down and improving traffic flow throughout the unincorporated area.
Although it was rejected for a variety of reasons, several residents expressed at public meetings that they were not ready for the round-about traffic circles that were proposed for the plan and others were not sure about reducing Montecito to a two-lane road.
9. Bay Theater is dark no more
After nearly a decade of heartache and painstaking restoration, the Seal Beach Bay Theater is poised to become a center of cultural and entertainment activity for the overall area.
Entrepreneur and real estate investor Paul Dunlap was on hand recently to greet friends and supporters outside the Bay Theater in Seal Beach for a “soft opening” last week
While plans are still underway for a Grand Opening soon, (or early next month), Dunlap said he decided to have this small event to offer a few friends a look at the refurbished theater.
Final inspections are expected in December and approval of detailed fire escape plans by the Orange County Fire Authority could happen soon. Once these approvals are in, the fully remade theatre will finally be able to open its doors to the public.
“Everything is raring to go,” said Dunlap. “Our sound system is done. The interior is done,” he added. The Bay Theatre will open its doors to the public as soon as OCFA approves its final plans, said Dunlap.
10. LAEF ends Royal era
After raising millions of dollars to assist projects and classrooms throughout the Los Alamitos Unified School District, the Los Al Education Foundation has announced its era of naming a royal “King and Queen” is over.
This year’s King Randy Hill and Queen, Diana Hill, will be its last, said Executive Director Carrie Logue.
The Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF) is introducing an all-new signature event, she said.
After 11 years, the Royal Gala and Fundraising February campaign will shift to “LAEF’s Night Out: Funding Innovation for our Kids” on February 1, 2025. The event is changing, but the mission will remain the same – to raise funds to help prepare every child in our district for college and beyond.
LAEF’s Night Out will be held at the Seal Beach Tennis & Pickleball Center and feature the band Flashpants! “LAEF is very excited to bring this new event to the heart of our school district area! We look forward to hosting a fun evening while continuing to raise funds to support Los Al kids,” said Logue.
The holiday season offers a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude and share kindness with those around us, said Cypress Schools Supt. Anne Silavs in her holiday greeting.
“Acts of generosity and compassion are always meaningful, but they feel especially impactful during this time of year. In this edition of our e-Newsletter, we invite you to discover how students across our district are embracing the spirit of the season by helping others in heartfelt ways,” she said.
Her message included a report from the various schools within the district which are included below:
A.E. Arnold Elementary School
The gift of togetherness
Family Game Night—a fun-filled event that brought the school community closer together. It featured an assortment of engaging activities and games as well as delicious snacks to keep the energy levels high. The multipurpose room buzzed with laughter and friendly competition as families gathered to share their love for games and connect with one another. It was an evening to foster friendships and strengthen bonds within the school community. It was also a reminder of the joy that comes from simply spending time together… the best gift of all!
Clara J. King Elementary School
Celebrating World Kindness Day
Above, King Elementary School celebrated World Kindness Day.
To welcome the winter season and highlight the theme of giving during the holidays, the King PTA created a meaningful and engaging celebration for World Kindness Day, which was celebrated worldwide on November 13. Students were recognized with kindness tickets during the day to acknowledge positive behavior. They also purchased winter-themed kindness bags to give to others and spread goodwill. These activities help to build a caring school environment and teach students the value of small acts of kindness, especially during a season of giving.
Margaret Landell Elementary School
Student Council Thanksgiving Food Drive
In November, the Landell Student Council organized a heartwarming Thanksgiving Food Drive in partnership with We Care, an organization that serves families and individuals in need across Cypress, Seal Beach, and Los Alamitos. Participation from the Landell community was extraordinary. Thanks to the collective efforts of students, families, and staff, 2,644 food items were collected! These donations helped We Care staff to create holiday meal baskets, ensuring local families could celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with joy and abundance.
Steve Luther Elementary School
Thankful for Kindergarten Buddies
Fourth and fifth graders at Luther look forward to weekly visits with their kindergarten buddies. During these visits, the older students assist the kindergartners with academic tasks and special projects. This fall, fourth and fifth graders helped their little buddies create Thinking Maps about their favorite autumn activities. They also assisted them with holiday-themed art projects, including the creation of a thankfulness chain that became the centerpiece for the kindergarten Thanksgiving feast this year. Through these experiences, students learn that helping others is a gift that benefits everyone involved!
Juliet Morris Elementary School
Student Teamwork Makes an IMPACT
In November, students in the IMPACT program united for a heartwarming initiative, “Paws for Cause.” Their mission? To support animals in need through thoughtful action and community engagement. The team worked tirelessly, designing creative flyers and posters to encourage donations of pet food, blankets, toys, and other essential supplies. Their efforts inspired an incredible outpouring of generosity from the school community, reflecting what can be accomplished when everyone works together. Items collected will bring comfort and care to animals in need, helping to improve their lives while they wait for their forever homes.
Frank Vessels Elementary School
Student Council Gives Back
Student Council ushered in the holiday spirit with a heartwarming initiative to support the local community. They collected much-needed supplies for children in the Orangewood Youth Shelter, including nonperishable food, hygiene products, and gift cards. This philanthropic project reflects the Student Council’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. By supporting other children in need, these
young leaders not only helped to provide essential resources but also to spread a message of compassion and generosity during the holiday season.
The 13th annual MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach Winter Wonderland presented by Southland Credit Union and Universal Waste Systems (UWS) event occurred on December 7. The City of Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department organized this spectacular event with support from MemorialCare Miller Children’s Women’s Hospital Long Beach as the Title Sponsor and Universal Waste Systems as the Presenting Sponsor. The event was on Pine Street between Katella Avenue and Florista Street. This has been a central location for many of the City’s events over the years. Like last year, additional activities were featured in the neighboring US Bank and CIF parking lots as well as St Isidore Historical Plaza.
This year’s event welcomed over 7,000 attendees, bringing together families and friends to celebrate the holiday season with a variety of offerings for all ages. The free event offered a full lineup of stage performances, a snow play area sponsored by UWS, an ice-skating rink sponsored by Southland Credit Union, a Beverage Garden benefitting the Los Alamitos Community Foundation, food vendors, informational booths, inflatables, a train ride, a sensory calming zone, Santa’s Village, photo backdrops, and a Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
This event is made possible by the generosity of the following sponsors:
Title Sponsor:
• MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach
Presenting Sponsor (Free Snow Play Area):
• Universal Waste Systems
Presenting Sponsor (Free Ice-Skating Rink):
• Southland Credit Union
Silver Sponsor
• US Bank
• Woodruff Law & Smart APC
Community Sponsors:
• UCI Health – Los Alamitos
• McDonald’s
• Ganahl Lumber
• Los Altos Modern Dentistry
27 vendors lined the streets, including non-profits, local businesses, and eight food vendors.
Non-profit Organizations:
• Children’s Burn Foundation
• Kiwanis Club of Los Alamitos
• Precious Life Animal Sanctuary
• Bethlehem Lutheran Church
• Gather Church
• Neighborhood Church
• Orange County Fire Authority
• Precious Life Shelter
Food Vendors:
• Domino’s Pizza
• Tatay Ry’s
• Kona Ice of Cypress
• Mexico Lindo
• Coda’s Kettle Korn
• Scooter’s Italian Ice
• Kiwanis
• Seal Beach Coffee Co.
Limited public parking was available at the event site, with additional free parking at the UCI Health – Los Alamitos Parking Structure. Upon arrival, attendees were greeted by the massive, towering “Winter Wonderland” light display at the center of the street. Early visitors took the opportunity to snap a few photos in front of the lights before the streets were filled with people. However, returning visitors quickly made their way straight to the extremely popular free ice skating rink to claim their reservation slot. The ice rink was sponsored by Southland Credit Union and offered multiple free reservation slots every 20 minutes until all slots were exhausted. Adjacent to the ice rink was the free snow play area sponsored by Universal Waste Systems. This area offered children the opportunity to build their very own snowman or take a sled down the snow filled parking lot.
Those arriving from the UCI Health – Los Alamitos parking structure on Katella Avenue were greeted by the festive atmosphere at St. Isidore Historical Plaza, transformed into Santa’s Village, complete with photo opportunities with Santa Claus and the Grinch. Free inflatables were also available next to Santa’s Village for parents looking to help their children expend their seemingly endless energy. In the same area, a room served as the Sensory Calming Activity Area for a closed-off experience for children who needed breaks from the highly stimulating event.
A festive walkway connected St Isidore Historical Plaza to the event stage at the end of Pine St. In between sat the U.S. Bank parking lot, which served as a makeshift train station for the train ride that looped through two light-up tunnels and dropped guests off at Santa’s Village. The event stage was the main attraction for many parents which hosted a variety of talented local performers, including school performing groups from the Los Alamitos Unified School District, dance troupes, and community groups providing non-stop entertainment throughout the evening. A standout moment was the annual tree lighting with this year’s countdown led by Mayor Jordan Nefulda. The lighting of the 24-foot tree illuminated the night sky and reinvigorated the crowd with holiday cheer as they sang along with the Rossmoor Royal Choir onstage.
Performance Groups
• Lil’ Oak Preschool Program
• Impact Dance Center
• Lee Elementary School Choir
• Rossmoor Royal Choir
• Onstage Dance Center
• Hopkinson Elementary Choir
• MyArt’s Showcase Troupe
• Weaver Wailers
• Soca Arts
• The Company Kids Orange County Song and Dance
• Oak Middle School Jazz Band
For adults seeking a moment of relaxation, the Beverage Garden offered a cozy spot to enjoy adult beverages and take a short break before returning to the exciting activities. Proceeds from the Beverage Garden benefit the Los Alamitos Community Foundation, which helps support and enhance City of Los Alamitos programs and services to enrich the lives of people in Los Alamitos.
Winter Wonderland continues the annual holiday tradition of creating memorable experiences for the Los Alamitos community with its wide array of activities, delicious food, and festive spirit. The City of Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services
Department closed out the year with a resounding success and looks forward to delivering impactful experiences for residents and the surrounding community in 2025.
For more information about upcoming events and programs, please visit www.cityoflosalamitos.org/recreation or contact the Recreation and Community Services Department at (562) 430 – 1073.
BACK TO THE FUTURE comes to the Segerstrom Dec. 26
Local OC native has role in cast
By David N. Young
Before it’s off to the New Year, it’s back to the future in Costa Mesa.
Lead producer Colin Ingram together with Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, the creators of the Back to the Future film trilogy, and Segerstrom Center for the Arts are thrilled to announce the 2022 Olivier Award-winning Best New Musical, BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical will come to Costa Mesa as part of the 2024-25 Broadway Season, just in time for the holidays! The Broadway and West End hit show based on the Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment film will play Segerstrom Center for the Arts from December 26, 2024 to January 5, 2025.
Following sold-out shows across the country, the musical theater version of the classic movie’s highly entertaining musical theater version features an Orange County native who has made it into the cast.
After a much-celebrated production run in London’s West End and on Broadway, BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical opened its tour at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, Ohio, in June 2024 and continues to destinations across North America. The tour launched less than 12 months after the show’s Broadway opening on August 3, 2023, at the Winter Garden Theatre. The critically acclaimed West End production of BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical officially opened in London on September 13, 2021, has been seen by more than 800,000 people to date, and broken multiple Adelphi Theatre box office records.
The production won the Best New Musical Olivier Award as well as multiple WhatsOnStage Awards and a Broadway World Award for Best New Musical. BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical had its world premiere at the Manchester Opera House on March 11, 2020.
Marty McFly is a rock ‘n’ roll teenager who is accidentally transported back to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean invented by his friend, Dr. Emmett Brown. But before he can return to 1985, Marty must make sure his high school-aged parents fall in love in order to save his own existence.
Based on the Universal Pictures/Amblin Entertainment film, BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical has a book by Bob Gale, new music and lyrics by Emmy and Grammy Award-winning Alan Silvestri and six-time Grammy Award-winning Glen Ballard, with additional songs from the film including “The Power of Love” and “Johnny B. Goode.” Bob Gale is the co-creator and co-writer of the Back to the Future film trilogy and Alan Silvestri composed the iconic film score for the series.
BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical is directed by Tony Award® winner John Rando and features a multi-Tony and Olivier Award-winning design team that includes Tim Hatley (set and costume design), Tim Lutkin and Hugh Vanstone (lighting), Gareth Owen (sound) and Finn Ross (video), with choreography by Chris Bailey, musical supervision and arrangements by Nick Finlow, illusions by Chris Fisher, orchestrations by Ethan Popp and Bryan Crook, dance arrangements by David Chase, and casting by Tara Rubin. Bespoke Theatricals serves as General Manager.
The production also features an Orange County native, Alyssa Carol, who plays in the ensemble and is sometimes featured as Lorraine’s understudy.
Carol, a graduate of the OC School for the Arts, has always dreamed of becoming a musical theater star, well at least since her parents forced her to ac in Alice in Wonderland.
Alyssa Carol, courtesy photo
“I was always so shy as a child,” said Carol in an interview with ENE. “I was in my shell so much that my parents had a plan while Alyssa was still in grade school.
“My parents signed me up for an elementary production of Alice in Wonderland,” said Alyssa, “so I went, kicking and screaming to perform,” she said.
“I just remember finishing the play and hearing the audience applause,” said Carol, “ and I just fell in love with it and never really wanted to do anything else after that.”
She later auditioned and was accepted to attend the musical theater program at the OC School for the Arts, which “deepened my love for musical theater.
There, Carol said she “fell in love with the stage, the lights, the costumes and the community of it all,” she said. “I was hooked.”
She went on to obtain her Fine Arts Degree in Musical Theater from the University of Michigan and had a few gigs on Broadway and in London’s West End before winning the part in Back to the Future.
“The audience reaction has been amazing,” she said, saying the flying car and all of the special effects are entertaining. “It’s bringing people so much joy,” she said.
Bob Gale said, “To paraphrase Marty McFly, you guys are ready for this, and your kids are gonna love it (too)! If Bob Zemeckis and I time traveled back to 1980 and told our younger selves that the script they were struggling to write would become a Broadway musical 43 years later, they'd kick us out of their offices and call us crazy. Well, sometimes, crazy ideas give birth to great entertainment, and now Bob and I are eager to share our musical vision with New York audiences.
The London production exceeded our original expectations on every level, and we're certain the Broadway version, along with the fantastic songs by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, will be even better. Regardless of whether you've seen the original film, BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical, with its outstanding performances and incredible stagecraft, will delight and enthrall you, your kids, your parents, and everyone you know,” according to a statement released by Segerstrom.
Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard said, “It all began for us with the story and characters that made Back To The Future a much beloved, cinematic classic. The magic of musical theatre presented us with the possibility of adding new dimension and depth to our familiar Hill Valley residents. Through song and dance their innermost thoughts, hopes, and dreams are now revealed. It’s a story first told in 1985, that traveled back to 1955, and will now be told in 2023 in New York City and, starting in 2024, across North America.
“We are thrilled and excited to invite you to join us on this epic journey through time,” the statement concluded.
Tickets for BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical start at $44.07 and are available for purchase online at scfta.org, in person at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, or by calling (714) 556-2787.
Elections do have consequences and in Cypress, residents have elected two new Council members who clearly wanted to get Cypress moving in a new direction.
After a settlement over its alleged violations of the California Voting Rights Act, Cypress’ new “Asian” district indeed elected Kyle Chang to represent them in District 3.
In District 4, political newcomer Leo Medrano was elected in the city’s first ever by-district election as both new members were sworn into their City Council seats by city clerk Alisha Farnell.
Cypress Mayor David Burke.
Courtesy photo
While there were other items on the agenda, citizens turned up to express their support for whom they hoped the new Council would elect as Mayor.
Traditionally, the Mayor Pro-tem is elevated to the position of Mayor but given the chaos of the Council in recent years, some thought the Council needed a fresh start.
“I encourage you to do so with an eye towards a fresh start for this new city council, a clean slate, free of the influences that compromised prior city councils and may still compromise others on the dais this evening,” said resident Paul Kokkinos.
“I strongly encourage you to make good on your campaign promises and I wish you all the best in the year to come, and I’m eager to see what can be accomplished in the absence of the limitations of past Council majorities,” he added.
“This council is going to go down as taking a lot of rights away from the residents, said long time resident Bob Youngsma. “A lot of them (citizens) are very upset on how you took away the way they could speak. I hope you can correct it,” he added.
“To be honest with you, I hope we don’t do protocol tonight, because you guys change that direction too. So I’m hoping things change for the better, and we did get some good people on this council.”
“I think we have, as Paul mentioned earlier, an opportunity to wipe the slate clean and to start something where we have a council that works together, and that’s what’s best for the city, so I’m optimistic about that,” said resident Tim Vink.
“So I’d like to echo the last speaker’s statement and say that I think Council Member Burke would be a great choice for mayor because he’s consistently taken the position of transparency and doing the right thing, and I think he would put the ethics of the position first and try to bridge the divide that has existed the last few years.”
Others expressed support for Mayor Pro-tem Bonnie Peat.
“We need Bonnie Pete. Bonnie Pete has shown her devotion to the city. She’s lived in Cypress her entire life. She’s been a leader in the community. She’s been on the school board. She’s helped a lot along with her husband with the Boys and Girls Club,” said resident Patricia Boggs.
“She has been a business leader for many years,” said Boggs.
“I first wanted to say thank you to the outgoing council members and to the incoming ones. It is truly a sacrifice. As we said earlier, it’s not an easy job, and I do thank you for doing that job,” said Meagan Martinez King.
“Regarding item number nine, I want to echo the support of Bonnie Peat as mayor. She is one of the kindest, easily the most intelligent and levelheaded, fair and just person that I know, and I think, you know, as a fellow longtime Cypress resident, I think she really has Cypress his interest at heart,” she added.
When the reorganization of the Council came up later in the meeting, outgoing Mayor Scott Minikus nominated Mayor Pro-tem Peat to serve as the next Mayor on the Council. Peat seconded the nomination.
Newly sworn Council member Medrano had other ideas and in a substitute motion, nominated David Burke as Mayor. Chang seconded his motion.
Burke, Chang, and Medrano voted for the substitute motion while Minikus and Peat voted against. Burke was elected 3-2, thus
Burke was elected by the Council as the city’s next Mayor.
In brief remarks, Burke, an attorney, said he is the son of a high school teacher, who taught civics and government. “This seems very natural to me,” he said.
“Government,” he said, “is the most efficient way to do good.”
“I know it’s been challenging the past few years,” noted Burke. “We have a lot of positive accomplishments to be proud of. Many of them were mentioned this evening. But we also want to make sure that we always conduct ourselves with the level of professionalism and respect and civility that you, the residents, deserve,” he said.
“And so that’s going to be one of my top priorities as mayor, is just setting that tone. I want these council meetings to be welcoming for everybody. I want you to feel free to offer your positive feedback, your constructive criticism, whatever is on your mind,” he said.
“And I hope that you know everyone in this room and everyone who attends future meetings will prioritize being respectful,” he pleaded. “Let’s get away from insults and accusations.”
Medrano was then nominatedf for Mayor Pro-tem by Chang and seconded by Burke, and was elected Mayor Pro-Tem by a vote of 4-1. Peat was the lone dissenting vote.
“Good evening, Cypress. I sit before you tonight with deep gratitude and humility, honored to serve as one of your newest city council members. First, I want to thank the people of Cypress for placing your trust in me,” said Medrano.
“Your voices, your concerns and your hopes have been my guide throughout this campaign, and they will continue to guide you as we move forward together,” he added. Before the Council’s reorganization, the Council showered outgoing member Anne
Hertz Mallari with gifts and mementos of the former Mayor’s service to the city.
“It has been my great honor to serve on the Cypress City Council,” said Mallari.
“Cypress is a city that I love. I raised my children here. One of my granddaughters is being raised here, and I think that the unique characteristics of Cypress are due in large part to just there’s a lot of fantastic people that live here, and my encouragement to each one of you is to find something that you love to do and do it here,” she added. Outgoing Council member Frances Marquez was absent due to COVID, however, one resident, Wanda Youngsma, spoke on her behalf.
“I just want to recognize council member Frances Marquez, even though she’s not here, and thank her for the four years serving our community and listening to the residents, and thank her for trying to do what was best for the city,” said Youngsma.
“I appreciate that she dug in her heels and didn’t quit while being pressured by the bullies sitting on the council,” she added.
“We always knew that we were trying to listen to this residence and do what they wanted.
Finally, Peat thanked Minikus for his year of service as Mayor.
“For the last 12 months, I have seen him in the community. I have seen, you know, all of the videos that you do on a regular basis, and occasionally I did fill in, okay, but not that often. Quite honestly, I appreciate your dedication. I appreciate everything that you did for our city,” said Peat.
The holidays are officially underway as Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce members and members of the public enjoyed an exhilarating performance Friday at their annual holiday breakfast networking meeting.
It has become a tradition of the Chamber to forgo much of its regular business and dedicate its December meeting to an uplifting performance by the Los Alamitos High School internationally recognized show choir.
Co-Chairs Meryl Cohn and Kristin DiMiceli welcomed the group to Rush Park Community Center in Rossmoor where the event has been held the past few years.
“Thank you so much for having us,” said Cohn, the Chamber Co-Chair who served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the event. She introduced Michael Maynard, President of the Rossmoor Community Services District Board.
“Let’s all have a little fun,” said Maynard, who welcomed the crowd to Rossmoor on behalf of the board.
Cohn, also introduced special guests in the audience, including local elected officials along with regional and national officials. Led by Los Al High’s David Moellencamp, Director of Choral Activities, members of the famed Show Choir dived into a 20-minute rendition of musical theater that was especially created for the event.
This impressive group has won no fewer than 16 national titles, the Los Al Show Choir, with its SoundFX and Soundtrax divisions recently took top honors at the Heart of America National Show Choir competition in New York.
In addition to winning overall honors, the group took home other recognition, including Best Design, Visuals, etc. The group’s show included song, dance and group participation drawing to a close with yet another standing ovation.
“We are so proud of them,” said Los Al High School Principal Christiana Krauss, who attended the event.
Following the presentation, Lt. Col. Dan Fox, Commander of the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, explained that the base was hosting two upcoming graduation ceremonies from base centric groups, including its Job Challenge program and its Sunburst Academy.
In addition, Fox said he has made progress in its efforts to become more interwoven with the communities that surround the base.
“We’re always looking for events to increase our relations with the external community,” said Fox.
City Recreation Director Emeline Noda said the city’s recreation department now, along with its strategic partners, sponsors more than 20 events per year, with more than 45,000 people annually participating in these events.
Robert Acosta, Outreach Director of the Los Alamitos Police Department, announced a Citizens Academy program for the Police Department that will ordinary citizens a peek under the hood for modern policing.
He said the first academy class will be limited to 10 to 12 people, with only two remaining open spots and the weekly meetings will feature guest speakers and programs that give citizens a chance to put themselves into situations faced by working officers. “Sometimes you have “half a second to react,” said Acosta, “so we’re very proud of the way this program is coming together.”
In addition, the group heard from several local businesses, including Hilda Sramek, President of Carla’s Movie Restaurant.
“We bring art from artists of all abilities to the community,” she said, “and we bring the community to the artists.”
The Chamber again honored Judy Klabouch, the owner of Green Street Interiors, now celebrating 48 years in business in Los Alamitos. In that time, Klabouch has been a major influence on the Chamber, including the inspiration for the Chamber’s ever popular “Heroes Appreciation Luncheon”
Cohn also mentioned Art Garcia, the owner of Maderas in Los Al, and mentioned his annual Christmas Day pilgrimage to the Veterans Hospital to feed steak dinners to veterans of the spinal cord injury unit.
Garcia accepts sponsor contributions of $25 to pay for each meal, which includes a prime filet mignon, cheesecake in the shape of a heart and all the holiday trimmings. “It’s really a special moment,” said Cohn, “to bring holiday joy to a very difficult situation.”
“We are so grateful for the work he does,” she said.
The Chamber, along with assembly level elected officials, honored Joe Mendoza, the retiring General Manager of the Rossmoor Community Services District for his outstanding service to the District and for his contributions to the Chamber.
Cohn also announced the new board and installation will be held January 17 at Maderas. “Also, we (Cohn and DiMiceli) want to say a special thank you before we let you start networking, we’d like to thank our sponsor, Homesmiles.com. Kristin and I would like to say thank you for a great year and for all the love and support,” she said.
A former Mayor of Los Alamitos who initially rocketed to political stardom by leading a revolt against Sanctuary cities has been nominated for a high-level post in the incoming Trump Administration’s Department of Homeland Security. Edgar previously served as the Chief Financial Officer and Associate Deputy Under Secretary of Management for Homeland Security
On Saturday, President-elect Donald Trump on nominated IBM executive Troy Edgar to serve as Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security.
“Troy served for me previously as the Chief Financial Officer and Associate Deputy Under Secretary of Management for Homeland Security, where he did an outstanding job managing their $90 Billion Dollar budget, resourcing critical immigration policy, and funding Wall construction,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Troy is currently an executive at IBM. He holds an M.B.A. and B.S. of Business Administration from the University of Southern California. He was previously the Mayor of Los Alamitos, California, where he helped me lead the City and County revolt against Sanctuary Cities in 2018. I am very excited to have Troy on our team, as he will help us Make America Great Again,” multiple sources reported the former president wrote.
Edgar, a Navy veteran, as chief financial officer for DHS managed a $90 billion budget and oversaw 10 financial divisions spanning program and cost analysis, budget, financial and risk management, financial operations, policy, transformation, Government Accountability Office & Office of Inspector General liaison and workforce development.
President-elect Trump made the announcement about Edgar this past weekend in a statement that included other nominees. Edgar is a three-term city Council member who served three times as Mayor.
As mayor, Edgar visited President Trump along with other Orange County officials after initiating a lawsuit seeking to exempt the City of Los Alamitos from the California Values Act, arguing immigrant enforcement falls within federal jurisdiction.
Los Alamitos High’s girls water polo team got three wins and two losses and won the 7th place game at the Villa Park Tournament over the weekend. It was a productive weekend of competition and Head Coach Rob Grayeli was pleased with the progress his team made.
Los Alamitos won their first two matches, 14-3 over Santa Monica and 14-8 over Augora. But the Griffins ran into a Long Beach Wilson team that had won its first two matches by a combined 35-4, and the Griffins suffered a 17-10 loss to the Bruins. Los Alamitos would also fall to fall to Harvard Westlake in a close 9-8 match, before finishing with a 14-8 win over Clairemont in the seventh place game. Hailey Rippeon led the Griffins with seven goals in the closing match, while Saydee Ravelo chipped in five goals. Aubrey Cardoza and Amanda Leung each added a goal.
The Griffins are currently a little undermanned due to some injuries and illness including the team’s only senior, Bella Perez, and No. 1 goalie Madison Ly, who were both unavailable for the tournament. Grayeli added some depth with junior varsity players, but that left the JV team shorthanded at the Downey Tournament as well.
Photo by Ted Apodaca The Griffins girls water polo team went 3-2 at the Villa Park Tournament and finished with a 14-8 win over Clairemont on Saturday.
“Typically we do have, like four or five subs, but it’s good, it’s early in the season we’re getting in shape, you know, it’s mental toughness, it’s everyone playing right now,” Grayeli said.
Grayeli said he told the team that he’s more concerned with finding a rhythm in mid to late January and playing their best at that time. The Griffins don’t have a traditional power player at the two-meter position, but Perez will be tasked with filling that key role in front of the net. But Grayeli said they do have some speed and when they are moving the ball well, they can create problems for defenses, he said.
“We’re a movement team so we’re always moving, as soon as you drop off us we’ll move in and take some shots off of that drive,” Grayeli said.
The Griffins played host to Newport Harbor on Tuesday (past press time) and will be at the Chino Hills Tournament on Friday and Saturday, before taking a break from matches until after Christmas. They will have big test on Dec. 27, when they play at Foothill High at 11 a.m.
Foothill is ranked No. 6 in this week’s CIF-SS power rankings. Los Alamitos is currently ranked No. 31. But Grayeli sees a lot of potential.
“We’ve got a lot of young kids, we’re really, really young, and so the future is bright for us,” Grayeli said.
In a thrilling, close championship game last weekend, the Los Alamitos girls JV basketball team finally pulled away from Downey in the final quarter to win 38-28 and take home the championship of the Millikan High School 2024 Annual Girls JV Tournament.
Although the Griffins (8-4) led most of the way, the game was a tight battle and the first half ended in a 15-15 tie and the fourth quarter started with the Griffins clinging to a 28-26 lead. The relentless Los Alamitos defense finally wore down Downey (7-4), and the Griffins outscored the Vikings 10-2 in the final quarter of the Saturday, December 14, contest. Sophomores Remy Hoang and Danira Jones were selected for the All-Tournament Team for their inspired play during the tournament and especially in the championship game.
Playing point guard and shooting guard, Hoang scored 8 points in the championship game, including 2 three-pointers, and she added 6 steals. Jones led the team with 11 rebounds and also scored 7 points, had two steals, and a blocked shot. For the four-game tournament, Jones averaged a whopping 10.3 rebounds a game.
In the title game, sophomore guard Ashley Matsumoto also scored 8 points, including 2 three-pointers, and she dished out 5 assists and had 3 blocked shots. Freshman forward Maryah Collier added 6 points and freshman point guard Mio Emi chipped in 5 points and 5 rebounds.
The Griffins out rebounded the Vikings 43 to 33. Sophomore center Kara Townzen added 9 boards to go along with 4 points and a blocked shot. Sophomore forward Madi Real grabbed 8 rebounds and added 3 steals and 2 assists, and junior forward Morgan Oropeza grabbed 5 boards.
“The girls came out with great energy tonight. They pressed, they defended, they rebounded, and they hit big shots,” said Coach Patrick Kennedy. “It was a total team effort.”
Overall, for the four-game tournament, Matsumoto led the team in scoring, averaging 9.5 points per game, including hitting 8 threes. Collier averaged 7 points a game, followed by Jones at 6.8 points per game.
The Griffins ended pool play with a 2-1 record, the same as Millikan and Whittier, but they advanced to the championship game because of their greater positive point difference in their three pool games.
In pool play, Los Alamitos lost a close game to Millikan, 27-33, but blew out Anaheim, 60-16, and Whittier, 50-8. In its pool, Downey was a perfect 3-0 prior to the championship game. This is the Griffins’ second Millikan tournament championship in three years. They also were champions in 2022 and won a “consolation” game for a third-place plaque in 2023.
Courtesy photo Back Row, left to right: Cloey Chau, Morgan Oropeza, Issabella Toney, Kara Townzen, Maryah Collier, Madi Real, and Coach Patrick Kennedy. Front Row, left to right: Sana Lam, Danira Jones, Ashley Matsumoto, Remy Hoang, and Mio Emi.
Dark no more, the historic landmark has returned to its original splendor on Main Street in Seal Beach following a painstaking renovation, eight years in the making.
For the first time in decades, the Bay Theatre’s spotlights are bright again. The colored lights on the exterior marquee beckon the public to a fully renovated theatre, ready to play a significant role in the future of the Seal Beach community.
“Restoring the Bay Theatre was the last remaining piece of the puzzle that is needed so that this town would be preserved as it had been for many, many years,” developer Paul Dunlap told more than a hundred friends and business associates at the theatre’s “soft opening” Nov. 23. “That prospect excited me,” he said, like a proud papa recounting his thoughts when he took on the challenge nearly a decade ago.
Even though the reimagined Bay Theatre must await regulators’ final approval to fully open to the public, the whisper of its potential has now become a roar.
“We decided to have a soft opening,” said Dunlap. “We invited our friends, our family, and our supporters, and wanted to share it with you, so you can see what the theatre is going to be like,” he said in brief remarks.
Photo by Terri Quinlan Entrepreneur and real estate investor Paul Dunlap greets friends and supporters outside the Bay Theater in Seal Beach for “soft opening” last week
While plans are still underway for a Grand Opening later this month, (or early next month), Dunlap said he decided to have this small event to offer a few friends and those who helped on the project a sneak peek.
Final health inspections are expected this week and approval of detailed fire escape planning for the Orange County Fire Authority could happen soon. Once these approvals are in, the fully remade theatre will finally be able to open its doors to the public. In the meantime, he said Seal Beach city officials have been very helpful and have permitted the theatre with temporary authority to hold selected gatherings like the one last Saturday.
“Everything is raring to go,” said Dunlap. “Our sound system is done. The interior is done,” he added. The Bay Theatre will open its doors to the public as soon as OCFA approves its final plans, said Dunlap.
Courtesy photo Although now painstakingly restored to previous grandeur, The Bay Theatre was stripped down to its original timbers before bringing every inch back to original form. This is the lobby which has been restored to it’s original state, even with light fixtures, some of which had to be hand made.
Standing near the stage in this 1940s-era structure, Dunlap beamed as he explained the detail with which his team attended to restore a building. He now hopes the Bay can become “a hub of the community.”
“Here we are,” he said, “and our thought all along was, rather than it be a movie house as it had been previously, we wanted to make it an event center, so it’s as functional and useful to the community as much as possible,” said Dunlap. Becoming a community event space was planned from the beginning, he said.
\“We can show films, we can have concerts, we can have comedy, we can have Ted Talks, plays, musical theatre, whatever. We could even go as far as having MMA fights with a stage as such,” said an excited Dunlap, speaking softly in front of his nearly 40-foot red curtain that now adorns the stage.
Historical accounts by Larry Strawther indicate The Beach Theatre was opened ironically on Thanksgiving in 1945, with 662 seats. It was taken over by Fox West Coast Theatres in June 1946 and was renamed Bay Theatre.
At the time, WWII-era military bases within the area kept a steady stream of service members looking for entertainment. During the period, the Seal Beach theatre showed independent, foreign, classic, and silent films with organ accompaniment through the fifties and more modern fare in the sixties. The theatre gained notoriety after being mentioned as one of epic film director Steven Spielberg‘s favorite theatres while attending Cal State, Long Beach.
Former ticket takers at the Bay Theatre interviewed years ago by the Sun said remembered the Cal State student (Spielberg) showing up regularly to see foreign films in the 1960s. They said the future filmmaker would often show up, have coffee at the theatre, and watch whatever foreign film was being shown on Wednesday evenings, they remembered.
Dunlap and a group of investors purchased the theatre in 2016. “Once I realized what I had gotten into,” Dunlap said Saturday, “I dedicated myself to restoring the beauty of the Bay Theatre while remaining true to the 1940s esthetic of a Fox Theatre.” Immediately after looking at the Bay Theatre eight years ago, Dunlap said he told brokers walking down the stairs, “I said I’ll take it.” Back then, said Dunlap, “I did not understand everything I was jumping into. But so be it,”
Moreover, he said the delicate restoration could not have happened without project manager Ben Ahle, whom he said lived and managed the entire process from pouring concrete to polishing brass doorknobs.
Dunlap also thanked his wife Nikki for “sticking with me” and for her support while enduring the eight-year ordeal. After touring the theatre and listening to Dunlap’s brief remarks, friends got a one-hour music concert from bluesman Ray Bonneville. Dunlap said the theatre had booked the Canadian band earlier this year expecting the facility to be open by this time.
Even though it is not officially open, “we decided that instead of canceling the date, we wanted to use it for a soft opening,” said Dunlap, explaining to visitors that the theatre’s new sound system is a Yamaha Nexo, a state-of-the-art live performance sound system. Mick Taylor, a sound and acoustics engineer who also works with Disney, explained the theatre’s multi-purpose sound system includes subwoofers built under the stage.
Dunlap’s reinforcement and insulation of the floor, walls, and ceiling make the venue acoustically sound and very attractive for movies, live music, speaking engagements, musical theatre, and almost anything, said Taylor.
Robert Howson, the owner of Harbour Surfboards, which is located across the street from the Bay Theatre, said not only was he present for the soft opening event, but that he has watched the transformation of the facility over the past few years.
“The event was outstanding, for sure,” said Howson, “but overall, this has been an eight-year labor of love.”
Howson said he’s watched Dunlap, and his team, methodically pull this landmark apart and meticulously put it back together. What is even more remarkable, he said, is the passion for the restoration that Dunlap demonstrated throughout the project.“Paul has put lots of love into the Bay Theatre,” said Howson, suggesting Dunlap has “put more into than he could ever get out.”
He too sees a bright future for the Bay.
“It (Bay Theatre) can now host concerts, comedy, school plays and so much more,” he said. Howson said the Bay Theatre is now “a great resource for the community the way Paul has re-imagined it.”
A small group of students from Oxford Academy saw problems in the world and are trying to change them. Brendan Li, a sophomore at Oxford, said he formed the nonprofit organization ILLUME to make an impact on the world around him, and is doing just that.
Moreover, Li has recruited a number of his classmates and others who want to play a role, and they are at it again. “I’m thrilled to also share an update on our most recent event, which took place today, on November 25th. This ILLUME Thanksgiving Celebration was our most successful event, with over 80 senior citizens in attendance,” said Li in an email statement. Li said the event took place at the Cypress Senior Center.
“It was a morning filled with joy, community, and gratitude. Our event featured a variety of performances, including the flute, saxophone, singing, piano, clarinet, violin, gourd flute, guitar, and dancing, all by volunteers who were eager to spread their joy,” said Li. “In addition, we also had handmade cards and homemade cookies for the seniors. We reflected on the season of thankfulness and expressed gratitude not only for the seniors but for the community we have built together,” the young man said. This event would not have been possible without the dedication of the ILLUME Board and volunteers, he said.
Li said the board includes himself as (Co-Founder/Co-President)and is composed of Yanhao Jia (Junior at Oxford Academy, Co-Founder/Co-President), Annie Gao (Sophomore at Oxford Academy, Director of Public Relations), and Olivia Hong (Sophomore at Oxford Academy, Historian). The group also has as strategic alliances with other groups and ILLUME has dedicated volunteers. He said the volunteers “worked hard to bring everyone together and truly worked towards our mission to create a space where everyone feels loved, cherished, and included.”
Courtesy photo, Co-Founder Brendan Li, who plays piano and clarinet, is an Oxford High School (Cypress) sophomore. He said this organization is growing as young people are discovered the joys of giving of themselves.
At the heart of this event was ILLUME’s mission to illuminate and empower lives by spreading kindness and bringing light to underserved communities.
I, personally, truly felt that this event was so special as it allowed for a time to pause and reflect on the blessings that we have in our lives while giving back to those around us.
“For many seniors, the holiday season can be a lonely time, but I truly hope that through this Thanksgiving event, ILLUME has been able to spread cheer, warmth, and love. The holiday season is a time for connection, love, and celebration, and ILLUME hopes to ensure that these seniors could truly experience the joy of community and the comfort of knowing that they are loved and appreciated,” said Li.
The Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF) is introducing an all-new signature event. After 11 years, the Royal Gala and Fundraising February campaign will shift to “LAEF’s Night Out: Funding Innovation for our Kids” on February 1, 2025. The event is changing, but the mission will remain the same – to raise funds to help prepare every child in our district for college and beyond.
LAEF’s Night Out will be held at the Seal Beach Tennis & Pickleball Center and feature the band Flashpants! “LAEF is very excited to bring this new event to the heart of our school district area! We look forward to hosting a fun evening while continuing to raise funds to support Los Al kids,” said Carrie Logue, LAEF Executive Director.
McGaugh student showing off her sentence built with new building foam magnets purchased with a 2024 Innovation Grant for by classroom teacher, Lyndsey Gardner. Courtesy photo
LAEF continues to support the district in the areas of student mental health and wellness, STEAM, World Language classes, scholarships, providing enrichment opportunities and so much more, but the focus this February will be Innovation Grants. In October, LAEF donated over $150,000 to fund Innovation Grants for this school year. Grants were requested by school staff and are impacting all six elementary schools, both middle schools, Los Alamitos High School and the Adult Transition Program.
LAEF’s Night Out will continue to feature an online auction where anyone in the community can participate. LAEF has also partnered with The Youth Center to offer childcare this year, exclusively for LAEF guests’ children ages 5-12. Business sponsorships are still available. Please visit www.LAEF4Kids.org/LNO to learn everything you need to know about this new event. Tickets are available now at https://events.handbid.com/lp/laefs-night-out.
A Lee Elementary student helping to set up a new 3D printer purchased with a 2024 Innovation Grant.Courtesy photo
LAEF is the non-profit partner of Los Alamitos Unified School District. LAEF enhances educational excellence by providing after-school and summer enrichment programs to children in grades Pre-K to 12. LAEF provides significant funding for mental health/wellness and STEAM instruction, as well as igniting new programs and providing valuable resources, to impact all students. For additional information on LAEF, please call (562) 799-4700 Extension 80424 or visit www.LAEF4Kids.org.
As the New Year begins, many of us are focused on resolutions that improve our lives. One of the best ways to enhance your health and well-being is through volunteerism. Studies show that giving your time not only helps others but also reduces stress, boosts mental health, and strengthens your immune system. Being a good Samaritan is actually good for you.
At The Youth Center, where I’ve been fortunate to lead for over 20 years, we’ve seen the positive impact of volunteerism firsthand. Whether you’re 5 or 90, anyone can make a difference. Our volunteers often leave with more than they give—new friendships, a sense of purpose, and the joy of supporting something meaningful.
Volunteerism brings people together. Recently, the City of Los Alamitos brought all their departments to help set up our Christmas tree lot, and the laughter and camaraderie were infectious. Volunteers often report feeling happier and more connected—turns out, it’s like a workout for your soul, without the burpees!
Volunteerism isn’t just for nonprofits. Local businesses like The Family Plumber and Cal Custom Interior encourage their employees to volunteer as a team, strengthening both their businesses and the community. When employees volunteer together, it builds stronger bonds and greater motivation.
Since 1952, The Youth Center has served over 3,500 kids annually, with 550 volunteers supporting our programs. From academic help to STEM and arts initiatives, our volunteers are the backbone of everything we do. They don’t just assist—they transform lives.
This year, consider adding “volunteer” to your resolutions. Whether it’s an hour a week or a day a month, you’ll gain more than you expect. Volunteers help make the world a better place, and you’ll feel great while doing it. If you’re looking for a place to start, we’d love to have you join our team. Come by, see what we’re doing, and discover how you can make an impact. Our Board of Directors have a few openings too.
Giving back isn’t just good for others—it’s good for you too. Come see for yourself!
Things are in the holiday spirit again in Sunset Beach. The 31st annual “No Parade” has returned and is back this coming Saturday December 14th, 2024 at 6:03pm. It starts behind Jack in the Box on Warner and PCH and goes along North and South Pacific Avenues to the Seal Beach Water Tower and back.
Sunset Beach Woman’s Club Co-President Cheryl Coleman said: “Everyone is invited to be in the parade, on foot, bike or decorate your cars or dogs — a fun and festive parade with a small town feel.” Susie Taylor a Sunset Beach Resident said: “What’s special this year is we have 30 members from The USC Alumni Marching Band that will take part in the Parade. You are in for a treat.”
Susie Taylor, Sunset Beach Resident/USC Marching Band Representative, courtesy photo
Sunset Beach Community Association Secretary Dawn McCormack said: “The No Boat Parade captures Sunset Beach’s indominable spirit — I love the zippity doo dah attitude of this fun annual event. It’s impromptu, fun and inclusive and always one of the most fun evenings of the year.” McCormack has been involved with the funky parade for more than 20 Years. “Where else can you see a unicycle, land yacht, USC Alumni Band, golf carts, bikes and an inflatable Santa Claus honking and throwing candy to onlookers but here.” Now come join the fun.
This holiday season, set sail aboard the Queen Mary for twelve nights of festive magic during the spectacular Queen Mary 12 Days of Christmas event, running from December 12th through December 23rd, 2024. Each evening offers a unique holiday experience and activation, ensuring something new and exciting to discover every night. From a whimsical Snow Day and a Krampus-themed celebration to Breakfast with Santa and festive scavenger hunts, this one-of-a-kind event is perfect for making unforgettable holiday memories. Tickets to Queen Mary’s 12 Days of Christmas are available on the Queen Mary website.
The nearly two-week celebration begins on December 12th with the Lighting of the Stacks ceremony, where guests are encouraged to wear their favorite Christmas socks and join in the festivities. As the ship’s towering stacks light up the night sky, visitors will enjoy live entertainment, seasonal treats, and the chance to bask in the holiday spirit aboard one of Southern California’s most iconic venues. Steve Caloca, Managing Director of the Queen Mary, shared his excitement, saying, “The Lighting of the Stacks is a magical way to kick off the holiday season. Each night of our 12 Days of Christmas brings something new to experience, making it the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories with loved ones.”
Adding an eerie twist to the festivities, the second day of Queen Mary Christmas on Friday, December 13th, invites guests to Krampus After Dark. This chillingly festive evening features Krampus-themed activations, a Q&A with the writer of Krampus, and a Spooktacular Bazaar showcasing unique creations from local artisans.
For families, December 19th is a must-see with the Snow Day & Train Ride, where the area in front of the ship will transform into a snowy wonderland. Formerly the site of the summer Night Market, this space will now host a magical winter experience complete with frosty fun, perfect photo opportunities, and an iconic holiday train ride, making it a day to remember for all ages.
Other highlights include Breakfast with Santa on December 14th and 21st, where families can enjoy a delightful meal and photo opportunities with Santa himself. December 14th also features the White-Out Winter Wonderland Market, where guests can explore artisan vendors, enjoy story time with Mrs. Claus, and decorate cookies with Santa’s elves. For adults, December 15th and 19th bring a creative twist with Brushes and Bubbly painting sessions, alongside festive activities like Eggnog Tasting. On December 20th guests can participate in a cozy Blanket Making Class and Holiday Bingo.
In addition to the unique nightly themes, every evening of the 12 Days of Christmas includes holiday favorites like cookie decorating, gingerbread house building, and stocking decorating. Families can cozy up in one of the ship’s festive salons or sip on steaming cocoa from the Hot Cocoa Bar. Little ones will love story time with Mrs. Claus in the Starboard Lounge, while dance parties and carolers spread cheer throughout the ship.
Caloca added, “From carolers strolling the decks to eggnog tasting and the quirky fun of Ugly Sweater Karaoke, every night of the 12 Days of Christmas offers something special to enjoy for all ages.” 12 Days of Christmas Nightly Themes are:
Day 1, Dec. 12th – Lighting of the Stacks Ceremony & Holiday Market
Day 2, Dec. 13th – Spooktacular Bazaar: Krampus After Dark
Day 3, Dec. 14th – Winter Wonderland Holiday Market
Day 4, Dec. 15th – Queen Mary Gives Back
Day 5, Dec. 16th – Community Day
Day 6, Dec. 17th – Christmas Movie Day
Day 7, Dec. 18th – Ugly Sweater Karaoke
Day 8, Dec. 19th – Snow Day
Day 9, Dec. 20th – Christmas Bingo
Day 10, Dec. 21st – Christmas Scavenger Hunt
Day 11, Dec. 22nd – Christmas Pajama Jam
Day 12, Dec. 23rd – Holiday Silent Disco
General admission to The Queen Mary’s 12 Days of Christmas starts at just $25 per person, per day. The QM Christmas Activity Pass is $45 and includes five redeemable coins for holiday activities, while the Season Pass is $99, offering access to all 12 nights along with three activity coins per night.Additional coins can be purchased in Santa’s Workshop or at the Ship’s Concierge Desk starting at $25 for five coins. Special activities like Brushes and Bubbly and Breakfast with Santa require additional fees and reservations.
Deck the halls and sail into the season aboard the Queen Mary! With festive themes, cherished traditions, and unforgettable experiences each night, The Queen Mary’s 12 Days of Christmas is the ultimate holiday celebration. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit queenmary.com/whatsondeck or follow @TheQueenMary on social media.
Jim Mahoney is perhaps the most famous Hollywood executive you’ve never heard of, at least until now.
Hollywood problem solvers, sometimes referred to as “fixers,” have been idolized by popular TV shows, but Mahoney is a man who lived it.
Few people alive today have enjoyed such background prominence in entertainment history as Jim Mahoney. From Gable to Hope, from the Bee Gees to Sinatra, McQueen to JFK, Mahoney promoted or represented many of the biggest names from Hollywood’s Golden Age and beyond.
His best-selling book is filled with previously unknown backstage stories from celebrities ranging from the Ratpack to the Rolling Stones.
Mahoney visited the Seal Beach Yacht Club this past week to answer questions from a room packed with residents anxious to hear first-hand stories from his book, “Get Mahoney! A Hollywood Insider’s Memoir,”
Jim Mahoney signs a book for a reader at the Seal Beach Yacht Club. Photo by David N. Young
With an unlit cigar in one hand, Mahoney sat like a King at court, almost like a character from his living saga from Hollywood’s memorable era as he answered question after question from his role as acted out on the stage of life.
Mahoney’s date with destiny was foreshadowed early in his life.
He grew up in Culver City, a stone’s throw from Culver City Studios, a 40-acre parcel famous for early “cowboy” movies and eventually blockbusters like Gone with the Wind.”
“My biggest skill was the willingness to listen,” said Mahoney, whose knack for creating news and finding stories is legendary. Though he “fixed” many situations for dozens of clients, he said studios had real “fixers” for the hard stuff.
If his story were not so well documented, it would read like an unbelievably big-budget movie. He spent years working with the top management of MGM before Frank Sinatra stepped in and put Mahoney on a path to public relations superstardom.
Mahoney’s life is one of irony and destiny.
Ironically, he grew up near Culver City Studios, never realizing that he would one day represent the world’s biggest stars.
Now 96, the backlots were almost profitable for Mahoney.
He began making money as a young boy by buying cookies and soft drinks for a nickel, then walking onto the Culver City backlots, and selling them to actors and extras for a quarter.
“I was able to save $100 doing that,” he said during an interview with ENE this week, “which was a huge amount at that time.”
His second major irony was as a teen, watching the massive fire during the “Atlanta burning” scene from “Gone With the Wind” at the Culver studios near him home. Just shy of a decade later, it was none other than Clark Gable, one of the film’s stars, who would provide Mahoney’s entry into the Hollywood elite.
“My dad was an interior decorator,” said Mahoney, “and a very good one. He made a good living. One Sunday, he asked me what I was doing, and I told him where I was going,” said Mahoney.“No, you’re not,” said the elder Mahoney told his son. “You’re coming with me.” Mahoney said his dad told him.
By then, Mahoney was now a young man enrolled in USC. He agreed to ride with pops to Encino, where Clark Gable, now one of the world’s biggest stars, had recently purchased a 20-acre tract in the San Fernando Valley and wanted to hire Mahoney’s dad to fix up the place.
Gable’s mansion was deep inside the property, and Mahoney remembers the ‘voice box’ at the gate where visitors had to check-in. “That was the first time I ever saw anybody speak into a box” to obtain entry, said Mahoney.
While his dad was inside the mansion during their business, young Mahoney was left to speak with Howard Strickling, then head of public relations at MGM.
“He asked me what I was majoring in (at USC),” said Mahoney. “I told him girls. He laughed. Howard liked that.”
When Gable returned with his dad, Mahoney said Strickling suggested he might give the young Mahoney a PR internship at the studio. Gable said, “if you hire him, I want him to handle me,” Mahoney said Gable told Strickling.
And with that, the magnanimous career of Jim Mahoney was underway. In the late 1940s, Gable was the most famous leading man in American cinema, and Mahoney cut his teeth at MGM with the megastar’s support.
Thus began a 50-year career that is chronicled in his Hollywood insider’s book. After a brief stint in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, MGM not only welcomed him back but gave him a promotion.
Part of his role at the studios was to handle public relations for its biggest films, and the iconic talent that starred in them.
One day, said Mahoney, he was assigned to get Ava Gardner to the airport where she was catching a flight to star in “Mogambo” with Gable and Grace Kelly. Gardner was then married to Frank Sinatra.
When he arrived at her home, Mahoney said the limo waited outside and she invited him in to “get a drink at the bar.” Mahoney said as he fixed the drink, “I heard a voice from behind me say ‘Who the hell are you.’”
“That was my introduction to Sinatra,” he says wryly.
Mahoney eventually left the studio to take a job with a major columnist where his job was to hang out at all studios, nightclubs, restaurants, etc. with all the stars to drum up stories. Mahoney was expanding his influence and growing his network.
Mahoney fatefully reunited with Sinatra when he was married to Debbie Reynolds and through another ironic twist of fate, he finally became a close friend of the Chairman of the Board.
Then with Sinatra’s help, he took a job working for Sinatra through Rogers & Cowan, arguably, the largest entertainment PR firm in the country, and later, with Frank’s help, formed Jim Mahoney & Associates, later to become Mahoney & Wasserman.
Recalling that fateful night when Sinatra urged him to go out on his own, Mahoney said he walked into an Italian restaurant with his wife Pat. Sinatra was there along with Ratpack member Peter Lawford, and their wives, and Sinatra invited them to join them.
During the conversation, “Frank told me to come see him in the morning, so I did.” Mahoney said Sinatra asked him “How long you’re going to be in that hokey business?”
“I told him until something better comes along,” said Sinatra. “It just did,” Mahoney said Sinatra told him, inviting him to come by the studio to see him the next morning.
The next morning, Sinatra welcomed him into his trailer on the studio lot,” said Mahoney. Sinatra proceeded to offer him an unused office and told him to start representing his restaurants and other clients.
“Take an ad out in “Variety” and “The Hollywood Reporter” announcing your business and send me the bill,” said Sinatra. Mahoney said he took him up on the offer.
Almost immediately, he said Lawford called seeking representation, then others, as Mahoney’s career as a public relations guru exploded and would never look back.
While Gable gave him a start, it was Frank Sinatra’s friendship that gave him a chance to jettison the shackles and go out on his own.
“Frank was one of the most generous people I ever met,” says Mahoney, who spent many years working with the superstar as well as the entire Rat Pack, but also enjoying evenings dining with Frank and his friends.
“He was generous in ways people never saw, but he did things that left a lasting impression,” noting that one of Sinatra’s aides always trailed the star with “stacks of $100 bills for tips.”
With a searing wit and street-smart wisdom, Mahoney methodically grew the opportunity into a global public relations firm based on personal relationships with the biggest names in America, and eventually, across America.
Peter Lawford, brother-in-law to John F. Kennedy, even arranged a meeting with the then Presidential candidate.
Not only after having dinner with Kennedy, Mahoney said “JFK offered me a position,” By that time, he said, “I had young children, and I had a good thing going, so I said no.”
And why not, among the names he’s worked with or handled, including Sinatra, Gable, Gardner, Kim Novak, James Garner, Peggy Lee, Rita Moreno, Lee Marvin, Debbie Reynolds, Sammy Davis, Jr., Yul Brenner, Jayne Mansfield, Tony Curtis, Eddie Fisher, the Rolling Stones, Dean Martin, Bob Hope, Judy Garland, U2, Bob Dylan, Johnny Carson, Jack Nicholson, Sonny & Cher, Andy Williams, Tony Bennett, Vic Damone, Paul Anka and Steve McQueen, among literally hundreds of others.
“I’ve had a lot of fun,” he acknowledges, getting back and forth from Vegas to L.A. on Sinatra’s jet, and the almost nonstop events while in L.A. on behalf of his clients. Mahoney pioneered a professional that preceded today’s celebrity-centric world.
“I did sometimes call myself a ‘sup-press agent,” he jokes.
“My job,” he said in a promo for his new book, “was to keep the sweet smell of success from turning into the foul stench of scandal.”
Of his super famous clients, he said McQueen was perhaps the most problematic. “I gave him that nickname, ‘Mr. Cool,’” said Mahoney, “but he was a real character. He knew what he wanted.”
Mahoney says McQueen refused to ride in any limo unless it was shite, brand new and a Cadillac. “He was very particular.”Mahoney also played a role in the kidnapping of Frank Sinatra, Jr., in 1963, remembering having J. Edgar Hoover from the FBI on one line and Sam Giancana on the other, trying to get them to work together to solve the kidnapping. Sinatra’s son was eventually released unharmed. Mahoney’s son Sean, who worked with his dad’s firm for many years, has also semi-retired and lives in Seal Beach with his wife Cher.
They invited friends to have a one-hour session with his dad at the Yacht Club this week and it went on for much longer.
Sean Mahoney said he and his siblings never knew who would show up at their home for dinner or stop by on a weekend. “My dad and Alan Ladd were very good friends and sometimes Bob Hope would call, we just never knew.”
Even though “Star Wars” is now a multi-billion-dollar franchise, Sean remembers the studio bringing a copy of the film over to their home and asking his dad, “What should we do with it.” Mahoney’s son Sean, who has worked with several notable projects and personalities himself, including Live Aid, Jack Lemmon, Charlton Heston, and the Bee Gees, said he sees a difference between the old and new generation of celebrity.
Newer stars, he said, “kind of have more of an attitude of entitlement,” so Sean said he eventually drifted away from the business. He now works on his own public relations projects from Seal Beach.
The firm, Mahoney and Wasserman, was eventually sold to a global entertainment pr firm and today, Jim Mahoney is retired to his home at the golf course where he won the 1977 Bob Hope Desert Classic Celebrity Pro-Am.
Mahoney’s beloved wife Patricia “Pat,” who passed away in 2015, was during her lifetime well known in Beverly Hills.
Mahoney and Pat had five children, Jim, Jr., Sean, Michael, Monica and Marilee. Burt Bacharach and Hal David, wrote a 60’s tune called “A House Is Not A Home,” and those lyrics were never so true as when you entered Pat Mahoney’s home.
Nicknamed “Grand Central,” the Mahoney Hollywood home was the destination or meeting place for anyone and everyone who wanted a place “to feel good.” “We never knew who was coming over,” said Sean.
Their neighbor Gene Kelly literally danced and sang in their backyard,” he said, noting that their dad invited everyone from the biggest stars to the guy he met at the market to come over.
Family members say that even in his mid-90s, Jim Mahoney is often seen on his patio, with friends, telling stories like the ones he told residents in Seal Beach during his visit. Though a modest legend, Jim Mahoney has lived to see Hollywood’s Golden Age fade into his own golden years.
It’s perhaps no coincidence that Mahoney’s favorite spot in his home is sitting near a huge photo of himself, Sinatra, and Normal Rockwell.
Almost a ritual, Mahoney sits, cigars in hand, on the 18th Fairway recalling fond yet fantastically true, memories of the glory days when the mere mention of “Get Mahoney” meant business in Tinseltown.
In her last business meeting of the Cypress City Council, embattled Council member Frances Marquez, Ph.D. got a rare win, at least in that the Council said no to what she termed yet another apparent attempt to humiliate her.
Marquez, who will term out this month, has been marginalized by a series of steps approved by the Council after she began her term speaking out for items not necessarily embraced by the the ruling three vote majority on earlier Council memberships.
Grant last week attempted to push a measure through the Council, based on the Marquez example, that would force Council members seeking outside representation to provide additional documentation to the city manager’s office.
Though simplified for this news story, Marquez became a thorn in the Council’s side when it approved a $100 million contract for Valley Vista, then spoke in favor of districting, then called out various actions for a lack of transparency.
The Council dealt with Marquez by initially taking away her monthly stipend, forcing her to get city manager approval for most every move she tried to make, and according to Marquez, did not afford her the information and other opportunities offered to other Council members. For this meeting, however, the city manager’s proposal would die for the lack of a second.
According to the city attorney Fred Galante, City Manager Peter Grant directed him to draw up a proposal that would force City Council members who face legal problems to run certain parts of the paperwork through the city manager so that they could, in turn, seek City Council approval for the official to acquire outside counsel at the city’s expense.
At issue, again, is the Marquez situation, in which she has faced an unrelenting series of legal challenges, depositions, and other obstacles presented by an unrelenting lawsuit filed by an unnamed client, represented by Fortis, LLC, an OC law firm.
Marquez’s retention of outside counsel came in the face of significant pressure from the city manager and presumably a conflict of interest with the city’s existing law firm. She said the Council city had already declared its opposition to districting so she suggested, and said other lawyers advised her to retain her own counsel.Mayor Scott Minikus introduced the item saying it was “to approve a resolution adopting procedural requirements as prerequisites for any council member wishing to retain separate legal counsel on city related matters.”
First of all, Council members David Burke and Marquez said the matter should not have been placed on the agenda at all, citing the existing practice of placing items on the Council’s agenda that were not followed. That aside, Galante laid forth the process involved in this proposed process. Galante, who said his firm has represented Cypress “for decades and decades,” denied there was any legally recognized conflict of interest in the matter.
“If there is some divergence of interest because there’s an allegation that the particular name defendant acted outside the scope of employment there’s some control and the ability for the city. The policy before you establish those steps and gives the City Council that authorization to make those decisions,” said Galante.
Grant alleged or suggested the lack of control had already cost the city.
“We did not conduct research as to whether or not processes like this exist in other cities,” said Grant,
“I think it’s important to remember that what we’re describing here is a process that leads to the city council making a well-informed decision,” he said.
“We’ve had two instances that this would have applied to in the last four years that have cost the city, just in sheer dollar terms, well over $200,000,” said Grant, “and well over that if you fold in the associated aggravation and staff work.”
“I just want to make a point about the $200,000 is false,” said Marquez, “I paid my own legal bills.” She suggested that if the city truly care about saving money on legal bills, they could have settled the case like she advocated for $30,000 instead of playing politics and ending up spending more than $1.5 million in legal fees on the redistricting issue.
The city paid Kevin Shenkman’s firm, the Malibu firm that alleged the city was in violation of the state’s Voting Rights Act, almost $1 million alone. Galante stopped her, saying that part was not appropriate for public discussion at this time. Marquez continued.
“I was thinking of the residents and protecting taxpayer dollars with my decision,” she said. “I want to say this item was brought to the agenda as one last way to embarrass myself and I wanted to say this is related to the CRVA lawsuit, which I did not support.”
“My colleagues decided to fight (districting) and put me through a lot for my stance on the issue,” said Marquez, noting the harassment began in early 2022.
Marquez said she hired her attorney to go into depositions given the known attitude of the city manager towards her and she claimed the city’s legal advisor never advised her of state law that already has a process that applies to such situations.
Galante said he sent more than one email to Marquez’s attorney advising him he had no legal right to bill the Council. The city attorney said there was no legal conflict that would have prevented his firm from representing Marquez.
Burke, an attorney, had concerns specifically about the new policy violating attorney-client privilege. First, he too disagreed with the City Manager’s statement that the lack of such a policy had cost the city $200,000.
“I don’t think the city has paid someone separate legal counsel $200,000 or anything like that so I didn’t I don’t think that’s happened,” he said.
“This is really just about a process for approval,” said Burke, who questioned why should the city of Cypress have a policy controlled by the city manager when state law already makes it clear for elected officials.
Further, he said the way Grant’s policy was drawn up, it would be almost impossible not to violate the elected official’s attorney-client privilege.
“This is not just a reminder, this (policy) adds a lot of new procedural requirements and regarding the law, like the privilege question,” Burke.
“I know Council Member (Anne) Mallari says she didn’t notice privilege concerns, but paragraph E says that the council member has to provide all their legal invoices to the city manager. I believe that in some capacity, or in some cases have held that legal bills are under some circumstances privileged so how can the council members share their legal bills highlighting privilege,” he asked.
“What if the city attorney doesn’t agree with the outside counsel’s legal strategy then the council member can appeal to the City Council to assess it? Well, how can they share their legal strategy without breaching the attorney-client privilege,” wondered Burke, said the proposed policy was flawed. “We need to take time to think this stuff through,” said.
Mallari said the policy was similar to a purchasing policy, where the city manager’s role was simply to ensure all of the components were in place.
She moved the item for approval.
Instead of seconding the motion, Mayor Pro-Tem Bonnie Peat revealed that, after listening to the discussion, she had a different understanding of the issue.
“We asked the question over and over again, saying how can this happen, this shouldn’t happen, so I like it thank you for putting the process together,” she began.
I’m inclined to put it to a point where you have a state law, and you have maybe a specific set of steps that a person must do (to hire outside counsel).
“And then we have to apply it and I don’t think we can fight it and just say no. We can follow the process,” she said, suggesting that instead of putting this policy in place the staff inform all council members during orientation of what the policy is for obtaining outside council.
“So my thing is supposed to be proactive, so let’s get it down up front with everyone and I’m hoping we never have to use it,” she said, “but how council members understand what it is, what happens, and how it happens which is inevitably the point.”
“Tonight’s discussion kind of led me to a slightly broader understanding for me so I’m OK with having no second (to Mallari’s motion).
With that, Galante said the motion dies for the lack of a second and instead, incoming council members will get a better understanding of state law.
Marquez, who will term out in December, has since all of this began filed her own Civil Rights lawsuit in federal court, suggesting the city manager nor the council had the legal right to restrict her ability to represent citizens, among other specific claims.
“Why,” asked Cypress resident Paul Kokkinos during oral communications?
He questioned how the city manager and city council could not know who was behind the Fortis, LLC legal treatment of Marquez. “It may be that you already know but we don’t know and don’t you think it would be in the public’s best interest to know and share.”
“This whole thing creates more questions than it answers. Why now,” he asked? “Maybe based on election results, the historic voting bloc that I’ve called a cabal is probably no more,” he said.
