Segerstrom Center for the Arts announces the return of Southern California’s favorite holiday tradition – American Ballet Theatre’s captivating production of The Nutcracker coming to Segerstrom Hall stage with 13 performances from December 12 – 22, 2024.
This year marks the ninth season that the Center has presented ABT’s The Nutcracker, Southern California’s grandest and glorious production of this beloved holiday ballet, featuring ABT’s international all-star cast under ABT Artistic Director Susan Jaffe, who was appointed in 2022.
Co-presented by the Center and American Ballet Theatre with choreography by Alexei Ratmansky, The Nutcracker is the beloved holiday story based on The Nutcracker and the King of Mice written by E.T.A. Hoffmann and set to Peter Ilyitch Tchaikovsky’s magical score performed live by Pacific Symphony. American Ballet Theatre has produced several critically acclaimed productions of this family-friendly classic tale of Clara and the Nutcracker over the years.
The Nutcracker, with its timeless music by Tchaikovsky and splendid costumes and scenery, is the perfect way to introduce children to ballet and inspire them to study dance and become a little Clara or Nutcracker Prince themselves. This production, with choreography by Alexei Ratmansky, scenery and costumes by Tony Award® winner Richard Hudson (Disney’s The Lion King), and lighting by Tony Award® winner Jennifer Tipton, received its World Premiere in 2010.
Casting for The Nutcracker ABT Artistic Director Susan Jaffe has released principal casting which will include Hee Seo as Clara, the Princess, and Cory Stearns as The Nutcracker Prince on Opening Night, Thursday, December 12.
ABT Principal Dancer Chloe Misseldine will debut as Clara at the evening performance on Saturday, December 14. Of Misseldine, The New York Times said that in Swan Lake this summer she gave “an extraordinary performance of the kind that reminds us how rare it is for a dancer to have not only access to strength and delicacy, but also the ability to weave them together in real time. [When] after a tremendous Swan Lake performance, Chloe Misseldine was promoted onstage [to principal dancer] at the Metropolitan Opera House. The audience went nuts.” Thursday, December 12 at 7 p.m. Hee Seo, Cory Stearns Friday, December 13 at 7 p.m. Christine Shevchenko, Thomas Forster Saturday, December 14 at 2 p.m. Isabella Boylston, James Whiteside Saturday, December 14 at 7 p.m. Chloe Misseldine*, Aran Bell Sunday, December 15 at 12:30 p.m. Skylar Brandt, Herman Cornejo Sunday, December 15 at 5:30 p.m. Hee Seo, Cory Stearns Wednesday, December 18 at 7 p.m. Devon Teuscher, Thomas Forster Thursday, December 19 at 7 p.m. Catherine Hurlin, Aran Bell Friday, December 20 at 7 p.m. Cassandra Trenary, Calvin Royal III Saturday, December 21 at 2 p.m. Sun Mi Park, Cory Stearns Saturday, December 21 at 7 p.m. Devon Teuscher, Thomas Forster Sunday, December 22 at 11:30 a.m. Skylar Brandt, Herman Cornejo Sunday, December 22 at 4:30 p.m. Catherine Hurlin, Aran Bell *Indicates the first time in the role.
The American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School at the Center, headed by artistic director Susan Brooker and associate director Sarah Jones and joined this year by newly appointed faculty member and former ABT corps de ballet dancer Eric Tamm, offers students unrivaled performing opportunities, master classes, lectures by visiting artists, and the highest quality of classical ballet training through the American Ballet Theatre National Training Curriculum. Forty students are featured annually in ABT’s production of The Nutcracker; and students have performed alongside ABT dancers in the World Premiere productions of The Sleeping Beauty (2015), Whipped Cream (2017), and the West Coast premiere of ABT’s Harlequinade (2019).
Tickets for American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker start at $32.77 and are available for purchase online at scfta.org, in person at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, and by phone at (714) 556-2787. For inquiries about group ticket discounts of 10 or more, call the Group Services offices at (714)755-0236.
Come and be filled with ye olde Dickens’ London atmosphere as you step back to a time long ago: 1843…….revisit unforgettable character, Ebenezer Scrooge, the old miser with his familiar adage, “Bah Humbug!” Mark Savalle, who acted in TV shows, “Facts of Life” and “Dallas”, said that although he liked working with Hollywood stars, Cloris Leachman and Patrick Duffy, his role as Scrooge at this annual production with ACTS drama group is one of his favorites.
Produced by Scottish playwright and former jazz artist, Kathleen Pedick, the upcoming version of “A Christmas Carol” offers many surprises and unique twists that assure the audience a feel-good experience this holiday season. “Be filled with joy as you hear carolers heartily singing of the Child born in Bethlehem while Bob Cratchit carries Tiny Tim on his tired shoulders, and the crippled child proclaims, “ God Bless us Everyone!” said playwright Kathleen Pedick.”
Calvary Chapel of the Harbour at 4121 Warner Avenue in Huntington Beach would like to extend some seasonal Yuletide Cheer to you and yours as we approach Christmas 2024!! The dates for the free play are Friday December 6th at 7pm, Saturday December 7th at 5pm, Sunday December 8th at 5pm, Friday December 13th at 7pm, Saturday December 14th at 5pm and Sunday December 15th at 5pm.
No tickets are required at the free performances, and there’s complimentary Hot Chocolate, Hot Apple Cider and Christmas Cookies served at the intermission in the Courtyard. If you have any questions please call the Calvary Chapel of the Harbour office at: (562) 592-1800 and http://www.ccoth.com .
The back-to-back Surf League champion Los Alamitos girls basketball team not only is facing a dramatic rebuilding year after graduating three First-Team-All-Surf-League players, but also is immediately facing a veritable obstacle course of four formidable opponents in the first 10 days of the new season, which begins on November 19.
The Griffins shifted to rebuilding mode after losing to graduation the 2024 Surf League Co-MVPs – point guard Kayli Liew and center Kassidy Beach — and First-Team-All-Surf-League guard Megan Lee. Combined, those players contributed 34 points per game and hit 100 threes (3.3 per game). The 6’1” Beach, now playing at Westcliff University, also averaged 10.4 rebounds per game and was an intimidating shot blocker.
The Griffins were 24-6 last season and were ranked by MaxPreps as No. 6 in CIF Southern Section Division 2A. However, the cupboard isn’t bare, as the Griffins return two key starters, First-Team-All-Surf-League junior point guard Tam Yoshida and senior post player Bryn Pagett. In league play last season, Yoshida averaged 12 points per game and for the overall season led the team with 55 threes. Pagett averaged over 9 rebounds per game and played inspiring defense. Also, sharp-shooting junior guard Maya Asumbrado most likely will step into the starting lineup this season. Asumbrado was usually the first player off the bench last season, providing instant offense and smothering defense. She hit 45 threes, scored in double figures 8 times, and had a game high of 16 points.
Despite losing three top players, Griffins Coach Maya DeAnda said she is confident in her new rotations. “I like our team,” DeAnda said. “We return good veteran players who helped us last year and who have continued to improve in the off season, and we have three talented freshmen joining the team. There may be some growing pains, but the team plays hard on both ends of the court, and I expect us to be competitive and to continue to improve as the season progresses.”
The whirlwind of highly ranked opponents will begin with South Torrance, which was 22-8 last season and was ranked then by MaxPreps at No. 11 in Southern Section Division 2A. The game will be at Los Alamitos High at 7:00 p.m. on November 21.
The following week at El Toro High, the Griffins will face three strong Orange County teams in only five days; first, on November 25, Los Alamitos will play JSerra, which last season won the Southern Section Division 3A championship and finished with a 24-10 record. In its preseason ranking, the Orange County Register newspaper currently ranks JSerra as the No. 5 team in all of Orange County. The very next day, the Griffins will play Portola (23-6 last season). The Register currently ranks Portola as the No. 7 team in the county.
On November 29, the Griffins will have a grudge rematch against Beckman, which last season, in a minor upset, knocked the Griffins out of the CIF playoffs with a second-round victory (54-42). Beckman had a 20-9 record last season and MaxPreps ranked them as No. 8 in Southern Section Division 2A.
“We have a challenging early schedule,” said Coach DeAnda, “so we have to be ready to compete right away.”
In December 2022, I was invited to the Los Alamitos City Council Meeting on the Update to its Housing Element, Zoning Ordinance Changes, and Approval of a Negative Environmental Declaration that included the Lampson Project.
I live in Rossmoor and have no personal interest in the outcome of any decision made by Los Alamitos or Seal Beach. At that contentious meeting I made a short presentation asking the City Council to hold a public educational forum on the three issue, but three members of the city council said NO (Doby, Hasselbrink, Nefulda).
My goal was to “cool down” the protest of more than 100 residents from Seal Beach by allowing them to ask the Lampson developer questions and make suggestion to minimize public safety issue with Lampson Ave.
After that meeting I was contacted by two Council Members (Hilbard & Murphy) and asked to assist them with reviewing the financial records and the housing element, zoning and environmental report. (I am a former planning commissioner, council member, and lawyer) That request lead me to secure public records relating to the interrelationships of the developers, city staff, elected officials, lobbyists, as well as reviewing legal and financial documents. My research and analysis has been provided to various State, County, City and Federal agencies by way of whistle blower report.
I am providing you with the background because over 500 hundred written opposition letters were sent to Los Alamitos in November 2022 and again in August 2024 concerning every aspect of the Negative Declaration to be discussed at the Los Alamitos Council Meeting on November 18, 2024.
It has not disclosed in any Los Alamitos staff report or the DEIR and FEIR that the underlying consultants reports used to create the Los Alamitos DEIR and FEIR were ALL prepared by consultants hired by the property owner and his agent T&B Planning and Les Johnson.
This creates the appearance of bias and taints the technical evidence and conclusions that there are NO significant environmental impacts. There was a fundamental failure to consider “cumulative impacts” as required by law. There may also be some provision in the law that was violated as a result of the failure to make the disclosure about who prepared the secured and submitted the technical reports for the DEIR and FEIR.
This is relevant to Seal Beach because of the location of Lampson Project…it borders your city and a military airbase, which means all of the impacts rest in Seal Beach. For example, the FEIR contemplates that the 1000 or so new residents will be utilizing your parks (Arbor Dog, Arbor Field, Heather) without mitigation. The Mitigation Quinby Fee of more than $3 M will go to Los Alamitos, but
it is Seal Beach’s open space and parks that will be impacted indefinitely. Your sewer system is required to serve the property BUT the Rossmoor-Los Al Area Sewer District Board told me that it expects SEAL BEACH to provide a full indemnity agreement to that Sewer District in exchange for an agreement to service the project. Your police department may be called to College Park East to deal with overflow parking and pedestrian accidents on Lampson because the mitigation request for traffic calming measures and adequate parking was rejected.
There is already storm water and sewage flooding in College Park East, and the FEIR has not provided adequate mitigation as described by a letter from your EQCB to Los Alamitos. Your city will be financially responsible for any storm water run off that contains contaminations.
Your Planning Commission and EQCB were not provided with a timely opportunity by your staff to review and provide comments to Los Alamitos before the DEIR and FEIR were drafted – their meetings were cancelled by your staff. On a positive note, your Public Works Director Ms Lee sent a letter in June 2024 identifying the areas of concerns to Seal Beach – which mitigation measures were ignored by Los Alamitos.
There is no evidence the Seal Beach Community Development Director took any action to seek mitigation measures on behalf of Seal Beach, but she has been holding meetings with George Voigt, the developer, on a regular basis – according to public records I received from Seal Beach.
I have provided a member of your city council with a document that Los Alamitos management sought to restrict from public disclosure. The document is the appointment by Matt Waken/Lampson LLC of Les Johnson as the agent/lobbyist for Lampson LLC from the moment he resigned from Seal Beach in November 2021, which matches the date of hiring of Alexa Smittle from Westminster at his recommendation.
That document shows that Les Johnson was working on behalf of KB Homes through T&B Planning. T&B Planning secured all of the environmental reports used to develop the DEIR and FEIR for Lampson. There are also text messages showing Les Johnson was meeting with George Voigt before the bidding on Lampson began, before escrow closed, and was actively involved with preparing Los Alamitos zoning changes that benefited his employer.
I am bringing this to your attention because I have read all of the more than 500 comments from Seal Beach residents and can assure you that the financial impact of Lampson project will fall squarely on Seal Beach. As you know, your city is required to produce over 1200 RHNA units in the next 10 years. Your city’s sanitation system will required major repairs and expansion, as you are aware. Adding 250 units from Lampson to your sewer system increases your capacity demands. Those costs will be absorb by Seal Beach unless Seal Beach officials secure mitigation from Lampson LLC. The adoption of the FEIR in November vests development rights, which may negatively impact your ability to secure mitigation measures.
On a side note, it was mentioned at a recent public hearing that Seal Beach had not received approval of their Housing Element Update. I checked public records in November 2024, and the DHCD records disclose that the last document submitted to the DHCD regarding the Seal Beach Housing Element was September 2021. On November 19, 2021, DHCD sent Alexa Smittle a letter of inadequacy; On April 8, 2022, DHCD sent letters to Les Johnson (who left your employment in November 2021) and to Jill Ingram stating the housing element required additional changes; A year and a half later, in May 2023, DHCD sent a letter to Jill Ingram threatening litigation for failure to make the housing element compliant. Around Decembe 2023, Megan Coats submitted an irrelevant Surplus Land Disposition document to DHCD, and in August 2024, Shawn Temple received a letter from DHCD that your ADU ordinance was defective.
There appears to be no attempt by Seal Beach staff to respond to the threat of litigation made in May 2023. You may wish to ask your Interim City Manager to determine what progress has been by the staff member responsible for updating the Housing Element since September 2021, as a failure to address this issue can result in developers demanding Builders Remedy CONCESSIONS that could result in substantial unintended negative consequences that impact the quality of life ,and more importantly, your city’s financial situation.
Despite questions surrounding environmental site assessments performed of the proposed Lampson Park Place housing development, the Los Alamitos Planning Commission has voted to send the permit application to the full City Council with a recommendation for final approval. Before doing so, however, the Commission engaged in a two-hour discussion that aired many concerns of residents, some of whom are still concerned that the project has potential impacts that are not being properly mitigated.
Based on public testimony given during previous public hearings, sentiment that was once more negative toward the project has edged in favor of the proposed development project. While some residents still expressed concern, a majority of residents spoke in favor of the housing project. Many, however, still had concerns about the overall density of the project, which is proposed for a multi-acre site in Los Alamitos on Lampson Ave. This site is directly across from the College Park East community, located in the city of Seal Beach.
“We’re not against the project,” said Patty Campbell, a resident of College Park East and a member of the Seal Beach Planning Commission, “we’re against the negative impacts to Seal Beach.” “This project is way too dense and there is insufficient parking,” said Campbell during the public hearing testimony. She urged developers who were present at the meeting to cut out one of the buildings in the proposed development, which would make room for parking.
Most of the College Park East residents expressed concern that the density impacts of the 246 units in such a concentrated area would create problems with storm drains, and traffic congestion, and it was not clear which entity would be able to provide sewer service to the proposed development.
“We’re not against housing,” said Dan Brandt, another resident of College Park East, “it’s the density. From the very beginning, it’s been about the density.” “If I could, I would like to make one quick clarification regarding the project’s density,” said Michael Daudt, the city attorney for Los Alamitos, who told residents developers could have almost doubled the proposed density.
“But significantly, this project site is zoned R3,” said Daudt, “which under the zoning code, allows a base density of 25 units per acre. “That would result in a permissible unit count of 308 units on that site, based on the zoning and the acreage, so the applicant is actually proposing 246 units,” he said.
“They (Lampson developers) are actually proposing below the permitted max on the site for our zoning code, and again, they have not sought to use their density bonus, which pursuant to state law, would in fact, allow them to add as many as 154 units on top of the 308,” the city’s attorney clarified.
Others had serious concerns about the recently issued Environmental Impact Report, which stopped short of suggesting the project would have a serious environmental impact.
Susan Perrell, a career environmental engineer with “years of experience leading environmental studies working with federal, state and local permitting agencies,” was one who expressed concerns about the potential environmental impacts of the project on nearby communities.
“I do not see how this project’s EIR can be certified,” said Perrell, noting that the Lampson housing project “will result in significant environmental impacts.”
In addition, she said “the project mitigation measures provided in this EIR will not reduce those impacts to below significance,” she said, even though the Lampson EIR demonstrated no such impacts. Other residents came with a variety of statements, mostly supportive of the project.
An architect’s rendition of the proposed Lampson Park Place Development project. Courtesy photo
“I can’t afford to live there but I think this is a good housing project,” said local resident Max Clark. “I’m a layman when it comes to environmental impacts, but it is a little difficult for me to understand what could be at the Lampson site that would be better than housing.”
“I’m in favor of the Lampson project,” said Frank Marchese, who said he comes from a real estate development family.
“There’s nothing down in that area, that’s 1985 down there (Lampson),” he said. “It’s beautiful, it’s quiet, and that street has very little traffic on it.”
Marchese said this development, “and plenty more” are on the way.
“California is overbuilding because we have a Governor who wants this,” he said.
Ashley Nichols, a Los Al resident said “I’m here again to express my support for this project. “I’ve observed that over the past decade or so, the amount of new housing units being built in Los Alamitos has been very low when compared to other communities around us.”
Elizabeth Handsberg, co-founder and director of the housing advocacy organization of Orange County expressed support for the Lampson Project, especially the affordable units. “This project brings the type of housing that we are desperately in need of,” she said, “which is below market rate.”
Brian Bell, Commander of American Legion Post in Los Alamitos, said “I’m in total support of this project for several reasons. Having below-market housing would not only help the Legion recruit and retain employees, but veterans need below-market housing. ‘
“The G.I. Bill does not go as far as it used to,” said Bell.
Catherine Showalter, Chair of the Seal Beach Quality Control Board, appeared before the Commission to explain the detailed letter of concerns her board has submitted.
In summary, Showalter said her board is concerned about sewer service, traffic, infrastructure, pedestrian safety, construction impacts, and flooding, among others,
“Our board met last Wednesday evening, Oct. 16. The purpose was to listen to public comments and discuss the contents of the EIR (Lampson Environmental Review),” said Showalter. She laid out in specific detail a long list of concerns developed by the Seal Beach QC Board regarding infrastructure concerns.
She made other project enhancement suggestions, including the reinstatement of a Caltrans Park and Ride facility, which she said would reduce vehicle miles traveled, provide safe spaces for ride/share and a safe-haven for children catching the school bus.
Like others, Showalter said the project’s “excessive density and premature nature leaves numerous essential questions” to be answered.
Commissioners learned that Seal Beach has not yet issued a “will serve” to the Lampson Place project for sewer service, not sure yet whether the 60-year-old system can handle the additional flow of the Lampson development.
Development Services Director Ron Noda said the city understands that even if Lampson is not able to work out a cooperative endeavor agreement with Seal Beach for sewer treatment, there are options for sewer treatment services.
He said Seal Beach sewage officials have met with the Rossmoor Los Alamitos Area Sewer District “and it has been agreed that if the City of Seal Beach does not allow the connection to the sewer district, the Rossmoor Los Al Sewer District would find a way to accommodate the sewer connection by building an extension to the development.”
“This (extension) will be constructed at the developer’s expense,” said Noda, noting that there was no “condition” for it to be at the developer’s expense. “We do not have a condition that states that,” Noda told the Commission.
Carol Churchill, a Rossmoor resident expressed concern about the costs associated with the Rossmoor Los Al Sewer District providing a sewer line extension to the Lampson project.
“I’m not going to be happy if my assessment on my property tax bill in Rossmoor is covering the developer’s cost,” she said during public testimony.
“It doesn’t tell me the developer is going to pay for his sewer line. It tells me he’s going to get the district to impose an assessment not only on Rossmoor, but Los Alamitos, and you’re going to see that on your tax bill,” Churchill said.
She asked the commission to make it a condition of approval that any sewer construction to facilitate the project would be at the developer’s expense.
George Voigt, who represents the permit applicant, Lampson Park Place Development, LLC, said earlier in the meeting that he would not object to such a condition.
“We’re happy to add a condition that the sewer will be managed through the Rossmoor Los Alamitos Sewer District at no cost to the city,” said Voigt.
“We are fully committed to building this project in its entirety,” he said, “and we believe that the community and the City of Los Alamitos will be extremely proud of this project.”
Planning Commissioners Art DeBolt and Wendy Grose reviewed the detailed agreement, suggesting potential changes in the conditions involved in the eventual award of a permit by the City Council.
The conditions included things like stating in writing that the city would bear no expense for a sewer line, holding back the development of some market-value residences to ensure the developers build affordable homes, concurrent recording of the project and other technical process details. Daudt went through each condition in detail with the Commission to ensure the Commission’s permit changes would be presented properly when the lengthy document reaches the City Council for final approval.
“Our job here is to use the evidence that has been presented to us and make a decision on this project and this project alone,” said Commission Vice Chair David Zellmer.
“The EIR on this project is not improper,” he said. “Yes, there are certain things that are considered to be adverse to our communities, but our job isn’t to limit every single adverse thing that happens,” he said.
“Our job is to weigh and balance whether the benefit outweighs the adverse effects. I think we as the Planning Commission need to look at the whole here,” said Zellmer. “There are limitations on how many hearings we can do so we need to come up with a decision and move this along.”
“We are a community, and we must understand that we respect other people’s boundaries and other people’s jurisdictions. And in my opinion, while we do have obligations as a planning commission to do what’s right for our city, we should consider other cities,” said Zellmer.
“I honestly think, looking at this, that we’ve done that,” he said.
Planning Commission Chair Mary Ann Cuilty asked for a motion for each of the four resolutions required to propose approval for the Lampson Place housing project.
DeBolt offered each of the four separate motions, seconded by Grose, and the resolutions were unanimously approved by the Commission, sending one of the largest housing projects in the city’s history to the City Council for final approval.
The City of Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department hosted the third annual Elevate Women’s Conference on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. The half-day event was held at the newly renovated Los Alamitos Community Center from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A sold-out conference this year hosted approximately 80 guests from local and surrounding communities.
Like last year, women were invited to experience an invigorating and captivating series of keynote speakers, breakout sessions, lunch, and small group networking discussions. The event utilized multiple rooms to split the participants up into smaller groups and rotate between activities. These activities were designed to help guests connect with other local women, committed to applying new concepts to help them achieve their best personal and professional selves.
Doors opened at 8:30 a.m. to the facility’s larger activity room filled with warm lights and beautifully decorated tables. Guests were invited to enjoy a light breakfast consisting of fresh fruit, granola, yogurts, pastries, juices, and coffee. Stunning balloon arrangements framed two backdrops within the room. One stood behind the podium next to the colossal projection screen ready for the first keynote speaker. At each table a bouquet of fresh flowers centered on the table along with branded tote bags and goodies to enjoy.
An artistically designed booklet sat in front of each chair outlining the itinerary for the day. Suppliers of the beautifully printed program and branded event notepad included sponsors for the event Sir Speedy and Print Masters, both local Los Alamitos businesses.
Mayor Pro Tem Shelley Hasselbrink welcomed the attendees and kicked off the event as the first speaker. She spoke about women and life transitions, with great research on generational information to share, before passing along the spotlight to Tracy Miller with TM Consulting. Tracy spoke about the “Queen Bee Syndrome” and how to avoid letting this social phenomenon create hostile relationships with other women. After a short
The City of Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department hosted the third annual Elevate Women’s Conference on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. The half-day event was held at the newly renovated Los Alamitos Community Center from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A sold-out conference this year hosted approximately 80 guests from local and surrounding communities.
Like last year, women were invited to experience an invigorating and captivating series of keynote speakers, breakout sessions, lunch, and small group networking discussions. The event utilized multiple rooms to split the participants up into smaller groups and rotate between activities. These activities were designed to help guests connect with other local women, committed to applying new concepts to help them achieve their best personal and professional selves.
Doors opened at 8:30 a.m. to the facility’s larger activity room filled with warm lights and beautifully decorated tables. Guests were invited to enjoy a light breakfast consisting of fresh fruit, granola, yogurts, pastries, juices, and coffee.
Stunning balloon arrangements framed two backdrops within the room. One stood behind the podium next to the colossal projection screen ready for the first keynote speaker. At each table a bouquet of fresh flowers centered on the table along with branded tote bags and goodies to enjoy. An artistically designed booklet sat in front of each chair outlining the itinerary for the day. Suppliers of the beautifully printed program and branded event notepad included sponsors for the event Sir Speedy and Print Masters, both local Los Alamitos businesses.
Mayor Pro Tem Shelley Hasselbrink welcomed the attendees and kicked off the event as the first speaker. She spoke about women and life transitions, with great research on generational information to share, before passing along the spotlight to Tracy Miller with TM Consulting. Tracy spoke about the “Queen Bee Syndrome” and how to avoid letting this social phenomenon create hostile relationships with other women. After a short break, to socialize and discuss the inspirational speeches it was time for the breakout sessions.
Two sessions were planned for the day, both offering three subjects to choose from. Discussions ranged from learning about reproductive health to conversations about career growth with a career coach. Breakout Session 1:
Women’s Reproductive Health: Its Importance & Navigating the Challenges – Christine M. Feigal, MD Obstetrician, MemorialCare Medical Group Vice Chair, Obstetrics & Gynecology, MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center
Bridging the Gaps in Women’s Healthcare with Acupuncture – Sarom “Grace” Han, L.Ac – BT Wellness
Resiliency & Inner Strength – Lina Lumme, CEO – The Youth Center Breakout Session 2:
Sound Mind, Sound Body: Empowering Women Through Mental Health & Self-Care with Sound Healing – Dr. Tselane Gardner, DBC, MFT
Lights, Camera, Action: 5 Ways to Become the Maven of Your Midlife – Denyse Rabbat, Career Coach
Stress Management and Social Support – Dr. Laura Zettel-Watson & Dr. Melanie Horn Mallers- GeroFusion Lunch was served at 11:15 a.m. and featured a Mediterranean meal. The lunch break was followed by a small group networking and discussion session, providing ample opportunity for attendees to connect. After much good food and enriching conversations, the day came to an end with a closing keynote panel of previous Elevate Women’s Conference speakers, answering questions and offering personal and professional advice on growth, life transitions, and transformation. Tara Farajian, LCSW, with Transitions in Motherhood facilitated the discussion panel. Her guests included Michelle Boos from Five Elements Consulting Group LLC, Los Alamitos Council Member Tanya Doby, and Felicia Gonzalez with Edward Jones Investments.
This concluded the third successful iteration of the Elevate Women’s Conference for the Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department. With growing participation, excitement, and newfound empowerment guests looked forward to next year’s offerings. The conference provided many a much needed break from the daily grind to hear from extraordinary leaders and make new connections to reinvigorate personal and professional commitments to long-term growth and wellbeing.
On Nov. 11, Los Alamitos High School junior Yara Saadeh will open enrollment for her new program, Level Up!, in partnership with The Youth Center. Saadeh’s newly launched program aims to teach fifth to eighth-grade students how to prepare for the future by helping them advocate for themselves, improve their leadership skills and handle real-world situations. This program, organized by a high school student, allows other young students to learn valuable skills for the future.
“I am incredibly proud of Yara for launching this initiative as a junior. Her dedication to uplifting middle school students reflects her understanding of how vital communication and leadership skills are in overcoming challenges and enhancing both academic and personal growth,” said Lina Lumme, CEO of The Youth Center.
High school students have to experience the ups and downs of academics and socialization. As a junior at LAHS, Saadeh understands these hardships and wants to teach young kids how to reach their greatest potential as students and peers.
“What started out as an idea freshman year has now started a remarkable achievement. I cannot wait to give back to a community that gave me so much,” Saadeh said.
The program is an eight-week course, with each week offering a new skill for students to learn, such as conflict resolution, socializing with acquaintances, listening skills and setting personal goals. Each session will be at The Youth Center from 5 — 6 p.m. from January to March.
“I think it’s beneficial to students who aren’t yet ready for high school or middle school, and (they) will find it helpful,” said freshman Kaylyn Kekacs.
“Level Up! is a program specially designed to help enrich the younger generation of students with social skills and public speaking skills, prepping them for a bright future.”
— Yara Saadeh Saadeh has put two years of hard work into creating the program to help younger generations. From gaining confidence to learning how to speak in front of a crowd, this program can offer students new skills for life.
Level Up! registration opens on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. on the program’s page on The Youth Center website. Make sure to share the news that it’s time to level up! Reese Neiger is a sophomore at Los Alamitos High School and editor of the Griffin Gazette. This is her second year in journalism. She enjoys writing about current events, especially activities and pop culture. She is in the Seal Beach Leos and the Red Cross Club. In her free time, she enjoys baking and walking her dog! Reese is looking forward to writing more opinions and features as she moves into the advanced program in journalism.
Courtesy photo For the 11th consecutive year, the dental office of Dr. Seza Barsamian and her staff will host their Annual Veteran’s Day event where they dedicate their entire day to serving retired veterans. She said veterans will receive a dental checkup, X-rays and a regular dental cleaning at no cost. “We love our veterans and where there is love, there is always an opportunity to serve,” said Dr. Barsamian, who began this free service a decade ago. Veterans will have to call in advance to make an appointment to see the doctor on Nov. 11, her office said. The location is Dr. Seza Barsamian, 4022 Katella, Suite 708, in Los Alamitos. (562) 596-4439. Veterans Day is Monday, November 11, 2024.
The CIF-SS football playoffs are set to begin on Friday and most of the area teams were awarded a playoff berth. Los Alamitos High finished 5-5 overall and in a three-way tie for second place in the Alpha League. Los Al, Edison and San Clemente all finishing with 1-2 records. Mission Viejo captured the championship in the new league at 3-0 and were 10-0 overall.
Los Alamitos received and at-large berth in Division 2 and will host Leuzinger High of Lawndale on Friday at 7 p.m. Leuzinger (8-2 overall) is the third-place team out of the Bay League Edison was awarded the automatic berth for second place by virtue of a coin toss. The Chargers were place in the Division 3 bracket and will host North Torrance on Friday at 7 p.m. North Torrance in the No. 1 team out of the Pioneer League.
Huntington Beach High went 6-4 overall and 3-2 in the Epsilon League to take third place in league. The Oilers earned the No. 3 spot out of the league and will host Western High of Anaheim, which received an at-large berth out of the Delta League in the Division 5 playoffs on Friday at 7 p.m. Western was 5-5 overall, 2-3 in league play and finished fourth in the Delta League.
Cypress High went 2-8 overall and 0-5 in Delta League play, but was awarded an at-large playoff berth in the Division 8 playoff bracket. The Centurions will play on the road against St. Pius X-St. Matthius on Friday at 7 p.m. St. Pius went 1-9 overall and 1-4 in the Angelus League.
Kennedy High finished 7-3 overall and 4-1 in Lambda League play, earning a share of the league title with Marina High and Beckman High. Kennedy was given an away game and will open the Division 9 playoffs at Quartz Hill, the No. 3 team out of the Golden League. Quartz Hill went 7-3 overall and 5-2 in the seven-team Golden League.
Cypress voters have an opportunity to dilute the power of the clique that has been running Cypress by voting for Kyle Chang and Blaze Bhence for city council. The clique has made a number of moves that were bad for Cypress:
1. Granting a long term contract extension to the trash hauler without any competitive bidding
2 Allowing the trash hauler to run a trash transfer station on the city maintenance yard over the complaints of the neighbors about the resulting noise and odors
3. Ignoring voter preferences by appointing Scott Minikus to fill a vacancy while passing over the runner up in the previous election, Carrie Hayashida. This also lost the opportunity to have an Asian American on the council, leaving it open for a lawsuit based at least partly on the fact that there was no Asian American representation in a city of some forty per cent Asian American ethnicity.
4. Deciding to fight a lawsuit brought to force district rather than at-large representation in spite of the fact that cities facing the same type of lawsuit had no success fighting it, and, in the case of Santa Monica, lost millions doing so. Cypress eventually had to agree to council districts and pay $845,000 for settlement of the lawsuit.
5. Harassing council members voting against positions of the clique to the extent that another lawsuit has been filed against the city. Cypress voters should reject this record and the new recruits for the clique by voting for Kyle Chang and Blaze Bhence.
While voting is already underway, voters waiting for the traditional trip to the ballot box will have that chance Nov. 5 next week as the 2024 General Election has arrived.
While early in-person and mail voting is underway, preparations for election day are already moving swiftly, according to the office of the Orange County Registrar of Voters. According to ocvote.gov website, several drop boxes are already in place for voters to drop off their ballots, including;
La Palma City Hall
Los Alamitos Community Center
Cypress Community Center
Cypress Veterans Park
In addition to the candidates running for public office, the cities of Los Alamitos, Cypress, and La Palma have put items on this fall’s ballot that would significantly affect how these cities are operated and governed.
Los Alamitos – Measure X would redefine term limits that regulate city council member terms that would restart the clock for current members, would enshrine in the charter new powers of the purse for the city manager and other changes the city claims are necessary to update its charter. City Council members are currently allowed three four-year terms, but the measure allows incumbents to restart the clock, giving some potentially as long as twenty-four years in office.
Cypress – Measure S would authorize an additional 676 housing units to be developed on available property at the Los Alamitos Racecourse on Katella Ave. Because of the zoning status of the property, only residents of the city can authorize new construction. Actions associated to Housing Element Implementation.
La Palma – Measure W would extend term limits of its members from the current two terms to three and further, would allow incumbents to restart the clock, giving some as much as twenty years in office.
Regarding candidates, the ENE has reviewed the candidates’ filing statements and here is a list of the offices and candidates from our readership area:
Cypress Elementary School District, Trustee Area A Carrie Hayashida, Incumbent (appointed to fill a vacancy) Steve Shanahan, Business owner
Cypress Elementary School District, Trustee Area E Candi Kern, Incumbent Jaime Needham, Teacher
Los Alamitos Unified School District, Trustee Area 2 Chris Forehan, no opposition
Los Alamitos Unified School District, Trustee Area 4 Farnaz Pardasani, Nonprofit board member L. Bobby Papoulias, Professor, Entrepreneur
Los Alamitos Unified School District, Trustee Area 5 Perla Mendoza, Community Volunteer Matt Bragman, School Administrator
Rossmoor Community Services District (Three to be elected) Tony Demarco, Incumbent Nathan Searles, Incumbent Mary Ann Remnet, Community Volunteer Konya Vivanti, Environmental engineer
Orange County Supervisor, District 1 Frances Marquez, Cypress Council member Janet Nguyen, State Senator
Los Alamitos City Council, District 1 Jordan Nefulda, Incumbent, no opposition
Los Alamitos City Council, District 2 Trisha Murphy, Incumbent Gary Loe, International Banker
Los Alamitos City Council, District 3 Tanya Doby, Incumbent Wendy Grose, Doctor/Nurse Practitioner
La Palma City Council, District 1 Debbie S. Baker, Incumbent, no opposition
La Palma City Council, District 2 Vikesh Patel, no opponent
La Palma City Council, District 3 Mark Walkman, Incumbent, no opposition
Cypress City Council, District 3 No incumbent Mark H. Plager, Business owner Kyle Chang, Public Health Statistician Gayel Kaplan, Attorney
Cypress City Council, District 4 No incumbent Leo Medrano, Businessman, Engineer Blaze Bhence, Business owner. Consultant Glen Button, Businessman, Engineer
California State Assembly, District 70 Tri Ta, Incumbent Jimmy D. Pham, Attorney
California State Assembly, District 72 Diane Dixon, incumbent Dom Jones, Nonprofit executive
U.S. House of Representatives, District 47 Dave Min, State Senator Scott Baugh, Businessman
U.S. House of Representatives, District 45 Michelle Steel, Incumbent Derek Tran, Workers Rights Advocate
U.S. Senator (Partial and Full Term) Steve Garvey, Professional baseball representative Adam B. Schiff, U.S. Representative
The superintendent of the Los Alamitos Unified School District announced on Thursday that the highly ranked system is planning to lean into the “extraordinary” moments of its students.
“It’s really about serving all of our students,” District Supt. Dr. Andrew Pulver told an overflow audience inside the packed ballroom of the U.S. Navy Golf Course in Cypress Thursday during his “State of the District” address.
The annual fundraising breakfast is hosted by the Los Alamitos Educational Foundation (LAEF) and generally gives the public an inside look at the overall direction of teachers and administrators within the system.
“As a district, every year, or sometimes every couple of years, we create a theme,” said Pulver. “We plan over the summer as we think about how we are going to frame the work that we’re doing for our students,” the superintendent said.
“We’ve had a forward focus theme for a few years,” said Pulver, also noting “wellness has been a big focus, and we helped establish wall spaces across all nine of our campuses.”
“This vision is about trying to provide access and opportunities for all kids. We have to make sure that our schools work for all kids, not just some kids,” he added. “You hear me say that because it’s true.” For the second year in a row, in 2024, the district graduated 100 percent of its students in its graduating class, which is an achievement reached by few other districts.
“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 to two words, “Be Extraordinary.”
“The “Be” is really something that we make ut something that has a call to action,” the superintendent said.
“It is a state of mind when we say, be extraordinary. It’s not just about being extraordinary, but we even took it deeper when we’re talking about the “Be extraordinary,” theme,” the superintendent said.
“it really stands for us believing in our kids, believing in each other, and believing that great things are possible for all students,” said Pulver. “Believing in students and getting them to believe in their own abilities is really just a continuation of this work that we’re doing,” he said.
“Sometimes we get lost, and we think it should only be these big moments, but we cannot get lost thinking that these moments have to be grand. There are so many wonderful, remarkable, small moments of being extraordinary,” he noted with examples.
“One of the things I love at school performances, or at sporting events, is that I love to watch the eyes of parents because their eyes are so proud when they see their kids,” he said. Small, extraordinary moments happen every day, he said.
“Maybe, it’s when they made a new friend on the first day of middle school, because, you know, we’re coming from different elementary schools… or when they found a home in drama class, you know, sometimes it’s just about all of us trying to find a home somewhere.”
“Or when they passed Algebra Two,” he continued.
For some, it might be just overcoming the burden of physically getting to school.
“And we know sometimes, for some kids, it’s hard to get to school. And I don’t say that as a joke, but it’s a struggle. And so the fact that they got to school on time, that might be an extraordinary moment for them, or it might even be an extraordinary moment for their mom.”
“Extraordinary is both the big and the small things,” said Pulver.
Even the origin story of Los Alamitos Unified is extraordinary, said Pulver, noting the school’s outstanding alumni, now parents, even grandparents, yet still feel connected to the school district.
“This community came together with a plan 44 years ago,” said Pulver, to unify three districts into one,” he said.
“And it’s the dream that this community had to shape the trajectory of their kids, it’s about our kids and the stories that they have and why they want to come back.
“We are a public school system,” the superintendent said, noting the district is “meant to serve the public and meant to serve our parents.”
He invited all former Griffin graduates to stand up, and many former students who are now in business or serving the district in other ways stood to applause.
Pulver said education is about much more than getting a diploma, it is about shaping the future of every student. In that regard, he suggested the district itself, including parents, alumni, and educators, is, in itself, an extraordinary feat.
“This is about our kids and the stories that they have, and why they want to come back,” said Pulver. “Who does that,” he asked?
“That’s what people do here,” he said. “They always feel so connected, and I think that’s one of the things that just makes us so special.”
Such dedication has been ongoing for so long, “I think it has been woven into the fabric of Los Al Unified.”
“If we believe in one another, then the next task for us is to empower our kids, to make sure that they can do extraordinary things, but to empower our staff, to empower one another in this community,” the district superintendent said.
“Just by you being here today, you are part of this empowering of our youth and empowering of one another to make great things possible for all kids,” Pulver told the crowd.
“We are fortunate to be extraordinary, to believe in empowering great things for our students,” he said. Listening intently this year, the audience included the new Orange Council Board of Education Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean, whose own children are enrolled in Los Alamitos Unified.
Carrie Logue, the Executive Director of LAEF, thanked the event’s sponsors and presented Pulver with a ceremonial check for $150,975, representing grants awarded to local teachers to modernize and innovate their classrooms.
“At the end of the school year, we gave the staff an opportunity to write grant applications for ways they wanted to innovate in their classrooms, and we received 112 applications,” said Logue. She said wellness had been a big focus of LAEF over the past years, having contributed towards wellness centers at each of the district’s nine campuses.
In addition, she said, “we have been able to provide stipends to help counseling interns.” Over the past decade, LAEF has contributed more than $3.1 million to the district, crediting the “incredible support of our community.”
“LAEF continues to find ways to help support and extend our reach to all kids,” Pulver said. “We could not do what we do without this amazing partnership.”
Seal Beach on Monday, Oct. 21, emailed a letter to Los Alamitos questioning the Lampson Avenue project.
The Seal Beach Environmental Quality Control Board on Oct. 16 unanimously agreed to have staff draft a comment letter on the Los Alamitos Lampson Avenue project. The letter would come back to the Environmental Board for approval before being sent.
Sewer system sustainability and traffic impacts were among the concerns raised by residents and members of the EQCB at last week’s roughly 90-minute long discussion of the proposed residential development in another city. This was a special meeting of the EQCB. The regular meeting of the board, set for Oct. 23, has been canceled.
The letter The Oct. 21 letter raised concerns about flooding, sewer system impacts, transportation, transit contraints, traffic flow, traffic, construction impacts, preservation of local infrastructure, and safety concerns.
“Overall, the proposed plan for the Lampson Park Project raises significant concers due to its excessive density and premature nature,” said the letter signed by EQCB Chair Catherine Showalter.
The discussion The Los Alamitos Planning Commission meeting was scheduled to look at the Lampson development on Wednesday, Oct. 23. The meeting was held after the newspaper’s deadline. The Lampson project proposes the construction of 246 residences on the Los Alamitos side of the Los Al/Seal Beach border. Many College Park East residents have raised concerns about the Lampson project.
The Seal Beach Environmental board held a special meeting last week to discuss the Environmental Impact Report for the project. The document is 2,300 pages long without the appendices. The project EIR has not yet been certified. The following is a summary of highlights from the meeting.
Residents Nine individuals raised their objections to the project during the public comment part of the meeting. Patty Campbell, the District Four (College Park East) representative and chair on the Planning Commission, raised the subject of the sewer system.
Campbell said one of the Los Al Planning Commission members decided they would figure out the sewer system later.
Campbell said Los Alamitos could not run a sewer line down Seal Beach Boulevard because it was cost prohibitive and they would have to do it by hand because there is a gas line that runs along the northern side of Lampson Avenue. She said it was the main gas line between San Diego and Santa Barbara.
Campbell then turned to the question of Seal Beach’s sewer system. “I understand we’ve got seven or eight areas in the track where the sewers are getting compromised because they’re old,” Campbell said.
She said when the office building was operating, people were flushing toilets 9 to 5. With a housing development, they would be flushing toilets 24/7. She said they would be taking showers and using dish washing machines.
“Can our sewers take it?” Campbell asked.
“Everything about their project is done at the expense of Seal Beach,” Campbell said. “Where are they going to park? College Park East,” Campbell said.
Carol Churchill, of Rossmoor, suggested the Environmental Board look at a global infrastructure plan that would include not just Seal Beach’s sewer system, but Seal Beach’s storm drains and other utilities. Ken Scythe, of College Park West, suggested a groundwater system for the whole city. According to Scythe, the Haynes Pipeline Project in College Park West and the Lampson Avenue project both will have a tremendous negative impacts for Seal Beach and very few if any benefits.
Patty Senecal, candidate for the District Four council seat, said she didn’t see the rush. Senecal said Los Alamitos was rushing the final EIR.
“I think we need to take our time,” Senecal said.
“What is our liability 10 years from now, 20 years from now?” she asked.
Mike Gormley of College Park East, a commercial real estate broker, suggested denying the developers anything.
District Four Councilwoman/Mayor Schelly Sustarsic cited an email from Seal Beach Police Capt. Mike Ezroj that said there had been 32 accidents on Lampson since Jan. 2, 2017.
Board members District Five Board Member Don Horning expressed concerned about the Seal Beach sewer system, storm drainage, transportation, soil, and the gas main line.
“If we want to say that it’s too much of a problem for Seal Beach, we should say that that’s off,” Horning said.
District Three Board Member Susan Perrell commended staff on their work on the letter commenting on the EIR. She said she had a lot of comments and questions. She suggested a reduced project would reduce the impact of the Lampson project.
District Four Board Member/Chair Catherine Showalter said there were discretionary permits for the project that would have to be approved by the Seal Beach City Council.
At that point in the meeting, Patty Campbell got out of her seat to approach the podium. Environmental Board Chair Showalter told her the public comment period had closed. Campbell continued to the podium.
Campbell said in this case, the developer picked the consultant for the EIR.
“Seal Beach is not required to use the data that they supplied,” she said.
“The only thing that we have over them is the sewer,” Campbell said.
The draft Environmental Impact Report includes comments on the project, including city government of Seal Beach comments and the responses to those comments. One of the city government comments was: “The DEIR assumes Seal Beach will approve an inter-jurisdictional sewer service agreement; however discussion of alternatives should be provided should the agreement not be approved.”
According to the response, the project is within the Rossmoor/Los Alamitos Area Sewer District sewer service area. “RLAASD does not, however, have sewer lines that connect to the Project site. As a result, since approximately January 1975, the City of Seal Beach has been providing sewer services to the Project site.”
As National Breast Cancer Awareness Month concludes, Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, is proud to announce the launch of the ShareForCures (SFC) Alliance, a groundbreaking initiative designed to harness the collective power of women and transform the future of breast cancer research.
The fight against breast cancer demands continuous support that transcends a single month, and this Alliance brings together diverse nonprofit organizations united in a shared goal: end breast cancer by accelerating the search for the cures. This initiative empowers individuals diagnosed with breast cancer to share their unique health data through Komen’s secure research platform, unlocking vital insights that drive meaningful progress against this disease.
Paradigm Shift: Women Leading the Charge Toward the Cures
For centuries, women have supported one another through adversity, and with ShareForCures, Komen is carrying that legacy forward. By encouraging women to securely share details of their breast cancer journey, SFC enables researchers to gather critical data that will propel breakthroughs in treatment and care.
“The strength of ShareForCures is rooted in the incredible power of women—together, they are propelling the search for the cures for breast cancer,” said Paula Schneider, president and CEO of Susan G. Komen and a breast cancer survivor. “This groundbreaking initiative allows millions impacted by breast cancer to actively contribute to pioneering research that will change lives for the better. As the first to share my data, I encourage every woman to step forward, raise their hand and join this essential movement toward finding the cures.”
Why Representation Matters: Driving Inclusivity in Research
Today, breast cancer research is primarily informed by a small and non-representative group of patients, which slows innovation for all communities. Only about 5% of adults with cancer participate in clinical trials, and fewer than 10% of those participants represent people who are historically marginalized—many of whom experience higher breast cancer mortality rates. For instance, Black women in the U.S. are 38% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, and they are more likely to be diagnosed at younger ages with aggressive forms of the disease.
Additionally, while men account for less than 1% of all breast cancer diagnoses, Black men in the U.S. have the highest breast cancer incidence and mortality compared to other racial and ethnic groups and have lower representation in breast cancer data.
“We need better, more inclusive research to improve outcomes for all communities,” Schneider added. “ShareForCures allows us to bridge that gap by inviting all women and men, especially those from groups who are underrepresented, to share their experiences and data. The more we know, the faster we can end breast cancer.”
The ShareForCures Alliance: Uniting for a Common Cause
The ShareForCures Alliance brings together diverse nonprofit organizations with the shared goal of revolutionizing breast cancer research. Through outreach and education, SFC Alliance members engage their unique communities to boost participation in SFC. By amplifying diverse voices and experiences, the SFC Alliance seeks to expedite groundbreaking discoveries that benefit all individuals impacted by breast cancer. The SFC Alliance’s goal is to enhance SFC enrollment by informing communities about the critical importance of sharing health data through the SFC research registry and empowering them to participate, ultimately accelerating research progress and improving outcomes for everyone affected by this disease.
Each organization brings invaluable expertise and reach within their respective diverse communities, collectively reinforcing a shared commitment to finding the cures.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our Alliance members for partnering with us to create one of the most valuable resources available for breast cancer research,” said Victoria Wolodzko Smart, senior vice president of mission at Susan G. Komen.
A Call to Action: Securely Share Your Data, Help Find the Cures
Breast cancer affects every individual differently and is shaped by biology, lived experiences and demographic factors such as race and ethnicity. To drive meaningful advances in research, scientists need access to a diverse and comprehensive pool of health data that reflects the full spectrum of people impacted by breast cancer. ShareForCures provides a safe, secure platform for participants to contribute their data directly to researchers, breaking down barriers and advancing research for all.
“When breast cancer survivors, particularly those from underrepresented communities, sign up for ShareForCures, they provide researchers with critical data that can lead to faster breakthroughs and improved outcomes for everyone. For starters, we want to help researchers find the answers to why breast cancer recurs for some people and better understand the lived experiences of those with breast cancer,” Smart added.
By joining ShareForCures, individuals are helping to eliminate breast cancer disparities and accelerate patient-focused care, regardless of race, ethnicity or geography. Susan G. Komen invites all those affected by breast cancer to contribute their health data and help fuel the next generation of research and progress toward a world without breast cancer.
To learn more about ShareForCures and how to participate, visit https://www.komen.org/shareforcures/
About Susan G. Komen®
Susan G. Komen® is the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life, Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching for tomorrow’s cures. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at www.komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/.
Longtime Rossmoor General Manager Joe Mendoza has confirmed to ENE that he has indeed informed the community of Rossmoor that he is headed out of the door, at some time, but perhaps not anytime soon.
Many in the community were upset with the Board, and Mendoza, after learning that he resigned in a closed session two months ago and the board failed to disclose it.
Currently, Mendoza is the General Manager of the Rossmoor Community Services District, which has been awarded limited powers by the state to administrate the district. Since it is not either a village, town or city, RCSD must interface with the County of Orange and other agencies to receive municipal type services.
Rossmoor is a member of the California Special Districts Association, though it interfaces with state government along with state elected officials.
The General Manager of the district generally coordinates the RSCD’s board with those agencies. The GM also manages the district’s relatively small staff.
“Yes, I have decided that it’s time to start thinking about stepping away,” said Mendoza in an interview this past weekend. When asked why he did not announce it publicly, Mendoza claimed that the announcement was posted to the community’s website.
“There’s no real timeline,” said Mendoza, “and it’s my choice, so they’re going to start looking for a candidate.”
Some members of the community were upset when they saw public advertisements for a replacement to fill Mendoza’s post advertised recently in the Journal “Public CEO.” They suspected Mendoza told only the three-vote ruling majority.
When he arrived at RCSD, Joe Mendoza’s professional experience included working as Deputy Director with the South Los Angeles County Community Services Agency which included 50 parks and 16 pools within the Second and Fourth Supervisorial Districts and had an annual budget of $25 million in addition to the Department of Parks and Recreation’s overall budget of $125 million.
Joe Mendoza also worked for the City of Cerritos as Recreation Services Superintendent; He managed the budget and staff for the Recreation Services Division; supervised 14 full-time and 125 part-time staff, and 300 volunteers. and was responsible for 20 parks, 2 community gymnasiums, a skate park, Iron-Wood Nine Golf Course, Sports Complex, and the Cerritos Olympic Swim & Fitness Center. He administered joint use contracts with ABC Unified School District and Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department.
Said outgoing General Manager Jim Ruth, “Joe Mendoza gets my highest recommendation. He will be a tremendous asset to the District and the Rossmoor community. We are lucky to have him.”
Filing statements in the City of La Palma reveal that funding supporting the public efforts to pass a term-limit ballot measure has been provided by primarily those seeking to benefit from its passage, according to a group opposed to the measure.
In addition, opponents are also claiming promotional pieces presumably funded by the contributions are wholly deceptive and are “disrespectful” to citizens.
According to Bob Carruth, the spokesperson for a group of La Palma residents opposing Measure W, records from the FPPC’s required election disclosures indicate the $21,500 promotional budget for the “Yes of Measure W” committee has been funded by officials and family members of those in position to benefit from the measure’s passage.
Documents released by Carruth this week reveal that the “Yes on Measure W” Committee is registered to an address in La Palma owned by Council member Nitesh Patel. Contributions to the Measure W committee include:
-$5,000 from Nitesh Patel courtesy of his construction company Devi Construction.
-$5500 from Niti Patel, courtesy of Ram Tulsi, LLC.
-$5500 from Vitesh Patel, the brother of Patel and who is an incoming La Palma City Council member, who will soon represent District 3. Patel utilized his campaign committee and passed through a contribution of $5500 from the Orange County Fire IFAA Local 3631 to the “Yes” on “W” committee.
-$5500 from the campaign committee of Debbie S. Baker, an incumbent Council member who also passed through a contribution made by firefighter’s Local 3631 to the “Yes” on “W” committee.
Currently, Nitesh Patel is the city’s representative on the Orange County Fire Authority Board.
The ENE reached out to the Local 3631 management in Tustin, CA but officials there refused to discuss the matter on the record.
Carruth said while there are no legal prohibitions from the firefighter’s union funding a La Palma ballot measure, ethical questions are another matter. More concerning, perhaps, is the “misleading” and “deceptive” information being disseminated to La Palma voters, said Carruth.
“It is obvious that this entire measure (“Measure W”) is by and for the incumbents on the city Council. It’s not from the people but from them,” said Carruth.
He said the entire campaign has been marked with “deceit and deception,” said Carruth, assailing the “Yes” committee for sending out mailers to residents featuring photos of First Responders under the headline “La Palma’s First Responders urge you to vote “Yes” on “W.”
In addition, he said, the mail piece presented makes little mention of term limits, said Carruth, using the slogan “Reform Government Now.”
Carruth said one mail piece is super disingenuous when it claims passage of the ballot measure will “bring greater accountability and transparency” to La Palma officials.
“We are only one of two local governments in all of Orange County that consistently refuses to provide video access to city council meetings,” he said.
Further, the mail piece showcases the Local 3631 logo and a La Palma Police badge, and basically fails to explain term limits at all except to mention that Measure W will “maintain term limits.”
At the heart of the measure is a provision that will elminate the city’s current two-term limit and allow for three, four-year terms, and for incumbents, allow the clock to start fresh in new districts.
Carruth questioned the Council members for invoking the imagery of police and fire officials on the promotional pieces sent to thep ublic, given the measure’s main focus on term limit expansion for Council members.
If approved by voters, some members of the Council could serve for as long as twenty consecutive years, given of course that they run and are chosen by their constituents in the future elections.
“This measure has nothing to do with public safety,” said Carruth, who said he thinks it is highly disrespectful for the “Yes” on “W” Committee to take advantage of the glow of first responders to promote their own selfish interest.
“Nitesh Patel apparently thinks La Palma voters are stupid, that we’re disengaged, that we’re uninformed, that we’re apathetic, that we really don’t look at the issues, that we’re ignorant and that we’re unable to think for ourselves and see through their little scheme.”
The ENE has again reached out to city hall and to the Council for comment, but has not heard back.
“Just because they (“Yes” on “W” Committee) say, well, the police inspire people, and since they love us, so you should vote yes, that everyone’s going to toe the line. That’s really disrespectful and it’s the type of thing that really gives politics a bad name.
Carruth said this is not Patel’s first attempt to dissolve the term limits approved by voters. He said Patel, who terms out in 2025, unsuccessfully tried to amend La Palma’s two term limit in 2019.
Carruth said In 1996, La Palma voters limited Council members to two (2) full terms in office, yet with a cooling off period, officials can again run for two additional terms.
Current Mayor Pro-tem Mark Waldman has done that and is currently back on the Council.
Patel, along with Mayor Marshall Goodman have been urging residents to consider the impacts of districting and other factors to consider altering the city’s term limit provisions.
They held a special “conversation” earlier this year with residents and eventually, spent thousands to draw up the current ballot measure and put it on the ballot.
Goodman has repeatedly questioned the lack of sufficiently motivated or qualified candidates in the city, citing his own run for a new term without opposition. Goodman terms out this year.
“For me, it’s a pretty long-standing issue,” said Goodman during the open session with residents earlier this year. “We have to do something about city leadership,” said Goodman.
“I see things up here on the dais,” said Goodman, who said he feels compelled to bring them forward. “I would love to know why citizens in 1996 decided to impose term limits,” said Goodman. “It really doesn’t make sense to limit it to two terms,” the mayor said.
Carruth said he and other residents have funded their own effort simply to get truthful, accurate interest to citizens who can make an informed vote.
During this campaign, Carruth photographed the city manager personally removing a “No” on “W” sign from a public space and the opposition group recently hired a lawyer to have the city enforce its own temporary sign ordinance, with two weeks left in the campaign, it has yet to do.
“They planned this from the beginning,” said Carruth, noting that even during the so-called “Community Conversation,” city officials have consistently ignored data and feedback to the contrary.
“They knew the community didn’t want it but they knew they were going to put it on the ballot because they had three votes,” he said, “regardless of what the community said.”
The District One Supervisor on the Orange County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 22 agreed to plead guilty to a felony federal charge for accepting more than $550,000 in bribes for directing and voting in favor of more than $10 million in COVID funds to a charity affiliated with one of his daughters, Rhiannon Do, the Justice Department announced.
Andrew Hoang Do, 62, agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. His plea agreement and information were filed today. He is expected to make his initial appearance in United States District Court in Santa Ana later this month. Do resigned on Oct. 22.
Do is one of five supervisors on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, which is responsible for the county’s $9 billion annual budget. As a county supervisor, Do represents the cities of Seal Beach, Rossmoor, Cypress, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Midway City, and Westminster. He has served as a county supervisor since February 2015.
As part of his plea agreement, Do admitted that in exchange for more than $550,000 in bribes, beginning in 2020, he voted in favor of and directed millions of dollars in COVID-related funds to Viet America Society, a charity affiliated with his daughter. Do directed and worked together with other county employees to approve contracts with – and payments to – VAS. Do further admitted he acted corruptly and abused his position of trust as a county supervisor.
“By putting his own interests over those of his constituents, the defendant sold his high office and betrayed the public’s trust,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Even worse, the money he misappropriated and accepted as bribe payments was taken from those most in need – older adults and disabled residents. Our community deserved much better. Corruption has no place in our politics and my office will continue to hold accountable officials who cheat the public.”
“While millions of Americans were dying from COVID-19, Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do was the fox in the hen house personified, raiding millions in federal pandemic relief funds and orchestrating the money intended to feed elderly and ailing residents to instead fill the pockets of insiders, himself and his loved ones all while portraying a public persona of a hometown hero guiding his constituents through the uncertainty and fear of a global pandemic,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “No one is above the law in Orange County and these charges should serve as a powerful warning to elected officials everywhere that actions have consequences and justice will be swift and it will be decisive.”
With a proposed ballot measure seeking to bring significant new power to city hall on the ballot next week, city officials are ramping up internal security by considering giving its police chief the power to terminate employees if they “leak” information. The potentially new leak termination policy were among the items discussed by the Council at its latest meeting on Oct. 21
Citing unspecified security concerns, City Manager Chet Simmons asked the city’s police chief to explain an evolving policy that apparently, could result in termination of employees. “We’ve had some questions about security that have come up recently,” said Simmons, “that I think would be best suited to be addressed by the Chief.
According to Los Al Police Chief Michael Claborn, “we are going to be ensuring that employees of the city are exercising a sense of confidentiality as it pertains to information that is contained within the city’s databases.”
“And in that process, if we were able, if we were to find out that employees fail to protect confidential information, then they would then be subject to discipline up to and including termination,” the police chief said.
While most of the information dealt with city employees is public information, it was not immediately clear about which “confidential data” that was, or could potentially be “leaked” that can get employees fired.
City officials have been struggling with controlling the debate about its own internal financial information, with two members of the Council consistently pointing out inconsistencies, inaccuracies, and questions about data.
In addition, the city’s new council handbook apparently contains new limits on public data requests that have caused bottlenecks and outright rejection of timely handing over some public data to Council members.
Requests for invoices by Council members have resulted in new policies at city hall that require Council members to go into city hall, literally view documents in hand, not allowed to ask questions, make copies or other records.
Other information, related to the controversial Lampson Project, has also become somewhat of an issue as the process to approve the massive housing project ramps back up.
In other action, Parkwood resident Christine Arfwedson took issue with a Facebook post made by Council member Tanya Doby thanking a consultant with one of the developers involved in the Lampson Place housing project for helping her with her campaign.
“She said in the post, Doby thanked John Gabbard, for helping her campaign, knocking on doors with her for her re-election,” said Arfwedson.
“Why is this a problem,” Arfwedson asked?
She said Gabbard is a consultant for one of the developers involved in the controversial Lampson Place Project, which creates for Doby a conflict of interest.
“This is a direct conflict of interest,” she told Council. “Accepting help from a consultant from a company that will have business directly in front of this council, that is a problem,” she said.
“Miss Doby, you need to recuse yourself from any votes or decisions regarding the Lampson Project,” she said during the Council’s oral communication period.
Gabbard is also an elected Council member from the City of Dana Point, records show. Arfwedson also expressed disapproval of the city’s proposed Measure X ballot proposal.
“My next concern is about measure X,” she said. “This is a measure designed to disguise in positive language different topics of the in the measure that are in no way help to this city. First expanding term limits, possibly deciding that the 12 years starts now, which would get some of the members on the council up to 24 years of being a council member,” said Arfwedson.
She suggested the measure was a wolf dressed in sheep’s clothing to cede more power to city bureaucrats.
“Measure X is draped in positive gobbledygook terms to disguise what it really is. And I say to you, city council to give up oversight of projects you might as well recuse yourself for your duties.” Finally, John Underwood, a longtime area journalist and a producer for the local Los Alamitos Television station, questioned the Council about why the administration took over control at the start of this campaign season.
“It’s a very rare occasion when I come before you in front of these cameras and at this podium, I would much rather be behind the camera promoting and representing this community, its culture and its best face forward,” began Underwood.
“But tonight, I have occasion to express my dismay and my disappointment that staff and the city has determined that Los al TV shall be put on a production freeze, and that only repetitive programming from months ago will be aired on the channel of which I have been monitoring consistently for the last several months,” he said.
According to Underwood, the station has consistently aired the same meeting from months ago, in which a consultant revealed a community survey that was favorable to the city.
Underwood said later in the week, after his appearance at the Council, it looks like city officials have finally begun to update programming.
“I have tried, on many occasions, to get different programs on the air, even as simple as our much-utilized community calendar, which local community stakeholders have utilized over the years, on many, many occasions, we have built that bridge with the community,” he said.
It’s taken years to do so there is a feedback loop there in which we are supported in return, even that has been frozen, and that’s staff’s own word, Los Al TV has been frozen out of event calendar production, current production, and of this all-important election cycle that Los al TV has been part of since its inception in 1984,” said Underwood.
“I’m simply here to say that, yes, there may be as it was, as it was described by staff, a freeze, a programming freeze on Los al TV for the purpose of broader transition and review process. That’s fine. Review process is fine. But do we need to darken our long standing tv operation and restrict the community from current information and access to it to do what is basically an administrative process,” he questioned?
“We’ve never had this occasion before and throughout Los Al TV’s history, we’ve always been there to present in an even and unbiased way, interviews, candidate forums. There are candidate forums out there now that are waiting to go on the production platform of Los al TV, that have been precluded from doing so in this election cycle,” he said.
“But beyond that, even access to events as benign as Dios de los Muertos for St. Isidore, or events from American Legion, 716, or I could go on and on, naming organizations that have, over time, utilized to great advantage los al TV. What we’re talking about here is not just an internal administrative process.
“You’re talking about ending a process that is the public interest and should supersede whatever administrative process may be legitimately at hand and may be quite necessary,” said Underwood.
“I don’t feel we need to darken Los Al TV to do it in this very critical time,” he added.
“Please, I urge staff, and I urge the council to consider expediting the return of La Salle TV to proper current operational footing and do so before this election cycle has been expended.”
Earlier this month, the Los Alamitos High School Class of 1979 gathered to celebrate their 45th High School Reunion, continuing a longstanding tradition of reunions every five years. The event brought together 80 classmates along with some of their former teachers, Coach Frank Doretti and John Leonard, for a weekend filled with nostalgia, reconnection, and giving back, according to information provided by the Los Al Unified School District
The reunion weekend included a special tour of the Los Alamitos High School campus, where alumni marveled at the changes since their time as students. They had the opportunity to visit the new state-of-the-art STEM building, run a few nostalgic laps around the updated track, and even see the framework of the new gymnasium, which is set to be completed in Fall 2025.
For over four decades, the Class of ’79 has maintained a deep bond, not only with each other but with their high school and the local community. Over the years, the class has raised more than $17,000 to support Los Alamitos High School and the local youth community. These contributions have funded scholarships for graduating seniors, as well as early donations to campus improvements, including the first-ever computer for the school’s Career Center.
At this year’s reunion, the class continued their tradition of honoring classmates who have passed away, paying tribute to 52 of their fellow Griffins who are no longer with them. As in past reunions, a special “in memory” tribute was held, and flowers were once delivered to the parents of those who had passed. Now, in their honor, the class awards scholarships to students with criteria reflective of their classmates’ passions — from a love of music to a commitment to community service.
The Class of ’79 currently awards scholarships every five years, with each scholarship tailored to a classmate’s memory. For the upcoming awards in 2025, the criteria will focus on students facing health challenges and those in need of encouragement. Each scholarship, typically between $750 to $1,000, is funded through generous donations from classmates, teachers, and sometimes family members of those being memorialized.
As they look ahead to their 50th reunion in 2029, the class remains committed to their tradition of giving. While their numbers have grown to include classmates who moved away or transferred schools, their close-knit community remains united in their goal to leave a legacy at Los Alamitos High School.
