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Tips to help kids prepare for new school year

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Tips to help kids prepare for new school year

It’s that time of year when families are busy checking off those back-to-school lists, including making sure your student has the right pencils, notebooks, and backpack. But even more important than school supplies may be making sure your child is feeling emotionally and mentally ready to start the school year.

Here are four steps to help reduce stress and help support a healthy start of the school year for students.

Create or Re-establish Routines: What time does the family sit down for dinner? When is homework time? What is the limit for screen time? When is “lights out” at night? What time do alarm clocks ring? The answers are important. Sticking to schedules can create consistency at home that may help your child feel more confident, secure, and stable.

Schedule a Well-Child Visit: It’s always a good idea to make sure children 3 years and of age and older see their provider once a year for an annual routine well-child visit, even if they don’t feel sick. Pediatricians can assess your child’s physical & emotional health before school starts, setting them up for success for the rest of the year. It’s also a great time to complete their school’s physical forms, check their growth and development to help find and prevent any problems, and give them any needed immunizations. Ask your child’s doctor about what’s driving their physical development, such as diet, exercise, and sleeping habits.

Discuss Mental Health: Bringing up mental health can show your child that it’s okay to start those conversations and that they always have a support network they can rely on. If they do talk about being scared or nervous, validate their feelings. Help them feel secure and let them know it’s possible to feel better. These can be sensitive topics for your child, so empathy, openness, and patience can go a long way in helping them feel heard and optimistic that they’ll be OK. Focus on your child’s overall disposition — not just what they’re saying — and watch for warning signs of issues, such as persistent sadness, sudden mood changes, or sleep problems.

Help Develop Independence at Home: For younger kids entering preschool or kindergarten, encourage your child to dress themselves, use the bathroom without assistance, wash their hands, and put on their shoes. Your child should know how to wipe their face after lunch and blow their nose without assistance. They should also be comfortable asking an adult for help when needed.
Archana Dubey, MD, is Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare located in Cypress

Optum Medical steps up to assist WeCare

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Optum Medical steps up to assist WeCare

WE CARE is a local non-profit organization residing in Los Alamitos that pools the resources of the community to meet the emergency needs of families and individuals such as rental assistance, therapy services, food, personal care items, and more.

To provide these resources for families and individuals in need, they depend on a variety of sources. Resources such as donations and fundraisers help to provide families and individuals with food, clothing, shelter, and basic needs for their daily lives. Recently, Ann Mallari, Executive President of WE CARE, reached out through Facebook, Instagram, and other social media sites asking for cereal donations.
Currently, their shelves are in need of replenishing. When Dr. Wendy Grose, DNP from Optum Medical heard of their request, she asked her office manager, Michelle Tungate, to reach out to North Orange County Optum Medical groups to help WE CARE with their current shortage of cereal. These types of requests are not new for Optum Medical North Orange County as they recently stepped up to provide more than 370 sports physicals for Los Alamitos High School. Dr. Wendy Grose, DNP has worked for Optum Medical for more than 20 years and states that this type of support for our community is common for Optum Medical as they support many other non-profits, beach clean-up projects, and other medical resources in Orange County.

Dr. Wendy Grose, DNP originally went to Costco when she saw the request by WE CARE on social media requesting cereal. When she took the much needed supply of more than 50 boxes of cereal, Anne Mallari took time to show her the empty shelves and how grateful her contribution meant to WE CARE. Once Dr. Grose, DNP noted the need WE CARE required replenishing their shelves, she went to her office manager Michelle Tungate requesting Optum Medical North Orange County help replenish their shelves. In less than one week, Michelle Tungate was able to pick up more than 75 boxes of cereal and will continue to collect cereal throughout August.

Dr. Wendy Grose, DNP is asking everyone in the community if they can drop off a few boxes of cereal to WE CARE at 3788 Cerritos Suite B, Los Alamitos. You never know who you might be helping! Dr. Wendy Grose, DNP, is proud of how Optum Medical always steps up to help the community. As she says, we are lucky to have amazing providers who work for an organization wanting to help non-profits like WE CARE when in need.

Aquarium of the Pacific nutures sea turtle to return it to the sea

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Aquarium of the Pacific nutures sea turtle to return it to the sea

A loggerhead sea turtle was rescued near Avila Beach, California, on June 17, 2024, by The Marine Mammal Center’s San Luis Obispo Operations based in Morro Bay, California. The turtle was transferred to the Aquarium of the Pacific where its veterinary and animal husbandry staff members have been aiding its recovery.
“Upon arrival, this sea turtle was hypothermic, in poor body condition with flipper wounds and eye ulcers, and dehydrated. We also took x-rays that showed that the turtle had a mild pneumonia,” said Dr. Brittany Stevens, Aquarium of the Pacific veterinarian. The veterinary team began immediate care. The turtle was warmed slowly to a normal temperature, started on antibiotics, received fluids, eye ointment, and wound treatment.

The sea turtle is approximately 22 inches in length and weighs around 50 pounds. It is a subadult and is estimated to be between ten and fifteen years old. “We have been giving the sea turtle a daily diet of mixed restaurant-quality seafood to help improve its strength and restore it to a healthy body condition,” Stacy Hammond, Aquarium of the Pacific aquarist.

The Marine Mammal Center in Morro Bay transferred the rescued sea turtle to the Aquarium with authorization from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Fisheries office for a medical evaluation and care because of the Aquarium’s expertise in treating and releasing stranded and injured sea turtles.

The Aquarium of the Pacific has rehabilitated and released sea turtles since 2000. Some have been fitted with satellite tracking devices that allowed scientists to gather data about their migration patterns and habitats. Loggerhead sea turtles have a wide habitat range, so the status of this species is determined by specific regions. In the northern Pacific Ocean, loggerhead sea turtles are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, according to NOAA. All loggerhead sea turtles are currently threatened or endangered and are protected under the Endangered Species Act. The last rescued loggerhead sea turtle brought to the Aquarium was rehabilitated and released back into the ocean in November 2015. The Aquarium recently rehabilitated and released a rescued green sea turtle in May 2024.

The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place dedicated to connecting people to and conserving nature. The Aquarium’s vision is to foster an inclusive community that works together to create our sustainable future. Home to more than 12,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include FROGS: Facing a Changing World, Southern California Gallery, Coral Reefs: Nature’s Underwater Cities, Pacific Visions, and Shark Lagoon. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages, including First Wednesdays featuring a variety of guest speakers. The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for 12 months and other special benefits. To make a donation to help support the Aquarium, please visit pacific.to/donate. To visit, reservations are required for everyone and can be made at aquariumofpacific.org or by calling (562) 590-3100.The Aquarium of the Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802.

Return of Long Beach Playoff comes down to playoff

Ted Apodaca
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Return of Long Beach Playoff comes down to playoff

The return of the Long Beach Open Golf Tournament after a COVID-induced hiatus after 2019 was a welcomed event for the players, and probably could not have ended in a more exciting way. The final day of the El Dorado Park Golf Course event came down to a sudden-death playoff that was won on the first hole by Compton resident and St. John Bosco alum, Aaron Grimes.

Epson, a Long Beach native, who played at Long Beach Wilson High and Pepperdine University, went into the final day trailing the leaders (including Grimes) by two strokes. But Epson stormed out to take the lead with four birdies on the front nine and four more on the back nine. Epson finished the round with a lead, but a bogey on 17 cracked the door open for Grimes, who birdied 16 and 18 to force the playoff.
Grimes was out after their drives, and Grimes hit a beautiful second shot that stuck the green about 15 feet from the hole. Epson also hit the green, but his ball rolled just off the back of the green, leaving him about a 20-footer or so from the apron. His first putt was just wide and rolled several feet past the hole.

Grimes had a chance to close it out, but his putt also slid just wide and he tapped it in for a birdie. Epson needed to make his next putt to force another playoff, but his attempt skirted just wide of the hole, sending Grimes into a celebration with his supporters.
“I was really happy, I’ve been grinding for a win, my first big win,” Grimes said.
Grimes had a good size crowd of friends and family, as well as some former coaches and teammates from St. John Bosco High. He has played the tournament several times since turning pro and when he came into the final day with a share of the lead, he said his thoughts were focused on playing aggressively.

“I just told myself to take advantage of this moment,” Grimes said.
The return of the event was welcomed by a full field of players, many returners and some making their pro debuts.

Huntington Beach High graduate Brett Bennett was tied with the leaders at 200 heading into the final round. He finished with a 68 and tied for third in the final standings. He was tied with David Longmire of Arcadia, who played collegiately at UC Irvine. They finished regulation two strokes behind Grimes and Epson.
One stroke behind them, was a four-way tie for fifth place. The group included former Long Beach State golfer Joe Fryer and Cal State Fullerton’s Trevor McNary, who was top amateur in the field.

Longmire shot a 65 in the final round, with a bogey on eight as the only blemish on his day. Longmire had played the Long Beach Open twice before, but missed the cut both times. He said once he made the cut this time, he felt a relief of pressure and it helped his play in the final two rounds. And he was randomly paired with his brother Daniel, who was four strokes behind the leaders heading into the final round. Daniel struggled in his final round, but gave the spectators a jolt on eight with a hole in one.

Cypress residents express concern over new housing ballot measure authorized by Council

David N. Young
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Cypress residents express concern over new housing ballot measure authorized by Council

Despite the concerns of citizens, most of whom said they would not vote for it, the Cypress City Council voted 4-1 at the meeting last Monday to put a measure on the ballot that would flood the former Town Center property with 700 new residences.

In addition, the city acknowledged that although any such construction of those houses are decades away, the Los Alamitos Racecourse will have to be closed and removed from the site before these proposed residences are constructed.

“The new language is shown in red and clarifies that the amendments to this specific program plan provide a right to develop the CTC with the 676 additional units. It does not require the units to be constructed, nor does it permit them. The permitting process would still need to be adhered to,” said Planning Director Alicia Velasco.

Under the city’s housing element approved by the state, Cypress had to demonstrate to state officials the capacity to construct almost 4,000 new residents in the next eight years, although Velasco insisted voter approval “does not mean these new housing units are going to be constructed soon.”
The Housing Element approved by the state does include a fail-safe plan that would allow these additional residences to be proposed to be built in the Lincoln Avenue corridor.

During a public hearing, however, citizens expressed a variety of opinions with most, and not all, opposing the additional housing on the existing racetrack site, one of the largest areas of undeveloped land in the city.
Permits already exist for more than 1,100 residences on racetrack property, said resident Bryant Rut, and if voters approve this ballot measure, it would bring the total to nearly 2,000.

“It puts a disproportionate percentage of the new housing units on the 300-acre Cypress Town Center, Commons area. The ballot measure, if approved, would put 66 percent of the city’s required new residents on 7 percent of the city’s land, he suggested.

This, said Rutt, “is going to exacerbate the overcrowding and traffic congestion for not only the town center residents but also for anyone visiting this area.”

After 45 years in Cypress, Gail Kaplan said this was her first time at a city council meeting. She said the housing, as proposed, is not really going to be affordable and could put a strain on other resources.

Resident Rita Gamily, a 30-year Cypress resident, took issue with City Manager Peter Grant who lauded the city’s management team, including Velasco, earlier in the meeting.

“When Peter Grant mentioned how great you guys are doing, I’m going to say go talk to the residents and my neighbors. This is not the case and not the feeling we have,” she said.

She chided city officials for approving a local business with insufficient parking and “guess what, all those employees are parking on our residences because there is not enough parking,” she said.

“And now you want to build an additional 676 residential units on top of the 1100 already approved,” she said, “can you picture that. Talk to the residents instead of just assuming, “ she said.

Resident Brittney Cook held up an Instagram ad that she said the city had put on Instagram with the headline “Maintain Local Control.”

“My concern is this ad that was paid for by the City of Cypress, on the city’s official page, and it is beautiful, well done, except to my understanding, there is no such scenario here,” said Cook.

“Whether citizens vote yes or no,” said Cook, “we still maintain local control, so why are we fear-mongering? That’s a little concerning to me,” she said. Even if residents vote not, she said, there is a failsafe plan so no loss of local control.

“Maybe we need to look at what’s going out before it goes out,” said Cook.
Armando Sepulveda said he remembered “reading about how the city awarded a trash contract without following the proper procedure, which gave me a very negative impression of the city.”

Already, he said, traffic is “bumper to bumper morning and evening”, and “unless you double-decker Katella Avenue, and Cerritos, it’s going to be a nightmare,” he said.

“It’s insane. It’s really, quite insane,” said resident Marilyn Reames, who again reminded the city council that the Ovation Senior Living community still does not have a traffic light on Katella Ave. to give residents convenient access to their own community.

To make matters worse, this slither of Cypress has a Los Alamitos zip code, which Reames said sometimes makes life confusing.

“And you’re talking about adding hundreds and hundreds and hundreds more residents that will also share that 90720 zip code. Good luck with that. I’m proud to be a Cypress resident. So anyway, if this goes to the ballot, I guarantee I’ll vote it down. I appreciate all the hard work, but we see the reality of it every single day.” said Reames.

Not all residents were opposed.

Former Mayor, businessman and Chamber Board member Tim Keenan praised the Council.

“I’m here to support the city’s suggestion for a ballot measure that will make modifications to allow this increase to the already approved residential zoning,” said Keenan.

“It’s kind of coincidental, but future development is reliant on the racecourse going away some long time out in the future,” he said.

He suggested “if you’re angry about this,” that residents should focus their anger on “politicians in Sacramento,” not the City Council.

Cory Sanders, a resident who lives north of Lincoln, said “I feel like our part of the city is not being well represented here tonight.” She said most residents north of Lincolan have absolutely no idea what’s going on.

While she expressed concern of the density increase to 30 units per acre, Sanders said she supported bring the ballot measure to a vote. “Let the voters decide,” she said. “I think that’s important.”

“I agree with the council,” said resident Paul Kokkinos. “On some level, growth is essential. We may not all like it. I know that there are a lot of people here who would prefer zero growth. I’m not one of them. I see that there’s a place for growth,” he said.

“But what I also see is that it’s an opportunity for additional transparency because as a city, our residents and our voters need to know, in an easily accessible format, who financially supports the campaigns of council members both current and future,” he said.

Kokkinos suggested that with a boatload of money about to be made by developers, city officials whose campaigns benefit from those dollars should be more transparent with the voters “so we can ensure that our city council remains free as much as possible of pay-to-play governance.”

“Certain entities in the development of the CTC stand to make millions of dollars. That’s frightening. Okay, that’s concerning,” he said.

Council member Frances Marquez agreed, and in fact, demanded by Mayor Scott Minikus and Mayor Pro-tem Bonnie Peat to recuse themselves on the ballot measure vote because of special interest funding their campaigns in 2022 had involuntarily received from PACs connected to the racecourse.
Marquez suggested Minikus’s campaigns received the beneficial interest of $16,000 and Peat’s campaign had the benefit of $8000 from the Safe Neighborhoods PAC, to which a developer from Los Al Racecourse had contributed.

“Although it’s not illegal, I believe it is important for residents to know that approving additional units on the racecourse would increase the value of the land owned by the developer who spent heavily to support Mayor Minikus and Mayor Pro-tem Peat,” said Marquez.

“Mr. Mayor, I continue to be of the opinion that this is not related to the public hearing issue,” contended Fred Galante, the city’s legal counsel.

“Campaign contributions have no role in your decision in the state. State law makes it clear that whether or not you receive a campaign contribution does not impact your ability,” he said.

“I understand that and it’s sad that Council member Marquez continues to go on these rants,” scoffed Minikus.

“Excuse me, it’s not a rant,” Marquez shot back, “It’s important for the residents of Cypress to know what’s really happening behind the scenes.

That’s why I always put myself out there to tell you what is really happening.”
Council member Anne Hertz Mallari quizzed Velasco and Public Works Director Doug Dancs about resource issues, wanting to ensure the city’s infrastructure was prepared for adding a large volume of new residences when the time came.

In addition, she wanted to make sure that the city’s regular zoning laws would trump the Housing Element, saying she wanted to clarify a question asked by a resident. “She was concerned that this might force businesses like the racecourse to close and that’s not correct, right?”

“The racecourse is a private property owner and that owner can continue to operate as a racecourse, or whomever follows him, for as long as they like. This is just another option,” said Velasco.

“I want to thank all the residents who have come out and spoken tonight on this and all the residents who have emailed or spoken to me in person over the past couple of weeks. It’s been very interesting to hear the different perspectives and I really, it’s so helpful to me, as a council member to hear directly from community members in here,” said Council member David Burke.

“I’ve heard from people on both sides on this and the majority of people I’ve heard from they’ve said that they wouldn’t probably vote yes on the ballot measure or they would vote no on it. And they’re concerned about the density level. And the traffic, which I think we’ve heard that tonight,” he added.

I’m comfortable with voters making that decision. And I also want you to know that I’m committed to making sure that you do have accurate information. I am happy to be a conduit if you have questions that you want us to put on the website under frequently asked questions or if you just want to ask me directly. I really just want this to be based on the facts.

“I think what we’re trying to do is to provide options and leave it up to the residents to what that looks like but provide medium density homes that are hopefully more affordable than some of the other things are, but really provide options for the kids and their kids in 15 – 20 years,” said Peat.

“People are looking forward to being able to live locally and have newer homes to live in. and trying to live in Cypress if they could. Now look at those prices today, the whole housing market is crazy,” she said.

“I hear all sides of it and I understand it and I think we need to leave it to voters,” said Peat.

Before the Council voted, Grant explained the exponential projection used by staff to determine that if certain things did happen, and others didn’t, the city could, in the future, perhaps lose their local control as he defended the ad that Cook criticized as fear mongering.

In the end, Minikus and Peat voted, as the Council voted 4-1 to send the additional housing approval measure to be placed on the November statewide ballot. Marquez voted no.

The ballot measure will now appear on the November ballot.

Commander greets Chamber members at JFTB mixer

David N. Young
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Commander greets Chamber members at JFTB mixer

The commander of the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos said this week he is making progress both in creating change at the base and getting to know the people and the communities around this massive military installation.

The event was sponsored by the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce and more than 60 people gathered for a mixer this past week on the patio of “Fiddlers Green,” the base’s pub.

“Thank you so much everyone for coming tonight,” said Chamber Co-President Meryl Cohn. “It’s so exciting to have an event on the base,” she said, noting that “it’s been a long time since we’ve been able to do this.”
Cohn introduced Lt. Col. Dan Fox, the base commander, who was there personally greeting the guests and welcoming the business community members to the base.

“I am here because this was the assignment that I was given,” said Fox, “and I couldn’t be happier about it, because it gives me an opportunity to learn a lot about this type of organization, what we call at a different level. civil-military relations,” said Fox.

“In the military, I get the opportunity to advise the national command authority about how they should employ our military forces against the common enemy.

“In this civilian-military interaction, I get the opportunity to engage on our base and speak the priorities of my bosses in Sacramento out to the community so that I can solicit your input on how we can better serve and work together,” he told the group.

Under the brisk California sun, shaded a bit by a couple of palm trees on the base, he said “I’m a California National Guardsman and I’ve been one since just before September 11 of 2001.”

“I’ve done different tours around the National Guard up and down the state of California, out to Washington DC, back to California, back to DC, etc.

In essence, he said, “I’m just another National Guardsman as far as it goes, here to exploit the opportunity to learn, as any good commander should be striving to be a good commander.”

“We’re doing good things, I hope, at least that’s what I’m being told,” the commander told the Chamber members, “and I do appreciate it. I challenge anybody that has a different opinion to reach out to me directly, or indirectly, however, you want to do it.”

“It’s always nice to hear that I’m doing a good job,” he said. “I want you to understand, and more importantly, believe that it is not me. It’s the people that I have the honor to lead. It’s the people I have the honor to serve with,” said Fox.

Fox said he keeps a suggestion box on his desk.

“You want something done? I will look into it. Some things, I can do; and some things I can’t do. Back to what I said when I first got here. I believe in win-win. I believe that we are all better off together,” Fox said.

Fox, a California native, was reassigned as Commander of the Joint Forces Training Base from his last assignment in the Pentagon. He has been very vocal and outspoken about the part of his current mission as Commander is to rebuild community relations between JFTB and the surrounding communities.
More than once, Lt. Colonel Fox invited the visiting Chamber members to knock on his door with ideas for collaboration.

“When I was a congressional aide, we believed that there is no such thing as a bad idea or any idea that’s too stupid. And that’s true. If you have an idea, I want to hear about it. If you think that we can be better partners. I would love to hear about it. If it’s feasible and legal, we will figure out how to make it work,” he said to the Chamber.

“For example, you guys are here I’m happy about that you’re here on the base you’re putting money into my what’s called a non-appropriated fund which is that hotel there functions on what it generates you guys are kind enough to come here and let me exploit that,” said Fox.

Fox gave a real-world example of working with Los Al Council member Emily Hibard whose Highlands neighborhood touches the base’s western boundary.
“I have a flood control channel problem. I am aware of it and I am getting that feedback. ‘When are you going to fix this,’” Fox said he is asked.

“My excuse? It’s an explanation but an excuse is that I work at the speed of government. All of your great ideas that I look forward to profiting from work at the speed of government,” Fox explained.

“I would like to think I’m a ramrod for in increasing the speed of government but one of my recent experiences I had was getting a definition approved by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs took five years. I want to do better than that.”

“I will always take your phone call,” he said, “and I will do whatever I can to get it addressed. “As fast as I can make the government work, I promise you, we will do it.”

Third time’s the charm for Wiener Dog Cannon Ball Charlie

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Third time’s the charm for Wiener Dog Cannon Ball Charlie

Cannonball Charlie, who tied for second in the 2022 Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals and was third in the 2023 running, finally won the elusive title of Fastest Wiener In the West after scoring a smashing victory in the 27th running of the Wiener Nationals on Saturday night at Los Alamitos Race Course in Cypress, California.

Owned by Victoria Cortez of Fullerton, Cannonball Charlie was fastest from a group of more than one hundred dachshunds that competed in the country’s most famous race for weenie dogs. After winning his trial heat, Cannonball Charlie defeated nine other doxies by the length of his long, low powerful sausage-like body.

“He’s been so close the past two years, but he finally got it done,” Victoria said. “I knew he could do it. He just goes crazy when he sees his favorite ball. He did it. He won.”

Cannonball Charlie won the golden championship jacket, a crystal trophy, a $1,000 cash prize, and a red and yellow doghouse in the shape of a Wienerschnitzel restaurant. He’ll certainly be living it up in style in his new doghouse.

In a too close to call finish for second, the placing judges of the race declared a tie for second place between Amber Garcia’s Okja of Tustin and Dan Clifford’s Sonny of Tustin.

“Sonny has never raced before until tonight,” his owner said. “We were shocked that he did so well.”

Big crowds at Los Al Race Course. Courtesy photo

The second-place finishers each won a $300 cash prize and finalist trophies.
With a full house of wieners -a record in the event’s history – the big winners were the Seal Beach Animal Care Center, a non-kill shelter in Seal Beach, as the Wiener Nationals raises funds for this great organization. Total attendance for the event was around 7,500.

Other finalists in the race were Chelsey Lunney’s Clyde from Riverside; Kimberly Rosas’ Avi from La Habra; Ariana Gonzalez’ Burr from Cypress; Cynthia and Daniel Comer’s Odin Van Nosey from Spring Valley; Denise Miesner’s Ezri from San Diego; Alyssa Lucas’ Bean from Henderson, Nevada; and Sydney Nash’s Goose from W. Hollywood. Shannon Sackley’s Frankie won the Diaper Dash for puppies 11-months of younger.

With a full house of wieners -a record number for this event – the big winners were the Seal Beach Animal Care Center, a non-kill shelter in Seal Beach. Since 1996, the Wiener Nationals has helped raise over $300,000 for the SBACC. Total attendance for the event was around 7,500, which is a season high for Los Alamitos Race Course. Sign-ups for the 2025 Wiener Nationals has already begun at LosAlamitos.com or interested doxie owners can e-mail larace@losalamitos.com for more information.

Maynard says Rossmoor is a “frightened” community

David N. Young
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Maynard says Rossmoor is a “frightened” community

With the need for housing in California becoming a monster, gobbling up a spacious way of life, Rossmoor Directors told Orange County officials this week that they don’t want to become a casualty of the county’s need for space.

Orange County planning officials Cindy Salazar and consultant Ashley Broadkin appeared before the Rossmoor Board of Directors at their July meeting on Tuesday to update RCSD on the county’s overall General Plan.

Directors listened to Salazar and Brodkin, but then quizzed them on how the new rules for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) might affect Rossmoor and they expressed concern that multi-story housing units might replace businesses on the property located at the intersection of Los Al Boulevard and Katella Ave.

When it came to the update on the County’s Housing Element, Salazar said the county must plan to develop 10,406 residences in the next eight years, prompting fears already expressed by the Directors to resurface.

“We understand it’s a policy,” said First Vice President Tony Demarco, referring to the housing element. “But it’s out of our hands almost,” he suggested.
Nevertheless, Demarco used an example of a single-story restaurant, worth $3 million, but given the opportunity to build six-story condos “like they’re building on Beach Boulevard and all over Orange County.”

“A developer is going to come in and just give these people money,” he said.
Demarco asked the officials to confirm that, if the corner at Los Al Blvd. and Katella were converted to housing, condos could indeed be built six stories tall.

“If they stay under the 65-foot limit, then yes,” said Brodkin.
In addition, Demarco said they are also worried about the conversion of local churches into housing.

“I can tell you that’s what our community is concerned very concerned about, is the conversion of our churches, the conversion of our commercial property.

We do not want to lose our single-family areas,” he said, asking the OC Planning officials to explain new laws that allow duplex and ADU’s.

Brodkin said lot owners who split their properties are still allowed only four total units, not four units and four units on each part of the newly split lot.
“That (four-unit) limitation of the four units still applies,” Brodkin said. “If they split it, they would be getting to a single family and an ADU and the same for the other lot. It is a maximum of four,” she said.

Nevertheless, Rossmoor, a stand-alone community of more than 3,000 single-family homes, has long prided itself on its quality of life. With a full-time arborist, the community is also extremely proud of its well-known urban forest.

New state laws that allow duplexes where single-family homes now sit and the unending quest for new units associated with various Housing Elements have created urgency while the state has taken much of the housing authority from local communities.

Both Salazar and Brodkin answered Demarco’s detailed questions about zoning, construction, and what impact the county’s Housing Element might have on Rossmoor.

Facing future threats to Rossmoor’s serenity, Board President Michael Maynard put the fate of Rossmoor in the county’s hands.

“As you can tell by the tone of this Board, we’re obviously concerned about our neighborhood, mainly maintaining what has been here since the mid-50s,” Maynard told the OC officials.

“And when we think about threats to the lifestyle that we’ve all become accustomed to and moved to the support community, we moved to this beautiful community, he said.

“I know you have jobs to do, you have to identify, you have to designate, but it becomes a slippery slope,” said Maynard, suggesting it will become a “temptation” for business owners to cash in.

“It becomes a temptation for a business owner who runs a restaurant to say you know what, I’m done with this. I’m retiring,” said Maynard. He said with these rules in place, developers will be scouring neighborhoods looking for properties on which to build.

“it is a threat. It does become a slippery slope for things to happen,” Maynard. “Especially at the fast pace that we’ve seen other neighboring cities having to deal with,” he said.

“We shake our heads and we can’t believe Sacramento is not only allowing for it, it is mandating this and actually threatening cities and communities with lawsuits and penalties,” the board president said.

Maynard said the company is “frightened” and asked for Orange County’s help.
Whatever you can do to mitigate…a frightened community, I’ll call it out,” said Maynard.

“We’re concerned about the threat. And we thank you for coming here and putting up with our questioning. We want to encourage you to protect us and find out a way to protect us we need your help.”

Long Beach’s Joe Jost’s turns 100 years old

David N. Young
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Long Beach’s Joe Jost’s turns 100 years old

By Chris MacDonald

Joe Jost’s is one of the oldest, continually-run taverns west of the Mississippi River, according to owner Ken Buck. “The business founded in 1924 by my grandfather is considered a Long Beach institution, serving the coldest beer, tastiest “Joe’s Special” sandwiches, pickled eggs, fresh roasted peanuts and warmest atmosphere of any tavern in the United States,” said Buck, who admits he’s a little biased.

Buck bought the business from the original Joe Jost 50 years ago to continue the tradition of offering hungry diners and sports enthusiasts a welcoming atmosphere in what patrons fondly call their favorite dive bar.

Located at 2803 East Anaheim Street, one of the oldest pubs in Long Beach is celebrating its 100th anniversary in August by donating 50% of all food and beverage sales to local non profits such as: Southern California Fisher House on August 5th, Long Beach Fire Fighters on August 6th, Long Beach Police Offers Association on August 7th, The Long Beach Ronald McDonald House on August 8th and Pathways to Independence on August 9th.

“Joe Jost’s is a Long Beach institution and part of the fabric of our City,” said Long Beach Vice Mayor Cindy Allen. “I have so many great memories and I’m so glad they are still here after all these years, operating successfully and serving our community.”

Long Beach Native Alan Attardo said he remembers his dad bringing him, his brothers and sisters to Joe Jost’s in their family Station Wagon as a kid and enjoying those tasty sandwiches.

Former Long Beach resident Michael Rogers said: “Joe Jost’s is where I met my wife, Michele, 40 years ago. My wife used to work at the Joe Jost’s in Downtown Long Beach and they provided the food for our wedding reception.” Rogers said one of the grandsons, Joseph Christopher Jost, remains an old friend. “And after all these years, we still eat at Old Joe’s — it’s a great place for lunch!”

The building where Joe Jost’s sits is a real piece of history in the eyes of Long Beach resident Bob Johnson. “I have been going there since I was a kid and also went to Fisherman’s Hardware that used to be next door to it.”
Learn more on Joe Jost’s at: joejosts.com . They are open Monday to Sunday from 10am to 10pm. You can also call them at: (562) 439-5446.

Mosquitos test positive for West Nile virus

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Mosquitos test positive for West Nile virus

he Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) has confirmed that mosquitoes collected in the city of Huntington Beach have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). These are the first samples to test positive in the county this year. The positive mosquitoes were collected in an area bordered by Newland St., Adams Ave., Bushard St., and Atlanta Ave. in Huntington Beach.

West Nile virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which acquire the virus when feeding on infected birds. At present, Orange County has not reported any human cases of West Nile virus.
“Mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus is an indication that the virus is circulating in the community. Huntington Beach is historically a high-risk area for West Nile virus activity. Conditions across the region are favorable for sustained virus activity during the warm summer months,” said Amber Semrow, Director of Scientific and Technical Services.

OCMVCD staff will continue to conduct surveillance, inspections, and control measures for mosquitoes in the area to prevent additional mosquito breeding. OCMVCD will also post WNV advisory signs alerting residents of WNV activity in the affected area.

“The District is using an integrated vector management approach to monitor and reduce mosquitoes in the area. However, it’s essential that community members do their part to dump and drain standing water,” said OCMVCD Public Information Officer Brian Brannon. “Residents can also protect themselves and their families by using EPA-registered repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing and spreading the word to friends and neighbors.”
To prevent mosquito bites, take action and follow these tips:
• Dump and drain containers filled with water at least once a week
• Clean and scrub bird baths and pet water bowls weekly
• Dump water from potted plant saucers
• Wear repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Close all unscreened doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home or space; repair broken or damaged screens
For more information about prevention, visit www.ocvector.org.

Judge forces Huntington Beach to make airshow settlement public

David N. Young
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Judge forces Huntington Beach to make airshow settlement public

After being sued under the State Records Act, the City of Huntington Beach Pacific Airshow has finally made public a Settlement agreement it tried to keep secret.

The Settlement Agreement that awards up to $7 million for the one-day cancellation was made after an oil spill from an area pipeline caused the cancellation of one day (Sunday) of the air show in 2021.

Huntington Beach officials refused to release the settlement until a judge ruled under the state’s records act that it must be made public.

In a statement, Huntington Beach Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark said “the Settlement Agreement was held back by the City Attorney due to the city’s imminent lawsuit with Amplify Energy and other oil spill descendants.”

“As the community knows, the Pacific Air Show is a world-class event that brings millions in economic benefits to Huntington Beach.

Though the city throws around the $100 million benefit each year, a Voice of OC investigation in the exactly how that number is derived seemingly came up short. Undoubtedly, however, the thousands of tourists who attend do bring a substantial economic boost.

According to the settlement, which is now posted online, Huntington Beach agreed to pay $2 million in 2023, and another $3 million in six-year installments (until 2029).

In addition, the city ganted to Pacific Air Show the right to recover an additional $2 million from whatever settlement, if any, is derived from litigation against the pipeline and related interests.

Finally, the city will refund $149,200 in fees paid by Pacific Air Show to Huntington Beach towards the 2022 show and will defer fees on 600 parking spaces and guarantee them at least $110,000 in parking income during the show.

In her statement, Mayor Van Der Mark said the settlement “ensures the potential for future airshows, which again, she says produces $100 million per year in economic benefit.

“Although there are terms for potential longer term airshows, “no commitments have been made in the settlement.”

Cypress Scouts attend growth, leadership camp

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Cypress Scouts attend growth, leadership camp

Boy Scouts Troop 670 continues tradition of growth and leadership at Summer Camp

Founded in 1967 and chartered by Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, the Roughriders of Cypress BSA Troop 670 have a storied history of excellence. With over 170 Eagle Scouts produced in its more than 57 years of existence, the troop has consistently upheld a proud tradition of attending summer camp annually, offering scouts transformative experiences that nurture personal growth and leadership skills. This year’s camp, held from July 7th to July 13th, featured a variety of activities designed to challenge and engage the scouts, such as wilderness survival training and merit badge workshops.

Scoutmaster Mr. Walker commented, “Each year, I see these young men return from camp with a renewed sense of purpose and maturity. The skills they learn and the friendships they forge here are invaluable, preparing them for the challenges of the future.” Parents have also praised the program, noting the positive changes in their children. Mrs. Gallegos, mother of a scout, said, “My son has grown so much through his years in scouts, particularly during these summer camps. The experiences and lessons learned are something he will carry with him for life.”

The Girl Scouts Troop 670, recently established in 2023, is celebrating a remarkable year of achievements and growth. This year, the Girl Scouts Troop 670 marked a significant milestone by participating in their first summer camp at Lost Valley. The girls demonstrated their skills and resilience, making a lasting impression on their fellow scouts and leaders. This inaugural participation highlighted the inclusive nature of Troop 670, emphasizing that scouting is for everyone.

The Roughriders meet on Monday evenings at 7 PM and welcome any youth in the 5th grade or higher, including both boys and girls. Prospective members are encouraged to visit and see what Scouting has to offer. More information is available at www.troop670.com or by contacting recruiting.t670@troopmaster.email.

Cypress needs a Planning Commission

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Cypress needs a Planning Commission

Dear Editor,

A recent brochure from the City of Cypress is once again pushing citizens to vote yes to additional.

Housing (4600 units total on racetrack property). See Prop. A from 2018.
California State Housing Mandate is requiring communities to build additional affordable housing.

Some communities have challenged the State on this issue, no final determinations have been made.

What happens if the city does not comply? The State installs a Planning Commission to take over the process. (Cypress should have had a Planning Commission years ago). Perhaps a State appointed Commission would be a viable alternative.

The city states the local population has stagnated for many years. Cypress population has fluctuated in small increments for several years. The recent three-year decline of about 1900 people could, in part, be attributed to the pandemic.

The City Council needs to tell residents how failing to vote on this ballot is going to impact their taxes. Increase city sales tax, 1/4, or ½% perhaps? The County Tax Assessor assess county property taxes, not City Countils.
The median income for Cypress is about $117,000 a yr. (some websites report higher amounts).

Understand, this earner cannot afford mortgage payments higher than $2500-$3000 a mo. Can this earner buy one of these new properties? Probably not. So much for “attracting young families.”

(City’s words, not mine). How many of the 4600 units are going to be affordable housing as required by the Mandate?

Cypress needs a Planning Commission, 6-7 people, not staff or council, and not related to either group.

Does the city have a plan B if this issue is defeated at the polls?

Areas all over the State of California are feeling the effects of the highest median pricing for a home in the Country, @ $787,000. Colorado has the second highest at $612,000.

Recent “open houses” around this ballot issue were attended by 150 folks, or .003% of the city’s population. Communications and answering questions need to be improved.

I hope the City Council is listening.
Claire J. Sieverman
Cypress

RCSD majority’s power grab overreach should end

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RCSD majority’s power grab overreach should end

Dear Editor,

I attended the Rossmoor Community Services District board meeting on July 9, where officials from the Orange County Public Works planning department spoke on two topics: a revised 20-year vision for Orange County unincorporated communities and an update on state mandates for housing development.

After the presentation on unincorporated areas, RCSD director Mike Maynard expressed displeasure that this update was coming after the process had already begun, instead of seeking this Board’s input from the start.

Mr. Maynard explained that the presenter had the privilege of speaking to 5 elected officials whom he proclaimed had jurisdiction over 10,500 residents. He advised that in the near future, public works select 1 or 2 members from RCSD to consult on crafting the 20-year vision.

I had to cringe at this notion that RCSD board members should be sought after by the Orange County Public Works, one of the nation’s largest public works departments. The outreach was intended to make the community aware that we can participate in the 20-year County vision process, including Mr Maynard and any other individual so inclined, and she gave links to their website.

It is misleading and grandiose for Mr Maynard to say OCPW should have addressed RCSD much sooner in their process. He was off base promoting RCSD as having governance over anything other than Rossmoor’s parks (along with very limited authority in street sweeping and lighting).

Ironically, under the leadership of President Maynard and Vice President Tony DeMarco, RCSD has failed to prepare a 5-year Master Parks Plan or a 5-year Capital Improvement Plan for Rossmoor parks during their tenure, as their predecessors have done. They have repeatedly missed schedules for park improvements. With this record, why would Orange County Public Works seek their expertise for a countywide 20-year plan if RCSD has been so undisciplined about their own parks’ 5-year vision?

As a second topic OCPW offered an informational update on some aspects of the housing element status. While not within the purview of RCSD either, it is likely of interest to many Rossmoor residents. However, I did not appreciate Mr. Maynard’s comments.

He mischaracterized Rossmoor residents as a “frightened community” in need of “protection” from the threat of the housing element. Mr Maynard has never talked to me or my neighbor friends about how we feel, and he certainly has no authority to speak on behalf of us as a community since, once again, RCSD is only a parks and recreation service district. To speak on behalf of the Rossmoor community, especially in this very unbecoming and inaccurate way, is offensive and an overreach of authority.

The hypocrisy is glaring. The hunger for more power is clear. RCSD has overreached and abused its authority. The power grabbing in matters outside of their jurisdiction is obvious. While RCSD tries to inject itself in housing, county planning, traffic and parking, it is failing to execute on the matters within its jurisdiction. RCSD has expended tens of thousands of dollars attempting to assert itself in matters outside its jurisdiction, reducing its budget for capital budgets and operations at its parks.

The majority 3 on this board fuels a deep chasm in our community with hateful misrepresentations such as these, one sided partisanship, selective listening, and bias on important issues for Rossmoor Parks. Maynard, Demarco and Barke have shown favoritism for selective activities at Rush Park versus Rossmoor Park. Is anyone surprised all three of them live near Rush Park?

If they had real neutrality in decisions impacting one park versus another, why would pickleball and girls’ softball be nonstarters at Rush Park? This RCSD majority has used its leverage to protect their own peace and quality of life.
This isn’t the first time Mr. Maynard has represented Rossmoor residents as fearful. Why is it that Mr. Maynard wants to characterize Rossmoor as being weak with fear of one another, either being in the faction of being frightened of our neighbors, or in the faction of instilling fear in our neighbors.

This board needs to be reined in. Three of its current Board members are coming up for re-election, including Nathan Searles, DeMarco & Barke. As voters this November, we can reconstitute the RCSD majority by electing people that will restore neutrality, listen to all of its constituents, reinstate a 5-year vision, bring back transparency and accountability, and allow Rossmoor residents to feel we all matter again.
Sue and Rob Kaplan
Rossmoor

Cypress settles CVRA lawsuit, but final cost to taxpayers could reach $2 million

David N. Young
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Cypress settles CVRA lawsuit, but final cost to taxpayers could reach $2 million

The Cypress City Council has voted unanimously on what many past and former elected Council members hoped would never happen as the settlement agreement that acknowledged Cypress was in violation of the California Voting Rights Act has been signed and the attorney was paid June 30.

Malini Nagpal
Courtesy photo

Plaintiff Malini Nagpal, who along with fellow Cypress resident joined the lawsuit filed by attorney Kevin Shenkman on behalf of the Southwest Voter Education Project, acknowledged that they have signed the settlement agreement to settle with the city.

“I’m glad it is settled,” she said this week. “I did not appreciate the city council’s process, not listening to the public.”

Nagpal said it appeared the Counci just “pushed the can down the road” until “they could get the candidates theywanted.”

She also expressed concern that Cypress citizens were left out of the discussions and the Council’s “level of agression was not needed.”

Tremendous disagreements emerged on the Council in September of 2021 when Shenkman’s demand letter arrived at city hall.

Actually, the saga began not long after the previous Council, led by Mayor Paulo Morales refused, despite the pleadings of citizens, including fellow candidates, to appoint Carrie Hayashida to a vacancy created by the resignation of Stacy Berry in June of 2021.

In late August of 2021, the Council set up a process that ultimately overlooked several Asian candidates and voted to appoint Scott Minikus, a retired Long Beach law enforcement officer.

A month later, in September of 2021, Malibu Attorney Kevin Shenkman, of Shenkman and Hughes, sent the city a certified letter asking them to voluntarily convert to at-large districts and gave them an option of simply paying a $35,000 fine.

Moreover, the previous Council could have easily approved a special election to fill the vacancy, expressing concern about the cost, which city officials said could range from $75,000 – 200,000.

Now, three years later, the city just paid to Shenkman and the plaintiff’s attorneys $835,000, and, according to warrants, more than $550,000 of taxpayer funds to other law firms involved in their defense of a case that never went to trial.

Council member Frances Marquez.
Courtesy photo

Council member Frances Marquez, who suggested she has been bullied, and censured wrongly since this redistricting fight began, said while she was happy to see it end, she was correct in the first place.

“I’m happy to see this end tonight,” she said, suggesting it was easy to try and make her the villain and it was a pitiful waste of taxpayer money.
Marquez urged settling like La Palma, which also transitioned from at-large to single member districts but at a cost of only $35,000 to taxpayers.

“As a political science professor, when they said they were going to fight it. I was like, No, I don’t want it. We can’t waste taxpayer dollars. We need to use the funding for our community,” she said.

She has drawn fire over the entire period as she urged the city to “stop wasting taxpayer dollars.”

While the city has directly spent approximately $1.5 million in legal fees, internal staff time and subcontractors, which are not cited in the settlement could easily push the overall cost of the multi-year ordeal to taxpayers much higher.

Former Mayor Paulo Morales
Courtesy file photo

Marquez also drew the ire of former Mayor and Council member Jon Peat when she suggested city officials were postponing a settlement until Peat’s wife Bonnie could run for Council while the voting was still at-large.
Jon Peat blew up at Marquez in January of 2022.

As reported in on January 29, 2022, Marquez responded, “when I mentioned Mayor Peat’s wife, I was just stating a fact not an opinion. Thank you.”
“Excuse me,” said Peat, loudly, who was sitting off the dais looking directly at Marquez (so that the remaining members could be socially distanced at the dais).

“That is not a fact. You can’t make a statement about my wife and a fact about something that hasn’t happened. … You’ve never talked with her,” Peat said angrily.

Former Mayor and Council member Jon Peat.
Courtesy file photo

“I don’t know how you assert that she’s running for city council. How do you make a statement about my wife doing something when you’ve never spoken with her? And how dare you bring my family into this,” shouted Mr. Peat when he was serving in Jan. of 2022.

Both Morales and Peat have since termed out.

As it turns out, Peat’s wife Bonnie did run for Council in the fall of 2022 and she won a seat, taking office in 2023. Currently, she is serving as Mayor Pro-Tem.

“I think I’ve been pretty clear about this but I’ll say it again kind of like a broken record,” said Peat at the Council’s meeting two weeks ago.

Mayor Pro-tem Bonnie Peat,
Courtesy photo

“I was willing to fight this, okay, and I wanted to fight this to protect the people s right to vote,” said Peat, “to vote for all of our candidates,” she added.

“And until it became more apparent with the Santa Monica (CVRA) case not being successful, I was willing to spend what it took to protect the right to vote,” she said.

“Sitting in this seat is not an easy job, and you really need to have good, qualified people, so that’s why I fought to make sure we had the best candidates possible.”

Mayor Scott Minikus
Courtesy photo

Mayor Scott Minikus said “we felt that it was right to fight it to preserve everyone’s rights in this city and I’ll just leave that, at that.”

On a motion by Peat and seconded by Mallari, the Council voted to approve the CVRA final settlement.

The districts will be phased in, beginning with the fall election.

Audit questions reveal ongoing policy development in Los Al Finance Department

David N. Young
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Audit questions reveal ongoing policy development in Los Al Finance Department

The annual audit of the financial practices of the City of Los Alamitos reveals there is some work to do on financial accounting, though the auditing firm that did the audit suggests improvements are being made.

At its June 24 meeting, city officials again engaged in a prickly debate over its internal financial controls, as two members of the Council repeatedly asked provocative questions that it appeared not everyone was happy to discuss in public.

In its cover letter to city officials, the firm of Rogers, Anderson, Malody and Scott, LLP, a San Bernardino accounting firm said

“During the audit procedures, and specifically in our review of client-prepared journal entries, we noted various instances where the journal entries had no documentation of when they were prepared and approved,” the firm said.

“Without proper documentation of when journal entries are prepared and approved, transactions may be inaccurately recorded in the general ledger and not be detected in a timely manner,” they continued.

Nevertheless, at the same time, the firm noted they found no material weaknesses in the city’s system.

“We did not identify any deficiencies in internal control that we consider to be material weaknesses. However, as discussed below, we identified certain matters involving the internal control and other operational matters that are presented for your consideration.”

When the matter came before the Council as a “Consent Calendar” item, a section of all local government agencies that allow Councils to sidestep debate by passing “routine” matters without explanation.

Council member Trisha Murphy pulled the annual financial report from the Consent Calendar, which made it available for public debate.

Murphy and fellow Council member Emily Hibard have quietly raised the ire of fellow Council members in the past by asking so many questions about financial accounting over the past year.

Once pulled from the Calendar, Murphy asked about the auditor’s lack of internal controls cited in the audit.

“I’d like to have the finance staff present the council with a list of the cash disbursements that the auditor stated have no supporting documentation and cannot be obtained,” said Murphy.

“Aren’t we getting a little too far into the weeds,” asked Mayor Pro-tem Shelley Hassebrink?

“Is that something you can produce,” Mayor Jordan Nefulda asked the finance staff.

“The batch that supports that check was not obtainable,” said Finance Director Craig Koehler, claiming that any number of things could havr happened, including spoiling, placing it in the archives or filing it in a previous year.
City manager Chet Simmons said “we can start from that check and then we can try to find out exactly what the attachment was and provide that information to you.”

Murphy also pointed out a section of the audit that she said indicated the city had “ineffective monitoring procedures and closing procedures that caused errors throughout the year that we’re not correcting in the year-end closing process.”

While the city claims these errors were caused by “significant turnover” and “vacancies” in staff, “I believe our community deserves a higher standard.”
Murphy moved, and Hibard seconded a motion that passed to have the finance department send to the council “a closing checklist for your procedures in the closing process that was implemented to show the reconciliation of balance sheet accounts.”

Murphy also requested the finance department address comments in the annual audit that implied that bank statement reconciliation was not being done in a timely manner “because unauthorized transactions can go through the bank without detection for an extended period of time.”
Simmons said the staff has noted all of the recommendations in the audit and suggested they are or will be addressed.

“I think the best part about an audit is that it is supposed to point out places where you can get better. The idea is to identify places where you tried to basically formulate a practice in which you can actually defend going forward,” said Simmons.

Council member Emily Hibard asked about why there were no check numbers on warrants and said the audit required corrections on about $6 million in transactions on a budget just over $20 million.

“So it is really high and I’m trying to get a feel for why. Can you talk about why this many adjustments were needed, are we doing things wrong,” asked Hibard?

Evelyn Morentin-Barceno, a manager at the Auditing firm of Rogers, Anderson, Malody and Scott, LLP, suggested much of the adjusted revenue was based on grants and other revenue for which the guidance was not available when the city received them, but later had to make adjustments when they did.

“With some of these, you know, like when you’re looking at your equipment, improvements and construction in progress, some of these things were asking a lot of questions as far as the projects, if there’s any projects that are no longer viable, and just kind of like going into more detail,” she added.

“From that perspective, sometimes some of our adjustments, it’s more of us helping from an operational standpoint,” said Morentin-Barceno.

Regarding the audit in general, the representative from the auditing firm who was attending the meeting acknowledged Los Al has been short-staffed.

“One of the things that is not just a problem here at your city, but in a lot of cities across the state right now is that there’s not enough accountants,” she told the Council.

And while there are questions about the “timeliness” of some of the things done made in the audit, the city of Los Alamitos was still more timely than 30 percent of the cities across California.

And for the “big picture,” Morentin-Barceno said, this will likely remain until staffing shortages statewide can be fixed.

“We’re talking about thousands and thousands of transactions,” she said, trying to put the city’s audit findings in perspective, noting that problematic transactions were the minor exception, not the rule,” she added.

And, she said, it was clear that the city was addressing the problem.
“We can see that management is trying to make improvements,” the audit spokesperson
said.

One killed, ten injured in Alamitos Bay boat crash

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One killed, ten injured in Alamitos Bay boat crash

At least one person is dead, and 10 others were hospitalized after what’s being described by authorities as a 48-foot-pleasure craft with 11 passengers aboard crashed in the waters off Long Beach Wednesday night, according to a report filed by KTLA.

Crews with the Long Beach Fire Department responded to the area of the Alamitos Bay jetty just before 9:30 p.m. on reports that a vessel had run into the rocks, overturned and began taking on water, Long Beach fire officials confirmed to KTLA.

When first responders arrived at the scene, it was determined to be a mass casualty incident.

Aerial footage of the incident captured by Sky5 showed a heavy presence of first responders as victims were rescued and loaded aboard ambulances bound for nearby hospitals.

The details of the crash are extremely limited and it’s unclear exactly what caused the vessel to hit the rocks, but authorities told KTLA that speed was likely a factor and that one victim, only described as 40-50 years old, was declared dead aboard the ship.

Five other passengers required physical rescue, authorities added.
A total of 10 patients were rushed to the hospital, seven in stable condition and three in critical condition.

 

Source: KTLA news

Wiener dogs return to Los Al Racetrack

Ted Apodaca
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Wiener dogs return to Los Al Racetrack

One of the most anticipated sporting events is set to return to the local area on Saturday. The field is set, and the athletes are working on final preparations. Treats are a big part of most of their training, as are speed and agility. But staying on course and not getting distracted will be a huge factor.

A total of 124 dogs, a record for the event, will make up the field for the 27th annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals, where the eventual champion will hold the title of Fastest Wiener in the West. The event returns to Los Alamitos Race Course on Saturday where the fun will also help raise money for the Seal Beach Animal Care Center.

Chloe, from Los Alamitos, is making her debut at the race, where her mom, Kellie Guerin, will try to encourage her from the finish line. Guerin said that Chloe loves to run and play, but that the starting gate might be a challenge for the two-year-old as she’s not comfortable with confined spaces. If she breaks quickly and spots mom at the finish line, she may be in good shape.
“I’m the motivating factor,” Kellie said.

Also among the competitors will be 13-year-old Sisi, a Seal Beach resident who competed last year, and is returning as the senior dog in the field and as the Ambassadog for this year’s event. She did not win the title last year, but at her age, she made a good showing.

“We’re very proud that she’s still going,” said her human Kiley Majeski.

Photo by Ted Apodaca At 13 years old, Sisi is the oldest dog in the field, but is on a mission to promote the value of senior dogs for adoption. She is pictured with Kiley Majeski and Jason Ghareebo.

Sisi lives with Majeski and Jason Ghareebo, who adopted her at a late stage in Sisi’s life. But Majeski said that despite her age, Sisi is still active, loves to run, definitely loves to eat, and will gladly share affections with anyone who wants to be her friend. At Monday’s practice and media event, Sisi showed some speed, but got distracted by people who were watching from the sidelines.

“As long as no one is on the sides, she should be fine,” Majeski said after one of her practice runs.

Majeski also said she hopes Sisi’s participation will help show people that value of senior dogs available for adoption. Other local dogs competing include Burr, from Cypress, JJ and Tony, both from Los Alamitos, and Buddy from La Palma.

One contestant is flying in from Vancouver Canada, while another is coming from New York. St. Missouri, Nevada, Idaho, and Texas will also be represented.

The event consists of 10 preliminaries, which advance winners to the championship race. Two of the preliminaries are specifically for dachshunds under the age of 1 (Diaper Dash) and another for those older than six (Long in the Tail Race). The Champion will win $1,000, a trophy, a Wienerschnitzel restaurant replica dog house and the title of Fastest Wiener in the West.
Live horse racing will also run in between the dachshund races. General Admission tickets on the day of the event at Los Alamitos are $3 per person. Children 17 and under are admitted free. VIP seating to enjoy the event is available by calling 714-820-2681. For more information on the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals, visit LosAlamitos.com or call 714-820-2690.

LAEF celebrates 15 years, hosts royal visit

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LAEF celebrates 15 years, hosts royal visit

The Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF) is thrilled to celebrate Year 15 of its Summer Enrichment Institute (SEI) program this year. Each year, SEI is an essential part of summer for Los Al parents and students alike, offering fun and educational learning opportunities for students, and a much-needed break for their parents. Kids and teachers were thrilled to come together at Lee Elementary School for SEI again this summer.

LAEF’s first session of SEI was launched on June 17 and Session 2 began on June 30, offering over 140 fun and academic enrichment classes for K-5th graders. The best part of SEI is the support the kids get inside the classroom with our Jumpstart programs and the fun they have with our variety of enrichment classes like STEAM, cooking, fitness, sports, singing & dancing, art, guitar and new classes this year, like Printmaking! Students can try just about anything during SEI.

Courtesy photo

Students got a special visit from LAEF’s King and Queen, Randy and Diana Hill, this week and were very enamored by their appearance. Students were excited to show our Royals what they were learning! Randy and Diana Hill were crowned at LAEF’s Royal Gala during the “Fundraising February for Los Al Kids” campaign because of their strong ties to LAEF and the Los Alamitos community, and their unwavering commitment to supporting Los Al Kids. In fact, Diana Hill served as the LAEF Board Chair during the very first year of SEI fifteen years ago!

The Fundraising February campaign raised over $150,000 this year. Campaign proceeds will continue to support student mental health and wellness by providing stipends for seven Counseling Interns working in Well Spaces at Los Al USD schools. Funds will also support Innovation Grants for district teachers this upcoming Fall.

“We are thrilled to celebrate 15 years of SEI for Los Al Kids,” said Carrie Logue, LAEF Executive Director. “We love to see families returning year after year to take advantage of hundreds of learning opportunities.”

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 STEAM instruction, as well as igniting new programs and providing valuable resources, to impact all students.
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Regardless of where you live in Cypress, I’m here to serve

For Event-News Enterprise
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Regardless of where you live in Cypress, I’m here to serve

By David Burke, Council member

The City of Cypress recently completed a transition from at-large to by-district elections for city council members. Cypress now joins the majority of cities in Orange County, and our own Cypress School District, in having made this change to comply with the California Voting Rights Act. In November, 2024, for the first time, Cypress residents will begin electing council members by district.

As this change was being discussed in the community, I heard some residents express fears that switching to by-district elections would severely harm governance here in Cypress. There were suggestions that by-district elections will pit neighborhoods against each other, or that council members will only care about their own district rather than the city as a whole.

Personally, I’ve never believed that such dramatic changes were likely. There are still five council members. Most of the major issues that come before the council such as the budget, public safety, responding to litigation, etc. impact the whole community. And in my opinion, how well a city is governed depends primarily on the caliber of representatives who are elected.

If voters elect council members who are thoughtful, responsive, and focused on what is best for the community as a whole, the city government will be effective. If voters choose representatives who are overly partisan, beholden to special interests, or motivated more by self-service than public service, then city government will routinely fall short of expectations. In other words, it’s about the people we elect, not the method by which they are elected.

But, now that Cypress has transitioned to by-district elections, there is one thing I want to make abundantly clear—no matter where you live in Cypress, I am here to serve you. I was elected at-large in 2022 and I will continue to serve at-large until 2026. If I am elected in District 1 after that, I will still do my best to assist any Cypress resident, anywhere in the city. So if you have a question or concern about something in your neighborhood like an intersection that seems unsafe, or a park that needs maintenance, please don’t hesitate to contact me, even if you don’t live in District 1.

Don’t get me wrong, I love working with residents in District 1. That’s where I live. That’s where I take my kids on walks. That’s where my son attends school. That’s the area of Cypress I know best, and I have a natural desire to make sure that every neighborhood, street, and park in the district is safe and high quality.

But I want that for every neighborhood in Cypress, and frankly it’s that aspect of being a city council member—addressing residents’ concerns—that I most enjoy. Having served for about eighteen months now, I’m extremely grateful to be a Cypress City Council Member, but the job is not without its frustrations.

I am not a particularly partisan person, and I consider myself a problem-solver above all else. But in today’s political environment, being an elected official requires dealing with unnecessary drama, personal attacks, and false accusations. As someone who truly wants to focus on issues of substance, and ideas to improve our community, the aforementioned distractions are an unfortunate part of the job.

The reason I love constituent service is because it doesn’t involve any of that nonsense. When I meet a resident to discuss traffic safety concerns in their neighborhood, our political party affiliation is irrelevant. They’ve reached out to me as someone who may be able to help address their concern. I’m there to listen and figure out what I can do to help. There’s a simplicity to it that connects to the heart of what it means to be a public servant.

In many cases, I am able to work directly with our city staff to solve the problem. I recently spoke with a resident in a senior living community who told me that cars were parking so close to their driveway that it impaired their line of sight when they exited. After speaking with a member of our public works team, we are on track to paint a section of the curb red and improve line of sight so that residents can more safely enter and exit their homes.
A couple months ago another resident (okay, it was my wife Courtney) told me about a picnic table at Veteran’s Park that was in bad shape. I brought it up with our city manager and within a week the table was refurbished, repainted, and ready to go. These types of changes may sound small, but they add up to a higher quality of life in Cypress. If I can help one family have a better afternoon, or prevent one accident at an intersection, it’s well worth the effort.

So in the future, if you have a question or concern about anything in Cypress, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at dburke@cypressca.org. No matter where you live in the city, I’m here to help, and I look forward to hearing from you.

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