Alexandra Isom combined her gymnastic skills and creativity to create the grand prize-winning costume of a black widow spider at the 2024 Los Alamitos Halloween Costume Contest, which was held Oct. 19 at LARC, according to spokesperson Orlando Gutierrez.
According to a statement, Isom wore the black widow costume in front of her and the outfit featured the spider’s head, legs and abdomen. The black widow’s trademark red spots were also visible on the front part of her costume. Officials say what took the costume to the next level was Isom’s ability to walk on her hands and feet backwards, and when combined with her arachnid outfit, the creepy crawly spider costume truly came to life.
The Racetrack’s huge crowd cheered each time that Isom made the spider crawl around.
“I came up with this idea because I’m a gymnast and I love going backwards,” Isom said. “I can do really good tricks. I love this costume. We worked hard putting this costume together. The idea came up to me fast. I said, ‘Hey mom, I can do this. It would be a good idea to make me a spider, like a big one.”
Courtesy photo Above, a young taco entrepreneur. Above left, Mustard George and Ketsup Lynn Pardon, of Cypress, with their grandchildren, Dillion, left and Carter.
After winning first place in the 7–8-year-old division of the costume contest, Isom was awarded the grand prize from a total seven different age divisions. She won a total of $700.
“Maybe I can spend it or save it, but I may spend it,” said Isom of her winnings.
Held in conjunction with the live racing program at Los Alamitos Race Course, the Costume Contest is one of the biggest in terms of attendance in North Orange County. Total attendance was estimated to be around 2,500. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Anaheim & Cypress.
Also showing up this week were Mustard George and Ketsup Lynn Pardon, of Cypress, with their grandchildren.
Photos and videos of the event can be seen on the track’s social media pages on Twitter and Instagram @losalracing. For more information on the event call 714-820-2690.
The Cypress Chamber of Commerce will host communications expert Jen Fitzgerald as our guest speaker at the November Networking Breakfast. Our event will be held Tuesday, November 12th at the Residence Inn by Marriott at 4931 Katella Avenue, Cypress/Los Alamitos starting at 7:30 a.m. Jen Fitzgerald is a communications expert who will share her techniques for effective professional networking.
Her unique program in building relationships has already had one demonstrated result in growing over 300% increase in enrollment numbers. Jen will explain how to improve your networking skills by building friendly relationships that can result in successfully collaborating as colleagues. Jen Fitzgerald is an Orange County based professional speaker who graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, a minor in Theatre Arts, and Certificate in Journalism. She spent over eight years working in higher education admissions and enrollment.
Jen was a regional admissions counselor for Virginia Commonwealth University and The American University of Paris and was also an application reader for Harvey Mudd College. While she is currently an Essay Reviewer for College Coach, a college consulting company through Bright Horizons, Jen is currently focusing on her professional speaking business. Former speaking clients include San Antonio Regional Hospital, Project Management Institute: California Inland Empire, and Regional Admission Counselors of California.
Each Chamber breakfast attendee will also have an opportunity to stand to introduce themselves and share a little about their business before the program begins.
Reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot for the monthly breakfasts and can be made online. Cost of the breakfast is $25.00. Attendees are also encouraged to bring a door prize to promote their product or service. The program will include time for live networking, self-introductions, a breakfast buffet, as well as our guest speaker.
The Chamber networking breakfasts, which are open to the public, are held on the second Tuesday of every month. Space will be limited. To assure your seat, pre-register on the chamber website: https://www.cypresschamber.org/events/details/2024-november-networking-breakfast-2736.
Orange County Sheriff, Don Barnes, endorses Perla Mendoza for Los Al School Board
Sheriff Barnes has worked with Perla as she has championed parent’s rights and fought to keep our student’s away from drugs. Sheriff Barnes says,
“Perla Mendoza has the grit and compassion it takes to bring back safety and security in our classrooms and school sites. Nothing is more important when educating our students than knowing they are in a safe environment. I’ve worked with Perla and am proud to endorse her for Los Alamitos Unified School District Governing Board Member.”
Perla says, “While my opponent is supported by the Union, a special interest group, I am supported by parents and classroom teachers who are on the front line with students every day. I believe that parents need to oversee their children’s education. I believe teachers need to partner with parents on the educational journey from K through 12.
As a parent and founder of Project Eli, I work full time speaking to parents, teachers and students about what to look for, what to stay away from and how dangerous all these new illicit drugs are. In addition, I have spent time in Washington and Sacramento working to get legislation passed which will safeguard our students from drug dealers.”
Parents say, “As a parent in the Seal Beach community, Perla values childhood safety, opportunity, and innocence. She is committed to strong academics and life skills, working with parents and teachers to build a supportive, transparent school environment.” -Tiffany Gordon, Parent in Los Alamitos School District
Perla Mendoza is an independent voice of common sense. Perla is an advocate of students, a supporter of classroom teachers, and a champion for parents’ rights.
Submitted by Perla Mendoza, Candidate for Los Alamitos Unified School District, Trustee Area 5
Why I’m Supporting Kyle Chang and Blaze Bhence In Cypress
Two seats on the Cypress City Council are up for election this November—District 3 and District 4. No matter who is elected, I will do my best to work with them in the interest of serving our city. But I have endorsed one candidate in each district who I am confident will help move Cypress in the right direction—Kyle Chang in District 3 and Blaze Bhence in District 4. And while I’m excited to tell you more about Kyle and Blaze, first, speaking for myself, I want to explain why this is such an important election for Cypress.
As a Cypress resident, you may not be fully aware of what’s been going on with our local government the past few years. That’s okay. As a father of two I know we’re all juggling a lot these days. But while Cypress itself has largely remained a safe, welcoming community—what has gone on in our local government has not been up to the standards that our residents deserve. It’s costing you tax dollars. And our city’s reputation is suffering.
For example, it has become commonplace for some council members to make unprovoked personal attacks against colleagues or residents in the middle of council meetings. Many residents have told me they are afraid to attend council meetings because the environment has gotten so ugly.
The city has also spent millions of dollars on lawsuits that, as an attorney, I think were completely avoidable. And recently, one council member filed a lawsuit against three other council members in federal court alleging unlawful retaliation along with other causes of action. In my opinion, that kind of thing doesn’t happen in a healthy, collaborative work environment. The level of animosity, partisanship, and political gamesmanship on our council has gotten way out of hand.
Perhaps most concerning, is that many residents have told me that they don’t think their perspective is really valued by our council. They feel that council members’ minds are made up before meetings even start. And that many major decisions are rushed through without giving residents a meaningful opportunity to weigh in.
All of those things—personal attacks, lawsuits, and shortcomings in transparency are the opposite of how local government should function. We need to do better. We need council members to not just be civil and respectful, but to actively try to work together, regardless of political party affiliation. We need council members who will welcome constructive criticism from residents and not assume the worst about those who disagree with them. And who understand that big decisions should not be rushed through, but made thoughtfully, with ample community input. That brings me to Kyle Chang and Blaze Bhence.
The reasons I’m supporting Kyle and Blaze are simple—they are smart, hard-working, decent candidates who I am confident will conduct themselves civilly and professionally as council members. I also believe that Kyle and Blaze will always put the community first, ahead of special interests.
Kyle Chang is a public health statistician with a PhD from UC Irvine, who lives in District 3. Throughout his career Kyle has proven that he cares about making other people’s lives better. He has worked to help children with special needs. He has worked with government agencies on research to improve health outcomes for residents in Orange County. Kyle and his wife have two young children, and I routinely see them at our local school and community events, so they are deeply invested in our city. And Kyle has great ideas about making Cypress even more family-friendly and attracting diverse new businesses to our city.
Blaze Bhence is a 25-year resident of District 4 with a great track record of service to our city. He is a retired OC Sheriff’s Reserve Lieutenant, a former Cypress Traffic Commissioner, and former president of his Tanglewood Homeowner’s Association. Blaze has a strong business background as a current business owner and the former VP of a Fortune 500 company, so he knows is way through budgets and contracts. I’ve also been very impressed with Blaze’s knowledge of local challenges and his desire to serve residents. At a recent Traffic Commission meeting, Blaze effectively advocated for measures to improve safety at one of our senior living communities. So I believe that both Blaze and Kyle have the attributes and work ethic necessary to succeed as council members.
I’m also supporting Kyle and Blaze because they are not tied to the special interests that have spent heavily to influence Cypress elections. For years, special interests including Valley Vista Services, Inc. and real estate developers have spent tens of thousands of dollars in Cypress elections to support their preferred candidates. For example, in 2022 an entity called Safe Neighborhoods PAC, that was funded by Valley Vista and developer Christo Bardis, spent $35,650.46 to support three local candidates. And it’s happening again in the 2024 election—a PAC funded primarily by real estate developers and builders has already spent $5,000 to support two council candidates.
The good news is that Kyle Chang and Blaze Bhence are not mixed up in all that. Kyle and Blaze are campaigning the right way. They are trying to knock on the door of every voter in their districts. They are being clear about where they stand on the most important issues facing our city. I have seen both of them have respectful conversations with some of their toughest critics. And you can be confident that Kyle and Blaze will put residents first, because they are not backed by big money from contractors or developers.
With their strong qualifications, experience, and integrity, I think Kyle and Blaze would make great additions to our city council. They will help us move past the ugliness of the past few years. And they will help restore our city’s reputation to where it belongs. So, when you cast your ballots in this election, I urge you to vote for Kyle Chang in District 3 and Blaze Bhence in District 4. In the spirt of community and collaboration, let’s build a brighter future for Cypress.
Engagement and communication matters! This is why the LAEA teachers’ union is proud to endorse two very qualified and engaged candidates for LAUSD School Board. We are fortunate to have Candidates Matt Bragman and Farnaz Pardasani running to fill the shoes of Meg Cutuli and Scott Fayette.
Candidate Bragman is running in trustee area 5 and has been unanimously endorsed by the teacher’s union as well as the long-serving board member he hopes to replace, Meg Cutuli. Matt Bragman is a former teacher, assistant principal and principal, and is currently involved in educational resources. He is exceptionally well qualified as an educator and is a parent in our district.
Farnaz Pardasani has a consulting background where she advised companies like IBM and Deloitte. She has children at each level in our schools and is a founding member of LAEF Leadership Circle where she has been integral to raising funds for our schools and managing their disbursement. She knows firsthand what the financial challenges are for our district and has the background to guide us through these challenging financial times. Candidate Pardasani has the unanimous endorsement of the current school board and the teacher’s union.
Communication with one another and a willingness to learn are fundamental to our success as a community and as a school system. It is telling that both of our endorsed candidates, announced their intention to run early, reached out to stakeholders regularly, and attended all of the meetings they were invited to attend including meetings with teachers, the union, and the LAUSD Board of Education candidate information session.
Not all of the candidates running have been willing to engage teachers or the current school board. Candidate Pardasani’s opponent chose not to engage teachers and neither he nor Candidate Bragman’s opponent attended September’s candidate information session. Pardasani’s opponent in area 4 announced his candidacy early but wrote to the union on May 12, “I will respectfully decline being endorsed by the teachers union.” He has also chosen not to participate in interviews/questionnaires put forth by Spotlight Schools and the Orange County Register.
We’d like to remind our community that the positions being sought are non-partisan positions and encourage everyone in trustee area 4 to vote for Farnaz Pardasani and for Matt Bragman in trustee area 5. Our students deserve school board members who engage with them, who engage with teachers, and who are willing to learn from previous school board members.
Submitted by Drew Sells
LAEA Teachers’ Union
Editor’s Note:
The language in this endorsement article has been updated since it was first posted.
A Santa Ana law firm has served a demand letter to La Palma officials regarding their refusal to enforce an ordinance requiring permits for the erection of temporary signs on non-residential property.
Adam Sechooler, the Costa Mesa lawyer who penned the letter, suggested the city’s refusal to enforce the supportive signs could reflect an attempt to put a finger on the scales of justice regarding a ballot measure that could reward several incumbents with as much as 20 years in office.
“If such violations persist or worsen, we are prepared to take all appropriate legal action, which could include action against individual staff or members of the La Palma City Council,” his letter warned the city.
Further, Sechooler suggested the City, with its apparent finger on the scales in favor of its ballot measure, could be in violation of the U.S. Constitution. “I am in receipt of troubling information concerning the City’s failure to enforce its ordinances regarding temporary signs and, more gravely, favoring certain political positions or candidates within the City,”
Sechooler said he wrote the letter representing local resident Bob Carruth, who is the spokesperson for a group of local citizens, including former mayors, who are opposed by the city’s proposed changes to city that are included in ballot “Measure W” on the Nov. 5 ballot.
Carruth said before hiring an attorney, he repeatedly requested permit applications from City Manager Conal McNarama and other staff members responsible for issuing sign permits. Under the law approved by the city council in December of 2021, the erection of temporary signs on non-residential property required approved permit
Sechooler wrote,“The City has enforced certain sign restrictions stringently while ignoring others that favor a particular viewpoint. In particular, the City is favoring speech in support of the “W” ballot measure—which is supported by the La Palma City Council majority—while discriminating against speech opposed to the measure,” the letter continued.
“This is impermissible under the Constitution, which prohibits restrictions,” the attorney said. The law does not exempt temporary signs permits for political campaigns, he added.
Carruth suggested the city managers’ refusal to enforce the ordinance is because “this measure is 100 percent of, by, and for the ruling majority.”
“We believe that Mr. McNamara’s refusal to enforce the code is because sitting Council members and their ‘Yes on Measure W’ committee placed the unpermitted signs on numerous non-residential properties,” said Carruth. The ENE has reached out to La Palma’s Mayor, City Manager, and its legal advisor Ajit Thind, but at press time, has not heard back.
Over 200 people joined Los Alamitos Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Andrew Pulver and the Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF) for the State of the District breakfast on Thursday, October 10, 2024. “Delivering the State of the District address is a tremendous honor, and I want to sincerely thank our Los Al USD family for their ongoing support of our students and staff.
This year’s theme, Be Extraordinary, celebrates the extraordinary moments that happen every day in our district. Whether big or small, it is a privilege to highlight these moments that define who we are and reflect our commitment to creating opportunities for all students to thrive,” stated Dr. Pulver. Guests were entertained before the presentation by a quartet made up of students from the Los Alamitos High School String Orchestra and LAHS Junior Jenna Currey who beautifully performed the National Anthem.
Dr. Pulver reviewed the District Priority Goals for 2024-25, which are to passionately pursue academic excellence, cultivate a thriving and safe culture, foster collaborative relationships, strategically manage financial resources, and provide high-quality facilities.
This year’s presentation began with a donation check presentation from the Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF) to the Los Alamitos School District for $150,975 for Innovation Grants. LAEF received 112 requests from Los Al staff and granted 54 of them to support innovative enhancements to staff’s work with students. Grants are intended to provide funds directly into classrooms and onto school campuses to enhance the educational experience for students. Since 2013, LAEF has donated $3.1 million to the school district and remains dedicated to partnering with the district to do extraordinary things for Los Al kids.
Dr. Pulver highlighted several extraordinary achievements across the district. All nine Los Alamitos USD schools have earned the prestigious distinctions of California Distinguished School and Gold Ribbon School. For two consecutive years, the district has achieved a remarkable 100% graduation rate (Classes of 2023 and 2024), with 88% of graduates completing Advanced Placement (AP), Career and Technical Education (CTE), or dual-enrollment college courses. Additionally, 94% of graduates are continuing their educational journeys by enrolling in post-secondary education programs along with 3% joining the military.
During his State of the District address, Dr. Pulver discussed what it means to “Be Extraordinary,” emphasizing the importance of empowering and believing in students while fostering self-efficacy and striving to show up as your best self. He also highlighted the District’s partnerships with Stanford’s Challenge Success program and the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence’s RULER framework on emotional intelligence. These programs are designed to enhance social and emotional learning in schools, significantly improving relationships, academic performance, and overall well-being.
Dr. Pulver also provided an update on significant district enhancement projects, including ongoing renovations at Los Alamitos High School (LAHS), turf replacement, improvements to the Performing Arts Center, and the construction of a second gymnasium, scheduled for completion by Fall 2025. He concluded his address with an inspiring video showcasing everyday extraordinary moments that happen across the district, reinforcing the theme that remarkable things are happening every day in Los Al USD.
The event was attended by parents, PTA groups, district staff and administration, school board members, LAEF’s board of directors and local city and elected officials. The breakfast took place at On The Greens at Navy Golf Course and all net proceeds supported LAEF. The presentation was video-recorded and will be made available on the District’s YouTube channel and the LAEF website.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Dr. Pulver once again to bring our community together to celebrate the achievements of our district. LAEF extends its heartfelt gratitude to our Legacy Sponsor, Alamitos Eye Care, and our Valedictorian Sponsors: Epson, Simon Law Group, Clean Wave Express Carwash, PacificWest, and Erickson-Hall. Their generous support has been instrumental in making this event a success,” said LAEF Executive Director Carrie Logue.
LAEF is the non-profit partner of Los Alamitos Unified School District. LAEF enhances educational excellence by providing after-school and summer enrichment programs to children in grades Pre-K to 12. LAEF provides significant funding for mental health/wellness and STEAM education, as well as igniting new programs and providing valuable resources, to impact all students. For additional information on LAEF, please call (562) 799-4700 Extension 80424 or visit www.LAEF4Kids.org.
They came early and hungry as hundreds of area residents wandered throughout the gated area of the Taste for Los Alamitos event looking for a taste of some amazing dishes.
Long lines of people two and three deep snaked around the fenced-in area at the parking lot of the Shops at Rossmoor before the gates officially opened Saturday for this year’s taste fest.
According to event organizer Larry Strawther, approximately 40 local eating establishments had menus containing soup to nuts to raise funds for local booster clubs at the annual fundraising event. “It was more crowded than I thought it was going to be,” said Strawther, “I mean there are a lot of things going on these days.” A new attraction this year added substantial excitement to the food, fun, and silent auction. Financial Partners Cr
edit Union set up a “money booth,” giving eager participants a taste of financial success. Each of the participants would get 10 seconds in the money booth, with air blowers sending dollar bills hurtling through the air as those in the booths could keep as many of the dollars as they could catch. People like Shirley Chung, of Rossmoor, whose first time at the Taste for Los Al, stepped into the money booth and grabbed as many dollars as she could during the brief moments the dollar bills flew around her.
“This is my first year attending,” said Chung. “I got a chance to win a little money for one of the booster clubs, so it’s a lot of fun.” Mark Denny, another lucky participant, said he was donating his twenty-two dollars in winnings to his favorite softball team.
Frank DeRoach and Donna Thornton keep sprimp on the grill at the San Pedro Fish Fmarket booth – photo by DNY
Financial Partners Credit Union donated all of the prize money, said Strawther, With more than 300 pounds of fresh shrimp, the grill at the San Pedro Fish Market was always a popular place to be.
Chef Frank DeLoach said this was his fourth year participating in the event, grilling the famous shrimp and potato mix.
“Los Alamitos is our neighbor,” said DeLoach, “and we just want to help out and be good neighbors. It’s also fun to be hanging out with everybody,” he said.
Other businesses like Taco Surf, Katella Deli, and many local favorites served up dishes for free, donating the food to support local booster clubs. There was bar-b-que, tacos, Italian pasta, specialty meats, mac and cheese, burgers, and much more available for the sampling. S
0trawther said these local restaurants donate the food and provide free samples as long lines lick their lips and wait for another sample to help a good cause. People purchase tickets for the event and can also donate through various venues like the silent auction.
Srawther said he and three others formed the nonprofit Our Los Al more than two decades ago to help local booster clubs and other school-related groups raise money to support their activities.
In the past, the event generated more than $200,000 annually for various programs at Los Alamitos High School and related booster clubs. Each of the local clubs is. afforded a variety of ways to raise much-needed funding for their activities, said Strawther. While the silent auction proceeds were about the same as last year, he said, it will be a while before they know the results of this year’s event.
On Monday, Oct 7, nearly 400 people gathered at the Alpert Jewish Community Center to honor the first anniversary of the Hamas attacks in which 1,200 Israelis were murdered. Attendees paid tribute through song, prayer, moments of silence, and lighting candles to honor the fallen.
The AJCC also exhibited a collection of photos from that horrific day, allowing space to witness and reflect on how to move forward as a community. The memorial service was led by rabbis of varying sects of Judaism in a beautiful display of unity. Israeli Americans in our community shared their reflections and paid tribute to their personal friends lost on that day. In attendance were many elected officials and dignitaries including Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, Long Beach City Councilmember Megan Kerr, Congressman Robert Garcia, Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal, and CSULB President Jane Conoley.
“Having a program in which nearly 400 of our community members were able to come together to acknowledge, reflect and comfort each other was a tribute to our mission of building community, “ said Deborah Goldfarb, CEO of Jewish Long Beach.
As a 24-year Cypress resident, I have observed the city change through responsible and effective development of homes, retail establishments, parks, restaurants, and hotels. In fact, the most recent development, The Square, received a Housing Innovation Award. There are two city council candidates who believe Cypress needs a Planning Commission even though the city has successfully developed since 1978 without one.
In 1998, Cypress voted to codify the delegation of planning and development to the city council by passing Measure C. The city charter was updated to reflect this delegation and requires any future proposed planning commission be subject to voter approval. It makes sense that the important role of city planning and development is overseen by elected city council members instead of unelected city representatives.
If Cypress residents have concerns with development activities, they can make their voice heard directly to the individual city council members through email and phone, at city council meetings, and at the ballot box every two and four years.
Additionally, a Planning Commission adds another layer to the important process of city development, which also means additional costs associated with city staff oversight of the commission. Cypress residents are fortunate to have a low sales tax and no utility taxes due to effective use of city revenues.
In summary, why change something that isn’t broken, and in fact works well. Proposals to make major changes in how a city operates should not be done without including important historical facts. Cypress’s history with planning and development is strong and the past and current use of the City Council as the overseers has worked. As a Cypress resident, I directly benefit from the hard work of these elected city council members who brought Dairy City to where Cypress is today. Now is not the time to change a working model.
Pearl Boelter Cypress Resident
Data Sources: Cypress Award https://www.cypressca.org/home/showpublisheddocument/12755/638632844484430000 Dissolution of Planning Commission 1978 City of Cypress online public records center, city council minutes 9/11/78 Measure C Vote https://ocvote.gov/data/election-results-archives Measure C Description https://elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov/ballot-measures/pdf/municipal-initiative-97-98.pdf Cypress City Charter https://www.cypressca.org/home/showpublisheddocument/126/637594432647230000
While I appreciate the enthusiasm behind Blaze Bhence’s call for a planning commission in Cypress, I believe it’s essential to recognize that our city is already well-equipped to manage growth without adding unnecessary bureaucracy.Cypress already has a robust planning department that has effectively guided our city’s development for years. This department operates under a strategic planning process that is open to all residents (with multiple meetings throughout the year that are open to the public), ensuring transparency and public involvement.
I personally reviewed and participated in it as a Commissioner and spoke about it during the April 22, 2024 City Council meeting (https://cypressca.new.swagit.com/videos/303417?ts=2387). Through this process, we’ve been able to maintain the most fiscally sound city in the county while keeping our sales tax rate the lowest in Orange County—no small feat in today’s economic climaOur existing commissions, such as the Seniors, Traffic, and Parks and Recreation Commissions, play an active role in shaping the strategic plan that guides Cypress’s future. Adding a planning commission might seem like a step toward more resident involvement, but in reality, it would only add another layer of bureaucracy, making Cypress less business-friendly.
Small business owners, many of whom I’ve personally spoken with, are concerned that a more complicated planning and permitting process would drive away investment. Reduced business investment could even lead to higher sales taxes as businesses flee to more welcoming environments.
It’s also important to clarify that any new Planning Commission would be advisory in nature, much like our other commissions. It wouldn’t have the power to make independent decisions—those still rest with the City Council. So, the notion that a planning commission would provide a “new voice” for residents is misleading; it would simply advise on matters that our council then decides on. As one of California’s most famous governors once said, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: ‘I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.’” We don’t need to overcomplicate what’s already working.
Cypress has demonstrated time and time again that we can achieve thoughtful, sustainable development without bogging down the process with more red tape. Let’s continue to streamline our governance, support our businesses, preserve our culture, and keep Cypress thriving.
While I appreciate the enthusiasm behind Blaze Bhence’s call for a planning commission in Cypress, I believe it’s essential to recognize that our city is already well-equipped to manage growth without adding unnecessary bureaucracy.
Cypress already has a robust planning department that has effectively guided our city’s development for years. This department operates under a strategic planning process that is open to all residents (with multiple meetings throughout the year that are open to the public), ensuring transparency and public involvement. I personally reviewed and participated in it as a Commissioner and spoke about it during the April 22, 2024 City Council meeting (https://cypressca.new.swagit.com/videos/303417?ts=2387). Through this process, we’ve been able to maintain the most fiscally sound city in the county while keeping our sales tax rate the lowest in Orange County—no small feat in today’s economic climate.
Our existing commissions, such as the Seniors, Traffic, and Parks and Recreation Commissions, play an active role in shaping the strategic plan that guides Cypress’s future. Adding a planning commission might seem like a step toward more resident involvement, but in reality, it would only add another layer of bureaucracy, making Cypress less business-friendly. Small business owners, many of whom I’ve personally spoken with, are concerned that a more complicated planning and permitting process would drive away investment. Reduced business investment could even lead to higher sales taxes as businesses flee to more welcoming environments.
It’s also important to clarify that any new Planning Commission would be advisory in nature, much like our other commissions. It wouldn’t have the power to make independent decisions—those still rest with the City Council. So, the notion that a planning commission would provide a “new voice” for residents is misleading; it would simply advise on matters that our council then decides upon.
As one of California’s most famous governors once said, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: ‘I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.’” We don’t need to overcomplicate what’s already working. Cypress has demonstrated time and time again that we can achieve thoughtful, sustainable development without bogging down the process with more red tape. Let’s continue to streamline our governance, support our businesses, preserve our culture, and keep Cypress thriving.d
This November, Cypress will finally elect City Council Members on a by-district basis. Under the newly drawn district maps, both District 3 and District 4 have open seats and Council Members Anne Mallari and Francis Marquez will not be eligible to run. This leaves only Council Members David Burke, Scott Minikus, and Bonnie Peat as incumbents. Therefore, Cypress voters have a unique opportunity to effectuate real change by electing a majority who will be truly transparent and accountable.
Whether you agree with moving from at-large elections to district based ones, this has been an inevitability based upon existing California law and past legal precedent. To put it bluntly, there’s no excuse for the politicization and delay of this straightforward decision. However, despite public calls by Council Members Burke and Marquez to pursue a more legally viable strategy, the other Council Members placed their own desire to retain political power ahead of the interests of the community as a whole. This has resulted in wasted time, money (over $1.3 million dollars), and resources which had to be dedicated to a legal battle that Cypress was destined to lose.
The poor judgement demonstrated by the past and current Council majority in the districting case is a theme and not an isolated incident. When Valley Vista Services sought significant rate increases and an extension to an already existing contract in 2021, Council Members Mallari, Minikus, and Jon Peat (the husband of current member Peat) vehemently supported the extension against an outcry of opposition from residents, without publicly considering viable alternatives or having a bona fide competitive bidding process. Despite this decision being questionable for a multitude of reasons, the majority at the time claimed that it was being done in the best interests of Cypress.
Given that Valley Vista’s quality of services continue to be severely insufficient (who can forget the sad attempt to provide compost bins and their inexplicably stingy bulky item disposal policy?), rates have only exploded since the extension (latest estimates show that costs to residents have increased by 67%). Yet, we are locked into a contract with them until 2037. You can be the judge of whether this was the correct decision or not.
Even when the Council finally moved to by-district elections, the majority followed a questionable process and chose a map that divides neighborhoods down residential streets without giving constituents a true opportunity to weigh in. without giving constituents a true opportunity to weigh in. Council Member Mallari will have you believe that she made a huge personal sacrifice and “took one for the team” but it’s clear that the map was chosen because it put Council Members Mallari, Minikus, and Peat each into separate districts. Council Member Mallari can now run against Council Member Burke in 2026, rather than against Council Member Peat, to whom she lives much closer.
This is likely because Council Member Burke has been a vocal opponent of the majority’s lack of transparency and process. Rather than address these valid concerns, the majority has instead pursued political retribution against any members of the Council who question them. This includes baseless accusations and public calls for a “leak” investigation in the midst of fighting to move to district-based elections, which turned out to be nothing more than a political witch hunt.
Speaking of lack of transparency, at the September 23, 2024, Council meeting, we also learned that Mayor Minikus attempted to have public funds used for political purposes. At the request of a local candidate whom he has endorsed, Mayor Minikus pressured the Cypress Community Festival to get rid of political booths, with the city compensating them for any loss of revenue. Whether you agree with the Festival’s decision or not, it’s deeply troubling that Mayor Minikus acted unilaterally without Council authority to spend taxpayer dollars to further his own political agenda. It’s even more troubling that he doesn’t seem to think he did anything wrong by doing so.
These examples are only the latest and most prominent cases that demonstrate a broader dysfunction permeating City Hall – one that has been festering for years and driven by a majority that has been captured by special interests and who has become complacent because they were insulated from real electoral consequences. Rather than pursue the will of their constituents, they have pursued their own personal agendas and petty feuds with their critics.
This context is important to understand who the leading candidates for Districts 3 and 4 are. While candidates Mark Plager (running for District 3) and Glenn Button (running for District 4) claim to prioritize things like fiscal responsibility and investment in the community, they have been endorsed by a Council majority who rode a wave of Valley Vista money into office, and has wasted millions of dollars on lawsuits and petty political feuds. To this point, Mr. Button has spoken out publicly in support of the Valley Vista extension and has even received $2,500 in campaign contributions from Jon and Bonnie Peat, according to public records. Jon Peat also serves as the Treasurer for Mr. Plager’s campaign. If elected, ask yourself if you believe Mr. Button and Mr. Plager will pursue Cypress’ best interests or just follow the marching orders of the current majority?
In contrast, Kyle Chang (District 3) and Blaze Bhence (District 4) have embraced agendas that will include the voice of all Cypress voters – not just those of special interests and political allies. Both Chang and Bhence have publicly championed more transparency and accountability while being endorsed by a diverse mix of elected officials and community leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to changing the old “politics as usual”, such as Council Member Burke and George Pardon.
Cypress deserves better and should be represented by a City Council who embraces transparency and civil discourse, and is focused on representing the best interests of their constituents. While the City of Cypress continues to move forward and blossom with an increasingly diverse population, our government has been stuck in the past. Before casting your vote in November, you owe it to yourself to ask one question: Am I satisfied with politics as usual, or do we deserve more transparency, responsiveness, and civic mindedness from our local government?
The discussion in Cypress turned heated Monday after Mayor Scott Minikus acknowledged visiting the Cypress Festival Committee without consulting the Council to “ask” them to scrap political booths this year.
Further, the city approved a payment of $5,000 to the Festival, which officials later denied was a payment to compensate the festival for the lack of political booths, but rather, a carryover payment from last year.
Had not Council member David Burke pulled the item from the consent calendar, the item would have been approved without a discussion.
“The Cypress Community Festival is run by a private entity, a non-profit organization assisted by volunteers, so I attend board meetings and routinely speak to them,” said Burke
The festival in the past routinely had given candidates for public office the chance to purchase a booth and “had planned on having political booths the whole year and some people had already signed up,” said Burke.
Cypress City Council member David Burke, courtesy photo
Burke said there were plenty of opportunities throughout the year to raise concerns, so he questioned why all of a sudden, the change. “The council never discussed or voted on that,” he said.
“Fast forward to last month when I learned Mayor Minikus reached out to a festival board member and told him that he didn’t think the festival should have political booths this year and that he had concerns about the dates chosen for this year’s festival,” continued Burke.
“And then two weeks ago, Mayor Minikus met again with Festival committee board members with the city attorney present and reiterated his concerns,” said Burke.
He said the Cypress Festival committee members told the Mayor they already had signups for political booths.
“At some point, it was stated or implied that the city may be able to compensate the festival for lost revenue if they decided to forgo the political booths,” Burke said.
“I’m a little bit uncomfortable here, with, I guess the process that got us here, because the Council has never discussed whether the city should intervene and whether the festival should have political booths,” he told Minikus.
“I understand Mayor Minikus may have that opinion…but it didn’t go though our usual decision-making process,” suggesting, of course, that the Mayor went rogue in visiting the Cypress Festival Board members without any directive from the Council.
He read a brief statement from the Cypress Festival Committee that said their decision not to have political booths “was made in response to a request by Mayor Minikus.”
“I don’t feel we followed the right process,” said Burke.
Minikus said “a lot of things came into play” before he decided to ask the Cypress Festival to cancel political booths.
He cited “ongoing political violence across our country,” without being specific, and tried to say the city’s insurance carrier inquired if any “political activity” would occur at the festival, which Burke said later were standard questions.
The mayor said the city’s insurance carrier requested a copy of the Cypress Police Department’s emergency response plan, a request which the PD refused.
“As you can imagine, the police department does not reveal its safety planning,” Minikus said. “For obvious reasons related to the insurance company’s concern, the festival decided not to have political booths at the festival,” the mayor said.
“The festival didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to do this,” said Burke, noting money had already been collected by Festival Associstion for booths.
“I don’t think any council member should be going out there on their own, no matter how passionately they feel about the issue. It may have been intimidating or they may have felt pressure and that’s not how we want to be doing business,” said Burke.
Minikus suggested it was “leadership” and objected to Burke.
“I have to say that I take objection to your comment as well. There was at no time in my conversations with (them), I never at any time threatened them gave them the impression of threatening them whatsoever,” said Minikus.
Turning to Burke, raising his voice slightly, Minikus told him “so do not ever make that claim, even slightly, again.”
Burke asked Minikus to stop the threats.
“I’m not threatening you, I’m just clarifying the facts.
City attorney Fred Galante took umbrage at any suggestion that he went with Minikus to meet with the Cypress Festival to pressure them.
“I was there because the city does fund this particular event and there was some question about whether there’s any issue that potentially discriminates against a certain religion and having the city make that contribution when certain candidates could not attend,” said Galante.
As it turns out, Mark Plager, a candidate for City Council in District 3 said during oral communications that “I’m also the Jewish candidate who created this mess.”
He said he spoke to Mayor Minikus and said “we have a problem. Your having the city festival (Cypress Community Festival) on Yom Kippur, which this year falls on Oct. 12, the same day as the festival.
“I am now being handicapped against my competitors,” said Prager. “We can make this very public,” Prager said he told Minikus, “or we can do this as we’re taught in the Torah, you keep it quiet.”
“I brought this to light, and I am heartbroken to hear council members say I have a choice. This is Yom Kippur; my holiest day and you have two candidates who are Jewish.”
“If you allow political booths at the festival, but you can count on it that I will say it was prejudiced.”
During oral communications, citizens said pretty much they didn’t like what they see, while others wondered what the fuss was all about.
“Since I’ve been coming, I’ve been pretty much disgusted. I’ve watched representatives threaten people, which they say they didn’t, I’ve watched council members demeanor people, which they say they don’t, and I’ve watched arguments like little children, fighting back and forth, said Bob Youngsma.
“I’ve watched things voted on that are purely a power play, and it’s pretty disgusting.”
Long-time resident Tom Moore said, “I have found over the past couple of years, the fabric of democracy in this city has frayed, and in fact, torn.”
“I speak to my friends outside of Cypress and they see what occurs in this Chamber as a black comedy of small-town politics, the ham-fisted approval of a trash contract, bumbling $1.3 million waste of taxpayer money to fight an existing law, and the cowardly swapping of district maps at the 11th hour,” he said.
“And now, an autocratic mayor who is trying to prevent candidates from presenting themselves at the annual Fall Festival. In essence, he called out Mayor Minikus for accusing Council member Frances Marquez (in the past) of leaking confidential information, which is crime, without providing any proof. What is just as disturbing is that Mayor Minikus lays out these verbal attacks without any pushback from the ruling majority.”
Moore inferred in a series of other statements that Minikus was a bully, “bullying other Council members,” which is a direct violation of the city’s civility code.
“I am deeply concerned about the tone of our mayor,” said resident Marilyn Rhames. “ and I can’t tell you, how much I care as a resident, how every person, particularly someone in leadership, speaks to his colleagues.”
“I think Mayor Minikus does not fully comprehend how you come across to your fellow council members. You come across as condescending, rude and arrogant and it’s not a good look for you, because I know you’re a nice guy, but you really have a lot of work to do.”
Pearl Bolter, said “what’s going on here, why are people so concerned and up in arms about this and why are we not talking about the great things in our city, which is what we should be talking about.”
She complimented the police department, the business community, and the city’s overall infrastructure. “Why should Cypress be defined by its trash contract,” she wondered. “We are lower than the median of cities around us and we have the lowest sales tax so why are we not supporting the amazing city,” Bolten said.
Regarding the political booths, the ban does not apply to “informational booths” from current elected officials or the Cypress City Council. They will still have a booth entitled
“Meet Your City Council member,” which will presumably be open for visitation to all citizens who attend the festival.
Hundreds of Los Al citizens, some of whom had been coming to its Community Center on Oak Street for decades, joined the City Council and other officials to rededicate the newly renovated gathering place.
“Thank you for joining us today for this historic moment as we re-dedicate the community center,” said Los Al Mayor Jordan Nefulda.
“The Community Center was built in 1970,” he said, noting that “hundreds of thousands of community members have walked through its doors in those 54 years,” the mayor said.
“The community members have walked through these doors to enjoy a quality of life that only Los Alamitos can offer, from youth classes to senior activities, from creating memories and establishing lifelong friendships over the years,” said Nefulda.
The mayor said the building was in bad shape “and repairs were severely needed.”
Nefulda said the community center’s roof had sustained serious damage. The damage to the roof resulted over the years, repairs were severely needed, most notably when the winter storms of 2023 damaged the roof.
In addition to the roof damage, he said there was electrical damage, wall damage, and damage to the floor,” the mayor told the crowd.
“Now, out of this negative, out of this negative event, we turned it into a positive, because we used this damage as a catalyst to design and improve a modern community center that will continue to be the heart and soul of this community,” said Nefulda.
He thanked Senator Janet Nguyen for “working diligently on behalf of our city” to obtain a $2.5 million state appropriation for the community center.
Courtesy photo Sporting a modern look, citizens enjoy food and fellowship as a standing room only crowd gathered for the big reveal.
“I have to admit,” said Nguyen, “though this project started back at the beginning of this year, we are only in October, and you made it happen. How does that happen in government,” asked Nguyen?
“This tells you that your staff is very diligent and made it a priority,” she added.
Nguyen thanked Council member Tanya Doby, who was Mayor last year when the appropriation was requested.
“She (Doby) was complaining to me, like, Oh my God, we’ve got this community center. We don’t know what to do. There’s nothing we can do. It’s devastating,” Nguyen said Doby told her.
The state Senator said the city asked for $1.5 million but she made a request for $2.5 million thinking she would get less and hopefully, the $1.5 million the city needed.
Sen. Nguyen said when the call came to notify her that the $2.5 million had been approved, “I was like, what?”
“It’s hard enough for me to get any funding in my district,” she said, “yet I actually got the funding that I asked for, not even what I thought could be. And I just want to say I’m so happy I was able to do that,” she said.
“This marks a new era for the city,” said Nguyen, calling the Community Center “the heartbeat of the city. A safe-haven for enrichment in support of the city.”
Lynne Lees, a spokesperson for the KYA Group, the construction company with which the city contracted for the interior renovations, said the company was “grateful to have been a part of this project.”
In general, she said the Los Al Community Center has a new roof, resilient flooring, interior and exterior painting, modern lighting, and new audio/visual technologies to support a variety of other programming.
The renovated center also supports a dedicated dance room, a redesigned lobby, new kitchen facilities, greater access for citizens with disabilities and even a new look and landscaping as citizens enter the center.
Authorities also thanked the Los Alamitos Community Foundation for donating the landscaping for the project.
Epson America, one of the world’s top technology companies, moved to Los Alamitos a couple of years ago and donated all of the projectors for the project, authorities said Friday.
City Manager Chet Simmons, said overall, the project cost will ultimately be more than $2.5 million, because when contractors attempted to fix the hole in the roof, they realized the entire roof needed replacement, which was a major factor in the project’s increased cost.
In any case, he said, the city’s share of the cost will be low thanks to other governmental funds.
Beth Piburn, who said her kids frequented the Center when her kids were young and she still serves on the Youth Center Board, who uses the facility for its BINGO games, said the renovations were “really nice.”
“I love the neutral colors. It’s bright, it’s clean, stainless-steel fixtures. I would give them a A plus,” she said.
Citizens were treated to a meal of chicken wings, mac and cheese as Caricature artist Dan Weeks was on hand to give anyone who wanted a free drawing of themselves to take home.
“We are excited for you to see the much-improved Los Alamitos Community Center, which will be a hub for the community for decades to come,” said Megan Shimada, a city employee who served as MC for the event.
While most of the standing-room-only crowd came dressed for island hopping, volunteers associated with Pathways for Independence were waiting for them with Hawaiian leis and a welcoming smile.
With tropical tables set amid neon palm trees, hundreds of local citizens came out to the temporary island paradise at Cal State University in Long Beach to participate in “Pathways to Paradise,” a fundraiser to support young women get a fresh start in life.
For an hour or so before the festivities, supporters had the chance to walk on either side of the main stage area which had been transformed into rows of ad-hoc restaurants with delicacies that ranged from ribs and potatoes in a cocktail glass (plastic) to chicken sausage and even super thin pizza.
Nearly 40 local restaurants set up booths to give away food to support the Pathways cause.
Executive Director Diana Hill welcomed the throngs of supporters as workers scrambled to assemble dozens and dozens of temporary chairs to handle the overflow.
“I couldn’t be more excited about what we’ve created here at the Beach,” she said, referring to the students’ pet name for the campus, said Hill.
Hill thanked Cal State for their participation and support, noting that CSULB President Dr. Jane Connolly has worked hard to make it easier for the nonprofit’s clients to enter the university.
“We think the partnership with Cal State is amazing,” said Hill, noting that eight of the nonprofit’s 38 current female clients are enrolled in college.
“This is how we change the world, one person at a time,” said Hill, who went through a long list of people and businesses who have been instrumental for the past three decades. The event alone had approximately 80 sponsors, said Hill.
As Executive Director, Hill said she has made a conscious effort to tie the overall community to the “dreams” of the battered women, and not the more “downtrodden” parts of their story.
The Silent Auction. Courtesy photo
This was the 28th annual event, she said, asking the crowd to “help me honor” the nearly 350 young women who have been affected and assisted by the Pathways programs.
“Our alumni are delightful,” she said. “Servant leadership is what it’s all about,” she added.
“Aloha,” said Lindsay Mais, Pathways Board Chair, who thanked everyone associated with the program and for the supporters who continue to fund their work. “You mean the world to us,” she said.
Lisa Mais, Fund Development Director, thanked the program’s young clients, whom she said, “dare to dream big.”
“To our amazing supporters, sponsors, service providers, volunteers, and friends of passion, we are beyond grateful to make this evening a reality,” she said.
During the live auction, several high-priced items, including a private jet golf outing to Pebble Beach went for nearly $30K, and after the auction, several volunteers actually volunteered to donate that amount, which officials say pays for the cost for each woman in the program for a year.
A young woman named Mell, who is currently involved in Pathways, recounted what eventually drove her to ask for help.
“I have memories of human tragedies, and now I know I’m on my way to things that I’m most passionate about,” she told the silenced crowd.
“Picture me, in a tiny trailer, having to share a room with my parents and having to pretend I was asleep as my dad stood on the opposite side of the room and smashed my mom with a white picture frame when she walked through the door,” said Mell.
“In 2022, the emotional abuse I encountered threatened to turn physical,” she said, “and my dad threatened to hurt me on multiple occasions.”
At that point, said Mell, she knew she needed help.
“So I reached out to a friend connected with Pathways and told them I was in an abusive household,” she said.
“I have moved in twice and came back when I was finally ready and comfortable being on my own,” she admitted.
I now I have a safe place on my own,” she said. “I’m in Cal State Long Beach with my own studio, and my paintings for sale,” she smiled.
“What I have always desired is to impact others as an art educator,” said Mell. Thanks to Pathways, “I now have the opportunity to work toward that goal,”
The event attracted people from throughout the region.
David Munoz, of Norwalk, said it was his second trip to the event. “We love the food, we love the cause and we love the bidding,” he said. “We bid on the L.A. Raiders tickets, but we got outbid,” he said with a smile.
Faiqa Siddiqui, of Fullerton, who runs a credit-counseling nonprofit there that connects people with a brighter future, said she agreed to attend when she learned the cause of battered women.
Hill said after the event that she was “extremely pleased” with the overall event, thanking a small army of dedicated volunteers who began planning the event in April.
While hundreds of thousands cram into crowded tents and other paid perches to watching the Pacific Airshow, more than a hundred people gathered at Fiddler’s Green at Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, saying it’s the best-kept secret out there.
What makes JFTB such a great place to watch the show, those gathered near the runway get close-up looks at the marvelous flying machines as they taxi to, and from, the military airfield’s main runway.
While anyone from the public can enter the base with a valid photo ID, military personnel issue stern warnings that if citizens are caught near the runway fences or other areas, they “will be escorted out of the base.”
With cockpit still open, a military pilot makes his way out to the runway in close proximity to the crowd enjoying the show from JFTB. Courtesy photo
George Melendez, a municipal employee in Stockton, California, drove all of the way to Los Alamitos with his son Kalel to watch the planes.
“Well, my son Kalel is an airplane freak,” said Melendez. “He likes airplanes so came down here to check it out.”
Melendez said Kalel told him the A-10 Thunderbolt (sometimes referred to as The Warthog) is being phased out of the show and he desperately wanted to see one close up.
As of Sunday afternoon, the A-10 had not taken off yet, “so we’re still hoping to see it,” the elder Melendez said.
Base officials constructed a large party tent outside the Pub at Fiddler’s Green to accommodate the rather large group gathered to watch the jets take off.
Once spotters hear any of the huge jets warming up their engines, the throng would make their way to an observing point as closest to the runway as the base would allow to wait for the payoff, a thunderous roll as U.S. Air Force jets like the F-22 a roared and shook the ground as it thundered into the clouds.
Melendez said many of the planes “put on a little show” for the local crowd either when they took off or landed.
Melendez said his son’s friends’ view, who were on the sand at Huntington Beach, was hampered by the so-called Marine layer, while skies were clear at the base.
Cathy Donahue, of Cypress, said she lives near the base in Cypress, yet it was her first time watching the planes take off for the airshow.
“These planes are awesome,” she said, “they are just unbelievable” seeing them so up close.
Just then, an F-22 taxis down the runway, preparing to take off, with his pilots cockpit open and with the smell of aviation kerosene vividly wafting though the air.
“My husband thinks I’m crazy,” said Donahue, “but you don’t get to see these planes very often.”
Since being named Commander of the base, Lt. Dan Col. Dan Fox has openly worked to bring the public inside the gates of the base in an effort to create more civic engagement with the community.
Most of the planes connected to the airshow, especially those from various military organizations, use the aviation services of JFTB base during the Pacific Airshow since once airborne, it’s a few-minute flight to showtime over the Pacific at Huntington Beach.
Editor’s note. This story has been edited since the print edition to reflect an F-22, not an F-35 and it now includes a statement about the commander’s effort to make JFTB more community inclusive.
Bill Anderson, owner of Anderson Art Gallery, is celebrating 30 years of business in Sunset Beach next to Captain Jack’s Restaurant on Pacific Coast Highway. That’s quite a feat when so many other art galleries have come and gone through the decades.
“Bill Anderson is one of the most celebrated plein air painters living in California and we are honored to have his small and welcoming gallery here,” said Sunset Beach Community Association member Dawn McCormack.
With 75 paintings on permanent display at The Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos and his artwork shown in galleries worldwide, Anderson doesn’t mind the fact that many locals drive by not noticing his building and signs. He welcomes national and international travelers who know of his work and fame, making appointments to visit him and see his original art, as well as the works of other famed artists he represents such as Milford Zornes and Mexican artist Raul Anguiano.
When Bill was teaching at McAuliffe Middle School in Los Alamitos back in 1994 he drove home daily on PCH in Sunset Beach where he noticed a “For Rent” sign above an interesting, old building next to Captain Jack’s restaurant. When he got home he told his wife Ausma that he thought it would be a great place for an art gallery and she agreed, so they signed a one year lease. That was 30 years ago!
With the intention of showing his work and a few other artists, the couple had no problem filling the walls of their new gallery. They had some works of Raul Anguiano who lived three months of the year in Huntington Harbour but spent most his time in Mexico. Anderson also knew Milford Zornes, the well-known water colorist recognized as a leader in the California Style watercolor movement which began in the early 1930’s. He also displayed works by known, local sculptors and artists such as Howard Hitchcock, Tino Pontrelli, Harvey Clemans and Lynn Morgan. You can still see some of those artists (and others) represented in Anderson Art Gallery today.
Captain Jack’s owner Tim Haley loves the gallery and great watercolors, including several paintings of his famous seafood restaurant. “Mr. Anderson and his gallery together add a touch of class to our great community,” he said.
Sunset Beach resident Elaine Bakker said: “Long time residents are so appreciative of his interest & support in our local youth and their artistic endeavors. Not only has he taught art in schools, but he also contributes paintings and books to fundraisers for our community scholarships.”
Bill Anderson majored in Art in College and taught Art in High School and Jr. High School and Middle School in a 38 year career. He was very involved in Huntington Beach Art for a period of time and was on the Allied Arts Board for 12 years. As president of the board he had the idea of moving the Art Center to a separate building not in the Library and suggested getting the Southern California Edison building which is where the Huntington Beach Art Center is currently located. His successful presentation to City Council resulted in the the Art Center opening in that location.
Former Huntington Beach Mayor Bob Mandic said:” I awarded Bill Anderson Artist of The Year 40 Years ago when I was Mayor. Bill and his Gallery continue as an Iconic Treasure in our beach town.”
Anderson’s Gallery in Sunset Beach. Courtesy photo
Bill has published 20 books, including 15 books of his artwork and 5 illustrated stories of the Old West by the late historian Craig MacDonald.
The Gallery is open Friday and Saturday from 1pm to 9pm and Sunday from 1pm to 6pm. You can call Bill anytime at (714) 272-1400. His e-mail is: aagcollection@aol.com.
We would first like to acknowledge our mistake in selecting October 12th as the date of this year’s 43rd Annual Cypress Community Festival. When the Festival Committee, in partnership with the City of Cypress Recreation Department, selected and approved this date, we consulted our local school calendars and our city’s events calendar. Unfortunately, neither of these calendars list this holiday.
This is no excuse, and we acknowledge and apologize for this oversight on our part. Our board has implemented new procedures for date selection, moving forward to ensure that this does not happen in the future. We sympathize with the Jewish community and extend our apologies for this oversight.
With regard to the presence of political booths, the Festival Board of Directors has discussed the recent discourse happening online and in the city council chambers. Our board held a vote to decide what action to take. At this time, our board has decided that removing all candidate political booths from the 2024 festival is the best course of action. Making the difficult, but right, decision to remove these booths from our festival just weeks before the event will result in a budget deficit of $4,000 for our non-profit. Refunds for those candidates and organizations who had already signed up and paid their booth fees will be sent out within the next two weeks.
It is important to note that city staff attends our board meetings and was well aware of the date chosen and the presence of political booths many months before concerns were brought up. We are disappointed and disheartened that our communication and partnership with the city, specifically the mayor, city council and senior leadership, seems to have eroded over the past several weeks.
Many assumptions, accusations, and statements were made about our organization and our board that were untrue and/or unnecessary. Our board will address these concerns with the council and city staff privately as we don’t believe it benefits anyone to contribute to the divisive and aggressive conversations happening publicly online.
Lastly, we’d like the community to be aware that the Cypress Community Festival Association is a non-profit 501c4 organization made up of residents and business owners who volunteer their time for this event. None of these volunteers are paid, and many take on this position in addition to full time jobs, kids, families and very busy lives. The majority of our funding each year comes from booth fees, sponsorships, and sales of items at the event (chili ballots, alcohol, kids rides, etc.). Please reach out to us if you’re interested in joining our board and helping us secure more support and funding or helping us plan this event in years to come!
In closing, the Cypress Community Festival is a place for our community to come together and celebrate the birthday of the City of Cypress. We love and appreciate this beautiful and diverse community that we call home. The Festival Committee has been working very hard all year to plan this event and we hope to see you there! This year we have a great entertainment lineup, featuring Knyght Rider as our headlining band! We have a large selection of craft booths, a robust chili & salsa competition, a redesigned (and better priced) kids area, booths showcasing our local businesses, a classic car show, and our very own Cypress PD K-9 Bono demo team. The Festival will be open this year from 10am – 8pm with free shuttle service from Cypress High School.
On behalf of our board, thank you for your continued support. Jimmy Fuller & Brittney Cook President & Vice President
Editor’s Note: This statement was published unedited as received.
Last week’s Cypress City Council meeting was one for the record books – and possibly for the law books.
Buried in the meeting’s agenda was a “carry over” expenditure of $5,000 to be paid to the independent, non-profit organization that runs the city’s community festival. It was described as support for income that the festival organizers “lost” due to their last-minute decision to ban/eliminate “political booths” (which had already been reserved and paid for) by several local candidates running for the two open spots on the council in the November election.
While this may sound like a small, well-intentioned and supportive city expenditure, the story behind it reveals a dark, calculated and politically motivated misuse of public funds and abuse of power.
Statements made during the Cypress City Council meeting on September 23rd revealed that Mayor Scott Minikus, had met in person with the festival’s organizers bringing along city attorney Fred Gallante. At this meeting, the Mayor asked the organizers to eliminate the political booths because the festival date coincided with that of the Jewish high holiday of Yom Kippur, which would prevent one of the candidates, Mark Plager, from hosting one of the political booths at the festival.
It was further revealed by Mr. Plager himself that he had asked the Mayor to intervene on his behalf with the organizers to eliminate the political booths. Mr. Plager asked Mayor Minikus to “do it quietly behind closed doors”. It should be noted – and is in the public record – that Mayor Minikus is a big supporter of Mr. Plager’s campaign, as are Mayor Pro Tem Bonnie Peat and her husband Jon Peat, is Mr. Plager’s campaign treasurer. This kind of closed door action is the antithesis of how our government should operate.
This ugly story doesn’t end here.
Based on the agenda item and the statements made at the council meeting, it appears that Mayor Minikus suggested that the city compensate the festival with the above mentioned $5,000 in taxpayer funds in return for the booth fees they would lose by eliminating the “political booths”. This kind of expenditure doesn’t happen simply because the Mayor wants it to; he needs the support of the City Manager – Peter Grant – and other city staff to include the expenditure proposal on the council’s agenda in the “fine print” and have it approved.
Fortunately, that didn’t happen. Councilman David Burke objected and exposed the Mayor’s and city attorney’s roles in influencing the festival organizers to remove the political booths. He also objected to the wording of agenda item number seven (7) that purported to justify the expenditure of taxpayer funds in exchange for eliminating the political booths.
In the end, the council then voted to okay the expenditure but removed all wording indicating the payment was in exchange for the organizer’s elimination of the political booths. The vote was three to two, with Burke, Mallari and Marquez voting for and Mayor Minikus and his long-time supporter, Mayor Pro Tem Peat voting against. It was clarified that the festival organizers should henceforth be free to make their own decision regarding the presence of political booths at the festival.
Further aggravating this nasty chapter of Cypress city politics, the Mayor promulgated a set of flimsy arguments in defense of his actions, and launched a threatening outburst directed at Councilman Burke. The Mayor’s actions laid bare the entire ugly abuse of his influence in front of the council and attendees. However, that was definitely not the Mayor’s first or only threatening outburst. He was reprimanded by the council for his January 2024 outburst in which he accused, without any substantiating evidence, fellow council members Marquez and Burke for allegedly working with the plaintiffs in the CVRA lawsuit that the city eventually settled out of court for approximately $850,000, not including attorney’s fees and costs, all paid with taxpayer money
At the previous council meeting on September 9, 2024, the Mayor also threatened the citizens of Cypress regarding the content of their social media posts – especially as those applied to criticism of the current council majority and council candidates they support.
I want to ask the Cypress City Council to again, publicly, reprimand Mayor Minikus for this misuse of his position as Mayor and his violation of the council’s own code of civil conduct in his threatening verbal attack of Councilman Burke. In addition, I think the Mayor, the city attorney and city manager all owe the independent, volunteer, non-profit organizers of the Cypress Community Festival an apology.
Paul Kokkinos is a concerned resident and registered voter in Cypress
