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Rossmoor, Elite, announce summer festival dates

David N. Young
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Rossmoor, Elite, announce summer festival dates

By popular demand, the Rossmoor Community Services District and Elite Special Events will again be hosting the “Rossmoor Family Festival” Summer Series at Rush Park June 8, July 13, August 10 and September 14 from 3-8pm.

Courtesy photo
The Emperors will return to the Rossmoor Festival on Sept. 14.

The events will all have Live music, Kids Zone Carnival, Top food trucks from OC and over 60 vendors selling crafts and unique items. The events will have a stage with local youth acts, local bands and one headline band each show.
Headline bands include Knyght Rider (June 8), Stone Soul (July 13), The Trip (Aug.10) and

The Emperors (Sept.14). Next to the Food Truck expo will be a festive beer and wine garden!

Parking and admission are free!

Come early to claim your picnic spot as spaces in front of the stage fill up quickly.
Rush Park Address – 3021 Blume Ave, Rossmoor, 90720. For show or vendor information call 310-560-9122. More info at instagram page @familyfoodiefestivals

OCMD plans center to nuture, inspire, and empower young artists

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OCMD plans center to nuture, inspire, and empower young artists

By Malini Nagpal, Ph.D.

Imagine an eleven (11) year old girl is abruptly uprooted from the only world she has known in the Himalayas and relocated to Orange County California. As she tries to acclimate to this new world, she feels anxious, scared, excited, and at the same time she is “wonder eyed” by seeing so many things that are new to her. At school she’s excited to join a dance club.

She shows up to audition with her dance “ghungroos” (dance bells) and recorded music. She enters the school’s cafeteria turned audition room and sits down against the wall with the rest of the kids waiting to be called on to perform their pieces. She ties her ghungroos around her ankles and feels strange. She looks up and sees everyone staring. Her heart beats faster and the palm of her hands start to feel sticky; she shrinks a little bit and withdraws into the floor.

One by one each student’s name is called by a panel of adults sitting behind a rectangular cafeteria table. She then hears her name and the is asked,
“Are you ready?”

“Ummm, y-e-s,” she says.

She hurries and pushes ‘play’ on the tape-recorder and runs to the middle of the room and starts to dance. It’s three minute choreography and when it’s over, there is no applause or smiles. Instead there is complete silence and blank stares. All of a sudden from the silence she hears,

“What is that?”

She responds, “Kathak” “It’s my dance.”

“Where are you from?” is the next question.

“Himachal, India.”

“Oh, so this is ethnic expression and not dance. Can you do tap or Ballet, or hip-hop?”

“No” she says, as she shrinks further into herself and into the cement floor

“Oh, okay, thank you so much from sharing”

The little girl walks out of the room shaking.

It wasn’t until this moment that she feels that she doesn’t belong that somehow she’s different. That her dance and the way she moves is not acceptable that she is not accepted. A week later she is informed that she’s not selected because she needs to learn hip-hop, Ballet, Jazz, or modern dances to be part of the dance club.

Now imagine a Music and Dance school whose vision is to create an inclusive space, where all music and dance forms are accepted, promoted, and cultivated. Where the organization’s leadership intentionally embeds respect for not only the history of all performing art forms, but strategically cultivates a safe space to create a future that consistently encourages music and dance synergy and innovation. Where people, regardless of their background, can be seen and be accepted.

Where all dance and music is not only perceived as equal, but rather is integrated into the fiber of the community. This is what Orange County Music and Dance (OCMD) strives to achieve. “There are three things that tie us together: food, music, and dance” says Douglas Freeman, CEO of Orange County Music and Dance (OCMD). Mr. Freeman’s vision is to create a global performing arts program, “A world music and dance space.”

According to the press release, at the moment, “Orange County Music & Dance (OCMD), a non-profit community music and dance school in Irvine, offers the highest quality artistic education, performing arts training and musical experiences for aspiring artists of all ages. Working with young disadvantaged children, under served adults and military veterans, OCMD inspires students to explore instrumental music, recording and sound engineering as well as singing and vocal expression. Its endowed scholarship program provides opportunities for all children regardless of financial circumstances.

OCMD is also a Steinway Select School, the only such designation for a nonprofit organization in Orange County, and a Lang Lang International Music Foundation partner, providing students grades 3-6 free piano lessons in Title One Schools. OCMD is part of The Collaborative, a partnership of three nonprofits: OCMD, Pretend City Children’s Museum and The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum. Doug Freeman helped bring the organizations together to create a pioneering project on a unified campus that maximizes sustainable building and landscapes.”

On May 8, 2024, OCMD and “the City of Irvine celebrated the groundbreaking and “Great Park Development Open House” at the Cultural Terrace at Irvine’s Great Park. According to the press release, “the location will be the new home to OCMD’s state-of-the-art 70,000 square foot campus and 15,000 square foot performing arts center, allowing OCMD to double its headcount to more than 500 K-12 students and veterans per week with arts education and performance programs.”
“Nurturing and inspiring our students is at the epicenter of our work. When students come to Orange County Music and Dance, we see their journey from reluctant and tentative beginner to a confident young artist and capable adult, positively impacting their brain development, life skills, and self-esteem,” said Douglas Freeman, Executive Chair and CEO of Orange County Music & Dance.

“The new building is a place where our students can feel safe, secure, and inspired and is accessible regardless of financial circumstances.”

“We founded OCMD to help encourage students to dream bigger and unlock their greatest potential,” continued Charlie Zhang, OCMD Founder and Chairman. “The new OCMD campus will help ensure the fulfillment of musical dreams and life goals for the next generations to come.”

Founded in 2017, OCMD offers the education, training and performance opportunities for K-12 students and veterans, with an endowed scholarship program that ensures that children who want to attend can do so, regardless of their financial circumstances. More notable, nearly 40% of OCMD students receive financial aid and, per the OCMD leadership, over the next few years, OCMD will increase its endowment from $3.6 million to $5 million, significantly increasing the number of students who will be able to participate.

Vivienne Follman-Otta, student of OCMD, says, “OCMD has forever changed my life. Ever since I had started taking classes and lessons in the voice program with my mom, I have found my voice. Now, I love to sing and perform; I love to work hard at it. And I am now going to achieve my dreams because of OCMD.”

It is well established that music and dance are critical to community connections and resilience. Under the climate of current world events, now more than ever, there is a deep need for a performing arts place that is dedicated to nurture, inspire, and empower the children of not only Orange County but beyond to achieve their dreams and provide a path for them to follow their passions. Orange County Music and Dance is perfectly positioned to be just such a space.

Los Al Police, assisted by Cypress, arrest suspected “mule” in senior scam

David N. Young
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Los Al Police, assisted by Cypress, arrest suspected “mule” in senior scam

When a Los Alamitos senior citizen walked into a Cypress bank asking to withdraw a large amount of cash last week, an alert bank teller suspected something was amiss.

What followed is an example of cooperative police work that resulted in an arrest in College Park West of a suspected “mule,” attempting to pick up the brown paper bag filled with what he thought would be $20,000 in cash sitting on the porch belonging to the unsuspecting senior citizen.

Instead, it was filled with newspapers but by then, it was too late, as an ad-hoc task force of Cypress and Los Alamitos detectives and other officers descended on the suspect and arrested him.

Los Al Police Chief Michael Claborn recounted the sequence of events for the City Council at their recent meeting which he suggested reflects the effectiveness of his department.
Since becoming chief, Claborn has beefed up the city’s once depleted department, hiring a full contingent of officers.

According to Los Al Detective Sgt. John Kroc, the city’s police department has a good working relationship with the nearby department in Cypress, noting that they received a call from Cypress PD altering him to the situation.

“A Detective Sergeant called me and said, hey, you know, we’ve got, we’re out at one of our banks in our city with one of your residents from Los Alamitos, who’s trying to withdraw $20,000,” said Kroc.

“We think it is part of an internet and phone-based scam,” the Cypress police official told him, “so we took over the investigation from them,” said Kroc.

“One of our detectives, Steven Smith was the head of this investigation,” said.Kroc.
“He did a great job coordinating everything and everyone,” the detective sergeant said.
Cypress police told Kroc that earlier this month, a Cypress senior citizen had been bilked out of $30,000 in cash using the same scam. Therefore, he praised the bank official and Cypress Police Department for preventing it from happening again.

Police say the unidentified woman answered an e-mail claiming to be from PayPal saying she was going to get a refund. The woman called the number and got a man on the phone who said Kroc, eventually took control of her computer and convinced her to move $30,000 from one bank account to another, then instructed her to withdraw the money and leave the cash on her porch.

Once police identified the potential scam victim, Kroc said Det. Smith got permission to enter her home.

“He went and got permission from the residents to go into their home with them, in plainclothes, to kind of direct and guide the phone conversations and communications with the fraudster,” said Kroc.

When the suspect directed her to put all the money in a brown bag and put it on the porch, Smith suggested they load the brown paper bag with newspaper to appear as money so they kind of put some newspaper in the bag.

Smith put together a team of detectives and other officers in plain clothes and took their positions near the potential victim’ss home in College Park North.

Screetshot courtesy of KCal 2
A Los Al resident senior, left, speaks with Los Alamitos Police detective Steven Smith after Los Al PD collaborated with the Cypress PD to arrange a plainclothers setup that resulted in the arrest of a suspected cash mule.

Kroc said police learned the fraudster’s name was “Jack,” what he would be wearing, and learned the timeline of when the mule would be there to pick up the cash.

“Evan Flynn and another one of our detectives were running the surveillance aspect of this and he had a view of the front porch,” said Kroc. “He (Flynn) watched the guy, the money mule get out of the car and noticed that he’s wearing gloves and a mask,” said Kroc.

“He goes up and checks the bag, and then quickly tries to get back to his car and that’s when detectives took them down without having to use any force or without really any incident,” the detective sergeant said.

Kroc said the man “claimed to be an Uber driver but he was wearing Armani shoes and a Gucci belt.” He said the man also came up with a flimsy story about simply picking up a bag for a friend he just met.

“His statement was pretty fishy,” he said.

After gaining consent to search his car, they found evidence that he had been sending what they suspected was “hundreds of thousands” of dollars overseas to different locations.
Moreover, the man’s description closely matched the suspect in the earlier Cypress case where a senor had been ripped off for $30,000.

Kroc said overseas call centers are packed with scammers who apparently, convince seniors they were accidentally refunded $30,000 instead of $300 and ask them to return the money.

Fraudulent documents provided to seniors using Photoshop and other software that allows scammers to control the mark’s computers can be tricky,” he added.

City manager Chet Simmons said at the Council meeting, “given the prevalence of these types of crimes,” that the city will be developing an educational campaign to protect seniors against these types of crimes in the city.

“It’s work well done and kudos to your officers,” the city manager said to the Chief.
Ironically, the successful sting occurred in the same neighborhood that hosted their own police appreciation pot-luck event a year ago. Council member Trisha Murphy said “thank you very much,” adding that her neighbors were “excited and enthusiastic that you guys have worked so hard on this. I was just very proud.”

The suspect was not identified, said Kroc, because the investigation continues.
Chief Claborn said the matter has also been turned over to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

According to a recent FBI Report, scams cost senior citizens across America as much as $3.7 billion every year.

WestComm dispatchers honored during public safety telecom week

David N. Young
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WestComm dispatchers honored during public safety telecom week

The City of Los Alamitos issued a proclamation at their regular meeting in April honoring public safety dispatchers and the Orange County Fire Authority in recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.

“Emergencies can occur at any time that may require police, fire or emergency medical services,” said Los Al Mayor Jordan Nefulda.

“The prompt response of police officers, firefighters, and paramedics is critical to the protection of life and preservation of property,” he added. “Public safety dispatchers are the first and most critical contact our citizens have with emergency services,” he said.

Orange County Division 1 Fire Chief Craig Covey was on hand to thank many of the dispatchers present for “their extra hard work” in keeping the community safe.”

Covey said OCFA works seamlessly with WestComm, a joint powers authority that provides coordinated dispatching for Los Alamitos, Cypress, Seal Beach and the Orange County Park Rangers.

When calls come in regarding fire or emergency medical services, said Covey, they are seamlessly routed to the OCFA emergency operations center, which Covey said handles hundreds of thousands of calls each year.

“Our center last year handled 911 calls128,000 times, dispatched authorities to 178,000 emergencies, so it’s an incredibly busy center,” said Covey. He said they get 500 calls a day, noting also that they handle them on an average of 4 seconds, while the national average is 7 seconds.

Covey played a recording of one call when a 911 dispatcher calmly talked a caller through a medical procedure that ultimately saved a life. He said his mother was a 911 dispatcher for 20 years and praised all dispatchers’ ability to “maintain their composure” during some trying circumstances.

A spokesperson for WestComm said their call center processes emergency calls for police in Cypress, Seal Beach and Los Alamitos, along with Orange County Park Rangers.
“We serve 90,000 residents over a service area of 23 square miles,” the spokesperson for WestComm said.

Last year, WestComm handled more than 125,000 emergency calls, including 28,000 911 calls, handling more than 74,000 incidents.

“We are the lifeline for police officers providing vital information and support to ensure they can respond quickly and effectively to emergencies,” the spokesperson said.
“Thank all of you for what you do,” said Nefulda.

Kennedy High wins Civic Learning Award, Chief Justice to visit

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Kennedy High wins Civic Learning Award, Chief Justice to visit

Three schools in the Anaheim Union High School District have been recognized with the 2024 Civic Learning Awards including John F. Kennedy High School in La Palma, the state education department has announced in a press release.

Now in its 11th year, the awards program is sponsored by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, with the goal of celebrating schools that provide first-rate civic education and engagement opportunities.
Among the 21 campuses recognized on Wednesday, John F. Kennedy High School in La Palma was one of only three in the state to earn the Civic Learning Award of Excellence, which comes with a personal visit from Chief Justice Guerrero in the fall.

Anaheim High School and South Junior High, which are also part of the Anaheim Union High School District, were presented with Civic Learning Awards of Merit. Santiago Charter Middle School in the Orange Unified School District received an honorable mention for its civics efforts.

“We know that when young people activate their voices, they can be among the strongest change agents in our communities,” Thurmond said in a news release. “Education is the cornerstone of realizing our democratic ideals, and these schools have made extraordinary contributions to building the leaders of tomorrow.”

“I find these award applications inspiring; they all deserve our recognition,” added Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero. “They tell the important stories of dedicated educators who are, despite the challenges, creatively making room for students to fully understand and practice civics.”

For 2024, the Civic Learning Awards program recognized three schools in California with the Award of Excellence, three with the Award of Distinction, four with the Award of Merit, and 11 with Honorable Mention status. Since launching in 2013, the program has presented a total of 519 awards to traditional, charter, and magnet schools.

Applications for the awards are annually reviewed by a panel comprising representatives from the California courts and the California Department of Education. Schools get additional points if their Local Control and Accountability Plans emphasize civic learning if they participate in the Judges in the Classroom program, or if they establish criteria related to the State Seal of Civic Engagement.

Rossmoor, Elite, to present Wellness Fest May 11

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Rossmoor, Elite, to present Wellness Fest May 11

Did you know that only once per year can you enjoy Orange County’s annual Health & Wellness Festival entitled “Be Your Best” Wellness Fest?

The event is co-sponsored by the Rossmoor Community Services District, Elite Special Events and hosted over by Los Al native, wellness guru, yoga/pilates teachers and event planner Jamie Holcomb, sometimes referred to as “The Holistic Hulk.”

The event is free and is scheduled for Rush Park Saturday, May 11, from 11 a.m. through 4 p.m. at Rush Park with a host of activates appropriately themed for mothers on Mother’s Day weekend.

Holcomb said they have partnered up with other wellness personalities to curate a well-rounded festival “BE YOUR BEST WELLNESS FEST.”

“It will be full of all things health and wellness for our community,” she said, which will include: donation-based yoga, zumba, pilates classes in the grass, a special Balance Tai QiQong class with celebrity guest creator and instructor Dr. Marissa Pei.

Pei is also known as the “Asian Oprah”, notable for her live stage entertainment.
Also, she said there will be a dance therapy SILENT DISCO party with Katie Neary Founder of So We Are Silent Disco, and participants can choose from healthy local food and beverage trucks & pop-ups.

In addition, there will be a fitness and fun zone that kids can enjoy at no cost, and professional family photographer Jessica Gomez will be available, a Mommy & Me Meet-Up with Melissa Arcos of FIT4MOMS, an optional immersive paid experience BEYOND BURNOUT event in the indoor auditorium (tickets on Eventbrite search Beyond Burnout: A Journey to Reset & Regulate at location Harriett M. Wieder Community Center).

Also, there will be a Tea Tent experience hosted by d?Ît?’s Spiritual Director Ashlee Shereen, and a Health Expert Vendor Fair full of local health & wellness businesses and practitioners waiting to connect with attendees at their booths where they plan to showcase their various services to benefit current and long-term health journeys.

Many of the vendor booths will have exclusive prizes, discounts, giveaways, demos, helpful information, experts to answer your questions, and MORE only for guests that attend the festival! Talk about a balanced day where you’ll feel energized, inspired, connected, and prepare attendees to “be their best.”

There is no cost to attend the overall event and there will be free street parking. There will wellness for the entire family available at the May 11 event, said Holcomb.
“We’ll have something to benefit the health and wellness for every age, so bring everyone,” she added.

She quoted Winston Churchill as once saying, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

“We have picked local charity Transitions in Motherhood lead by Tara Farrell Farajian as our festival’s Fundraiser to give back to our community! Please bring baby wipes for our Baby Wipes Drive to the festival or donate monetarily on their website. Their mission is to decrease isolation at any stage of motherhood and create a network in which expectant mothers, new mothers, and mothers in general can receive support during this multi-faceted phase of life while strengthening their family along the way,” said Holcomb.
Transitions In Motherhood specializes in women’s health focusing on prenatal and postpartum support services, attachment, infertility and the many transitions that motherhood can bring.

If residents have any questions regarding this event, please call Jamie Holcomb “The Holistic Hulk” at 562-704-2379 or email theholistichulk@gmail.com.

Los Al teacher makes quarterfinals in America’s Favorite Teacher contest

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Los Al teacher makes quarterfinals in America’s Favorite Teacher contest

This is a brief update on Los Alamitos High School Teacher David Barker who has now qualified for the Quarterfinal round in the Reader’s Digest ‘America’s Favorite Teacher’ Contest.

Barker, who teaches math, pre-calculus, finite, advanced math, trigonometry, and is an advisor for the popular Los Al Live and its “Improv” show.

“I made it to quarterfinals, thanks to help from everyone. The contest continues and here is how the rest of the contest works. You have to be number 1 in each round to go one so daily votes are needed and appreciated,” he said.

Translation, even if you voted for Mr. Barker, please vote again because apparently the voting starts over for each round. Supporters can vote at www.americasfavteacher.org/2024/david-barker.
• Quarterfinals May 6 – 16th
• Semifinals May 16 – 23
• Finals May 23 – 30

“I care more about my students than the material I teach. I want them to learn the math I teach, but I want them to know I care,” he says on his contest page.

Ryan Seacrest visits Los Al with Griffin co-hosts

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Ryan Seacrest visits Los Al with Griffin co-hosts

On Thursday, April 25, 2024, Ryan Seacrest, alongside co-hosts Sisanie and Tanya Rad, both former Los Alamitos High School graduates (Sisanie, Class of 2001, and Tanya, Class of 2005), returned to their alma mater as part of Ryan’s “20th Anniversary Thank You Tour.” This tour commemorates Seacrest’s 20-year tenure as the host of mornings on iHeartMedia’s KIIS Los Angeles (102.7).

Seacrest with students at LAHS.
Courtesy photo

The visit began with a lunchtime rally, where Seacrest, Sisanie, and Tanya Rad engaged with students, reminiscing about their time at Los Alamitos High School and celebrating the legacy of the KIIS-FM radio show On Air with Ryan.

The excitement continued as they joined the Griffins for a gathering, taking photos, distributing t-shirts, and sharing nostalgic conversations.
In a gesture of generosity, Ryan Seacrest and his team donated $5,000 to Los Alamitos High School.

The visit was a heartfelt celebration of community, gratitude, and the enduring bond between Ryan Seacrest, his co-hosts, and their high school alma mater.

RWC presents donation to Youth Center

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RWC presents donation to Youth Center

Courtesy photo
Rossmoor Woman’s Club President Sue Goldberg, left, and club member Michelle Wittenberg right, presented a check for $1,200 to The Youth Center Executive Director Linna Lumme at the Center’s A Night Among the Stars banquet on April 26. The donation was in addition to two $500 scholarships the Rossmoor Woman’s Club presented to A Night Among the Stars award recipients, students recognized for their commitment to community service.

Tanya Doby named District 70 Woman of the Year

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Tanya Doby named District 70 Woman of the Year

Courtesy photo
Los Alamitos former Mayor and current Council member, Tanya Doby, center, is surrounded by her husband Josiah, right, and Assembly member’s District Representative Michelle Schuetz, left and other well wishers and presenters, including Police Chief Michael Claborn, at the Council’s April 15 meeting. Tri Ta, who was in session, sent a video message congratulating Doby for her hard work, agressiveness and style while working on behalf of the citizens of Los Alamitos.

Housing projects will prompt serious infrastructure needs

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Housing projects will prompt serious infrastructure needs

There is no outside study stating that 18% in salary is warranted to any non-public safety employee in Los Alamitos.

There is no outside financial report showing the city can afford to provide an 18% increase in salaries for nonpublic safety employees over the next 5 years.

Cities use outside consultants to make these calculations based on accurate financial reports, comparative salaries and job duties in equal size cities with equal size budgets.
Your city manager has not provided you with those studies.

The City Manager is sticking his hand into the cookie jar and taking taxpayer money without providing any FACTUAL basis for entering into a long-term contract to fund city employees.

The City Manager presented a 2021-22 Financial Report replete with dozens of financial errors;
• A $10 Million error in reporting income
• A $3.6 M error in reporting expenses
And for some reason $700,000 is missing – either through incompetent reconciliation of financial records or outright theft.
The City Manager and Finance Director cannot explain how in one year the $22 Million in pension deficit magically decreased by $7 Million in this financial report. No payments were made.

(Note: The Finance Director responded to the question of “how much is the unfunded pension debt today?” His response was $26,000,000. If, and only if, the City manages to “beat CalPers investment returns”, the “$26,000,000 pension debt”, will be retired in 12 years. )

In fact the calculation prepared by the Finance Director to set aside $260,000 a year was modified to set aside $50,000 a month, or $600,000 a year. An error of more than 100%.
The public cannot trust any financial information coming out of Los Alamitos.

Public Request for copies of financial reports from the City investment institutions are ignored by the City Clerk, and the City Manager refuses to provide back up documents for warrants paid. There is no way for the public or council members to verify the accuracy of any financial report prepared by the Finance Director.

The Finance Director has failed to explain why there is a 1.3 million difference in the market value of his investments, and the cost he paid for them.
Why did the City Manager and Finance Director remove almost 80% of the city’s investment from Local Agency Investment Funds?

The result of these investment decisions appears to be an overall loss in excess of $1 a year for at least 2 years. The same investment lost was not recognized by LAIF had the City investments been managed by LAIF.

Nefulda, Hasselbrink and Doby voted against an outside audit to rectify the 2021-2022 errors.

It is highly suspect that the State Controller’s office decided to do an audit of the City’s financial report anyway, and the City Manager chose NOT to disclose the existence of the State audit to the public or council members.

Residents should know if an audit is pending, and the City Manager should not make wild financial decision until that audit is cleared.

Hibard and Murphy pointed out numerous errors in the latest budget proposal presented by the City Manager and Finance Director and asked for corrections, BUT the same three council members who did not want to audit the 2021-22 financial report, voted to submit the budget to funding agencies without first correcting the errors and seeking council approval. Who in their right mind advises elected officials to approve a budget with known errors?

I do not object to the salary increases to the police department. They are underpaid based on competitive salaries in other police departments. To keep your Police staff, you need to provide them with competitive salaries and benefits.
However, bulking up nonpublic safety employee salaries in not only unnecessary, it is reckless.

The city almost declared bankruptcy around 2018. The City Manager proposed a voter approved tax increase and used a public relations campaign to convince residents to approve the new tax based on the promise the funds would go to the police department.
Rossmoor residents are paying extra taxes because they are in the same zip code but receive none of the benefits of that tax.

Rossmoor is seeking a new zip code to eliminate their tax burden, and that will result in the lowering of sales revenues to Los Alamitos.

The city’s website demonstrates that its Financial Director has failed to provide the 2022-2023 financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023. It is almost a year behind its due date. There is no way for the council to determine its actual revenue and expenses in the absence of that Report.

Given the fact that the 2021-22 Financial Report contained numerous errors and is under State audit, and the 2022-23 Report has to be reconciled with the 2022 Report, it is unconscionable to approve 18% salary increase for non-public safety personnel over the next 5 years.

Let the State finish its audit; find the missing $700,000; produce the 2022-23 and 2023-2024 Financial Reports , and conduct an audit by an independent municipal audit firm to establish accuracy of the documents, BEFORE entering into a 5 year contract promising 18% raises that the City cannot honestly say it can afford to pay.

Except for the Police Officers Memorandum of Understanding, this 18 % salary increase is a grift on the taxpayers.

Carol Churchill
Los Alamitos

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Prepare for Serious Impacts from High Density Housing Projects in Los Alamitos and Seal Beach

A few years ago Los Alamitos faced a financial crisis threatening bankruptcy, to which the City Council responded by asking residents to vote to tax themselves – the same Council whose policies had helped create the crisis. Seal Beach residents are likewise facing substantial cost increases to replace deteriorating infrastructure adjacent to their housing projects, and have already proposed increases of 140% to water rates to upgrade existing pipes.

Whether you are for or against new housing in your neighborhood, your finances will be covering the costs of expanding the infrastructure needed to support hundreds of new housing units and thousands of new residents. As population pressures increase, so do demands for costly municipal services: police, fire, social services, streets, lighting, water, gas, electrical lines.

Further, cities must budget for salaries, insurance, and the income needed to cover pensions for retired and disabled city employees. If city revenues do not keep up with escalating salary and maintenance demands, of course residents’ taxes will rise.

Set against this compelling financial reality are two projects that you must pay attention to NOW: Los Alamitos Lampson Project (247 units) and Seal Beach Old Ranch (167 units).
Why? These projects are located next to each other and will produce substantial pressures on Lampson Avenue with severely increased traffic congestion and will add to what is an already high rate of fatalities on the street. These projects will require the expansion of storm drainage systems, sewer systems, and significant expansions of water, electric, and gas delivery systems. Of course, the costs will be passed on to all residents through higher fees and taxes.

Project 1 – The Los Alamitos project replaces twelve acres of open space with 247 units along the boundary of the Joint Forces Training Base. The Los Alamitos Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) was released on April 24, 2024 and written by the developers. Obvious financial conflicts of interest were “overlooked” by Los Alamitos City Management and Members Nefulda, Doby and Hasselbrink.
Seal Beach will have to expand its sewer system for the Lampson project and its residents must consider the costs being passed on to them caused by Los Alamitos City Council’s failure to require “Pay As You Build”.

Project 2 – Seal Beach released the Notice of Preparation and Scoping Meeting for Old Ranch Country Club (ORCC) in January 2023. The new facilities will include 167 housing units, 25,000 square feet of medical office space, and a 150 room hotel – the increase in congestion of all kinds is obvious. Seal Beach employed environmental consultants that do not share the same conflict-of-interest concerns as Los Alamitos.

The combination of these two projects will add at least 414 housing units to Lampson, which has two lanes on each side of the roadway. Both projects are within 1/4 of a mile of each other and directly impact the College Park East (CPE) community. Obviously, the congestion explosion will also impact the surrounding cities of Rossmoor (Seal Beach Blvd) and West Garden Grove (Valley View). These streets are the main arteries to/from the housing tracts and the 405 Fwy.

Please take the time to send written comments/suggestions/objections on your city’s Draft Environmental Impact Report before the due date. Discuss the cumulative effects of the Los Alamitos Lampson Project and the Seal Beach Old Ranch Country Club Project.
Include suggestions to improve public safety, air pollution, traffic congestion, emergency service response time, pedestrian and bike safety, public health/welfare concerns re the flight path of the Joint Forces Training Base – and demand YOUR City Council requires developers to Pay As You Build. No New Taxes or Fees.

Christine Arfwedson
Los Alamitos

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AAUW Academic Achievement Awards 2024

David N. Young
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AAUW Academic Achievement Awards 2024

Joan Pylman and Gail Ross, Co-Administrators of the La Palma-Cerritos Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), awarded Academic Achievement Awards to two women from Cerritos College at their April 18, 2024, meeting at the ABCUSD Adult Education Center in Cerritos. CA. At this 31st Annual Recognition and Awards Program, Karissa Guzman and Paola Mayoral Jimenez received Certificates of Recognition for their outstanding academic achievements and involvement in service activities at Cerritos College and in their communities. Each of the women will receive a scholarship of $1,500 upon confirming their enrollment at a four-year college or university in the Fall of 2024.

Dr. Etelvina De La Torre, Interim Executive Director of the Cerritos College Foundation, came to the meeting and offered her congratulations to the two award winners. The Cerritos College Foundation worked jointly with the La Palma-Cerritos Branch of the AAUW to gather names of qualified nominees for the Academic Achievement Awards. The
Branch’s Academic Awards Committee then selected the winners and will provide the scholarship funds in the Fall.

Other members of Cerritos College who spoke at the meeting were Harvey Chew, Cerritos College Counselor, who nominated Re-Entry Student Karissa Guzman, and Dr. Carlos Aguirre, Director of MESA (Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement) program at Cerritos College, who nominated Paola Mayoral Jimenez.
Karissa, is a 26-year-old “Re-entry student,” who maintained a 4.0 GPA while completing five Associate of Art degrees in Mental Health and Behavior Sciences at Cerritos College. She plans to work on a double major in Psychology and Sociology, complete requirements for a Master’s degree in Clinical Therapy or Marriage and Family Therapy, and become a children’s therapist for foster children. She was a member of Phi Beta Honor Society. Karissa supports herself by working as a babysitter but still found time to volunteer as a tutor and worship leader at her church.

Paola, is a 19-year-old “Transfer student,” and is a first-generation Hispanic woman seeking a STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) career. She had a 3.56 GPA at Cerritos College with a major in Aerospace Engineering. She was a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and a member of MESA (Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement) program, and NCAS (NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars) program, in which she competed in their Engineering Design Challenge. She was a past Chief of Staff of ASCC (Associated Students of Cerritos College).

Karissa and Paola received the congratulations and Certificates of Recognition from Benjamin Montelongo, 36th Senate District Representative for Senator Janet Nguyen, and Joe Pak, 67th District Representative for Assembly Woman Sharon Quirk-Silva. They also received Certificates of Recognition from 45th Congressional Representative Michelle Steele, State Senator District 30 Bob Archuleta, and County Supervisor 4th District L.A. Janice Hahn.

For more information about the Academic Achievement Awards at Cerritos College, contact Awards Chairperson Joan Pylman at 562-865-6592.

Griffin volleyballers fall to Friars in CIF-SS playoffs

David N. Young
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Griffin volleyballers fall to Friars in CIF-SS playoffs

The Los Alamitos High boys volleyball team’s season came to an end with a 25-19, 25-17, 21-25, 25-12 loss to Servite High in the first round of the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs on Thursday at Los Alamitos High School.

After losing the first two sets, the Griffins adjusted the lineup and it helped stave off defeat as they battled back to win the third set and keep the match going. But Servite had answers as well, as they turned the tide in the fourth set and pulled away.

After dropping the first two sets, Griffin Coach Katie Kelly said they made a change in their game plan, putting more control in the hands of senior setter Gunnar Totorp on the attack. The plan worked as the Griffins jumped out to an early lead and held off Servite to win the third set.

“I think that [Gunnar’s] energy was contagious in the third set, his leadership was continuous in the third set and everyone could kind of lean on him and rely on him,” Coach Katie Kelly said.

But the Friars were able to adjust themselves and regain control in the fourth set. SErvite was the third place team out of the Trinity League, behind Mater Dei and Santa Margarita, but they were the No. 7 team in the final CIF-SS Division 2 poll. Los Alamitos finished the regular season as the No. 10 team in the same poll.

However, as a league champion, having tied Fountain Valley for the Wave League Championship, the Griffins had the home court advantage. The Griffins ramped up their pre-league schedule this season, scheduling games against top 10 ranked teams in the nation.

“I’m really proud of these boys, we had a tough schedule this year, we played some of the best teams in the nation for high school boys volleyball,” Kelly said.

Los Alamitos will face another challenge next year, as the Griffins graduate eight seniors this year. Totorp, Isaac Igo, Ian Pokorny, Jette Estes, Adrian Parra, Enzo Kerley, Josh Beeny and Noan Debie will all be graduating this year.

Heavy rains having an impact on Rossmoor’s Urban Forest

David N. Young
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Heavy rains having an impact on Rossmoor’s Urban Forest

Heavy rains early in 2024 have had a definite impact on Rossmoor’s prized urban forest, but despite the deluge, not a single tree has been lost Arborist Mary Kingman reported to the Rossmoor Community Services District Board at its April meeting.

Kingman, who has been the community’s arborist for 11 years, provides an urban forest report to the board every quarter which is highly anticipated.

“We did have a lot of severe weather in the first three months of the year,” Kingman told the board, including data in her report that demonstrated the community experienced more than 12 inches of rain in February alone.

“Despite that, we only had five limb failures,” said Kingman, “and only three of those were weather-related.”

“We had zero complete tree failures,” she added, attributing the district’s proactive nurturing plan for preventing what could have easily been a greater impact, she said.

“We could attribute that record to more supplemental trimming that we’ve been doing for trims,” she said, “and I’ve been backing the trees both by driving and walking and it really makes a difference to have that extra attention paid.”

Answering a question from Director Tony Demarco, the board’s 1st Vice President, Kingman said that while the urban forest “loved the rain,” the extra growth was going to prompt some extra pruning and trimming this summer.

“I’m sure certain trees more than others are going to expand and grow much more,” said Demarco.

“That’s correct,” said Kingman, “so we will probably during the summer be doing a lot of clearance trims so raising the crowns on the street and sidewalk side for that reason.

“They’re gonna experience a lot of growth,” said Kingman, thus the need for extra trimming.

Nevertheless, “the trees are just way happier and healthier with all the water,” she said.

“Aren’t we all,” echoed board President Michael Maynard.

Kingman reported other data to the board, saying that in the first three months of 2024, they trimmed 183 trees within Rossmoor’s urban forest, 14 trees were removed while 48 new ones were planted.

In addition, she said 62 residents filed requests for various tree services.

Kingman said the district held its Arbor Day Celebration April 5, with the local Boy Scouts providing the flag salute and the Girl Scouts participating in planting the new tree. The arborist thanked the Rossmoor Woman’s Club for donating the funds necessary to purchase and plant the tree.

In addition, Kingman said they did an “animal hunt” for the kids, hiding stuffed animals in trees for the kids to find. Instead of toy prizes, she said kids got plants.

“The kids were excited about the plants and that’s refreshing that they were really more excited about getting plants rather than plastic toys.”

Race on the Base marathon returns after long absence to JFTB in Los Alamitos

Ted Apodaca
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Race on the Base marathon returns after long absence to JFTB in Los Alamitos

Several local people made impressive runs in the Race on the Base, as it returned to the Joint Forces Training Base on April 13. The 5K, Gabriel Rojas, 17, of Lakewood was the top finisher with a time of 16 minutes and 34 seconds. Second place was Evan Weitzman, 13, of Newport Beach in 19:38, followed by Aaron Nevarez, 40, of Norwalk, with a time of 19:48.

Fourteen-year-old Nicholas Romines, of La Palma, took sixth overall with a time of 20:02 and two Los Alamitos residents also finished in the top 10. Brian Rogers, age 22, and Tyler Tanimura, age 13, finished eighth and ninth respectively with times of 20:08 and 20:57.

Shane Stipancic, 34, of Cypress was 12th overall and second in his age division, with a time of 21:34. Mai Studebaker, 50, of Westlake Village, was the top female finisher with a time of 21:59. She was followed by Andrea Bates, 41, of Newport Beach, who was 21st overall with a time of 23:34. The 3rd place female was 40-year-old Camille Hambly of Garden Grove, who finished the course in 25:29.

Brandon Dunn, of Los Alamitos was 20th overall with a time of 23:23 and Carl Paat, 44, of Rossmoor was 22nd overall with a time of 23:38. A few Cypress residents were close behind. Ron Tanimura, 52, was 24th overall in 24:17, followed by Larry Hardaway, 43, 27th in 24:31 and Giovanni Velasco, 29, 30th in 24:42.

Scott Conley, 51, of Los Alamitos was 36th overall with a time of 25:11 and Steve Graves, 61, of Cypress was 39th overall with a time of 25:24. Ken Choi, 56, also of Cypress took 43rd overall with a time of 25:36. Garrett Kohls, 46, of Los Alamitos was 46th overall with a time of 25:48.

In the Reverse Triathlon, Todd Corley, 44, of Westlake posted the top time at 55 minutes, 41 seconds for the three events. Nate Koch, 37, of Long Beach took second with a time of 56:18. Brenden Panis, 35, of Anaheim was the third finisher with a time of 57:11.

Michelle Jones, 54, of Carlsbad was the top female finisher and fourth overall with a time of 58:13. Sixty-two-year-old Ricki Reincke of Long Beach was the second female finisher with a time of 1 hour, 13 minutes, 9 seconds and she took 30th overall. Emily Murray, 48, of Los Angeles was the 3rd place female and took 38th overall with a time of 1:16:29.

Some of the local highlights included Cypress resident Jason Lucero finishing in a time of 1:11:01. Lucero, 52, was fourth in his age division wave. Mike Gibbs, 65, of Los Alamitos had a solid time of 1:15:20, taking fourth in his wave age division.

Rebecca Trevino, 63, of Cypress took second in her age division wave and seventh among women in her wave.

Submitted by the City of Los Alamitos

The City of Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department was proud to present the return of the Universal Waste Systems (UWS) Race on the Base on Saturday, April 13, 2024, after a four-year hiatus. The event was hosted at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base, and it featured the popular Reverse Triathlon and 5K Run/Walk, allowing participants of all ages to showcase their physical prowess. At the forefront of the event was Recreation Manager Jason Bruton and Recreation Coordinator Alix Anderson. Thanks to the meticulous coordination between City staff, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Fox and the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base, and the event Title Sponsor UWS, this exciting event welcomed back new and returning participants to the military installation.

The lead up to the action-packed event began a day before race day on Friday, April 12, with bib and packet pick up at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A final opportunity to register for this historical City event was available on race day, Saturday, April 13, starting at 5:30 a.m. Simultaneously, the Transition Area opened its gates and allowed athletes participating in the Triathlon to prepare their gear for the race ahead. With the final few registrations trickling in at the crack of dawn, the buzz of anticipation began to fill the military base.

With the sun struggling to peer through the unending wave of dense clouds, the first wave of the Reverse Triathlon kicked off at 7:00 a.m. Athletes began the sequence of swimming, biking, and running. Meanwhile, shortly after, at 7:15 a.m., the 5K Run/Walk commenced with every participant exhibiting their race day laces in every color imaginable. The day continued seamlessly with the second wave of the Reverse Triathlon participants taking off at 8:30 a.m. ensuring an exciting morning for all spectators.

An array of vendors kept the excitement rolling throughout the day offering everything from health and wellness services to community outreach initiatives. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with the following vendors:

• Strides of Faith

• Ohana Water Polo

• Braithwaite Chiropractic

• Yoga Six of Cypress

• Los Alamitos Police Department Pink Patch Project

• Dignity Memorial

A shoutout of appreciation goes out to the 45 amazing and overly dedicated volunteers who showed up and selflessly gave their time and energy to ensure smooth operations the day before, during, and after the event. A special thank you also goes out to Sunburst Youth Academy who showed up in full force with the Presentation of the Colors and volunteering throughout the event. Further, the return of this much awaited event could not have happened without the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base as well as the generous support of the title sponsor Universal Waste Systems. Their contributions not only helped revive this spectacular event but also helped elevate the experience for all involved. Participants were rewarded with a race shirt and a special finishing medal, with additional medals awarded to those who placed overall or within their age division.

With an impressive turnout of 3,000 attendees, including 1,200 race participants and a multitude of spectators, the event showcased the City of Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department’s tenacious dedication to creating quality of life for the community. Special guests Mayor Jordan Nefulda and Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Fox welcomed the crowds and started the races with great encouragement to the athletes. Specialist Angel Demelis performed a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. The most memorable moments of the day came as participants crossed the finish line, relieved and proud of the accomplishment they just achieved. The smiles on their faces and the gratified look receiving their finisher’s medals made for a perfect snapshot of the day.

The day was a celebration of community spirit and the unwavering commitment to push the boundaries and reach new personal physical heights. As the event drew to a close, there was no doubt it would return, eagerly welcoming both familiar faces and new challengers. Race on the Base was back!

The Recreation & Community Services Department strives to continue providing safe and exciting events for all residents to gather. For more information about upcoming events and programs, please visit www.cityoflosalamitos.org/recreation or contact the Recreation and Community Services Department at (562) 430 – 1073.

RWC’s Spring Garden and Outdoor Living Tour

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RWC’s Spring Garden and Outdoor Living Tour

The fundraising event on Sunday May 19 will features six Rossmoor homes, two elementary schools, floral demonstrations, a plant sale, raffle and more.

“Every garden, big or small, has its own story to tell,” says Garden Tour Chair Yolanda Vargas.  Indeed, several of the gardens literally tell stories. One, a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat, is inspired by the owner’s many antiques collections as well as her pilgrimage on the famous Camino de Santiago in Europe. Another home employs murals, plants and statuary in homage to its owner’s late spouse and in appreciation for friends and family who’ve helped her through her grief.

Other gardens are all about lifestyle choices — stunning pools, bars and barbecue areas for family-oriented entertainers, a putting green and hot tub for retirees seeking low-maintenance.

In a first this year, the tour includes vegetable and herb gardens tended by pupils at Richard Henry Lee and Rossmoor elementary schools under auspices of the Orange County Master Gardeners Program. Eager students plan to show visitors just how much produce they can grow in well-organized, compact spaces. The Lee students also plan to distribute seed packets to visitors and children at both schools will hand out a variety of master gardener tip sheets.

The self-guided tour, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., includes an outdoor market place at Arbor Village featuring complimentary refreshments, a plant sale, raffle baskets and music by harpist Julio Montero, beginning at noon. Cynthia McElwee of Heaven Sent Design Floral Studio in Anaheim Hills is scheduled to demonstrate flower arranging at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Tickets, which contain addresses and a map to all the homes, are $20 per person. They may be purchased in advance from any club member, from a selection of local merchants or on the club website, rossmoorwomansclub.org. Tickets will also be for sale the day of the tour at the outdoor marketplace, which will be directly behind Flags With a Flair in Arbor Village, 10651 Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos.  (Tickets purchased online must be picked up at this site on the day of the event.)

All net proceeds go to fund student scholarships and to support local charities in the Los Alamitos/Seal Beach and Long Beach areas.

Merchants selling tickets are Brita’s Old Town Gardens, 225 Main St., Ste A, Seal Beach; Cinnamon Stik, 10641 Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos; Prep Kitchen Essentials, 12207 Seal Beach Blvd., Seal Beach; and McNally Electric, 10792 Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos.

The Rossmoor Woman’s Club, founded in 1958, is a social and philanthropic organization affiliated with the international General Federation of Women’s Clubs. The club is based in the northwest Orange County community of Rossmoor but membership is open to anyone.

Mental health problems through the eyes of students

David N. Young
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Mental health problems through the eyes of students

There is little question that mental health has perhaps become, or is becoming, the seminal issue of our time and it’s good to watch solutions appear through students’ eyes.

Mental health issues and the sorted products thereof have wrapped the nation in fear and quite literally have begun to alter the nation’s psyche, especially among students.

Students, however, are finally having their say. A collaborative effort between government agencies, mental health services and an organization of county governments created a virtual statewide film festival, allowing students from high schools across California the opportunity to make short films to compete in a “Directing Change,” competition.

“Directing Change is part of statewide efforts to prevent suicide, reduce stigma and discrimination related to mental illness, and to promote the mental health and wellness of students,” the organization claims on its website.

David N. Young, courtesy photo

“These initiatives are funded by counties through the Mental Health Services Act (Prop 63) and administered by the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA), an organization of county governments working to improve mental health outcomes for individuals, families and communities.”

Within Los Alamitos Unified, the task fell to Conner Brown, the one-time filmmaker to put down his camera to teach filmmaking and media at Los Al High School. “Mr. Brown’s class” has become a hit, as students learn to act, produce, record, do special effects, etc.

After all, we are increasingly evolving into a storytelling world, so it stands to reason that students are so eager to express themselves.

But this competition was different, and his classes embraced it.

“This event is so important on so many levels,” said Brown.

“First of all, it takes a real look at mental health issues that teenagers face, addressing them head-on and giving students a safe space to reflect and discuss with each other the issues they face,” he said.

“Secondly, it is a great opportunity for the advanced film students to be challenged to create a video with such a serious underlying tone. And these students absolutely rose to the occasion,” he said.

“We had six submissions this year and all of them were quite impressive. Each tackling different subjects of mental health, from suicide prevention to eating disorders, to the importance of reaching out to a friend,” said Brown.

Students in the Advanced Film Program at LAHS created engaging and powerful PSA’s that hopefully lead to discussion and positive change. This is Los Al’s first time to enter the competition, says Brown.

Two of these submissions have already been selected as category winners by the annual film contest, “Directing Change.”

The first winning video “Beyond the Surface”, was created by LAHS Senior Emily Fitzgerald, Junior Kyan Whiten, and Junior Jessica Bae. It won 1st place regionally in the “Mental Health” category.

These student filmmakers have managed to pack powerful images and stories in these short films, which are just over one minute long. Fellow students acted, wrote, and produced the entries, said Brown, amplifying their impact.

In the film, a female athlete pretends there is no problem only to be seen bubbling up from underwater, gasping for air as she reveals she’s really not ok.

Additionally, the second winning video “Hot Pot”, created by LAHS film students Charlize Fan (Senior), Isabella Kira (Junior), Kolyana Si (Senior), and Shilah Shurki (Senior) won 1st place statewide in the “Through the Lens of Culture” category.

In this video, a teen and his dad go through dinner awkwardly, not knowing how to break the ice on what the dad could sense was threatening his son.

Both of the winning short films will be played at the Directing Change Award Ceremony scheduled for May 21 at the United Theatre on Broadway in Los Angeles. Brown said both films still have the potential to earn the top spot in their respective categories.

Perhaps there is no better way for parents to peer into the minds of their children than to view their ideation of mental health on film. This Wednesday, April 24, from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., the Lecture Hall at LAHS, parents and supporters of the Los Al School system will have their chance.

Brown said the school has scheduled a “Screening” for all of the films.

“This is the first year Los Alamitos High School has entered this film festival,” said Brown, “and immediately they are making a name for themselves as one of the top schools competing.”

“The students have enjoyed the process of making and submitting these films as they continue on their journey to become great filmmakers,” he added.

“We hope that the community shows up to support these young filmmakers and their work,” said Brown. “We will be showing the videos the students made as well as having a question and answer panel with the students as well as mental health experts.”

Frankly, the short films created by students were fascinating for many reasons. Not only are they lifelines thrown by the students themselves, but they demand respect for the mastery of craft it took to produce them.

Thanks to LAEF and Los Al Unified, students at every school now have parlors of safe harbor with counselors to help. Obviously, that’s a great start.

Now if we listen to the messages students themselves are sending in ways that transcend otherwise awkward conversations, it’s just another big step along the road to wellness.

For parents and community members who cannot make the public screenings and discussion on Wednesday, Brown said the films will be made public after the competition in May.

It’s always helpful to see problems through the eyes of those most affected, especially when it is our next generation of leaders who are directing change.

LAEF STEAM gives more than $80K in grants

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LAEF STEAM gives more than $80K in grants

The Los Alamitos Education Foundation granted more $80,000 to Los Al schools for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math) needs this school year.

Popular purchases this year included Makey Makey Stem kits and 3D pens. Makey Makey kits make inventions simple by attaching alligator clips to an object that allows the user to control any computer program with any object. 3D pens are devices that use heated or warm plastic, extruded from the pen’s nozzle, to create three-dimensional objects.

At Lee Elementary, a STEAM grant funded a complete class set of Makey Makey STEM sets and 3Doodler Start Pens. 4th graders used Makey Makey kits and their knowledge of circuits to make controllers for a piano application. In addition, students made controllers for previously coded maze games. While 5th graders used 3Doodler pens to design bubble wands. The students then had the opportunity to test their wands bubble solution! Lee Makerspace teacher, Melissa Chambers shared how thankful she is for the STEAM grants which make it possible for “every student to have their own materials!”

“Seeing grant funds putting materials into the hands of students and especially knowing that teachers are able to give every student their own tools aligns with LAEF’s vision to provide enrichment opportunities for all students,” said Carrie Logue, LAEF’s executive director. “We could not be more grateful to our donors that understand our vision and support STEAM education.”

At Rossmoor Elementary, a STEAM grant bought Makey Makey STEM sets for their STEM Lab and the Knights already put them to good use. Rossmoor fifth-graders coded their own games and then built corresponding controllers using the Makey Makeys. Last week they completed the projects and students tried out each other’s games, while also writing feedback about what they liked best about the game and invention and also had the opportunity to make suggestions for any improvements.

“It is so fun to see the elementary students excited with STEAM,” said LAEF Donor Relations and Development Manager Lauren DeNinno. “The creativity and collaboration at Rossmoor Elementary school last week was infectious. All of the students were so proud of not only their own projects, but also those of their peers!”

To date, LAEF has donated more $530,000 to support STEAM programs and staff across Los Alamitos Unified School District.

The STEAM donations are due in large part to the support from LAEF’s major donor group, the Los Al Leadership Circle. The LALC consists of the distinguished, significant supporters of LAEF’s visionary work. Members of the LALC provide the critical donations that bring LAEF’s support of Los Al kids to the next level. To learn more about how to become a member of the LALC, visit www.LAEF4kids.org/LALC.

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 impacts all students by providing significant funding for student mental health/wellness and STEAM instruction, as well as igniting new programs and providing valuable resources. For more information, visit www.LAEF4kids.org or call (562) 799-4700 Extension 80424 today.

Seal Beach offers Junior Lifeguard Program this summer

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Seal Beach offers Junior Lifeguard Program this summer

Summer registration for the Seal Beach Junior Lifeguard program opens in May, and hopeful participants need to pass a swim test before registering.  There are swim tests scheduled for 7-8 p.m., Friday, April 26 Friday, May 3 from at McGaugh.

The program is set to run for seven weeks from June 17-August 2 and meets Monday-Friday from 9am to Noon on the beach in Seal Beach.

Seal Baech Junior Lifeguards is one of the largest recreation programs in Seal Beach and has a long history of developing a love for the ocean among kids aged 9-17 in Seal Beach and surrounding communities.

The summer program is taught entirely by Seal Beach Lifeguards and promotes ocean safety through fun activities like surfing, boogie-boarding, ocean swimming, paddleboarding, and beach games.  Junior Guards also learn lifeguarding skills, basic first aid techniques, and are introduced to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

“Seal Beach Junior Guards is one of the best programs out there to introduce kids to the ocean in a safe and fun way,” said Matthew Corb, of the Seal Beach Junior Lifeguard Program.  “It’s become a summer tradition in Seal Beach, and we are always looking to bring new kids in and share our love for the ocean.”

For more information, email juniorlifeguard@sealbeachca.gov.

Forgotten Hollywood talk at Cypress Chamber breakfast

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Forgotten Hollywood talk at Cypress Chamber breakfast

The Cypress Chamber of Commerce will welcome Cypress based author and broadcaster Manny Pacheco as our guest speaker at our May Networking Breakfast. Our event will be held Tuesday, May 14th at the Residence Inn by Marriott at 4931 Katella Avenue, Cypress/Los Alamitos starting at 7:30 a.m. Manny Pacheco has authored three books, the “Forgotten Hollywood” series, highlighting many of the unsung character actors from the golden era of Hollywood who are often “forgotten” in other film books. Manny will share some of the historical anecdotes and stories he has collected for his book series. His books will also be available for sale and personalizing after the event.

A longtime Cypress resident, author Manny Pacheco has enjoyed a growing acclaim through his Forgotten Hollywood book series, included in the library collections of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Hollywood Heritage Museum, and American Film Institute. A Southern California television and radio personality for over three decades, Manny was on NBC’s Santa Barbara and co-hosted the Daytime Emmy-nominated In Studio on KCOP. Manny is also an adjunct professor at Mt. San Antonio College, Rio Hondo College and Fullerton College. He is currently a weekend traffic anchor on KNX 1070AM/97.1FM News Radio.

Reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot for the monthly breakfasts and can be made online. Cost of the breakfast is $25.00. Early Bird Registration is $20.00.  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-may-networking-breakfast-2726

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