Photo by Ted Apodaca
Sophomore wide receiver Carson Clark goes up for a touchdown reception in Los Alamitos High’s 57-35 win over Timpview of Utah on Friday at Los Al High. Clark had 145 receiving yards and two touchdowns and also had an interception return for a touchdown on defense. Griffin quarterback Alonzo Esparza completed 17 of 23 passes for 351 yards and three touchdowns as Los Alamitos improved to 3-0 and jumped to No. 3 in the Orange County rankings. The Griffins will host Servite on Friday at 7 p.m. at Cerritos College.
Griffins down Timpview
Centurions take hits as they pull away from El Modena
Cypress High was able to shut down El Modena High’s offense enough to come away with a 31-14 win in a non-league football game, but the cost may hurt the Centurions on the long run.
Cypress suffered several injuries in the game to key players, adding to some injuries that had already plagued the team starting back during the summer passing tournaments.
A broken collarbone suffered by runningback Destin Sanchez and a wrist injury to wide receiver Bobby Castillo were just two key injuries the Centurions suffered against El Modena. Head Coach Rick Feldman was at a loss as to how the team will try to navigate the next few weeks.
“At the end we were just trying to massage the clock and get the heck out of here,” Feldman said.
The Centurions got a strong effort from it defense which shut out El Modena in the second half and allowed only one touchdown, with the second coming on special teams, when the Vanguards returned a kickoff for a touchdown. But the Centurions also pulled off a special teams score that proved to be pivotal.
With the game tied 14-14 late in the second quarter, the Centurions lined up to punt the ball. The receiver failed to catch the ball cleanly, but did scoop it up on the bounce. As he tried to run he was hit and dropped the ball. Junior Matthew Baldonado picked up the loose ball, broke away from a tackler and ran 12 yards for a touchdown that gave the Centurions a 21-14 lead with 2:43 left in the half.
The Centurion defense began to clamp down on the Vanguards and forced a punt that gave Cypress the ball at the 43 yard line. Cypress was able to get in close enough for Logan Kennedy to kick a field goal with :13 seconds left to give Cypress a 24-14 lead at halftime.
They got a couple of big plays on us on busted coverages and misalignments, so came back, adjusted to it, fixed it and the kids responded well,” Assistant Coach Jeff Crooks said.
The score remained 24-14 into the fourth quarter and Cypress was looking to run out the clock, when senior running back Rocco Burdett took a hand off and tried running up the middle.
He hit a wall of players just past the line of scrimmage, but kept churning his feet and somehow broke through the pile and raced 36 yards for a touchdown that capped the scoring and the win for Cypress.
The Centurions will host Lawndale on Friday at 7 p.m. at Handel Stadium.
The Ninja Bender and ALUC
Dear Editor,
When community members get elected to a position in local government, they are thrust into a Ninja blender of conflicting interests.
It does not matter if the decision pertains to allocating $250,000 in taxpayer funds for “fancy trash cans”, asking for an outside audit of financial records where significant mistakes are obvious, or deciding whether to overturn a decision of two State agencies that found three housing projects next to the Joint Forces Military Base may be unsafe for the housing.
Each decision made requires a “scale of justice” to weigh and balance multiple factors.
The decision usually calls for a Yes or No vote. Management loses control when council members attempt to alter the staff’s recommendation during a council meeting.
After the vote, it is inevitable that one side is not going to be satisfied, and will question the judgment, or ethics, or both of the decision maker.
There are circulating accusations that the failed vote to overturn the Airport Land Use Commission’s decision occurred because two members of the Los Alamitos City Council are “puppets”.
The council acts as a “body” and their duties are to everyone, not just those living in the city, but everyone who may be impacted by the decision. That is why hearings are open to the “public” not just voters within the city.
As an elected official, you have “staff” that consists of civil service employees, management, and legal counsel. Your staff does not make decisions, they make recommendations only. They are not experts; that is why the City pays for consultant opinions.
The consultant must also be free of conflict of interest and bias in order for officials to be able to rely on their advice. A consultant who has been paid by both the proponent and opponent at different times would have a conflict of interest. A report that fails to disclose that writer has been paid by the proponent in the past but asserts in a report that he is “independent”, lacks credibility and tilts the scale of justice.
A decision-maker is free to follow the Staff recommendations, but she is also free to ignore them. She must weigh and balance the advice given based on whether the staff report is complete, accurate, unbiased, and avoids conflicts of interest.
Some council members never deviate from what the staff recommends. Even in a situation where many errors are found in financial reports and budgets, they will vote to approve the document because that is what the “staff recommends’. These types of decisions make the public questions “what are they hiding”?
The community may notice that the “follow the leader” official, may never express an opinion or ask a question during the meeting. Their job is performative: hand out certificates, get photo taken, cheer on the staff, meet and greet, and never question what is presented to you.
On the other hand, some council members are activists.
When the public demands answers to questions, they do their own research, consult with outside legal advisors when they do not get sufficient council in-house, gather public documents that are missing from the staff reports, question the credentials of experts, and look for conflicts of interest both inside and outside of City Hall. This assures them that the decision they make is based on the broadest factual basis available free of undue influence and not tainted by corruption.
Activist council members will engage in questions and answers during the public meetings, and openly discuss their concerns.
My question for the reader is this: Is the “puppet” the person who actively engages in the pursuit of knowledge and truth, or the decision maker who simply allows the staff to tell them what to do?
Sincerely,
Carol Churchill
Rossmoor
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Letters to the Editor can be submitted to Event-News Enterprise by E-mail at: ed****@******************se.com.
Protect a child’s mental health from harmful social media use
By Dr. Archana Dubey
Social media can be a great tool to help build connections, stay informed and engage with others. However, it can become all-consuming and potentially damaging to adolescent brain development, which is a cause for concern.
A recent advisory issued by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy calls attention to the potential harmful effects social media has on children’s mental health. According to the report, 95% of teens ages 13-17 say they use social media, with more than a third saying they use it “almost constantly.” In addition, 40% of children ages 8-12 use social media, even though most platforms require users to be at least 13 to participate.
According to a study in the report, teens who spend more than three hours a day on social media face twice the risk of experiencing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Other potential issues referenced in the report include:
Body dissatisfaction, or disordered eating behaviors
Social comparison
Lower self-esteem
Poor sleep
The information in this report corroborates with the what UnitedHealthcare providers are often seeing: an increased rate of harmful comparison, limited in-person interaction, feelings of loneliness and an uptick in anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Dr. Donald Tavakoli, national medical director for behavioral health at UnitedHealthcare, says the amount of time children spend online affects their overall development.
The Surgeon General’s advisory comes as youth mental health remains in a state of crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 children have a mental, emotional or behavioral disorder and only about 20% of those children receive care from a mental health provider.
These findings may be alarming for parents and tackling the issues surrounding social media use may feel overwhelming as well. These tips may help you and your child become more informed about social media use and, in turn, reduce potential harm:
Understand and monitor social media.
Having a bit of background on the latest social media apps can help parents create better limits and boundaries for their kids. As children’s brains go through dramatic developmental changes, they could develop sensitivities associated with a desire for attention and may have undeveloped self-control, especially during early adolescence. Social channels that promote “likes” or excessive scrolling may pose issues for developing brains. Limit chat functions, especially with strangers, and restrict inappropriate content.
Create a family social media plan.
Set guidelines and boundaries when it comes to your family’s social media use. This can be agreed-upon expectations of what social media use looks like to your family, including screen time limits, online safety and protecting personal privacy. The Academy of Pediatrics has a template that can guide you through the process.
Communication is key.
Initiate open and honest conversations, without judgement, with your child about their activity on social media on a regular basis. Ask them about what they see on social media and pose hypotheticals, asking how they would respond in different scenarios. Ensure they know the signs of cyberbullying, and how permanent an online post can be.
Create tech-free zones.
It can be helpful to restrict electronic use at least one hour before bedtime and through the night. Studies show two or more hours of screentime in the evening can greatly disrupt the melatonin surge needed to fall asleep. Keep mealtimes free from technology and encourage in-person conversations. Encourage children to foster in-person friendships and build social skills.
Model healthy social media behavior.
Children often learn by watching your behaviors and habits, so make sure you’re limiting the time you spend on social media and be responsible with what you choose to post. When you are on your device, tell your children what you’re doing.
While the Surgeon General’s advisory focuses on the potential negative impacts of social media use on children and teens, it also acknowledges social media can provide some benefits. It can be helpful in creating community connection over shared interests, abilities and identities or providing space for self-expression. Encouraging children to form healthy relationships with technology is critical.
Adults cannot afford to wait to understand the full impact of social media because adolescents’ brains are still developing. It’s crucial that parents take an active role in helping their children safely navigate social media.
Archana Dubey, MD, is Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealthcare of California, located in Cypress
Author from AAUW LaPalma/Cerritos shares new bookf
María Cecilia Borja-Van Zitter, known as “Ceci” by her family and friends, has been a member of the La Palma-Cerritos Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) for about 33 years. She served as Hospitality Chair twice, most recently for the past five years.
She surprised everyone by publishing her first Children’s book on Amazon in June of 2022, by the title of “One Joyful Scoop at a Time!” It was also published in Spanish as “¡Una Alegre Porción de Helado al Vez!” Her first book was about her grandson, Bowman, who had to miss out of activities because he needed to learn how to follow rules, before he could enjoy the ice cream he enjoyed, “one joyful scoop at a time.” Ceci said that she wrote the book to fulfill one of her husband’s last wishes, to “take care of Bowman.” At that time, she said she wanted to write more books to help Bowman as he was growing up.
Ceci continues to write bilingual Children’s books, not just for Bowman but for all children. As children read her books, she hopes that they might be inspired to appreciate the beauties of nature, express gratitude and joy for the blessings they receive in their everyday lives, and some day, develop their self-esteem as they discover their God given-worth. Her second book, was published on August 10, 2023, on Amazon, and was printed in both English and Spanish as, “One Joyful Adventure at a Time!” and “¡Una Alegre Adventura a la Vez!”
In her second book, Ceci shares her love of nature and the jungle of the Amazonía in Ecuador, with her granddaughter Sage. Sage was not happy because the jungle is full of bugs, birds and mud, and there was no TV. Worst of all, she would have to celebrate her birthday in this strange place, far away from her friends. This story acknowledges that children have difficulties with new experiences and encourages them to look for the positive. After a surprise party, Sage has “One joyful adventure at a time!”
Ceci held a book -signing of her second Children’s Book, on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at Paris Baguette in Cerritos, at 17416 Carmenita Road. While having their books signed by Ceci, patrons of the bakery could enjoy coffee and a variety of pastries prepared by Paris Baguette for a fee. Retired teacher Nancy Spears of Cerritos read about Ceci’s book signing and came prepared to purchase nine books for her eight grandchildren and one for a friend’s grandchild! Ceci was delighted that Nancy came and purchased so many books!
Ceci will be reading her four new books for children in the Little Theater of the Cerritos Library, on September 29, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. Since September will be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Ceci will be reading her books in English and in Spanish. She would love to see many children and their parents come to hear her stories. All four of Ceci’s books were colorfully illustrated by Sara Nieto.
Maria Cecilia Borja Van Zitter, or “Ceci” as we now know her, is a retired teacher with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from CSULA, and a Master of Arts Degree from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego. She lived in Quito, Ecuador, until 1966, when she relocated to Los Angeles. She became a United States citizen in 1986 and was a teacher in California public schools for 30 years before retiring from full-time teaching. She currently does substitute teaching in high schools and is becoming known as an author of Children’s books.
Persons interested in contacting Ceci for book readings, school visits, or presentations, can connect with her on Facebook@AbuelitaCeciFanPage, and on Instagram @instagramborjavan. Persons interested in purchasing her second book can contact Aamazon.com at: https://tinyurl.com/OneJoyfulAdventureAtATimeUS.
Rossmoor teen changing the world one book at a time
Kayla Teng is already writing chapters of her own Book of Life. Her message is simple yet profound.
“The very future of our world depends on children’s access to books,” Teng, a Rossmoor teen, tells the Board of Directors meeting of the Rossmoor Community Services District.
What began as a scouting research project for Teng has blossomed into a campaign for children’s literacy.
“My community service project is called ‘Key to Literacy,’” Teng told the Directors, as she sought approval for her “Storytime” book drive to appear at the upcoming Rossmoor Family Fest on Sept. 9.
The teen then made a strong case for her campaign.
“Literacy serves as the building blocks of the foundation upon which education is built in our rapidly evolving world,” Teng told the board. “Literacy and education are pretty much the key to solving many advanced tasks and even basic ones,” she added.
“Literacy and education unlock doors in our personal growth, but they can also lead to better understanding, effective communication, and widespread education help solve many larger and collective issues,” the Oxford Academy student told the RCSD Directors.
Teng, who was recently selected as “Miss Anaheim Teen,” has now attracted the support of the Orange County United Way and California Pizza Kitchen in her unrelenting quest to distribute children’s books to underserved households.
“Being proficient in literacy all starts at a young age,” she said, noting that “It starts with fostering a love for reading.” “I know, I’ve always loved reading from a young age.”
A couple of years ago, Kayla decided to seek her Girl Scout Bronze Award. For that project, Teng decided to build a website linking the tiny “share a book” libraries dotted throughout Rossmoor. She met Joe Mendoza, the general manager, who she said has been very helpful to her along with the entire RCSD Board and staff.
Kayla then made her case for why it was so important to get children’s books (kindergarten to third grade) into more underserved homes.
“One in five children don’t have access to books,” Teng told the Board, “And 61% of low-income families don’t have a single children’s book in their home – and that is absurd,” said Teng.
“And those are the children who most likely are not going to be proficient in reading. If they’re not proficient by fourth grade,” said Teng, “they’re 45% more likely to drop out of high school.”
“And dropping out of high school, where I come from, is a really big deal,” she said, “so that’s why I started ‘Literacy is Key.’”
A girl scout project years ago inspired her current campaign to improve literacy among younger readers.
“My initiative is focused on three core elements; using the internet online to advocate, doing Storytime’s, and book drives,” she said.
“I’ve been working with United Way of Orange County,” she said, to raise money to buy books. “I have already donated 150 books to underprivileged schools in Anaheim,” said Teng.
“And when I presented the kids with these books, they told me, ‘Oh my god, I can take these home’…and the fascinated looks on their faces. It told me that it was all worth it,” said Teng.
The junior high book philanthropist hopes to distribute at least one book to every Title 1 school in California and donating 300-400 more books locally.
They are asking for children’s books or books from kindergarten to third grade, the Directors were told.
Director Jo Shade told Kayla “This is a program that’s after my own heart, having a daughter who’s huge on reading as well because that’s like her thing. So, I totally get it.”
“I actually saw the program that you’re running on social media,” said Shade. “So that’s great. Right. Isn’t that nice? I know. I would like to see more of that social media done for sure. No question. I think it’s wonderful,” she said.
Director Nathan Searles offered to put Kayla in touch with the Friends of the Library group. “Awesome,” said Kayla.
Director Michael Maynard said Kayla’s enthusiasm for books reminded him of his dad, a man he said in retirement led a group of CEOs who would visit schools and read to kids.
“All that said, I’m a big fan of what you’re trying to accomplish,” said Maynard, who was the acting President for the August meeting. “Thank you so much for your time and for your efforts and we are all on your side.”
“Key to Literacy” donations can be dropped off at the RCSD Office, 3001 Blume Drive, Rossmoor, there is a QR code for her GoFundMe campaign and volunteers or persons with questions can email Kayla directly at ka*******@***il.com.
For Teng, books are the future and literally means success or failure at a young age for so many. Yet her work, she said, puts her face-to-face with children whose lives are about to be changed.
“Because these kids are going to get books in their hands, they’re going to understand stories and they are going to understand the joy of literacy,” she said.
ALUC responds to ENE after failure to overrule
During the debate over whether the city of Los Alamitos should, or should not overrule the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC), several alternatives were suggested that would occur if the city failed to overrule a ruling that found three of the potential homebuilding sites in the city’s approved housing element were “inconsistent” with the standards of land use around an airport.
“Housing elements” are simply glorified plans California municipalities must file with the state to identify potential future housing sites to construct a target number of new homes determined by the state or its designated agency.
Without a housing element, local municipalities potentially lose local control of their ordinances that govern new construction of housing. Therefore, when the ALUC found three sites problematic in relation to the runways at the city’s military base, the internal struggle began over what would happen to the city’s approved housing element if the city failed to overrule the findings of inconsistency.
The most pressing issue deep within the debate was the Lampson Project, a massive, mixed-use housing project that promises 249 new residences for the city, which has been proposed for one of the three sites found to be inconsistent.
Without overruling ALUC, as has Seal Beach, Irvine, Newport Beach, and others, a number of speakers suggested ALUC could then take control of the city’s planning department.
As reported by ENE last week, a motion by the City Council to overrule ALUC failed 3-2. Michael Daudt, the city’s legal advisor, said a resolution to “overrule” ALUC requires a four-fifths majority rather than a simple majority.
Since the vote, there has been no firm announcement about what will happen next.
Lea Choum, the Executive Director of ALUC told ENE last week that the Commission would be scheduling a meeting to discuss the issue. As of this week, however, no meeting has been immediately called.
The ENE has also reached out to Schelly Sustarsic, a Seal Beach city council member who sits on ALUC, who as yet not responded with a statement.
Finally, the ENE did receive a response from AnnaMarie Sorkin, the public information officer for ALUC, who responded to the following questions.
ENE: Is there any precedence of ALUC becoming involved in any way with city planning departments anywhere as a result of a situation similar to the one in Los Alamitos?
Sorkin:
ALUC reviews projects for consistency or inconsistency with Airport Environs Land Use Plans for Orange County airports, including plans for John Wayne Airport, Fullerton Municipal Airport, and Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, depending on the project’s location. The local jurisdictions maintain final land use authority over proposed projects.
When the commission does meet, what are the decision points on the agenda?
Sorkin: In reviewing projects, the Commission considers airport-related noise impacts, height restrictions, and safety concerns to determine whether a project is Consistent or Inconsistent with an Airport Environs Land Use Plan.
Is there negotiating room on the ‘inconsistency” finding to resolve the matter between ALUC and the city?
Sorkin: The city may revise its plan and submit it for ALUC’s review.
LAEF’s after school fall program offers more classes
Los Alamitos Education Foundation’s Fall After-School Enrichment Program begins on Sept. 5 for Weaver Elementary and Sept. 11 for the rest of the district.
The program provides children across all nine Los Alamitos Unified School District sites with a diverse array of enriching educational experiences.
This fall, LAEF is offering more than 145 classes guided by credentialed and highly qualified teachers ensuring that participating students have access to outstanding opportunities for growth and learning.
LAEF will continue offering free Virtual World Language classes to first- through fifth-graders across the district. More than 300 students enrolled in these free classes last Spring, ranging from Mandarin and Japanese to Spanish, French and American Sign Language. LAEF’s goal is to expose children to languages they can pursue further in their secondary education.
“We are grateful to our community for their unwavering support, enabling LAEF to extend the gift of language learning to even more young minds. The opportunity to expose students to these incredible languages lays the foundation for a lifetime of exploration and growth,” said Mike Kahn, LAEF programs manager.
LAEF’s After-School Fall Enrichment Program is more than just a collection of classes; it’s an invitation for students to explore, discover, and flourish. With a diverse range of offerings spanning arts, sciences, athletics, and technology, ensuring that students not only have fun but also broaden their horizons.
LAEF continues to facilitate even more participation by offering tuition scholarships, thanks to the support of grant donors such as Run Seal Beach and our major donor group, the Los Al Leadership Circle. For more information or to register your student for classes, please visit www.LAEF4kids.org/afterschool.
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 and wellness, and STEAM teachers/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.
Liz Chaney, Goldie Hawn, Thomas Friedman among headliners in Distinguished Series season
Already well established as a Southern California cultural institution, the Distinguished Speakers Series has again lined up an all-star array of live presenters for the upcoming 2023-24 season. Now in its third season in Long Beach this season’s speakers include Goldie Hawn, Dr. Moogega Cooper, Liz Cheney, Dr. Lisa Genova, H. R. McMaster, and Thomas Friedman. The Series is sold in subscription packages ranging from $240 to $660. Each presentation begins at 8:00pm at the Terrace Theater.
With its season running from September 2023 to May 2024, on six different evenings, the Distinguished Speaker Series will bring community and business leaders, colleagues, friends, and multi-generations of families together for a shared experience. Patrons come together for inspiring stories and presentations from some of the world’s most influential, timely, and captivating speakers.
“Our mission is to offer audiences across Los Angeles the chance to learn from six amazing people changing the world. We give neighbors from differing backgrounds and political persuasions the opportunity to come together,” said co-owner Kathy Winterhalder.
The difference between The Distinguished Speaker Series and other forms of entertainment is the return on investment. “Billionaires and CEO’s understand the value of experiencing thought leaders live; they get exclusive invitations and pay tens of thousands of dollars traveling the world to attend events. We present many of the same speakers as these forums. However, the big distinction is – for the price of a good steak dinner – we bring the same experience to our subscribers at the Terrace Theater,” said Winterhalder.
The series kicks off on September 21, 2023 with Academy Award-winner, humanitarian and household name, Goldie Hawn. Known worldwide as one of the screen’s most beloved actresses, little is known about her true passion, her Mind Up Curriculum, created by the Hawn Foundation, a public charity created after 9/11, whose mission is to help children manage stress and reach their highest potential. Goldie will join the Series for a night of fun, laughter, stories, & sharing her passion: how to truly thrive.
Courtesy photo
Dr. Moogega Cooper, will take the stage on October 12, 2023. A real-life “Guardian of the Galaxy,” Dr. Cooper helped make history when the Mars Perseverance Rover successfully landed on the Red Planet. Part of the famed Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) team, she holds the awesome responsibility of keeping the Red Planet safe from Earth’s contaminants. Her presentation will feature breathtaking images taken from space and she will share the leadership lessons learned from her inspirational journey to the top of her field.
Liz Cheney, former Congresswoman and Profile in Courage recipient, will join the Series on February 1, 2024, to discuss the political divide in American politics. Cheney’s actions during her last term in Congress laid bare her commitment to country and democracy over politics—and they pose new questions about the future of the American two-party system. Hear Cheney tell the stories of how she arrived at her personal convictions, her remarkable career in Congress, and the road that lies ahead.
Coutesy photo
On February 19, 2024, neuroscientist and #1 international best-selling author, Dr. Lisa Genova, will wield her ability to tell a story and her knowledge of the human brain to discuss with passion and accuracy the journeys of those affected by brain diseases and conditions, and the science behind how we remember and why we forget.
Former National Security Advisor and Lieutenant General H. R. McMaster (USA Ret.) will offer rare and timely insight on the most pressing issues facing the United States and the ever-evolving geopolitical climate, including the War in Ukraine, technology and global security, U.S. foreign policy, misinformation and the global marketplace on April 1, 2024.
The Series will conclude with Pulitzer Prize-winning foreign affairs columnist, Thomas Friedman, on May 9, 2024. As one of America’s most visionary thinkers, Friedman will analyze and report directly on the big trends shaping the world today: Economics, Technology, and Geopolitics.
Distinguished Speaker Series of Long Beach audience members have the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas with each speaker during a moderated question and answer session at the conclusion of all events.
The Distinguished Speaker Series will be held at the Terrace Theater, 300 East Ocean Blvd, in Long Beach. Each program takes place on a weeknight at 8:00pm
The Series is open to the public in subscription packages only. Series tickets range from $240 to premier seating at $660 for all six evenings. Single tickets are not available. Subscriptions can be purchased online at www.speakersla.com.
The Distinguished Speaker Series was established in 1995 in response to Southern California’s need for an enlightening entertainment alternative. The Distinguished Speaker Series is currently held at four locations, the Terrace Theater in Long Beach, the Bank of America, Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center, the historic Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena, and the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center,.
“We’re so inspired by the game-changers we’ve brought to Southern California,” added Winterhalder. “It’s gratifying to realize we’ve presented more than 100 luminaries who have transformed our world.” Through the series, Southern Californians have come to know leaders such as Joe Biden, Margaret Thatcher, the Dalai Lama, George Bush, Bill Clinton, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Tony Blair. They’ve laughed with Betty White, Ron Howard, and Steve Martin. And they’ve been moved by such talents as Vin Scully, Malala Yousafzai, Yo-Yo Ma, Robert Redford, and Maya Angelou to name a few.
Subscriptions can be purchased by visiting the Distinguished Speaker Series website www.speakersla.com or calling (310) 546-6222.
Youth Center thanks RCSD for partnership
With focus on keeping kids active and electronic free, the Rossmoor Community Services District has partnered with The Youth Center this summer to provide opportunities for local children to grow and learn.
With this partnership, RCSD has made it possible for The Youth Center to have many different activities and classes at its camps and RASCALS after school program. RCSD has maintained an emphasis on educating local children on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and promoting healthy reading habits. In addition, RCSD focuses on keeping kids electronic-free and active outside.
This year, The Youth Center and RCSD were able to provide over $2,000 worth of scholarships to families, allowing for even more children than last year to attend The Youth Center’s summer camp, Camp SHARK (Science, Hands-On, Art, Recreation, and Knowledge). The Youth Center served 492 kids at Camp SHARK this summer.
“I’m so grateful for Camp SHARK because my child has a safe and fun place to go during the summer,” said one local parent named Susie. “I’m so grateful that they are able to go outside and enjoy all of the amenities that Camp SHARK offers.”
Additionally, The Youth Center has been given access to use Rossmoor Park to host Rossmoor Rascals (Rossmoor After School Club and Learning Services), an after-school program for grades 1-5. RASCALS attendees are able to play outside, participate in crafts and games, read, and receive homework help, all within a safe and supervised environment.
Since 1986, RCSD has worked to provide cost-efficient and safe services for the community of Rossmoor, making the district a perfect partner for The Youth Center. On top of that, most Camp SHARK campers are from the Rossmoor area, and many camp volunteers are also from Rossmoor, giving the partnership an even greater impact on surrounding communities.
“I have learned so much from volunteering and am so grateful to have been able to volunteer so close to home,” a Camp SHARK volunteer named Danny said.
“I’m eternally grateful for this partnership with the Rossmoor Community Services District,” said Janae Roberts, Camp SHARK’s director. “Camp SHARK would not be able to have these enriching activities for kids without them.”
Without this partnership, The Youth Center’s summer this year would have been very different. The Youth Center thanks RCSD for their partnership and is grateful for its impact and support in the community.
To find out more about RCSD, visit www.rossmoor-csd.org.
Local high school football roundup
Los Alamitos (2-0) vs. Timpview, Utah (2-1), Friday at 7 p.m. at Veteran’s Stadium, Long Beach in this week’s football roundup.
Los Alamitos improved to 2-0 with a 25-6 win over La Serna on Friday at home. The Griffins were slotted in the No. 17 spot in this week’s Max Preps State poll, dropping two spots. The Griffins will host Timpview who are coming off a 21-13 win over Provo High.
Cypress (1-1) vs. El Modena (0-1) Thursday at 7 p.m. at Handel Stadium
Cypress looks to bounce back from a 41-24 loss to Corona del Mar on Friday. The Sea Kings are ranked No. 38 in this week’s Max Preps state poll, moving up 11 spots after the win over the Centurions. Cypress fell six spots this week and are now ranked No. 72 in the state poll.
Cypress trailed by four, 21-17, at halftime, before the Sea Kings pulled away in the second half. Aidan Houston put up big numbers for the Centurions, throwing for 247 yards and a touchdown and also ran for 153 yards and added two rushing touchdowns for Cypress. Michael Hubbard had seven catches for 88 yards and Jonah Kim had four catches for 91 yards and a touchdown.
El Modena is coming off a 21-17 loss to Colony in their season-opener.
Kennedy (2-0) vs. Sonora (2-0) Saturday at 7 p.m. at Handel Stadium
Kennedy is coming off a 35-21 win over Northwood High on Friday. Junior quarterback Devin Almazan threw for 356 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Fighting Irish to the victory over the Timberwolves. Junior Drew Deese had 10 receptions for 162 yards and two touchdowns and Rocco Street had six catches and the other touchdown.
Junior running back Rider Street rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns. Sonora is 2-0 with wins over Whitter High and Vincent Memorial out of Calexico, CA.
Western High (1-1) vs. El Toro High (0-2) Friday at 7 p.m. at Handel Stadium.
Western High bounced back from their season-opening loss to Los Alamitos to defeat St. Margaret’s High, 48-13, on Friday at Handel Stadium.
The Pioneers used a heavy ground game as they rolled up 269 rushing yards, led by Joshua Faulkner, who ran for 74 yards and a touchdown. Senior quarterback Anthony Luna ran for 50 yards and also had a rushing touchdown. Anthony Edwards Jr. had 48 yards on two carries with a touchdown.
Luna also threw for 141 yards and a touchdown, while Noah Giddens threw for 83 yards and three touchdowns. Desmin Joshway-Fairley had seven catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns. Faulkner had four catches for 53 yards and a touchdown and Malachi Alatorre also had a touchdown reception.
Alatorre also had a team-high 16 total tackles, with nine solo tackles to pace the defense. The Pioneer defense shut out the Tartans in the second half. Noa Valles-Blackwell had seven total tackles, while Dane Torrence, Dominic Hadrous and Edwards Jr. each compiled six total tackles.
The Pioneers will host El Toro High on Friday at Western High. The Chargers are 0-2 with losses to Tustin and Downey to start their
Los Al girls top El Toro for first ever football win
Los Alamitos High’s newest sports team came about quickly since the start of the year, when CIF-SS Girls Flag Football became a reality. With tryouts in early August and first practice taking place on Aug. 9, the girls have been working hard to build themselves into a cohesive team.
The Griffins opened the season with a 13-7 loss to Lakewood, but got their first win on Friday with a 12-0 win on the road at El Toro High. Head Coach Laura Hart said she felt like the players had some first-game jitters that may have stymied their play. But that might have been expected after the quick turnaround from formation to first game.
“I was proud of how quick the girls learned and how they are playing,” Hart said.
The Griffins were able to strike quickly against El Toro, when Kassidy Beach intercepted a pass on the second play of the game and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown that gave the Griffins a 6-0 lead. The Griffin defense kept the Chargers from getting much of anything in the first half.
Los Alamitos added another touchdown with a more sustained drive that ended with quarterback Rylee Robles hit Kennedy Bowe with a short pass in traffic that Bowe was able to catch above the defenders for another touchdown. A failed point after try gave the Griffins a 12-0 win at halftime.
“I like where we’re at as a team, we have a lot of natural talent, it’s just hard to get everyone involved with only two, 20-minute halves,” Hart said.
The Griffins opened the second half with a long drive, deep into Chargers territory. But the drive stalled and the Chargers took over on downs. El Toro was able to mount its best drive of the game driving the ball back into Griffin’s territory before the Los Al defense was able to stall the drive and take over on downs.
Both teams had a couple of short possessions after that, but time ran out and the Griffins had their first win. Hart said her team has been working hard and have a mental focus that has her optimistic of a successful season. The Griffins will be competing in the LA Rams Girls Flag Football Jamboree on Sept 23 at Loyola Marymount. She said she expects the team to gain valuable experience at the event.
“I’m excited to see the girls compete against teams at different skill levels with some having been playing together for a while,” Hart said.
The Griffins will host St. Joseph High on Thursday, starting at 6 p.m. at Los Al High. They will also host Edison High on Wednesday, starting at 6 p.m.
Johnson responds
The Los Alamitos City Council failed to maintain local control over land use decisions in the City. This self-defeating action last week is the result of two council members’ premature opposition to the proposed Lampson project. The project that has yet to start environmental review, receive Planning Commission scrutiny, and ultimately, a City Council decision.
Councilmembers Hibard and Murphy chose to listen to Carol Churchill’s spin tactics and conspiracy theories rather than their own staffs’ factual reports and recommendations. Their actions put the City in peril of HCD decertification of the Housing Element, loss of certain State funding sources and loss of local land use control.
The Building Industry Association, its affiliates and members are organizations that advocate for good public policy that supports housing in Orange County and Southern California. I work with their leaders and members to provide airport land use compatibility analysis and advice to ensure that their efforts are aligned with airport development and aviation safety objectives. Both are critical drivers of our economy.
I prepared the FAA application for the Lampson project and I continue to support the project’s planning and environmental analysis to ensure that it meets aviation safety and noise compatibility criteria. My practice is providing FAA airspace services to projects through all stages of acquisition, planning, design, environmental review, and construction and do so for all parties involved in land use planning, including cities and ALUCs. FAA airspace clearance is a very early step in planning for a project located within an airport influence area. I have studied all of the City’s Housing Element sites to ensure that they comply with the FAA’s airspace protection requirements, as well as noise and safety criteria.
Councilmember Hibard did not dispute any of the analysis in my letter about the faulty conclusions in the ALUC determination. She refused to acknowledge the fact that all of the Housing Element sites, including the Lampson site (Site 6 in the Housing Element), comply with the ALUC noise and safety criteria. Instead, she retreads a false safety argument, put forward by Carol Churchill, that the Lampson site is not suitable for residential development.
She had no answer for Mayor Pro Tem Nefulda’s question of how she reconciles the existing safety of kids playing soccer at Arbor Park, baseball at Los Alamitos Youth Baseball Park and families playing at South Highlands Park. These are existing recreational facilities in her district located as close or closer to the Base runways than the Lampson site.
Most importantly, what Councilmember Hibard failed to mention in the City Council hearing was the results of the FAA’s analysis of the Lampson project. The FAA found that the project is safe and issued a Determination of No Hazard to Air Navigation.
But don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story.
Nick Johnson
Johnson Aviation
Editor’s Note: Mr. Johnson’s Letter to the Editor, with his disclosures and comments, comes after he was called out by Council member Emily Hibard at the most recent Los Alamitos City Council meeting for submitting a letter of support for “overrule supporting the Lampson Housing project, without disclose he had submitted paperwork to the FAA on behalf of the project. Moreover, the ENE earlier published a Letter to the Editor written by Johnson wherein he does not mention the disclosures mentioned in this week’s letter. We welcome all opinions and invite our readers to send us letters reflecting their thoughts.
Send us Letters
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Letters to the Editor can be submitted to Event-News Enterprise by E-mail at: editor@
Productivity guru to address Cypress Chamber of Commerce
The Cypress Chamber of Commerce will host Professional Productivity Trainer Jarvis Leverson as our guest speaker at the September Networking Breakfast. Our event will be held Tuesday, September 12th at the Residence Inn by Marriott at 4931 Katella Avenue, Cypress/Los Alamitos starting at 7:30 a.m. Jarvis will present his proven productivity strategies for business professionals that are designed to help them grow their business without losing precious time. He will share the 3 REASONS why they should consider adding his Morning Hero Method to help grow their business and take back their life.
Jarvis Leverson is a noted a productivity and time management expert. He has a background in software sales and business ownership. But for many years he has been helping business owners and entrepreneurs build a personal productivity system so they can have more balance and be more effective in their business and life. With his presentation Jarvis plans to open the eyes of those wondering what’s to come in our industry regarding business ownership and how individuals can escape the everyday HUSTLE mentality and create the business they deserve.
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. 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/2023-september-networking-breakfast-2686
Tempers flare as Los Al Council fails to overrule ALUC “inconsistent” findings
Following an extended debate rehashing complicated governmental policies surrounding its approved housing element, the Los Alamitos City Council voted 3-2 to overrule the state’s Airport Land-Use Commission’s finding that three of its proposed housing sites were “inconsistent” with the approved land use surrounding the Joint Forces Training Base.
To overrule the ALUC finding, however, the Council requires a four-fifths majority said legal advisor Michael Daudt. This means at least four of the five Council members would have had to vote in favor of Council Member Shelley Hasselbrink’s motion to overrule the Commission’s finding.
For most Council items, a simple majority is sufficient.
At issue now is whether the city will retain control of its own housing element, which city officials claim could be in danger of decertification if ALUC’s finding was not overruled, while skeptics accused the city of using “scare tactics” and said such fears that residents mayhave to go to ALUC to “change a toilet” are overblown.
“ALUC is not here to control the city, you guys know that,” said Rossmoor resident Carol Churchill, who is an attorney and former Mayor of Signal Hill. “That’s not the case,” she said.
She said the city, in its staff reports, was “one-sided and biased. You’re leaving out the information about the base,” said Churchill, citing sections of the Public Utilities Code that she says govern the issue.
More than one commenter suggested the city knows full well that fears of an ALUC takeover of the city’s planning department are being used to strengthen the argument for overruling the ALUC finding.
Most of those who spoke for the overrule of ALUC cited local control and protection of the city’s housing element as their justification.
Mark Chirco, an attorney and former mayor, served five years on the Council before choosing to return to the private sector.
“This issue is totally different. However, it is not the state trying to erode our local control. Instead, it’s the airport land use commission trying to exert power over this city council and city residents,” he said.
“You can stop them [ALUC],” said Chirco. They are an unelected Advisory Commission that wants to control what happens here…but do not capitulate and give away power. Our residents deserve to keep it,” he said.
Backed by its consultants, city officials have assured residents they are on solid ground, overruling ALUC, which is a board of officials elected to other posts but then appointed by the state to serve on ALUC.
For instance, Seal Beal City Council member Schelly Sustarsic is a member of ALUC, a five-member appointed board that currently has only four members. While the board members of ALUC are elected officials, they do enjoy a fully capable technical staff charged with regulating air space and land use around airports.
In its own evaluation of the Los Alamitos housing element, which has subsequently been approved by the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development, ALUC found three potential sites identified within the city as “buildable” sites for housing to be “inconsistent” with the ALUC approved land use plan.
Most of the “inconsistency” involved noise issues that ENE has covered in previous stories.
At issue is the proposed Lampson housing project of 246 units. While the proceeding to overrule ALUC has “technically” nothing to do with the proposed Lampson Project, the site on which developers plan to build it is one of the three sites found to be “inconsistent.”
To alleviate the potential problem, the city attempted to follow the lead of other OC cities, including Seal Beach, Newport Beach, and Irvine, and simply “overrule” the ALUC finding.
“We take issue with some of the comments that were made,” said City Manager Chet Simmons, suggesting all the inferences that ALUC would not get involved with city planning were untrue.
“If we do not override, they [ALUC] will expect us to submit all of our items that are listed within the law for their approval,” Simmons said to the public and the council.
“HCD [Housing and Community Development] have told us that in the event that we do not override, they will start the process of decertification [of the housing element],” the city manager said.
Council member Emily Hibard chided the staff for allowing a letter supporting the overrule from an airport land use consultant that, she says, filed paperwork on behalf of Lampson Project developers with the FAA, to end up in the official city packet of documents without disclosing his work with Lampson.
Hibard was apparently referring to the presentation made by Nick Johnson of Johnson Aviation consultants. In his presentation, Johnson said his firm supports “smart land use” and aviation safety but never once mentioned, if Hibard’s assertion is true, that he filed documents with the FAA in some way supporting the Lampson project.
(In addition, Johnson ran a Letter to the Editor last week in the Event News Enterprise which made similar arguements in favor of the overrule but made no mention of having any affiliation with other linked projects).
“The truth will prevail,” she said.
In addition, Hibard pointed to the law suggesting that if the city does not overrule, there is no immediate loss of local control. The law is, she said, “the commission [ALUC] may require that the local agencies submit all subsequent actions, regulations, and permits to the Commission for review until its general plan or specific plan is revised.”
“So being that there are three problematic sites on our housing element, either unsafe or loud, the revision of that housing element, of those three sites … submitted back to ALUC; we’d get the green light and we’re back to normal,” she said.
“I just want to clarify,” said Mayor Tanya Doby, “we have a housing element, certified by the state and they did not see fit to get ALUC’s approval before they did it. So again, it begs the question, why do I have to do it? I’m already certified. I’m working backward,” she said.
“What I know is that HCD is on the hook right now. We’ve got legislation being written because they [HCD] have to redo the way they give us numbers.
“All of us are upset,” noted Doby, adding that “everybody’s fighting the housing mandates, but we have to go through certain channels. We cannot fight them in this room, and we can’t fight them by taking power away from ourselves,” said Doby.
Hasselbrink eventually moved to overrule ALUC, “keeping consistent with what I promised my residents I would do when I first took this seat nine years ago, to represent their best interest in the future of local control,” she said.
Council member Jordan Nefulda suggested “if you’re voting not to override ALUC, you’re actually doing more damage to the local community because then you’re taking our rights away.”
Hasselbrink, Nefulda, and Doby voted to overrule ALUC, while Council member Trisha Murphy and Hibard voted against it so the measure failed to get the four votes needed to pass.
Therefore, as of Monday, the city’s housing element remains “inconsistent” with the ALUC land use plan and the next steps are uncertain.
After the vote, Doby seemingly apologized to the public for voting to appoint Murphy to the Council representing District 2 (after the passing of the late Ron Bates). The Council voted to appoint Murphy until the next regular election on Nov. 5, 2024 rather than call a special election to fill the vacancy. Murphy was one of three candidates who applied for the appointment.
“I owe all of you an apology,” said Doby, “and I’m going to give it to you right now. Because (of the two NO votes) one of these people I appointed, so I apologize. You will get your opportunity to vote for the person who represents you,” said Doby as the meeting ended.
Raising her hand from her seat, Murphy answered, “That’s right, we’ll be able to do just that.”
On Tuesday, the ENE reached out to ALUC and spoke with Lea Choum, the Commission’s Executive Director.
With the city’s failure to overrule the findings of inconsistency, she said ALUC will now call a meeting to discuss the situation. Regarding the possibility of ALUC taking over the city’s planning department, in part or in whole as a result of the city’s failure to overrule the Commission’s findings, Choum said “I believe there is some confusion out there about that.”
The ENE on Tuesday also reached out to Sustarsic but as of press time, had not heard back.
Choum said the ALUC meeting to discuss the Los Al project “will be properly noticed to the public.”
Joint Forces Training Base celebrates completion of solar microgrid
By Maria Ogden, California National Guard
The California National Guard hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for an energy resilience project at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, on August 11th in support of the U.S. Army’s efforts to increase the use of clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The 100-acre energy resilience project will protect the base against grid outages and power quality issues by providing backup power for the installation during emergencies. The project will also generate clean, renewable energy for the surrounding community during normal operations.
As Southern California’s emergency response hub, JFTB provides critical mission support during federal and stated emergencies, like wildfires and earthquakes.
During unforeseen power outages, the solar microgrid will generate enough energy to power the entire installation for a minimum of 14 days, increasing mission readiness and capability.
The project, first breaking ground in May 2022, is a joint effort involving the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Installations, Energy & Environment), California Military Department, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bright Canyon Energy, developer and operator of the microgrid.
“This project is a prime example of the whole government approach that makes good on the Department of Defense’s climate adaptation plan, the Army’s climate strategy and makes good on Governor Newsom’s climate adaptation strategy,” said Maj. Gen. Matthew P. Beevers, the adjutant general of the California Military Department.
Beevers explained that to keep California and the nation secure, we must address the present day and the effects of climate change. “Reducing climate risks and building long-term energy resilience is an absolute priority to [Governor] Newsom’s administration,” he said.
The project consists of 31 megawatts of solar-generated electricity, 40 megawatt-hours of battery energy storage, 3 megawatts of backup generators and microgrid controls.
One megawatt alone is enough power to supply as many as 200 residential homes.
“This is the first of its kind,” said Honorable Rachel Jacobson, assistant secretary of the Army Installations, Energy & Environment. “We have other microgrids that supply [critical load] power to particular areas of bases… but this is the first one that will supply power for a minimum of 14 days for the entire base,” she said.
During normal operations, San Diego Gas and Electric will purchase energy from the microgrid and transmit it through Southern California Edison power lines.
“What makes this microgrid unique from a lot of other energy projects around the country is that we serve two very important customers,” said Jason Smith, Vice President of Arizona-based Bright Canyon Energy.
Smith explained that in the event of a grid outage, the microgrid will automatically switch from exporting energy outward to SDG&E and inward to JFTB to sustain installation operations.
“It’ll happen seamlessly,” Smith explained, as the project requires no human commands or controls to make the switch. “Even if we lose communication with what’s going on here [at JFTB], the backup system will all kick in and keep everything moving forward.”
Jacobson said that energy-resilient bases are a readiness multiplier.
“Climate change is a national security threat… it’s real and we have to address it,” she said.
“To increase the resilience of our bases, and thereby the capabilities of our forces, we must reduce our use of fossil fuels.”
As a multi-generational Californian, Mario A. Diaz, the deputy undersecretary of the Army, explained the importance of the partnership for functional base operations and how the Energy Resilience Project will provide support for citizens during natural disasters or crises.
“As somebody who has served for 30 years in uniform, I know that opportunities to build measurable and impactful changes to our readiness are so critically important,” Diaz said. “This region not only serves as a critical location to support our state and our nation internally, it also serves as the doorstep to the Indo-Pacific region.”
Jacobson explained that the JFTB microgrid is a template that serves as a touchstone for the Army Climate Strategy goal to build a microgrid on every installation by 2035.
Beevers thanked BCE for its investment and collaboration with the U.S. Army and California Military Department to improve energy resilience and make the Cal Guard force more lethal.
“We’re shining a light on California,” said Beevers. “…And California is worth it.”
Los Al American Legion Post finds a role in Maui fire relief
What began as a well-meaning effort by the Sons of the American Legion to aid the people of Hawaii shortly after the fires in Maui soon engulfed the entire American Legion in Los Alamitos, says Post 716 Commander James Eubanks.
Courtesy photo
“The stuff started coming in and it’s kept coming,” said Eubanks this week, still dealing with issues of sorting the boxes and boxes of relief supplies that have come from people throughout the area and is now coming from other American Legion posts in California.
And on Tuesday, Eubanks said the American Legion Post in Chinatown called him with fantastic news. Through 100 individual donations, the Chinese Consolidation Benevolence Association has raised $10,000 for the Maui Fire Fund.
He said he is coordinating with key officials in Hawaii for the transfer of cash gifts.
“By plane, it’s 2,471 miles. The closest point between California and Hawaii is just 2,285 miles. There was no distance separating us when hurricane-force winds drove California-like wildfires on the Island of Maui, catching people by surprise and killing more than 110,” said Eubanks.
He said a member of the post’s Sons Squadron 716, Tom Petrillo, contacted the Post Commander on Maui. He was informed what help was needed. Eubanks said Petrillo soon Immediately contacted his Commander, Steve Working, who contacted me with the request to put the word out on our website and Facebook, which we did,” said Eubanks.
Courtesy photo
“I must say that this is where this ride began and has not ended yet. Once the word went out via the internet, the donations began to flood in. The local response was fast, and the amount of donations was so large that they started to fill our Post building; to the point where we had to start storing items in our Social Quarters,” he said.
“We put out the call for help to the members of The American Legion Family at Los Alamitos Post 716, the Sons Squadron stepped up and went into overdrive, they were joined by members of our Riders Chapter and began re-boxing the items to prepare for shipping,” he added.
Eubanks some of the aid, which includes everything from gift cards to diapers and clothing began building up but they had to find a way to ship it to Maui.
“But shipping how? The source we thought we had notified us that they could only ship personal hygiene items. This is where I got involved (as Post Commander). I immediately put together a request for assistance and had it sent out to District 29 (as District Commander), and within hours the responses were phenomenal and have continued to come in daily,” he said.
“We have received assistance from other Posts including Newport Harbor 291, Cypress Post 295, Orange Post 132, Hollywood Post 43, and Culver City 46 to name a few. Palm Springs Post 519 even brought items to us. Throughout the Department of California, the Leadership of the Legion, Auxiliary, and the Sons have reached out to assist, as well as many other Veteran assistance programs and shipping companies,” he said.
Over the weekend, when the Post was filling up with donated supplies, Eubanks said they borrowed a member’s garage, where the overflow is being stored. In addition, he said government authorities in Hawaii have placed a brief moratorium on shipping items there.
“Apparently, they are getting too much stuff in Hawaii unsorted,” said Eubanks, so shipping companies have halted all shipments into the disaster zone. “Now,” said Eubanks, “we have to sort and ship everything a certain way.”
Courtesy photo
In the meantime, Eubanks said he and the entire American Legion Post wanted to thank everyone who has pitched in to help.
“I just wanted to take the time to thank all of those that have joined in, and to illustrate the level of assistance that has been offered during this time of need by another Department (State). This is why I am a member of this extraordinary Veterans organization, and I am prouder yet to be part of its leadership,” he said.
“Most of the donations are already away. To my fellow members of the Legion Family, you do yourself proud. I cannot think of any other fraternal family I would be as proud to be a part of. Thank you, Thank you. Thank you.”
Ameresco acquires Los Al JFTB Solar Microgrid project
The ribbon cut by military officials on a 100-acre solar farm at the Joint Forces Training base in Los Alamitos had barely hit the ground when it was announced Ameresco has acquired this microgrid asset from Joint Forces Training BASE (JFTB) in Los Alamitos, California.
Ameresco, a clean technology integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, is collaborating with JFTB for the energy resilience project. This project, which also collaborates with Bright Canyon Energy, combines a microgrid, solar panels, and battery energy storage to provide 100% backup power during emergencies, support military operations, and contribute renewable energy to Southern California.
The integration of JFTB’s microgrid, solar panels, and a battery energy storage system ensures that the military base remains operational during emergencies, providing support to the Army and California National Guard. Moreover, the microgrid generates clean, renewable solar energy to benefit the surrounding community during regular operations. The project’s projected increase in energy resilience is anticipated to add locally generated carbon-free renewable electricity to the grid.
According to Ameresco, the acquisition of this energy resilience asset reinforces the company’s sustainable energy solutions. By adding locally generated carbon-free renewable electricity to the grid, Ameresco claims 31.5 megawatts of solar-generated electricity capacity, complemented by a 20-megawatt, 40-megawatt hours battery energy storage system and 3 MW of backup generators, equivalent to powering more than 5,000 homes.
AOP mourning the loss of Fisher the Penguin
In a press release this week, the Aquarium of the Pacific announced the loss of “Fisher” the penguin, a popular fixture of the aquatic landmark.
According to the release, the Aquarium staff are mourning the loss of Fisher the penguin, who passed away on Aug. 16. They had watched Fisher hatch at the Aquarium in 2016 and grow and develop into an adult Magellanic penguin.
“As he grew up at the Aquarium, his personality formed. He was curious, easygoing with the other penguins, and just had a sweet and gentle nature about him,” said Brett Long, senior director of mammals and birds, at Aquarium of the Pacific.
In the last week, Fisher showed symptoms of lethargy and decreased appetite and was under close watch and care by the Aquarium’s veterinary and animal husbandry teams. Testing indicated infection with avian malaria as the most likely cause of his illness, so he was receiving anti-malaria medication and supportive treatment in a behind-the-scenes care area.
Avian malaria is a serious disease in penguins that is not transmissible between birds and cannot be transferred to people. All the penguins at the Aquarium, including Fisher, receive preventative malaria medicine year-round as a precaution. Breakthrough cases are not common but can happen. A necropsy exam was conducted, and we are awaiting any additional findings. Magellanic penguins are found in and around the coasts of South America, including Chile, Argentina, and Peru. In the wild their average lifespan is 10 years and up to 20 years.
West Orange Republicans schooled on community engagement
At the August meeting of the West Orange County Republican Women Federated, the members dressed in summer and patriotic attire and gathered to socialize, fundraise, and listen to keynote speaker Barbie George share about her journey of becoming involved in her local community and how she now helps other women make a difference.
Barbie George is the Moms for America California State Liaison. She shared how her journey of making a difference started by contacting her city council in her New York about making improvements in her neighborhood has led to helping others make a difference. After relocating to California, Barbie became involved in educating everyday community members, especially moms on how to effectively communicate at civic meetings and influence change.
Her message included encouragement for the attendees to build relationships with decision makers and how to take simple steps to become a change maker, or as she referred to herself, “a nudge.” “Becoming involved in the process only takes 30 seconds. It’s easy to send an email or make a phone call to your local politician during a commercial break,” says Mrs. George.
The ladies also had an opportunity to win a free meal at their next membership meeting and guess who might win the August 23 Republican candidate debate. There was much excitement within the group as our nation enters the 2024 election season.
The WOCRWF will have a booth at the Cypress Festival on October 7 at Oak Knoll Park where the community will be able to find educational materials and learn more about the club’s activities and gatherings.
The West Orange County RWF’s next meeting is in September. If you would like to meet with like-minded women, contact West Orange County RWF by visiting our website at www.westorangecountyrwf.com.
The West Orange County Republican Women Federated (WOCRWF) has been serving our communities since 1962. The WOCRWF is part of the California Federation of Republican Women which was founded in 1925 and is a Diamond Award Grassroots club. If you are looking for a Conservative Republican club that is actively engaged in local, county, state and federal politics, this is the club for you.