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Los Alamitos graduates entire class as Superintendent praises students, teachers, administrators and community

David N. Young
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Los Alamitos graduates entire class as Superintendent praises students, teachers, administrators and community

Following much fanfare and a week of senior activities, the entire 2023 class of 733 seniors finally waltzed across the graduation stage of Los Alamitos High School Tuesday, filled with hopes and dreams of what lies beyond.

For Los Alamitos Unified School District Superintendent Andrew Pulver, Ed.D., it was a night of fulfillment for students and staff and overwhelming gratitude to a supportive community of parents, educators, and administrative and supportive organizations.

According to eyewitness accounts and the notes shared with the ENE, Pulver issued every graduating senior a challenge during the festivities held at the Santa Ana Bowl.

“As you venture into this next stage in your life, whether you’re off to college, a trade school, a new career, or entering the military, let your actions be guided by kindness, compassion, and understanding. I encourage you to continue to be a force for positive change and know that our collective strength lies in unity and working together,” Supt. Pulver said to the graduating seniors.

“Be courageous, dream boldly, and remain humble along this journey. Embrace the challenges, celebrate the victories, and welcome the unlimited possibilities that lie before you,” he urged them.

More than that, he announced that LAHS, for the first time in a long time, graduated every senior in the class.

“Achieving a 100 percent graduation rate is a testament to the incredible passion and dedication of our students, the exceptional commitment of our educators and staff, strategic layers of support and interventions, and the unwavering support of our families,” said Pulver.

The Los Alamitos Unified School District said in a statement that it was “thrilled to announce a momentous achievement: a 100 percent graduation rate for the Los Alamitos High School graduating class of 2023. This remarkable milestone is a testament to the dedication, perseverance, and collaborative efforts of the students, families, and staff within the Los Alamitos USD community.”

“In every interaction, let compassion be your guiding light. Extend kindness generously, nurturing the bonds of empathy and understanding that unite us all,” he said.

“It represents the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and a shared vision of success” from the entire community, he added. “I’ve always been captivated by Los Al students,” said Pulver, who began his career as a teacher two decades ago.

The graduating class of 2023 has set a new standard of excellence, said Pulver, showcasing their unwavering commitment to their education and personal growth. This accomplishment highlights their determination and serves as an inspiration to future generations of Los Alamitos High School students.

Pulver said in an interview after the commencement address that the deep commitment of this entire community to support Los Al and its students is deeply heartening. It is a theme he often cites.

“We are very fortunate to live in a community that wraps its arms so tightly around our students,” said Pulver at the recent senior parade in Rossmoor.

“I am amazed at how our communities embrace Los Al Unified and its students,” he said, adding that “I’ve always been impressed with our students and how they always embrace each other.”

Los Al High School remains highly ranked on various criteria among American high schools. Pulver said he believes it is because good citizenship and community service are “sewn into the fabric of the Los Al culture.”

According to Pulver, Los Alamitos High School’s outstanding achievements can be credited to its comprehensive and inclusive approach to education.

In a statement, the district said, “Guided by this year’s motto, ‘Level Up,’” the school emphasized the concept of continuous growth for both students and staff, focusing on enhancing Engagement, Belonging, and Well-Being” among the students.

To foster stronger connections with the school and improve graduation rates, the site implemented a Student Mentor Program across various core academic classes, the district said. These efforts reflect the school’s unwavering commitment to providing every student with the support and resources needed to excel, it added.

“The teachers and staff of Los Alamitos High School have consistently gone above and beyond to ensure the success and well-being of each student,” the district’s statement said.
LAHS Principal Christiana Kraus predicted the Class of 2023 would eventually make its mark on our world.

“We are immensely proud of the graduating class of 2023 and their accomplishments. They have exemplified resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to their education,” said Kraus. “As they embark on their future endeavors, we have no doubt that they will continue to make a positive impact on our Los Al USD community and beyond,” she added.

Finally, Pulver asked the students to remember to challenge themselves in future endeavors.

“As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let it serve as a reminder of the Unlimited Possibilities that exist when students, families, and educators work together. The graduating class of 2023 is a shining example of the incredible heights that can be achieved through dedication, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning,” the superintendent said before handing out the diplomas.

The message was not lost on the graduates.

“Graduation was a very surreal experience for me. It highlighted numerous achievements my friends and I have accomplished over the past four years. Along with that, we were given a very inspirational and motivating speech made by our superintendent. I was very inspired and can not wait until what the future holds not only for myself but for the 100% graduating class of 2023. Once a Griffin, always a Griffin,” said 2023 senior Jaelyn Miller.

Annie Sosa said “graduation was an event I knew was coming but something I could never prepare for. i’m so grateful to all the faculty and students that have helped me along the way.”

“Graduation was such a surreal yet empowering experience for me. Hearing the wonderful speeches from everyone concerning our past years at Los Al just made me that much more excited for my future. It was a once in a lifetime event that I’m glad I got to enjoy with my closest friends,” said graduating senior Cole Miller.

“As you step forward to receive your diplomas, remember that this is not an end but the dawning of a vibrant new chapter in your lives. Embrace the unlimited opportunities that await you, for this is just the beginning of an extraordinary journey filled with growth and fulfillment,” said Pulver.

Editor’s Note: Sofia Youngs contributed to this report. LAHS said the ceremony will be posted to YouTube later this week.

Epson announces “Make the Switch” Sustainability Campaign

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Epson announces “Make the Switch” Sustainability Campaign

Passionate about sustainability and its role in the health of the global environment, Los Alamitos-based Epson announced its #MakeTheSwitch campaign to celebrate World Environment Day. The global campaign encourages all people to cut down on energy consumption to reduce the impact on the environment and it starts with Epson.

“Making a positive impact on the environment doesn’t always have to be on a grand scale, and we want to help people realize that saving energy can be small, easy steps that will make a big difference,” said Kendra Jones, chief legal and sustainability officer, Epson America, Inc. “The #MakeTheSwitch global movement empowers people to make choices promoting sustainability, and Epson is not only making that commitment as individuals, but also as a company.”

Epson America supports the #MakeTheSwitch movement and has made a pledge to help reduce negative impact on the environment as demonstrated in its new headquarters in Los Alamitos, Calif. The company acquired a two-building complex that was updated and designed with sustainability in mind, including rooftop solar panels that provide 100% of the company’s energy needs and reduced lighting requirements due to large windows and motion sensors. In addition, Epson focused on expansive water conservation and drought-tolerant landscaping throughout the campus. Epson also implemented Electric Vehicle charging stations for employees.

anksEpson’s philosophy of developing efficient, compact and precise technologies – or “Sho-Sho-Sei” as it’s known in Japan – has been infused into every Epson product since the beginning. Designing for low energy consumption, minimized waste, small footprints, high reliability, and minimal moving parts results in outstanding solutions for customers. One example is Epson’s PrecisionCore Heat-Free® technology found in Epson printing solutions that offer low power consumption. Epson’s Environmental Vision 2050 outlines its commitment to specific goals and actions supporting global efforts to achieve sustainability, including becoming carbon negative and non-renewable underground resource-free by 2050.
Learn about one of Epson’s #MakeTheSwitch initiatives here: https://epson.com/heat-free-inkjet-printers. Courtesy of Epson America

Los Al Council rejects budget resolution in tie vote, will try again June 20

David N. Young
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Los Al Council rejects budget resolution in tie vote, will try again June 20

The upcoming June 20 meeting of the Los Alamitos City Council is shaping up to be a very interesting affair as the Council will have just ten days to legally pass a budget and new information from opponents of the Lampson Project is also expected to surface.

City officials were a bit stunned when what is generally a routine vote to approve the upcoming budget at its May meeting was rejected. Mayor Tanya Doby and Council member Shelley Hasselbrink voted to approve the resolution authorizing it, while Council members Trisha Murphy and Emily Hibard voted no.

Mayor Pro-tem Jordon Nefulda had been present earlier in the meeting but had received permission to leave early to attend a pre-planned family event and therefore he was not present and voting when the budget discussion ended.

Generally, the City of Los Alamitos is in much better shape since the passage of a 1.5-cent sales tax measure in 2020. Under the leadership of City Manager Chet Simmons, Los Al is attempting to evolve into a two-year budgeting cycle.

According to Finance Director Craig Koehler, the city’s proposed 2023-‘24 budget is $23.2 million, and the ‘24-‘25 proposed budget is $22.1 million.

Included in next year’s budget is a series of so-called capital improvement projects, which are generally improvement projects across the city. Lagging finances in recent decades have created a backlog of needed improvements in the city, so budgets in the next couple of years include new medians, new council chamber designs, community center renovations, slurry seal projects across the city, etc.

There are $3.7 million in capital improvement projects budgeted in next year’s budget.
To accelerate the improvements, the new budget attempted to raise Simmon’s authority from $25,000 to $100,000 to approve public works contracts.

“I’m a little more conservative,” said Murphy, who proposed a lower amount. “I want the city council to have more oversight,” she said, rather than granting such an increase to the city manager.

When Murphy agreed to perhaps extend the city manager’s authority to $80,000, Hasselbrink asked Murphy to explain, asking one of the newer Council members if she even knew the average size of a city contract.

“What’s the difference,” asked Hasselbrink, “why can’t we trust the city manager we hired?”
Murphy said she would be okay with incremental steps up in approval authority for Simmons.

Development Services Director Ron Noda said because of language in the City Charter, the difference in the city manager not having such authority “could mean months, not weeks” to begin “shovel-ready projects.”

Hibard, meanwhile, spent much time asking detailed questions about the budget, for instance, why hire an Assistant for City Clerk Windy Quintanar, who holds two titles, City Clerk and Director of Communications, rather than hire a Communications Director.
Simmons said Quintanar needs to be more versatile to begin re-integrating the city with governmental structures with whom the city had somehow lost touch during their dire financial days.

Hibard said later she voted against the budget until she could meet with staff to understand what appeared to be “magic math” in the proposed budget.
Simmons said he would arrange meetings for the Council members to get their questions answered in time for the June 20 meeting. In addition, he said June 20 “was not too late” to pass the city’s budget. “I will have the document back to the Council in final form,” he told them.

Also this week, opponents of the Lampson Project, a proposed housing complex on a multi-acre site recently purchased by local developers, are expected to be at the meeting to ask why the city is approving such high density housing when emails from the city’s own consulting firm said 527 units added to the recently approved housing element was “gravy.”

According to local attorney Carol Churchill, who has made extensive requests for public records, “gravy” is what Terra Nova consultant Nicolle Criste called the 527 extra high-density housing units she added to the Los Alamitos Housing Element in response to an email dated October 21, 2022, from Paul McDougall at the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

Churchill has detailed her complaint in a letter to the editor this week and in an interview this week. She said the “gravy” is expected to come up during the oral communications portion of the meeting on June 20.

Shifting mindsets can create change – Michelle Boos-Stone tells Chamber

Loreen Berlin
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Shifting mindsets can create change – Michelle Boos-Stone tells Chamber

“Slow down and have a positive thought rather than a negative one, with better outcome,” said Michelle Boos-Stone with the Five Elements Consulting Group, guest speaker during the recent Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce’s Breakfast held at Maderas Steakhouse, 3642 Katella Ave., in Los Alamitos.

“Take baby steps; try it; we have expectations of people, but we can choose to let it go and not give it any energy,” said Boos-Stone. “I teach people how to be better people at the grassroots; I love working with people and teaching them how to take baby steps, which makes a huge difference.”

Some of her presentation included that, “being stupid” is way easier than making a conscious choice to take a more positive action; slowing down one’s thinking and asking one’s-self a question, gives people a way better outcome.

Boos-Stone gave examples of scenarios that everyone goes through, such as, what happened, a Converse thought, and then a Different and more positive action to take.
The new Model includes: something happens and we have an immediate thought about the incident. We can say, “Who cares and let it go,” or, have a converse thought. In letting it go, we can create a different story such as, what else or what if.

“Things we can do: We have a thought and choose not to react; it’s just a thought; doesn’t mean it’s a fact; it doesn’t mean it’s the truth.”

“We can reclaim over a negative thought with a Converse thought before it becomes a stupid action; it allows us the space to make a more positive action and allows us to let go of our upset churn,” said Boos-Stone.

She explained that every day our brain processes 70,000 thoughts and people are biologically wired to preserve themselves by thinking negatively such as, will it hurt me or will it eat me alive?

She went on to say that researchers have found there are more negative words in our language than positive words, but in reality, we only have control over three things and that is, “What we say, what we do and how we react to what happens to us,” and her plan is to shift one’s thought distortions to a more positive outcome.

Courtemarche named principal of McAuliffe Middle School

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Courtemarche named principal of McAuliffe Middle School

“I am delighted to announce that, following an extensive and thorough selection process, we have chosen Mr. Eddie Courtemarche to serve as the next principal of McAuliffe Middle School, beginning July 1, 2023,” announced Supt. Andrew Pulver, Ed.D., in an email to the families of McAuliffe students last week.

“Mr. Courtemarche emerged as the top candidate from a pool of highly qualified individuals, participating in a competitive selection process that involved input from various stakeholders, including certificated and classified staff, parents, Board of Education Members, and administration. As Dr. Weiss-Wright transitions into his new role within the District, Mr. Courtemarche will work closely with him and the dedicated McAuliffe staff to ensure a seamless leadership transition,” said Pulver.

“Mr. Courtemarche is a familiar face in our Los Al USD community, currently serving in his second year as the assistant principal responsible for overseeing activities, athletics, arts, and facilities at Los Alamitos High School,” said Pulver in the email.

“Prior to his administrative role, he held positions as a government, economics, and US history teacher, and boys’ basketball coach at Los Alamitos High School. With 13 years of experience as a teacher and a coach, Mr. Courtemarche possesses a deep understanding of secondary education, curriculum, team building, professional development, and effective learning strategies that support all students,” he added.

“Mr. Courtemarche exemplifies the qualities of an enthusiastic, diligent, and inclusive leader who holds a profound dedication to our District and the achievements of our students, staff, and Los Al USD community. His excitement about joining the McAuliffe family is palpable, and he eagerly anticipates fostering a collaborative environment while working alongside the entire Eagle community. I have every confidence that Mr. Courtemarche’s experience, expertise, and passion for students and their education will greatly benefit the students, staff, and families of McAuliffe,” the superintendent said.

Courtemarche’s academic achievements include a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government with an emphasis in Economics from Claremont McKenna College, as well as a Masters of Education degree from National University.
On a more personal note, the new McAuliffe principal resides in Westminster with his wife, Erin, and their three daughters. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his girls, and when he’s not engaging in dress-up, dance, and tea parties, he enjoys golfing and cheering on the Dodgers.

Courtesy of Los Al Unified School District.

Sisters of St. Joseph donate building for new senior housing development

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Sisters of St. Joseph donate building for new senior housing development

Construction is underway to transform the former Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange Motherhouse into a new affordable housing community for seniors who have been impacted by homelessness.

The Sisters donated the building so it can be converted into Villa St. Joseph, a vibrant apartment complex that will feature 50, studio and one-bedroom apartments, beautiful gardens, and onsite supportive services for residents. Many public and private partners have also come together to provide critical funding for the new $37 million community, including UnitedHealth Group, which is the largest investor.

During a hardhat tour of the construction site, Sister Mary Beth Ingham, General Superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, explained their vision for the project, saying, “we sisters love this building, our former Motherhouse as it holds rich memories for most of us who walked through these doors to begin our religious life. However, at this time in history, when the need for affordable housing is paramount, we can think of no greater way to help than to share what we have, and what we no longer need, with others.”

Mercy Housing California, the developer of the project added, “we are thrilled to honor our deep partnership with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange by transforming their historic Motherhouse into a thriving community in which seniors can age in health and dignity,” said vice president of Real Estate Development Ed Holder.

Sisters-of-St.-Joseph-of-Orange-review-construction-plans-for-Villa-St.-Joseph-with-partners.
Courtesy photo

In addition to completely reconfiguring the interior building structure into apartments, there will be a new lobby and reception areas, community room, outdoor terrace, laundry rooms, and storage areas. A beautiful outdoor community space with gardens, sitting areas, and a pergola is also being built. Mercy will manage the property when it opens next summer and partner with the County of Orange to provide case management and service support for formerly homeless residents. They will also provide resident services for residential assistance, adult education, and health and wellness programming.

Tami Adams, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of Southern California, part of UnitedHealth Group, which provided $16.3 million in equity through a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit partnership with Enterprise Housing Credits Investments, explained their investment, saying, “at UnitedHealth Group, we recognize that there is a strong connection between housing and health. If you don’t have a safe place to call home, it can be difficult to feel secure or to manage your overall health and well-being.”

Additional funding includes loans from the State of California ($5.6 million), the County of Orange ($6.1 million), the City of Orange ($1.6 million) and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange ($5.7 million). Umpqua Bank is providing the construction loan.

“This new community will provide new, affordable housing for seniors in the region who need a helping hand,” said Orange Mayor Dan Slater. “We are so thankful to the Sisters of St. Joseph, Mercy Housing, and all the partners involved in this important project for their continued commitment to people in need.”

More information about Villa St. Joseph is available at (657) 822-0135 or www.mercyhousing.org/california/.

Rossmoor throws a parade, party for graduating seniors

David N. Young
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Rossmoor throws a parade, party for graduating seniors

Graduating seniors from the class of 2023 paraded through the tree-lined streets of Rossmoor on June 3, and for the first time, enjoyed a full day of festivities arranged jointly by the Rossmoor Community Services District and the Rossmoor Homeowners Association.

“I like the way it rolled,” said organizer Jo Shade, who is a former official of the RHA and who now serves on the RCSD.

She said more than 700 graduating seniors participated in the 200-plus car procession, most of them from Los Alamitos High School, that snaked its way through the streets of Rossmoor to end up at Rush Park for an all-day set of festivities for kids, seniors, and students that ended at 8 p.m.

“It was a huge success,” said Shade, noting that she had received much “positive feedback” about the new protocol.

Shade and her Rossmoor team began the event in 2020 after the COVID pandemic shut down most everything and there was no other way to say congratulations to the seniors graduating that year.

“We’re already looking forward to next year and what we can do then,” said Shade in an interview following the event. “We’re always looking for ways to make it better.”

Students bunched up in a variety of vehicles that included convertibles, trucks, trailers, wagons, and buses to wave to the crowds that gathered in yards and on corners as the parade rolled about midday on Saturday.

The students proudly donned their graduation gowns, honor tassels and most posted signs on their rides indicating the colleges they would be attending.

After the parade, the graduating seniors gathered in the quadrangle of Rush Park where local and visiting dignitaries spoke to the students and their parents.

“You’re living in the greatest country in the whole world,” said Congresswoman Michelle Steel. You have to “enjoy your freedom,” she told the graduates. “But at the same time, you have responsibilities as well. I know all of you are going to be successful,” the Congresswoman said.

“This is a big deal. I want to congratulate all the graduates and the parents too,” she said.

State Senator Janet Nguyen thanked both the RCSD and the RHA for working together to put together such an impressive event. “Without them, we would not be here at this point,” she said. “We had a great time today,” she said.

RCSD Director Michael Maynard welcomed the students and their parents while also thanking the neighbors for coming out to show support. He urged students to simply “show up” for opportunities in the years ahead.

“We’re proud of you,” he told the students and told his neighbors, “thanks for coming out.”

“On behalf of the entire Los Alamitos Unified School District Board of Trustees, let me say congratulations to the entire class of 2023,” said Board President Chris Forehan.

Supt. Andrew Pulver, Ed.D., said “we are so fortunate to live in a community that always wraps its arms around their students. I’m so fortunate to be able to be part of an amazing community.”

Los Alamitos High School Principal Christiana Kraus said she too marveled at the tremendous amount of community support consistently demonstrated by the school’s neighboring communities.

“I’m just wrapping up my second year here and it never ceases to amaze me how the surrounding communities support us. There is no way we can do what we do without it,” said Kraus.

RCSD General Manager Joe Mendoza said the event went off without a hitch and he was very happy to be able to cooperate with the RHA on a community festival. While there has sometimes been tension between the two groups, Mendoza said he is encouraged about the improving relations between the two Rossmoor organizations.

Art Remnet, President of the RHA, said he too was happy about the way it all turned out.

“It’s always better when we all work together,” he said.

Byerly departs Los Al to become Signal Hill Police Chief

David N. Young
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Byerly departs Los Al to become Signal Hill Police Chief

The Los Al Police Department and the City Council said its goodbyes to three-year Capt. Wayne Byerly, who has been selected to become the Chief of Police of the Signal Hill Police Department.

Los Al Chief Michael Claborn said Byerly has been with the department for three years. Before then, Capt. Byerly started his career with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, where he was employed for 32 years.

When he joined the Los Al Department, he said Byerly “brought all of the knowledge and experience that he received with a large organization” to the department, Ironically, he said Byerly had performed a “ride-along” with the Los Al PD before joining the Sheriff’s Office and so it was fortuitous when he returned three years ago.

“And so now we have this opportunity for him to move on and we are so thankful for his service,” Claborn told the Council. “Being a small organization like we are, the command staff has to work very closely together, the police chief said.

“He single-handedly handled all the rebranding of the organization,” Claborn said of Byerly, “and he is an integral part of the success of this organization and I’m extremely thankful for him.” “We’ve been blessed to have him, and we’ll miss him,” he added.

Byerly thanked the Chief and the Council, along with City Manager Chet Simmons for all of the support he’s received at the city.
Just like coming back to Los Al was a full-circle moment, Signal Hill is also closing a loop for him, “but Los Al has been great.”

“Having the opportunity to be the chief at Signal Hill is a great opportunity,” said Byerly. “I actually attended explorer meetings there back when I was in high school, so it’s kind of another circle that’s coming to fruition here.”

“I’ve been welcomed with open arms by everybody and the things that we were able to accomplish,” he suggested, including “through COVID and Measure Y, just all the challenges.”

“It starts when you have a city council that completely supports the police department and everything we do so thank you for that. Next you have to have a really good city manager. And I tell you, Chet Simmons is fantastic. He’s never said no to me every time I wanted to spend money.

Anyways, in the end, to the phenomenal city team, my pals here, just what a great team. I always say you guys get things done with duct tape and zip ties, and a lot of hard work,” he said, “and that is the truth.”

La Palma officials celebrate success of Festival of Nations

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La Palma officials celebrate success of Festival of Nations

By Ronan Jensen

On April 29, La Palma’s second-annual Festival of Nations took place in extravagant fashion. Consisting of a parade down Walker Street before leading to the titular event in the city’s Central Park, the festival was a coordinated effort to celebrate the diversity and heritage shared among La Palma’s citizens. While public events always run the risk of running into disappointment, as far as the city leaders of La Palma are concerned the festival was a complete success.

“Overall, the parade was a wonderful event”, said Mayor Debi Baker. “Everyone had a great time.”

The Mayor’s enthusiasm was mainly centered around the event’s inherent import: that of showcasing the diversity of the city’s citizens out in the open for everyone to see.
“Everybody gets to celebrate their cultures,” she explained.

And indeed, everybody did: marching bands, high school sports teams, color guards, and members of La Palma’s city council all participated in the festival. The mayor herself was there as well, riding down Walker Street during the parade in the back of a classic Ford Model A.

While this was only the second time the city has put on a Festival of Nations, only one big change was cited as having been made from last year’s iteration of the event: an increase in the number of food trucks. Both the Mayor and a member of La Palma’s Recreation and Community Services department cited that the amount of food trucks had been lacking in last year’s event. Also according to both: the mistake was not repeated this time around.
As declared on the city’s official website, a third-annual La Palma Festival of Nations is already in the planning stages for 2024. Considering the feelings of pride and success felt among the city leaders, the intention to hold another event should not come as a surprise. But when it came to the topic of any potential changes for next year, neither Mayor Baker nor the Recreation and Community Services department indicated any intentions towards specific alterations for next year’s event.

When asked about the future, Mayor Baker was less focused on 2024’s festival, and was more concentrated on “looking forward to our Saturday concerts” later this year.
The 2023 Festival of Nations was the second annual event. La Palma’s initial Festival of Nations had to be canceled by the COVID pandemic. The city planned the community event to celebrate La Palma’s diversity, vision, and sense of community. They hope to make it an annual event.

Los Al announces Summer Concert Series

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Los Al announces Summer Concert Series

The City of Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department is holding its annual MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach Summer Concert Series on Thursday nights beginning June 15, 2023. The Summer Concert Series, presented by the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Commission, is a series of free outdoor events that provide opportunities for families to come together and enjoy live music and food.

All concerts will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with free summer giveaway items offered at the info booth. Visit the Beverage Garden with proceeds benefitting the Los Alamitos Community Foundation with the mission to provide funding to enhance programs and services offered through the City to benefit the residents of Los Alamitos.
The first set of four concerts will take place on Pine Street and are called “Concerts on Pine Street.” These four concerts will be on Thursdays, June 15, June 22, June 29, and July 13. The Concerts on Pine Street will have vendor booths, moon bounces, lawn games, and food booths.

The second set of four concerts, called “Concerts in the Park,” will alternate between sites at Little Cottonwood Park and Orville R. Lewis Park, sponsored by Community Sponsor Randy W. Hill, will occur on Thursdays, July 20, July 27, August 3, and August 10. The Concerts in the Park will also have vendor booths and food booths. Come and enjoy some evening fun with the MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach Summer Concert Series!

For more information and a list of bands performing, please visit www.cityoflosalamitos.org/recreation or contact the Recreation and Community Services Department at (562) 430 – 1073.

RWC presents May scholarship to Jamie Nguyen

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RWC presents May scholarship to Jamie Nguyen

Jamie Nguyen is the Rossmoor Woman’s Club’s Student of the Month for May. Jamie is the Vocal Captain for Los Alamitos High School’s National Champion Show Choir, Sound FX. She also is a Vocal Music Coordinator and section leader.

She is an active volunteer in multiple organizations, including Americorps Reading Partners, where she tutors underserved students in reading, and Segerstrom’s Studio D, where she mentors disabled children in music and dance. She is also a member of the California Scholarship Federation, National Honor Society, and American Sign Language Honor Society.

Jamie plans to attend Brown University and will seek a double major in biomedical engineering and music.

She received a certificate of commendation and $600 scholarship from the Rossmoor Woman’s Club, a social and philanthropic organization that’s part of the international General Federation of Women’s Clubs. The club has been serving the greater Los Alamitos-Seal Beach area since 1958.

Cypress Art League announces scholarships

David N. Young
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Cypress Art League announces scholarships

The Cypress Art League is happy to announce the Cypress College students who won the CAL Scholarship Awards at its May meeting, according to President Pat Edep.

The winners are, (L-R) 1st place, Beth Marie Nierman, 2nd place, Jeanne Li, 3rd place, Haneul Yi & 4th place, Shailya Patel. Others present were Mary McGlasson, our Programs Chair and Pat Edep, President.
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo

The winners are, (L-R) 1st place, Beth Marie Nierman, 2nd place, Jeanne Li, 3rd place, Haneul Yi & 4th place, Shailya Patel. Others present were Mary McGlasson, our Programs Chair and Pat Edep, President.

The winner of the Jerry McGlasson Photography Award was Joshua Lyons, who unfortunately could not be present due to work requirements.

Combat Fraud: Dont click; don’t answer

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Combat Fraud: Dont click; don’t answer

By Rosemary Lewallen and Monica Kovach

The attendees at the May 22nd Benefits Trafficking and Financial Abuse workshop at St. Irenaeus Parish Hall were eager to hear how to protect themselves from financial abuse scams, benefits trafficking, and human trafficking. Two Federal Bureau of Investigation experts, a Special Agent and Victim Specialist, gave valuable information on how to spot these scams and not become a victim. We were also honored to have Cypress Mayor Anne Hertz-Mallari and Cypress Police Captain Chris Revere in attendance to offer remarks.

The best form of prevention for telephone or online scams is DON’T ANSWER and DON’T CLICK. If you answer a robocall, it only encourages more calls, further harassment and intimidation. Screen all calls. DON’T ANSWER a call unless you recognize the phone number. Let it go to voicemail. If no message is left, block that number. If you want to stop robocalls, contact your phone carrier as well as the Federal Trade Commission (1-888-382-1222 or www.ftc.gov). If you don’t recognize an email address or website, DON’T CLICK on the address OR the link within the email, simply delete. A secure website has an “s” in the “https” portion of the address (i.e. https://sticypress.org).

Most healthcare fraud is the result of over-billing for medical services, or billing for procedures or supplies not actually provided. As a prevention, always review monthly your EOB’s (Explanation of Benefits) statements and report any discrepancies or questions.
Common financial fraud schemes include investment fraud, romance or imposter scams, advanced fee scams, tech support, elder fraud, grandparent scams, identity theft, as well as benefits trafficking of Veterans, Medicare or Social Security benefits. Protect your personal identification by never providing personally identifiable information, such as your name, address, Social Security number, Medicare number, account numbers, date of birth, etc., unless you know the recipient, verify the number or website. Shred all documents with such personally identifiable information. Be cautious what information is posted on online social media sites because this personal information is easily accessible, possibly including answers to identity questions used for authentication (i.e., name of high school attended). Run a yearly credit report through one of the big three credit bureaus to review details of your credit report. Report any items that are incorrect to the credit bureau. IRS scams are also prevalent. The federal government will NEVER call to ask for money.

Don’t use phones as computers. Phones contain a huge amount of personal information. To prevent fraud, use computers rather than phones for placing online orders to verifiable companies, use strong passwords that are not shared with others, and NEVER provide remote access to your computer. If you realize that a scammer has remote control of your computer, log off the Internet/Wi-Fi, severing the access.

Older adults, especially the recently widowed, may become targets of a romance scam. A red flag is when the scammer rushes a person into believing they’re in a relationship, then asks for money, personal information or other valuables. If the scammer requests money, NEVER transfer funds online, withdraw cash from a bank or investment account, or purchase gift cards for the scammer.

Talk with your grandchildren about grandparent scams. This is when a scammer calls to say that the grandchild is hurt or was in a car accident and needs money which the grandparent is asked to send.

If, despite your best efforts, fraudulent activity occurs, report it to the FBI so they can investigate if a crime has been committed and then assign a Special Agent criminal investigator as well as an FBI Victim Specialist once a victim is identified. Cypress Police Captain Chris Revere also noted that it is important to contact the local police department for assistance, resources and to establish if a trend is occurring.
Here are some valuable resource numbers:
National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-800-372-8311 (1-800-FRAUD-11) – a great reporting resource
National Credit Reporting Agencies:
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 (www.equifax.com
Experian:1-888-397-3743 (www.experian.com))
Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289 (www.transunion.com)
Annualcreditreport.com (to request annual credit report)
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-3737-888
Identity Theft Resource Center: 1-888-400-5530 (www.idtheftcenter.org)
Adult Protective Services (APS) 1800-451-5155 (to report elder and dependent adult abuse)
FBI: file a complaint at https://www.ic3.gov/

Robin Sinclair joins Orange Door Consulting

For the News Enterprise
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Robin Sinclair joins Orange Door Consulting

Orange Door Consulting (OCD) of Los Alamitos, California, orangedoorconsulting.com, specialists in the nonprofit sector since 2005, has brought seasoned nonprofit executive Robin Sinclair on board to support the launch of its Concierge Consulting services for nonprofits.

The one-stop resource helps clients smoothly engage ODC’s comprehensive portfolio of in-house services. These include strategic planning and advising, grant development and writing, executive recruitment, fundraising, board development, and effective communications. ODC will refer experts for any additionally needed services.

Sinclair is an accomplished leader with extensive experience in organizational management and community outreach. As the former executive director of Boys Hope Girls Hope, Casa Youth Shelter, and Fieldstone Leadership Network, she has demonstrated her ability to drive positive change in a variety of nonprofit settings.

In recognition of her exceptional work with at-risk youth, Sinclair was named the 2016 Orange County Register Hero of the Year. Since 2012, she has been mentoring and coaching nonprofit professionals in the Long Beach and Orange County areas. Currently, she serves as the chief facilitator for Fieldstone Leadership Network, where she provides guidance and support to nonprofit executives to help them excel in their roles.

She graduated summa cum laude from Vanguard University with a degree in organizational management. She resides in Newport Beach, California.

“We are delighted to have Robin join us and know her broad experience with organizational evaluations, executive search and placement, career development, strategic advising, board training and development, and more will greatly benefit our clients,” said ODC Cofounder and CEO Sarah Neely.

The ODC team has decades of experience operating or managing nearly every department within nonprofit organizations of all sizes from the front office to the boardroom.
For more information, contact ODC at 800-735-7313 or via email at in**@******************ng.com

About Orange Door Consulting
Since 2005, Orange Door Consulting has provided clients with the hands-on help they need to succeed with a broad portfolio of services. We take the time to understand your mission and programs and listen to your needs. Our team has the deep knowledge and skills necessary to help your nonprofit reach its goals. Our mission is to support solving critical social and global issues by stabilizing and growing entities that seek to improve the world around them. orangedoorconsulting.com

In brilliant musical “SIX,” wives of King Henry VIII finally get their say; opens at Segerstrom

David N. Young
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In brilliant musical “SIX,” wives of King Henry VIII finally get their say; opens at Segerstrom

They say history has a way of echoing its way through time, but one of the most exciting musicals on today’s stage bounced out of Henry VIII’s Royal Court five hundred years ago.

The electrifying Tony-Winning new musical phenomenon SIX by Tony Award®-Winners Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, featuring modern musical narratives from Henry’s six wives, will play for two weeks in Costa Mesa at Segerstrom Center for the Arts from June 13 to 25.

The irascible musical “Six” transforms Tudor Queens into pop icons to give voice to Henry’s six famous wives, two of whom lost their lives in, let’s just say, a very unceremonious way.

In fact, producers of this new, original musical claim SIX “is a global sensation that everyone is losing their heads over.”

SIX won 23 awards in the 2021/2022 Broadway season, including the Tony Award® for Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.

Catherine Howard, Henry’s 5th wife, and perhaps youngest, was born exactly 500 years ago, maybe. Historians only know she was born sometime between 1518 to 1527. Born a noblewoman, she would eventually find her way to King Henry’s court, first as a lady in waiting and once Henry caught sight of this teen’s beauty, they eventually married, though the King was clearly in the throes of middle age.

Though known to history as Catherine, historical documents reveal that in her own hand, she spelled her own name “Katheryn.”

Any amateur historian knows King Henry’s Court was probably akin to medieval versions of the Kardashians, or maybe the Housewives of Tudor, but in those days, royal affairs could be met with a swift and deadly end.

Catherine Howard as depicted by history.
Courtesy photo

Poor Catherine was convicted by rumor and despite only circumstantial evidence, she was said to meet her fate on the 13th of Feb., 1542, perhaps history’s earliest “femme fatale.” She was led out onto Tower Green, led to the scaffold, and was cited by historians to have spoken clearly and convincingly before she met her end.

Now, Catherine Howard’s voice comes alive five centuries later, along with the voices of Henry’s other five wives. Courtney Mack, who appeared on Broadway in SIX, will give voice to Howard on the Segerstrom stage.

The North American tour company cast also features Khaila Wilcoxon as Catherine of Aragon, Storm Lever as Anne Boleyn, Natalie Paris as Jane Seymour, Olivia Donalson as Anna of Cleves, and Gabriela Carrillo as Catherine Parr. The cast also includes Marilyn Caserta, Kelsee Kimmel, Erin Ramirez, Cassie Silva and Kelly Denice Taylor.

The sassy pop-rock cast is supported by an all-female band and the six wives have plenty to say about Henry, God rest his soul.

“We refer to Henry,” says Mack, “but he’s not part of the show.”

“It is a full female cast,” said Mack, “and a full band that is female as well…which is kind of unheard of on Broadway.”

“It’s about the six wives of Henry the Eighth. And it’s sort of a pop-rock kind of concert wherein there’s a contest of who has had it worse in life. And so each woman has a number to kind of say ‘this is what happened in my life.’”

Mack is an American actress from Wisconsin who attended college in Chicago, then hung around the theater circuit and heard about SIX. Back then, she said, “It was kind of a pre-Broadway try-out at a number of theaters,” she said.

People loved it, and the show moved to Broadway, “and they kept me, and they kept the whole cast from the Chicago premiere, which is pretty special,” she said.

The New York Times says SIX “TOTALLY RULES!” (Critic’s Pick) and The Washington Post hails SIX as “Exactly the kind of energizing, inspirational illumination this town aches for,” according to information provided by the producers.

It’s been a long road from medieval England to the bright lights of the stage for SIX.

According to a press release, Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss devised the original concept and started writing SIX when they were students at Cambridge University in early 2017. It was first presented as the Cambridge University Musical Theatre Society’s submission to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival later that year, playing a one-month run and featuring student actors. SIX went on to get picked up by UK Producers and a new production was mounted, with professional actors and a predominantly new creative team, at the Norwich Playhouse and then again at Edinburgh Festival in 2018.

A limited engagement at the Arts Theatre in London garnered the WhatsOnStage Award for Best Off-West End Production and the show toured the UK in the autumn of 2018 before returning to the Arts Theatre and subsequently the Lyric Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. SIX is currently playing an open-ended run at the Vaudeville Theatre on the Strand. SIX earned five 2019 Laurence Olivier Award nominations, including Best New Musical. A UK and Ireland tour is now running concurrently with the London production. An Australian and New Zealand tour will launch this year at Sydney Opera House with dates set for Melbourne, Adelaide, and Wellington.

SIX is produced in the United States by Kenny Wax, Wendy & Andy Barnes, George Stiles, and Kevin McCollum.

Not only is the show entertaining, but the Broadway album also debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard cast album charts and surpassed 6 million streams in its first month.

Mack said the messages in SIX ring true to women even today.

“I think it it’s still very relevant today,” said Mack, noting that 19-year-old Catherine Howard “dealt with abuse at a very, very young age, which I mean, that that still happens to women and men and, you know, whatever you identify as that’s still happening today.”

“I feel like as a woman, you can kind of tap into that thought of just living kind of in a man’s world,” said Mack in an interview. Though times have changed and surely, women have obtained more “equality,” “I still get people coming up to me after the show saying ‘I can relate to this song because I was in an abusive relationship so it is just heartbreaking to know that she was so young, she was abused and ultimately got executed.’”

Though the messages are real, the show’s creators have somehow found a way to bottle up this old tonic in a bloodless, entertaining and brand-new brew, with an all-female cast of talent that, had they lived 500 years ago, would surely have been invited to perform at court.

“I’m biased,” she said, “but I think it is an amazing show.”

For tickets, visit www.scfta.org and by phone at 1-714-556-2787.

 

 

 

Los Al High film program to present student film “Time’s Up” on June 2

David N. Young
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Los Al High film program to present student film “Time’s Up” on June 2

The Los Alamitos High School’s film program is hosting the premiere of its 3rd annual student short film this Friday, June 2, at the school Performing Arts Center, according to film and TV instructor Conner Brown.
He said the film screening of this year’s film, entitled “Time’s Up,” will be held at 7 p.m. and admission is free.

“This year’s film students at Los Al have worked for months to create a professional quality short film to showcase their talent and creativity,” said Brown.

He said Junior Nathan Spolter wrote the script titled “Time’s Up”, a goofy comedy that follows 2 high school students who come into possession of a watch that stops time. Shenanigans ensue as the two begin to run around town with their new power. But when the watch threatens to drive a wedge between them, unforeseen consequences test their friendship. The film is completely created by students.

Spolter wrote the script and plays the starring role of Grant. Opposite him is senior Jack Hardwick who plays Roy, Grant’s best friend. The movie also features some of the High School’s staff as science teacher Tim Jones, math teacher Janelle Fox, and film teacher Conner Brown also play a role in the movie.

Brown said LAHS Senior Sofia Youngs directed the movie.

Youngs, an aspiring filmmaker and journalist, worked daily with the actors to portray their characters correctly, said Brown in a statement.

“For me, the short film was not only an opportunity for me to grow as a leader but also to learn from my peers,” said Youngs.

“Keeping her on schedule every day was junior Johnny Flaim, the film’s First Assistant Director,” he added.

Flaim is relatively new to the film school at Los Al, he said, but is already becoming a driving force in the direction of the program, said Brown.

“Senior Grace Phelps acted as our Director of Photography on the project and brought a sense of professionalism and immense knowledge of all the equipment we have. Phelps led a talented crew of camera operators and gaffers each day on set to achieve the highest quality footage.

“Working on ‘Time’s Up’ has been so much fun. It’s been a great learning experience and there are many memories that I will never forget,” said Phelps.

Using the same equipment that Cal State Long Beach offers its students, Phelps and her team created an incredibly impressive project. And the footage wouldn’t be anything without a strong team of editors to put it all together,” Brown said.

Seniors Alexander Russell and Cole Miller were assigned the roles of Post-Production Coordinator and Final Assembly Editor, respectively. These two led a team of highly motivated and dedicated editors who worked after school every day for weeks to put everything together. After all was said and done, “Time’s Up” is ready to premiere on the big screen. We are hoping that everyone from the community shows up to support these talented young filmmakers as they proudly show their project.

After the movie, a “Behind the Scenes” look at how the project was made will be played in the PAC. Junior Emily Fitzgerald captured the whole process on her camera and told the story of the making of this film beautifully, said Brown.

“As a film teacher, I am so proud of all of these students who came together to create an amazing product. The creativity and passion these kids have really is remarkable. Working on this project was something I will remember for the rest of my life and I hope these students look back on this experience and smile as they continue to pursue their respective careers,” said Brown.

For tickets or additional info, visit www.lahsfilmschool.com.

Event News intern awarded with Cal Berkeley graduate journalism fellowship

David N. Young
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Event News intern awarded with Cal Berkeley graduate journalism fellowship

It is with a deep sense of pride for everyone connected to the Event News Enterprise that we announce Chapman University graduate Macy Meinhardt has been selected to be included in the first ever cohort of journalists selected to participate in the State of California’s $25 million Local News Fellowship program.

Macy, who graduated from Wilkinson College at Chapman University last week with a bachelor’s degree in English, is now under consideration by six state news organizations in the program being administered by the Graduate School of the U.C. Berkeley School of Journalism.

What makes Macy’s selection so fulfilling is that before Macy began her two-semester internship at ENE, she said she was not even sure she wanted to be a journalist.
“Before joining the team, I wasn’t sure if this was a path I wanted to pursue. I loved to read and write, and I hoped maybe that could lead me to an opportunity to write for something along the lines of a fashion or pop-culture blog,” she said.

“However, a twist of fate led me to be assigned something perhaps less glamorous (ENE), but so incredibly important and fulfilling, which was local reporting. I did not know what being an active and informed citizen truly meant before this year,” said Meinhardt in an essay about her experience.

“Interning at ENE this past year under the guidance of David Young has left an indelible mark on my journey as a journalist,” Macy wrote in her essay.
Readers will remember that over the past year, Meinhardt has written some compelling stories, in some cases chronicling the ongoing tussle between some citizens in the City of Cypress and their attempts to make their voices heard.

Before writing her first story, we asked Macy to do an exhaustive list of research so that she could be better acquainted with the city, its makeup, local government, etc.
Before long, however, Macy was thrust into a maelstrom of activities that have marked some of the meetings in Cypress in the recent past. For her, it was an introduction to a real world view that very few college students ever get to experience.

There she was, speaking with government officials and, in some cases, going house to house to speak with everyday citizens to listen to their stories about their attempts to make themselves understood.

Macy had to learn quickly about how complex the art of politics can become between citizens and council of members they elect to govern them.

“This internship gave me the opportunity to learn from the brave and outspoken citizens from communities such as Cypress,” said Macy.

“Whether it was going door to door to ask residents about their city trash policies or listening to hours-worth of city council meetings and public comment, the voices of the community inspired me to reflect on what it means to stand up for democracy and secured my ambition as a journalist,” Meinhardt reflected.

In addition, ENE was recognized by Chapman University’s Career and Professional Development team.

“On behalf of Chapman University’s Career and Professional Development team, we personally would like to share our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the support offered to our students during their recent internship with you,” wrote Laura C. Noga, from Chapman University.

“Your continued guidance and mentorship play such a significant role throughout our Chapman student’s professional journey,” she said.
Hopefully, Macy’s experience sets an example from our newest generation of graduations, caught in a world of political polarization and the unforgiving rising tide of social media influence.

Every generation must learn to fight for good government, demanding truth and accountability from local officials on its own terms. That Macy did so well in such a short time is in itself, perhaps an encouraging sign.

For Macy, working in the real world of journalism, even at the height of conflict, has opened her eyes to how communities must learn to govern themselves.

“Thanks to our coverage of local communities, and the mentorship of Mr. Young, this experience has been a pivotal steppingstone for my future,” she wrote.

“I found a greater purpose and deeper appreciation for journalism, and I am so thankful I can continue to grow this mission the next two years through the UC Berkeley local news fellowship program.”

Macy’s rapid transformation into an outstanding journalist is a credit to her fearless quest for truth and governmental accountability. Once she learned the ground rules, Miss Meinhardt’s instinct and intellect did the rest.

Let’s face it, all adults of a certain age should realize that our actions today are simply investing in a better world for tomorrow, the proverbial example of planting trees for which they will never experience the shade.

Atttending Chapman University’s graduation ceremony with Carl and Tammy Meinhardt, of Houston, Macy’s parents was an honor. Macy has been a joy to work with and it was great to meet her family.

And for sure, Macy will always have somewhat of a unique story to tell, like “a funny thing happened to me on my way to an internship.” Thankfully for all of us, she stepped onto a surprising path, embraced it and as a result, the promise of her fulfillment will over the years undoubtedly lead to meaningful stories for readers along the way.

Congrats to all the grads of 2023. We are grateful that Macy’s twist of fate led her to our editorial pages and we hope to see a few more stories before she is selected by one of the six news organizations interested in having Macy complete her graduate fellowship.

We all wish Macy the best of luck. Readers somewhere can look forward to the promise of great journalism produced by a courageous reporter in the uncertain years ahead.

La Palma Council projects budget surplus

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La Palma Council projects budget surplus

By Ronan Jensen

If it was not already clear that the city of La Palma was ready to move on from COVID, its leaders certainly made it so in a May 2 city council meeting that centered around a quartet of topics pointed towards a post-pandemic future. The city’s budget surplus, a proposal to rescind the current water conservation status, a presentation of proposed layouts for pickleball courts, and a discussion on outdoor dining standards were the central subjects brought up in the meeting.

Optimism was in the air when finances were highlighted, with the leaders of La Palma being informed that the city’s reserves had actually grown during the pandemic, and that next year’s draft budget would include a surplus of $454,000.
“We’re in great shape, absolutely. And due to our fiscal policies built up over the years, even prior to me, we’re seeing some of that fruit bear out now,” said Mayor Pro Tem Marshall Goodman.

Following the optimistic budget presentation, a proposal was then brought up to roll La Palma’s Stage Two Water Alert, and Water Shortage Contingency Plan restrictions, back to a less extreme Stage One conservation status. Reasons given for the proposal largely leaned on the generous rainfall California received over the past few months, the snowpack levels across the state, and a number of state-wide drought restrictions lifted by Governor Gavin Newsom earlier in the year. The proposal was apparently very convincing: the city council members voted to pass the measure, and rescind the current Water Alert status, unanimously.

The meatiest discussion of the evening was reserved for the sport of pickleball, and the different layouts the city is currently considering for how and where they will build the necessary courts for it.

Two main proposals were presented to the council before any bids were to be considered from possible contractors; the first was estimated to cost $171,000, and the second would hover somewhere around $259,000. When the topic was opened for questions among the public, concerns of cost and noise were raised without seeming to deflate the overall enthusiasm over the project.

The final of the four main topics was that of outdoor dining standards within the city, a discussion specifically brought up at Mayor Baker’s request. While the city had been very supportive of businesses using exterior spaces to generate as much revenue as possible during the pandemic, it seems the time of laissez-faire attitudes has passed.

“We still have a few remaining, but in my conversations with Mayor Baker, I think her concern is, and I think rightly so, that we should be thinking how we want to handle consistency across the board,” said City Manager Conal McNamara.
“We love outdoor dining, but we just want it to be aesthetically pleasing, safe and welcoming for everyone who wants to come and dine at these establishments,” said Mayor Baker. The council stated that a list of standards would be created and presented at a future date.

Other items discussed during the meeting included an increase in the use of the city’s seal on official items (also requested by Mayor Baker), a presentation by the cancer treatment/research institute City of Hope on their upcoming expansion into Orange County, and a consent calendar item regarding a new electronic sign for Walker Junior High in the Anaheim Union High School District.

Aquarium of the Pacific to celebrate 25th Anniversary

For Event-News Enterprise
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Aquarium of the Pacific to celebrate 25th Anniversary

The public is invited to the Aquarium to explore new programming, events, and special contests starting May 26 through Dec. 31, the institution has announced in a press release.
Since opening its doors in 1998, the nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific has connected millions of people from around the world to the beauty and wonder of our ocean planet.

The Aquarium celebrates its 25th anniversary with new programming, events, a photography exhibit, and a short film—all highlighting Southern California’s natural world.
Southern California is home to ocean treasures that rival those around the world. Through its 25th Anniversary Celebration, the Aquarium will highlight this special region in a variety of ways, including announcing new major exhibits opening July 1. Throughout each day of the anniversary celebration, visitors can take in a new short film projected in the Aquarium’s Great Hall next to a life-sized model of a blue whale. During this experience, you can see the Aquarium’s work in saving local species and habitats.

On the Aquarium’s second floor, you can explore photography celebrating people’s connections to nature in Southern California. This exhibit will showcase the work of the top ten winners of the Aquarium’s 25th Anniversary photo contest. Also, during the celebration, the first guest who finds an octopus figurine hidden in a different exhibit each day will win a limited-edition commemorative Aquarium pin. During the summer, the Aquarium’s First Wednesdays guest speaker series, which includes music and a cocktail/social hour, will focus on the theme of connecting to nature. In addition, the Aquarium will launch its new podcast series and will have new 25th-anniversary merchandise in its gift store.

Visitors can explore underwater habitats from kelp forests to deep-sea reefs and meet animals like the California two-spot octopus, sharks, scorpionfish, eels and pipefish.
Towering kelp forests, colorful hydrocorals, swaying seagrass, and artificial and rocky reefs…Southern California is home to these vibrant ocean habitats and an abundance of sea life from octopus to fish the size of a mountain lion.

The ocean wonders found off the coast of this region rival those found around the world. You don’t need a boat to set sail for this aquatic adventure. The Aquarium of the Pacific invites you to connect with these local treasures as you explore its newly reimagined Southern California Gallery. As you visit the new exhibits, find out about threats to these important ecosystems, like climate change, and the actions you can take to protect and restore them. The gallery, which is under construction, opens on July 1, 2023, during the Aquarium’s 25th Anniversary Celebration.

The Southern California Gallery will feature over ten exhibits and more than three dozen species. Highlighted animals will include the California two-spot octopus, leopard and horn sharks, California scorpionfish, a moray eel, California spiny lobsters, Catalina goby, and California’s state marine fish—the Garibaldi. Visitors will be able to get up close to these animals as they explore a variety of new exhibits.

Two of the exhibits will focus on underwater habitats off Catalina: Casino Point kelp forests and deep-sea hydrocorals at Farnsworth Bank. Another exhibit will focus on oil rigs, which serve as artificial reefs located between the mainland near the Aquarium and Catalina Island. An ecosystem has formed on the pilings that rise up from the sea floor since the placement of oil platforms, which started in the 1960s.

The color changes as visitors explore the Aquarium’s expansive new seagrass meadow exhibit, inspired by seagrass in shallow waters of bays in Orange County. These underwater meadows not only serve as a nursery for juvenile fish, but also a natural protective barrier against coastal erosion and are a reservoir for carbon.

From these sunny waters, the Aquarium will take you into a dark cavernous rocky reef exhibit where you will see a pod of California spiny lobsters. Visitors will also be transported forty miles off the shore through the Aquarium’s new open ocean exhibit where they can watch sea jellies floating in this blue-water environment. Next to the Southern California Gallery, visitors can explore local marine life at the nearly-three story tall Honda Blue Cavern with iconic giant sea bass, the Seal and Sea Lion Habitat, and the ray touch pool.

The ocean off Southern California is home to many animals, habitats, and special places that need protection. These ecosystems are at risk due to threats like climate change and pollution, but there is still time to help. “The Aquarium has a variety of conservation initiatives to restore California’s marine and coastal ecosystems and species. But true success in conservation depends on participation from everyone. Small actions of individuals, such as properly sorting and disposing your waste and being careful not to disturb or remove marine plants and animals when you visit them, collectively roll up to impactful results,” said Jennie Dean, Aquarium of the Pacific vice president of education and conservation.

Since its inception, the Aquarium of the Pacific has been helping local habitats and animals. These efforts include programs for local endangered species such as white abalone, giant sea bass, and green sea turtles. Ongoing programs to help local habitats include wetlands restorations, monitoring and data collection through scientific diving, whale photo I.D. project, trash cleanups, and more. You can learn more about these programs as you watch the Aquarium’s new Great Hall short film during your visit to the Aquarium. This film, along with a Southern California nature photography exhibit, a daily contest to find an octopus figurine hidden in exhibits, a new podcast series, and other programming are part of the Aquarium’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, which runs from May 26, 2023 through December 31, 2023.

The AOP is located at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802. General admission: $44.95 per adult (ages 12+), $29.95 per child (ages 3-11), $41.95 per senior (ages 62+), and free for Aquarium members and children under age three. Advance reservations required. For more info, call (562) 590-3100 or visit aquariumofpacific.org.

Woman’s Club of Cypress presents scholarship and award winners for 2023

David N. Young
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Woman’s Club of Cypress presents scholarship and award winners for 2023

The Woman’s Club of Cypress is proud to announce the scholarship and award winners for 2023.

Listed below are high school seniors and Cypress College students who were beneficiaries of these awards ranging from $500.00 to $1,500.00. This Woman’s Club endeavors to aid many worthy students with help towards their college expenses.

The Scholarship winner from John F. Kennedy High School is Anna Cha. The Scholarship winners from Cypress High School are Tia Ketsan, Tarin Rueckert, Apalila Levi and Nathaniel Walrath. ROP Award recipients from Cypress High School are Kyla Reign Lachica, Camille Morales, Madison Butler and Annie Ho. The Scholarship winners from Oxford Academy are Rishubh Navuduri, Justin Kim and Adeline Pham. Cypress College recipients are Rachel Davies, Daanish Noor and Nicole Cleveland.
Scholarship Committee members: Sue Fardette – Chair, Gay Hannah, Ginger Osman, Lynn Fox, Donna Holder, and Roni Gregory.

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