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St. Irenaeus parishoners host MAALGO School Project Fundraiser

Edna Ethington
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St. Irenaeus parishoners host MAALGO School Project Fundraiser

St. Irenaeus parishioners Jim and Mimi Di Rosa and Ruth Burns hosted a fundraiser for The Maalgo School Project on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Di Rosa home in Cypress. St. Irenaeus parishioners Matt and Susan McDowell registered 64 guests who came to support The Maalgo School Project. The guests included parishioners from St. Irenaeus Catholic Church in Cypress, a few parishioners from Holy Family Cathedral in Orange, and some friends of the Di Rosas.

Guests were served with a variety of appetizers prepared by hostess Mimi Di Rosa, Ruth Burns, Betty Borowski, and Elaine Brewster. Wine, beer, water, and sodas were available for everyone to enjoy with all the special hors d’oeuvres while they listened to music playing in the background.

Host Jim Di Rosa welcomed everyone in the family room area of his home. He said that The Maalgo School Project is a 501© 3 non-profit organization with Tax ID 27-4069272, with all donations fully tax deductible. He said that 95% of funds that are raised for the Maalgo School Project goes directly to pay for water, food, school supplies and building supplies. Jim said that founder of the project and Board members receive no salary. He introduced the project’s founder, Fr. Rudolph “Rudy” Alumam, to update current information about The Maalgo School Project in Rudy’s home village of Vea, Ghana.

Fr. Rudy started the Maalgo Project in 2005 while he was parochial vicar at St. Bede Catholic Church in Hayward, CA., where he and parishioners helped to raise funds to build a library in Ghana. They also provided lunch items of rice, beans, or smoked fish, for students, so they would want to come to school and would not go hungry all day.

Fr. Rudy served as parochial vicar at St. Irenaeus Church from 2015 to 2017. Fr. Rudy and St. Irenaeus parishioners held a School Supplies Drive at St. Irenaeus and sent 80 boxes of supplies to the schools in the villages in Ghana. St. Irenaeus parishioners continued to support The Maalgo School Project when Fr. Rudy was moved to Holy Family Cathedral in 2017. In 2018 and 2019, parishioners of both churches worked together to raise funds to send school supplies and school furniture, such as desks.

Serving African food at the fundraiser.
Photo by Edna Ethington

MAALGO means “PROGRESS” in the African language, and Fr. Rudy showed the progress in work that has been done and is ongoing in his village of Vea with a visual presentation. Two wells have been dug in Vea, and Fr. Rudy showed one well that is solar powered which provides clean water for families. He also showed students sitting in their new desks, and the start of construction of the first Brand New two-story school in Vea. Fr. Rudy also showed village’s men physically digging the trenches for the school’s foundation by hand and not with machines. The first level of the school was completed by villagers, but work is needed to finish the second story of the school. The need for more help is ongoing to finish the job and continue to provide food and school supplies for the students.

Fr. Rudy said that the Nsor family from St. Irenaeus, who originally came from Nigeria, and the Judkin family from Ontario, provided the African food at the fundraiser. The food included Jollof Rice, cooked in tomato sauce with spices, Baked Chicken with seasoning, and Puff-puff, the African version of a donut. Additional food of Spinach with Smoked Turkey Sauce, and Fried Plantain, came later. Some people were able to try the two African style dishes and even took some home!

There is still a great need for donations to help supporters of THE MAALGO SCHOOL PROJECT to fulfill the motto of: “Supporting education through sustainable change in poor rural communities of Ghana in the name of Jesus Christ.” The students in the village of Vea, Ghana, still need financial help to be assured of having enough water, food, school supplies, and the completion of their only village school.

Persons interested in helping to provide these necessities of life and to improve the students education opportunities, can donate directly online by contacting www.themaalgoproject.org/, or by writing a check written to The Maalgo Project, c/o Fr. Rudy Alumam at 566 S. Glassell St., Orange, CA 92866.

Fr. Rudy can also be reached at his e-mail address, rb******@**************ct.org, or fr*******@*****bo.org.

L.A. Dance’s Romeo & Juliet starts limited run at Segerstrom

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L.A. Dance’s Romeo & Juliet starts limited run at Segerstrom

Did my heart love till now?”

In this dazzling new production, Benjamin Millepied offers a bold and contemporary vision of Shakespeare’s masterpiece Romeo & Juliet.  Navigating between cinema, dance, and theatre, the brilliant choreographer reinterprets the star-crossed lovers as young adults in an urban environment where social norms prevent them from living out their love story.  Each performance features a different cast, highlighting diverse couples – male/female, male/male, female/female – making this version of Romeo & Juliet a true universal celebration of love!          

Using state-of the-art technology and a unique projection system, the plot unfolds both on stage and off, from unexpected places inside the theater and backstage allowing audiences to experience parts of Segerstrom Center they have never seen.   These tableaux are broadcast in real time, with the dancers, filmed live, passing from stage to screen and back again.   

Experience this timeless tale as never before as Benjamin Millepied presents this mythical take through a modern and original prism – much as the hot Hollywood director is doing with his new movie, Carmen, starring Paul Mescal and Melissa Barrera.   The New Yorker raves Romeo & Juliet Suite is “startling, dazzling and wrenching in equal measure.”

With Prokofiev’s beautiful music providing the perfect accompaniment to the gorgeous dancing, the Segerstrom Center debut of Benjamin Millepied and L.A. Dance Project will be an event for the ages! 

Friday, May 12 at 7 pm
Romeo: David Adrian Freeland, Jr.
Juliet: Mario Gonzalez
Tybalt: Lorrin Brubaker
Mercutio: Shu Kinouchi
Saturday, May 13 at 2 pm
Romeo: Peter Mazurowski
Juliet: Daisy Jacobson
Tybalt: Lorrin Brubaker
Mercutio: Shu Kinouchi
Saturday, May 13 at 7 pm
Romeo: Daphne Fernberger
Juliet: Nayomi Van Brunt
Tybalt: Lorrin Brubaker
Mercutio: Shu Kinouchi

Tickets start at $39

600 Town Center Drive,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

  Directions 

Ticket Services
(714) 556-27

With the support of:

Samueli Foundation

Claborn continues to staff up Los Al Police Department

David N. Young
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Claborn continues to staff up Los Al Police Department

The Los Alamitos Police Department, for so long understaffed and underfunded, is apparently making a strong comeback as Chief of Police Michael Claborn introduced three new officers to the public at the April meeting of the city council.

In addition, the Chief announced last month that the department will also be strengthening its overall community engagement, announcing a “Volunteers in Policing” program similar to those already being utilized in Seal Beach, Cypress and other small cities.

“We’re proposing a volunteers and policing program,” Claborn told the Council, noting that VIP program “is a program that allows community members to offer their time and talents to the police department.”

Claborn noted that surrounding cities like Cypress and Seal Beach “have been utilizing volunteers for years” and that Los Al should do the same thing.

Better funded departments, like Cypress, said Claborn, require fewer volunteers but the Los Al PD staff could use community volunteers to play some important roles in keeping the community safe.
“Participants will play a key role in enhancing the police mission by assisting with things such as clerical duties which would be filing, shredding, ordering supplies, inventory and PD lobby reception,” the police chief said.

He said police volunteers could play a role in special events such as National Night Out, Fireworks Spectacular, Spring Carnival, Halloween, Winter Wonderland etc., vacation checks, checks for residents that are out of town and other duties such as car washes, errands, uniform center, print shop pickups and similar things.

“These civilian positions will not be placed in any unsecure scenes and will not be carrying weapons,” he added.

“People have to apply for the position … they will have to pass a oral exam, submit to a criminal background investigation, demonstrated desire to serve the public and applicants must be 18 at the time of appointment,” he told the Council.

In addition, “we’re going to require that they become a member of West County Search within one year of appointment,” said Claborn.

He said the commitment from the PD to the VIP is to provide training and support, provide guidance and feedback on their performance to respect the skills, needs and dignity of the volunteer and treat the volunteer as an equal co-worker jointly responsible for completing the mission of the police department. In addition to routine duties, they will also have training for EOC, our emergency operator operations center support staff and emergency shelter support and logistical field support as needed.

The three new officers with other city officials, including (L-R) City Manager Chet Simmons, Council member Emily Hibard, Council member Shelley Hasselbrink, Mayor Tanya Doby and Chief Michael Claborn.

The Volunteers’ commitment to the police department is to perform the assigned duties of the position to adhere to the VIP program rules, policies and procedures, fulfill the minimum requirement of the program, which is ensuring that we’re in the authorized uniforms volunteering at least eight hours a month and two four hour shifts or one eight hour shift that the volunteers can assist up to 20 hours a week.

“They also have a vehicle that they have assigned to them. And if you remember the beginning of this, we had a black and white on there. We have plans should the program be implemented to have a vehicle be used. It would not be black and white, it would be white and we’ll come up with a separate logo specifically for volunteers so people would know that it’s not a police officer,” said Claborn.

The goal is to have the first shift start on July 1, Chief Claborn said, “although we will start with an application process which will begin soon (on city’s website).

Interested residents can get the application from the city’s website, www.cityoflosalamitos.com.

Claborn this month introduced three new officers to the growing Los Al Police Force before later swearing them in to their new positions.

“It is a joy to be able to add new members to the Los Alamitos Police Department to the tight-knit family we have here,” the police chief said.

Claborn introduced Capt. Luke South, a police executive with extensive experience. South joined the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in 1996, said Claborn, was promoted to the rank of Sergeant before beginning patrol of the communities of Rancho Santa Margarita, Dana Point and Laguna Hills.

South later became a training executive before being promoted to Lieutenant and selected to oversee command of the central jail. He was later selected to revise all policies and procedures for the entire Sheriff’s Department having authority over a $9 million budget and 27 staff members. Eventually, South was promoted to the rank of Captain and assigned as a division commander of the Lacy Detention Facility, with 450 sworn staff members and more than 3200 inmates.

“We are very happy to have him,” said Claborn.

He also introduced Officer Joel Espinoza, who grew up in Stanton/Anaheim and became a police officer because “he wants to improve his community through his work as a law enforcement officer.”

Espinoza attended Whittier College, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Social Work. “He comes to us with an extensive background in asset protection,” the Chief noted.
Finally, Claborn introduced Officer Oscar Perez from San Jacinto, CA, who is a graduate of San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration.

Lampson Project potential conflict of interest back on Los Al agenda

David N. Young
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Lampson Project potential conflict of interest back on Los Al agenda

The two newest council members in the City of Los Alamitos continue to ask hard questions, this time putting back on the agenda an issue designed to explore a potential conflict of interest between the city’s law firm and a former interim city manager who is now playing a role in what is expected to become the Lampson Ave. housing project.

Text messages obtained by local residents opposed to the current density of the so-called Lampson Project show that former city official Les Johnson routinely communicated with planning officials about the project after leaving the city’s employ.

A group of residents have organized themselves under the name “Protect Our Communities Now,” and, among things, they are asking city officials to at least reduce the density of the project.

At the Council’s previous meeting, Council member Emily Hibard repeatedly grilled city attorney Michael Daudt about that string of text messages and emails exchanged between a former official and the city’s current planning department staff.
Hibard repeatedly asked Daudt, the city attorney, about the propriety of those communications.

“Are you familiar with the content of these text messages and emails?” she asked Daudt.

“Yes, I am,” said Daudt.

“From what you have seen, do you see any conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest in what’s in here,” she asked.

“I do not,” said Daudt.

“The only thing I would offer,” said Daudt, “as an additional admonishment on this is that those PRA requests and text messages themselves relate specifically to the Lampson project, which is not an item before the City Council tonight or on the agenda for consideration.”

“So possibly there is something here,” asked Hibard.

“To the extent that the legislative rezoning applies citywide, and to the extent the (Lampson project site) property is located within the city, it applies,” said Daudt.

“And in your legal perspective, you don’t see any conflicts of interest between the content of this and rezoning,” Hibard asked a final time.

“I do not,” said Daudt.

While the city attorney emphatically suggested there was no conflict with Mr. Johnson conferring with city officials regarding a private sector project, Council member Trisha Murphy is now asking to explore the propriety of Daudt advising the city going forward on the Lampson issue because of any advice given to Johnson when he was a city official.

It is not clear whether the PRA request included any communication between Johnson and the city attorney or, even if so, whether those messages would be protected.

During the Council’s April meeting, however, Murphy has been aggressive in her attempts to find facts and data to make decisions. Murphy was appointed to fill the seat vacated by the sudden death of Ron Bates.

“As a new council member. I have a lot of questions related to the positions, duties and responsibilities and agreements between the city and third parties and joint ventures,” Murphy said during her monthly Council member reports.

“I’ve been fortunate to have a healthy, supportive, and collaborative relationship with city staff who have been integral in helping me facilitate and acclimate into my new role.

Anyone who knows me I’m the person who likes to learn something new every day that I may know a lot about a little ‘n’ a little bit about a lot,” Murphy began.

“To further improve my understanding and knowledge of past and present agreements and or contracts with the City of Los Alamitos, I requested several agreements to be provided to my attention for review,” she said.

“As such, I’d like to take a few moments to address one of those agreements, specifically the agreement for city attorney services between the city of Los Alamitos and Woodruff, Spradlin and Smart (WSS), according to the original fully executed agreement for city attorney services between the city of Los Alamitos and the law firm WSS that was entered into an agreement on August 28 2017,” continued Murphy with exacting detail.

“The city desired decided to appoint employ and retain WSS to provide city attorney services for the city and to provide legal services required to be formed by the Office of the city attorney as at the commencement date of October 1, 2017,” the council member said, noting Michael Daudt, is, according to the WSS website, the principal of the firm.

“Furthermore, according to the new fully executed agreement entered into as of September 18, 2017, and commenced on October 1, 2017, with no agreement term expiration, in addition to the city council, Mr. Daudt represents and advises city staff such as the city manager, city clerk and so forth,” she said.

“And 2019, Mr. Daudt, as a city attorney at the time, would have the authority and capacity to provide legal representation, advice and assistance and the preparation or review of contracts and other legal documents from Mr. Les Johnson, the Los Alamitos, development services director from September 2018 to August 2019,” she continued, “and the interim city manager from August 2019 to January 2020.”

As I was recently made aware, Mr. Johnson is now the Director of Planning Services at T and B Planning Inc., which is the urban planning firm hired by developers to assist in developing the proposed Lampson Project in Los Alamitos. Now I recognize that Mr. Daudt said he sees ‘no conflict of interest’ and a string of messages between Mr. Johnson and Mr. Tom Oliver, the Los Alamitos planning director regarding to the proposed Lampson Project.
Murphy was referring to the responses given to Council member Emily Hibard, in which she questioned Daudt about a string of text and email messages between Johnson and current planning department officials that indicates Johnson had been in close contact with his former colleagues regarding the Lampson project.

Other city officials say that, as of this date, there is no official “Lampson Project,” as no formal application has been filed, although city manager Chet Simmons did acknowledge city officials have been given the outlines of what is expected to be a housing project of mixed use with approximately 250 residences on a 12.4-acre tract located along Lampson Ave.

Murphy, however, said, “there should be some consideration for a conflict of interest that may have arisen from Mr. Daudt’s responsibility as an attorney to his former city of Los Alamitos, client, Mr. Johnson, and providing loyal and independent judgment to his current client, the city of Los Alamitos.”

“There should be deliberation and careful consideration as it appears there is a conflict of interest,” she said, adding that “somebody once told me it’s all about perception,” said Murphy.

The city attorney advises city officials on a variety of issues that come up from day-to-day. They are paid on an hourly basis. Records indicate Daudt’s firm, Woodruff, Spradlin & Smart billed the city $24,340 for legal services in January, the most recent month available on warrants.

Daudt, present at the meeting, said nothing during the Council members’ comments.
The Council, momentarily silent, had the silence broken by City Clerk Windy Quintanar saying that the only way the item could be placed on the next agenda, was for the motion to receive a second.

Hibard, who thoroughly grilled Daudt at the last regular meeting, asked about exactly what the motion entailed, then agreed to second Murphy’s motion.
“I’ll second that,” she said.

Therefore, the item will apparently now appear on the Council’s next regular meeting agenda in May to apparently explore a potential conflict of interest in the nexus of advice and the blurred lines created by the Lampson Project correspondence.

Murphy said after the meeting in an interview that she is “concerned” about the apparent conflict of interest in the city attorney representing the former interim city manager who is now, or about, to play a central role in developing a major housing project in the city.
“I’ve discussed this issue with other attorneys,” she said, “and there is a legitimate concern.”

At the very least, she said a deeper discussion will let citizens know there is no real or perceived conflict.

In addition, Murphy said she may even suggest the city hire “special counsel” to represent the city in the Lampson Project to avoid any real or perceived conflict of interest.

Cypress employee group named top OneOC Spirit of Volunteerism Award

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Cypress employee group named top OneOC Spirit of Volunteerism Award

A group of employees from UnitedHealth Group in Cypress have been honored with the top OneOC Spirit of Volunteerism award in Anaheim.

The UnitedHealth employees were honored with the award Thursday, April 20th at the National Grove in Anaheim. According to a press release issued by the company, the employees were recognized for freely giving their time and sharing their expertise with the community.

The effort strives “to make Orange County a great place to live for many people,” it said.
The UnitedHealth Group volunteers were recognized for their efforts that focused on bridging the gap for those challenged by social determinants of health – challenges outside of traditional healthcare – including food insecurity, homelessness, joblessness, economic instability, transportation challenges, social isolation and behavioral health needs to help the most vulnerable among us.

“We are very proud of the commitment of our UnitedHealth Group employees,” said Tami Adams, chief executive officer, UnitedHealthcare of Southern California. “They exemplify our mission to help people live healthier lives in the local communities in which we live and work.’

The group’s corporate headquarters is located on Katella Ave. in Cypress.

This year, the committee funded and participated in a wide variety of community support efforts, including purchasing books and stuffed animals for children who may need emotional support through the Extraordinary Lives Foundation; providing mentorships and job training to teens and young adults; volunteering with Working Wardrobes and VetNet to fit veterans in new business attire and help smooth their re-entry into the civilian workforce; pack boxes of canned goods and health foods at the OC Food Bank on National Family Volunteer Day; participating in a wide variety of local fundraising walks including in the Alzheimer’s Walk for ALZ at Angel Stadium, and helping build homes for Habitat for Humanity OC, the statement said.

Tickets now on sale for Rossmoor Spring Garden Tour

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Tickets now on sale for Rossmoor Spring Garden Tour

Tickets are on sale now for the 19th Annual Rossmoor Woman’s Club Spring Garden Tour, which is coming up on Sunday, May 21.

The fundraising event will feature six homes in the Rossmoor area where owners have created their own dream landscapes.

For die-hard gardeners, there’s a home surrounded by jasmine, roses and poufs of geraniums. At another, real lavender, roses and wildflowers mix with faux blossoms for a lush English country look. At a third, a water-wise Mediterranean plot features decomposed granite walkways, in-ground succulents and native grasses, with cutting flowers, vegetables and herbs corralled in a container garden with drip irrigation.

Rossmoor teacups.
Courtesy photo

For outdoor living aficionados, there are pools, spas, outdoor kitchens, pizza ovens, big screen TVs, fireplaces and other amenities of the California outdoor lifestyle.
The self-guided tour is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It includes an outdoor marketplace at Arbor Village featuring refreshments, raffle baskets and music by harpist Julio Montero. The woman’s club will offer some plant arrangements for sale, too.

Tickets, which contain addresses and a map to all the homes, are $20 per person. They may be purchased now from any club member, from a selection of local merchants or, for a $1 service fee, on the club website rossmoorwomansclub.com. Tickets will also be for sale the day of the tour at the outdoor marketplace, which will be directly behind Flags With a Flair in Arbor Village, 10651 Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos. (Tickets purchased online must be picked up at this site on the day of the event.)

All net proceeds go to fund scholarships for Los Alamitos High School seniors and to support local charities in the Los Alamitos/Seal Beach and Long Beach areas.
Merchants selling tickets are Brita’s Old Town Gardens, 225 Main St., Ste A, Seal Beach; Cinnamon Stik, 10641 Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos; Here Come the Blooms, 5238 Lampson Ave., Garden Grove; Prep Kitchen Essentials, 12207 Seal Beach Blvd., Seal Beach; and McNally Electric, 10792 Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos.

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

Griffins warm up for playoffs with two key wins

Ted Apodaca
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Griffins warm up for playoffs with two key wins

The high school softball season will wrap up this weekend and playoff-bound teams are looking to secure seedings and/or add league championships to their resume before jumping into the CIF-SS brackets. Despite busy league schedules, Los Alamitos and Pacifica High kept a rescheduled date for their friendly rivalry and it was a good warmup for two teams that could see each other again in the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs.

Los Alamitos went into last week as the No. 1 ranked team in the CIF-SS Division 1 poll and Pacifica was slotted in the No. 7 spot. The game was essentially a pitching and defensive battle, with Los Al getting a two-run home run from junior outfielder Callie Fitzpatrick in the second inning that was the main difference in the game.

The Griffins were able to push across another run in the third, despite not getting a hit. Fitzpatrick nearly drove in another, but her deep shot to right-center field was run down by Michela Meza, who was able to make the catch on a full sprint to end the inning.
Los Alamitos’ No. 1 pitcher, Berkley Vance scattered three hits and had only one walk, while striking out five.

“I liked her control, I liked her getting ahead of batters, she came up with some big pitches in big situations, and our defense played well behind her,” Weil said.

Pacifica coach Tony Arduino said that Vance was hitting the outside edges of the plate with her fastball and when she mixed in an off-speed pitch, the Mariners struggled to adjust.
“She kept us off-balance the entire game, we really didn’t have too many comfortable swings, in my opinion,” Arduino said.

Junior Isabella Rodriguez had drawn a walk prior to Fitzpatrick’s home run and sophomore shortstop Kalie Matsuno followed with a single. But Pacifica junior pitcher Brynne Nally was able to get a strikeout and ground out to end the threat. After the third, the pitching and defense took over the game. Pacifica made two outs at home plate to keep the Griffins from adding runs and Nally was able to set them down in order in the fifth and sixth innings.

The Griffins had a setback last week, with a 3-2 loss to Huntington Beach. They rebounded on Monday with a 5-4 win in eight innings over HB (10-2), meaning the Griffins (9-1) can win the outright Sunset League title with wins over Edison on Tuesday (past press time) and at home against Corona del Mar on Thursday, starting at 3:15 p.m.

Rossmoor Woman’s Club Student of the Month

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Rossmoor Woman’s Club Student of the Month

Courtesy Photo
Los Alamitos High School senior Kylie Bergman, left, is the Rossmoor Woman’s Club Student of the Month for April. Kylie is a 4-year dance program member, an AP student, a Friday Night Lights Cheer volunteer and the co-president of the Jewish Culture Club. Next year, she plans to attend UC Berkeley, where she will major in Cognitive Science. The woman’s club recognized Kylie with a certificate and $600 scholarship award, presented at the club’s April meeting by RWC Student Liaison Patricia Moore, right.

No longer living in Cypress

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No longer living in Cypress

Dear Editor,

My name is Jeff Lundberg and my wife and I have lived in Cypress for 36 years. This has been a great city to live in until recent times. Some members of the past council and the current council seem to have personal agendas that do not fall in-line with what our city goals need to be. We have a traffic commission and no planning commission.

This seems out of line where we have a city that is almost 100% developed and we do not want to have the citizens input and guidance on key development projects. Getting a Trader Joe’s is great for the City, but 3 story homes and a huge hotel is the price.

We now have a pay to play park that was built with tax payers money, we are spending over $25 million to update Arnold Park and last year Jon Peat lead a “done deal” proposal to out a restroom in Maple Grove Park North and he does not even live in the neighborhood. We are just given a 30% increase in our trash collection bill via the City Council and they also approved a no bid contract and 10 year contract extension to Valley Vista.

If these things were not corrupt they would almost be comical. Our Mayor runs the Boys and Girls club, receives a large compensation package, gets yearly rent for $1 and gets FREE trash service. If these are the visible things I want to know what goes on in the smoke filled rooms and how many other deals are made for their personal gain and not to benefit our city.

Transparency is a fundamental element of honest government. In response to the council member that claimed to be a God fearing person, this was said by Abraham Lincoln at the Gettysburg address “God, shall have new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, for the people , shall not perish from the great earth.”

So…get with the program!

The current City seal had “Progress” as the marquee, I think we should focus on Abraham Lincoln’s quote and the new marquee needs to be “Transparency!
Jeff Lundberg
Now a resident of Rancho Mission Viejo

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Lampson Project would be good for Los Alamitos

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Lampson Project would be good for Los Alamitos

Dear Editor,
This letter is in response to the recent article “City is Ignoring Concerns of Citizens in Lampson Decision.” The Los Alamitos City Council represents Los Alamitos residents and that’s where their focus should always be.

Mayor Tanya Doby along with Council Members Jordan Nefulda and Shelley Hasselbrink are doing an exceptional job responding to a small group of Seal Beach and Rossmoor residents who incorrectly insist that a Lampson development is not good for Los Alamitos residents. Doby, Nefulda and Hasselbrink are doing right by the city council they serve on. It appears that council members Emily Hibard and Trisha Murphy are listening more to Seal Beach and Rossmoor residents rather than their own constituents.
The reality is that ANY proposed so-called “Lampson development project” is GOOD for Los Alamitos residents.

The problem for Seal Beach and Rossmoor residents is that a project on Lampson Avenue also has challenges for their neighborhood. From affecting traffic near their homes and parks and commutes to more consumers shopping in nearby retail centers such as the Shops by Rossmoor, which means more sales tax for Seal Beach.
These Seal Beach and Rossmoor Not-In-My-Neighborhood neighbors are demanding that the Los Alamitos City Council move the planned 317-unit development to another location. Of course, these Seal Beach and Rossmoor residents have failed to recommend another suitable Los Alamitos site.

The Lampson 317-unit development is part of a state mandated housing requirement that the City of Los Alamitos must fulfill. If Seal Beach and Rossmoor residents are angry about the proposal, they need to direct their outrage to Governor Gavin Newsom. Los Alamitos has no choice as our city is mandated to build more housing.

Now, Seal Beach and Rossmoor residents are seeking to undo a Los Alamitos ordinance needed to implement the State mandate by circulating a referendum. If a circulator comes to your door, do not sign their referendum. Instead ask, “Where do you think the 317-units should be built if not on Lampson?”

Please contact and thank Los Alamitos city council members Nefulda and Hasselbrink, and Mayor Doby for keeping their focus on Los Alamitos constituents.
Please contact council members Hibard and Murphy and respectfully remind them that they represent Los Alamitos residents, not those residing in Seal Beach and Rossmoor.

Frank Marchese
Los Alamitos

 

Benefits Trafficking & financial abuse workshop to be held at St. Ireanaeus

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Benefits Trafficking & financial abuse workshop to be held at St. Ireanaeus

By Rosemary Lewallen

If you want to protect yourself and your loved ones, please come to the Benefits Trafficking & Financial Abuse Workshop on Monday, May 22nd from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at St. Irenaeus Parish Hall, 5201 Evergreen Ave., Cypress. Benefits trafficking is the financial exploitation of Social Security benefits, Disability Benefits (SSI), Veteran’s benefits, Medicare, food stamps, etc. St. Irenaeus Bridge of Light: Human Trafficking to Human Triumph Ministry is sponsoring this free event to raise community awareness of benefits trafficking, human trafficking, and scams, such as identity theft, romance scams and healthcare fraud that can wipe out your life savings.

Financial exploitation is the fastest growing area of victimization of older adults according to the Association of Adult Protective Services. Financial losses are estimated at $1.7 billion nationwide. Seniors are especially targeted by abusers. One in ten older Americans (five million) experience abuse each year (U.S. Government Accountability Office, 2021). However, only one in 25 cases is ever reported (Storey, 2020).

Experienced law enforcement professionals will present information about various scams, provide helpful resources, and give tips on how to prevent becoming a victim. Risk factors for financial abuse and red flags will be discussed. The speakers will also talk about the role of law enforcement in the prevention and prosecution of these crimes.
All are invited to this community event. Bring your questions and concerns. “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge” Proverbs 18:15.

Contact Monica Kovach for more information at 310-490-6113. Refreshments will be offered.

Valley Vista gets another trash rate increase in Cypress

Macy Meinhardt
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Valley Vista gets another trash rate increase in Cypress

Although the controversy over trash hauling has been limited in Cypress for the past few months, the lingering scent of the city’s murky dealings with Valley Vista trash resurfaced this week.

Starting in July, residents should see an increase of three percent on their Valley Vista trash bills, resulting in a monthly total increase of $23.32 following a City Council vote this week.
The decision to raise the monthly rate for trash hauling services came after a 4-1 vote by the council to bump expenses for the trash hauler to offset inflationary costs, the result of an oft discussed contract that the previous council gifted to the trash hauler, while extending it until 2037 without getting any other bids.

The one dissenting voice on the dais came from Councilmember Frances Marquez who has remained skeptical of the trash company’s dealings.

“I don’t support this. In January 2022. I voted against this trash contract because of its extension until 2037 without going to bid and with the 32% rate increase that’s not fixed. So, with this annual price index rate adjustment…. I’m just saying I don’t support it,” said Marquez.

For recap, the increased rate adjustment in question was at the center of a large debate back in Nov. 2021, when the council voted to grant a questionable franchise agreement that included yearly increases affiliated with the CPI, and extended the contract to 2037.
The specific amendment to the cities contract with Valley Vista reads as follows:

“With respect to the CPI Calculation Adjustment, the Agreement provides an annual CPI-based fee adjustment every April. The CPI adjustment is capped at 3.5% on regular disposal and 5% on green waste/organic waste disposal; however, in order to account for rising inflation, the CPI adjustment has been modified as follows: if/when CPI exceeds the established caps, rates increase to the cap, plus 85% of the CPI increase above the cap. This will ensure that rates do not exceed the costs of providing solid waste services.”

Having called a public hearing over the matter a few months later in January 2022, one of the residents who spoke in fierce opposition at the meeting regarding Valley Vista’s contract was David Burke, who now sits on the council.

As a resident, Burke called the public hearing a “farce,” since the agreement had already been decided without residential input. In addition, Burke also questioned why cities such as Los Al had offers from Valley Vista to freeze rates without being tied to CPI index, but Cypress did not.

Actually, in its previous contract, Valley Vista’s CPI price increase was capped at 3%, but the Council inexplicably removed the provision and allowed the company pass higher prices on its residents.

According to OC Waste and Recycling 2022 trash rate survey, neighboring cities such as Los Al have the lowest rate in all of Orange County which sits at $12.95 per month—-thanks to their open-bidding process, which Cypress opted out of doing, instead preferring to go with a contract process overseen by then Council member Jon Peat.

Despite having a seat at the table now that Valley Vista is being brought up again, Burke remained silent when the item was pulled for discussion by Councilmember Marquez during the last council meeting.

During her comment, Councilmember Marquez addressed the hardship the agreement has had on the working people of Cypress.

“I really feel that this vote hurt the working people of Cypress, and this is because trash is expensive now and I just feel for the people that have to pay a higher rate when everyone is struggling with inflation,” said Marquez .

The motion to pass the rate adjustment increase carried by four yes votes by Mayor Hertz-Mallari, Mayor Pro Tem Scott Minikus, Councilmember Bonni Peat, and lastly Councilmember Burke.

Complaints from residents aired out across social media before and after the meeting in which they grudgingly compared the quantitative cost VVS is charging versus the qualitative service they are receiving.

“I’ve lived in Cypress since the early 80s, and this is the worst trash company the city has ever had, yet we continue to pay higher rates, which is ridiculous, the city Council doesn’t fight for citizens at all,” said resident Joe Wiklem.

“It would be nice if they actually got the trash and recycling for once. They leave my cans half empty at least twice a month and let’s be clear, they are not over-stuffed, so I am not even sure how they manage that.” commented Kelly Unger Wirchak.

In addition, other residents in the comments brought up the continuous argument over conflict of interests surrounding members of the council tied to Valley Vista campaign funds.

“I think lots of people should attend the meeting and demand that Hertz and Peat and Minikus recuse themselves from the vote. They have conflicts: Valley Vista put $20k into Peat/Minikus campaign PAC. Valley Vista gives free service to the organization run by Hertz.” said Ed Kraemer.

Given his outspoken advocacy against the city’s dealings pertaining to Valley Vista in the past, residents also pointed out their disappointment that Burke did not uphold his opposition in the vote.

“I’m grateful Frances Marquez voted against this rate hike last night and despite it being already part of the initial contract, I’m disappointed David Burke voted for it. David is reasonable and honest, so I’m hoping he can give his justification here,” commented Cypress watchdog Katie Shapiro, who created the thread.

In response to this, Burke concurred with the frustration residents were facing amid trash rates, however alluded to his hands being tied due to the contractual obligation.

“I don’t think any resident, myself included, wants to see their trash bills increase every year. That’s one of the reasons I did not support the previous council’s decision to extend the city’s agreement with Valley Vista until 2037 without a competitive bidding process. “

“But the fact is that the previous council agreed to annual rate adjustments as part of that contract,” he continued. “The vote last Monday was merely to receive this year’s adjustment. I voted in favor because even though I did not personally support the contract, I believe it is important for the city to honor its contractual obligation.” concluded Burke.

Plastics and microplastics are exponentially filling our oceans

David N. Young
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Plastics and microplastics are exponentially filling our oceans

The next time you open a plastic water bottle, you should realize that microfibers of plastic have likely slipped into the water you are about to drink.

So says Shelly Moore, Executive Director the Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research. Moore, who was the guest speaker at the Aquarium of the Pacific’s First Wednesday lecture series this past week, is incidentally not related to the founder of that institution said Dr. Peter Karevia, the Aquarium’s President said.

Charles Moore reportedly founded the Moore Institute after returning by boat from Hawaii a few years back and upon seeing mountains of floating plastic, coined the term “the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.”

“The younger crowd knows plastics as the bane of the planet,” said Karevia, “and in fact, plastics is the devil we know and the devil we love because they made fresh food possible. They help feed the world,” he said, “and they’ve done so many positive things for us.”
Karevia said Shelly Moore has been working on water quality, microplastics, trash, and marine debris for most of her career,” said the Karevia.

Shelly Moore, who has researched ocean plastics and micro plastics for most of her career, said plastics have indeed provided benefits to the world, but are suddenly, and exponentially, becoming a huge problem for the world’s oceans.

“What we’re facing going forward,” she said, “is basically there is a ton of plastic and most of that makes it into landfills where it just sits for years and years and years. It doesn’t really go away. Many of the plastic items that we have today take years and years and years on the magnitude of hundreds of years to degrade. It just doesn’t go away.”
Moreover, Moore said growing amounts of plastics are annually making it into aquatic environments that will not set well with the future.

Participants in the “First Wednesday” event take part in Microplastics events to learn what they can do to prevent plastic from enterting the ocean.
Courtesy photo

“We’re going to have a legacy that we’re going to leave for future generations,” said Moore, “that isn’t going to be so nice.”

“We’re producing plastics so fast that we can’t really deal with the waste that comes from the plastic products we’re using,” she warned.

More than the plastics most people can see, said Moore, is the pre-production plastic pellets called “nurdles,” which are four to five millimeters in diameter. “They come in different shapes and sizes,” she said.

“Those are actual precursors to plastic products,” said Moore. She said the tiny pellets come in various plastic packaging and are unknowingly carried by beachgoers and deposited in the sand.

In one of two studies referenced by Moore, she said they found hundreds of “nurdles” in every five-gallon bucket of sand samples taken from the beaches in Orange County during one of the studies.

“We estimated there are over 100 million nurdles in Orange County alone,” the researcher said.

Moore said the nurdles came from everything from Starburst candy wrappers to Marlboro cigarettes.

Some state Water Boards have instituted innovative programs such as “Clean Sweep” to remove some of the microplastics from the beaches, she said, noting also that California has outlawed some of the tiniest microbead carriers.

“Basically, you can generally find nurdles on the beach anywhere in California,” she added, but they are more concentrated in areas where plastics are being produced.

Nevertheless, plastics and microplastics easily make their way into the ocean’s ecosystem.
“By the year 2030,” said Moore, “we are going to see a cargo ship worth of plastics, by weight, entering into our aquatic environments every day,” she predicted

“We have a number of pathways,” for plastics to enter the oceans, she said, including stormwater drains, which are expressways for plastics to enter the ocean.

“Every major rain event moves large numbers of microplastics down the storm drains into the ocean,” said Moore, after which naming a list of other pathways through which plastics reach the ocean.

Further, she said humans, and the oceans, are slowly being contaminated by microplastics and microfibers.

“We’re breathing plastic every day,” she added. “If you have carpet in your house, curtains made of synthetic materials, you are likely breathing microfibers,” said Moore.

She said opening the cap of bottled water will also more than likely deposit a few microfibers of plastics into the water that then comes from the bottle.

“The mismanagement of plastic waste is a huge problem,” said Moore. “We don’t yet know the full impact they have on the human body,” she said.

Though no extended study has been done, there are hints that plastic microfibers to potential limits the production of estrogen in women.

Standards for microplastic-free drinking water are being developed, she said, and she said there is now a team working with Charles Moore.

They have recruited a new team and have dedicated themselves to “bringing to light the problems of microplastics in our biosphere.” Their work with trace high tech polymer detection and use high end microscopes to become the first nonprofit to be able to analyze complex polymers.

With grant funding from The Possibility Labs and California 100, they will be working with U.C. Berkeley and Cal State Long Beach to develop the first ever data portal for mircoplastics.

They have opened a laboratory in Alamitos Bay on the border between Seal Beach and Long Beach where professors will work with students and will encourage students to collaborate, she said.

In addition, Moore went through a number of solutions to the plastics problem, including a burgeoning “BYO” Bring Your Own industry in which diners, for instance, bring their own plastic wear so and reuseable containers for shampoo and other personal items that routinely use, and discard plastic.

She said discarded take out food containers are among the greatest plastic polluters of the modern generation.

Moore invited participants to visit the Bring Your Own store in Long Beach and do research to see what each citizen can do to reduce the problem of plastics filling our oceans.

“Find out what you can do to help,” she urged.

Moore’s entire presentation is also available for viewing on YouTube.

Federal judge sentences Rossmoor resident for threats to entities

David N. Young
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Federal judge sentences Rossmoor resident for threats to entities

A federal court has sentenced a 35-year-old Rossmoor man to a year in prison this week after a long ordeal that began years ago as federal agents eventually arrested Jeremy Hanson in Rossmoor for making threats to the publisher of the Merriam-Webster dictionary, among others.

According to court documents released by a U.S. Attorney’s office in Boston on Thursday, a federal judge has this week sentenced Hanson.

“A [Rossmoor] California man was sentenced April 13 in federal court in Springfield, Mass. for making threats to commit anti-LGBTQ violence against Springfield-based dictionary company Merriam-Webster, Inc. and others,” claims a press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Massachusetts.

As previously reported in the ENE, Hanson and his mother were first interviewed back in 2015 over threatening messages. The FBI said in the complaint it was then that their investigators initially interviewed Hanson in the presence of his mother and a medical psychiatric expert at UC Irvine Medical Center. The expert determined Hanson was fit to be interviewed. Further, the complaint revealed that in those interviews, Hanson expressed “remorse.”

According to the complaint, Hanson’s mother told investigators in 2021 that he was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and has the maturity of a 16-year-old. She suggested her son never intended to carry out any of the threats.

Nevertheless, the local man was convicted this week by a federal judge in Massachusetts. “Jeremy David Hanson, 35, of Rossmoor, Calif., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to one year and one day in prison and three years of supervised release,” the court said in a press release.

In September 2022, Hanson had pleaded guilty to one count of interstate communication of threatening communications to commit violence against the employees of Merriam-Webster, and to another count charging the same offense, that was initially filed in the Eastern District of Texas, targeting the President of the University of North Texas.

“As part of his plea agreement, Hanson also admitted to sending threatening communications to various corporations, politicians, and others, including the Walt Disney Co., the Governor of California, the Mayor of New York City, a New York rabbi and professors at Loyola Marymount University. Many of the threatening communications specified the race, gender, gender identity and/or sexual orientation of various persons, authorities said. Hanson persisted in his communications in spite of repeated interactions with law enforcement officers,” the court document said.

“Hate has no place in Massachusetts. Every person has a right to live their life authentically and without fear. I hope today’s sentence will demonstrate to members of the LGBTQ+ community that this office will hold those who engage in threatening, hateful acts accountable,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins in the public news releasse.
“Mr. Hanson made numerous, anonymous hate-fueled threats of violence to intimidate and instill fear. Hateful and bigoted acts, even if only spoken like those committed by Mr. Hanson, terrorize communities and are destructive to our society,” she said.

“Hate-motivated acts of any kind will never be tolerated in our Commonwealth and perpetrators – including those who think they can hide behind a keyboard need to know we will find you and prosecute you. Members of the public are strongly encouraged to call the 1-83-END-H8-NOW (1-833-634-8669) line if they have information about concerning or troubling incidents of hate, potential hate crimes or threats,” the press release said.

“Despite repeated interactions with law enforcement directing Jeremy Hanson to stop his hateful tirades threatening violence, he continued to make them. In doing so, his bias against the LGBTQ+ community instilled real fear and safety concerns, causing Merriam-Webster to close its offices in Springfield and New York City for almost five days,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division.

“Today’s sentence cannot undo the damage Hanson did, but it can provide some comfort in knowing that threats to life are not protected free speech but criminal acts, and the FBI and our partners will vigorously pursue those who commit them. If you are a victim or witness to similar conduct, we’d ask you to report it to us by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or submitting a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.,” he said.

Between Oct. 2 and Oct. 8, 2021, Springfield-based Merriam-Webster, Inc. received various threatening messages and comments demonstrating bias against specific gender identities submitted through its website’s “Contact Us” page and in the comments section on its webpages that corresponded to the word entries for “Girl” and “Woman.” Authorities later identified the user as Hanson.

Specifically, on Oct. 2, 2021, Hanson used the handle “@anonYmous” to post the following comment on the dictionary’s website definition of “female.” “It is absolutely sickening that Merriam-Webster now tells blatant lies and promotes anti-science propaganda. There is no such thing as ‘gender identity.’ The imbecile who wrote this entry should be hunted down and shot.” That same day, Hanson also sent threatening messages via the website’s “Contact Us” page.

On Oct. 8, 2021, Hanson posted another threatening comment on the dictionary’s website and a threatening message via the “Contact Us” page that read: “I am going to shoot up and bomb your offices for lying and creating fake definitions in order to pander to the tranny mafia. Boys aren’t girls, and girls aren’t boys. The only good Marxist is a dead Marxist. I will assassinate your top editor. You sickening, vile tranny freaks.” As a result of the threats, Merriam-Webster temporarily closed its offices in Springfield, Mass. and New York City, the ENE previously reported.

Boys & Girls Club host sold out “Ace of Clubs” Casino Night

For Event-News Enterprise
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Boys & Girls Club host sold out “Ace of Clubs” Casino Night

By Madeline Zuckerman

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress hosted their highly anticipated Annual “Ace Of Clubs” Casino Night to a sold out crowd of over 200 elegantly-attired guests at The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon in Anaheim.

The evening’s festivities commenced with an exclusive VIP Reception from 5:00 to 6:00 pm for Premier Event Sponsors. Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken, served as the event’s Honorary Chair, with Henry DiCarlo of KTLA Channel 5, serving as the evening’s Celebrity Emcee.

“It is such an honor to be here,” said Ashleigh Aitken, Mayor of Anaheim and Honorary Event Chair. “The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress is dedicated to making sure the kids in Anaheim have the same experience I did. I was born and raised here and attended Anaheim schools growing up. I am a really proud resident of Anaheim, and truly believe that everyone should have the same opportunities I did. Thank you to the Boys & Girls Club for all the much-needed services and programs they provide the community.”

Major corporate sponsors and donors, as well as key city officials from Anaheim, Cypress, and the surrounding communities joined in the fun festivities, which included a hosted bar and hors d’oeuvres, scrumptious dinner, live & silent auctions, all types of Casino Games, live entertainment consisting of a Jazz Band, as well as, Magician John Guastaferro, who regularly performs at the legendary Magic Castle in Hollywood. A special highlight of the evening was when Anaheim Police Chief Jorge Cisneros and Cypress Police Chief Mark Lauderback took to the stage to competitively participate in the Fund A Need Paddle Raise portion of the program!

“We are proud to support The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress, in their efforts to provide a place where thousands of community children can feel a sense of belonging, take charge of their lives, and strive to reach their full potential,” said Andrew C. Edwards, President & Owner of The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon and Founder & Chairman of Extron.

Extron & The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon was the Title Sponsor for the evening. Event Sponsors also included Related Management Company, Jeff’s Inviting Food & Spirits, Anaheim White House, Angels Baseball, Pacific Western Bank, Republic Services, US Bank, Workers United Local 50, The Emanuele Family Trust, Val & Anne Hertz-Mallari, Terrisa & Joe Ha, Alden & Linda Esping, Anaheim Public Utilities, Orange County Professional Firefighters Association, North OC Community College District, Dave Skorupinski & Ginger Osman, Kiwanis Club of Greater Anaheim, Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cypress, SA Recycling, Barry Hofstetter, Charles Williams, Sheri Whitney, Chase Whitney, Brian Beelner, Dr. Stanley Chou, Anaheim Firefighter Association, Jeff & Linda Morin, Madeline Zuckerman Marketing & Public Relations, Inc., Fred Galante, Jon & Bonnie Peat, and Kenneth Vecchiarelli.

“I have seen first-hand the positive difference the Club makes in the lives of kids and families, providing a fun and safe place for kids to grow and learn,” said Jon Peat, Club Board Chair. “Many parents have told me how important the Club is to them, and how much their children enjoy being here. I am proud to be part of an organization that is making such a positive difference and impacting so many young people within the community.”

A special highlight of the evening was the surprise presentation of the Club’s $2,500 JMAC Scholarship to Club Member Joecelyn Soria, who is also the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress 2023 Youth Of The Year Award Recipient. “Thank you everyone for supporting me,” said Joecelyn Soria. “This Award truly means a lot to me, and I am really proud and honored to be acknowledged with this Award and Scholarship.”

The funds raised at this Annual Ace of Clubs event will support the many Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress’ free and low-cost after-school and summer programs that promote academic achievement, health, and character for young people ages kindergarten through 12th grade. Dedicated to improving the lives of kids and teens, families, and communities by inspiring and empowering young people, the organization’s 18 Clubhouses serve the most vulnerable youth in our community.

As the nation’s largest youth-serving organization, the Boys & Girls Club’s mission is to guide America’s youth to their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. The Club offers a world-class experience to keep kids on the right path for a better future. The organization strongly believes that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Today’s youth have the drive to be successful in the workforce and inspire positive change as leaders.

More than 80% of Club members are low-income, and do not pay any fees to participate in the Clubs’ many activities. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress’ high-quality programs provide a safe and positive alternative for the more than 1,000 children and teens each day that come from Anaheim, Cypress, and the surrounding areas. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress also offer scholarships and tremendous support to children of military families.

“This event was an extraordinary night, as we raised critical funds for the next generation of game changers, trailblazers, and history makers,” said Anne Hertz-Mallari, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress. “We are thrilled we were able to surpass our goal of raising over $180,000 at this event, which will enable us to continue to provide the excellent programs and services we offer on a daily basis. The next generation is truly our greatest gift, and they are the only one we’ve got, so we need to give them what matters most to have them reach their full potential. The time is now to build up our future leaders!”

For additional information on the Boys & Gurls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress please contact Jeff Morin, Chief Philanthropy Officer at 714-655-7328 or visit www.theboysandgirlsclub.org

On July 1, 2019, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Anaheim and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cypress merged. Now together as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress, the organization is creating a bold vision for the future of youth development. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Anaheim-Cypress believes that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and that a safe and loving environment for children will enable them to realize their full potential. Many of this Club’s members have been attending these programs for their entire childhood. In addition to its afterschool and summer camps, the Club offers tutoring, virtual programming, a military youth program, a meal program, community service opportunities, and a film program. Its goal is to provide a world-class Boys & Girls Club experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who walks through their doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future.

Grand Marshals named for Garden Grove Strawberry Fest

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Grand Marshals named for Garden Grove Strawberry Fest

estival Association is thrilled to announce that Vera Jimenez, KTLAs meteorologist and former Garden Grove resident, will serve as the 2023 Celebrity Grand Marshal alongside

“The Dancing Doctor”, PA Tony Adkins, who will serve as our 2023 Theme Grand Marshal for the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival Parade.
Vera Jimenez is KTLA 5s meteorologist for the KTLA 5 News at 5, 6, 6:30, 10 and 11 on weeknights.

Vera was born in Mexico and moved to Southern California when she was 3. Most of her family still lives in Garden Grove. She went to Bolsa Grande High School and Santa Ana Community College.

Vera has earned four Emmys, three Golden Mikes and three Golden Pylons
“It’s an honor to be part of this year’s Garden Grove Strawberry Festival,” said Jimenez. “This festival has been such a special part of this community for over 60 years and the positive energy here is unlike anything else.”

Don’t miss the festivities co-led by our favorite PA on Saturday, May 27, 2023!
Tony Adkins of the Pediatric Neurosurgery Department at CHOC Hospital is a regular dancing sensation, known for spreading joy in the halls of the hospital and the rooms of his patients. While visiting the children he cares for, he exudes KINDNESS.

“The Garden Grove Strawberry Festival is more than a festival, its an opportunity to celebrate the good in our community and bring people together,” said Adkins. “I am happy to be part of it and continue spreading the love.”

The 63rd Annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival is set up to be our best one yet, said Andrea Perez, Festival Association President. “Our event is structured to bring families together, by giving them an unforgettable memory and by supporting our community, by bringing joy, love and helping those in need. This year, our goal is to create an experience that celebrates the kindness of our community and reminds people of the wonderful connections we all share.”

Perez continued with “I am happy to announce that this year’s Strawberry Festival parade is dedicated to the memory of Ric Lerma, a prominent and KIND member of the Garden Grove community, who passed away in February. Ric was the perfect example of our theme, Celebrating Kindness, and we are happy to celebrate and honor his memory during our parade.”

This year’s Strawberry Festival theme is “Celebrating Kindness,” and we couldn’t think of a better person to represent that as our Theme Marshal. Our Theme Grand Marshal will also be joined by Vera Jimenez, KTLA 5s meteorologist, who will serve as our Celebrity Grand Marshal.

Long Beach Symphony to present innovative Cambodian “Khmeraspora” event

David N. Young
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Long Beach Symphony to present innovative Cambodian “Khmeraspora” event

On Saturday, April 29, 2023, Long Beach Symphony will present the world premiere of praCh’s KHMERASPORA as part of their Musical Bridges free concerts initiative.

Courtesy photo
“Khmeraspora” comes to Long Beach Symphony.

Due to amazing demand, 5PM and 7PM concerts are being offered; the 7 PM concert is sold out. Both concerts will take place at the Long Beach Terrace Theater and are free of charge, but reservations are required. A community gathering will take place on the theater Plaza from 4PM to 9PM delighting participants with a “Night Market,” a variety of foods for purchase, entertainment, curated artistic installations on display in the theater lobby, and a celebration of the Khmer community. Acknowledgements will take place at 6:15 PM.
Reviews for praCh’s work are in:

“praCh‘s incendiary tales of Cambodia’s past, told in the defiant tones of rap, hit Phnom Penh like a B-52 bombing raid.” – NEWSWEEK
“I love it!”– ANGELINA JOLIE

Written and directed by the world-renowned Cambodian American rapper, praCh, KHMERASPORA is a musical performance that tells the Cambodian American experience. Featuring three world premieres by internationally renowned Cambodian composer Chinary Ung, this new presentation is an artistic collaboration that unites musicians from Long Beach Symphony conducted by Music Director Eckart Preu, and Cambodian instrumentalists, dancers, and singers that include choreographer Mea Lath, vocalist Chhom Nimol, violinist Chrysanthe Tan, actress Kalean Ung, the Cambodian Dance Ensemble Modern Apsara, the Ho Chan Ensemble, and flutist Kaitlyn Mady.

The evening will produce a new documentary film by award-winning filmmaker Caylee So and videographer Robert Chhaing-Carleton that will memorialize the project and ensure that KHMERASPORA has a global presence and impact.
This program is part of Long Beach Symphony’s Musical Bridges initiative which seeks to celebrate the many diverse communities in Long Beach through free, collaborative, and multicultural performances. This is only made possible through the generous support of the California Arts Council, Bank of America, Port of Long Beach, the Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Foundation, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Arts Council for Long Beach, Crown Castle, and Long Beach Vice Mayor Cindy Allen.

The 7PM concert is SOLD OUT. Audiences may reserve tickets for the 5PM concert at www.LongBeachSymphony.org. Reservations are required. The Long Beach Terrace Theater Plaza (300 E. Ocean Blvd.) will open at 4PM.

Senator Janet Nguyen opens local field office

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Senator Janet Nguyen opens local field office

State Senator Janet Nguyen, who represents a million people from Seal Beach, Buena Park, Cypress, Los Alamitos, Stanton, Westminster, Rossmoor, La Palma, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, San Clemente and areas of Los Angeles County Including Artesia, Cerritos and Hawaiian Gardens, has opened her District Office in downtown Huntington Beach at 301 Main Street, Suite 212.

Huntington Beach City Council Member Casey McKeon said he’s happy about the new office; “She is an excellent leader and representative that makes herself available to her constituents.’’

Huntington Beach City Attorney Michael Gates said: ‘’I’m excited that Senator Nguyen has chosen Huntington Beach for her District Office. We’re proud of her representation and her love for our City.’

“Welcome Senator Nguyen to Main Street Huntington Beach. You and your staff are tireless workers for the people of Huntington Beach and your district far and wide,’’ said California Assembly Member Diane Dixon. ‘’It is an honor to work alongside you in serving the people of Assembly District 72 and Senate District 36.”

Huntington Beach Realty Owner/Surfboard Designer Bob “The Greek” Bolen said; ‘’I think it is great to have Senator Nguyen’s office located in downtown Huntington Beach. What a great opportunity to meet and discuss the issues that concern the community.’’

‘’We are very grateful for Senator Nguyen and all her hard work, commitment and diligence in our community,’’ said Joe Pedick, senior pastor at Calvary Chapel of the Harbour. ‘’In my opinion, she is a great example of a public servant. We pray for continual wisdom and guidance as she serves We The People.’’

Refuge Calvary Chapel Discipleship Leader Michael Rogers said: ‘’Senator Nguyen seems to be very engaged in local issues and events. I’m always impressed how immigrants from other countries that have been ravaged by war and tyranny tend to come to America and fight hard for our traditional values.’’

Senator Nguyen, a Huntington Beach resident, and her family arrived in California from Saigon, Vietnam in 1981. She graduated from UC Irvine and served on The Garden Grove City Council, Orange County Board of Supervisors and in The State Assembly. Nguyen can be contacted at: https://sr36.senate.ca.gov or you can come to her new District Office or call her at: 714-374-4000.

Seal Beach Symphony plans Mother’s Day event at Old Ranch

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Seal Beach Symphony plans Mother’s Day event at Old Ranch

Seal Beach Symphony will host a Mother’s Day recital from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., on May 14, at Old Ranch Country Club, at 3901 Lampson Ave., Seal Beach.

“We are happy to announce our inaugural Mother’s Day recital. We are excited to invite our community to a quaint afternoon of exquisite music. The event will include a cash bar and passed appetizers,” according to the Symphony.

“This Mother’s Day, we welcome you to our gathering of international artists celebrating Mom, at The Old Ranch Country Club. From Australia, Pianist Van-Anh Ngyuen will thrill the audience with selections from Chopin & Debussy. Coloratura Soprano Hila Plitman will wow us with the fireworks of Mozart’s Queen of the night. Our Concert Master, Myroslava Khomik, will impress us with Vivaldi and Massenet. While Artist In Residence Teresa Mai joins us always ready to stun and Artistic Director Chad Berlinghieri will present a few classics, including the Italian favorite Mamma,” according to the announcement.

urte“Individual ticket pricing ranges from $25 to $125 allowing an opportunity for all to attend. VIP tables and event sponsorship opportunities are available. All ticket purchases and sponsorships are tax deductible. For more information, please visit our website at sealbeachsymphony.org or via phone at 562-509-8640,” according to the Symphony.
“Please join us in celebrating a special day with our moms.”

Local player big part of Long Beach Softball title chase

Ted Apodaca
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Local player big part of Long Beach Softball title chase

It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster ride, but the Long Beach State softball team continues to keep itself in race for a Big West Conference Championship. In its last two series, against UC San Diego and UC Santa Barbara, Long Beach dropped the first game, but rebounded to win the next two and both series.

It’s a tight race in the conference, but The Beach entered this week tied for first place with Cal State Fullerton at 11-4 in conference. UC Davis and Santa Barbara are both 10-5 and Hawaii is 9-6. Los Alamitos High product and Long Beach third baseman Carly Robbins said the team is embracing the tight race for a title.

“We’re definitely excited, we use that as fuel,” Robbins said.

Robbins has played in 37 games this year and started 35. She redshirted last year as a Division 1 transfer from University of South Carolina, but has been among the team leaders in offensive production. She is second in batting average and second in hits with 34 on the season. She has scored 14 runs and is tied for second in RBIs with 12.

“It’s a team effort and so we kind bounce off each other,” Robbins said of the teams offense.

Junior outfielder Sara Olsen is leading the team in on-base percentage and runs scored with 22. The team has six players in double digit runs scored and five with 11 or more RBIs. Sophomore Jacquelyn Bickar leads the team in RBIs with 15. For Robbins, she said approaching each at-bat as a situational opportunity.

“I definitely have a team mindset, so every at bat I’m looking to benefit the team, score the run, move the runner over, it’s not necessarily for the hit,” Robbins said.

If the Beach can regain the consistency they had early in the year, they should be a contender for the conference title. In the loss to UC San Diego, the offense was stymied by pitcher Jada Cecil who was able to keep Long Beach off balance with a one-hit shutout. Beach starter Shannon Haddad pitched a solid game, allowing just one run on five hits in six innings.

But The Beach bounced back in the next two games, beating San Diego by scores of 5-0 and 3-2. Against Santa Barbara, Long Beach followed up a 6-3 loss with 5-0 and 9-0 wins. Haddad allowed only two hits and struck out nine in the 5-0 win and she pitched four innings in the 9-0 win, allowing just one hit and striking out 4.
Haddad (9-7) leads the team in ERA at 2.08 and strikeouts with 92. Eryka Gonzales is 4-3 with a 2.62 ERA

“I think our pitching has done a really good job overall,” Head Coach Kim Sowder said.
Long Beach is hosting UCLA today at 6 p.m. in a non-conference game and then will be back in conference action with a three-game homestand against Cal Poly San Luis Obisbo on Saturday and Sunday. They will play a double-header on Saturday at 3 and 5:30 p.m. and then play at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

There are nine games left on the conference schedule, including a three-game homestand against CSU Fullerton that might loom large if The Beach can regain their early-season form.

“Early on we were just doing all parts well, we were putting everything together and finding a way,” Sowder said.

As for Robbins, she is just happy to be home after a year at South Carolina that was cut short by injury. Despite the heavy rainy season this year, she said the weather is something she definitely missed her. She also said the location, city and proximity to home is much more to her liking.

“It feels great, I always have a good group of people in the stands supporting me … I couldn’t ask for anything more,” Robbins said.

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