Los Alamitos High’s football team overcame a shaky start and rallied for a 33-20 win over San Clemente in the CIF Southern Section Division 2 championship on Saturday at San Clemente High. San Clemente had handed the Griffins their first loss of the season in an Alpha League game in October.
After a fumble and interception in the first quarter, it looked like it might be another long night for the Griffins. But when the offense began to put points on the board, the defense clamped down on the Tritons and the Griffins were able to overcome a 17-3 deficit. Griffin Head Coach Ray Fenton said his team has been battling all season, and finding ways to win, so overcoming a rough start was no surprise.
“Our guys are good, we’ve got a good football team and that’s a good football team as well, but nobody panics on our squad, we just keep after it,” Fenton said.
It was the sixth CIF-SS championship for the program and first since 2002. Los Al was able to rally for two touchdowns in the final 4:44 of the second quarter to tie the game at 17-17 going into the half. A big run and pass reception by Lenny Ibarra, helped get the Griffins into Triton territory and Kamden Tillis broke around the edge for a 31-yard touchdown down the right sideline that cut the lead to 17-10.
Photo by Ted Apodaca Kamden Tillis breaks through the line on a run.
After the defense forced a punt to get the ball back with 2:41 left in the half, the offense again moved the ball into scoring range. This time, quarterback Colin Creason found Beckham Holland down the middle for a touchdown to tie the game 17-17, with 39.5 left in the half.
The Tritons were able to drive for a field goal to open the third quarter, but the Griffin offense continued its effectiveness and answered with another touchdown. They drove to the Triton 12 yard line to set up a shovel pass to Hofland. He broke through the line and collided with a defender. The ball popped loose and was kicked backward by an oncoming defender.
Junior lineman Luke Wehner scooped it up behind the line of scrimmage and rumbled to the end zone, plowing over a defender at the goal line to give the Griffins a 24-20 lead. It was his first high school touchdown, but there was a reason he looked comfortable running with the ball.
“I’ve never scored a touchdown before, but I play rugby, so I’m used to [running the ball],” Wehner said. On the Tritons’ ensuing possession, the Griffins forced a fumble that was recovered by Hunter Eligon at the Triton 35 yard line. That would lead to Tillis’ second touchdown run, a 22-yard blast that extended the Griffin lead to 30-20.
Early in the fourth quarter, with the Tritons back in their own territory, the quarterback was chased out of the pocket. Rolling to his right, he threw across his body to his receiver. Ibarra, who was spying the receiver, stepped in front of the pass for an interception. That set up Hofland for his second field goal to push the lead to 33-20. With about 4 minutes remaining, the Tritons drove into Los Al territory, looking to make a late-game rally. But Koa Marasco intercepted a pass at the Griffin 35 yard line to end the threat. The Griffin offense was able to run out the clock from there.
Photo by Ted Apodaca, QB Colin Creason throws a pass on a scramble play.
The Griffins have advanced to the CIF State Championships, where they will host the South Region championship game on Friday. The Griffins (12-2) will host Cathedral Catholic (10-2), of San Diego, at Veterans Stadium, Long Beach at 7:30 p.m. The winner will face the north winner between Archbishop Riodan of San Francisco and Folsom on Dec. 12/13 TBD. Friday’s regional game is scheduled to be broadcast on Spectrum News and Spectrum SportsNet.
After strong finishes in earlier races and submitting her name for appointment to fill earlier vacancies on the Cypress City Council, Rachal Strong Carnahan has finally earned a seat on the dais.
Facing a 60-day deadline (Nov. 30) imposed by the City’s Charter to fill vacant Council seats, the four-member Council voted 3-1 to fill a vacancy only two days before the charter deadline.
Following a contentious and sometimes tense meeting in the Council Chambers, (Strong) Carnahan emerged victorious, with Mayor David Burke, Mayor Pro-Tem Leo Medrano, and Council member Kyle Chang voting in favor of appointing her, as Bonnie Peat, who favored former Mayor Anne Mallari or former School Board President Candi Kern, voted against.
“I want to lead with honesty, fairness, and approachability,” Carnahan told the Council during the special session of the Council held on Friday, Nov. 28. “I want residents to feel heard,” she said.
Essentially, the vote for Carnahan remained the same as the meeting on November 19, with Burke and Medrano supporting her. However, Chang, who had previously favored former Council member Frances Marquez, agreed this time to give Carnahan the third vote, thereby awarding her the open seat.
“After listening carefully to residents and reflecting on the needs of this city, I decided to change my vote,” said Chang. Chang said he respected Carnahan’s background as a “local businessperson and previous city commissioner” who has “been a staple of the community for many years.”
“Her strong commitment to providing services and programs for our diverse community will inspire thoughtful updates to our own services and programs that will reflect the diversity of our city,” said Chang.
He added that her involvement with so many people in the community provides her with a unique perspective within the community. “She has her finger on the pulse,” he said.
Carnahan, who runs a growing creative enterprise in the city, said, “I’m not coming to this role from outside the city. I’m coming from right here as a place that I raise my children, where I work, and where I love this city as only a hometown girl can do,” she said.
The two-hour special meeting on the Friday after Thanksgiving was promoted by the withdrawal (resignation) of Quintin Bentley, whom Burke had nominated. Bentley withdrew after statements and qualifications he offered to the Council were challenged.
Mallari, a former Council member and Mayor, opened the open communications session of the meeting with harsh words for Burke and the current “ruling majority” for not properly vetting the candidates.
“City materials told the public that Bentley works as a special education teacher at Cypress High School,” said Mallari. “Council member Chang said publicly that he voted for Bentley because he believed that claim, but the claim was false,” she said
“Mr. Bentley wasn’t a random applicant. He was someone Mayor Burke personally brought into city circles, pushing him onto the Cypress Festival committee, advocating for him on the Recreation Commission, and listing him as one of his top picks for this Council seat,” she continued.
“When leaders stop doing diligence, when alliances matter more than qualifications, or when facts take a back seat to politics, this is what happens,” she said. Mallari said the city “deserves better than a majority that can’t be trusted to verify a resume, let alone lead a city.”
“What happened last week wasn’t just a mistake by Mayor Burke and the Council majority; it was a failure of judgment, a failure of leadership, and a public embarrassment for our city,” claimed Mallari.
Edwin Kraemer, one of the 16 candidates who submitted his qualifications for the commission but was not selected for an interview, went to the podium and used part of his allowed time to defend Burke and the Council.
Kraemer said mistakes do happen, but suggested criticism should not be directed at the Mayor or the Council, but rather, if anyone, at the interim city manager and city staff.
“If anybody is to blame, it would be the city manager for not vetting the resumes,” said Kraemer, and not Burke and the Council.
He equated Mallari’s words with “venom” and said, “I hear that venom coming back,” intimating that what the Council surely doesn’t need is a return to the acidic meetings of the past few years.
“Things fall through the cracks, but it doesn’t deserve venom,” said Kraemer.
The interim city manager, meanwhile, said city staff bore no responsibility either.
“The city only confirms basic eligibility requirements,” said Sean Joyce, the interim City Manager.
“We confirm their eligibility. We do not conduct background investigations, and in 31 years of service, I know of no such practice anywhere I’ve worked where that is the case,” he said.
Joyce said the eligibility of the 16 applicants were all confirmed and published. “They were available for public scrutiny,” he said.
Peat remained steadfast in her support for Mallari or Kern, saying the vacant seat required someone with “civic experience” who “can step in and not be disruptive.”
Carnahan has no prior governmental experience, said Peat, and she has many commitments related to her small business, the Council member said.
In addition, Peat said Marquez should be automatically disqualified because she filed a lawsuit against the city. Burke responded that he liked Kern, and in fact, she was his second pick.
However, to disqualify Marquez for her lawsuit, in his view, deserves a broader understanding, said Burke. Moreover, he said it brings Mallari’s own actions while on the Council into question.
Among other issues, Burke said Marquez sued because the City Council, including Mallari, voted to suspend Marquez’s, a duly elected official, pay for her service.
“This ‘unprecedented action’ opened the city up for litigation,” said Burke, “and the meter is still running.” Burke, an attorney, said he has exhaustively researched the issue, “and I could not find a single instance, in the history of California, where the Council members had voted to suspend one of their colleagues’ salaries.”
“We need to move away from the drama and attacks from previous councils,” he said. For her part, Marquez said she was looking beyond the appointment and publicly announced her campaign for the District 5 Council seat in the 2026 elections.
“I bring to this role a lifetime of service and leadership rooted in this community, including service on the Cypress City Council,” she said. “I’m a tenured professor of political science and a former Congressional legislative director,” said Marquez.
Nevertheless, it was Carnahan who emerged victorious from this process to fill the seat left vacant by the resignation of Scott Minikus.
Following the vote to award her the vacant seat, Carnahan thanked the Council, saying her priorities are clear. “My priorities are clear, and they are grounded in responsibility,” she said, to include the following:
Recruit and select an excellent city manager.
Help pay down the pension debt while maintaining a balanced budget.
Reimagine green spaces with teens in mind.
Create places that keep teens engaged, safe, and connected.
Continue building a city that values diversity and inclusion. Carnahan will serve the remaining 12 months on the Council representing District 5 following former Council member Minikus’ resignation.
She was immediately sworn in after the adjournment of the special meeting.
“I am excited to have such a well-respected local business owner joining the Council,” said Burke in a statement following the meeting. “Ms. Carnahan was the next runner-up when she ran for a Council seat in 2022, so I know she has support throughout the community. I’m looking forward to the energy and fresh ideas she will bring to the group,” he said.
Editor’s note: This article was updated from the print edition.
The City of Los Alamitos has announced a new citywide financial program based on the popular “Los Al Bucks” pandemic program, in which residents were given a portion of the federal stimulus funding, if it be spent inside the city limits. “I’m excited to announce that we are coming out with a ‘Recreation Bucks’ program for the City of Los Alamitos,” said Ron Noda, Developmental Services Director.
“As you will recall, a few years ago we did ‘Los Al Bucks,’” said Noda, reminding the residents of the program initiated back during the pandemic that turned out to be popular with residents.
In that program, residents received $50 certificates from the city, which they could use to shop virtually anywhere in the city. Vendors have registered in advance with the city to become qualified to issue the certificates. Noda said the “Los Al Bucks” program was so popular that the city did two rounds.
“And so, we’re excited to be able to bring this back,” Noda told the Council, telling them that staff had invested a significant amount of time speaking with residents and others putting this program together.
“We want our residents and our community to shop local this holiday season,” he said, and “when you shop local, you can earn bucks, right?” he added.
What makes this program different, he said, is that residents will earn “Recreation Bucks,” meaning the only value for the certificates earned will be the ability to pay for various participatory recreation programs in the city. “They (Recreation Bucks) cannot be redeemed for cash,” he emphasized.
“So exactly what are recreation bucks?” Noda rhetorically asked. “When a person goes out there and spends money at a Los Alamitos-based business, right, all you have to do is get from that approved business right, to keep the receipt, and then, depending on how much you spend, you will earn recreation bucks,” he said.
Noda presented a table illustrating the amount residents will earn for purchases. He said the Recreation Bucks program began Dec. 1 and will run through May 17, 2026.
Spending $150 will get you $65 in Recreation Bucks, spending $30 will get you $10 in recreation bucks,” he said. Any community member can go into an approved Los Alamitos business in Los Alamitos,” he said.
Residents can keep their receipts and use their Recreation Bucks to register for various programs, activities, and events. For instance, said Noda, if a resident brings his family to a Los Al restaurant and spends $150, they will receive 65 Recreation Bucks, which can later be used towards registration fees for sports programs, cultural events, summer or winter camps, etc., some of which cost $100 per child, per week.
“It’s a great way to save you money,” said Noda.
“It’s not restricted like the first round or the second round of Los Al bucks,” said Noda, “where we’re handing people the $50 cash. This one here, they’re spending their own money.”
Noda said residents who live in Rossmoor, Seal Beach, and other cities can participate, but the money must be spent at an approved Los Al business to receive the Recreation Bucks credit. He said the city is scheduled to release a list of approved businesses this week.
The Youth Center’s annual Christmas tree lot is returning to Ganahl Lumber, its home for more than 25 years. Since 1998, Ganahl Lumber has partnered with the Youth Center to help raise funds for kids. This event would not be possible without Ganahl Lumber’s generosity in lending their parking lot and the dedication of their amazing volunteers. Each year, families from across the community stroll through the rows of trees, pick out the perfect one together and support the local community at the same time.
Alisha and Lina at the lot. Courtesy photo
The lot opened on November 29 and runs through December 17. The Christmas tree lot is nestled in the parking lot at Ganal Lumber in Los Alamitos. Weekday hours run from noon to nine p.m. and weekends open earlier at nine a.m., giving families plenty of time to stop by this beautiful lot.
What makes this Christmas tree lot so special is its mission behind it. The profit from the lot goes directly to The Youth Center to support the numerous programs it runs for the youth. These programs serve hundreds of kids and teens and every tree sold ensures they have access to a community where they feel supported and encouraged to learn.
Visitors can explore a wide variety of Christmas trees. Options range from two-foot trees all the way up to 14-foot trees. Noble, Nordman, Douglas, and Grand firs can be found offering trees of all shapes, scents, and prices. Trees begin at $35, making them accessible to families with different needs or price ranges.
In addition to beautiful trees, families will find wreaths, garlands, tree stands and many other holiday essentials. Knowledgeable volunteers are always available to answer any questions or direct families to the best options for their holiday needs. Whether it is your first time or you have been coming for years, the volunteers are there to make the experience easier and more memorable.
“I really think the tree lot is a great thing and I love how students volunteer to support the youth. The volunteers are always so helpful,” said community member, Josh Davis.
Residents can even adopt a raindeer. Courtesy photo
Not only does the tree lot support the youth, but it also supports The Youth Center’s ongoing “Trees for Troops” program. Through this, The Youth Center provides free trees to active duty military, bringing some holiday spirit to those who serve. Community members are also invited to sponsor trees, making it possible for those who may be facing financial challenges to experience the joy of a real Christmas tree.
Purchasing a tree from The Youth Centers’ Christmas tree lot helps support local youth while also extending the support to military and families in the community. If you haven’t already, make sure to stop by the Ganahl Lumber in Los Alamitos and support a cause that makes a difference close to home.
“Our Christmas Tree Lot is more than a holiday tradition, it’s a lifeline for the community. For over 25 years, this project has helped us raise important funds for at-risk youth programs and scholarships that keep our doors open year-round. Every tree purchased supports a child, a family, and a brighter future,” said Lina Lumme, CEO of The Youth Center.
Residents of the Rossmoor Community Services District participated in a civic engagement exercise this past week, as representatives from various key agencies were on hand to answer questions from residents.
Community Service District Board President Nathan Searles welcomed a group of about 50 residents to the Rush Park Community Center, where agencies from Orange County and other jurisdictions that provide service to the unincorporated community were on hand to answer questions.
General Manager Sharon Landers and other Directors Mary Ann Remnet and Jo Shade were present as well. “I’d like to thank all of you for coming out tonight,” said Searles, “and I would like to thank our attendees and the participating organizations, including Supervisor Janet Nguyen’s office, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the Orange County Fire Authority, the Orange County Public Works Department, CR & R (the district’s environmental services provider), the Rossmoor Homeowners Association, West Orange CERT and the OC Waste and Recycling agency as well.
In addition to formal presentations, the agencies set up tables across the back of the Rush Park center where residents could mingle and ask questions.
Residents questioned the Sheriff’s Department about the frequency of patrols, the potential of having license plate readers and had particularly sharp questions about electric bike safety.
In addition, Elizabeth Kennedy from the OC Fire Authority presented an overview of the department’s upgrades, while providing the district with information and reminding residents of potential fire dangers during the upcoming holiday season.
“We all love Christmas lights, but we shouldn’t be putting extensions and connectors to overload those outlets,” she said. “Our highest calls for fires are Thanksgiving followed by Christmas Day,” she said.
“Be mindful,” she said, providing residents with several safety tips.
Another project that drew significant interest was the $32 million transportation project along the 605 freeway that is redoing the interchange along Katella Ave. The freeway curls around the Rossmoor community and the interchange redesign has generated some concern.
“We’re going to change the configuration and the geometry of the ramps to force people, hopefully, to slow down,” said a spokesperson for the Orange County Transportation Agency.
Residents seemed especially concerned about the rerouting of the on and off ramps, worried that people might mistake the new off-ramp for the on-ramp.
The OCTA representative said they are working with Caltrans designers to make modifications to the project using high-tech signals and sensors to alert drivers who mistakenly enter the ramp that they are going the wrong way.
Don your best mask and join fellow revelers aboard the iconic Queen Mary in Long Beach for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve Masquerade Soirée on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Filled with signature cocktails, elegance, delicious food, surprises, and top-tier entertainment, guests can look forward to an extraordinary celebration like no other, culminating in the best fireworks show on the West Coast. Tickets and overnight room bookings are on sale now at www.QueenMary.com
“We are excited to offer our guests a memorable night aboard, filled with incredible entertainment, grand experiences, and more,” said Steve Caloca, Managing Director of the Queen Mary. “This year is especially momentous, as the ship will present its first Masquerade Ball in over a decade. Our guests can expect a night where history, elegance, and celebration come together for an unforgettable night with our entire ship activated. And, at midnight we will have a breathtaking 15-minute fireworks spectacular – the perfect way to toast to 2026.”
From ballroom grandeur to secret speakeasies, lively jazz performances to dazzling cabaret, each deck of the historic liner will be transformed into its own immersive experience. Guests can sip champagne, dance into the night, and wander from salon to salon, discovering a world of surprises and performances designed to keep the celebration alive until the early hours.
General Admission tickets start at $170 and include access to the ship, strolling performers, themed entertainment, activities, a complimentary glass of champagne, and fireworks viewing. For those seeking a more elevated evening, VIP admission ($290 per person) offers early entry, a lavish buffet dinner, dessert bar, exclusive lounges, and premium fireworks views. Guests may also extend the magic with an overnight stay aboard the Queen Mary, waking up to the first morning of 2026 on one of the world’s most storied ships.
The Masquerade Soirée begins at 8:00 p.m., with VIP guests welcomed aboard at 7:00 p.m. Festivities continue into the early hours with a celebratory midnight breakfast buffet available as an add-on. Food and Beverage sold separately for General admission ticket holders. This event is for ages 21+ only. Parking not included. Additional announcements, entertainment, and details to be released soon.
To reserve a hotel package and tickets to the NYE celebration visit www.queenmary.com/new-years-eve-celebrations.htm. For more information on the Queen Mary visit http://queenmary.com, or connect with us on social @TheQueenMary.
Orange County supervisors Tuesday approved the third group of inductees for the Orange County Hall of Fame. The inductees for the Dec. 9 ceremony are:
— Oscar-winning filmmaker James Cameron, best known for directing blockbuster movies such as “Avatar,” “Titanic” and “The Terminator.” Cameron’s ties to Orange County include studying physics at Fullerton College before switching majors to English. — Surfer Robert August, who is known for his role in the surf documentary “The Endless Summer” and grew up in Seal Beach. — Ed Caruthers, the 1968 Olympic silver medalist in the men’s high jump. He competed for Santa Ana College and was a longtime Orange County teacher. — Conductor Carl St. Clair, the music director for the Costa Mesa-based Pacific Symphony from 1990 until earlier this year when he took the title music director laureate. — Philanthropist James Irvine of the James Irvine Foundation of the Irvine Company. — Huntington Beach businessman Ed Laird, an active supporter of various community groups. — Sammy Lee, the 1948 and 1952 Olympic gold medalist in men’s platform diving. — Philanthropists Henry and Susan Samueli, who formed their foundation after Samueli made his fortune when his pioneering tech company Broadcom went public. The Samuelis also own the Anaheim Ducks. — Eddie Sheldrake, who co-founded the Polly’s Pies restaurant chain with his brother Donald after being an All-Pacific Coast Conference first-team selection in basketball for UCLA in the 1950-51 season. — Gaddi Vasquez, a former chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors and Peace Corps director.
Orange County Board Chairman Doug Chaffee hailed Cameron as “one of the most influential filmmakers of today.” Chaffee also said he and his wife much enjoy dining at Polly’s Pies and admire the career of Sheldrake.
Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento praised Caruthers for his teaching career in the Garden Grove School District and for continuing “to be very active in this community.” A new park at 423 S. Raitt St. was named in his honor. Lee was a “physician and mentor,” who was “the first Asian-American man to earn a gold for the United States” in the Olympics, Sarmiento said.
In a region home to more than half a million people, reports of isolation and loneliness continue to surface – across all ages and backgrounds. Jewish Long Beach is determined to change this narrative through a new initiative called Jborhood LBC. The goal is to spark meaningful connections and build micro-communities that foster belonging, friendship, and shared purpose.
“People are looking for authentic connection that grows from their real-life experiences,” said Jewish Long Beach’s Chief Community Impact Officer Amy Lakin. “They want to find common ground with others —whether that’s through shared life stages, like becoming a new parent or being new to this area, or through hobbies, passions, and values.” Jborhood LBC is now forming and seeking Community Connectors – local leaders who will organize gatherings for their unique groups.
“These groups might meet to walk on the beach, go to open mic nights, mingle at happy hour, or learn a new language — you name it! We can’t wait to see how people choose to come together,” said Lakin. “And if you don’t see a group that fits, we want to hear from you – tell us what kind of connections you’re looking for.”
The initial response has been positive. Jewish Long Beach––known as the central convener of Jewish life across Long Beach and West Orange County––has heard from interested “Community Connectors” who expressed enthusiasm for meeting others around shared interests such as arts and cultural activities, connecting families with school-aged children, multifaith and multicultural families, singles groups, gardening, and more.
Applications to become a Community Connector are open now through the website. Visit JewishLongBeach.org to learn more about these part-time paid opportunities and see how to join or help lead a Jborhood LBC group.
Jewish Long Beach serves the Jewish and broader communities through strategic grant-making, development of emerging leaders, advocacy, and management of the community’s philanthropic funds. The Alpert Jewish Community Center, part of Jewish Long Beach and the focal point of the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Jewish Long Beach Campus, seeks to inspire community by improving lives, building bridges of understanding and inclusion.
Members of the La Palma-Cerritos Branch of the American Association of University Women learned about Book Banning in the United States from guest speaker Leslie Criswell at their meeting on November 20, 2025, at the ABCUSD Adult School Auditorium in Cerritos. Administrator (President) Celia Spitzer welcomed members and guests and introduced Program Facilitator Faith Herschler.
Herschler then introduced Leslie Criswell, who is a retired trial attorney who spent 35 years trying civil jury cases, who volunteered as an L.A. Superior Court mediator and Small Claims Court judge, and is an active member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. She is a member of the Palos Verdes and Beach Cities AAUW branches.
Criswell prepared a Power Point presentation with information about book banning in America that showed that it has been a persistent issue in our history and is driven by political, religious, and social factors. An early example of book banning was in 1637 when the Puritans banned Thomas Morton’s The New English Canaan because it was critical of the Puritans and their treatment of indigenous people. During Colonial and Revolutionary times in the 18th century, pamphlets and books were banned for their political content against British rule. In later years, there were many traditional challenges for banning books because of pornography, sexual content, political content, or violence. Some of the books that were listed included Canterbury Tales, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Charlotte’s Web.
According to Criswell, the role of the U.S. Constitution was brought into the discussion of book banning in 1957 with the ruling in Roth vs. U.S., where a magazine seller was banned for mailing magazines that were pornographic with no redeeming social importance. Other current challenges include the U.S. Education Code in 1978 that said that the government must protect students’ privacy and obtain written parental consent before giving students surveys regarding political, religious, sexual beliefs, etc. In 1982, the American Library Association began celebrating Banned Book Week and can provide a list of banned books.
Criswell said that the states are responding to the issue of Book Banning in different ways. In Florida, Governor DeSantis backs the, Don’t Say Gay bill, HB1557, where parents can opt out of activities such as Black History Month, diversity, critical race theory, and ethnic studies. In Utah, if three school districts agree to remove a book, all school libraries must remove the book. In California, she said that Governor Newsom would not ban books. California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond sponsored legislation to halt Book Banning with AB 1078. It was signed into law by Governor Newsom on September 25, 2023.
Criswell ended her presentation with some good news. More people are starting to protest book banning because they wanted to keep their right to freedom to read. With the ruling from Troxley vs. Granville, parents retained their fundamental right by the 14th Amendment to direct the upbringing of their children. She said that activism by PEN (Poets, Essayists, Novelists) America, led to Toni Morrison’s book, The Bluest Eye, to be taken off the banned book list. (PEN America is a non-profit organization protecting free speech in literature and human rights.)
Book banning continues to be a growing issue that affects education, intellectual freedom, and democracy, as books centering on race, gender, and diverse perspectives are being removed from library shelves. According to PEN America, 10,046 books were banned in 2023-2024, in the United States. AAUW members are encouraged to go to their city council meetings and contact their state’s representatives if they are concerned about books that are being banned that they disagree with and want to protect their right to freedom to read books.
At the conclusion of the program, Administrator Spitzer then conducted the branch business meeting with acceptance of the secretary’s minutes, the treasurer’s report, and a request by Joan Pylman for gift card donations for Falcon’s Nest for Cerritos College students and donations for Academic Achievement Awards. Edna Ethington presented Spitzer with Certificates of Recognition from California State Senator Tony Strickland, 36th District, for the La Palma-Cerritos AAUW Branch and Edna, for “dedication to advancing education, leadership, and opportunity for women and girls in our community.” The Certificate was received on October 18, 2025, during Community Recognition Month.
At the end of the business meeting, members were reminded to come to the Branch holiday gathering at the home of Cathy and Charles Niederman at 7:00 p.m. on December 20, 2025.
Members and guests are invited to come to the next meeting of the La Palma-Cerritos AAUW Branch on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the ABC Unified School District Adult School Auditorium at 20122 Cabrillo Lane in Cerritos. There will be a social time starting at 6:30 p.m. and a program on Artificial Intelligence and Our Schools at 7:00 p.m. For more information, contact 562-924-5227 or the branch website at http://lapalma-cerritos-ca.aauw.net.
Cypress is having a moment, as it tries to fill a vacated Council seat.
With the resignation of Council member Scott Minikus more than a month ago, Cypress is still without a temporary replacement this week and has called another meeting for Friday after a stunning turn of events.
The Council met in special session Nov. 19 where it became hopelessly deadlocked on various candidates without the ability to agree on a replacement to fill Minikus’ seat.
The city opted out of a special election to fill the seat, because of perceived costs, they said during the meeting, and instead invited citizens to submit a letter of interest.
Sixteen citizens replied, most of whom would have added new voices to the city’s conversation, yet the Council denied a request by Council member Bonnie Peat to interview all of them and instead selected seven, including two former Council incumbents, a former Cypress School Board member, another who had been twice a candidate for Council, others who were commissioners and one new to the political process.
The prospective candidates included Anne Mallari, Candi Kern, Claudia Nasari, Frances Marquez, Quintin Bentley, and Rachel Strong.
Each of the seven candidates was given time to speak, following a brief round of questioning by the four Council members. At the end of the lengthy process, the political debate began.
Complicating the process was the fact that the city had switched to districts, and although Minikus lived in District 5, the Council allowed citizens “at-large” to compete for the open seat.
Malibu attorney Kevin Shenkman, who had sued the city to create by-district elections, sent a letter to the Council threatening legal action if the appointments process violated the terms of their settlement agreement.
Shenkman said an at-large election would violate the settlement but a District only race would be likely cost less than $200k and would be acceptable. Dr. Malini Nagpal, one of the districting plantiffs, said the Council should consider having an election for District 5 to let the residents decide who serves them.
At least one member of the Council made a similar suggestion during the long, unsuccessful debate.
Mayor David Burke nominated Rachel Strong, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Leo Medrano as they suggested the two-time candidate for the Council fill the vacant seat. Strong is a resident of District 5 and the owner of a small business in the city. Council member Kyle Chang passed on Strong and instead wanted former Council member Frances Marquez, one of three “heavy hitters” from District 5, which included Candi Kern and Strong (Kern is a former member of the Cypress School District Board).
Burke, though not mentioning Marquez by name, suggested it would be unwise for the city to return to “chaos” and should avoid the “drama and ugliness” of former Council meetings.
Nevertheless, Chang said “I’m leaning toward letting the voters decide what happens in District 5 if we can’t come to consensus on Frances.”
Council member Bonnie Peat wanted Anne Mallari, a former Mayor, and when that was unsuccessful, she asked for Kern, who also could not attract three votes.
At the three-hour mark and still deadlocked, Burke, tongue-in-cheek, said he had a “zany” idea. “Maybe we should flip a coin” to determine a winner, he said.
“I don’t want to be remembered as the Council that made a major decision by flipping a coin,” said Chang.
Even then, the four-hour attempt during a special meeting last week to arrive at a consensus almost failed, until they finally agreed on a lesser-known commissioner, Quintin Bentley, and voted 3-1 to appoint him to the seat.
Medrano suggested Bentley as a newcomer who had served the city, Burke seconded it and although not ideal, Chang finally nudged towards Bentley because of his education and “having worked in special education” for over a decade.
Chang said he was impressed with his service on one of the Council Commissions and with his community work in special education so he agreed to support him.
The Council voted 3-1 to appoint Bentley to the open seat, with Peat voting against, and Burke quickly adjourned the marathon session without giving Bentley a chance to speak.
The City’s public relations firm later issued a press release announcing Bentley’s appointment.
“We are grateful to all applicants who stepped forward and took part in this process. The high caliber of the applicant pool, and their willingness to serve speaks to the strength of our community,” said Mayor David Burke. “Quintin has an excellent track record of serving others and we look forward to his contributions to Cypress in this new role,” Burke was quoted in the press release.
But then, as quickly as it happened, it began to unravel.
Burke told ENE that Heather Dillard, the Department Chair for Special Education at Cypress High School, sent an email to Interim City Manager Sean Joyce suggesting the city double check Bentley’s stated special education experience. That email, at some point, was followed by an email from Bentley himself withdrawing from the process altogether, said Burke.
“He (Bentley) apparently decided the scrutiny of public office was not for him,” said Burke.
The move left the Council in a time crunch, having only until Nov. 30 to fill the seat.
Burke said the City Council chose to move forward with a public appointment process rather than hold a special election, which was estimated by the OC Registrar to cost up to $950,000 (for at large election). City attorney Fred Galante said would likely not happen until the spring of 2026.
“That would only leave seven months on the term then they would presumably have to run again,” he said. Burke acknowledged that it was unfortunate the city did not get a chance to hear from all of the candidates who applied and he did not rule out that, given the process that unfolded Nov. 19 (at the special meeting), that new names from the list of qualified candidates may emerge.
None of the seven candidates interviewed could achieve a simple three-vote majority, and the one candidate on which the Council compromised, backed out after apparently misstating information about his qualifications.
Does that put nine local residents who expressed interest in the position back in play? “We are free to choose from any eligible applicants,” said Burke.
The city has announced a special meeting will be held this Friday, Nov. 28, at 4 p.m. as the Council tries again to fill the vacant seat.
The Board of the Rossmoor Community Services District has voted 3-2 to award a contract to the interim General Manager, Sharon Landers, with opposition coming from at least one Director who said he enjoys working with her.
Although Landers’ six-month “interim” contract ended soon, there was considerable debate first as to how the matter ended up on the board’s agenda.Director Tony DeMarco immediately made a motion that would effectively allow what was discussed in a recent closed session, waiving the attorney-client privilege and waiving closed session protections.
“Would you be okay with us doing that,” Director Mary Ann Remnet asked the district’s legal advisor Tarquin Preziosi.
“As long as we’re not discussing the employee evaluation itself,” said Preziosi, “we’re just discussing the terms of the contract negotiation.”
Board President Nathan Searles, an attorney, wasn’t thrilled with doing that.“I would strongly discourage taking a previously determined closed session and making the discussion open; there’s a candor that comes from the idea that someone is discussing something in closed session,” he said.
Nathan Searles, President of the RCSD.
Courtesy photo
“If it’s to be an open session, it should be an open session to begin with and not later decided that we will discuss things that were decided in open session,” said Searles.
“I strongly discourage this as a pattern,” he said.
Maynard agreed with DeMarco to allow the discussion.
“I think it’s the right call,” he said. “I think we know the ground rules, it’s not about her evaluation…and it’s the terms that we thought we were talking about versus the terms that are showing up now.”
“I think transparency is critical,” he said.
Directors voted unanimously to allow the discussion and Landers intimated she did not mind the open meeting discussion of the terms of her contract.“First of all,” said DeMarco, “we did not discuss five years (term), we discussed a much lower term. I want an explanation as to why it’s in here, because it gives the impression that we’ve okayed five years and we did not.”
“I think the contract should have a term and I proposed two years in closed session and I read it, it’s five years. Now for me, it’s like I’m taking away three years.
“I’m just wondering how it got to five years,” asked DeMarco.
Searles confirmed in his response to DeMarco that the board had indeed agreed in closed session to offer Landers a two-year contract as General Manager following her six-month “interim status.”
However, he told DeMarco that when they presented the two-year agreement to Landers, “she wanted five.” Therefore, the “five-year term” was added solely for discussion purposes. “That’s what I was getting at earlier,” said Searles, “it wasn’t that I approved it or offered it.”
“I just think we’re going about this wrong,” said DeMarco, speaking of the contract. He said the five-year term should have been Searles’ recommendation to the community and the board. It should not be the general manager. This is her contract we are discussing, and she’s preparing it.”
Director Tony DeMarco, courtesy photo
DeMarco then brought up other benefits that he thought had been excluded during the closed session discussion of Lander’s contract that reappeared in the agreement in the packet.
“I just want it to be right,” said DeMarco.
“I understand,” said Searles, “and I accept the criticism, and what Ms. Landers’ has presented is her counteroffer and allowing us to discuss it in open session. I applaud her for allowing this,” said Searles.
“I think it would have been nice, in hindsight, if it would have been made clear that this is a counteroffer,” said Remnet. “I really appreciated being able to clarify that issue,” she said.
Landers, who said she did not attend the closed session at which her agreement was discussed, said some of this information was new to her as well.
“Now I think for you, your starting point was a different place, you know, and I am hearing that, and I’m hearing some of this for the first time also,” the interim general manager said.
“I did understand that there was some discussion about not being an evergreen contract, which is puzzling to me, since your two previous general managers were evergreen.
Landers used the open session to paint with a broad brush the changes and improvements she has achieved in six months.
“I feel as if we’ve done a lot of problem solving,” she told the Board. “We’ve moved ahead on some projects,” she said, noting also that she has joined the Rossmoor Women’s Club and other organizations that will make her more effective. DeMarco made it clear that he has nothing against Landers.
“I have nothing against our interim General Manager, Sharon Landers, said DeMarco. “I just want the best contract for our community,” he said.
In fact, DeMarco spelled out the changes made in Rossmoor policies to allow for the entry of Landers six months ago, significantly raising the salary of the General Manager and adding other perks more common in city manager agreements.
“We do not have the resources to pay a city manager,” said DeMarco, asking Landers to consider and compare the complexity of her tenure at the City of Carson where she served as City Manager to her duties at Rossmoor.
“You’re saying you’re giving up a lot. I don’t see that,” said DeMarco, naming the specific benefits in her agreement that previous general managers did not enjoy. Landers will be paid a base salary of $140,000 per year, with additional benefits. In addition, Landers will be reimbursed $20,000 per year to cover her own insurance, which officials said would be more cost-effective than the District directly providing it.
“All the things you’re talking about are the things that we offered her when you brought up these concerns,” Remnet told DeMarco. “The vote was to proceed with the contract,” she said.
In addition, she suggested a public records request might easily disprove the notion that GM’s have made less in the past. “That may or may not be the case,” said Remnet, because what showed up in contracts and iterations of contracts are various other benefits.”
Remnet said Landers brings her vision and experience from bigger cities to Rossmoor, “to be able to have the things that we need to prepare for a sustainable future. We need to have a fiscal plan; we have to be able to compete for grants, and I think the moves and the steps we’ve taken merit supporting the health of our district.
She told DeMarco and Maynard she was in no way attacking what they’ve done for the board in previous years. “This is going to be awkward but it’s the truth,” said Maynard. He said the board had put a two-year term on the agreement to mitigate “the threat of being sued.” He asked Landers how many times she had sued previous employers? “Zero,” said Landers.
“Well thank you,” said Maynard, “for some reason, there was a concern and I’m calling it out and I’m not the one who proposed this (two year term).
Maynard said while he disagrees with the overall cost of the contract, he sees value in what Landers brings to the district. “I’ve never had an issue with the executive package. I do feel that the package is significantly higher than I am comfortable with but let me be very clear, that this is not about the person it’s about the package and the contract that I don’t like,” he said.
“I actually think you are a smart professional person that brings value I’ve enjoyed working with you I would love to continue to work I wish there was a way somehow that you can actually bring down your costs for us,” said Maynard. Maynard said he and DeMarco, both former Presidents of the Rossmoor Board, have worked for more than a decade to bring costs down to keep the districts relatively small budget in line.
“I want to clarify that I am not attacking what you’ve done on the previous board in terms of savings and building. It was a directive at the time, and it needed to be done,” she said. “You’ve done an excellent job at that and we have the reserves we do because of those cost cutting measures.”
“I am analyzing this contract like I’ve done for the past ten years on the general manager contracts so it is not about the affected this because I don’t really know I’ve seen you within the community I don’t have a complaint about what you’re doing you’re trying to save that most of the insurance is OK so I’m not I don’t have a problem with you individually it’s this this contract for our budget in my opinion it is just a bit high for what I’m comfortable with,” said DeMarco, noting that there will be bonuses and additional costs to come.
Director Jo Shade said she, too, believes it is time for the District to embark on a new direction and away from the methods used by past managers.
“I think it’s a wise decision for our community to move in this direction with the expanded role for Landers. She said the contract debate was useful because “we all learned a lot during this process.”
“I’ve been very involved with working with Ms. Landers and I can’t say enough about the time she spent trying to solve the problems she’s you know I like hearing the resident talk about the upgrades that the you know pickleball facility for you know just making it more fun and enjoyable,” said Searles.
“That is the general manager being a conduit of the board to the residents has been really seamless in that sense, he added.
Landers said later that she had no objection to the debate happening in open session rather than behind closed doors. “I really don’t mind at all,” she said later.
In the end, the interim general manager had answers to each of the contract provision questions and the Directors eventually moved to make it an evergreen contract, almost an “at will” employment agreement that gives Landers a suitable agreement, but one that will allow Directors to dismiss her at will with tight severance language embedded in the agreement.
DeMarco told Landers his concern was about “protecting where I live, so I thought it would be prudent to have a limit to where we’ve never had one before.”
He told Landers “we can relieve you of your duties with a majority so as long as you understand that, okay?”
“I just want you to know that I’m thankful to have the opportunity to answer that question,” Landers told him.
President Searles asked Landers if she would be okay with an “evergreen” contract as Remnet moved the contract, replete with the array of benefits, but no longer a term, leaving Preziosi to negotiate and work out the final details.
Searles asked that when the final draft of the agreement is ready that Preziosi send a copy not only to him but the entire board for review.
The motion to award the evergreen, at-will contract to Landers passed 3-2, with DeMarco and Maynard voting against.
“I feel like we’re going to continue to make progress,” said Landers.
From the sound of it, the Aquarium of the Pacific could step out into the global community to assume a greater role in the environmental affairs that govern our planet.“We need to find a way to live and work on the planet that doesn’t actually diminish these resources to the point that they cannot be recovered,” incoming Aquarium CEO Jeff Flocken told ENE on Friday.
“I would like to see the reputation of the aquarium be known for and be known positively, in an iconic way, as a conservation organization that is doing incredible work for the region in southern California, but also at the same time, taking that to a global platform, he said.
Dr. Jeffrey Flocken, the newly named CEO for the Aquarium of the Pacific.
Courtesy photo
Aquarium officials said Flocken will replace Dr. Peter Kareiva and will start Jan. 1.
“He brings to the organization a wealth of knowledge and connections in policy, communications, conservation science, sustainability, fundraising and managing teams to enact change to better the lives of animals, empower communities and save species,” the Aquarium said in a statement.
“The Aquarium is not just a place to connect with animals and nature. We are committed to conserving our planet. We already have important programs that are saving species, but want to take this to the next level,” said Aquarium of the Pacific Board Chair Jennifer Hagle.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jeffrey Flocken and all of the knowledge and expertise he brings to establish the Aquarium of the Pacific as a national and international leader in conservation,” she said.
Flocken’s prior experience includes roles as President, Humane Society International; North American Regional Director, International Fund for Animal Welfare; International Affairs Specialist at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Director of Education, Policy and Outreach, Conservation International; and Endangered Species Outreach Manager, National Wildlife Federation. He has a Juris Doctor from the Wayne State School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Communications and English from the University of Michigan.
“I am honored to be joining the nationally esteemed institution of the Aquarium of the Pacific,” said the incoming Aquarium of the Pacific President and CEO. “Having devoted my life to trying to make the planet a better place for animals and people, the Aquarium of the Pacific is the perfect place for me to not only focus on marine life, but also embrace the vibrant community in Long Beach and the greater Los Angeles area,” he said.
In the interview, Flocken said his goal was indeed to usher in a new level of global recognition and respect for the Aquarium of the Pacific.
He cited ongoing collaborations with the world’s finest conversation groups and groundbreaking programs like the Zebra Shark breeding program that have the potential for the Long Beach based aquarium to join the global status of respected organizations like the San Diego Zoo.
Shelly Moore speaks at the Visions Center at the Aquarium of the Pacific as its innovative lecture series has drawn global wildlife experts to Long Beach. Courtesy photo
“I would like to see the reputation of [the] aquarium be known for and be known positively in an iconic way, as a conservation organization that is doing incredible work for the region in southern California, but also at the same time, taking that to a global platform,” said Flocken.
Currently, in addition to its cultural conservation program, it’s First Wednesday lectures and numerous other innovations, the institution is now working with high tech equipment and Indonesian authorities to harvest Zebra Shark eggs and send them back to hatch in waters where they can survive.
“Once you start being known for [conservation] initiatives, opportunities start coming to you. People want to partner with you. There are lessons being learned everywhere… being able to look and what to ask and what to see,” said Flocken.
Once on the ground in Long Beach, Flocken said the Aquarium will look for bolder ways to make statements on conservation around the world.
“The animals are ambassadors for the other species that are still in the wild, and hopefully through education and getting people excited, we can get more people excited about conservation of the species in the wild,” he said.
“Everybody wants to have a future and wants a future for their children and grandchildren,” he added, “so we just have to figure out how to make sure that happens.”
During his career, he delivered major animal welfare and conservation policy victories in the United States, South Africa, United Kingdom, Mexico, the European Union, Vietnam, Costa Rica, South Korea, Canada, Brazil, and India, among other countries. These include launching street dog and cat health efforts caring for millions of at-risk companion animals and ending the dog meat trade in South Korea.
Flocken will be joined in Long Beach by his wife, Mary Crimmings, and their daughter Collette, as well as their rescued dog and cat, Chewbacca and Dasher.
The Los Alamitos Chamber tackled a popular, yet indirect commercial issue at its November networking luncheon, inviting a leading doctor from the UCI Mind Initiative to explain the complexities of a topic of increasing interest to an aging demographic.
“I’m excited,” said Susan Morales, co-Chair of the Los Al Chamber, “because our speaker today is one of the most sought-after speakers from the University of California at Irvine’s Institute for Memory Impairment.”
Morales, a UCI Health executive, said many people within the city, the school system, and others had requested that she find a speaker within their organization to educate members about neurologic diseases.
“I’m happy to see so many of you here today,” she said. So many Chamber members and members of the public had signed up that the event was held in the large conference room at the Epson America auditorium in Los Alamitos.
Morales introduced Megan Witbracht, Ph.D., representing the UCI MIND (.Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders). She then led the group on a journey through the human mind while sharing the institute’s latest neuroscience research at UCI.
The innovative and collaborative program at the University of California, Irvine, supports interdisciplinary brain and neuroscience research. It is closely linked to and builds upon the work of established centers like the Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory (CNLM), she said.
Accordingly, UCI MIND “aims to advance brain science through collaborative research, graduate education, and by creating a digital hub, focusing on themes such as learning, memory, and brain health.”
Dr. Megan Witbracht
First of all, Dr. Witbracht clarified the issues surrounding many of the well-known neurological diseases and defined “dementia” as an “umbrella term.”
“Dementia simply means cognitive impairment, or a problem with memory and thinking severe enough to impair the way you live,” she said.
Moreover, Dr. Witbracht respectfully discussed when and how average citizens can determine routine “forgetfulness” issues vs. serious brain impairment.
“If it happens occasionally, or if it’s happening and not affecting your daily life, it is normal,” she said. “But when you start getting the lights turned off, or if you decide it’s a good idea to run a red light because you’re going to miss your appointment with the doctor, that’s when it becomes a problem,” Witbracht said.
She said Alzheimer’s Disease dates back to the 20th century when a German neuropsychiatrist named Alva Alzheimer noticed something in the brain of a female patient that he did not see in the brains of other people.
Today, Alzheimer’s initial findings have been developed into an infinite science of the brain disease that carries his name. Without getting overly technical, Dr. Witbracht said Alzheimer’s occurs when there is amyloid plaque buildup in the brain.
“We know that there are 7.2 million people with Alzheimer’s disease and about 12 million unpaid caregivers. This costs $413 billion and it’s the seventh leading cause of death,” she said.
“For every five years a person lives past the age of 65, their risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease doubles. In fact, when we turn 85, our risk of developing dementia is about one in three.”
She said scientists and technicians have not identified exactly what causes our brains to develop these neurological diseases.
“Typically,” said Dr. Witbracht, 99 out of 100 cases of Alzheimer’s disease are sporadic, meaning it’s a combination of genetics and environment. We think about 50% contribution of each one in 100 cases is purely genetic.”
Another puzzling fact is that 75 percent of Alzheimer’s patients are women, she said, as researchers and scientists’ study why this happens.
“Two-thirds of Alzheimer’s cases are in women. At age 45, the lifetime risk for women is 20%, and that of men is 10%. We’re not entirely sure why… We know that women go through a huge change at about 45-50 called menopause, which may have something to do with it,” said Dr. Witbracht, though research continues.
UCI, in its collaboration with other major institutes and organizations, are studying prevention methods for Alzheimer’s and other major brain diseases.
“We know that getting plenty of aerobic exercise lowers your risk for Alzheimer’s disease. We don’t know why it hasn’t panned out in randomized, controlled trials, but we know there’s a strong association in epidemiological studies between aerobic exercises like walking, running, gardening, and lowered risk for Alzheimer’s disease,” she said. While research is underway, there is a growing demand for more people from the broader public to volunteer to participate in the program.
“The single most common reason that clinical studies fail is that we don’t get enough people to participate… It’s possible we could have found cures to certain diseases years ago, but it’s often the case that we can’t complete a study, or it takes us five to 10 years longer to complete a study because we don’t get enough people to participate,” Dr. Witbracht said. Even so, Witbracht said treatments are emerging. Though there are currently only two treatments for Alzheimer’s, the existing treatments show promise.
“In 2023, we had our first disease-modifying treatment. In 2024, we had our second disease-modifying treatment… These are treatments, monoclonal antibodies that target amyloid plaques and remove them from the brain. And in people with early Alzheimer’s disease, they’ve been shown to slow cognitive and functional decline compared to people on a placebo,” Witbracht said.
“While Alzheimer’s disease remains a complex challenge, we are making unprecedented strides. With new blood tests, disease-modifying treatments that can slow cognitive decline and a growing understanding of prevention strategies, we can more effectively manage and potentially mitigate the impacts of this devastating disease,” she told the group.
“The latest research offers a beacon of hope: by focusing on risk factors and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, we have more tools than ever to protect our cognitive health,” Dr. Witbracht said.
In other action, the Chamber recognized Courtyard by Marriott in Cypress as the Business of the Month. Officials thanked Hotel manager Christine Dieu and Events Manager Pamela Konneker for their assistance and Co-Chair Dr. Andrew Pulver thanked Mike Prencavage from The Family Plumber in Los Alamitos for sponsoring the event.
Looking for a camp that will keep your child active and entertained during the Winter Break? The City of Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department offers a Winter Camp for ages 5 – 12.
The Winter Camp will occur on December 22, 23, 26, 29, 30, 31, 2025, and January 2, 2026. Regular hours 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and extended hours 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. options are available! Participants will enjoy organized indoor and outdoor games, winter-themed crafts, and activities. Morning and afternoon snacks are provided.
Register your 5-12-year-old today at https://losalrecreation.myrec.com or the Los Alamitos Community Center (10911 Oak Street, Los Alamitos). Scholarships are available for eligible Los Alamitos residents. Please visit cityoflosalamitos.org/recreation to apply! Don’t miss out on Winter fun!
The Recreation and Community Services Department, in collaboration with the Police Department, invites you to participate in the annual Holiday Toy Donation Drive from December 1 to December 4, 2025. Join us in making a difference in the lives of children during this holiday season.
Los Alamitos nonprofit organizations will distribute toys donated to local children who are in the greatest need. Donations can be left at donation bins located at The Community Center (10911 Oak St.), The Police Department, and City Hall.
Additionally, there will be a Drop-off on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Starbucks (3575 Katella Avenue). Come help us stuff a BearCat with donations and join the Los Alamitos Police Department for Coffee with a Cop.
For more information, please visit www.cityoflosalamitos.org/recreation or contact the Recreation and Community Services Department at (562) 430 – 1073.
Note: This month’s event will be held on Wed., Dec. 10, 2025 (the second Wednesday of the month!)
The Aquarium of the Pacific will feature an engaging discussion on Pacific walruses and their role in monitoring the health of critical ocean ecosystems at their December First Wednesday lecture.
Dive into their habitats, behaviors, migrations, and unique adaptations, and explore the methods we use to study these fascinating marine mammals with Dr. Karyn Rode.
“We’ll uncover the vital role they play in the Arctic ecosystem and examine how they are responding to sea ice loss in this subspecies found in the Bering and Chukchi seas. The talk will be followed with a Q&A with the audience,” the Aquarium said in a statement.
After the presentation, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy holiday music, crafts, cocktails (cash bar) and conversations in our Art Gallery and experience our Paint-a-Fish exhibit. The lecture will also be live streamed and recorded.
Tickets are $5.00 for advance online reservations or $10.00 per ticket on the day of the event at the door (pending availability. Please check first), the statement said.
Parking is $6.00 for the first 2.5 hours in the structure located directly across from the Aquarium.
Dr. Karyn D. Rode is a research wildlife biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey – Alaska Science Center. She works with the Eskimo Walrus Commission, IUCN Polar Bear Specialist Group, the US Fish and Wildlife Service Polar Bear recovery team, and the US-Russia Agreement on the Conservation and Management of Polar Bears.
Dr. Karyn Rode, courtesy photo
She collaborates with local, state, federal, and international agencies and universities to identify and address research needs for walruses and polar bears. Her research focuses on identifying biological and ecological indicators for monitoring large mammal populations and ecosystem change and determining mechanisms of population regulation in response to environmental change.
Dr. Rode also studies wildlife interactions with humans in areas of industry, via tourism and recreation, to help minimize or avoid negative effects on wildlife and ensure human safety. Much of her work is centered on nutritional and physiological ecology and its effects on wildlife body condition, reproduction, and survival. She has authored over 90 scientific publications.
She is a member of the IUCN Polar Bear Specialist Group, the American Zoological Association’s Polar Bear Research Council, and the Science/TEK working group of the US Fish and Wildlife Service Polar Bear Recovery Team. She co-chairs the Research and Conservation grants program for the International Association of Bear Research and Management. She holds a doctorate and master’s degree in Zoology from Washington State University and bachelor’s in wildlife biology from Colorado State University.
The Aquarium of the Pacific’s First Wednesdays series focuses on animals, nature, and conservation efforts. The events bring scientists, authors, and other experts into its Honda Pacific Visions Theater for an illustrated talk paired with book signings or meet and greets and cocktail/social hours with music and crafts. The programs are best suited for high schools and college students, young professionals, and adults of all ages.
Members of Da’ Hawaii Seniors Club elected their officers for 2026 and honored the club’s veterans at their general meeting on November 13, 2025, at the Cerritos Senior Center in Cerritos.
Club President Carmelita Tiongson welcomed members and guests to the meeting at 2:00 p.m. and asked David Ethington to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Winona Chang and Gladys Ujiie led the singing of “Hawai’i Pono’i,” the state anthem for Hawai’i, and honors unity among Hawaiian people and the club’s members, who are Hawaiians at heart.
Hedy Anduha then led the singing of “Happy Birthday” in Hawaiian and English to November birthday celebrants Larry Anduha, Winona Chang, and Bette Kurihara.
President Tiongson then began the business portion of the day and received reports from her board members including Ken Matsuno’s treasurer’s report and Helen Limbo’s minutes of the last meeting. It was clarified that the raffle prize donations for the Holiday Party should be a minimum of $10.00 and not $20. She then proceeded to conduct the election of officers for 2026, with the assistance of past president Danny Chang.
The following members were elected to serve as members of the Board of Directors for Da’ Hawaii Seniors Club in 2026: President, Carmelita Tiongson; 1st VP Programs, Rosaria “Loke” Manetta; 2nd VP Membership, Myrna Matsuno and Carrie Kumabe; 3rd VP, Performances, Irina Soleymani and Ping Chen; Secretary, Helen Limbo and Rotating Secretaries; Treasurer, Ken Matsuno; Ohana Care, Malorette Gascon and Annie Kelly; Audio Techs, Susan McCormick, Cesar Franco, Carrie Kumabe, Irina Soleymani, and Ping Chen.The club voted that members may bring their own refreshments to share at meetings.
Carmelita then thanked the members who served on the 2025 Board of Directors and who are continuing to serve on her 2026 Board of Directors. She said there are still openings on the Board of Directors and she would welcome new volunteers. As part of the Veterans Day program, members of the Kupunawahine (elder women or grandmothers) danced two hulas to “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful.” The women were patriotically dressed in while dresses with red cloths draped over their left shoulders, and wearing blue yarn leis and red, white, and blue flowers in their hair.
File Photo by Ted Apodaca The Los Alamitos High football team, pictured in their first round win over Yorba Linda, have now reached the CIF-SS Division 2 Championship game, after defeating Murrieta Valley, 23-10, on Friday at Murrieta Valley. The Griffins will face a familiar foe, as fellow Alpha League rival San Clemente will challenge the Griffins for the title. The Griffins suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of the Tritons, 28-9, as the Los Al offense struggled to put points on the board. Since then, the Griffins’ offense has been more productive, scoring 35 points in each of their first two playoff games. The game will be at San Clemente High School, at 7 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are available on line at gofan.co. Links are available through the cifss.org website.
Thrill Sports, P1 Live and RNC Entertainment proudly present the 2025 NITRO CIRCUS ‘OFF THE RAILS’ TOUR. Nitro Circus features jaw-dropping stunts, top-tier athletes and unstoppable energy that will wow fans of all ages, and the “Off the Rails” Tour is better than ever with a new generation of gravity-defying thrill-seekers and rule-breakers.
Co-founded by action sports icon Travis Pastrana, Nitro Circus features elite athletes and world-class daredevils at the top of their game in Freestyle Motocross, BMX, Skate, Scooter, and everything in between. ? This elite athlete lineup will push the boundaries of what’s possible with mind-blowing stunts, high-flying tricks, and heart-pounding excitement. Experience all-new competitions that pit the best against the best in never-been-done showdowns!
The Nitro Circus’ electrifying live event will make a stop in Long Beach at Long Beach Arena, 300 E. Ocean Blvd, on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025.
Fans 21+ can enjoy the Nitro Circus “SUPER FAN” Experience!
THE ATHLETES:
Nitro Circus’s elite roster features some of the most fearless athletes on the planet. Leading the charge is Ryan “R Willy” Williams, an Australian action sports innovator with more than 100 world-firsts across BMX and Scooter, including over 900 million views on YouTube alone, making him one of the most viral action sports athletes in history. Joining him is Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham, a WCMX pioneer from Las Vegas, NV who landed the world’s first wheelchair backflip and continues to defy limits with every drop-in. Freestyle Motocross (FMX) legend Adam Jones brings more than two decades of experience and several X Games medals to the lineup, known for his unmatched consistency and dedication to progression.
Also in the mix is BMX icon Andy Buckworth, the first to land a double frontflip no-hander and a constant podium threat with tricks that keep fans on the edge of their seats. These athletes are just a few of the many who will throw down jaw-dropping stunts and world-first tricks in high-flying showdowns spanning FMX, BMX, Scooter, Skate, and more. With a live DJ, interactive fan moments, and nonstop energy, this show will have fans of all ages on their feet and immersed in the action.
Nitro Circus, a global sports entertainment leader, creates electrifying live events and unbelievable original content that at once exhilarates, captivates and inspires thrill-seeking fans worldwide. Co-founded in 2003 by iconic superstar Travis Pastrana, Nitro Circus has since grown into a multiplatform phenomenon creating spectacular live events, progressive competitions, hit television programming and innovative digital offerings.
With over three million tickets sold to date, linear content that has aired in over 60 countries and a burgeoning consumer products business, Nitro Circus is at the forefront of sports and entertainment. For more information visit nitrocircus.com or on social media @nitrocircus (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X).
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The life of Rich Harbour, presented in the recent documentary “Harbour Chronicles: Shaping a Legacy,” has won the “Audience Choice Award” and other awards at the Newport Beach Film Festival and is coming back to the Bay Theatre in Seal Beach for a special showing on Saturday, Nov. 29.
Bay Theatre manager Ben Ahle said it is a fitting “Thanksgiving” showing for the theatre, especially since the film was the first to be shown when the Bay Theatre re-opened its doors earlier this year following a multi-year, multi-million-dollar renovation.
According to Chris Sardelis, the retired firefighter behind the making of the film, the local biopic not only won the “Audience Choice Award at the recent Newport Beach Film Festival but also took home the award for the “Best Action Sports Feature.” Ahle said doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for the Sat., Nov. 29 showing.
The film chronicles the life of the late Rich Harbour, whose dream was to start a surfboard business, and who also just happened to be a film buff who purchased a 16 mm camera and documented much of the early moments of Seal Beach when it was considered one of the best surfing locations in the world.
“I got some good news,” said Sardelis on a recent Instagram post, “The Harbor Chronicles just won the audience choice award at the Newport Beach Film Festival 2025, and we’re coming back home and we’re playing across the street at the Bay Theatre on November 29,” he said.
Ironically, Harbour Surfboards, the surfboard business founded by Rich, is located across Main Street from the Bay Theatre.
“The movie starts at 7:30,” he said, “but before the movie we’re going to have a couple of special features,” said Sardelis. One of them is a 16-minute short featuring additional footage shot by Rich during his life that did not make the movie, Sardelis said, and the other will be the auctioning of a special skateboard and the first surfboard ever shaped by Rich Harbour.
Sardelis and his life were captured in hours of priceless films shot by Harbour as a young man in the 60s, and 70s, and in doing so, he captured what was considered the birth of the surfing industry on 16 mm film. During the premiere, in a theatre filled with locals who once filled the beaches to see the local surfers ride the waves, there was plenty of applause as one by one, they acknowledged their teenage surfer favorites as they hit the big screen. Apparently, there are plenty of leftover outtakes that Sardelis now says will be shown as a special treat during the special Nov. 29 show.
“This is some great stuff that’s never been seen before,” said Sardelis.
Ahle said it was gratifying to know the theatre’s first film has already started winning film festival awards, and “we are happy to have it back Nov. 29.”
Tickets are available at the Bay Theatre website, and raffle tickets for the items being raffled during the show are available at Harbour Surfboards on Main Street.
Saint Hedwig Catholic Church warmly welcomes parishioners and neighbors to celebrate the 2025 Christmas season with a series of festive events designed to bring the community together in hope, joy, and renewed spirit. Details and updates can be found at www.sainthedwig.org.
FESTIVE COMMUNITY EVENTS Christmas Tree Lighting – Saturday, December 6 at 6:15 PM Following the 5:00 PM Vigil Mass in the newly refurbished Holy Family Plaza Caroling, treats, and children’s activities make this a beloved kickoff to the season.
Christmas Concert – Sunday, December 21 at 2:30 PM Featuring the St. Hedwig Adult Choir and guest soloist Joanne Coudriet Join us for sacred Christmas music and carols, followed by a cookies, cocoa, and coffee reception. (Estimated event: 2:30–4:30 PM; transportation not provided.)
CHRISTMAS MASSES & TEMPORARY ADJUSTMENTS This year, Masses will take place in one location only, with no overflow or livestream accommodations.
Refurbishment of St. Hedwig’s Sanctuary is nearing completion, and the church is expected to reopen by December 20, 2025. If final inspections require more time, all Masses will be relocated to Quinn Hall to ensure uninterrupted worship. Updates will be posted on www.sainthedwig.org.
2025 Christmas Mass Schedule Christmas Vigil – December 24: 4 PM, 6 PM, 8 PM, 10 PM Christmas Day – December 25: 8 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM
CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER – TEMPORARY PAUSE Due to construction-related limitations, the long-standing Christmas Day Dinner will pause this year. Saint Hedwig looks forward to restoring this meaningful tradition in 2026. Updates and future announcements will be shared at www.sainthedwig.org.
A MESSAGE OF HOPE “Even in a year of transitions, the heart of Saint Hedwig’s Christmas celebration remains strong,” said church leadership. “Our festive events, beautiful music, and Christmas Masses reflect the joy of Christ’s birth and our deep sense of community. We look forward to welcoming everyone into our renewed worship space.” For more information, visit sainthedwig.org or call 562-296-9000.
