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

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

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

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

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

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

Brown said LAHS Senior Sofia Youngs directed the movie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Event News intern awarded with Cal Berkeley graduate journalism fellowship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

La Palma Council projects budget surplus

For the News Enterprise
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La Palma Council projects budget surplus

By Ronan Jensen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aquarium of the Pacific to celebrate 25th Anniversary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Junior League of Long Beach awards Kirsten Larsen with Helen Newcomb Award

For Event-News Enterprise
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Junior League of Long Beach awards Kirsten Larsen with Helen Newcomb Award

Junior League of Long Beach (JLLB) awards the Helen D. Newcomb annually to an outstanding member who shows exemplary dedication to volunteerism and community activism. The award is named for Helen Dutton Newcomb, who served as the organization’s first president in 1931, originally founded as the Junior Charity League of Long Beach.
This year’s honoree is Kirsten Larsen, a 33-year JLLB member. In her first year in Long Beach, she helped bring Christmas in April (a nonprofit now known as Rebuilding Together) to the Long Beach community as a Junior League project focusing on helping senior citizens repair and rehabilitate their homes. She continued her involvement with Rebuilding Together lasting nearly 30 years on both the local and national level.

Throughout her JLLB career, she has chaired numerous committees, coordinated key events, served on the Board of Directors as the Community Vice President, and has mentored many Junior League emerging leaders. She currently holds a leadership position as the Sustainer Council Chair.

In addition to her JLLB involvement, she is a strategic development advisor for the Women’s Symposium of Southern California (WSSC), and has sponsored the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Long Beach Branch, inspiring 250 middle school girls to pursue STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) opportunities. Since 2018, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Alamitos Heights Improvement Association (AHIA).

A wife and mother, she has a daughter and twin boys who are all now pursuing college degrees. Her twin sons joined Scouting when they were young boys, and both earned the highest level of Eagle Scout. In full support of her children’s endeavors, today she is not only an Assistant Scoutmaster, but also a Patrol Advisor leading a group of Scouts through their scouting career. She has been Executive Secretary on the Board, and currently sits on the Council Board of Directors. She is a registered Merit Badge Counselor, teaching a variety of badges, including citizenship in the community, sustainability, backpacking, hiking, astronomy, weather, pets, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. Kirsten even persuaded her husband Steve to become a snow ski Merit Badge Counselor.

Kirsten and her daughter have volunteered at the spcaLA nonprofit animal welfare shelter for nearly five years, logging over 200 hours helping cats and dogs in need.
As an entrepreneur, for the last 30 years she applied her JLLB training to build and strategically grow Diversified Technical Systems (DTS), a high-tech company that manufactures miniature data recorders and sensors for crash, blast, and injury biomechanics testing. Customers around the world including NASA, SpaceX, GM, Honda, Toyota, Tesla, top universities, and the US Army all rely on DTS solutions for critical testing.
She continues to challenge herself, by learning to speak Japanese, plus she is a vocalist and percussionist for the band Barefoot Rider.

The JLLB will present this prestigious award at their annual meeting and installation of officers on Wednesday, May 24 at Sky Links Golf Course.
The Junior League of Long Beach is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

The Junior League of Long Beach welcomes all women who value their mission. They are committed to inclusive environments of individuals, organizations and communities. For more information, visit www.JLLB.org.

Da’ Hawaii Seniors Club gathers at Liberty Park for 25th Anniversary

Edna Ethington
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Da’ Hawaii Seniors Club gathers at Liberty Park for 25th Anniversary

Members of Da’ Hawaii Seniors Club gathered at Liberty Park in Cerritos to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Club on Saturday, May 13, 2023. Almost 100 members and guests started arriving at 10:30 a.m. to register for the event and receive name tags and drawing prize tickets. The front of the stage was decorated with beautiful flowers, and the club’s red and gold banner and two red and gold kahilis were placed at the back of the stage. (Kahilis are Hawaiian feather standards that represent royalty.) The tables were beautifully decorated with flowers and green Monstera leaf place mats.

At 11:15. a.m., President and Master of Ceremonies Carmelita Tiongson welcomed members and guests to the celebration. Larry Anduha led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Hedy Anduha led the singing of Hawaii Pono’I and “Happy Birthday” to May birthday members. Hedy also said an invocation before the meal and prayed for members Frank Yoshii and Harry Aipia who were not feeling well on this day. The afternoon was filled with music that people enjoyed hearing, hulas that they enjoyed watching, and eating the abundant and ono pot-luck dishes that members brought for lunch. Carmelita said that the special 25th Anniversary cake was purchased by the club from a donation received from the club’s Festival of Friendship participation.

Entertainment Co-Chairs Susan McCormick and Frances McCormick introduced the different groups who performed. They included Ann Kho doing a solo of “In This Life,” and her Angklung Group of Cerritos playing “I Have a Dream” and “It’s a Small World” with their Angklungs, Rosaria Manetta doing a hula to E Kolu Mea Nui, John Yanagihara and Friends singing “Memories Are Made of This” and “Yesterday,” Na Ipo Hula group dancing the “Aloha Week Hula,” the E Mele Hana singing “I Am What I Am” and “Sing”, Larry and Hedy Anduha singing “My Yellow Ginger Lei,” the Kupuna O’ Cerritos dancing to “Blue Hawaii” and “Ka Uluwehi O Ke Kai.”

Carmelita thanked everyone for coming and said that “every single Picnic Committee team member contributed to the success of the picnic and every single member made it happen.” There were about 25 members of the Picnic Committee and other members who helped to do whatever was needed. She wanted to especially acknowledge and thank the following head team members: Picnic Co-Chairs Liberty Santiago and Georgina Onaga for planning and overseeing the entire Picnic from start to finish; Howard Koga for his help with Audio Tech; Amy Tong and Annie Kelly for e-mail Communications and Reminders; Janie Aguirre for Registrations; Marion Tesoro and Carol Roxas for being in charge of the Games and Raffles; Bette Kurihara for chairing the Refreshments and Food Committee; Ann Kho for Set Up and Decorations; Gilbert Aguirre and Larry Anduha for guarding the entrance; Ed McCormick for setting up two Pop-Up tents to protect the performers; and David Ethington for taking photos of the celebration. Liberty thanked everyone for helping with the different sub-committees. She especially thanked everyone who helped as part of the Clean-up Committee at the end of the day.

The 25th Anniversary Celebration ended with the singing of Aloha O’e and Hawai’I Aloha led by Danny and Winona Chang. As a surprise, all mothers and grandmothers went home with flowers for Mother’s Day from the club. All members received raffle prizes because members donated so many prizes. Some lucky members also went home with leftover food from lunch!

Persons interested in joining Da’ Hawaii Seniors Club can contact Mryna Matsuno at 310-538-2148.

Cypress Police Foundation celebrates 11th Police Appreciation Luncheon

David N. Young
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Cypress Police Foundation celebrates 11th Police Appreciation Luncheon

Hundreds of citizens, officials, and nearby law enforcement officials joined the Cypress Police Foundation on May 16 to celebrate its 11th Annual Police Appreciation Luncheon.
The group honored volunteers, administrators, citizens, and officers as Sgt. Cassie Olivas was named the 2022 Cypress Police Officer of the Year.

Foundation president Dr. Don Pettinger welcomed the capacity crowd to the Cypress Community Center Tuesday, saying it was indeed an honor for the CPF to serve the “men and women who keep our community safe.”

“Whenever the department comes to us to say this is something we can use, we work very hard to put it together for them,” said Pettinger.

This year, the foundation raised more than $11,000 to purchase 121 new badges for the Cypress Police Force, a project long in the works and in fact, designed and selected by the officers themselves.

“On behalf of all the men and women of this department, I want to say thank you to the Cypress Police Foundation,” said Police Chief Mark Lauderback.

Lauderback told the crowd that the new badges represent the carrying forward of great traditions in policing within the city, but in a way, also a fresh start for the department, now with a new badge and a completely renovated police station.

Lauderback, who was selected to replace long-time police chief Rod Cox in 2021, has been busy putting a fresh face on the department. Now, two years in, Lauderback’s presentation Tuesday seems to suggest he is very happy with the results thus far.

“I am very proud of the participation of the entire department,” he said, especially during the development and selection of something as sensitive as a new badge for the department.

“We welcomed any input and ideas from the entire department regarding the new badge,” the police chief said.

While incorporating many of the old markings, the new badges reflect the number “36,” which he said is a Cypress Police Station’s numbering designation in association with other local departments. The new badges also are in line with the city’s rebranding efforts.

Incredibly, said Lauderback, the winning design was chosen by more than 96 percent of personnel on the force. “Only two employees did not vote for the winning design,” he said, reflecting an overall unity within the ranks.

Small replicas of the new badge were given to everyone in attendance as a souvenir for the day as the foundation showed a video of Cypress officers going through the process with a local milling company to participate in the making of the badges.

Courtesy photo
Chief Lauderback and the Cypress Police Foundation pose against the backdrop of the department’s SWAT Bearcat Vehicle (L-R) Don Pettinger, Jeanne St. Clair, Nickol Ladd, Chief Mark Lauderback, Amber Enriquez, Eric Hernandez, Dan Schwartz, Selina Mullaney, Emily Nugent, Samantha Lagman and Detective Sebastian Reed. Not pictured Mariellen Yarc and Johnnie Strohmyer.

Also, Lauderback named Netherlands-born Sgt. Cassie Olivas as the Cypress Police Department Officer of the Year.

“She moved to California with her parents at three years old,” said Lauderback.

Eventually, he said, Olivas enrolled at Cal State University Bakersfield, before transferring to Cal State Fullerton where she graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She has earned a master’s degree in public administration from National University and holds certifications.

She joined the Fullerton Police Academy and began her career with the Cypress Police Department in 2010. In 2018, she was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, then read a long list of local, state and Congressional citations to exemplify the investigative, detective and enforcement tasks she has completed over the years.

In addition, Sgt. Olivas works throughout the community, promotes women’s conferences, and works with citizen initiatives and other projects.

“Without hesitation, Cassie consistently takes on projects and completes tasks while maintaining a positive attitude,” said Lauderback. “She is a highly effective leader,” he said, “and for actions that have exceeded expectations, Sgt. Cassie Olivas, you have demonstrated why you are deserving of this recognition.”

“There are plenty of other people on that ballot who could be up here receiving this award,” said Sgt. Olivas. “I wouldn’t be able to do this job without everyone else in this room,” she added.

She also thanked her husband and family, peers, and mentors. “I do appreciate this award with the utmost respect and humbleness,” said Sgt. Olivas, “and I genuinely thank you with my entire heart.”

In addition to Olivas, Lauderback named Office Assistant Elizabeth Barrington as the 2022 Cypress Police Department Employee of the Year and Police Chaplin Brandon Beukelman as Volunteer of the Year.

Moreover, Foundation President Don Pettinger was named by the Department as 2022 “Citizen of the Year.” “The citizens of our community and the Cypress Police Department are fortunate to have Don involved in our community,” said Lauderback,

“As Supt. of Grace Christian School, he has a strong passion for school safety and disaster readiness plans so it is our pleasure to recognize Don Pettinger as our 2022 Citizen of the Year.”

Other local Chiefs of Police, including Seal Beach Chief Michael Henderson and Los Al Chief Michael Claborn, attended in solidarity with their fellow department.

Mayor Anne Hertz-Mallari and members of the City Council were also in attendance, along with a long list of other city and visiting elected officials.

Rossmoor Board approves new 45-day pickleball trial

David N. Young
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Rossmoor Board approves new 45-day pickleball trial

Even after a large fuss to approve an early 90-day trial of pickleball in Rossmoor, the Rossmoor Community Services District Board of Directors has symbolically approved the second phase 45-day trial, suggesting the unusually cool and wet inclement weather earlier this year dampened the true demand for the sport.

After a long discussion and a few choice words from pickleball opponents, the board approved a new 45-day period during in which one of four tennis courts at Rossmoor Park will be converted into three pickleball courts for residential use.

General manager Joe Mendoza said the board did connect enough data from the first trial period to regulate the times of play. In addition, on Mendoza’s suggestion, the RCSD Board agreed to ask homeowners who live near the courts for access during times of play to be able to monitor the noise during peak times of play.

Mendoza presented a detailed report with some data the board has collected during the first trial period and acknowledged “inclement weather” is to blame for what some is an apparent lack of demand for pickleball in Rossmoor.

One resident told the Board during oral communications that in the last week of April, there were only 10 hours of pickleball play on all three pickleball courts,

In short, Mendoza suggested that another pickleball trial period was necessary to adequately reflect the demand for the sport, which he says local surveys indicate does exisit in Rossmoor.

“We believe that if we’re going to consider pickable that we take a better look at it measured a little more deeply this next 45 days,” Mendoza told the board. He also suggested playing times might need adjustment.

“In looking at that, adjusting the hours, we heard comments from pickleball players, and we heard comments that courts weren’t available at the right time,” he said. Adjusting the volumes to accommodate the massive tennis community could take some trial and error, Mendoza suggested.

Also, Mendoza suggested that during the second pickleball trial, residents who have complaints about noise should contact his office so data can be taken directly from their homes during hours of play.

“My recommendation is that we sit in the backyard of your house and listen to you record a video next door. Maybe we will make an appointment and say hey, let’s let us in your living room in the woods and let’s see what type of noise we hear. I mean that’s the truth,” he said.

Director Michael Maynard, who serves on a special Pickleball ad-hoc committee with Director Nathan Searles said “we had a meeting, and we are in agreement that we need to continue (pickleball trial) for another 45 days,” said Maynard.

Searles, who was not present at the meeting, does not agree with him on the timing of play, Maynard acknowledged. “Where we are in disagreement is what those hours look like,” he told the board.

He said Searles would not favor any play after 7 p.m., “but if he were here, he would be in favor of extending the hours.”

“On the other hand, I agree with the general manager to open up the hours,” said Maynard.
Maynard suggested that the board erect a banner or otherwise get the word out through the 11,000-resident community that pickleball is even available for play. “How many people even know it’s there,” he asked.

“I am still for a pickleball pilot program,” said Maynard. “No more, no less. We have some information but let’s have a good test,” said the Pickleball ad-hoc committee member.

Susan Maynard was one of a handful of Rossmoor residents who spoke out against pickleball in the community, suggesting the first trial period indicated people in Rossmoor who play pickleball are apparently not abandoning where they currently play.

“I was chatting with a tennis partner Sunday. I asked him what he was thinking he said it’s clear to him and other tennis players that his view…that this board has preordained that pickleball will be on Court One permanently and that efforts to oppose this are clearly a waste of time,” said Kaplan.

“His comments made me reflect upon this sham process with which our CSD has rammed pickleball down our throats,” said Kaplan. “There’s been no objective data presented to justify [pickleball] and the RCSD has been dismissive of all objections.”

“I guess you can relish in your cynical posture and pat each other on the back for crushing into moralizing the community you serve,” said Kaplan.

Director Dr. Jeff Barke said that even though pickleball opponents are thought to be comprised of a small group, they should be taken seriously.

“So the folks that are complaining, even though it’s a small group, I think their complaints need to be taken very seriously,” said Barke. I agree with that and I do reject what was said tonight, outright. There was a comment made and I’m quoting that we are somebody who is ‘calling these folks (opponents) whiners who deserve noise.’ And that’s a quote. I reject that. I haven’t heard a single person say that,” said Barke.

“You’ve never heard me say that. Nobody deserves noise and I don’t consider who’s complaining about it as whiners. I liked the discussion on the phone with Ralph [Vartabedian]. I don’t agree with him, but I respect him. I don’t think he agrees with me. And that’s fine. I don’t really care whether we have pickleball or don’t have pickleball I don’t play that darn sport. I fix people that do play the sport, the number one cause of injuries among adults. And they see it weekly. I’ll play it eventually. I’m sure so I don’t really care whether we do or we don’t but I want to represent what the community wants,” said Barke.

“The other comment was that the idea of Pickleball is preordained. It’s nonsense. I have no perspective here that we should or shouldn’t. I want to do this in a way that is deliberative and is reflective of the community. And then the comment that we’re sitting here up on Mount Olympus, so that’s a great reference to where the gods SAT. We’re not even close to that and I’m not Greek, and we’re all elected by the community elected and we can be unelected, so be it. So we’re doing the best we can to represent what we think are the interests of Rossmoor,” said Barke.

Run for the Wieners – Fastest Wiener Dogs to run for 26th time

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Run for the Wieners – Fastest Wiener Dogs to run for 26th time

The Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals returns for its 26th running when the fastest doxies in the world converge at Los Alamitos Racecourse on Saturday, July 15, according to a press release issued by LARC.

The Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals will get underway at approximately 6 p.m., with proceeds from the event benefiting the Seal Beach Animal Care Center, a non-profit group dedicated to finding home for stray animals in the Orange County area. The Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals consists of 50-yard dashes for dachshunds over the racetrack at Los Alamitos, the same one where the horses run. A string of four-legged sausages will race throughout the night with the winning wieners moving on to the 26th Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals final.

The low rolling doxies will be looking to earn cash prizes, but most importantly, the quickest of them all will win the coveted title of “Fastest Wiener In the West.” First place prize to the winning owner is $1,000.

The champion wiener will also receive a doghouse in the shape of a Wienerschnitzel restaurant plus the “Fastest Wiener in the West” trophy. Local doxies from Cypress, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, Long Beach plus many more from all throughout Southern California will be in action on this action-packed, zany, and wild night of fun for the entire family.
Live horse racing will also be held in addition to the dachshund races. VIP seating to enjoy the event is available by calling 714-820-2681. General Admission tickets on the day of the event at Los Alamitos are $3 per person. Children 17 and under are admitted free. Los Alamitos Race Course features free general parking.

Racing spots for the weenie dogs are still available. If you own or know of a faster-than-lightning dachshund or a super friendly and outgoing weenie dog, don’t waste another moment and contact the Los Alamitos Race Course Pup-blicity Department for info on how to sign up your doxie to the 26th Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals.
To enter your beloved pet to this fun race, e-mail a photo of your dachshund along with your contact info to la****@*********os.com. For more information on the 26th annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals please visit LosAlamitos.com or call 714-820-2690.

Assembly member Tri Ta partners with local law enforcement

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Assembly member Tri Ta partners with local law enforcement

Assemblyman Tri Ta announces having partner partnered with local law enforcement agencies in Orange County to support safe neighborhoods and to continue to educate our communities on public safety issues, including the importance of Police K9s. The educational event, was hosted by the Garden Grove Police Department.

Garden Grove Police Department along with the Police Departments of Huntington Beach, Westminster, Los Alamitos, and Seal Beach as well the California Highway Patrol participated. The event culminated in a K9 demonstration.

“I was honored to partner with our local law enforcement agencies and support what they do to keep us safe as well as what they sacrifice for us in the line of duty. Their K9 partners are a big part of this,” said Assemblyman Ta, emphasizing the importance of these public events.

Assemblyman Ta strong opposes Assembly Bill 742, which would severely limit the use of K9s in law enforcement.

Dr. Mark McDonald speaks to West Orange Republican Women

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Dr. Mark McDonald speaks to West Orange Republican Women

At the May meeting of the West Orange County Republican Women Federated, more than forty women gathered to socialize, fundraise, and listen to keynote speaker Dr. Mark McDonald and hear an update from Jane Rice.

Dr. Mark McDonald is a Los Angeles psychiatrist and author of United States of Fear and Freedom from Fear. Dr. McDonald shared content from both his books and insights that he has experienced in his medical practice since the start of Covid-19.

Dr. McDonald has done an extensive examination of our society and how it was affected during Covid-19. Although many mental health professionals are finally discussing the negative effects of Covid-19, Dr. McDonald observed the decline of America’s mental health as it was happening during the pandemic and describes the pandemic as a “pandemic of fear.” He explained to the group that America is suffering from mass delusional psychosis from lockdowns and over reaction from government, which has proved to be more damaging than the virus itself. The past few years have resulted in individuals becoming addicted to fear.

He went on to share that he wrote his second book, Freedom from Fear as a 12 step guide for individuals and our nation to use for “recovery” from our new addiction to fear and unhealthy behavioral responses. “Our nation cannot succeed if it is living in fear,” said Dr. McDonald. The group had an opportunity to share their experiences and ask questions about healing from the psychological effects of the pandemic.

The second speaker, Jane Rice from RestoreLocalControl.com, shared upcoming building projects from various metropolitan areas. This bipartisan group is educating residents about building projects being approved in their neighborhoods without resident input. In an effort to increase housing options, many cities are approving projects that don’t align with the community’s goals. Ms. Rice encourages residents to become involved with what is happening in their local areas to preserve the character and culture of their community.

The West Orange County Republican Women Federated (WOCRWF) has been serving our communities since 1962. The WOCRWF is part of the California Federation of Republican Women which was founded in 1925 and is a Diamond Award Grassroots club. If you are looking for a Conservative Republican club that is actively engaged in local, county, state and federal politics, this is the club for you. If you would like to meet with like-minded women, contact West Orange County RWF by visiting our website at www.westorangecountyrwf.com.

Reply to Carol Churchill’s letter

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Reply to Carol Churchill’s letter

Dear Editor,
In reply to Carol Churchill’s May 17, 2023, letter to the editor.
Ms. Churchill’s long letter to the editor attempts to convolute a straightforward situation. The State of California has mandated that the City of Los Alamitos build 769 more housing units. Since most residents live within Katella Ave. and Los Alamitos Blvd., a housing project on Lampson Avenue minimizes the impact to Los Alamitos residents.
Since the Los Alamitos City Council’s primary focus should always be on improving life in the City of Los Alamitos, they should maximize the total number of units built on Lampson Avenue to reduce the load in other parts of our city, which are more saturated. This would alleviate the immense overcrowding should the County of Orange’s proposal to build 671 units on the southwest corner of Katella Ave. and Los Alamitos Blvd. move forward. Therefore, most or all of the 769 state-mandated housing units should be moved to Lampson Avenue where there is more acreage available.
Allegations or insults against current or former Los Alamitos public servants do not change the fact that complying with the state’s housing mandate on Lampson Avenue is good for Los Alamitos residents.
All Californians are impacted by Governor Gavin Newsom’s housing mandate, not just Rossmoor and Seal Beach residents. The Los Alamitos City Council is doing their best for their constituents given the state’s mandated housing element. The best thing for the anti-Lampson side to do is fight Sacramento with the same fervor that they are fighting our small town of Los Alamitos.
Also, the sites that have been approved by the State of California could accommodate up to 1200 units. However, there are no projects to utilize all the approved sites and to build 1200 units in Los Alamitos. This is why Los Alamitos should encourage a developer to maximize the space on Lampson Avenue to meet our housing element numbers, to lighten the load in other parts of the city, and to help mitigate the impact of the development the County of Orange is proposing on the southwest corner of Katella Ave. and Los Alamitos Blvd.
If Ms. Churchill does not want Los Alamitos City Council to promote more or any build on Lampson Avenue, which Los Alamitos properties would she choose instead? I suspect that any opponent of a Lampson Avenue development would gladly build on one or more of the other state approved sites in Los Alamitos. All of which happen to be near Katella Ave. and Los Alamitos Blvd.
“Where in Los Alamitos should we build if not on Lampson?” is a question Lampson Avenue project opponents won’t answer. My guess is that no one will answer because most Seal Beach and Rossmoor residents would be happy to move it out of their neighborhood. For Rossmoor residents, overbuild at the Los Alamitos Blvd./Katella Avenue location will probably impact you more than your neighbors in Seal Beach.
City of Los Alamitos residents, please contact your City Council, and encourage them to put their constituents first and to stand firm against the barrage of negativity from Rossmoor and Seal Beach residents.
Mayor, Tanya Doby: td***@***************os.org
Jordan Nefulda: jn******@***************os.org
Shelley Hasselbrink: sh**********@***************os.org
Emily Hibard: eh*****@***************os.org
Trisha Murphy: tm*****@***************os.org
Finally, the Event-News Enterprise should also note that Rossmoor residents also share the 90720-zip code with Los Alamitos.
Sincerely,
Frank Marchese

Los Alamitos hosts 7th Annual “senior” prom

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Los Alamitos hosts 7th Annual “senior” prom

The City of Los Alamitos Recreation & Community Services Department held its 7th annual MemorialCare Senior Prom event on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Los Alamitos Community Center. The older adult community (50+) was invited to take part in this fun, reimagined night of an age-old tradition.

The Senior Prom was created with the objective of expanding social gathering experiences for older adults within Los Alamitos. Community Services Coordinator and event organizer Gilberto Arteaga-Ceja invited the community to an intimate, themed evening full of dancing, live music, crowning ceremony, catered dinner, photobooth opportunities, and door prizes. Tickets were sold at a nominal fee with a total of 96 seats were available for purchase, but the event was sold out two weeks before event day. Due to the increasing demand, an additional 16 seats were provided on the day of the event for walk-in participants.

This year, the program took it back to the 70s with a disco themed event and featured a hefty amount of shimmering décor and soft, colored lights. Groovy tunes were played by the popular King Salmon and the Funk Yard Horns band while the chicken alfredo pasta dinner was catered by Valentino’s Pizza in Los Alamitos. Further, the Los Alamitos Senior Club graciously donated the first wine glass for every participant and sold additional servings at as a fundraiser for the Club.

Courtesy photo
For many, the highlight of the event was the large, glimmering disco ball hanging from the center of the dance floor as they danced the evening hours away.

Before the night was over, a Senior Prom King & Queen was crowned; this year, Sherry and Simon travelling from Yorba Linda, were the lucky winners. In shock, Sherry looked at staff and commented, “You guys are so funny! I never thought this would ever happen!” as she claimed her sash and bedazzled tiara. In addition, all attendees received a door prize ticket at the entrance for a chance at winning one of multiple prizes. Over $200 in prizes were donated by local restaurants as well as a barbecue grill gift basket by the Los Alamitos Development Services Department.

For many, the highlight of the event was the large, glimmering disco ball hanging from the center of the dance floor as they danced the evening hours away. These special moments could not have been possible without the event sponsors. The Los Alamitos Recreation & Community Services Department continues to offer fun experiences at an affordable fee thanks to the returning Title Sponsor MemorialCare, as well as the gold sponsor, Home Instead. Further contributions included:
• Wine donations from the Los Alamitos Senior Club
• Floral donations from Forest Lawn Memorial Parks & Mortuaries
Door Prizes from:
o Paul’s Place Los Alamitos
o Mama’s Comfort Food & Cocktails
o El Zarape Mexican Restaurant Cypress
o Los Alamitos Development Services Department
Set your calendars because Senior Prom will return with another exciting, themed night next May. For more information about upcoming events and programs, please visit www.cityoflosalamitos.org/recreation or contact the Recreation and Community Services Department at (562) 430 – 1073.

Woman’s Club of Cypress elects new leadership

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Woman’s Club of Cypress elects new leadership

Courtesy photo
Meet your new 2023 Woman’s Club of Cypress Board Members. We have a new President Megan Martinez-King. Her president’s project for the year will focus on the 2nd Harvest Food Bank for the needs of families and children in our community. Pictured from L-R: Top row: Maria Sterk, Roberta Voet, Marilyn Reems, Mary Kamhi, Michele Pourtemour, Shirley Bradley, Bottom Row: Dawne Reed, Ginger Osman, Megan Martinez-King and Laura Price, absent from picture is Joan Larsen.

Blair Petrini, UWS honored with Volunteer Merit Awards

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Blair Petrini, UWS honored with Volunteer Merit Awards

The City of Los Alamitos Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Commission nominated Universal Waste Systems and Blair Pietrini of Grateful Hearts Storehouse for the 2023 California Park & Recreation Society District 10 Volunteer Merit Award for their commitments to the community.

Universal Waste Systems (UWS) is one of the largest family owned and operated companies in Southern California, and the new waste hauler for the City of Los Alamitos. Their community approach to customer service makes them a standout in the Los Alamitos community, where they have also strongly supported City events and programs such as 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, Week of Los Al, and Winter Wonderland. The Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department is grateful for the continued partnership with UWS in providing the best service to the community.

Blair Pietrini is Founder and Director of Grateful Hearts Storehouse, a Los Alamitos-based nonprofit started in 1998 with a mission to provide hope for the hurting by serving those in need locally and internationally through the provision of food, clothing, hygiene products, furniture, appliances, and other necessities for free to the jobless, working poor, the disabled, the elderly and those experiencing times of crisis. In 2021, Blair along with her late-husband Gene Pietrini opened Pietrini Pizza Napoletana, a wood-fired pizza restaurant in Los Alamitos that has since won multiple food awards. A pillar in the community, Blair has given back to the City of Los Alamitos through her nonprofit, business ventures, and heart of service. The City of Los Alamitos thanks Blair for her years of service to the community.

Both parties accepted their Volunteer Merit award at the California Park and Recreation Society banquet in April 2023.

The City of Los Alamitos is grateful for the vital community partnership with UWS and Blair Pietrini for their past and continued support of Los Alamitos programs and services.

Cypress Knights of Columbus raise money for vet wheelchairs

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Cypress Knights of Columbus raise money for vet wheelchairs

The Cypress Knights of Columbus Council 8599 at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church is about to begin its drive to provide wheelchairs to military veterans in need of the extra mobility.
Contributions can be made after all St. Irenaeus Masses the weekend of May 27-28 . Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Rick Tkach says the goal this year is to raise $8,750 for 50 wheelchairs, each costing $175.00.

Tkach asks St. Irenaeus parishioners and nearby residents to be generous in this excellent and rewarding example of coming together to help our military Veterans and recognize them for their service to our country.

Payments can be made by checks payable to Knights of Columbus 8599; credit cards will also be accepted. You can also donate online through June 3-4 at the St. Irenaeus website https://sticypress.org/ go to Online Donations, and click on the KofC Wheelchair Drive.
The Knights’ wheelchair program began in 2013, and since then, St. Irenaeus parish donations have purchased nearly 1,500 wheelchairs for veterans.

 

Long Beach runway work causing ununsual landing patterns

David N. Young
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Long Beach runway work causing ununsual landing patterns

If the threat of the Lampson Project is not enough to concern residents of the College Park East and West communities in Seal Beach, a change in landing patterns at the Long Beach municipal airport has residents calling the FAA this week complaining of low-flying commercial jets.

“I called the Federal Aviation Administration complaining about the low-flying planes,” said Kristina Aurang, a resident of the College Park East told the Sun this week. “This is different pattern and I am just wondering if it is permanent,” she said.

The Sun reached out to Long Beach Airport and determined that electrical problems with its main runways have indeed prompted a change in the approach and landing patterns which could prolong the change through most of the summer.

“Major electrical upgrades designed to improve the safety of the primary runway at Long Beach Airport (LGB) are being installed from late March through July, necessitating some temporary runway closures,” said a statement issued by Kimberly McMahon, an airport public affairs spokesperson.

In the statement, she said major improvements are being made to Runway 12, one of the key airport runways, causing a three- or four-month temporary closure. During Runway 12-30 closures, operations will occur on Runway 8L-26R, which she acknowledged could bring lower-than-normal traffic flowing over neighborhoods like College Park that generally do not see lower flying landing traffic.

McMahon said the $9.5 million Rehabilitate Runway 12-30 project, primarily funded by an Airport Improvement Program grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), will bring the Airport’s largest runway in line with the latest FAA standards and add to the Airport’s sustainability efforts, she said.

A graphic illustrating the new temporary landing patterns at Long Beach Airport.
Courtesy illustration

As part of the project, more than 500 new LED lights will be installed as part of the electrical project. In addition to the safety benefits of brighter lighting, the LED bulbs use between 75 percent and 90 percent less energy and have a longer life expectancy than incandescent or quartz lights.

In addition, according to McMahon’s statement said major improvements to Runway 12-30 infrastructure, which has reached the end of its designed service life, will include:
• Replacement of all electrical cable powering runway lights and navigational aids (more than 37 miles of airfield cable and grounding wires).
• Replacement of all the runway edge lights, centerline lights, and runway end lights (128 total light fixtures and transformers).
• Replacement of the runway touchdown zone lights that allow aircraft to safely land in low visibility conditions (180 total base cans, fixtures and transformers).
• Restoration of the runway with new asphalt concrete, grooving, and striping (enough to pave a two-lane road almost 1.5 miles long).

Due to the safety setback requirements of the construction work, there will be temporary runway closures between March 29 and mid-July: Runway 12-30 will be CLOSED NIGHTLY, Sundays through Thursdays, from March 29 to mid-July. In addition, Runway 12-30 will be CLOSED DAILY, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from April 18 to May 24, she said.

Exact dates are subject to change, and details are available on the Airport’s Current Noise Advisories webpage, said the statement.

Both commercial air carriers and general aviation operators are cooperating to ensure the safe and timely completion of this critical project. As with last year’s nighttime closures related to reconstruction of Taxiway L, the Long Beach Airport Association (LBAA) is encouraging LGB-based flight schools to voluntarily reduce their nighttime training maneuvers and fly quieter. LBAA is a nonprofit organization representing LGB tenant members. LBAA’s voluntary program asks flight schools to cease pattern work, which consists of low-altitude practice circuits close to the airport, after 9:59 p.m. on evenings when there is nighttime construction work that closes Runway 12-30, the primary runway.

The FAA requires night training in order to earn and maintain a pilot’s license.
In addition to the guidance about ceasing pattern work after 9:59 p.m., LBAA also provided “How to Fly a Friendly Pattern at LGB” best practices to LGB-based flight schools, master tenants and operators. Recommendations include using the full length of the runway, full power on departure and techniques for achieving maximum altitude.

Long Beach Airport, which has one of the strictest noise control ordinances in the nation, requires that all commercial flights be scheduled between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Operations between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. are allowed if the delays are caused by weather, air traffic or mechanical issues.

McMahon’s statement acknowledged curiosity among residents. She said residents with questions or desiring more information may visit www.lgb.org/noise or contact the Noise Office at lg******@*******ch.gov or 562.570.2665.

Epson cuts ribbon on state-of-the-art Los Al corporate campus

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Epson cuts ribbon on state-of-the-art Los Al corporate campus

Epson hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Los Alamitos-based headquarters on Tuesday, May 9 at 3131 Katella Ave. The ceremony featured remarks from Los Alamitos Mayor Tanya Doby, Epson America president and CEO Keith Kratzberg and Seiko Epson director Koichi Kubota, according to a statement released by the copy.

The new campus serves as Epson’s corporate headquarters for the U.S., Canada and Latin America, overseeing operations for home, office, commercial, and industrial printing, visual communications, wearables, robotics, microdevices, and manufacturing.

Supporting an innovative hybrid program for more than 80% of its workforce, Epson retains remote working flexibility for employees with a six-day per month in-office schedule.

The campus also features a hoteling workspace system, greatly reducing the required physical footprint for staff. This allowed for an expanded Executive Briefing Center serving as a state-of-the-art destination to host customers, partners and community members.
“The innovative Epson campus embodies the lessons we’ve gleaned from relocating during a global pandemic. By leveraging Epson technologies, we’ve optimized the space to boost productivity and foster collaboration, while prioritizing sustainability, community engagement, and employee work-life balance,” said Keith Kratzberg, Epson America president and CEO.

In addition to expanding operations to more than 150,000 square feet in a two-building, environmentally focused facility, the Epson Campus is the physical realization of the Epson 25 Renewed Corporate Vision and how Epson America embodies our mission. Offering one of the leading job markets in California and one of the most diverse populations, Orange County was the right location for the move.\

“We welcome Epson and its employees to the Los Alamitos business community and believe their presence will support a wide range of local businesses, as well as bring new jobs and investment opportunities to the area,” said mayor Tanya Doby. “I firmly believe in the culture and community of Los Alamitos and look forward to the ongoing collaboration to help the area grow and thrive.”

“Our new headquarters is more than just a building; it represents a commitment to growth, innovation and excellence. With state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology, we are better equipped to deliver world-class products and services to our customers,” concluded Kratzberg.

Los Al Medical Center CEO speaks to Chamber

Loreen Berlin
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Los Al Medical Center CEO speaks to Chamber

Los Alamitos Medical Center’s CEO Kent Clayton was guest speaker during the recent Los Al Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast, hosted by Maderas Steak & Ribs Restaurant.
Clayton was introduced by Susan Morales with the Medical Center as being a strong leader who engages with the staff.

“He attends and hosts all of our Employee of the Month events, holds a Breakfast with the CEO event, has a special-parking-drawing each month for the employees who live our I-CARE values and he does spontaneous recognitions,” said Morales. “His strong leadership-style motivates our staff to want to do their best every day for our patients and for the hospital.”

The Los Alamitos Medical Center (LAMC) is an acute care hospital that has been serving the community for more-than 50-years.

Clayton said he’s been with the Medical Center for the past nine-years and that he loves the area; “It’s a great community.”

He shared that his oldest son has just graduated from his alma mater, USC, in four-years, going on to say that his son asked him, “What do you do every day?”
Good question.

Clayton explained to his son that he wears a lot of different hats during the day at work, but mostly, he said, “I expect the unexpected, because we have a lot of different stake holders.”

He went on to explain that there is a lot of up-keep in hospitals and investment in great technology to provide the best for the patients’ well-being and to make sure it’s safe for them in the hospital.

LAMC is a very busy hospital, employing 1,100 employees. Clayton said when they first heard about COVID-19, they did an, “All-hands on deck” approach. “We saw patients from Orange County, Los Angeles and Long Beach.”

He also noted that, “We are a Comprehensive Stroke Center, and we receive many awards at LAMC.”

Clayton said that LAMC treats everyone, even with an up-tick in homelessness, “Because that’s the right thing to do and it’s also the law,” even though the labor shortage is real because of the cost-of-living and burn-out, with people moving to other states where it’s currently more affordable to live than here.

He went on to say that LAMC likes being involved in the community. “We like being visible and having a communicative dialogue.”

LAMC is an acute care hospital; Clayton oversees the strategic, operational and clinical activities for the hospital and its extended campus facilities.

Prior to being the CEO at LAMC, he was at Placentia-Linda Hospital for 10-years, with an impressive track-record of creating a very positive culture, strengthening clinical programs and improving patient care.

His partnership with the medical staff and governing board resulted in acquiring advanced technology and strengthening key service-lines to meet the needs of the community, including notable additions to patient services such as an Orthopedic Destination Center, building a bi-plane cath lab with neuro-interventional capabilities, MAKOTM robot-assisted surgery technology, the addition of a 128- slice CT, and expanding radiation oncology via affiliation with UCLA Health. Through the enhancements, local community involvement, and engaged key stakeholders, the hospital is evolving with the fast-paced healthcare environment.

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