estival Association is thrilled to announce that Vera Jimenez, KTLAs meteorologist and former Garden Grove resident, will serve as the 2023 Celebrity Grand Marshal alongside
“The Dancing Doctor”, PA Tony Adkins, who will serve as our 2023 Theme Grand Marshal for the Garden Grove Strawberry Festival Parade.
Vera Jimenez is KTLA 5s meteorologist for the KTLA 5 News at 5, 6, 6:30, 10 and 11 on weeknights.
Vera was born in Mexico and moved to Southern California when she was 3. Most of her family still lives in Garden Grove. She went to Bolsa Grande High School and Santa Ana Community College.
Vera has earned four Emmys, three Golden Mikes and three Golden Pylons
“It’s an honor to be part of this year’s Garden Grove Strawberry Festival,” said Jimenez. “This festival has been such a special part of this community for over 60 years and the positive energy here is unlike anything else.”
Don’t miss the festivities co-led by our favorite PA on Saturday, May 27, 2023!
Tony Adkins of the Pediatric Neurosurgery Department at CHOC Hospital is a regular dancing sensation, known for spreading joy in the halls of the hospital and the rooms of his patients. While visiting the children he cares for, he exudes KINDNESS.
“The Garden Grove Strawberry Festival is more than a festival, its an opportunity to celebrate the good in our community and bring people together,” said Adkins. “I am happy to be part of it and continue spreading the love.”
The 63rd Annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival is set up to be our best one yet, said Andrea Perez, Festival Association President. “Our event is structured to bring families together, by giving them an unforgettable memory and by supporting our community, by bringing joy, love and helping those in need. This year, our goal is to create an experience that celebrates the kindness of our community and reminds people of the wonderful connections we all share.”
Perez continued with “I am happy to announce that this year’s Strawberry Festival parade is dedicated to the memory of Ric Lerma, a prominent and KIND member of the Garden Grove community, who passed away in February. Ric was the perfect example of our theme, Celebrating Kindness, and we are happy to celebrate and honor his memory during our parade.”
This year’s Strawberry Festival theme is “Celebrating Kindness,” and we couldn’t think of a better person to represent that as our Theme Marshal. Our Theme Grand Marshal will also be joined by Vera Jimenez, KTLA 5s meteorologist, who will serve as our Celebrity Grand Marshal.
On Saturday, April 29, 2023, Long Beach Symphony will present the world premiere of praCh’s KHMERASPORA as part of their Musical Bridges free concerts initiative.
Courtesy photo “Khmeraspora” comes to Long Beach Symphony.
Due to amazing demand, 5PM and 7PM concerts are being offered; the 7 PM concert is sold out. Both concerts will take place at the Long Beach Terrace Theater and are free of charge, but reservations are required. A community gathering will take place on the theater Plaza from 4PM to 9PM delighting participants with a “Night Market,” a variety of foods for purchase, entertainment, curated artistic installations on display in the theater lobby, and a celebration of the Khmer community. Acknowledgements will take place at 6:15 PM.
Reviews for praCh’s work are in:
“praCh‘s incendiary tales of Cambodia’s past, told in the defiant tones of rap, hit Phnom Penh like a B-52 bombing raid.” – NEWSWEEK
“I love it!”– ANGELINA JOLIE
Written and directed by the world-renowned Cambodian American rapper, praCh, KHMERASPORA is a musical performance that tells the Cambodian American experience. Featuring three world premieres by internationally renowned Cambodian composer Chinary Ung, this new presentation is an artistic collaboration that unites musicians from Long Beach Symphony conducted by Music Director Eckart Preu, and Cambodian instrumentalists, dancers, and singers that include choreographer Mea Lath, vocalist Chhom Nimol, violinist Chrysanthe Tan, actress Kalean Ung, the Cambodian Dance Ensemble Modern Apsara, the Ho Chan Ensemble, and flutist Kaitlyn Mady.
The evening will produce a new documentary film by award-winning filmmaker Caylee So and videographer Robert Chhaing-Carleton that will memorialize the project and ensure that KHMERASPORA has a global presence and impact.
This program is part of Long Beach Symphony’s Musical Bridges initiative which seeks to celebrate the many diverse communities in Long Beach through free, collaborative, and multicultural performances. This is only made possible through the generous support of the California Arts Council, Bank of America, Port of Long Beach, the Earl B. and Loraine H. Miller Foundation, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Arts Council for Long Beach, Crown Castle, and Long Beach Vice Mayor Cindy Allen.
The 7PM concert is SOLD OUT. Audiences may reserve tickets for the 5PM concert at www.LongBeachSymphony.org. Reservations are required. The Long Beach Terrace Theater Plaza (300 E. Ocean Blvd.) will open at 4PM.
State Senator Janet Nguyen, who represents a million people from Seal Beach, Buena Park, Cypress, Los Alamitos, Stanton, Westminster, Rossmoor, La Palma, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, San Clemente and areas of Los Angeles County Including Artesia, Cerritos and Hawaiian Gardens, has opened her District Office in downtown Huntington Beach at 301 Main Street, Suite 212.
Huntington Beach City Council Member Casey McKeon said he’s happy about the new office; “She is an excellent leader and representative that makes herself available to her constituents.’’
Huntington Beach City Attorney Michael Gates said: ‘’I’m excited that Senator Nguyen has chosen Huntington Beach for her District Office. We’re proud of her representation and her love for our City.’
“Welcome Senator Nguyen to Main Street Huntington Beach. You and your staff are tireless workers for the people of Huntington Beach and your district far and wide,’’ said California Assembly Member Diane Dixon. ‘’It is an honor to work alongside you in serving the people of Assembly District 72 and Senate District 36.”
Huntington Beach Realty Owner/Surfboard Designer Bob “The Greek” Bolen said; ‘’I think it is great to have Senator Nguyen’s office located in downtown Huntington Beach. What a great opportunity to meet and discuss the issues that concern the community.’’
‘’We are very grateful for Senator Nguyen and all her hard work, commitment and diligence in our community,’’ said Joe Pedick, senior pastor at Calvary Chapel of the Harbour. ‘’In my opinion, she is a great example of a public servant. We pray for continual wisdom and guidance as she serves We The People.’’
Refuge Calvary Chapel Discipleship Leader Michael Rogers said: ‘’Senator Nguyen seems to be very engaged in local issues and events. I’m always impressed how immigrants from other countries that have been ravaged by war and tyranny tend to come to America and fight hard for our traditional values.’’
Senator Nguyen, a Huntington Beach resident, and her family arrived in California from Saigon, Vietnam in 1981. She graduated from UC Irvine and served on The Garden Grove City Council, Orange County Board of Supervisors and in The State Assembly. Nguyen can be contacted at: https://sr36.senate.ca.gov or you can come to her new District Office or call her at: 714-374-4000.
Seal Beach Symphony will host a Mother’s Day recital from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., on May 14, at Old Ranch Country Club, at 3901 Lampson Ave., Seal Beach.
“We are happy to announce our inaugural Mother’s Day recital. We are excited to invite our community to a quaint afternoon of exquisite music. The event will include a cash bar and passed appetizers,” according to the Symphony.
“This Mother’s Day, we welcome you to our gathering of international artists celebrating Mom, at The Old Ranch Country Club. From Australia, Pianist Van-Anh Ngyuen will thrill the audience with selections from Chopin & Debussy. Coloratura Soprano Hila Plitman will wow us with the fireworks of Mozart’s Queen of the night. Our Concert Master, Myroslava Khomik, will impress us with Vivaldi and Massenet. While Artist In Residence Teresa Mai joins us always ready to stun and Artistic Director Chad Berlinghieri will present a few classics, including the Italian favorite Mamma,” according to the announcement.
urte“Individual ticket pricing ranges from $25 to $125 allowing an opportunity for all to attend. VIP tables and event sponsorship opportunities are available. All ticket purchases and sponsorships are tax deductible. For more information, please visit our website at sealbeachsymphony.org or via phone at 562-509-8640,” according to the Symphony.
“Please join us in celebrating a special day with our moms.”
It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster ride, but the Long Beach State softball team continues to keep itself in race for a Big West Conference Championship. In its last two series, against UC San Diego and UC Santa Barbara, Long Beach dropped the first game, but rebounded to win the next two and both series.
It’s a tight race in the conference, but The Beach entered this week tied for first place with Cal State Fullerton at 11-4 in conference. UC Davis and Santa Barbara are both 10-5 and Hawaii is 9-6. Los Alamitos High product and Long Beach third baseman Carly Robbins said the team is embracing the tight race for a title.
“We’re definitely excited, we use that as fuel,” Robbins said.
Robbins has played in 37 games this year and started 35. She redshirted last year as a Division 1 transfer from University of South Carolina, but has been among the team leaders in offensive production. She is second in batting average and second in hits with 34 on the season. She has scored 14 runs and is tied for second in RBIs with 12.
“It’s a team effort and so we kind bounce off each other,” Robbins said of the teams offense.
Junior outfielder Sara Olsen is leading the team in on-base percentage and runs scored with 22. The team has six players in double digit runs scored and five with 11 or more RBIs. Sophomore Jacquelyn Bickar leads the team in RBIs with 15. For Robbins, she said approaching each at-bat as a situational opportunity.
“I definitely have a team mindset, so every at bat I’m looking to benefit the team, score the run, move the runner over, it’s not necessarily for the hit,” Robbins said.
If the Beach can regain the consistency they had early in the year, they should be a contender for the conference title. In the loss to UC San Diego, the offense was stymied by pitcher Jada Cecil who was able to keep Long Beach off balance with a one-hit shutout. Beach starter Shannon Haddad pitched a solid game, allowing just one run on five hits in six innings.
But The Beach bounced back in the next two games, beating San Diego by scores of 5-0 and 3-2. Against Santa Barbara, Long Beach followed up a 6-3 loss with 5-0 and 9-0 wins. Haddad allowed only two hits and struck out nine in the 5-0 win and she pitched four innings in the 9-0 win, allowing just one hit and striking out 4.
Haddad (9-7) leads the team in ERA at 2.08 and strikeouts with 92. Eryka Gonzales is 4-3 with a 2.62 ERA
“I think our pitching has done a really good job overall,” Head Coach Kim Sowder said.
Long Beach is hosting UCLA today at 6 p.m. in a non-conference game and then will be back in conference action with a three-game homestand against Cal Poly San Luis Obisbo on Saturday and Sunday. They will play a double-header on Saturday at 3 and 5:30 p.m. and then play at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
There are nine games left on the conference schedule, including a three-game homestand against CSU Fullerton that might loom large if The Beach can regain their early-season form.
“Early on we were just doing all parts well, we were putting everything together and finding a way,” Sowder said.
As for Robbins, she is just happy to be home after a year at South Carolina that was cut short by injury. Despite the heavy rainy season this year, she said the weather is something she definitely missed her. She also said the location, city and proximity to home is much more to her liking.
“It feels great, I always have a good group of people in the stands supporting me … I couldn’t ask for anything more,” Robbins said.
A local Boy Scout troop has not only recovered from the pandemic, but the troop took top prizes over the weekend and put their stills to the test as they helped extinguish a real-life truck fire.
According to the results reported by Troop 670, the “Roughriders of Cypress,” scouting is making a comeback like many other traditions following COVID, announcing a very successful “camporee” over the weekend.
In a report filed by Aaron Chu, the Scout Reporter for Troop 670, which now includes more than 30 Scouts from Cypress, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach and Garden Grove, the Golden West District Camporee held at the Firestone Scout Reservation in Brea over the weekend was a smashing success.
“We believe that our troop’s story of success and dedication would be of interest to your readers,” said Chu, “particularly those interested in scouting, youth activities, and community involvement.”
The Camporee is a district-wide event involving several Troops from across north Orange County, where they display their Scout skills and spend three days and two nights in patrol competitions, he said.
When all was said and done, Chu said local Boy Scout Troop 670 returned with seven patrol awards, “including the Best Overall Troop Spirit Award.”
Moreover, the camping and emergency skills were put to a real life test, said Chu, when one of the pickup trucks caught fire.
“There was an unfortunate opportunity for our youth to put their skills to the test arose as they were leaving the Scout reservation on Sunday afternoon,” said Chu.
“Just as they entered the public roadway, a pickup truck was seen to have caught fire. One of our Scout Leaders, Nathan Walker, immediately pulled over to lend assistance, said Chu.
“Another Scout saw a suspicious character running away in the opposite direction. Not knowing if there were other occupants in the vehicle, Mr. Walker approached the pickup with a fire extinguisher and opened the door through the flames,” he said.
“Thankfully, there were no other occupants in the truck. In the meantime, one of the Scouts had contacted 911 and calmly provided detailed information to the operator, allowing for a quick response by the Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department.
“The quick action and calm demeanor, which are key messages in the Emergency Preparedness Merit Badge, proved invaluable in this instance and highlight the many values that Scouting has to offer,” said Chu.
Troop 670 at the Camporee in Brea. Courtesy photo
“These Scouts and Scouters truly lived up to the Scout Motto and exemplified the Scout Law,” Chu added.
Chu said Troop 670 was founded in Cypress in 1967 and is chartered by Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church. The Troop has produced over 160 Eagle Scouts in its more than 50 years of existence and has a long history of winning awards at Camporee, providing amazing Summer Camp opportunities, monthly Troop outings, and an awesome high adventure program.
Since 1967, he said Troop 670 has welcomed scouts from nearby cities, including Seal Beach, Los Alamitos, Cypress, and Garden Grove. Over the past 55 years, the troop has proudly produced more than 80 Eagle Scouts.
Additionally, Chu said the local Troop 670 has earned the Best Overall Troop Spirit Award at the Golden West District Camporee for over ten years in a row. The troop holds meetings every Monday at 7:00 pm and organizes monthly outings such as camping, biking, and hiking, he said. They also have a team of dedicated counselors who help scouts earn merit badges.
He thanked current and former Scoutmasters Ron Hill, Dan Lee and April Walker for their assistance.
“We hope that you will consider sharing our story and help us spread the word about the good work that Troop 670 is doing in our community,” said scout reporter Aaron Chu in his email message.
The Los Alamitos Area Chamber Commerce orchestrated a special networking luncheon for the month of April, hosted by Epson America, 3131 Katella Ave.
Los Alamitos High School Coach Ray Fenton, with more-than 30 years of high school coaching was the guest speaker on Team Building.
“This is a day of thanks,” said Chamber Chairperson Nesi Stewart, owner of PrintMasters of Los Alamitos. “We thank Epson for hosting our luncheon today and to Coach Fenton for being our speaker and for everyone in attendance.
Epson America President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Kratzberg thanked everyone from the City for the way the City has supported their company for and during their build-out at Epson. “It’s been a very positive experience with the City; thank you for the great job,” he said. “This has been a record year for us in the Americas as of March 31st and we have a great future.”
Fenton spoke of transforming 14-year-old students who join his sports teams at Los Alamitos High School. “It’s my responsibility to motivate kids and we have to find a way to do that; it’s high maintenance,” he said. “As a coach now days, we get to be transformational; not just teach a student to be a good player but a transformer of life and to be the best person in their life, teach them to serve their team members and to develop people; transform their lives.”
Fenton asked, “Is the student committed? We need to teach them to be committed and to be on time. We need to teach the kids what to do on the field and teach them how to do it.”
He continued that students need to respect everyone because everyone came from somewhere and in the same way, he said he can see what each person is about.
In order to have a working relationship together, it’s necessary to have trust in each other. “With an event, there is a response, an outcome and we need to build accountability; the student needs to first check-in and then warm-up with the team.
When one student didn’t do that in the proper order, he was sent to a regular Physical Ed class until he showed he could follow the rules before returning to Coach Fenton’s class.
The structure of a program is what makes great people.
“We need to teach them what they did wrong; relationships are extremely important; we expect coaches to make kids better people and I take that responsibility as extremely important.”
His high school coaching career began at River Valley High School in Mohave Valley, Arizona. After a successful run and completely turning around the Dust Devils program he headed for Las Vegas.
There, he opened a new school in the Henderson area by the name of Foothill; while at Foothill, he was able to lead the Falcons to become a top 10 team in the nation.
Also, at Foothill he won countless awards including the Nevada State Coach Of The Year. In addition to coaching, Fenton won the Heroism Award from the Clark County School District while showing great courage during a bus accident after a game.
At the peak of his success in Las Vegas, Cypress High School, his alma mater, happened to have a job opening and he saw that as an opportunity to come back home, accepting a job with the Cypress High School Centurions.
Moving back to California, he led the Centurions to a CIF championship in 2007.
Because of a budget crisis in the Anaheim Union High School District, Fenton left Cypress and found his way to Fountain Valley High School, coaching the Barons for three years before replacing the legendary John Barnes at Los Alamitos High School.
In only a short time with the Griffins he has led them to two Sunset League Titles and to the CIF Semi Finals.
The Cypress Chamber of Commerce will host John Pietro, a marketing professional and certified mentor from SCORE, as our guest speaker at the May Networking Breakfast. Our event will be held Tuesday, May 9th at the Residence Inn by Marriott at 4931 Katella Avenue, Cypress/Los Alamitos starting at 7:30 a.m. John has worked as a marketer for decades handling a variety of clients and projects. He will be sharing his advice on the 9th in his program called “Ask a Marketer.” Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions about what would work best for promoting for their business and our special guest will tackle those questions.
John Pietro was Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for both Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies and worked at mid-size and larger ad agencies over his extensive career. He also owned and operated his own agency before retiring. John continues to share his marketing expertise in retirement as a consultant. For the past decade he has done workshops and mentoring for the O.C. office of SCORE. His popular workshops for SCORE include “Ask a Marketer” and “Marketing Without Money,” among others.
Each Chamber breakfast attendee will also have an opportunity to stand to introduce themselves and share a little about their business before the program begins.
Reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot for the monthly breakfasts and can be made online. Cost of the breakfast is $25.00. Early Bird Registration is $20.00. Attendees are also welcome to bring along a door prize to promote their product or service.
The program will include time for live networking, self-introductions, a breakfast buffet, our guest speaker’s program.
The Chamber breakfasts, which are open to the public, are held on the second Tuesday of every month. Space will be limited. To assure your seat, pre-register on the chamber website:
https://www.cypresschamber.org/events/details/may-networking-breakfast-2023-2677
At a time when voters are more concerned than ever about the dominance of Big Money in politics, Senator Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana) and Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San José) have introduced parallel bills, SB 24 and AB 270, to restore control to local governments and the State by allowing them to enact new options for election campaign funding.
Five California charter cities currently empower voters by providing public financing matching funds or democracy vouchers to help voters support qualified candidates, but state law currently bars counties, districts, general law cities, and the State from offering public funds for campaigns. SB 24 and AB 270 would put a measure on the November 2024 ballot to remove the ban.
In 2016, the Legislature passed SB 1107 (Allen), signed by Governor Jerry Brown, which would have removed the ban, but the courts ruled that the question must be put before the voters. SB 24 and AB 270 would do so by putting a measure on the November 2024 ballot.
“In historic votes, overwhelming bipartisan majorities in both Houses of the Legislature voted seven years ago to give local governments and the State the option to enact public financing laws,” said SB 24 author Senator Umberg, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “It’s long past time for California voters to have their say in the matter and SB 24 and AB 270 will do exactly that on next year’s ballot.”
“Public financing of campaigns is the best way to empower voters, increase diversity of candidates running for office, and give voters confidence that Big Money can’t just buy their elections,” said Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San José), author of AB 270.
Elected officials and those running for office spend a significant amount of time soliciting donations. Public financing of campaigns can reduce the influence of money in elections and lead to more diverse candidates running for office that better reflect the communities they seek to represent.
“Voters across the political spectrum know that the crushing expense of campaigning can prevent great candidates from making it through the electoral process. This bill creates a path by enabling public financing systems that reduce reliance on special interests and amplify the voices of grassroots communities,” said Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica), the author of SB 1107 of 2016 and now a joint author of SB 24.
Moreover, approximately 79% of likely California voters said that Big Money campaign contributors have too much influence over elected officials in California, and 68% said that ordinary voters have too little influence, according to a 2019 poll by the California Clean Money Campaign. That may be why voters in charter cities have passed public financing measures by large majorities when given the opportunity. 75% voted for Los Angeles’ Measure H in 2011, 65% voted for Berkeley’s Measure X1 in 2016, and 74% voted for Oakland’s Measure W last year.
A broad coalition of state, local, and national organizations supported SB 1107 in 2016, and over 57,000 Californians signed petitions urging the legislature to pass it and Governor Brown to sign it.
“It was very disappointing for the courts to rule that the legislature doesn’t have power to give local governments and the State the option to pass public campaign financing laws,” said Trent Lange, President of the California Clean Money Campaign, sponsor of SB 24 and AB 270. “That’s why we’re so grateful that Senator Umberg and Assemblymember Lee are taking the lead to give voters the opportunity to remove the ban on public financing and thereby give counties, districts, general law cities, and the State the ability to explore publicly funded election systems that work for them.”
By allowing California voters to remove the ban on public financing, SB 24 and AB 270 will give local governments and the State the same flexibility to explore better campaign funding options currently available to only charter cities. SB 24 will be heard in the Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee and AB 270 will be heard in the Assembly Elections Committee in April.
The Los Alamitos High boys volleyball team grabbed a big win as their season is about to come to an end. The Griffins pulled off a championship run with 5-0 run at the Kennedy High tournament to capture the Gold Bracket Championship over the weekend. In regular pool play the Griffins beat Garden Grove, Mark Keppel, and then Cerritos High schools to advance to the playoffs in the Gold Division where they beat Kennedy High School, then Orange Lutheran High in a nail biter that went to three sets. Pictured above are the Griffins, back row, from left, are: Jette Estes, Noah De Bie, Cole Wachter, Nate Baddeley, Isaac Igo, Adrian Parra, Brayden Ortiz, CJ Simonetti, Jackson McDonald, Gunnar Totorp, Coach Jevan Coronado, and Luke Tannourji. Bottom, from left, are: Stuart Milligan, Ian Pokorny, Enzo Kerley, Hunter Reents, and Joshua Beeney. Seniors are pictured below, from left to right: Team Manager: Jackson MacDonald, Christian Simonetti, Braidyn Ortiz, Nate Baddeley, Cole Wachter, Hunter Reents, and Stuart Milligan.
The Los Alamitos High softball team went into their spring break playing nine games in a nine-day span. But the Griffins had little trouble in that stretch, winning all nine, with only two games ending as close a two-run wins.
After the Carew Classic Tournament at the start of April, the Griffins rolled off four league wins in five days and capped the run into the break with a 9-1 win over South Hills in a non-league game on Saturday.
Photo by Ted Apodaca
On Thursday, the Griffins hosted Newport Harbor on a day when they also had youth softball players in attendance, inviting some of the youngsters to join them on the field for pre-game introductions. Head Coach Rob Weil admitted the team was a little lackluster at the start of the game. All the fanfare may have contributed to the slow start, but Griffins eventually pulled away for a 6-0 win.
“They know how to turn it on and turn it off, it’s a very talented team,” Weil said.
Weil gave the day off two No. 1 pitcher, senior Berkley Vance as well as junior Cari Ferguson. But the Griffin defense, behind that pitching battery of Josephine Marsh, Layni Kimura and Alexis Montez, the Griffins were able to keep Newport off the scoreboard.
The Griffins were blanked in the first two innings, but opened the third with three consecutive singles by Julie Holcomb, Giselle Alvarez and Gabby Terrones that scored the first two runs. Terrones moved to third on a flyout and then scored on an errant throw.
With two outs, Isabelle Rodriguez drew a walk and then came home on a double by Malayna Terrones. The Griffins would add two more in the fifth inning on a two-run double by Paige Kingery.
Photo by Ted Apodaca Isabelle Rodriguez snags a grounder to second base.
The Griffins are 17-2 on the season and 6-0 in Sunset League play. Their only two losses have come against Norco High. But two recent league losses by Norco have dropped them to second in the current CIF-SS Division 1 rankings, behind No. 1 Los Al. The Griffins will be back in league play on Monday at Newport Harbor at 3:15 p.m. They will play at Huntington Beach on Tuesday at 6 p.m. and then host Marina on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
They also have one more test against a tough division opponent when they play at Pacifica High on April 21 at 3:15 p.m. The Griffins have the making of a serious CIF championship team and Weil said he feels like they are almost playoff ready.
“I think we’re right there,” Weil said. “Obviously you don’t want to peak too early … but the biggest thing is that we play hard every day and we get better one percent every week and I think we’ll have ourselves prepared when it comes CIF time.”
The Los Alamitos High girls 4×800 relay team continues to impress as they shaved 13 seconds off their time at the Arcadia Invitational and took home third place in what is annually one of the toughest high school track meets in the country. A meet record of 690 schools, from 36 states were registered to compete at this year’s event. Thirty-three current national records were set at Arcadia. Pictured, from left are relay team members, Ruby Flaim, Kaitlyn McQuillen, Olivia Bettinger, and Stevie Holguin.
Take a trip to Paris as it comes to life post-World War II with tap, jazz, ballet, and a romance for the ages! Long Beach’s premier musical theater company, Musical Theatre West (MTW), is excited to debut its spring production of An American in Paris this April. The charming musical will have audiences falling in love alongside Lise and Jerry as they learn about each other through their unique languages of dance. A reimagined rendition of the musical, award-winning Director and Choreographer Jeffry Denman is bringing his updated staging of the production to the West Coast for the first time, including a revolving stage.
MTW’s production of An American in Paris will run on select dates, April 14 – April 30, 2023 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center on the California State University, Long Beach campus. Get ready for this uplifting and inspired production and prepare to be swept away for an incredible night out in Paris, right here in Long Beach! To purchase tickets and learn more, please visit musical.org.
DETAILS:
In the aftermath of World War II, the streets of Paris will capture the energy and spirit of post-war France in a once-in-a-lifetime romance drawn to life in Musical Theatre West’s production of An American in Paris. Based on the hit 1951 movie starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron, this updated take on the classic musical combines the elegance of the original Broadway musical with the magic of the movies. George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin’s soaring melodies and memorable lyrics leave the audience enchanted by favorites like “‘S Wonderful,” “Shall We Dance?”, and “I Got Rhythm.” Jazz, tap, ballet, and a rotating set will all grace the stage in Director/Choreographer Jeffry Denman’s fresh look at the classic tale, which pays homage to the original film. Lise and Jerry’s story invites the audience to step back in time to see how love conquers all. The emotional dances express the musicality of the story, and combine with the fan-favorite score to enhance the magic. Enjoy thirteen incredible performances throughout April, including a preview show on April 14. The official opening night is on April 15 and will include a special pre-show celebration by the Jazz Angels. An ASL-interpreted performance will take place on April 21.
WHERE:
Carpenter Performing Arts Center at Cal State Long Beach
6200 E Atherton St, Long Beach, CA 90815
TICKETS:
Tickets are available now and range from $20 – $125. Purchase online or call 562-856-1999
$15 student rush tickets available at the door 1-hour prior to showtime, with ID
ASL-interpreted performance will be Friday, April 21
The story of Musical Theatre West is the 71-year journey from a group of volunteers performing in a high school auditorium to one of the largest and most respected theatrical production companies in Southern California.
Utilizing professional talent, and producing regional and even world premiere musicals while continuing to honor the tradition of classic musical theatre, MTW is the largest arts producer in the Long Beach area. The company continues to receive critical acclaim and national recognition – and many performers who cut their teeth on the MTW stage have gone on to successful careers on Broadway and in television and film. Just as importantly, stage and screen veterans now come to Musical Theatre West to perform, finding it to be one of the friendliest and most fun venues to work in.
A key aspect of the company is its dedication to education, and the Education and Outreach Programs of Musical Theatre West bring the joy and magic of musical theater to over 17,000 children each year through special morning performances, traveling shows and school assemblies, and the Summer Youth Conservatory. Musical Theatre West has a mission to enrich the community with Broadway-quality productions, preserve musical theatre as a unique American art form, and expose people of all backgrounds to the excitement of musical theatre. We hope you’ll join us.
Although Chuck Wackerman did not live quite long enough to enjoy the 50th Anniversary of the prodigious event he founded, his spirit was alive and well Saturday as the community, and student musicians paid tribute to the legendary music teacher.
Wackerman, who passed away in August of 2021, began an event as a young music teacher at McAuliffe Middle School to raise money to support students learning to play jazz. Originally called “Class Notes,” the event has grown into “Spotlight Jazz” but organizers say follows the same basic formula dreamed by Wackerman.
Parents, teachers, and music supporters filled the Los Alamitos High School Performing Arts Center Saturday for “Spotlight 50,” the 50th Anniversary of a fundraising event that was started back in the 1970s by a young music teacher.
Over the past five decades, the event has evolved into a star-studded event featuring student musicians from the Los Alamitos Unified School system and top industry professionals who accompany them.
“Tonight, the student performers are the stars,” wrote Justin Padilla, the LAHS director of Jazz and Orchestra, in the official program, “but this event is dedicated to one of the greatest jazz educators [Wackerman] the musical world has ever known.”
Robert Harrell leads the Oak Middle School jazz band during Spotlight Jazz 50. Photo by Andrew Ficke
The three+ hour musical extravaganza featured performances by the Oak and McAuliffe Middle School jazz bands, three LAHS jazz bands, and performances by world-class drummer Chad Wackerman (son), vocals by “rising-star” Sophia James (granddaughter) and trumpet solos by John Daversa, a Grammy-winning composer and trumpet player.
Daversa also serves as Chair of Studio Music and Jazz at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami.
Over the years, said Padilla, “music directors have nurtured the hearts and minds of thousands of student musicians.”
Oak Middle School, under the musical direction of Robert Harrell, opened the event with performances of Duke Ellington’s Cotton Tail, Shiny Stockings by Frank Foster and Tour de Force by Dizzy Gillespie.
Los Alamitos Jazz III, under Padilla’s direction, opened with Such Sweet Thunder by Duke Ellington, then rounded out its set with Prayer Meetin’ by Matt Harris and Los Changos Valando by Mike Dana.
McAuliffe Middle School’s jazz band, under the direction of Frank Fontaine, opened with Easy to Love by Cole Porter, Nardis by Miles Davis and Cute by Neal Hefti.
Fontaine, who graduated from the Manhattan School of Music in 2012, paid tribute to Chad Wackerman, telling the crowd when he lived with former college roommates in North Hollywood, “we’d have to scrape dollars” to go down to “The Baked Potato,” a local jazz club, “just to hear Wackerman play drums. He played with some really cool artists.”
Fontaine said he was honored to have Wackerman accompany the middle school jazz band on drums for one of their three songs.
Following intermission, Padilla directed LAHS Jazz II through Sweet Georgia Brown by Sammy Nestico, Isfahan by Billy Strayhorn and Zebrano by Andrew Neu.
At this point, the program began meandering to a creative conclusion. First, Padilla brought the special guests to the front of the stage in a talk-show setup, wherein the artists spoke freely about their careers (see related story).
In addition, the guest artists broke into freestyle on stage, with Daversa bringing out his EVI (electronic value instrument), joined by Wackerman on drums, James on vocals, accompanied by the Los Al Unified music directors, including Harrell on bass and Padilla on alto sax and local professionals Sam Ross on piano and Scott Johnson on guitar.
In a rare moment, the professionals reversed roles, grabbed their instruments and perfoermed rheir own selection. Photo by Andrew Ficke
They jammed through Daversa’s arrangement of You’ve Got That Thing by Cole Porter with James on vocals. Incidentally, James announced she had recently signed her “first record deal.”
Padilla then directed Los Al’s Jazz I through You Gotta Try Harder by Sammy Nestico, Almost Like Being in Love by Frederick Loewe and Central Park West by John Coltrane.
“Now we’re going to have a drum-off,” Padilla told the crowd, inviting Wackerman to an extended drum solo, after which every student drummer from each of the five performing groups took turns on a second drumset next to Wackerman, leading each of the students into their solos and mixing the beats to give each of them their own moments in the limelight.
Two middle school and three high school jazz bands joined the professionals for Spotlight Jazz 50. Photo by Andrew Ficke. Photo by Andrew Ficke
Throughout the evening, student soloists were featured during each tune, as the three professionals alternated with their accompaniment on the various tunes.
The event closed with Cheeks, a tune composed by Daversa and featured an extended opening passage between Daversa, playing his unique EVI, and Wackerman on drums, followed by a finale at which every student musician was invited back on stage as Padilla paid tribute to the late, great Chuck Wackerman.
Also, between the sets, Padilla introduced the guests, including Diana Hill and Marlys Davidson, both trustees from the school district, and presented various recognitions to the multitude of professionals, students, and parents whose work and dedication made the event possible.
He gave special recognition to the sponsors, band boosters, and the Spotlight Committee, especially co-chairs Andrea Howe and Paurvi Trivedi.
The event’s program featured photos of Chuck Wackerman’s career and the booklet paid homage to the 2023 seniors.
Before the event began, the Spotlight committee held a VIP dinner inside the new campus media lab.
Ironically, it was also a great career night for Padilla, as school officials announced he was the LAHS Teacher of the Year for 2023.
“It was a spectacular evening attended by over 500 guests celebrating the 50th Anniversary Spotlight Concert. It was a beautiful tribute to Chuck Wackerman and so meaningful to have his family performing alongside the middle school and high school jazz bands,” said Spotlight Jazz co-director Paurvi Trivedi.
“It was an iconic event that will be remembered as a tour de force on so many levels,” she said.
“I love seeing how everybody comes together in such a great service,” said Daversa. “It comes from these folks up here and everybody out there in the audience and it is all to serve these young students here, so that warms my heart.”
After grilling by a city council member, city attorney Michael Daudt said he sees no conflict of interest in a string of messages between a Los Al former interim city manager and city officials inside the Los Al Planning office regarding a potential project in the city.
The proposed Lampson Project came up again during the Council’s March meeting, as one citizen revealed text and email messages between Les Johnson and Los Al city officials that have raised eyebrows.
Johnson is a former planner and interim city manager at Los Alamitos. He left Los Al to become Community Services Director in Seal Beach. Not long thereafter, he retired and went into the private sector.
Johnson is now Director of Planning at T&B Planning, the Irvine planning firm hired by developers to assist in developing the Lampson project.
Although city officials suggest no actual project has been proposed, they conceded that they have been presented with mock-ups and other specifics about a 246-unit housing project that has many area residents concerned.
During oral communications, Helen Knisley revealed 26 pages of text messages between current city officials and former Los Al interim city manager Les Johnson about topics including what is expected to be the Lampson Project.
“I have a list of emails that were sent between Tom Oliver [Los Al planner] and Les Johnson that dated back to 2019,” she told the Council.
The ENE has received a copy of the message exchanges from Los Alamitos to confirm their validity.
Thus, the exchange of emails and text messages has apparently become of interest.
Knisley said the messages show the back-and-forth began in 2019 and has continued.
The correspondence between the city and Johnson “continued for a couple of years before the public was even made aware of the [West Ed] building being sold,” she told the Council.
The federal government sold the commercial building and the 12.4 acres of property associated therewith at auction in 2021, and developers that paid $26.5 million for the property are proposing the Lampson project.
Knisley said she obtained the information through a public information request and city clerk Windy Quintanar confirmed that it took a few months to capture all of the comments requested in the Public Records Act request.
“There’s a lot of hidden information in here that the public was never made aware of. We’d like to be part of it. We need to be part of it,” she said.
In one exchange, she said Oliver asked Johnson if he wanted the city to take down an anti-Lampson project sign that had been erected.
“Would you like us to take it down,” she quoted Oliver asking Brown? “And, of course, Les says yes, for sure, ‘if you could do that, we’d appreciate it.’”
While the messages are revealing, Johnson has not been accused of doing anything improper or having a conflict of interest.
The toughest grilling came from City Council member Emily Hibard, who along with Trisha Murphy grilled city officials.
After learning that this request was made months ago, Murphy wanted to know why she and Hibard were not given a copy of the correspondence.
Quintanar said they would receive a copy after the meeting.
Hibard honed in on the Daudt, the city attorney.
“Are you familiar with the content of these text messages and emails?” she asked Daudt.
“Yes, I am,” said Daudt.
“From what you have seen, do you see any conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest in what’s in here?” she asked.
“I do not,” he said.
“The only thing I would offer,” said Daudt, “as an additional admonishment on this is that those PRA requests and text messages themselves relate specifically to the Lampson project, which is not an item before the City Council tonight or on the agenda for consideration.”
“So I’m happy to answer brief questions you may have, but I’d hesitate to go into a full-blown discussion of those text messages or their relationship to the Lampson Project and it’s potential entitlements,” the city attorney said.
Going further into it, Daudt suggested, would be problematic “since it hasn’t been agendized as a discussion item tonight.”
Daudt did acknowledge, however, that the messages did have a “tangential relationship” because of the legislative rezoning that was on the agenda.
“Won’t you expand on that tangential relationship for me?” Hibard continued.
“The Lampson project site is included in a host of other properties that are being rezoned in connection with the general plan housing element. But it is not a project or site-specific approval that’s on the agenda this evening.”
“Lampson is involved in the larger rezoning,” he said, “but none of the correspondence is specific to that action in terms of the legislative action that the city took at the last meeting,” Daudt said.
Daudt also said city council members are not generally made aware of the information being sought via public record requests.
He said Johnson is simply a former Community Development Director “who has moved on to a private entity who is processing the Lampson site,” the city attorney said.
“So possibly there is something here,” asked Hibard.
“To the extent that the legislative rezoning applies citywide, and to the extent the [Lampson project site] property is located within the city, it applies,” said Daudt.
“And in your legal perspective, you don’t see any conflicts of interest between the content
of this and rezoning?” Hibard asked a final time.
“I do not,” again said Daudt.
Anaheim Police are investigating the death of a 24-year-old La Palma woman found dead March 17 inside an Anaheim apartment.
According to a press release, Anaheim Police Department officers were dispatched to the apartment, located in the 1900 block of S. Union Street after receiving reports of “suspicious circumstances.” Upon arrival, they found the body of Mirelle Mateus deceased inside.
After an initial investigation, detectives determined Mateus’s ex-boyfriend, Aaron Romo, 36, to be a suspect in the killing, authorities said.
“Homicide detectives responded to the scene and determined that Mateus was murdered and identified Romo as the suspect,” a statement from APD said. “Later that day, Romo was arrested in Riverside County.”
Romo was booked for murder and is being held without bail, police said.
“Detectives believe Romo has assaulted other women in the past and are asking anyone with previous contact with Romo to come forward,” said a statement released by Anaheim Police.
Aaron Romero has now been charged in the case. Photo courtesy of the Anaheim PD.
“This man has had a long history of doing this. He should have been in jail a long time ago,” her sister Sandy said. “My sister could have still been here today. It’s just so unfortunate my sister had to pay that price, but my sister’s death is not gonna be in vain.”
The loved ones of Mirelle gathered to raise funds and awareness for victims of domestic violence in her honor on Saturday. The family gathered for a fundraiser on Saturday at the All Women’s Private Gym in Fullerton, where Mateus often worked out.
“She was my angel,” Alice Mateus, Mirelle’s mother, was reported to have said through tears at the fundraising event. “He’s evil. I told her all the time.”
Little did the family, or Mateus know, that Romo was charged in December with felony domestic violence and battery charges. He was out on bond at the time of the killing.
The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help defray funeral expenses and to make donations to other victims of domestic abuse.
They issued the following statement issued by Mirelle’s sister Sandy.
“My mother Alice Mateus & I with our shattered hearts would like to let you all know that we’ve lost one of our most sacred precious beings in our life that God blessed us with.
Mirelle Nicolle Mateus was a 24-year-old student, hard worker, loving daughter, amazing sister, the best aunt to her niece & nephews, great friend, over all a very special caring generous person with a heart so pure & full of love. She was murdered by her ex-boyfriend yesterday. In the process of bringing justice to her, we ask for any kind of donation even a sharing this link will be gratefully appreciated. All donations will be used to give my baby the best burial she deserves. Ill be keeping everyone updated with information. A press conference will be released this week. Thank you for all of the donations, condolences & prayers. Our family appreciates you all.”
The GoFundMe campaign can be reached using key words Mirelle and La Palma.
Because the investigation is ongoing, Anaheim detectives have declined to elaborate on evidence or to discuss possible motives.
Anyone with information related to the homicide or Romo is urged to contact the Anaheim PD at 714-321-3669 or the Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS or www.occrimestoppers.org.
The Los Alamitos Show Choir returned from New York City on Monday to a hero’s welcome after a winning weekend at the Heart of America National Show Choir competition held this past weekend.
Students pose at LAHS after returning from NYC to a heroes reception. Courtesy photo
Both Sound FX, the advanced mixed show choir, and Soundtrax, the advanced women’s show choir, earned top honors, according to Nichole Pichardo, the Los Alamitos Unified School District public information officer.
Sound FX was named the Grand Champion of the entire event and earned awards for Best Visuals, Best Show Design, and Best Costumes. This marks the 16th National Championship Title for Sound FX, she said.
Soundtrax earned a first runner-up title as well as awards for Best Costumes and Best Visuals.
This event is breaking news and we will have a complete report next week.
One unique aspect of the Spotlight Jazz concerts, at least in recent years, is a unique opportunity to hear directly from professionals as LAHS Director of Jazz and Orchestra Justin Padilla convenes a mini-talk show in the middle of the performance to allow the audience to hear directly from guest artists.
This year was no different, per se, except for the fact that among those being interviewed were the son and granddaughter of the man whose musical tree now stretches through generations of Los Al families.
Chad Wackerman, the legendary music teacher’s eldest son, spoke with emotion as he remembered his father.
Introspective artists Photo by Andrew Ficke
“He taught music for 66 years,” said Wackerman, noting that his dad’s ability to teach music was sidelined only by COVID. The elder Wackerman passed away towards the end of the COVID pandemic (August 2022).
“Towards the end, I remember one of my dad’s friends asking him about what he missed about teaching music,” his son said. “Everything,” was the late music teacher’s reply.
“My dad loved big band jazz,” said Chad Wackerman.
Wackerman said his dad started teaching at J.R. McGaugh Elementary school long before it became associated with the Los Alamitos Unified School District.
In those days, there were few or no resources to teach jazz to elementary school students. The late Wackerman had to call on friends in the profession to arrange music and soon organized a “Class Notes” fundraiser where his students could perform with professionals, his son said Saturday.
Chad Wackerman Photo by Andrew Ficke
“It was a great combination of what my dad started 50 years ago,” he said.
Wackerman is a professional drummer and the eldest of Chuck Wackerman’s four sons, Chad, Bob, John and Brooks, all of whom are professional musicians.
He said his dad started an elementary school jazz program in 1971. At 10 years old, Chad said he joined his dad’s first elementary school jazz band at McGaugh.
Ironically, the younger Wackerman did not learn directly from their dad, at least not in the beginning.
“My dad didn’t believe in teaching his own kids,” said Chad Wackerman, who is a world-class drummer.
The elder Wackerman, however, apparently had a plan. He sent his son to Louie Bellson, one of the greatest jazz drummers to ever slap the skins.
Bellson himself was too busy to teach but he sent Wackerman to his own teacher, where Wackerman said he, and his dad, learned much “from an amazing drum guru.” Wackerman said he ultimately had two teachers, one for technique and one for reading music.
In fact, he said Bellson, and other pros, came to play at the first-ever fundraising concert 50 years ago.
“He came and played with the kids. Kind of like we’re getting to do today. And you know, that stuff is super inspiring and builds our confidence in bands, and more individual confidence.”
Wackerman said his dad, although sufficiently skilled to become a professional, instead chose a different path.
“Rather than being a professional musician, he decided to teach kids jazz. Why not?” said Wackerman. “Dad’s passion for music was real…you just felt it in the room,” he said
“He was just incredibly, incredibly dedicated and brought joy and passion to the kids,” said Chad Wackerman Saturday.
“My origin story starts with Chuck,” said Sophia Wackerman James, Chad’s daughter and Chuck’s granddaughter.
She said her grandfather was the “musical patriarch of the family. He instilled a love of music in all of us,” she said.
“I think growing up you know, you were all playing around the house and stuff,” said James, constantly sitting in on sessions with Chuck, her dad and “I would come to every single concert.”
James, who attended Los Alamitos High School, said she ended up singing in the school’s famed Show Choir, got into the UCLA jazz program and ended up getting her bachelor’s degree in music and jazz.
“I kept saying I’m going to make music but like, jazz is not for me,” she laughed, “but I think I have secretly loved it this entire time.”
Sophia James Wackerman Photo by Andrew Ficke
James, who also announced that she has signed her first record deal, got national attention when she auditioned for the popular music television show American Idol during COVID. James made it to the top ten round.
“I got to meet a lot of really amazing, well-connected people,” she said. “I started doing a lot of writing and just sort of exploring as an artist,” she said.
Looking forward, James said while is interested in fusing pop and rock, she said jazz music instilled in her by her grandfather and dad will always remain, in some way, part of her career.
“I’m putting on my own stuff, trying to connect the jazz roots and you know, sprinkle a little bit of pop or a little bit of folk and rock and stuff. I want to see how far we can push those fusions together.”
For John Daversa, an accomplished and awarded musician, and music teacher himself, just simply participating in the Spotlight 50 jazz concert was pure inspiration.
“This is super cool to me, and I’m very honored to be part of this,” he said.
John Diversa plays his unique electronic instrument. Photo by Andrew Ficke
“It definitely feels like a beautiful community. And it feels like a beautiful family that’s coming together. The most beautiful part is because it’s for the students,” said Daversa.
He said the event brought him back in years and invoked memories of his own school band days.
“It reminds me actually of being in middle school and being in high school. And I had similar experiences. I was very fortunate to be in band programs that were super supportive like this one,” he said.
“And as Chad was saying, these experiences as a young person, socially. If you take that, remember that you take that experience with you for the rest of your life, whether you become a professional musician, or you just take it with you in whatever walk of life you choose because it’s a sense of community as a sense of playing for somebody who’s bigger than any one individual. And in the way all of the social dynamics work. It’s really part of something that’s so much bigger than any one individual.”
In partnership with the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs of Cypress, the Cypress School District held its eighth annual Every Student Succeeding Awards Breakfast at the Cypress Community Center. Inspired by a student recognition program of the same name created by the Association of California School Administrators, the event honors students who have overcome obstacles to find success in school, according to Supt. Anne Silavs.
She said students were recognized from the Cypress School District as well as other schools within our community, including Cypress College, Cypress High School, Oxford Academy, Lexington Junior High School, St. Irenaeus Parish School, and Grace Christian School. Family members, teachers, school administrators, school board members, and city leaders were in attendance to show their support for these remarkable students who have demonstrated courage and perseverance when faced with personal challenges.
The Cypress School District has released summaries of some of the students involved. Here are their stories:
Elijah
Despite personal challenges, Elijah has shown great resilience and a strong work ethic. To better understand his successes, it is important to acknowledge the obstacles he has overcome. Elijah only has vision in one eye and is hard of hearing, which makes communication difficult sometimes. However, through hard work and determination, he is a successful student and motivates others to do their best in school. Elijah takes great pride in his accomplishments and enjoys celebrating them with his teachers and loved ones!
Teagan
At just 17 months of age, Teagan was diagnosed with a seizure disorder. At one point, she was having as many as 90 seizures a day. This delayed her cognitive and physical development, and there were concerns that perhaps she might never be able to live independently. Despite these obstacles, Teagan faces each day with a positive outlook. Even though it is extremely difficult for her, she loves school and never complains. She embraces life to the fullest and is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when you remain positive and persevere through life’s challenges.
Cody
Perseverance means persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. There is no better word to describe Cody who has faced almost every obstacle a young child could have in his early life. He has seen and heard things that resulted in him being removed from his parents and his siblings. Nonetheless, Cody comes to school every day with a smile on his face and works hard to overcome challenges. With support from his foster family and school, Cody is a successful and conscientious student. His perseverance will continue to take him far in this world!
Evan
When Evan first came to school, he was like a seed with great potential for growth. But transplanting to a new location can be very difficult. He had to make new friends and navigate a school that was foreign to him. However, school staff and family helped Evan take root and created a safe and nurturing environment for him to grow. As a result, he learned to manage his feelings and regulate his emotions. He developed social skills and achieved academic success. He made friends and learned more about himself and the young man he wants to be. Evan has truly blossomed and will continue reaching for the sun!
Samantha R
Since her birth, Samantha has lived an unstable life. In addition to food and housing insecurity, her parents struggled with drug addictions that derailed their lives. She navigated living in motels while taking the city bus to school and keeping up with her studies. Samantha now lives with a foster family, but they really can’t give her more than a place to sleep. Despite adversity, she maintains good grades and works after school to support herself. Samantha will be attending college in the fall and plans to earn a degree so she can continue her success in this world.
Kamden
Born early, Kamden didn’t meet many of the typical early childhood milestones. He didn’t talk until he was one year old and when he eventually did, he required speech therapy services. His doctor later discovered that Kamden had fluid in his ears which prevented him from hearing properly. Though the fluid was drained, he had an uphill battle to catch up, and he has worked exceedingly hard to do just that. His teachers and family are all very proud of Kamden, his accomplishments, his sense of humor, and his kindness to others. Never underestimate the power of determination!
Maxwell
As a serious-natured young man, Max can be hesitant to open up to others. It’s not unusual to find him lost in a book to escape chaotic surroundings. He knows about many subjects that most kids his age, and even some adults, don’t know. Perhaps this is because of his life experiences, combined with an innate curiosity to read and learn. Either way, he always brings a unique perspective to the classroom. Max has been working on self-confidence this year, emerging from his shell to become a leader among his peers. He is finding his joy and learning to embrace all the experiences that school has to offer!
Wesley
Growing up, Wesley faced many challenges in his life. He had to juggle the responsibilities of caring for a younger sibling while trying to keep up with his academics. He had to learn how to use the public bus system at an early age to get to and from school each day. This year, he had an unfortunate accident and broke his neck. He had to wear a brace for months. Despite obstacles, Wesley continues to show up with a positive attitude, a smile on his face, and a commitment to succeed in school. His story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit!
Samantha A
Samantha proves that anything is possible when you have the determination and drive to succeed. While she endured many hardships growing up, including food and housing insecurity, she found the inner strength to conquer adversity. As a troubled teen, she became a single parent at a young age. Determined to make a better life for herself and her children, Samantha successfully turned her life around. She attended Cypress College, earning a 3.8 GPA, and has been accepted at California State University, Fullerton, where she will continue to excel in her studies and achieve her goals.
Michael
Over the years, Michael has learned to be optimistic when dealing with obstacles. He has also learned to appreciate the little victories because he can build on each one of them to achieve more. Maintaining a positive attitude helps him overcome the challenges associated with his attention and hyperactivity disorder, and he consistently looks for the bright side in difficult situations, which helps him to persevere. How one responds in times of struggle reveals character. Michael’s characteristics include kindness, strength, positivity, and persistence. With those qualities, there’s nothing he can’t accomplish!
Andrew
This year presented a new challenge for Andrew when the program he had been participating in was moved to a different school. Even though he was transitioning to a new campus with new people, he enthusiastically introduced himself to his classmates and teachers and quickly embraced his new school community. Andrew is always curious and loves learning new things. Even when the work is challenging, he rises to the occasion and puts forth his best effort. Andrew will make another transition when he goes to junior high next year, but his enthusiasm, his curiosity, and his kindness will ensure his continued success.
Joseph
By being diligent and putting in the extra effort, Joseph has excelled in all of his endeavors. In addition to achieving academic excellence, Joseph is a well-rounded student who strives to make the world a better place. He organizes food and toy drives for families in need through student government. He serves as the chief community officer for the Association of Latin American Students, coordinating book drives and collecting school supply donations for an orphanage in Mexico. Joseph consistently gives his time and talent to help others and give back to his community.
This article was released by the Cypress School District.
From its humble beginnings in Los Alamitos years ago as a local photography show, the annual event know as Weekend of Art has expanded into a two-day exhibition that includes a multiple of mediums from canvas art to crafts, from textiles to glass art, leather works and photography. And blended into the mix, a continuous parade of performance art to give the exhibition a beat. Today it is the city’s signature arts event attracting over 200 artists competing in 12 categories of judged competition. Los Al TV’s John Underwood was there this year to capture highlights of all the gallery and stage action, as well as interviews with several of the exhibiting artists themselves in attendance. And of course, a listing of all the awardees at this annual Weekend of Art. You’ll be surprised at the range and depth of craft our own local artists have brought to this year’s Weekend of Art! View all the highlights on Los Al TV Cable Channel 3 at 7pm nightly, or online at losaltv.org. Also available on demand at the OurLosAl streaming Apps on Roku, Amazon and Apple TV.
Fontaine said he was honored to have Wackerman accompany the middle school jazz band on drums for one of their three songs.
