The Los Alamitos Girls JV basketball team clinched its fourth league championship in a row with a 50-29 victory over Marina High and finished the season with an 11-1 Sunset League record and with a 22-6 record overall.
In the first quarter of the January 31 victory, the Griffins raced out to a 19-10 lead behind a balanced offense with six Griffins scoring. The first half ended with Los Alamitos ahead 29-21. In the second half, the stingy Los Alamitos defense and full-court pressure held Marina to only 8 points as the Griffins pulled away to a 21-point win.
Sophomore forward Danira Jones and sophomore guard Ashley Matsumoto led the Griffins’ scoring with 11 points each. Jones also had 4 rebounds and 3 steals, and Matsumoto had 6 steals.
Sophomore center Kara Townzen added 8 points and 7 rebounds, freshman forward Maryah Collier had 5 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, and point guard Mio Emi chipped in 6 points, 3 steals, and 2 assists. Sophomore guard Remy Hoang had 5 steals and 4 assists, sophomore wing Madi Real pulled down 5 boards, and junior center Morgan Oropeza added 4 points and 3 rebounds.
In the final league game, on February 3, the Griffins’ 11-game win streak and chance to have an undefeated league season came to an end as they lost a road game 34-44 to second-place Fountain Valley (10-2). In that game, Matsumoto scored 9 points with 2 threes, Emi added 8 points and 7 rebounds, Collier had 7 points and 9 rebounds, and Townzen had 6 points and 8 rebounds.
“Maybe we let up a bit in that last game because we had already won the league title,” said Coach Patrick Kennedy. “But we had a great season. We won the Sunset League championship and a very tough tournament championship, so no complaints.” In December, the Griffins won the Annual Millikan Junior Varsity Girls Basketball Tournament with a 38-28 victory over
Downey (23-5). Overall, Los Alamitos finished the season winning 16 of its final 18 games.
The Tartars led by as much as 10 points in the first half, before the Griffins went on an 8-0 run in the final three minutes of the first half, to cut the lead to 27-25 at halftime. Torrance’s defense was able to disrupt the Griffins’ pace and shooters, something that helped Los Al grab a share of the Sunset League title this season, their third consecutive season at the top of the standings.
The Tartars were the third place team out of the Pioneer League, but they had the speed to keep pace with the Griffins, and they got hot from the outside at just the right time.
Senior Monica Villanueva led Torrance with 12 points, including three three-pointers. Sophomore Kaya Choi finished with 11 points for Torrance, including a baseline jumper that gave the Tartars their 47-46 lead with about 10 seconds to go. Los Alamitos moved the ball down court before calling a timeout with 6.4 seconds left. Torrance committed two quick non-shooting fouls that left just over two seconds, before defensive pressure forced an errant pass by the Griffins that ran out the final seconds. Torrance Head Coach Bob Varnell said their defense was the biggest factor in the win.
“That was a huge key for us, we watched a lot of game film on them and saw how well their shooters played and how good they’re guards were, we just told ourselves, ‘we’ve got to get out there and play defense, switch everything, and make it really difficult for them to get to the paint and really we didn’t want to give up any open shots,” Torrance Coach Bob Varnell said.
Still, the Griffins were able to tie the game at 34-34, going into the fourth quarter. Junior guard Tam Yoshida finished with a game-high 13 points, including seven in the fourth. Junior guard Maya Asumbrado had 11 points, as did senior Bryn Pagett, who also pulled down 20 rebounds as she began to take control of the paint in the fourth quarter.
Los Al took an early lead in the fourth quarter, but two three pointers by Nadia Suarez, her only points of the game, helped give Torrance an edge. When Villanueva hit a jump shot midway through the fourth quarter, the Tatars led 43-36. Los Alamitos answered with some clutch shots of their own, including a kickout three-pointer off a fast break by Tam Yoshida that cut the lead to 43-41. After two free throws by Torrance, Yoshida hit another jump shot in the key and Asumbrado hit a three-pointer as the shot clock expired that gave the Griffins the 46-45 lead with 2:10 left in the game. Griffin Head Coach, Maya DeAnda credited Torrance with a strong effort, but felt like her team missed a chance to steal the win down the stretch. She also noted that, while talented, the Griffins were a young team this year, starting two freshmen and not a lot of playoff experience, which may have been a factor.
“But man, I love this group, love this group of girls, they work so hard for me and I’m proud of them … our slow start, yeah, we were nervous, I think it was nerves,” DeAnda said.
Los Alamitos High’s girls soccer team got off to a strong start in the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs, rolling to a 5-0 win in the first round and then taking care of Corona del Mar, 6-1, on Friday to advance to the quarterfinals.
The Griffins scored five goals in about a 14 minute span to take a 5-0 lead over Corona del Mar by halftime. Senior Viviana Zacarias scored two goals, including the eventual game-winner. Sofia Bugarin, Baylee Fernley and Charlotte Burke each had a goal in the first half. Freshman Demiana Ibrahim had the final goal in the second half.
The Griffins got on the board first when Bugarin combined with Jaelyn Guidry on a give-and-go pass that got Bugarin free in the middle of the field. She had to make a move to her right to get around a charging defender, but she gained enough space to fire a shot from the top of the goal box. The shot sailed just over the goal keeper’s hand to find the top of the goal. About three minutes later, Zacarias found room at about the same area as Bugarin, but this time she went to the right side and put a shot just inside the goal post. The Griffins maintained control for most of the first half.
“I think we just really capitalized on what we’ve been practicing, on what we’ve been analyzing tactically, technically, and we figured it out, and we got the goals in,” Viviana said.
The Griffins entered the playoffs as the first-place team out of the Sunset League, with a 7-0 record. They were the No. 6 team in the final Open Division rankings, but were slotted in the Division 1 bracket. Their quarterfinal game was Tuesday at home against Troy High, (past ENE press time) the first-place team out of the Crestview League. A win would put the Griffins in the semifinals against the winner between Edison and Westlake High on Saturday.
A Division Chief for the Orange County Fire Authority gave an accounting of just how much they pitched in during the recent fires in Los Angeles during the January meeting of the Los Al City Council.
While the Santa Ana wind blast in January did prompt several small fires in Orange County, fire authorities with OCFA were busy reassigning people so that they could keep the county safe while doing everything they could to assist in the Los Angeles wildfire inferno, Division 1 Fire Chief Craig Covey said.
The report came after City Manager Chet Simmons asked Covey to provide the Council with an update. “I know there’s a lot of questions out there,” said Simmons.
Covey said every year, he worries if the Santa Ana winds occur before the winter rain. “Every year, I get asked what do I think? How is it going to look? How’s our house going to look in this fire season,” Covey said.
“And I always answer with depends on what’s going to happen, first, the wind or the rain. If we get the rain, we’re not going to have a bad fire season. If we get the wind, then the potential is there. And you can see the potential,” he answered the question.
“As you can see, it’s catastrophic when we have a start,” the Division Fire Chief said.
“So we were very fortunate in the starts that we had during that wind event. We had winds up to 94 miles an hour during the wind events,” he said, noting that Orange County has one of the windiest canyons in all of southern California.
“We have one of the busy windiest canyons in southern California up here, just behind (the city of) Orange. So the fires that we had, we had five, we had one, actually a six, just a new one the other day. We’ve held them off to under an acre,” said Covey.
“We have not been put into a position that L.A. faced. We didn’t have a fire start under the same conditions. We dodged a bullet. We were very lucky,” said Covey.
“Could we have something like that occur?” One hundred percent,” the fire chief, notng Orange County has had disastrous fires in the past.
“We lost 400 homes in Laguna Beach. We lost 200 homes in Yorba Linda. So that environment does exist here, but it’s a very specific environment that creates that situation,” he noted.
“It takes fuel, weather and topography to come into alignment to have a situation like that,” said Covey, adding that the city of Los Alamitos “will never experience those conditions that existed in the L.A. fires,” Covey told the Council.
“Think about Paradise or the Camp fires,” he asked. “Think about the Napa fire storm or Lahaina in Hawaii,” said Covey, explaining the very specific set of conditions that caused those events.
Division 1 Fire Chief Craig Covey
Courtesy photo
“That’s not something you’re going to face here in Los Alamitos. So one of the positives to the conversation here,” he added.
“We have a year-round fire season. This is it. This is one of them. Chief (Brian) Fennessy always professed and backs up his statement that the greatest threat to life and property loss in Orange County is wildfire.”
He said OCFA, especially under Fennessy’s tenure, has really taken a huge step forward and is committed to always being prepared to respond to wildfires. Accordingly, Fennessy has been on national broadcasts and podcasts citing his wildfire preparedness theories.
“He’s out there championing the California response to wildfires,” Covey told the Council.
Regarding the L.A. fires, Covey said OCFA sent nine strike teams to L.A., he said, which includes 45 fire engines while even while “we’re having one of our own wind events.
“We (OCFA) really stepped up and tried to help our neighbors to the north,” he said, adding that OCFA also sent a helicopter, a dozer, a hand crew, and an additional strike team.
In addition, he said OCFA sent 10 damage inspectors that are helping with going out and cataloging all these damaged or destroyed structures so that the residents can get back in and begin the recoveries.
Covey said OCFA also sent in arson investigators to the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tabacco and Firearms) Task Force to help out with that.
“We also sent five members of our search and rescue team, with two HRD canines, the canines that go out and locate people that have died.
“We have two different kinds of canines. That’s one of them,” said Covey.
Finally, Covey said OCFA sent more than 275 firefighters up there to support daily fire suppression. Even in expending those resources, Covey was quick to point out that “we didn’t leave our dirt uncovered,” noting that OCFA went into emergency staffing conditions.
“Basically, all days off were canceled, unless we don’t have a seat to put you in. And every fire engine that had a pump or wheels that were working had firefighters on it. We back filled so that every fire station was covered,” the division Chief said.
In addition, said Covey, the OCFA is pre-positioned with support from the California Office of Emergency Services, the governor’s office, that they have pre-positioned, three strike teams of engines, two water tenders, a hand crew, two dozers, three helicopters and 14 people from the department Operations Center.
“There’s another 125 firefighters pre-positioned, ready to respond on top of our high watershed dispatch. So we normally have like 24 units going to watershed when we get a red flag like we’re in right now,” he said, “and we’re adding three strike teams and that whole list of equipment to go stomp on these things as fast as we can.”
One of the things that the chief is really passionate about is new technology. We also have a bunch of new technology with there’s cameras everywhere through our mountains now, and they have aI interfaces that work with the satellites that detect heat signatures twice this year, the cameras and the satellites detected fires before someone called 911, said Covey.
“So we are able to respond out and suppress the fires,” said Covey. He said Hennessey has expanded the OCFA helicopter fleet as well.
“If you saw the two new Black Hawks, plus he has what’s called a QRF, which is three tankers, helitankers that are 3000 gallon water dropping helicopters with a helicopter leader to respond and pound on these fires, hopefully on a catch up on initial attack,” he said.
“We lead the country with a new program called FIRES2 airborne intelligence program that provides real time mapping where the fire is going and as it’s connected to a super computer down in San Diego that gives us modeling of where the fire’s going to go for the next three hours,” Covey told the officials.
“So that guides me, like I ran the airport fire. I was in charge of operations on that I’m using that technology to inform me to make tactical decisions to fight the fire, as well as assisting local police on evacuations,” he said. The technology helps OCFA determine where fires going, and who do they need to get out of harm’s way,” he said.
“So that’s hopefully not too long or too much of your time to update you on what we’ve done and what we’re prepared to do,” Covey told the Council.
The city of Los Alamitos and its newly constituted leadership have begun to introduce new ordinances that will give city officials more power following the results of the approval of Measure “X” by voters in November.
In its first meeting in January, the city Council member elected returning Council members Shelley Hasselbrink as Mayor and Tanya Doby as Mayor Pro-Tem.
Voters approved Measure X on the November ballot that authorizes changes to the city charter that will update some provisions that have not been changed since 1966, city officials said. Before the measures were introduced, City Manager Chet Simmons reminded the public that all of the proposed changes had been given the thumbs up by voters.
“I just wanted to mention that this is actually coming out of the passage of measure X,” said Simmons, noting the administrative changes were approved by the voters.
“And what it does,” he said, “is it largely takes what the voters have approved and then put it into a framework that allows us to monitor the purchasing of public works projects,” he said.
Simmons asked Deputy City Manager Ron Noda to explain the new ordinances that were introduced for approval. Noda said the first new ordinance will authorize Simmons to approve public works projects of $125,000 or less, without Council approval, adding that the ordinance gave him financial flexibility of a few percentage points of the $125k limit. “This just gives us that five percent leeway to get projects done in a timely fashion,” said Noda.
Los Alamitos City manager Chet Simmons.
Courtesy photo
Noda said the Public Works department will continue to use both RFPs (Request for Proposals) when necessary, but he added they plan to also use the information process of getting out and asking for three quotes from related service providers to expedite projects.
Such projects acquired using the “informal process” will then require the approval of a super-majority of the Council, which is at least four of the five Councilmembers to approve, he said. Noda said the city’s current charter provision, established in 1966, limits the City Manager’s authority to projects costing not more than $10,000.
Noda said using the more formal Requests for Proposals process sometimes takes several months to implement, and that the new municipal code introduced would give the public works department greater flexibility, especially on expediting projects.
All requisite financial compliance policies remain in place, said Noda.
The Council voted to unanimously approve the first reading of the hew ordinance, which will eventually be added to the city’s municipal code.
In addition, the City accepted the first reading of an ordinance related to the enforcement of a municipal code on electric bikes, after which Police Chief Michael Claborn explained his staff’s plan of enforcement.
The ENE will have a follow up story on the emerging e-bike policies.
Finally, following a rigorous discussion, the Council voted to reduce all city volunteer boards and commissions from seven members to five, but not before engaging in a spirited discussion of the merits of reducing current member levels of seven members down to five.
Before the discussion began, Simmons said the current membership of seven members meant a quorum of four, while five members would mean a quorum of three. Having a quorum is always a concern for local governments, since without a quorum, boards and commission cannot any business.
In addition, besides the city’s existing boards and commissions, Simmons hinted that initiatives yet to be announced will offer additional input for citizen participation.
“I would also like to remind the Council that this year, there will be a number of different planning initiatives that are going to take place,” said Simmons, potentially some specific plans, potentially the initiating the general plan, depending on the pleasure of the Council, which only should open the opportunity for more people to become involved,” the city manager said.
Citizens will be given a chance to “participate in the different processes at the city, maybe not part of a traditional committee, but definitely as one of an ad hoc committee,” said Simmons.
With that, the discussion of the membership ordinance began. While the ordinance introduced cut the membership level to five, the vote came only after a spirited discussion.
New Council member Gary Loe, who served on the city’s planning commission before being elected to the Council, said he kind of liked serving on a board with seven members, in case one or more of the members could not be present. The concern was echoed by Council member Emily Hibard.
“The challenge I think that we have in Los Al and we’re not unique in this way at all being a small city, is that civic engagement here in Los Alamitos is low,” she said.
“And so to get to what we’re talking about, a quorum. We need the quorum. If someone doesn’t come to the meetings, do we want to risk losing a quorum,” asked Hibard, concerned about lowering the attendance.
Hasselbrink suggested that real world experience has been that commissions with seven members have, in some cases, had multiple open seats at meetings with members don’t show up.
“So that actually hurts if they’re not showing up at meetings,” the mayor said, “because we’re depending on them to be part of the quorum.”
“I’m a fan of five,” said Doby, “I was on the Parks and Recreation Commission, and I’m more interested in how we get these people off these commissions if they’re not showing up,” she said.
Doby said attendance “was an issue when I was part of the commission,” suggesting fewer people on the commission leaves less “margin for misunderstanding.”
Simmons said there currently is a rule that if any appointed commissioner or board member misses three meetings in a row, or have three unexcused absences in a calendar year, they are automatically eligible for dismissal.
Missing three consecutive meetings or one-third of a year’s scheduled meetings was certainly an acceptable metric for dismissal, he said.
“I think the majority is in favor of five,” said Hasselbrink, “and I don’t want to keep extending this,” noting several boards and commissions need to be filled immediately. The mayor suggested a special meeting be called, if necessary, but asked for a vote on the overall ordinance.
The Council then unanimously approved the ordinance reducing all membership of the city’s boards and commissions to five as Simmons said he would reach out to other local governments to determine best practices and, as well, look back to check on routine attendance on past boards and commission.
During oral communications, Cathy Salai, a long time resident of the city expressed her displeasure with recent events. Salai is a former traffic commissioner in the city.
According to former Los Al TV officials, Salai was also a former producer for the local channel.
“As a long-term resident,” she said, “my recent experiences with the city have been more than disappointing. On many levels,” she said, “the residents have lost some of their stature. I’ve discussed my thoughts with other people and others have felt the same,” she said.
She also said the city has reduced its bi-monthly meetings to once monthly, the city has lost programming on Los Al Tv and she bemoaned the lack of home delivery by the Event News Enterprise. Salai said meetings shown on the channel are several months old.
As a result, she said the city “was doing things that the residents don’t know what we’re doing.”
She also complained about a new bike lane on Cerritos Ave., “because something is going to happen.”
Hasselbrink briefly responded that the city “still has Los Al TV, having signed a new contract and meetings are still being broadcast live on YouTube. The newspaper situation,” said Hasselbrink, “is not under our control.” Simmons said later in the meeting that the bike lanes are part of the city’s active transportation plan and that he would discuss her concernwith the engineers in public works.
Another resident, who did not state his name, said during the open comment period that he thought the city was “doing a great job.”
In other Council action, Mayor Hasselbrink:
Presented certificates issued by former Congresswoman Michelle Steel and former state Sen. Janet Nguyen, before leaving their offices honoring Simmons, Finance Manager Craig Koehler, and Deputy City Manager Ron Noda. Nguyen was elected to Supervisor and Steel was defeated.
Recognixed Lisa Pettino from Motivated by Lisa women’s only gym on Bloomfield in the monthly Business Spotlight series.
Recognized Louis Reyes of the City’s Public Works Department as “Employee of the Quarter.”
Recognized Koehler for Certificate for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
Cypress College is honored to announce the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (APIDA) Resource Center. This momentous event will take place on Wednesday, February 19, from 4-6 p.m. beginning at the Cypress College Theater lobby with events at various locations on campus and concluding with the ribbon cutting at the APIDA center.
The celebration will feature a vibrant array of cultural performances and delicious food representing the rich and diverse cultures of the Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi communities. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience traditional music, dance, and culinary delights that highlight the unique heritage of these cultures.
We are honored to welcome Dr. Rowena M. Tomaneng, a distinguished Cypress College alumna and a prominent leader in higher education, as the keynote speaker. She currently serves as the Deputy Chancellor for the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. Dr. Tomaneng’s inspiring journey and dedication to education and community service make her the perfect choice to mark this special occasion.
Cypress College President Scott W. Thayer, Vice President of Student Services Paul de Dios, and North Orange County Community College District Vice Chancellor Cherry Li-Bugg, along with other esteemed guests, will also be present to celebrate this significant milestone. The APIDA Resource Center aims to provide a supportive and inclusive space for students of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi descent, fostering a sense of belonging and promoting cultural awareness for all students on campus.
The campus community and public are invited to join us as we celebrate the opening of the APIDA Resource Center and honor the rich cultural tapestry that makes this community so vibrant and diverse. About Cypress College:
Cypress College offers students a pathway to their future in an environment in which employees commit to joining students on their educational journey. The college’s half-million-plus alumni include actors, athletes, doctors, executives, mechanics, nurses, and teachers. For some, Cypress College is the ticket into their university of choice, and for others, it provides essential training for a prosperous career. Just one Cypress College class is often all it takes to provide cutting-edge skills that lead to a promotion or a new job.
Cypress College’s 16,000 students and the highly qualified teaching faculty are proud of the many excellent academic and vocational programs. Cypress College provides a pathway for each of our students, offering 56 university-transfer majors, 174 career-certificate programs, and degrees in 98 areas of study. The college’s traditional semesters generally begin in January and August, while short-term courses start throughout the year. A Cypress College education costs $46 per unit — $138 for a typical, full-credit class — California’s lowest tuition. Eligible first-time students qualify for free tuition through Cypress College’s Charger Experience promise program. Financial aid and scholarships are also available to qualifying students.
Cypress College is one of three campuses in the North Orange County Community College District and a member of the 116-campus California Community College system. The college primarily serves the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, Garden Grove, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, and Stanton.
An unidentified woman is in stable condition after being rescued by ladder personnel from the Orange County Fire Authority during a house fire Monday evening, the ENE has learned.
Greg Barta, a public information officer for OCFA said fire officials were called in to a house fire at the corner of Foster Road and Gertrude Drive in Rossmoor to find a woman, presumably the homeowner, trapped in a bedroom on the 2nd story. He said the home, located at 12500 Foster, was engulfed in fire when the OCFA engine companies arrived. Firefighters used extended ladders to rescue the trapped woman on the 2nd story, afterwhich they stabilized her condition then sent her to the hospital.
“Firefighters did a tremendous job,” said Barta, noting they had to use a “huge” ladder to rescue the unnamed woman. The OCFA spokesperson said at press time, the woman was in stable condition.
He said the house fire was extinguished relatively quickly but noted there was significant structural damage caused by the blaze. The incident is under investigation.
The Southern California Master Chorale presents Mozart’s final work, his Requiem for choir and orchestra, in Anaheim on March 28, 2025.
Headlining a monumental chorus of 150 voices, a professional orchestra of over 30 players, professional soloists, and conducted by current Artistic Director Dr. Brian Dehn, the Chorale mounts this passionate yet introspective final work of the genius of Mozart.
Founded in the 1980s by Dr. Sheridan Ball while a professor at Cypress College, along with students and friends, started the chorale with the purpose of preserving, supporting, and expanding the love of choral music in Orange County.
Through four decades of consistent quality performances of traditional and contemporary works, the SCMC has become a cornerstone of the area’s classical music scene.
Over the years, the Chorale has consistently performed with renowned orchestras, conductors, and soloists, cementing its reputation as one of the premier community vocal ensembles in Southern California.
Outside of California, the Chorale has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, Cathedrals in Scotland and Ireland, the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, and the Basilica of St. Peter’s in Rome – along the way earning an international reputation.
This milestone season will showcase the chorale’s enduring commitment to bringing world-class choral music to Southern California audiences.
Courtesy photo
Founded in the 1980s by Dr. Sheridan Ball while a professor at Cypress College, along with students and friends, he started the chorale with the purpose of preserving, supporting, and expanding the love of choral music in Orange County.
The Southern California Master Chorale began this 40th season with an exciting performance of Carl Orff’s iconic Carmina Burana, as well as a Southern California Christmas, which featured only composers from Southern California.
Continuing their vision for excellence they are performing one of the most popular and poignant pieces ever written. Shrouded in mystery due to Mozart’s untimely death before its completion, this masterpiece continues to captivate audiences with its profound emotional depth and exquisite musical craftsmanship.
The upcoming concert will feature the full SCMC ensemble, two guest choruses from Arizona, the St. Boniface Church choir, and all three ensembles from the newly formed Southern California Choral Academy. With four professional soloists, all based in Southern California, this concert promises to be a monumental display of the power of music
Artistic Director and Conductor, Dr. Brian Dehn, comments, “As one of the premiere choruses in the area, we are here to perform only the greatest music ever written. We do choral-orchestral masterworks every season, all the while sprinkling in world premieres of modern composers, fun and novel solo acts, as well as entertaining and educating ourselves and our audience.”
Next performance Mar. 28, 2025
“We are thrilled to celebrate our 40th anniversary with such a monumental work,” said SCMC president Joey Baital. “Mozart’s Requiem perfectly encapsulates the power of choral music to touch the soul, and we look forward to sharing this experience with our loyal supporters and new audience members alike.”
Music enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their seats early for what will be a memorable evening of choral excellence. The anniversary concert will take place at 7:30pm on Friday March 28 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 120 N Janss St, in Anaheim.
Tickets are available at Chorale’s website, www.socalmasterchorale.org, with special pricing options for student
In collaboration with the City of Los Alamitos, Casa Youth Shelter donated needed supplies to the Dream Center in Echo Park where they are actively distributing aid to those in need
Serving those in crisis is at the core of Casa Youth Shelter’s mission. Taking action to support those who have been impacted in neighboring LA County due to the unprecedented wildfires, Casa Youth Shelter ran a supply drive from January 12th – January 25th, to collect essentials for those impacted by the fires.
The fundraising effort was led by Interim Executive Director Lupita Gutierrez, Development Manager Jennifer Ramirez and Kathleen Cyr People, Culture, and Compliance Manager at Casa Youth Shelter. Thanks to the generosity of the Casa Youth Shelter community and the City of Los Alamitos, much needed supplies, clothing and pantry staples were able to be delivered to the Dream Center’s Echo Park drive-through pick-up site, which is distributing aid to those in need daily.
“We are so grateful for the kindness and support of our donors – you make a difference! Together, we stand united with our neighbors in this time of crisis.” -Lupita Gutierrez, Interim Executive Director, Casa Youth Shelter About Casa Youth Shelter:
Founded in 1978 by Myldred E. Jones, Casa Youth Shelter serves and nurtures youth in crisis with shelter, counseling, and support services. The nonprofit focuses on empowering youth to move through their crisis with increased confidence, stability, and tools for continued growth. The organization’s vision is to create a community where all adolescents in crisis have a safe place to stay, in an environment that promotes personal growth and healthy relationships. Thanks to Myldred’s vision, today Casa Youth Shelter thrives as a safe haven for a growing population of at-risk teens. Since opening April 7th, 1978, Casa Youth Shelter has never been closed, and continues to offer all services free of charge to any youth and family in need. Her inspiration lives on in the shelter’s countless volunteers, donors, and friends. Casa Youth Shelter is located at 10911 Reagan St, Los Alamitos, CA 90720.
After 24 years of feeding hundreds of thousands of visitors and loyal fans to downtown Huntington Beach, The IHOP (International House Of Pancakes) at 200 Main Street has just closed according to franchise owner Jose Ruiz, who said health issues and rent increases made it impossible to stay in business any longer.
“I and my staff are truly going to miss the many customers who became our dear friends over the years,” he said. “From local residents coming to get their favorite meals to people from all over the world wanting to experience an American-style breakfast, our IHOP was like a home for our guests.”
A fellow Downtown HB business owner, Aaron Pai, of Huntington Surf and Sport owner said: “The Pai family enjoys supporting local businesses and has patronized this place through the years. We’re going to miss seeing Jose Ruiz and the friendly staff we came to know.”
Tina Viray, co-owner of the popular Surf City Store on the Huntington Beach Pier said: “IHOP has been our go-to breakfast place for years. I loved their food. We’re sorry to hear they closed. We’ll miss them!” “I loved this IHOP location,” said Huntington Beach City Councilman Butch Twining who ate at the restaurant many times with family, friends and business associates.
IHOP not only hosted birthday parties and family celebrations but also provided a meeting place for many clubs and organizations. I have memories of the Huntington Beach Downtown Business Improvement District having regular meetings there when Surf City Nights was started years ago. Thank you, Jose and IHOP, for making so many people happy! The nearest IHOP is at 18782 Beach Boulevard near Constantine in Huntington Beach. It is open 24 Hours a day on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
At a time when voters are more concerned than ever about the dominance of Big Money in politics, Senators Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana) and Ben Allen (D- El Segundo) and Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San Jose) have jointly introduced Senate Bill 42, 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 42 would put a measure on the November 2026 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 42 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 nine years ago to give local governments and the State the option to enact public financing laws,” said SB 42 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 42 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 Jose), joint author of SB 42.
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 42.
Seventy nine percent 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 in 2022.
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.
“Though it was disappointing that SB 24 and AB 270 didn’t get to the Governor’s desk last year, a lot of progress was made building the coalition for Fair Elections,” said Trent Lange, President of the California Clean Money Campaign, sponsor of SB 42. “That’s why we’re so grateful that Senator Umberg is leading with Assemblymember Lee and Senator Allen on SB 42 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.”
“Public financing of campaigns empowers candidates from all walks of life to compete for public office without having to rely on wealthy donors,” said David Shor, Money in Politics Director of California Common Cause, a cosponsor of SB 42. “We know that there will be a large coalition of grassroots organizations representing all spectrums of Californians who understand the ways big money in politics has harmed communities across the state, and will join in helping it pass.”
“The escalating role of money in politics poses a significant threat to the health of our democracy. By prioritizing special interests and diminishing the voices of ordinary voters, it undermines the core principle of representative governance,” said Dora Rose, Deputy Director of the League of Women Voters of California, a cosponsor of SB 42. “Public financing is a proven tool that levels the playing field, enabling diverse candidates to run viable campaigns while restoring the public’s trust in the fairness of our elections. SB 42 gives Californians the opportunity to reclaim their elections and ensure they reflect the values and priorities of the people, not just the wealthiest donors.”
By allowing California voters to remove the ban on public financing, 42 will give local governments and the State the same flexibility to explore better campaign funding options currently available to only charter cities. SB 42 will be heard in the Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee in March or April.
Five tons of warm clothing is going out to those in need thanks to the overwhelming support of parishioners and the Knights of Columbus at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church in Cypress. The annual Warm Clothing Drive at St. Irenaeus this year was held on the weekend of January 18th & 19th.
Led primarily by Deacons Israel Rodriguez and Vernon Atwood, a host of Council 8599 Knights and St. Irenaeus School students, more than 200 bags of warm clothing, blankets, bedding and shoes were collected! In total weight that’s over 10 thousand pounds of clothing, a bit more than 5 tons.
Deacon Rodriguez says the clothing was given to various worthy local support agencies in Orange County to help the homeless and needy families especially in our winter season. Sincere thanks go to all the donors and workers who made this happen, living out the Gospel of helping those in need.
Knights package donations of clothing. Photo by Bill Serb
One of the best family musicals ever penned!” Chicago Tribune has opened at Segerstrom Center for the Arts for a “short run” from Feb. 18 – 23, according to the organization’s press office.
=Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production – just as you remember it and just when we need it most.
This time around they have an experienced youth actress in the role of the Depression-era waif with the curly coif and empty eyes – Hazel Vogel.
HAZEL VOGEL (Annie) is thrilled to bring this inspirational character to life. Her credits include Les Misérables (US Tour), Newsies (STAGES St. Louis), Miracle on 34th Street (Toby’s).
They also have cute, trained dog Kevin, appearing as Sandy, with an on cue “Arf!” with which to enliven the performance.
And his trainer, KEVIN (Sandy) Kevin is a 7yr old labradoodle who can’t wait to jump back into the role of Sandy.
When Kevin is not touring with Annie, he is an animal actor preforming in many TV and film roles. He lives with his trainer in Georgia.
CHARLOTTE WOERTLER (Dog Trainer) A proud graduate of The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College, just north of Los Angeles. Charlotte has been training animals for the stage and screen for over 20 yrs.
Her favorite projects include Clifford the Big Red Dog, Lady and the Tramp, Where the Crawdads Sing, & Treasure Buddies.
Also the musical includs Stefani Londino as Miss Hannigan, Christopher Swan as Warlocks,
Annie, directed by Jenn Thompson, features the iconic book and score, written by Tony Award®-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. This celebration of family, optimism and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way.
Recommended for ages 5+
Tickets start at $44 and are avaiable 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Directions Monday–Friday: 10am to 5pm(714) 556-2787
On Saturdays and Sundays when we have a performance, we will be open beginning 2 hours before the first performance until 30 minutes after the latest performance time. When there is no performance, we are closed.
Box Office: Monday: 10am to 2pm Tuesday–Friday: 12pm to 5pm Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Feel Good, Do Good with our Broadway Donation Drive Leapin lizards, we are holding a new toy and book drive benefitting CHOC during our Annie engagement. Help us make Tomorrow a brighter day by bringing in coloring/craft books, crayons, Hot Wheels, Play-doh, Barbies (and Kens), and other action figures for children in our community! Please drop them off in the designated bins on the Plaza and Orchestra levels and we thank you in advance for your generosity!
The Bay Theatre in Seal Beach was filled to standing room only this week as Lucie Arnaz brought the unvarnished truth about her famous mom to the screen, then held back a little in a discussion with fans afterward.
Arnaz, the daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, came to screen a copy of the Emmy Award-winning documentary, “Lucy and Desi: A Home Movie.” In addition, her husband, Larry Luckinbill, a legendary actor on Broadway, came with Arnaz and also answered questions after the film.
“I can’t believe this. This is like a dream,” said an emotional Raji Ahsan, Los Al High School graduate who has enjoyed some starring roles in New York. He has returned to Los Al to raise money for a short film he hopes to make with Arnaz.
The crowd was standing room only in the newly refurbished theatre.
Ahsan recounted his mother, Manal, immigrating to the U.S. while still pregnant with him. They ended up in Los Alamitos and the kindness and generosity of a woman named Joyce gave young Raji Ahsan a stable place to grow up.
With little money and a baby on the way, New Life Beginnings in Long Beach took the mom in and assisted in Raji’s birth, he said. Then God sent a Los Alamitos woman named Joyce to the shelter and invited Raji and his mom into her home.
Raji’s mom, an immigrant from Cairo, could only clean other people’s homes to earn money while Raji began school and grew up. They lived with Susan Drake a few months before moving in with Joyce, he said.
Once there, he said Joyce had a television “and one of Joyce’s favorite shows was “I Love Lucy,” the comedy show that put CBS on the television map and made her parents superstars of the day.
Raji Ahsan, a graduate of Los Al High School, gets emotional when recounting his mother arriving in Amerca pregnant and alone. Photo by David N. Young
He and Joyce would watch together, he said. “I fell in love with ‘I Love Lucy,’” said Ahsan.
With his voice choking a bit on the memories, Ahsan said he wrote a letter to Paramount at 12, including a headshot. Soon enough, he was on the lot. Then at 16, he managed to see a batch of Lucille Ball interviews and was fascinated with Lucie Arnaz.
Studying in New York, he searched for links to Lucie. He found one, invited her to an interview on his early talk show, and they have become close friends in the years since.
When they first met, Ahsan said he told Arnaz, “I feel like I’ve known you my whole life.”
“I love this woman,” said Ahsan of Arnaz.
Arnaz said when Ahsan asked her to come down to help raise money for the film, “I said why not?” Ahsan said portions of the money raised would go to the New Life Beginnings Shelter which did so much for him and his mom two decades ago.
The 90-minute home movie included a frank look at Lucy and Desi’s family dynamic, using reels and reels of home movies taken by Desi throughout their marriage, said Arnaz.
“It is respectful but real,” she said.
The movie explores the complex personal and professional lives of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. It highlights their rise from challenging beginnings to becoming entertainment icons, while also delving into the emotional struggles that fractured their family.
Lucille Ball’s difficult childhood, marked by abandonment, shaped her fierce independence but also repeated in her parenting, as she relied on others to raise her children.
Desi Arnaz, a talented but flawed man, struggled with infidelity and alcoholism, which strained their marriage.
Their fiery relationship was driven by deep love but marred by personal and professional pressures. Despite divorcing in 1960 after 20 years of marriage, they maintained a strong connection and mutual admiration until Desi’s death.
“I’m not sure they ever found the happiness they sought in their relationship,” said Arnaz, but she said they ironically found absolute true happiness in their work.
The film poignantly contrasts their early romantic bond with later years of regret and loss. It reveals the toll of fame on their family dynamics, particularly on their children, Lucie and Desi Jr., who faced emotional challenges due to their parents’ demanding careers and separation.
Lucie, with five children and three grandchildren, looks back and sees much of herself in the struggles her mother went through.
She also recalled the rare times her mother could indeed act as a homemaker, cooking chicken and dumplings while acknowledging much of her life was shaped by others charged with their daily care.
“She (Lucille) struggled to find ways to simply sit and connect with her kids,” said Lucie.
Despite her parents’ rocky marriage and ultimate divorce, there was love until the end.
The Bay Theatre crowd was standing room only for the film “Lucy and Desi: A Home Movie as Lucie Arnaz after the movie suggested at the end of the day, their family endured the trials and tribulations of any other family, even one with iconic parents. Photo by David N. Young
“When Desi died, my mother lost a piece of herself. She died of a broken heart. It physically broke.”
“Because she had fame, that did not make her life that much easier – or luckier. I doubt she would have traded what she had but it wasn’t that easy,” said Arnaz.
Luckinbill, who recently published his autobiography, “Affective Memories. How Chance and the Theatre Saved My Life,” spoke about having Lucy and Desi as in laws.
Lucie’s fans came from throughout Southern California to see her.
“I was just so excited when I heard this was going to be happening, and I’ve always wanted to come to this theatre,” said Debbie Jacobs, of Long Beach. “I was brought up with Lucy, and watched it over and over again,” she said.
“The event itself was inspirational, offering a glimpse into the life of a beloved figure through close family friends and intimate interviews highlighting the importance of family reconciliation,” said Phil Ellis of Huntington Beach. “The film and event served as a powerful reminder that forgiveness and healing are possible for any family, regardless of their circumstances,” he said.
Annie Rojas, of Downey, said “Lucie is so iconic. Her mother is ingrained in our childhood so to be here and hear her memories firsthand is a dream. It’s just wonderful and heartwarming to be here,” she said.
Yolanda Sierra, of Long Beach, said “We all loved ‘I Love Lucy.’ And we loved Ricky (Desi’s character on the show). Our hearts are beating because we all grew up watching the show with our families.“
Sierra had gone out to purchase a large heart that she presented to Arnaz after the show.
Editor’s note: This story includes additional quotes from moviegoers that could not be included in the printed edition of the Sun.
With former State Sen. Janet Nguyen now sworn in as First District Supervisor on the Orange County Board of Directors, State Senate District 36 voters will now go to the polls to fill the vacant Senate seat. The office of OC Registrar of Voters’ Bob Page said this week that four candidates have qualified to run in the special election called for Feb. 25.
To qualify for the election, candidates must be a citizen of the USA, be registered to vote, have served not more than 12 years in the State Senate and not be convicted of a felony related to bribery, embezzlement, or similar crimes, according to information released by the Registrar.
State Senate District 36 includes all or portions of the following communities, Cypress, Buena Park, Dana Point, Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Los Alamitos, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, San Clemente, Stanton and Westminster.
The candidates include two Democrats and two Republicans. They are:
Julie Diep, an Advocate and registered Democrat.
Jimmy D. Pham, attorney, business owner, and a registered Democrat.
John Briscoe, a broker and business owner is a registered Republican.
Troy Strickland, business owner and currently serving on the Huntington Beach City Council, a registered Republican.
According to OC Vote, the district has about 550,000 voters currently registered as follows:
29.8% -Democratic.
49.5% -Republican.
20.7% -No party preference. The special election winner will serve the remainder of Nguyen’s Senate term, which ends in December of 2026, the Registrar’s Office said.
Neuro-diverse students, some of whom rarely get the chance to venture into new experiences came together recently in Cypress to enjoy a “Taste of Asia” event that provided a chance to get a taste of life in a much different way prepared by kids their own age.
The Beach Cities Chapter of Autism Peer 1 on 1 organized a “Taste of Asia” event to welcome the Lunar New Year for neuro-diverse students from throughout the region, said Alistair Wu, a freshman student at Oxford Academy in Cypress. He said the Lunar New Year celebration featured Asian snacks (from Korea, China and Vietnam), creating Asian crafts such as paper lanterns, watercolor card making, lantern making, and some fun and games.” Dr. Kyle Chang, the first Council member elected in the newly carved out District 3, a majority Asian District, was the guest speaker for the event.
“It is an honor for me to be here today,” said Chang, “not just as a city council member, but as someone who once volunteered with children who were neurodivergent back when I was in college.”
Courtesy Photo Alistair Wu (right) with 12-year-old Lucas Wang at the “Taste of Asia” event in Cypress to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
“It’s remarkable the progress we’ve made as a society since then, not just in our willingness to talk about mental health issues, but also the initiative and advocacy we’re seeing from the next generation,” he said.
Chang praised the nonprofit group for pairing volunteers “with their peers, fostering relationships that enrich both lives.” According to information provided by Autism Peer 1 on 1, that’s exactly why the organization was founded.
Autism Peer 1on1 empowers individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by fostering meaningful connections, creating supportive environments for personal growth and building a more inclusive society.
By educating neurotypical teenagers, Peer 1 on 1 encourages innovative solutions and prepares them to advocate for supportive policies and practices, it said.
“I know how important it is for community programs to get support from their community. Whether you volunteer, donate, or simply spread the word, you’re helping ensure these programs continue to change lives,” said Chang.
“Together, I sincerely believe we’re making a more welcoming and inclusive community for everyone,” he said. The Beach Cities Branch of Peer 1 on 1 is made up of all student volunteers, said Wu, including Mason Ghose, Marketing Director, Arts & Activities Director Katelin Tang, and a host of student volunteers.
“Peer 1 on 1 is an organization that supports in your diverse children with special and special needs children in general. So, for our branch, we mostly focus on our and STEM related activities. So, this event, specifically is to promote awareness about social issues regarding neuro-diverse children, as well as promote Asian culture,” said Wu.
“This is a way for neurotypical and neuro-diverse children to be able to interact more with others, since usually there tends to be like a barrier,” said Marketing Director Ghose.
Dr. Yuping Mao, the adult volunteer of the Beach Cities Branch, said 10 special needs families participated and that approximately 20 local Peer students had volunteered to help.
In addition, Mao said “neuro-diverse” is a relatively new term adopted to refer to those on formerly called “autistic” or on the Autism spectrum.
Erni and John Wang are the parents of 12-year-old Lucas. In an interview with ENE, the parents said their son’s participation in Peer1 on 1 “has been a blessing.”
Courtesy Photo Pictured, L-R Zhanqi Cheng, Founder and Director of Peer 1 on 1, Dr. Yuping Mao, Adult leader of the Beach Cities Branch, Erni Wang, special needs mother and Erica Baweek, high school volunteer mother. They were photographed at the Cypress event.
Lucas is highly functioning, yet on the spectrum, they said his mom, Erni. She said activities sponsored by Peer 1 on 1 have truly induced progress in Lucas’ ability to communicate.
She said Lucas enjoyed the Cypress event, but a tennis program sponsored by Peer 1 on 1 has given Lucas a chance to learn the sport and helped him communicate.
“I can see the growth in him and his tennis skills,” said Erni, saying they “way they teach him is calm, patient, and very effective.”
John Wang, Lucas’ dad, said the fact that these student volunteers are closer to his age makes a huge difference.
They understand that there’s going to be some limitations, yet they are very understanding like the people that they’re supporting,” said Gray. “That is really refreshing to be in an environment where they’re nurtured to do what they want to do and explore their creativity.”
Information provided by Mao indicated that collaborations with youth organizations have expanded our reach, and generous grants from Autism Speaks, the California Department of Developmental Services, and corporate sponsors like Qualcomm and Boeing have allowed us to enhance the Peer 1 on 1 program.
Students work together on projects and get a “Taste of Asia” during Peer 1 on 1 event in Cypress. Courtesy photo
“Our primary focus is providing social and recreational activities for youth with autism, helping them build friendships and develop critical social skills in a supportive, peer-based environment,” she said.
Recognizing the limited services available after individuals age out of public school, the program offers affected families a variety of additional services and programs.
Autism Peer 1 on 1 seeks to empower individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder by fostering meaningful connections by creating supportive environments for personal growth, and the “Taste of Asia” event in Cypress was a great example of the organizational impact of the effort.
he Los Alamitos Recreation and Community Services Department is proud to announce that the Universal Waste Systems (UWS) Race on the Base is back! The ever-popular Reverse Sprint Triathlon and 5K Run/Walk will occur on Saturday, March 1, at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base (11200 Lexington Dr., Los Alamitos).
The Reverse Sprint Triathlon consists of a 5K Run, a 13-mile bike, and a 200-meter swim. Registration is now open at www.raceonthebaselosal.com with the 5K Run/Walk priced at $45.99, the Reverse Sprint Triathlon at $106.48, and the Relay-Reverse Sprint Triathlon at $139.48.
After February 23, prices will continue to increase as the event draws near. On-site registration will be available during packet pick-up times on Friday and Saturday. For military, police, and fire personnel, please use the discount code “HERO2025” for a $10 discount during registration. Military, police, or fire identification will be required at packet pick-up. Gather your friends and family and join us for what is going to be a fun-filled day. According to the city, here is the event information.
Race on the Base coming soon to JFTB. Courtesy photo
Date” Event Information. Friday, February 28, 2025 Bib Pick-Up/Registration/Packet Pick-Up The Joint Forces Training Base (11200 Lexington Dr, Los Alamitos, CA 90720) 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Saturday, March 1, 2024 5:30 a.m. – Bib Pick-Up/Registration/Packet Pick-Up 5:30 a.m. – Transition Area Open 7:00 a.m. – Reverse Triathlon Wave 1 Starts 7:15 a.m. – 5K Run/Walk Start 8:30 a.m. – Reverse Triathlon Wave 2 Start For more information, please visit www.cityoflosalamitos.org/recreation or contact the Recreation and Community Services Department at (562) 430 – 1073.
Get ready to wine down and say cheese! On Saturday, February 15, 2025, the Festival of Arts invites guests to “Tasting with the Masters,” a one-of-a-kind wine and cheese experience held on the iconic Pageant of the Masters stage. This special event is presented by The Da Vinci Guild, with proceeds supporting the arts and programming at the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters. Space is limited and tickets are available to purchase online at www.foapom.com/tasting.Taking place during the long Valentine’s Day and President’s Day weekend, this event offers attendees the rare opportunity to step onto the Pageant of the Masters stage for a behind-the-scenes look at set pieces and sculptures that will be used in the upcoming summer production, “Gold Coast: Treasures of California.” With only 50 spots available, “Tasting with the Masters” is the perfect outing for couples, friends, or anyone seeking a memorable and arts-inspired event. From 3:30pm to 6pm, guests will indulge in perfectly paired wines and artisanal cheeses while soaking up the magic of the artistic ambiance.
“This is an extraordinary chance to enjoy a fun afternoon on the Pageant stage while supporting the arts,” said Sharbie Higuchi, Marketing and PR Director for the Festival of Arts. “Not only will you enjoy exceptional wine and cheese, but you’ll also have the rare opportunity to meet the talented people behind the Pageant, including our esteemed Pageant Director, Diane Challis Davy.”
Tickets for “Tasting with the Masters” are $150 per person, with Festival of Arts members receiving a discounted rate of $125 per person. Festival membership starts at just $60 per year, offering perks such as early ticket access, free admission to the Fine Art Show, and exclusive invitations. To learn more about joining membership, visit foapom.com/membership. This event is presented by The Da Vinci Guild, a philanthropic club founded by the Pageant volunteers in spring 2021 to produce fundraising events in support of the Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach and Pageant of the Masters. This philanthropic club’s activities are independent from and not affiliated with the Pageant or Festival management. To stay up to date on all things Pageant of the Masters and Fine Arts Show visit www.foapom.com or follow @FestivalPageant on social media. To support the Festival of Arts, please visit www.foapom.com/supportnow. \
PThe Festival of Arts, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, has long been a cornerstone of Laguna Beach’s cultural landscape, fostering both community growth and artistic expression. Founded in 1932, its mission is to promote, produce, and support events that celebrate the arts through appreciation, education, and performance. For over 90 years, the Festival of Arts has proudly hosted two premier events: the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the Pageant of the Masters. Together, these iconic shows draw more than 200,000 visitors to Laguna Beach each year. For more information, visit www.LagunaFestivalofArts.org or call (949) 494-1145.
The Queen Mary is proud to announce Roots & Rhythm: Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future, an inaugural Black History Month celebration taking place on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the iconic ship. For the first time ever, The Queen Mary will bring the vibrant culture of Leimert Park to life, transforming it into a hub celebrating the profound influence of Black artistry and storytelling. From visual arts to spoken word performances, guests will experience the creativity and resilience that define Black culture in Los Angeles and beyond.
“We invite everyone to come together to celebrate the roots, rhythms, and stories that define and shape Long Beach’s diverse community,” said Steve Caloca, Managing Director of the Queen Mary. “This event reflects our deep commitment to honoring the rich history of the past while elevating the artists, innovators, and changemakers who are building the future.” As part of the ongoing Queen Mary Cultural Events Series, this immersive event will highlight the history, art, and cultural significance of Leimert Park, a landmark of African American creativity and activism in Los Angeles. Guests will have the opportunity to experience live performances, including spoken word, music, and dance, that showcase both traditional and contemporary expressions of Black artistry on board the historic ocean liner. Attendees can also visit local vendors and artisans offering handcrafted goods, artwork, and products from Black-owned businesses, further enriching the cultural experience.
In addition to artistic showcases, Roots & Rhythm: Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future will foster community dialogue through discussions and storytelling sessions that explore the lasting impact of African American heritage and its influence on culture today. More details, including a full lineup of performers and featured artists, will be announced soon. Caloca adds, “This celebration is a powerful opportunity to honor the creativity, resilience, and rich contributions of the African American community while fostering connection and unity.”
Those interested in participating as vendors or performing artists are encouraged to reach out to Hayley Myles at Hayley.Myles@queenmary.com for more information.
Roots & Rhythm: Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future is 11am PST to 6pm PST. Tickets are $15 per person for ages 3 and up. For more information on the Queen Mary, Roots & Rhythm: Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Future, upcoming events, programming, and more visit www.queenmary.com/seasonal-events.htm and queenmary.com/whatsondeck, or connect with us on social @TheQueenMary.
Located in the Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary features a rich maritime history, authentic Art Deco décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. At the time of her maiden voyage in May of 1936, she was considered the grandest ocean liner ever built.
There is always something happening at the Queen Mary, be sure to visit queenmary.com/whatsondeck to learn about all their upcoming programming. The Queen Mary’s signature restaurants include the Promenade Café and Chelsea Chowder House & Bar, as well as a weekly Royal Sunday Brunch served in the ship’s Grand Salon. History buffs and visitors of all ages can explore the ship’s museum, tours, and exhibits. The Queen Mary features event space in 14 remarkable Art Deco salons and award winning staff to create innovative banquets for groups ranging from 10 to 5,000. The Queen Mary boasts 250 staterooms including nine full suites. For more information or for reservations, see www.queenmary.com or call(888) 217-1153. The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach, California.
The Los Alamitos High girls basketball team will go into the playoffs as a Sunset League Champion, but will be joined by Fountain Valley High, after the Griffins suffered a 43-40 loss to the Barons on Monday night. The Griffins had set themselves up to take the title outright, when they held off Marina High, 56-35 on Saturday at Marina High. The game with the Vikings was a defensive battle in the first quarter, but the Griffins started to pull away in the second.
Marina fought back, but could only get within about 10 points before the Griffins put the game away. Junior guard Tam Yoshida led the Griffins with game-high 21 points and fellow Junior guard Maya Asumbrado knocked down a trio of three-pointers and finished with 11 points.
“I think we executed really well as a team tonight,” Griffins Head Coach Maya De Anda said. The Griffins finished the regular season at 19-8 overall and 9-3 in Sunset League play. Fountain Valley is also 9-3 in league and 18-9 overall. The two may also have to share the league title with Corona del Mar, should the Sea Kings defeat Newport Harbor in a game that was played on Tuesday night (past ENE press time). Either way, all three await the playoff pairings which are scheduled to be released on Saturday.
Marina was led by Senior guard, Maria Tejada, with 12 points and Junior guard, Rylee Bradley, who added nine. The Vikings will await a playoff spot as the fourth place team, or could share third place with CdM, should the Sea Kings fall to rival Newport Harbor.
