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The long-awaited Grand Opening of the Westmont of Cypress, the newest and most innovative senior retirement and assisted living community in West Orange County that almost wasn’t. It sits on five acres of long contested land along Katella Avenue that originally citizens of Cypress were told would likely be a senior living community of some kind, only to be replaced at the last moment by a plan for a 33-acre truck distribution and logistics hub. Citizens of Cypress opposed it from the start and the truck transfer depot never got built. There were plans for retail and a restaurant row promoted by local government which also fell through. In the end the citizens of Cypress and other surrounding communities got what they conceived of from the beginning, a much-anticipated senior living experience those empty nesters and downsizers wanted from the start. Los Al TV was invited to have a look at this newest retirement village on Grand Opening Day. We invite you to share that tour along with us of the new Westmont Living community on Los Al TV Channel 3. Or view on the web at losaltv.org.
A look at Westmont of Cypress on Los Al TV
Youth Center’s Lina Lumme honored as “Woman of Distinction”
Lina Lumme, CEO of the Youth Center, has been working hard for The Youth Center since 2005 and has been sprinkled with awards in the past, but now it seems when it rains it pours.
Recently, Lina was recognized by Assemblywoman Janet Nguyen and the California Legislature as 2022 Woman of Distinction. She was congratulated by the 72nd District Assemblywoman for her dedication and service to the local community. “I recognize you for your time of service and all that you’ve done throughout the years for this community”, said the Assemblywoman, “Our district would not be what it is today without you”.
And though Lumme is quiet about her achievements, she also received a Kindness Award and Super Star Award from LAUSD Board Member Chris Forehan. She was also recently recognized with an Honorary Service Award from Los Alamitos Council of PTAs.
This award is given to recognize an individual or organization for outstanding service to children and youth in the community going above and beyond what is asked of them. Lina Lumme is very prominent in the Every 15 Minutes program, annual community events, and is a very active member of the local community.
With the Youth Center’s new location opening in 2023, we look forward to new growth under Lumme’s leadership.
Scholarships awarded during Youth Center’s “Night Among the Stars”
By Gina Elefante
Eleven philanthropic youth volunteers from nine local nonprofits were recognized at The Youth Center’s 10th Annual A Night Among the Stars awards ceremony on April 2 for their amazing commitment to give back to their community.
The night was filled with moving stories of the many causes students dedicated their time over the last year like raising awareness and funds for animal care, fighting hunger, tutoring elementary and middle school students, writing letters and collecting donations for veterans, and giving hope to children and teens who struggle with isolation and difficult challenges.
The event?packed room was inspired by every nominee’s effort to make this world, challenged by so many difficult issues, a better place. As shared by Lina Lumme, Executive Director of The Youth Center, “It’s easy to give up and do nothing. These Stellar Volunteers give their time and talents to give us all a brighter future by making a difference in our community.”
Nominees acknowledged for this year’s awards included: Autemn Coleman, Amelia Drukker, Ally Hatakeyama, Adam Jorge, Michael Jorge, Katelyn Loh, Evan Moore, Quincy O’Connell, Alice Phee, Katie Velez, and Marina Zhao.
The Youth Center awarded $2,000 in scholarships to four Stellar Volunteers. The S.E.T.H. Lion’s Scholarship was awarded to Katie Velez, nominated by VBA Leos. Amelia Drukker, nominated by Girl Scouts of Orange County, and Ally Hatakeyama, nominated by The Youth Center and LAHS, received scholarships from Rossmoor Woman’s Club. Katelyn Loh, nominated by Los Alamitos Education Foundation, was awarded a scholarship from the Rotary Club of Los Alamitos for her “Courage in Volunteering”.
“We thank all the dignitaries, community members and families who came out to support these wonderful youth volunteers”, shared Shelly Clark, Director of Youth Programs, “this support is what makes our community solid.”
For more information about The Youth Center, please visit www.theyouthcenter.org
Jesse Rivers to speak to Cypress Chamber
The Cypress Chamber of Commerce will welcome Human Resources expert Jesse Rivera as our guest speaker at our May Networking Breakfast. Our event will be held Tuesday, May 10th at the Residence Inn by Marriott at 4931 Katella Avenue, Cypress/Los Alamitos starting at 7:30 a.m. and will follow all current protocols for attendee safety.
Jesse Rivera will share his H.R. expertise on the TWO key issues impacting employers in 2022, the great resignation and labor shortage as well as the recent rise in employment litigation. The solutions to these problems are not easy but Jesse briefly will share some advice that can help employers.
Jesse is the Principal and Human Resources Consultant for Activate HR Consulting, LLC in Hermosa Beach. His broad areas of expertise include HR Compliance, Recruitment, Compensation, Employee Relations, Performance Management, Training & Development, and HR Administration. He studied Business Management at Vanguard University of Southern California and is a Certified Professional from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-CP). Giving back to the community is also important to Jesse and he currently serves on the Board of Directors for three nonprofit organizations.
Each 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 here. Cost of the breakfast is $25.00. Early Bird Registration is $20.00. Attendees are also encouraged to bring door prizes to promote their product or service. The program will include time for live networking, self-introductions, breakfast, our guest speaker and a question and answer session.
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 at cypresschamber.org.
Districts and other changes needed in Cypress
While I don’t know that moving to Districts will achieve better racial representation, I have become an advocate of Districts for Cypress. Before Jon Peat and Paulo Morales were elected, I would have never been an advocate of Districts, but they have changed my position. There was a time when you could run for City Council for $5,000 – $10,000. Stacy Berry didn’t even file a 460 because she spent such a small amount of money.
When Jon Peat and Paulo Morales partnered up in 2018, Jon Peat reported $20,000 in expenditures and Paulo Morales reported $30,000 in expenditures. Anne Hertz donated $25,000 to her own campaign in 2020. We had some very good candidates in the 2020 election, but they were significantly outspent by the two that won. If campaign expenditure limitations and restrictions on political action committees were in place, I would be more comfortable with at-large elections.
Many people say that District elections dilute their vote, however, I believe it’s the money being spent and the long-standing relationships through different organizations that are already orchestrating the outcomes of our elections and drowning out our voices. It seems to me that it is time for a change. While I know many residents want to vote for all five Council Members, I would be satisfied to vote for one that will hopefully give our section of the community a voice because now that is not the case. While I may now have five votes, I have no voice.
Beyond at-large or District elections, I think there are other things that need to change. First, the appointment of Scott Minikus was flat-out unethical. One of the main reasons given for his appointment was that he would get along with staff. The other reasons that were unspoken were likely that he is a retired police officer so when Paulo Morales is termed out, there will still be a police spokesperson on the Council, not to mention that Paulo Morales’ neighborhood would still be represented. I don’t like the idea of the remaining Council members choosing a replacement at all. The choice of Scott Minikus demonstrated that they will always choose their buddy. I think a special election, while costly, is still the fairest option.
Another change that should occur is that candidates should be vetted for inherent conflicts other than the fact that they can’t be related to another Council Member. Just like the President is supposed to separate from their business interests while in office, I think the same should hold true for Council Members and their employers. For example, the Boys and Girls Club rents their building from the city for $1 per year; they received $138,000 of the City’s $300,000 COVID relief fund which was more than any other group even though the agenda indicated that they didn’t meet the 55% residency requirement for priority consideration; and they receive free trash services from Valley Vista.
With Anne Hertz as the Executive Director and Jon Peat on the Boys and Girls Club Board, it’s understandable why they would vote lockstep on issues. Now, at their last meeting, the Cypress School District gave the Boys and Girls Club a contract not to exceed $150,000 to provide support for summer programs.
While it may not be directly related to Anne Hertz’ Council seat, the fact that Bonnie Peat is the President of the Cypress School Board and Jon and Bonnie Peat recently donated $25,000 to sponsor a Boys and Girls Club event should raise eyebrows since cumulatively, these financial benefits likely are given some consideration by Anne Hertz’ employer as to the value she brings to the organization as a City Council Member.
If Bonnie Peat does run and is successful in being on the City Council, these relationships create a potential bond that could give residents the impression that independent consideration of issues impacting our city are a challenge.
I’m not saying that District elections will solve all these issues, but I believe something needs to be done to address the situation that exists now.
Annual Yom HaShoah Community Holocaust Observance April 28
Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) is a day for the community to collectively remember and honor the six million Jewish people who perished in the Holocaust. This year, Yom HaShoah takes place on April 28, while the annual Yom HaShoah Community Observance will be commemorated in person for the first time in two years, and stream via Facebook Live on Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
The event is hosted in partnership by Jewish Long Beach and Alpert Jewish Community Center, on the Weinberg Jewish Long Beach Campus (3801 E Willow, Long Beach 90815).
The program will include music, a traditional memorial service led by Rabbi Scott Fox of Temple Israel, participation from local Jewish clergy, commemorative candle lighting, and more. Keynote speaker Harriet Bennish, local professional vocalist and musical historian, will present “Tears, Joy and Hope: Yiddish Songs of the Jewish Ghetto,” a detailed revival of the Yiddish music that sustained the oppressed Jewish communities of Eastern Europe during the rise of WWII.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the Alpert JCC Gatov Gallery’s current exhibition: Faces of Resilience, Faith, and the Human Spirit, curated by Georgia Freedman-Harvey. This exhibition includes the artwork of Bill Aron, Dina Dar and Dave Fox. Through their artwork they share their own experiences and those of other survivors, demonstrating their unrelenting determination, hope, faith, resilience, and the power of the human spirit to thrive even after the darkness of the Holocaust.
People may RSVP for the free, in-person event by visiting https://alpertjcc.org/yomhashoah/ The event will also stream for free on the Alpert JCC’s Facebook page: https://facebook.com/AlpertJCC.
The event is free to the public, but those who wish to help continue the crucial work of Holocaust education and remembrance can donate to the Gerda Seifer Fund at Jewish Long Beach. Donations may be made at www.jewishlongbeach.org or by calling (562) 426-7601 ext. 1314.
The Alpert JCC and Jewish Long Beach provide programming for all ages and stages of life. Known as “Your Center for Life,” The Alpert JCC provides a gathering space in which all are welcome to pursue early childhood education, after-school programs, fitness programs, aquatics activities, and summer camp, as well as to engage in Jewish life, culture, and education.
Jennifer Dodson named LAE Hero of the Heart
The mother of two students within the Los Alamitos Unified School District has been named the Los Al Elementary Hero of the Heart.
“She wants every student to have the best elementary school experience possible,” said Principal Gary Willems while announcing Jennifer Dodson as the school’s 2022 “Hero of the Heart.”
Willems announced Dodson during a recent LAUSD workshop and said, “she is, by far, the most deserving person of this award.”
“Normally, when you tell someone that they are receiving the ‘Hero of the Heart’ award, there is either excitement or [tears], like last year’s winner who began crying in the middle of the aisle at the supermarket,” said Willems.
“But when I told Jen she was the Hero of the Heart, she said, ‘please tell me I don’t have to make a speech,’” the principal said.
Dodson has a son Tucker at McAuliffe Middle and a daughter Charlie at LAE. During the five years he’s served as principal at LAE, Willems said Dodson has worked to increase parental donations each year and “has become LAE’s single biggest fund raiser.”
He said Dodson started the school’s new fundraiser, the Backyard Bash, and though no longer officially involved in the PTA or other school organizations, “she is still involved with every single event.”
“She has done all of this volunteer work for our students and never wanted anything in return,” the principal said.
Earlier this school year, LAE was named one of two elementary schools within the LAUSD to earn the prestigious U.S. Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon status.
“Anyone who knows me knows this [public speaking] is my biggest fear,” said Dodson.
Yet, Dodson paid tribute to “the army of people it takes to run those [fundraising] events successfully,” and she thanked Willems and Assistant Principal Rick Larson for selecting her for the award.
“Thank you for always saying ‘yes’ to my crazy ideas for events and assemblies,” she said, “including a Double Dare-themed assembly with a giant slip ‘n’ slime, [with] freezing cold water at 8 a.m,” said Dodson.
She thanked her kids, Tucker and Charlie, “who would wake up early to be at school by 5 a.m. to set up for events and assemblies. They would participate in that event sit through their entire school day and help clean up after school.”
“To my daughter Charlie, who grew up sitting under the tables at play meetings with snacks and coloring books so mom and all her friends could come up with more crazy ideas,” she said.
“And to my husband, who would help at all of these events and even build anything we asked him to for these events, including Bob the big orange box, which we also locked him up in dressed up as Captain Underpants for an hour and a half,” she recalled to the laughter of the audience.
Most of all, she thanked the dedication and talent of teachers in the system, especially those who helped educate her children.
“To all of Tucker and Charlie’s teachers throughout the years, thank you for letting me take over holidays, class parties, and art days some of my favorite memories are helping in all of your classes.”
With her voice breaking, Dodson said “lastly, my team, my mom or me, Brittany, Amanda, you guys are simply the best. Without you ladies, none of this would be possible. And you do make LAE the place.”
Board President Diana Hill thanked Dodson for her example to others.
“I just want to say thank you very much for all you’ve done and I know that as parents, it’s a great joy. But I also hope you realize what you are teaching your children and what you’re teaching other children that see you volunteering and giving from the bottom of your heart just to give,” said Hill.
“That is an amazing lesson for our children,” she said.
Supt. Dr. Andrew Pulver said, “the hallmark of this district are the people and it’s like you just continue to make amazing things possible for our students when we talk about unlimited possibilities for students.”
“We could not accomplish this without the amazing partnership of our parents. And then I think about just something simple that Mr. Willems was sharing about the ‘spirit stick’ that you started at LAE and the ripple effect because that was something that Gary has shared with other principals across the district.”
“It’s really powerful, and thank you for who you are and for all that you shared with us,” said Pulver.
“Our kids are there to learn and become the best people they can be,” said board member Meg Cutuli, and she said, “without the community and parental support we could not do half the things we do.”
“So thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” said Cutuli.
“You did an outstanding job,” said board member Marlys Davidson. “For me, a true leader is someone who turns around and acknowledges everyone who did the work with them. You are an outstanding leader,” said Davidson.
Pastors unite to resume National Day of Prayer at Rush Park
Under the leadership of Pastor Terry Miller, nearly a dozen pastors will convene in Rush Park on May 5 to celebrate the National Day of Prayer once again in person.
Miller said Joe Mendoza, General Manager of the Rossmoor Community Services District, invited him to utilize Rush Park to reconvene what has been a national observance since Abraham Lincoln asked the nation to pray for itself to heal after the Civil War.
“Every year on the first Thursday in May, thousands of churches across the country come together to pray,” said Miller, noting that the National Day of Prayer is a tradition that dates to the 1860s.
On March 30, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln designated the day of April 30, 1863, as a day of “national humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in the hope that God would respond by restoring “our now divided and suffering Country, to its former happy condition of unity and peace”.
On April 17, 1952, President Harry S. Truman signed a bill proclaiming a National Day of Prayer must be declared by each following president at an appropriate date of his choice. And in 1988, the law was amended so that the National Day of Prayer would be held on the first Thursday of May.
Pastor Miller, a long-time pastor in Long Beach, now heads his own ministry and is the Executive Director of Calling All Disciples, a Christian discipleship resource and training ministry. Terry and his wife, Debra, have been residents of Rossmoor for the past 14 years.
Miller said he has invited about a dozen of other pastors and church leaders to celebrate a series of prayers that offer blessings for county, state and federal leaders, first responders, the war in Ukraine, and more.
The National Day of Prayer Service will be held on Thursday, May 5, 6:30 p.m – 8 p.m. Christian Simpson will act as worship leader and Chris Hodges, and others will provide worship music.
He said there are several participant pastors, including:
• Pastor Bryan Newberry: Calvary Chapel, Los Alamitos; prayer topic: Let us come into the Lord’s presence (no community prayer).
• John Park: Go and Disciple Church; Prayer for Local Leadership (Mayors, City Council Members, First Responders, Military).
• Pastor Bryan Winger, Good Shepherd, Los Alamitos; Prayer for State of California leadership.
• Rev. Sheri and Gary Leming: Faith Christian Assembly, Seal Beach; Prayer for the Persecuted Church around the world.
• Debbi Andrews: Children’s Ministry; Prayer for families and educators.
• Jim Whitney: Former Long Beach NDP Chairman, Prayer topic: Spiritual revival and awakening for America.
• Pastor Semour Helligar: Grace Community Church, Long Beach; Prayer for Peace in Ukraine
• Pastor Dale Workman, Community Grace Brethren: Prayer for all pastors and church leaders.
Once the official prayers are concluded, said Miller, the pastors will gather in the center and those gathered will then have a final chance to make their own special prayers.
There is no charge to attend the National Day of Prayer and for additional info, contact Miller at -714-926-8557 or via email: terryj316@gmail.com.
Senior Helpers dedicates new location in Cypress
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Cypress Chamber of Commerce officials gathered this week at the office of Senior Helpers, a local organization of qualified caregivers that provide quality-of-life care to senior citizens. Senior Helpers of Seal Beach, Los Alamitos, Cypress was established in 2021. Our office is owned and operated by Steven Nickens, Kimberley Perata, who is an advocate for high-quality senior care. At Senior Helpers of Seal Beach, Los Alamitos, Cypress the primary goal is to help provide a high quality of life for our clients and their families, by delivering customized, dependable and affordable care. Officials say the team of highly qualified caregivers and staff all live in the metro Cypress, California area and we are invested in this community.
Youth Center, RCSD jointly celebrate Arbor Day
By Shelly Clark
Rossmoor Community Services District and The Youth Center partnered together at Rush Park on Arbor Day to host a celebration for the community. There was a ceremony recognizing the importance of caring for our planet and a tree planting at the park.
During the ceremony, six students from The Youth Center (Maddyson Lockhart, Sebastian Gadea, Efron Zhou, Daniel Lumme, Alex Castillo, and Veratti Sanchez) were invited to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. “I was really nervous,” expressed Lockhart about the experience, “but it’s done now.”
After the ceremony, over 40 children from The Youth Center worked together with Mary Kingman, District Arborist, to plant a new tree at the park. The Youth Center’s students were ecstatic to be able to spend the day outside in the beautiful park, join in a raffle hosted by RCSD, and participate in an animal and tree themed scavenger hunt. The Youth Center also offered a bird feeder craft activity to all its students and members of the general public.
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Five year old Lily Schmidt said “my favorite part was spending time with my friends and the staff learning about trees.” Students also were very excited about the raffle and scavenger hunt. Winners of both events were awarded small trees to take home and plant courtesy of RCSD. Stella Ara, age 6, expressed “I won an avocado tree for first place in the raffle!”
After a full afternoon, students were rushing to tell their parents all they had learned during the event. Eliana Jasic, 11, explained “I learned a lot of animals can live in trees.” Events like these hosted by RCSD and The Youth Center teach incredible life long lessons about an appreciation of the world around us.
Rossmoor Community Services District is located in the Community of Rossmoor in Orange County, California. Approximately 10,500 residents make their home in this unincorporated bedroom community located behind a signature brick wall situated between the cities of Seal Beach and Los Alamitos. The Special District of Rossmoor is governed by a five member Board of Directors, who are elected by the residents of Rossmoor and operates under the supervision of a General Manager. Rossmoor is known for its splendid urban forest, beautiful homes and strong family values.
For more information about programs, visit www.TheYouthCenter.org.
La Palma’s first ever Festival of Nations to be held April 30
After being delayed by COVID, the City of La Palma is excited to announce the first annual Festival of Nations on April 30, 2022.
According to the city’s website, this one-day experience will celebrate La Palma’s cultural heritage through dancing, performances, and exhibits.
In addition, the city will hold a “hometown parade” featuring La Palma’s local schools, organizations, neighborhoods, and local businesses will march down Walker Street (Houston Ave. to La Palma Ave.) starting at 10:30 AM followed by the Festival of Nations starting at 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Central Park.
Here is the official schedule:
Saturday, April 30, 2022
10:30 a.m. • Parade (Walker Street)
11:30 a m.- 6 PM • Festival (Central Park)
7821 Walker Street, La Palma, CA 90623
The city has announced that activity wristbands will be available and will give families access to unlimited rides and games at the Festival of Nations, including;
• Rides and games
• Ferris wheels
• Fiberglass slides
• Rock climbing wall
• Obstacle course
• 8 carnival booth games (including prizes)
• Bounce house
• Petting zoo
• Connect a shot basketball
The city has also announced a live entertainment lineup for the Central Park pavilion that includes;
• 11:30 AM • Hanabi Taiko Drummers Group
• 12:00 PM • Huka & Tahitian Dance Group
• 12:30 PM • Miss Valyn’s Just Dance Group
• 1:00 PM • Club Kaibigan Dance Troupe
• 1:30 PM • Martial Arts Demonstration
• 2:00 PM • Traditional Korean Dance Group
• 2:30 PM • Bagpiper Stephen Wilkinson
• 3:00 PM • Traditional Indian Dance Group
• 3:30 PM • Mariachi Ausente
• 4:30 PM • The Remix – R&B Soul Band
Food Trucks & Beer/Wine Garden
• Berlin Food Truck (German Cuisine, Grilled Cheese, Sausages)
• West Coast Hibachi (Hibachi-Style Cuisine, Fried Rice & Vegetables)
• The Family Pizza (Pizza, Italian Cuisine, Pasta, Paninis, and Salads)
• The Tropic Truck (Caribbean Cuisine Featuring Seafood)
• Scooter’s Italian Ice (ice cream, desserts, and other Tasty Treats)
• La Fiesta Mexican Cuisine (Tacos, Quesadillas, Burritos, and Carne Asada)
• Tap Truck O.C. (Orange County’s Premium Mobile Bar Service)
Event Questions
Please contact the Festival of Nations Planning Committee at Festival@CityofLaPalma.org or call 714-690-3350.
Korean, American veterans unite to retire military colors of famed 40th Infantry unit
With yet another war raging a world away, local military, government, and civilian leaders gathered recently at Joint Forces Training Base on Feb. 26 to remember the sacrifices, and accomplishments of men and women made in Korea approximately 70 years ago.
While their glory will never fade, many veterans in their 90s gathered on the parade grounds of the base in Los Alamitos last week to celebrate what will likely be their last formal salute.
Top military brass, including Major General Laura L. Yeager, the current commander of the 40th ID, gathered with family members and other officials to “retire the colors” of a contingent of veterans from the U.S. Army’s storied 40th Infantry Division “Sunshine,” for their remarkable service during the Korean War.
The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when 75,000 soldiers from the North Korean People’s Army crossed the 38th parallel into South Korea. Although Korea was not then strategic to the United States, nearby the USA was already in the throes of a cold war with the Soviets and did not want to appear soft on Communism.
On Saturday, Master of ceremonies Lt. Col. Jonathan Shiroma said the 40th Infantry Division, based in Los Alamitos, deployed from California in late 1951, trained for months in Japan, and moved to the battle in Korea in 1952.
When the 40th reached the front, they fought, and won two of the Korean War’s most infamous battles on “Heartbreak Ridge,” and “Sandbag Castle.” They paid a heavy price with 1457 casualties, including 376 soldiers killed in action and 47 more that later died of injuries, said Shiroma.
Three soldiers in the 40th Infantry Division earned Medals of Honor for their heroism.
Gapyeong is in the center of the Korean Peninsula, and it was the site of one of the fiercest battles of the war. Following the battle of Heartbreak Ridge, the 40th ID pulled back for a break near the town which had been devasted by earlier fighting.
The harsh fighting destroyed the middle school buildings and many of the young students had to study in tent classrooms. The 40th Infantry Division guarded and defended the town as it was strategically located on Seoul’s eastern flank.
Division commander, Maj. Gen. Joseph Cleland, reportedly saw more than 150 South Korean students studying in a tent near artillery fire.
In 1952, he met with the mayor of Gapyeong-gun County, who then asked the U.S. Army’s 40th Infantry Division, the “Sunshine Division,” to build a new school, according to accounts reported by the Korean Ministry of Patriots and Veteran Affairs.
Each of about 15,000 soldiers from the division, led by Brigadier General Joseph Cleland, gathered about $2.50 per person to raise money for a new school. Reports say Cleland put the division’s architects, construction experts, and craftsmen to work designing a plan, then building the school.
Thanks to the funds and some donated infantry equipment, a new school was built in August 1952.
Sgt. First Class Kenneth Kaiser, 19, from Los Angeles was the first man to die in Korea. In his honor, the new school was named. Some battlefield reports indicate Kaiser wanted to teach English to the children.
South Korean school officials originally wanted to call it the Cleland School but the general insisted that they name the school after Kaiser.
The school was called “Gaisa school,” as Gapyeong villagers pronounced the name “Kaiser” as “Gaisa.” It was later changed to the Gapyeong High School and is today a sprawling complex of buildings that spans a city block, including a four-story dormitory, and plans a museum to honor the division soldiers who paid with their blood to save the country and with their pay to save the school.
Estimates say the school has since graduated tens of thousands of students.
Lesser known, according to Korean accounts, the 40th Infantry Division also built another school, the Gwanin Middle School in Gwanin-myeon, Pocheon-si City. Naming the school after its insignia, the sun, the division dubbed the village the “Sunburst Village.”
The gesture has never been forgotten. In the years since, including Saturday, the Korean Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs has sent delegations to the United States while also hosting U.S. military officials from the 40th Infantry in Korea.
The Ministry says it has hosted as many as 15,000 soldiers since the exchange began, inviting them to attend the graduation ceremonies of both Gapyeong and Gwanin schools.
Retiring the Colors
Though a dozen Korean War veterans were able to make it to Saturday’s JFTB ceremony, the soldiers said it was time to “retire the colors.”
Brent Jett, who in the early 1950s was a young Army private serving in the division’s tank company, is the founder and Chairman of the Board of the Korean War Veterans Association. He helped organize the event and traveled to Los Alamitos from Florida to participate.
The bitter cold and savagery of the Iron Triangle are all memories now, yet “today is very important to us. I apologize if I’m a little slow in speaking. We’re all getting into the ’90s.
Half of us are in nursing homes. As a result, many of us are not able to get together for our annual reunions.”
“We have Purple Heart people here today,” he said. “Most of us are Combat Infantry Award Medal winners,” he said. “We’ll always be members of the 40th,” said Jett.
“It’s an honor to follow in your footsteps,” said Gen. Yeager. She also welcomed the sons and daughters of the Korean War veterans, accepting “the responsibilities being handed over to continue the traditions established by the Korean War veterans over many years.”
“It’s hard to believe but it’s 70 years later, and the Korean War remains unresolved and tensions on the peninsula are as deep as ever,” said Yeager.
Courtesy photo
“If not for the divisions like the mighty Sunburst Division,” said Yeager, “the prosperity and peace South Korea enjoy today would not exist. One only needs to look north to North Korea to see what life under cruel communist rule looks like.”
She said “Communist dictators across the globe despise us for our freedoms for our success and happiness as evidence to their people that their way of governing is the wrong way. And if you’re watching the news right now, we’re seeing what’s happening in Ukraine.
And this is just an example of that.”
“The Russian president cannot allow Ukraine to continue to build on their democracy because it highlights how wrong his way of governing is. So it’s up to all freedom-loving people to defend our way of life and stand by our allies and partners,” said Gen. Yeager.
“When asked by our President and our Congress, we in uniform have taken up possibly at the cost of our own lives, to ensure a democratic future for our children and our grandchildren. We owe it to our predecessors, our role models are veterans like you,” she said.
“Today we’re going to retire the colors,” she said, “but you, the veterans of that conflict have been and will continue to be, a part of a long line in the storied history of the 40th Infantry Division.”
Commander J. Kim, head of the Korean Veterans delegation, said “all the Korean people appreciate what the US Army did during the Korean War. We are brothers now so we share our lives together.”
Each year since the end of the Korean War, the Veterans Association traveled to the schools they started to award scholarships to students. While the veterans are too old to continue, their sons and daughters have stepped up to continue the traditions.
Alan Hackler is a part of the Sons and Daughters of 40th Infantry Division Korean War Veterans. He and his family continue to support Korean War veterans.
“Our father was in the 40th Infantry Division and fought in the Korean War and was handling reunions in the past. We did it so much that we want it to continue” he said.
“My sisters and I will continue to take that on because we used to it and our father was a part of it,” said Hackler.
Los Alamitos USD Board of Education and others honored at PTA awards ceremony
Los Alamitos USD Board of Education and Others Honored at PTA Awards Ceremony
All five members of the Los Alamitos Unified School Board of Education, retiring Oak Middle School Principal Erin Kominsky, and four Los Alamitos High School seniors were among honorees at a recent awards breakfast.
On April 11, the Los Alamitos Unified School District Council PTA held its Honorary Service Awards Breakfast for the first time since 2019. In-person events were not held in 2020 or 2021 because of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The event at On the Greens at the Navy Golf Course in Cypress brought together PTA volunteers, staff and administrators from the district’s nine campuses to honor recipients of awards from the past few years. Among those recognized for various awards were PTA volunteers, community members, staff, teachers, local businesses and nonprofit organizations.
A program listed the names of recipients from 2019-2022 and the following awards were announced at the breakfast.
Retiring Principal Receives Top Honor
Oak Middle School principal Erin Kominsky earned the Golden Oak Service Award, described as the “most prestigious” of the Honorary Service Awards bestowed by PTA.
“The love and joy she has poured into her job is so clearly evident and has had such a positive impact on all of us,” PTA Council President Jennifer Steece told attendees.
In a letter sent to Oak Families on March 23, Kominsky announced that after 38 years in education, 27 of them in Los Alamitos USD, she would retire on June 30 to spend more time with her family.
At Monday’s breakfast, Kominsky pointed to former Los Alamitos High School principal Gregg Stone who was in the room as inspiration, calling him her “idol.”
“I hope that I can come back and do it like you after I retire because I just can’t imagine my life without this work,” she said.
Kominsky was previously the principal at Weaver Elementary and was named a National Distinguished Principal of the Year in 2012.
Also receiving the Golden Oak Service Award was longtime PTA parent volunteer Kara Cruz.
Board of Education Recognized for Pandemic Response
Citing their work during the last two years of “unprecedented and extremely challenging times,” the five trustees of the Board of Education were given Honorary Service Awards. The award is for “outstanding service to children and youth in your community, going above and beyond what is asked of them.”
Vice President Chris Forehan, Megan Cutuli and Scott Fayette were there to accept the honor. Board President Diana Hill and Marlys Davidson were not able to attend.
“The Los Alamitos School District has led the way in Orange County and in the state in keeping children, teachers and staff members safe while giving families quality educational options. It has taken a very dedicated group of leaders to guide us through all of the changes we have endured. In addition to dealing with the effects of the pandemic, our district has also been at the forefront of education on diversity, equity and inclusion,” PTA Council Parliamentarian Janet Murphy said.
“Well, I’m shocked,” Forehan said when accepting the honor saying he appreciated the recognition for his work since being elected in 2020. “I tell everybody, I find an ounce of happiness every day…because boy, it’s been tough.”
School board meetings have become heated over the past two years. Public comments reflect a community divided over the district following state-mandated Covid-19 safety protocols as well as the board’s adoption of social justice standards and an ethnic studies elective at the high school. At least two meetings were moved online over safety concerns.
While some parents praise the district, parents in a vocal opposition group regularly lob personal attacks at administrators and board members at meetings. Tensions reached a boiling last November after then-board president Davidson was heard cursing under her breath at a critical parent during public comment. Davidson publicly apologized.
All three board members at the breakfast were targeted in a failed recall effort last year. A nascent second recall effort is targeting Fayette.
“It has been very challenging,” Cutuli said after thanking everyone for the honor. Cutuli stressed that there is a lot of joy in the job she said was about delivering “the best education for every single one of our kids.”
She said the board does get emails “saying thanks for what you’re doing, you’re doing a good job, not everyone is mad at you…”
Fayette also expressed gratitude when accepting the award. “Thank you so much for all that you do and know that you’re greatly and deeply appreciated by myself and everyone at the district,” he told attendees.
The Youth Center Executive Director/CEO Lina Lumme also received an Honorary Service Award for her many years supporting children in the community.
“Our school district is amazing,” Lumme told the audience. “It’s really easy to raise our kids in this community and just thrive so thank you so much.”
Students Receive Scholarships
Four Los Alamitos High School seniors received $500 PTA Council Scholarships including: Summer Drake, Luke Goldade, Katelyn Loh and Savannah Smith.
Savannah and Luke were at the breakfast and both thanked the PTA Council for the scholarship. Savannah said she would use it toward expenses when she attends UC Berkeley next year as a student in the College of Chemistry.
Luke is deciding between UC Berkeley, UC Irvine and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for where to pursue a mechanical engineering major.
The breakfast concluded with a lively two-song performance by the award-winning Los Alamitos High School show choir Soundtrax.
For more local education news, subscribe to the weekly Spotlights Schools email newsletter at SpotlightSchools.com.
Cypress Council revisits Valley Vista agreement
The Council member who cast the lone dissenting vote against a no-bid contract extension that raises trash rates and removed the cap on cost-of-living increases, again demanded answers on Monday, saying the company has been named in other lawsuits alleging corruption.
The Council recently voted 4-1 to grant its trash hauler, Valley Vista Services, Inc. massive rate increases, a provision that changes their existing cap on the cost-of-living increases, and awarded the company an additional ten-year extension on the agreement.
Councilmember Frances Marquez was the only member voting against the agreement.
This week, she asked to put the item on the agenda and the discussion once again centered on Valley Vista.
“I’m looking for solutions to make sure the trash contract goes out to bid in an open and fair competitive process.” Marquez said, suggesting the trash contract was, in essence, “written to protect Valley Vista.”
“Why,” she asked?
The vote on the no-bid 10-year Valley Vista contract extension, said Marquez, was missing the usual “termination language” evident in the standard city contract.
In addition to a trash collection rate increase, the new 10-year extension removed the cost-of-living ceiling.
Under the previous contract, Valley Vista was not allowed to charge more than three percent annually for cost-of-living increases. Accordingly, residents could face additional hikes as early as July.
Marquez repeated a litany of complaints, which she suggested amounted to, at best, preferential treatment for Valley Vista.
“I’m just wondering who wrote this [Valley Vista] contract,” said Marquez, saying she wanted to make changes to the city’s process by way of an ordinance to prevent any future occurrences.
City Attorney Fred Galante, who said he had a hand in drafting the agreement, disagreed with even the premise of Marquez’ argument.
“There’s sort of a lot of components to your question,” started Galante. “The premise seems to be that there’s a mistake that was made and frankly, I can’t say affirmatively that that’s a correct statement,” he added.
“I have done multiple franchise agreements for trash services,” said Galante. “I have done multiple franchise agreements,” he repeated, “and I can tell you that none of those contracts look like any other contract the city does,” said Galante. “They just don’t.”
He suggested waste haulers indeed do require special treatment, citing their business infrastructure requirements necessitate significant upfront investments to provide the service.
He said trash companies must not only invest in trucks, routes, other vehicles, trash bins, but in all of the “resources that are required” to fulfill the contract. He suggested that if trash haulers were forced to comply with the terms of other city contracts, there would likely be few such trash haulers in California.
“If you could terminate without cause,” said Galante, “you would not see a single contract in the state of California,” he suggested. He said the nature of the trash hauling business is such that few agreements of that sort [allowing termination without cause] would exist.
There must be some sort of legal requirement or “a more significant material breach” for there to legally exist “a mechanism for a city to oust a company that has invested in trucks, routes, customer bins, etc.,” said Galante.
Regarding the ordinance, he said “I have a hard time just responding to the question. The short answer to your question is that an ordinance may be placed on the agenda,” he put forward, noting “there’s a first reading and then a second reading 30 days later then the ordinance becomes effective. So that’s the short answer.”
Mayor Paulo Morales suggested Marquez work with City Manager Peter Grant to develop what exactly she wants to place on a future agenda, quickly adding that he too believes no mistakes were made in the Valley Vista agreement.
Morales too, said everything was done properly with the Valley Vista agreement.
“There were no mistakes,” said Morales, noting “I forgot it’s a public utility contract.” The mayor said those agreements operate “under a different set of guidelines than standard city contracts.”
Morales said the city’s contract with Valley Vista Services “was bid.”
City Attorney Fred Galante spoke up to clarify, saying “actually, the opportunity to bid or extend was a city council decision. The decision would not have happened automatically,” he said, “it would have been re-bid but the city council, for the reasons it made, extended the contract rather than re-bid it.”
The last “bid” for trash hauling service was in 2014, city records indicate, so there was a bid, but not since then.
Morales said Valley Vista not only provides free service to the Boys and Girls Club but “they have given those same types of free services to many nonprofits, not just in our city.” He said Valley Vista provides “a lot of [free] services that seem to get overlooked by people when these issues come up.”
Councilmember Scott Minikus lauded Valley Vista for its quick action in cleaning up a recent hydraulic spill near Graham Circle, spending 10-12 hours on it. I’m not defending it any one way or the other. I’m just talking about the extraordinary service,” said Minikus.
Councilmember Jon Peat, who has been involved with Valley Vista during much of his two terms on the council, was upset by the continuing allegations, saying he had developed his own “white paper” to explain and provide an overview to the Valley Vista negotiations, claiming every extension and rate increase given to Valley Vista was justified and well documented.
“I would be happy to meet with anybody to discuss the history of the trash contract,” said Peat.
Peat claimed the city’s team, which included the Council committee, a third-party consultant and many members within the city’s public works department were all also involved in the decision-making process.
“I want to stand up for our employees,” said Peat.
“We went through their [Valley Vista] financials against the industry standard, and it has always been determined that they were within the acceptable norm of the industry,” said Peat.
Also, said Peat, “it should be noted that I’ve offered councilmember Marquez an opportunity to discuss the trash contract and she has declined to meet with “the person that has the most experience on the city council working with the trash contract.”
“I’m tired of you [Marquez] making these unsubstantiated allegations against our excellent staff. This is outrageous,” said Peat, directing his remarks at Marquez.
Peat defended the public works staff, saying they worked hundreds and hundreds of hours on the contract extension and the bottom line, “our residents have got one of the best rates from any of the trash haulers in the area.”
“I don’t understand why some members of the community, and Councilmember Marquez, keep beating on this drum,” he said.
Marquez said Peat had interpreted her remarks all wrong.
“I’m not saying anything about our staff. I love our staff,” said Marquez. “I think they do a great job. They’re the experts,” she said.
“I’m just saying that you know we make the decisions and then they carry them out. This is not about the staff, this is about the people making the decisions,” she said.
Moreover, Marquez asked to place a 2021 article into the record written by investigative reporter Jason Henry of the Southern California News Group that profiles another “evergreen” Valley Vista contract that drew attention in the City of Industry.
Going forward, Marquez said she will work on an ordinance. “This cannot happen again,” she said, noting her intent to ask for an ordinance to be placed on a future agenda to prevent no-bid agreements.
In other action Monday the city council gave its blessing for the resumption of the Cypress citizens academy, of sorts, “to educate and develop current and future leaders,” Grant told the council.
Citizens may soon apply to become part of a class that Grant said will run every Tuesday evening in June and July. He said citizens will be given insights into city government through an extended set of courses and outings, he said.
“The goal is an engaging program that opens up the doors of local government to residents and business owners who want to learn about what we do to be actively and constructively engaged in the city,” said Grant.
Finally, the Council agreed to meet with citizens who live near the North Maple Grove Park that were outraged at the city’s plan to install a bathroom facility at the park. David Balsille told the council he and his wife live nearby and are the parents of six school-aged children.
Also, he presented a petition to the Council signed by many of the 400-plus homeowners who agree.
The Council earlier voted 4-1 [Marquez voting against] to begin the process of spending approximately $500,000 to install a bathroom in the decades-old park. “It was a bad idea,” said Balsille, “definitely a bad idea.”
“We’re already dealing with unhoused individuals camping along the park, as well as vagrant individuals coming up the standard wash trail into our neighborhoods, going in people’s garages, using their yards as restrooms. And this restroom would only serve as a welcome sign to those individuals and more.”
Eastern Europe flavors now available at “Borsh Deli” in Los Al
A new family-owned deli in Los Alamitos sells the kind of foreign products you won’t find anywhere else in the area.
Borsh Deli, now open at 10897 Los Alamitos Boulevard, should send a wave of nostalgia washing over Orange County residents with close European ties. That’s because the imported food and drinks in the shelves and coolers at Borsh Deli are shipped directly from countries like Armenia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, Georgia, Greece, Poland, Germany, France and more.
Courtesy photo
Store co-owner, George, was born in Syria and moved to the United States in 1970. His wife, Karen, was born in Nalchik, former Soviet Union, and moved to the United Stated in 1973. Her parents were doctors and very busy at work, leaving not a lot of time for the family. From her childhood, Karen remembers spending time with her housekeeper. Her delicious meals inspired Karen to learn to cook from an early age. After getting her master’s degree, she worked as a cardiac nurse and taught college nursing classes.
She is happy to get back in the kitchen to recreate dishes that she remembers from her childhood that her grandmother and housekeeper taught her. George and Karen envisioned opening their own deli chock full of the salads, soups, sweets, cheeses, meats, and soft drinks they grew up on.
George and Karen Hajian saw that vision come to life Wednesday when Borsh Deli opened its doors.
An ever-rotating selection of quality foreign candies, cookies, wafers and dilled vegetables can always be found on the rack of the deli.
Karen and George’s son, Ara Hajian, also helps at the Deli by working the register and stocking the shelves. He graduated from Babson College with a Business and Marketing degree. Ara said he’ll shape future import orders based on customer feedback.
“I want people to tell me what they like, what they don’t, what they want, because it will help me order exactly what everybody needs,” George Hajian said. “But no matter what, everything will be high quality. I’m very picky about ingredients.”
Borsh Deli is open Tuesday – Friday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Job openings are available for Deli workers. For more information about Borsh Deli, call 562-446-0704 or email DeliBorsh@gmail.com
Los Al Council member Ron Bates among Cal State’s “Distinguished Alumni”
Cal State LA honored 13 distinguished alumni at its 2022 Alumni Awards Gala recently, including Grifols Biologicals LLC President Willie Zuniga, who was named Alumnus of the Year, according to a university press release.
Among the honorees was Los Alamitos City Council member Ron Bates.
Generations of Diablos and Golden Eagles returned to campus for the April 8 gala, which also celebrated the university’s 75th anniversary.
In his welcome, President William A. Covino thanked alumni and supporters for their contributions to the university’s success through the years.
“You continue to write the story of Cal State LA, and it is a wonderful story,” Covino said to the audience. “You are our greatest ambassadors. You are the irrefutable evidence of the transformative power of a Cal State LA education. Since the university opened its doors in 1947, you have been the heart of our story, our rich history, our vision, our legacy.”
Covino noted Cal State LA’s continued rise in national prominence. The university was again recently ranked number one in the United States for economic mobility.
The festive event was held outdoors on Greenlee Plaza. The evening of mingling, reminiscing and celebrating featured the inspiring stories of outstanding alumni.
“This evening we recognize alumni who represent the best and finest,” he said. “Our honorees are outstanding examples of what is possible, and tonight we get to celebrate their achievements as influential leaders and inspire the generations of alumni to come.”
Los Alamitos City Council member Ronald “Ron” Bates, a 1968 graduate of the College of Natural and Social Sciences was honored for his career of public service.
According to the University’s webpage, Bates was honored for being a “dedicated public servant for 52 years.”
He has served as President of the League of California Cities 1996-98, President of the Southern California Association of Governments 2000 and President of the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations 2002, it said.
Bates currently serves as a Council Member in Los Alamitos and previously served as Mayor. Working for the League of California Cities, he serves as Vice Chair of the California Massage Therapy Council responsible for regulating the standards for massage certificate holders and the curriculum and training at massage schools in California. He is also a Board Member and Secretary of Anaheim Regional Hospital.
Bates was a former City Manager in Buena Park in Orange County, and La Habra Heights, South Gate and Pico Rivera in Los Angeles County where he was primarily responsible for restoring or maintaining fiscal integrity and stability to those cities.
In South Gate, he was a major contributor to the Azalea Project, the largest commercial development in the city’s history. As Assistant City Manager and consultant in Anaheim, he worked with the City Manager and Legal Counsel negotiating major agreements for the construction, financing and operation of the Pond of Anaheim, which finished construction on time and under budget in 1993, the university said.
In note of his accomplishments, he received the National Public Service Award in 2014 from both the National Academy of Public Administration and the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). In 2000, he received the Tranny Award by the California Transportation Foundation for an elected official’s contribution to transportation.
According to the Cal State bio, following undergraduate work at California State University, Los Angeles in Government and Physics and serving as Cal State LA’s Student Body President in 1968-69, he went on to receive an MPA and Ph.D. from the University of Southern California in Public Administration specializing in finance and personnel administration with further work in finance completing his Certified Financial Planning (CFP) credential in 1988.
Mr. Bates has been married to Marilyn Bates Ph.D. for 51 years. They have two daughters and two grandchildren ages nine and four. He and his wife fund an Internship Program for Public Administration graduate students at Cal State LA and scholarships for high achieving high school students living in Pico Rivera. He also serves on the Advisory Board for the Dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences at Cal State LA.
Rossmoor Woman’s Club Annual Garden Tour and Marketplace on sale now
Tickets are on sale now for the Rossmoor Woman’s Club 18th Annual Garden Tour and Outdoor Marketplace.
The fundraising event on Sunday May 15 will feature self-guided tours at six Rossmoor homes where owners have created individual and diverse dream landscapes.
The event also includes an outdoor marketplace featuring a variety of vendors. Garden items and hand-crafted decor will be on sale in the Rossmoor Woman’s Club booth, where you can also buy tickets to take your chances on several raffle baskets.
The Kiwanis Club of Los Alamitos is expected to be on hand selling tacos or sliders, coleslaw and beans to raise money for its service projects. For dessert, Scooters Real Italian Ice is scheduled to have a food truck onsite.
The tour is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased in advance from any club member, from a selection of local merchants or, for a $1 service fee, on the club website rossmoorwomansclub.com. Tickets will also be for sale the day of the tour at the outdoor marketplace, which will be in the parking lot at Farmers and Merchants Bank in Rossmoor Center at 12535 Seal Beach Blvd., Seal Beach. (Tickets purchased online must be picked up at this site on the day of the event.)
All net proceeds go to fund scholarships for Los Alamitos High School seniors and to support local charities in the Los Alamitos/Seal Beach and Long Beach areas.
Merchants selling tickets are Brita’s Old Town Gardens, 225 Main St., Ste. A, Seal Beach; Antica Olive Oil, 11110 Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos; Cinnamon Stik, 10641 Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos; Prep Kitchen Essentials, 12207 Seal Beach Blvd., Seal Beach; and McNally Electric, 10792 Los Alamitos Blvd., Los Alamitos.
A council candidate’s perspective on ‘districting’
On April 14th, the Event News published the City of Cypress’s “official response” to violations of the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) and justification of their 4:1 vote to retain at-large election voting. We’ve also heard from residents at the last several council meetings, both in favor (e.g., “it’ll be easier for candidates to canvas”; and “outlying areas will be better represented”) and opposed (e.g., “it’ll break up Cypress”; and “we’ll only have one council member representing us”).
Since the summer, residents have shared their dismay that their vote in 2020 was discounted concerning the appointment to fill Stacy Berry’s vacant council seat. It was then that I also heard comments about moving Cypress from at-large to district voting. I researched Kevin Shenkman, the lawyer that issued the letter to the City of Cypress, as well as the CVRA, and district voting to have a better understanding with regards to Cypress.
I learned that many cities that have switched from at-large to district voting after being sued (or warned) by Kevin Shenkman are 2-3 times more populated than Cypress (50,151, 2019). Examples include the City of Orange – 139,887 (2019), Irvine – 316,860 (2021), and Huntington Beach 200,259 (2019). While districting may make representing residents of large cities more manageable, the CVRA addresses minority representation and historical minority candidate suppression.
As the Candidate that placed third in November 2020; and was then passed over by the Council for the Appointment my first thought was districting might be a good option, especially with many residents voicing similar sentiments. However, after weighing resident comments, my findings, and what I consider to be the best interest of Cypress, I disagree with Shenkman that Cypress should move to district voting.
When I lost in 2020, my thoughts were focused on reaching more residents and earning their vote next time. It wasn’t that 6.62 miles was too large to canvas, but the pandemic and poor air quality due to the wildfires made it more difficult.
Douglas Johnson, President of the National Demographic Corporation said “District elections are definitely not better in every instance. They can lead to our neighborhood versus their neighborhood frictions” (Spectrum News1; April 11, 2022). This same concern has been shared by Cypress residents at recent council meetings.
Johnson also claimed that “Shenkman has taken the law beyond what it was designed to do”. This comment made me think about the recurring 4:1 council votes. A good example is the trash contract extension and approved rate increase because the Council vote of 4 does not reflect the resident’s vote (i.e., “1”). It is a recurring pattern seen since the days when Stacy Berry was the single vote for the people; and it has many residents wondering WHY their vote doesn’t matter.
This 2020 Candidate wonders if this could be a reason many see district voting as the answer. When I ran for City Council, I ran to serve all the residents. I am sure every Council Member will reiterate this sentiment. I hope that Cypress can come together before the next election to let at-large elections stand and to vote for three qualified candidates that represent what we are all looking for.
Carrie Hayashida (Katsumata)
Cypress
Civic Genius promotes OC event to explore ‘digital disinformation’
A diverse group of Orange County residents have been invited to come together for a day-long citizen problem-solving event hosted by Civic Genius, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization.
According to Todd Levinson, the Director of Programs and Strategy, Civic Genius is hosting the event in Anaheim to bring together citizens from across the political spectrum interested in working to overcome political polarization.
“We want to get people active, pursuing solutions locally,” said Levinson, noting that the topic of the daylong event April 30 will be ‘digital disinformation.’
“We are focused this year on the topic of digital disinformation and free speech,” he said, and the discussions will explore the tensions in between.
Civic Genius “will be running events in six to eight communities across the U.S. over the next year that bring people together to learn about this issue, realize that we can respectfully discuss and understand each other’s points of view, and find common ground to move forward,” said Levinson.
Moreover, he said participants will also participate in ConnectEffect, a transformative entertainment experience. The event is part of a national initiative that brings together Americans from across the political spectrum to learn about, discuss, and tackle critical national issues.
He said ConnectEffect is “from award-winning executive producer/director Riaz Patel” and “is a transformative entertainment experience that “hard-resets” our shared humanity.”
It is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to understand others as individuals instead of stereotypes, then quickly equalizes and humanizes them into one deeply connected group.
“The show takes an audience of total strangers with every background and opinion imaginable, then quickly equalizes and humanizes them into one deeply connected group. Next, the audience finally has much-needed conversations with each other that are label-shedding and echo-chamber-breaking – all within an enjoyable and entertaining experience,” said the nonprofit in a media release.
Accordingly, Jillian Youngblood, the nonprofit’s Executive Director, said the event promises “a vibrant and illuminating discussion with fun, visually compelling activities (think beach balls and board games) about a critical issue (digital disinformation & free speech) with the goal of achieving consensus solutions.”
The event will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Saturday, April 30, at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Anaheim – Orange County (The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868).
“Importantly, participants won’t just be talking among themselves. Through a unique partnership with the Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, the perspectives, personal stories and recommendations shared in this event will inform a months-long policy deliberation conducted by a group of national leaders – including experts, advocates, and technologists,” said Youngblood in the release.
Civic Genius is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization aiming to overcome political polarization and rebuild American civic culture through everyday opportunities to learn and engage, according to the information released.
“Through programs designed to meet people wherever they are in their civic engagement, then build on the common ground that already exists across personal backgrounds and political affiliations, Civic Genius is working to get our democratic experiment back on track,” it said.
The public is invited to attend the event, said Levinson. To attend, visit OCIYA22.eventbrite.com online. There is no charge to attend.
Youth Center partners with Rossmoor
By Gina Elefante
The Youth Center gets a lot of publicity about what they do for local communities. There is more to the Youth Center’s success than most people see. I would like to highlight one of the biggest partners who contributes to the success of this organization. The mission of the Rossmoor Community Services District is to provide superior, cost-effective services that enhance the quality of life for the residents of Rossmoor. That’s what makes the partnership with the Youth Center so beneficial to its residents.
It all started in 1995, when Rossmoor residents requested a local summer camp for their children. The former CEO of the Youth Center, Tom Stretz, reached out to Rossmoor Community Service District. The Past President of RCSD, Tom Fitzgerald, assisted by his team, worked with Tom Stretz to come up with the solution and forged a partnership that is strong today. In 1996, The Youth Center offered Summer Camp to Rossmoor residents for the first time.
“Joe Mendoza, current general manager, continues the legacy of making sure that Rossmoor residents have affordable local recreational and education programs in their neighborhood”, shared Lina Lumme, CEO of the Youth Center. New programs and special events were added since Joe Mendoza’s appointment in 2018. Currently Rossmoor parks host many Youth Center programs including Camp S.H.A.R.K., Teen camp, tutoring, and Rascals after school programs. Over $300,000 in scholarships were provided by The Youth Center to local residents since 1996 because of this partnership. During summer months, many local youth members of the community get an opportunity to go through the youth development training and get their first jobs, virtually in their own backyard.
“I lived in Rossmoor my whole life and my kids loved going to the summer camp at Rossmoor Park”, shared Arnie Fine, Rossmoor Resident “Both of my boys learned sportsmanship and gained friendships. When they were old enough to volunteer, they joined the YC team and gained valuable life lessons. Now they are very successful adults. This partnership is exceptional for residents like me.”
In 2015, the Youth Center’s Literacy program flourished as local kids started participating in reading challenges. Later, Rascals mini library on wheels was built by a local Rossmoor resident. To date, local students in the Rascals after school program read over 7,000 books.
Rossmoor Community Services District is located in the Community of Rossmoor in Orange County, California. Approximately 10,500 residents make their home in this unincorporated bedroom community located behind a signature brick wall situated between the cities of Seal Beach and Los Alamitos. The Special District of Rossmoor is governed by a five member Board of Directors, who are elected by the residents of Rossmoor and operates under the supervision of a General Manager. Rossmoor is known for its splendid urban forest, beautiful homes and strong family values.
For more information about programs, visit www.TheYouthCenter.org.