Photos by Andrew Ficke
Well, McAuliffe Middle School’s Principal, Dr. Ryan Weiss-Wright has proven he will keep his promises. After students and their families exceeded a fundraising goal of $35,000 (in the school’s overall quest to raise $75,000 to support associated campus activities), the principal indeed kissed a pig. At first, Weiss-Wright stared down the 65-pound pig named “Piglet,” before gently kneeling close and kissing it. Some students watched intently near 
the scene while the entire school watched via livestream. For the good-natured principal, it’s been a rough go in 2022, as Weiss-Wright has reportedly been hit in the face with a pie, dressed up as the Pillsbury Doughboy and danced with the school choir as the fundraising effort hit certain milestones. The campaign is now within a pig’s hair of reaching its ultimate goal so heaven only knows what happens when they inevitably reach it?
McAuliffe Middle school principal keeps his promise to kiss a pig
WellSpace under construction at Los Al High School
A new space for students to relax, recharge and seek guidance from mental health and wellness professionals is being built at Los Alamitos High School.
Construction was scheduled to start on September 6 on the new WellSpace at LAHS, according to Nichole Pichardo, Public Information Officer for the Los Alamitos Unified School District. Griffins could be able to access the space by November.
“When we talk about students thriving here in Los Alamitos Unified, we know that it just can’t be academically. We must take a deeper look at their social emotional needs as well,” Superintendent Andrew Pulver, Ed.D., wrote in part of a statement to Spotlight Schools.
The Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF), the non-profit partner of Los Alamitos USD, is expected to cover the cost to construct and furnish the WellSpace which is estimated to be between $230,000 to $245,000.
Students and parents at the district’s nine campuses in Los Alamitos, Seal Beach and Rossmoor may know LAEF as the provider of after-school and summer enrichment programs. But thanks in part to LAEF’s fundraising efforts, it has also donated tens of thousands of dollars toward student wellness in the district including paying to construct WellSpaces at Oak and McAuliffe Middle Schools in 2021, the first of their kind in Orange County. LAEF has also helped pay salaries for mental health professionals in the district in 2017, 2018 and 2021.
“It was just becoming apparent that it was the new need,” LAEF Executive Director Carrie Logue said in a recent interview explaining how LAEF came to include supporting student wellness in its mission.
For the past five years, students have increasingly struggled with mental health issues including anxiety and depression. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that suicide is the second leading cause of death for 10 to 14-year-olds.
The social and emotional needs of students grew during the Covid-19 pandemic as young people dealt with isolating lockdowns, financial hardship and, in some cases, the death of a loved one. Last December, the U.S. Surgeon General declared a mental health crisis among America’s youth.
California’s elected officials and educators are trying to meet the demand from young people for mental health services, but in some school districts, students are left waiting for help, reports The L.A. Times.
Three weeks ago, Governor Gavin Newsom announced an “overhaul” of the state’s mental health system for Californians ages 0 to 25.
“We’re investing billions of dollars to ensure every California child has better access to comprehensive mental health and substance use services. The Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health is premised on a very simple belief: every single kid deserves to have their mental health supported,” Newsom said.
Last month, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced $20,000 grants for aspiring mental health clinicians in his goal to hire 10,000 school counselors.
“This is an important moment,” Thurmond said in a press release. “Our students deserve and need to have more support, and we’re grateful to have resources that we can use to help them. We recognize that it will take time to build out many of these wraparound services so our students can heal, recover, and thrive, and that’s why it’s important to embark on this work immediately.”
Los Alamitos USD has been increasingly focused on students’ mental health over the past five years. In 2021 and 2022, it increased its wellness staff by hiring more counselors and social workers.
It built the first WellSpaces in Orange County at Oak and McAuliffe Middle Schools with the help of LAEF, the Orange County Department of Education and Children’s Hospital of Orange County.
The WellSpaces are staffed by mental health professionals including counselors and school psychologists. WellSpaces look more like a relaxing lounge in a spa than a traditional public school classroom. With plush furniture, soft lighting, peaceful decor and calming activities, WellSpaces can offer students a break from the stress of daily life in a supervised setting.
Students can make appointments with counselors, get permission from their teachers to make a short visit to the WellSpace during class or stop by during breaks between classes or during recess or lunch.
“Over the past year we’ve seen the positive impacts our WellSpaces have had for our middle school students and with the generous support from our Los Alamitos Education Foundation, we are now bringing this space to our high school students,” Dr. Pulver said.
The WellSpace at LAHS will transform a former preschool site on the campus into a calming oasis where students can decompress and visit with wellness counselors. There are also plans to create a “Zen garden” outdoor space in what used to be a playground.
“It’s a signature project for us,” Logue said, stressing that she wants students to know about the new resource at LAHS. “There is a place of peace and solace on campus so students do not just have to bottle up” their emotions, Logue said. “There is a place for them to process and feel better.”
Logue believes that building WellSpaces can also help change the narrative about mental health in our community. “The fact that this space exists opens up those conversations about mental health and reduces the stigma and that is critical.”
A long term goal for LAEF is to open up the LAHS WellSpace and its services to students and families beyond school hours. “This is our next big phase and hope,” Logue said. The question she hopes to answer: “How can we equip parents to better understand what their children are going through?”
LAEF is also helping create WellSpaces for the district’s youngest students. It recently donated $3,000 to each of the six elementary schools in the district to help pay for decor and furniture to repurpose available classrooms into new spaces for TK through 5th graders.
Last year, LAEF donated $1,000 to create a “Peaceful Pod” at Weaver Elementary through a project from the school’s Ambassadors program. At McGaugh Elementary in Seal Beach, wellness counselor Tina Hereen has already started setting up a calming center for Sea Lions, where they will use the Second Step program for social and emotional lessons.
“We want our students of all ages to have the freedom to know that it’s OK to need a break. It’s OK to ask for help and it’s OK to seek support. These are things that a lot of times, as adults, we learn on our own, but we are embedding this important work into our district goals, priorities and culture and teaching our students these skills,” Dr. Pulver wrote in his statement.
The LAEF Executive Committee has recommended the approval of a donation of $245,000 to fully fund the LAHS WellSpace construction costs, furnishings and decor, according to Logue. It is expected to be approved by the LAEF Board at its next meeting on Sept. 21.
For more local education news, visit www.SpotlightSchools.com
Los Al Bucks, 2nd round, part of new Economic Development plan
The City of Los Alamitos will attempt to build on the success of its initial “Los Al Bucks” campaign as they unveil a multi-faceted economic development plan designed to assist local businesses and provide incentives for others.
“If you recall, for this past fiscal year, we went entered into a huge shop-local campaign, most of you were able to see a lot of marketing material or outreach materials in the community.”
“That said, shop local, support local, play local, so we’re going to continue that approach, “Development Services Director” Ron Noda told the Council in July.
Noda presented an overview of the Council regarding the economic development plans his team would implement throughout the new fiscal year and the costs associated therewith.
In addition to reaching out to incentivize local businesses, Noda said the new Los Al Bucks campaign would encourage residents as well to shop locally.
“Last year, we had a big focus on businesses and when a new business renewed their business license, we gave them a packet that provided information on shopping services,” said Noda.
“This year, we’re going to really hammer out the resident packet,” he said. “So if you’re a new renter or a new homeowner, we’re going to give you that packet as well.”
Noda said the staff was busy reaching out to the community go get answers and data in an attempt to launch the new Los Al Bucks program.
During the holiday season in 2021, the City of Los Alamitos returned $225,000 of the American Rescue Plan dollars directly to residents in the form of a $50 “Los Al Bucks” bill that could only be spent at local businesses.
The city coordinated with businesses to establish a method whereby local businesses could exchange the “Los Al Bucks” for cash within 45 days.
As part of the promotion, residents were required to spend at least $25 of their own money along with the $50 certificate.
Nevertheless, he said the 2021 program had generated at least $100,000 in added commerce to the city, which according to general economic multipliers, could have had a $700,000 local economic impact.
According to the city, Los Al Bucks cannot be used on cannabis related items, tobacco related items, gasoline, home-based business, online food delivery services, lottery tickets, or *alcohol (*alcohol with a meal is acceptable). Los Al Bucks are not redeemable for cash and can only be used during time periods set by the city.
“We learned a lot during program one,” said Noda, adding that they will be partnering with special phone apps to promote specials that could, in some cases, double the value of the “Los Al Bucks.” He said the goal is to have residents visit new local businesses or restaurants.
“We’re tentatively scheduled to launch Los Al Bucks version two on Sept. 19,” said Noda. Another lesson learned, he said, was to “clearly label the envelope” so residents will know there are Los Al Bucks located inside “rather than junk mail.”
He said the city is “slowing down” an educational video to explain the entire process for residents to make sure both sides understand how the program works.
Noda said the city will also launch “Elevate Los Al” which is a business development workshop series “designed to assist local businesses and entrepreneurs within the city.”
“The project will provide information and tips on improving their businesses,” said Noda, such as marketing plans, accessing resources for growth, utilizing technology for improved growth and outreach.
He said the city is looking to partner up with the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce to help implement the program. He said the workshop series will also provide for “personal and professional growth.”
In addition, to jumpstart evening commerce, the city will launch a weekend night market on Pine Street (see related story) and bringing back the Parklet series in the Spring of 2023.
Also, Noda said the city will resume the Business Spotlight Series and the department has planned aa second “Good Morning Los Al,” meeting between city officials and residents and local business owners is scheduled for Oct. 19.
Outgoing Council member Mark Chirco did such a great job of emceeing the first event that he will again act in that role.
“We had a very positive reaction to the first event,” said Noda, which he said is designed to enhance civic engagement between city leaders, residents, and business owners by educating them on programs being offered by the city.
Noda said each department head will give a brief, 2–3-minute presentation. The event is free to community members.
He told the Council that the entire plan for the next six months will cost approximately $285,000.
“It may sound ambitious,” said Noda, “but we’ve done a lot of it already.
Noda said the staff was nearly finished with a plan to beautify the city to enhance local economic development, making the city “modern and energetic and aesthetically looking nice to spur economic development.”
Los Al Unified remains “extraordinary”
By Leland Jay
Imagine you are a parent.
You have a lovely house in a friendly town. You’re super involved with your kids.
You’re a soccer coach. You’re a baseball coach. You’re a Boy Scout troop leader. You have a teaching credential that allows you to substitute teach at your children’s elementary school.
You join the PTA. You’re a room parent. You’re elected to the school’s PTA executive board.
Your school loves you so much that when your time there comes to an end, you receive the highest award the school can bestow upon anyone. Your kids move on to middle school.
The principal (recognized as the state principal of the year) loves you. Parents and teachers deeply appreciate your commitment and dedication to their school. You love your community so much that when your children finish middle school, you think you’d like to run for your town’s school board. And so you do.
Word gets out that you’re running, and many are very pleased. You run unopposed and get elected and are sworn into office.
Two months later, a global pandemic hits and turns the world upside down. All schools close. There are strict state mandates and protocols for schools to reopen. Yours is among the first public school districts in your state to announce a return to in-person learning. Not only that, but your district also gives parents a choice between in-person learning and distance learning for their kids. Quite remarkable!
Nevertheless, some residents in your town are not happy. Some are opposed to the state mandates and are complaining about them. Some get mad, but rather than complain to their state representatives about the state mandates, they complain to you. Some even want to kick you out of office. However, you have to follow the state mandates or risk losing school funding. An out-of-district church holds a town hall meeting about you and invites everyone in your town to come.
There’s a panel discussion and one of the panelists tells the audience that they need to find out where you live and where you work and “make your life miserable.” Some in the audience applaud, as reported by your county newspaper.
People grow more hostile. You receive anonymous threats by email. One of your colleagues receives so many threats that law enforcement deems credible that she has to have a police presence outside of her home for 4 weeks.
You get a reprieve. The recall group misses a deadline which ends their recall attempt.
But the hate just keeps coming, and it’s getting worse. At board meetings, people shout at you, swear, quote Biblical verses at you, and insult you. Anyone paying attention can tell that all of this is heading towards a breaking point.
Then, one day, at one of the meetings, people really lay into you – calling you a bunch of names and hurling personal attacks. You don’t say anything, but one of your colleagues mutters a swear word under her breath. She didn’t even realize she did it, but a hot mic picks it up. She immediately apologizes – privately and publicly. Over a year later, people are still waiting for an apology from the church/organizers that had the town hall meeting about you.
So now they attempt to recall you a 2nd time. You have to endure another 3 months of harassment. Your wife has to drive by your local park every day to see disparaging signs about you. There’s a small group from another town who is in your neighborhood going door to door spreading lies and misinformation about you.
It’s highly effective. Many in the town believe the misinformation about you, but the recall group doesn’t get enough signatures, so the recall fails a second time. However, the cost of the signature audit is $7,320.26 which gets billed to the school district, directly pulling money out of schools. You wonder if these attacks will ever end.
This happened in our town.
I wish to tell you that I am sorry for the loathing and lies leveled at you. I wish that those who seek to know the truth will reach out to you. I encourage our community to apologize to you and offer to buy you lunch or a cup of coffee when they see you. Your wife didn’t deserve this. Your kids didn’t deserve this. You didn’t deserve this. Thank you for not quitting and for enduring all of the unpleasantness. Despite all of this, I would remind you that your district remains quite extraordinary.
How extraordinary, you ask?
Your district just completed building a brand new $67 million STEM building on the high school campus. Two of your six elementary schools received the National Blue-Ribbon award and yours is the only district in the state of California with two schools achieving that status this year. Your high school football team was just on national TV playing a game in Florida.
Your cheerleaders won the national championship. Your high school choir won the national championship (again). Your district offers WellSpace centers on middle school campuses for all kids dealing with mental health issues and since the pandemic, you have doubled the number of mental health counselors.
Your county superintendent of schools has repeatedly stated publicly that your district superintendent is so admired and respected, he is the one all other superintendents in the county seek for advice. The PTA awarded you and your colleagues the Golden Oak award, the highest honor one can receive from the PTA. At the annual PTA breakfast, you and your colleagues received a standing ovation.
I would say you’re doing a great job. Keep your chin up.
Letters to the Editor Sept. 14
Editor:
The Recent “Standing Up for Cypress” full page PR piece does not address the specific issues which the Cypress citizenry finds “disenfranchising”.
We have seen the dumping garbage next door to residential properties event: and the council doing everything in its power to protect their territories from districting by simply saying there is no support for districting. Put it on the ballot. Further on this issue, it is the Cypress-at-large voting system that gives us the current City Council. How did that happen? Would the Council be in this much turmoil if we had districting?
Now to fuel an already volatile fire, a City Council member who is termed out of the Council is going to swap positions with his wife running for City Council. Ok, it may not be illegal, but it’s certainly a conflict of interest, given the recent events. I am sorry to have to contradict the recent message to the citizens of Cypress, but you folks are not standing up for me. I repeat myself, put redistricting on the ballot.
Claire Bourke
Cypress
Well done on the article
Dear Mr. Young,
An article about me appeared in your September 7 issue. I wanted to compliment you & your staff on a well-done publication. Your reporter was diligent in their research & very accurate in reflecting my background in a concise fashion, which was refreshing.
Thank you for the Standard of Excellence you have established.
All the Best,
Jim Markel
Retired Capt., U.S. Air Force
Winner of the Distinguished Flying Cross
Send us Letters
Letters on topics of current interested are encouraged and will be published as timely as pos
Huntington Harbour movie/TV actor designs Sundial
By Chris MacDonald
I was sitting in the Bolsa Chica Conservancy Parking Lot on Warner Avenue near Pacific Coast Highway, when I looked up to see a huge sundial clock on the side of a Fire Station across the street. I haven’t seen any other sundial clocks around the area and wondered who created it.
My research and inquiries showed that a man living in Huntington Harbour not only designed it but the Fire Station as well. This talented USC-trained architect, who also designed the famous Asian-style Bank of America building in Los Angeles’ Chinatown, was once known as a skilled young actor in movies and television.
Richard Tom, also known as Layne Tom Jr., portrayed Charlie Chan’s son in three of the famous detective movies, including the 1937 “Charlie Chan at the Olympics.” Growing up near USC, his mother got him singing and acting lessons.
Layne Tom Jr. portraying Charlie Chan’s son.
From 1936-1960, Tom was in a series of films, including “The Hurricane” with Dorothy Lamarr; “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” with Jimmy Stewart; “San Francisco” with Clark Gable; “The Stowaway” with Shirley Temple; “Pork Chop Hill” with Gregory Peck; “Lady in the Tropics” with Hedy Lamarr & Robert Taylor; “The Good Earth” with Luise Rainer and television shows like “Hawaiian Eye,” “Adventures in Paradise” & “The Barbara Stanwyck Show.”
Tom, a Navy veteran and former Huntington Beach Rotary Club president, passed away at 87 in 2015. His widow, Marilynn, who is former Outstanding Artist of the Year in Huntington Beach, said in an interview how surprised she was that he designed a sundial for the Fire Station, which opened 45 years ago.
“The first time I saw it was when I went to a reception there,” said the retired Physical Education teacher at Long Beach City College. “I was amazed because you usually look down on sundials and this was a 7-by-8 foot vertical sundial on a building.”
“The best part is that it’s very accurate and runs entirely on solar power,” said Patrick Brennan, executive director of the Bolsa Chica Conservancy across the street.
“We enjoy this working piece of history, which shows how our ancestors calculated time,” said Joe Pedick, senior pastor of Calvary Chapel of the Harbour, east of the fire station. “How refreshing it is in this Digital Age to have such a simple, yet complex instrument that’s so accurate.”
In 1972, the Toms moved from Anaheim to a home he designed in Huntington Harbour. He also designed libraries, shopping centers, civic centers and courthouses.
For Alex Dreschke, a role in Hamilton at Segerstrom seems like homecoming
When he graduated with a Fine Arts degree from UC Irvine years ago, Alex Dreschke could hardly have imagined he would return to SoCal with a role in HAMILTON, one of the most engaging musicals of our time.
For Americans who may not have paid sufficient attention during their American history classes, HAMILTON brings history to life with de-wigged characters, rapping lyrics, and nuggets of knowledge, delivered in a unique way by period characters that look like modern America.
As a founding father, Alexander Hamilton’s story is an early one of the unfolding American dream. He overcomes dubious birth ancestry in the Caribbean, a sex scandal, and other challenges to become one of the country’s more famous founders.
Hamilton’s golden buzzer was accepting an offer to serve as General George Washington’s aide-de-camp during the Revolutionary War.
Courtesy photo
After winning Washington’s confidence with a keen intellect, Hamilton served Washington throughout the war and was selected twelve years later by President Washington to serve as Secretary of the Treasury. The rest, as they say, is history.
The show’s creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda has said in interviews that the idea for a modern take on Hamilton came to him after reading Ron Chernow’s biography of Hamilton.
The show opened to a record run on Broadway and continues to sell out theaters as touring companies perform HAMILTON across the country.
For Dreschke, it’s been a long journey to the HAMILTON stage and when the play opens in Costa Mesa, he said it will be a bit of homecoming for him.
Since attending UCI, Dreschke has developed into a major theatrical player, with acclaimed roles in “Charlie & The Chocolate Company,” “A Bronx Tale,” and others before landing the role in HAMILTON.
So as his star rises on Broadway, his current role in HAMILTON brings him back to where it all began.
“It’s a full-circle moment for me,” said Dreschke in an interview this week.
Born in San Francisco, Dreschke enrolled in UC Irvine to learn the professional craft of dancing and acting. While there, Dreschke had the good fortune to study under the legendary Master of Dance, the late Donald McKayle.
In 2005, McKayle was honored at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., presented with a medal as a Master of African American Choreography. He has been named by the Dance Heritage Coalition as “one of America’s Irreplaceable Dance Treasures: the first 100.”
“I have so many great memories of UCI,” said Dreschke, saying he was “honored” to have the chance to study under McKayle, for whom there is now a dancing endowment at UCI in his name.
Ironically, while studying at UCI, Dreschke also remembers wandering off to Costa Mesa to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts on weekends. “I remember going to Segerstrom to watch great plays like ‘Wicked,’ ‘Nine-to-Five,’ and others,” he said.
Starting Aug. 28, Dreschke returns to the Segerstrom, this time on stage with a key role in arguably the most popular stage play in modern American history.
HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of an American founding father and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.
Dreschke concedes HAMILTON is American history told in a novel, unique way, but says it is an example of how historical fact can become a “living piece of history” and “not a whitewashed piece of art.”
“People can see themselves in HAMILTON,” he said.
With book, music, and lyrics by Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony®, Grammy®, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.
Because the musical moves and has versatile players throughout the production, Dreschke said he’s learned the parts of at least six scheduled ensemble players.
And because of the way HAMILTON is staged, he’s ready not only with an amazing story but he enjoys playing the various parts.
HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe, casting by The Telsey Office, Bethany Knox, CSA, and General Management by Baseline Theatrical.
The musical is produced by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman and The Public Theater.
Jeffrey Seller notes, “It’s tempting to get tickets any way you can. There are many sites and people who are selling overpriced, and in some cases, fraudulent tickets. For the best seats, the best prices and to eliminate the risk of counterfeit tickets, all purchases for the Costa Mesa engagement should be made through scfta.org.”
The HAMILTON Original Broadway Cast Recording is available everywhere nationwide. The HAMILTON recording received a 2016 Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album.
“All I can say about my favorite moment in the play,” said Dreschke, “is a scene with Aaron Burr in ‘the room where it happened.’”
In the show’s oft-named outstanding number, Burr’s ‘The Room Where It Happens,’ explores a political deal accepted by Hamilton that made Washington D.C. the nation’s capital in exchange for federal control over debts accrued by its individual states.
“It’s a fabulous show and I’m deeply grateful to be in it,” said Dreschke.
For tickets or info, phone: Mon-Fri, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, (714) 556-2787 or visit www.scfta.org.
Griffins turn in outstanding effort to beat Servite 47-14
The Los Alamitos Griffins hosted the Servite Friars on Friday, Sept. 9 at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Long Beach. Despite the torrential rain, Head Football Coach Ray Fenton and his staff had the Griffins ready to play.
The first quarter was like a heavyweight boxing match, with each opponent feeling the other out as they adjusted to the rain.
However, with six minutes left in the second quarter, it would become painfully obvious who the better team was. The Los Alamitos Griffins scored three touchdowns in a row and went into halftime with a 20-0 lead.
The third quarter started pretty much how the second quarter ended. Los Alamitos scored quickly and never looked back. The final score was 47-14, but I assure you the game wasn’t that close.
Malachi Nelson, who is yet to have a bad game, had a great game. He finished the contest with 306 yards and 4 touchdowns, quietly bringing his season totals to over a thousand yards passing, 15 touchdowns, and one interception.
Photo by Marja Bene.
His fellow USC commit, Makai Lemon, continues to put up eye-popping statistics. He hauled in another 229 yards on just five catches, two of which were for touchdowns. Makai Lemon continues to prove that the only person that can stop him is himself.
Los Alamitos was finally able to get its running game going in the second quarter, which helped keep the Friars on their heels. Damien Henderson rushed for 202 yards and three touchdowns.
“Once the first run popped, I started feeling it. The O-line was doing their job, which made it easier for me to do mine,” the Colorado State commit said,
This was by far the best team effort by the Griffins this year. It could not have come at a better time. This Thursday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m., the Griffins host the Santa Margarita Eagles at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Long Beach.
The Eagles are ranked #44 in the nation, #6 in the state, and #3 in the County. However, the Eagles’ opponents are a combined 4-10. Whereas the Los Alamitos Griffins’ opponents have a combined record of 8-6, two of which are nationally ranked (#13 & #51).
Come out Thursday and help keep the momentum going as we cheer the Griffins on to another home victory.
Griffin girls take Whittier Classic Tourney title
The Los Alamitos Lady Griffins were untouchable this past weekend at the 27th Annual Whittier Classic, winning 14 straight sets, never dropping a single set to any opponent.
The Whittier Classic featured 53 high school teams from all over Southern California but Los Alamitos would not be denied facing La Canada in the finals.
The La Canada Spartans had an impressive record of 13-3 this season but still were no match for Los Alamitos sweeping the Championship Match in two straight sets, 25-18, 25-23.
The team will have a grueling schedule the remainder of September facing Newport Harbor and Corona Del Mar, then leaving for Las Vegas for the 2022 Durango Classic where 64 of the best teams in the country will battle in Vegas, then home for Huntington Beach and Laguna High then off to Phoenix for the Tournament of Champions (TOC), The NIKE Prep Volleyball tourney, called the TOC, is the de facto high school National Championship and a high school tournament like no other.
Los Al Medical wins stroke recognition award
Los Alamitos Medical Center has received the highest recognition possible for the 2022 Stroke Achievement Awards presented by the American Heart Association / American Stroke Association’s 2022 Get with the Guidelines®.
We are very proud to have been awarded the 2022 Get with The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus, Target Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus, and Advanced Therapy Achievement Awards. This demanding program is designed for hospitals that have specific abilities to receive and treat the most complex stroke cases.
We are also very proud to have been awarded the 2022 Get with The Guidelines® – Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll by the American Heart Association. This achievement is for a series of quality metrics specific to the prevention and treatment of Diabetes in relation to the Stroke patient population. This award was only implemented by the American Heart Association in 2021 and Los Alamitos Medical Center has met this requirement for both 2021 and 2022.
“This continued certification and awards represent a long-standing dedication to excellence by our entire team of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, technicians, and quality improvement staff throughout this hospital,” said Crystal Klaus, Director of Clinical Quality Improvement at Los Alamitos Medical Center. “We are honored to provide comprehensive stroke care to the Los Alamitos community and remain steadfast in our unwavering commitment to improve the lives of our patients.”
The first few minutes of a stroke are the most important, and when you or a loved one is having a stroke, you must act quickly. Doing so, could mean the difference between life and death. Research has shown that 2 million brain cells are lost within the first minute after a stroke begins. The faster a person who is having a stroke receives treatment, the better the chances of a complete recovery and life without disability.
“I am immensely proud of our dedicated team of highly trained specialists who have put so much effort toward these awards,” said hospital CEO, Kent Clayton. “Providing the best possible outcomes for our stroke patients through timely treatment, fostering prompt reintegration to the community is what we strive for.”
Recognize the signs of stroke and respond appropriately by calling 911 and BE FAST.
B – Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
E – Eyes: Sudden vision change/trouble seeing
F – Face: One side of the face droops when the person smiles
A – Arm: One arm drifts down when the person raises arms
S – Speech: Person’s speech in slurred, slow, or strange
T – Time: If you or someone around you is experiencing one, some or all of these symptoms, “BE FAST” and call 911 immediately for emergency medical assistance.
Los Alamitos Medical Center has demonstrated the ability to comply with the stringent requirements of the Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification Program. The
Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification Program of DNV Healthcare integrates certain requirements of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Conditions of Participation for Hospitals, and Guidelines of the Brain Attack Coalition and Recommendations of the American Heart Association / American Stroke Association®.
Tenet Health Pacific Coast is a community built on care. Our integrated system across the greater Los Angeles County and Orange County area includes four acute care hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, clinics, and ancillary services. We provide a full range of care, from preventive and routine healthcare to highly specialized services, at convenient locations throughout our region. Working as a unified system, we improve care coordination between our hospitals and our affiliated entities, including labs, imaging centers, and surgery centers for the diverse patients we treat every year. Our caregivers and supporting staff extend compassion to those in need, helping to improve the health and well-being of those we serve. Learn more here. Regardless of what your medical event may be, we are here for you. Our Emergency Room InQuicker system allows those needing non-life-threatening care to make an appointment online. Visit one of our hospital websites to learn more.
Fountain Valley Regional Hospital
Lakewood Regional Medical Center
Los Alamitos Medical Center
Placentia-Linda Hospital
Cypress Art League Fall show Sun., Sept.18
The Cypress Art League is expected to have more than 100 pieces of art painted in various mediums on public display this week as it stages its first fully open Autumn Showcase since the onset of the COVID pandemic this Sunday, Sept. 18.
“You can’t believe how happy we are,” said Hedi Roethel, CAL Treasurer.
This weekend, artists will compete for cash prizes and ribbons for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places among various categories, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastels, photography, mixed media photography, digital art and drawing. Roethel said there will also be a “Best of Show” award.
“We have a range of media that are being judged and are awarded prizes,” she said, noting that independent art experts are brought in as judges. Judging of the art will occur on Saturday and the show opens to the public on Sunday.
Some local businesses will sponsor certain contests and offer individual prizes such as custom framing, she added.
Roethel said the Autumn Art Show will be held inside their dedicated room inside the Cypress Community Center, 5700 Orange Ave in Cypress.
She said the show opens at 12 noon, general meeting from 2-4 p. m. with demonstrations, followed by awards ceremony.
For details of interest to entering artists, please refer to its website, www.cypressArtLeague.com During Sunday’s Autumn Show, Roethel said, the CAL are having a big sale of donated art materials; canvasses, WC and other papers, paints, brushes, sketch books, frames, easels, and more.”
The nonprofit Cypress Art League was established 53 years ago in 1969, said Roethel, and their membership extends beyond the physical boundaries of Cypress to artists throughout the area.
“Our purpose really is to promote understanding and enjoyment of the arts among citizens of our communities that are represented here,” she said.
Also, she said the Cypress Art League gives scholarships to art/photo students at Cypress College.
Things are ramping up since the pandemic. “We have lectures, just something of interest to our membership and people,” said Roethel.
Sunset Beach 23rd annual Chili Cookoff to be held Sept. 24
by Chris MacDonald
The 23rd Annual Sunset Beach Chili Cookoff will be held Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Community Center on 12th Street & North Pacific. Cat Reed and Back Alley will bring their crowd-pleasing music to the stage and over 10 Chili teams will compete to have their names inscribed on the Great Chili Pot – the Cookoff Grand Prize.
The event raises money for the Sunset Beach Woman’s Club Scholarship Fund, which has awarded more than 360 scholarships to local residents for over 63 years. Residents of Sunset Beach, Surfside and Huntington Beach apply for the grants.
The past two years, due to the pandemic, the Sunset Beach Woman’s Club has been unable to have the Chili Cookoff. To help make up the deficit and ensure scholarships would continue, the members of the Woman’s Club created new ways to earn a buck, including Pirate Parties, St. Pats Parties and Spirit Baskets.
The Chili Cookoff will expand onto the closed 12th Street, with lots of fun for the whole family, including food offerings from local restaurants, pet adoptions from S.A.F.E. Rescue Foundation and photos. There will be raffles, auctions, chili tastings and a beer & wine garden. Auctioneer & Comedian Tommy Teissere will entertain. Mothers Market at Peters Landing is one of the sponsors. Tickets are $10 each. For more information on the event, call Co-Chairs Cheryl Coleman at 714-717-1728 and Dawn McCormack at 562-343-0218.
The Sunset Beach Woman’s Club was established in 1929 and organized as a non-profit.
They purchased a surplus building from the military, had it cut in half and delivered to the current location on Bayview Drive. The women then updated and renovated the building. That historic structure still serves as the Sunset Beach Woman’s Clubhouse and is used by the Sunset Beach Sanitary District, Huntington Harbour Art League and other local organizations for their meetings.
The clubhouse is available to rent for retirements, baby showers, weddings and engagement parties Sunset Beach Woman’s Club luncheons are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month from September through June. To find out more, email Su*******************@***il.com.
Cypress residents cite impact, health effects from city yard
Members of Cypress City Council are expected to give another update regarding the city yard dumping as unfavorable media attention pressurized the dais to announce initial changes and proposals during the city’s last August 22nd meeting.
“It shouldn’t take a KTLA news video for you to finally make adjustments to something that residents have been constantly complaining about,“ said resident Katie Shapiro.
After being spotlighted for their disruptive trash dumping across print and television platforms, city officials were cowed into providing a swift response and action plan for residents who claim ill effects from living by the city yard—a site the city has arguably allowed for Valley Vista to store and transfer waste from.
Airing out in the days leading up to the August council meeting, residents near the yard reported that the increasing disposal activity has brought odor, debris, vermin, noise, and health problems to the neighborhood over the years.
However, Cypress Mayor Paulo Morales made a motion to debunk and provide feedback on the reports, as he requested to move the issue to the top of the meeting before public comment could begin.
“Some may want to speak on what was seen on the news Friday afternoon. I could tell you many, many things about its inaccuracy, but I want to defer to Public Works Director Doug Dancs to provide some information to shed light on this particular topic,” said Mayor Morales.
The city’s initial statement focused on clarifying what type of trash disposal occurs at the maintenance yard, how issues have previously been addressed, and minor adjustments to alleviate concern for residents in the direct impact zone.
Although seen as a step in the right direction for the residents on Grindlay St.—who are used to little to no council attention on the issue at all—others remain wary that it’s just a damage control band-aid tactic.
“Don’t put a band-aid on it, fix the problem, remove the dumping,” said Cypress school board candidate Troy Tanaka.
However, according to the city, dumping has been a procedural use of the facility for over 45 years. In addition, despite the absence of trash disposal from the city codes authorized land usage list, the city claims it as an accessory usage of the public works maintenance yard.
In this instance, unlike residential trash, which gets hauled to the landfill immediately, city waste is stored at the maintenance yard until the allocated bins are full.
City waste includes trash picked up from public facilities such as parks, street sweeping, landscaping operations, and garbage found in the right of way. Once full, Valley Vista comes in during the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. to haul off to the proper landfill site approximately twice a week.
Saving VVS repetitive trips to and from the landfill, the bins used to store city trash are two ten-foot 40 cubic yard containers located at the west side of the yard—the area that directly borders residential homes on Grindlay St, critics allege.
Up until this point, VVS has been backing their garbage trucks up on a ramp to dispense waste directly into the west side bins, as opposed to using an overthrow method seen in other city yards.
Reportedly utilized in higher frequency over the past two years, VVS ramp activity creates significant noise and house vibrations for people nearby, the neighbors say.
Now, in hopes to mitigate growing concern, the city announced in their statement that they will cut back on ramp activity by eliminating street sweeping and construction material.
Therefore, only regular city trash and items picked up in the right of way will be allowed to be dumped via ramps in the west side bins.
Additionally, Dancs and other city officials confirmed that they would undergo an interim screening project, intended to shield visibility and debris from the ramp activity.
“We can look at the ramp and see if there’s a way we can go ahead and put some type of fence screening [or] some other kind of thing out there. We’re going to put our heads together and then we’re gonna bring that forward to the city council for the next meeting with what we come up with,” said Dancs.
Residents, however, were quick to critique the suggested screening improvement.
“You would only raise up a curtain if you’re trying to protect from whatever unwanted activity,” Said Hellen Lee, who is running for a city council seat in the fall.
For residents nearby the site, the preference is for no dumping at all. Despite a privacy screening adjustment, the location, usage, and buildup of trash remain the source of concern for citizens.
“The neighbors have honest concerns about vermin, rats, cockroaches, etcetera. How would you like this thing was next to your home,” said Tanaka?
While intended to address confusion and offer adjustments, residents chalked the statement up as a predictable dance around the real questions and issues at play within Cypress local government.
As Dancs wrapped up his statement, questions and suggestions from Council member Frances Marquez appeared to be the only one aligned with the interests of affected residents.
“I was just curious. Is there any other option to dump that trash at another site? I’m just wondering why we even dump trash there at all,” said Councilmember Marquez, who suggested that the city should find an alternative site.
According to Dancs, a separate facility would have to be made to accommodate city waste, whether it’s on the city’s or VVS’s property.
Having the option of an alternative location, confusion remains on why the city still uses the Public Works Yard to host the transfer station—despite years of significant pushback from their residents, not only about the transfer site, but the Valley Vista franchise as a whole.
While the Council statement succeeded in providing residents with knowledge of the yard’s history, functions, and improvement plans, it failed to provide justification for the “nuisance to residents, families, children, elderly, even elderly who are on oxygen,” that it has caused, said Lee.
“You know, obviously I’m not a city employee. I don’t know what those are for. But I believe somebody asked that question. And it was only half answered. We didn’t get a full explanation of that,” said Carolyn Balagot, during public comment.
Although the city claims it is normal use for the facility, resident dissatisfaction in the proceeding oral comment section makes apparent that the issue extends deeper than educating citizens on the inner workings of The Cypress Maintenance Yard.
Moreso, feeding into an already exhaustive feud relating to the city’s dealings with Valley Vista Trash Company, residents believe the timing contributes to an overall lack of integrity within the city’s response.
“The thing going on at the city yard has been happening to my understanding for the past 10 or something years, and it shouldn’t take a KTLA news video for you to finally make adjustments to something that residents have been consistently complaining about,” said Shapiro.
As more residents learn about the battle citizens on Grindlay St. have had trying to get the matter addressed, Shapiro believes the delay of action exemplifies concurrent flaws within Cypress leadership.
“And the fact that you’ve been woefully unresponsive is kind of indicative of what Cypress’s leadership’s M.O. is up until this point,” she said.
Although a wavering faith remains amongst residents who hope to get the dumping stopped altogether, the motion to bring the matter up and propose any changes at all, showcases the effectiveness in using collaborative community involvement to yield tangible results.
Until further feedback and guidance from the city is announced, the residents of Grindlay will continue to work together to bring the change they want to see in their neighborhood and Cypress as a whole.
Hasselbrink, unopposed, gets new term as Council cancels election
In a special meeting this past week, the City of Los Alamitos voted 4-0 to cancel the election for the District 4 Council seat after Mayor Shelley Hasselbrink was the only candidate to qualify to run for the seat during the November 8 election.
During the special meeting held on Zoom Aug. 25, Hasselbrink opened the meeting, but after introducing the special order of the day, Hasselbrink said she would prefer to let the rest of the Council make the vote.
“Just on a side note, it is legally allowable for me to participate and vote in this position,” the mayor said. Yet, “because it pertains to me and my name is peppered throughout this item, I can either recuse myself or abstain from voting,” she added.
“Either way, I’m good with it. I just…I’m big into perception. I don’t want it to look like I’m doing something for benefit,” said Hasselbrink, who decided to drop out of the meeting and let the Council discuss and vote on the item without her participation.
With that, Mayor Pro-tem Tanya Doby ran the remainder of the meeting as the Council quickly discussed the item, canceling the election and appointing Hasselbrink to another four-year term in District 4.
The council faced the option of either appointing Hasselbrink to the seat, the recommended action by city staff, or proceeding with an uncontested election. The city estimated the cost for two council elections would be between $14,501 and $17,739 whereas just one could have a price tag in the $3,000 range, according to the staff report.
Council member Ron Bates immediately moved to enact the staff’s recommended action, to cancel the election and appoint Hasselbrink.
“I’ll move the recommended action to discontinue the election and appointment of Shelley Hasselbrink the 4th District, in lieu of the Nov. 2022 election since she is the only viable candidate,” said Bates.
Council member Mark Chirco, after clarifying issues with legal advisor Michael Daudt, seconded the motion and the Council voted 4-0 to approve it.
Hasselbrink will continue to represent District 4 and her new, four-year term will begin after she is sworn in Dec. 19.
In 2018, following the threat of litigation, the council voted to transition from an at-large election system, where voters citywide elect council members hailing from anywhere in the city, to district elections, where voters elect candidates from their own districts.
Huntington Beach armed robbery suspects cornered in Los Al
An attempted armed robbery at a Huntington Beach jewelry store prompted a bit of concern in Los Alamitos, Saturday, after one of the vehicles involved apparently steered onto Katella Ave. before being abandoned.
Various reports say suspects attempted to enter the store, exchanging gunfire with the owner before fleeing down the 405 Freeway. One of the vehicles apparently detoured off the 405 Freeway onto the 605, exiting at Katella Ave.
The suspects ditched one of the two vehicles involved on Katella Ave. at Walnut Street/ Wallingsford Rd. at around 4:15 p.m.
According to a statement from Detective Sgt. Kain Gallaugher, police found the abandoned vehicle and immediately issued a shelter-in-place order to protect nearby residents.
“On Saturday, September 3, 2022, at 4:12 p.m, Los Alamitos officers were dispatched to a report of a traffic collision in the area of Katella Ave. and Walnut St. Upon arrival, the officer immediately recognized the vehicle as a vehicle of interest related to a robbery that had occurred in the City of Huntington Beach earlier that evening,” he said in the statement.
“With the assistance of multiple police departments and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, a perimeter was quickly established around the area. Los Alamitos Police Department issued a “shelter in place” request while officers conducted a search of the area, said Gallaugher.
“A Los Alamitos officer detained one subject who was later transferred to detectives from the Huntington Beach Police Department. It is unknown if this individual was related to the vehicle or not. No other subjects were located, and the ‘shelter in place’ request was discontinued once the Police Department felt it was safe for the residents to resume their daily activities.”
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
New Los Al Unified homework policy in effect for 2022-23 school year
Weeks into the 2022-23 school year, students in the Los Alamitos Unified School District are likely already tackling their first homework assignments.
But this year, the workload could be lighter than in previous years. That’s because the district adopted a new homework policy over the summer that aims to strike a balance between student wellness and academic rigor.
After months of looking at research, reviewing feedback from students and staff, and consulting with Challenge Success, a Stanford University-affiliated program, the district concluded that 6th-12th grade students were spending between 3.5 to five hours a night on homework. That resulted in students experiencing more academic stress and a lack of balance between school and other parts of their lives.
Spotlight Schools previously reported on the new policy in June, but new details came out at the August 16 Los Alamitos Unified School District Board of Education meeting.
Deputy Superintendent Ondrea Reed gave an overview of the new policy at the meeting. (See presentation from the 39 minute mark through the one hour and 18 minute mark.)
This slide from a presentation made to the Los Al Unified Board of Trustees explains the policy in greater detail.
“We’re not eliminating homework,” Reed said. “We’re really following research to make sure that our students still keep the competitive edge, are gaining all the knowledge from the courses that we offer … but at the same time keeping student wellness, learning and engagement at the forefront of our thinking.”
“There’s a lot of false information out there,” Los Al USD Superintendent Dr. Andrew Pulver said at the meeting. “We have to break down these myths that more homework means smarter kids … the research just doesn’t support that.”
Here are some notable changes in the new policy:
- No homework assigned over the weekend for TK – 8th graders.
- No homework assigned over school breaks or projects due the week after a school break for all grade levels.
- Guidelines on the maximum number of minutes of homework students are assigned each night. For 1st – 8th grade, that translates to roughly ten minutes per grade level per night. So a first grader’s limit is between 0-10 minutes a night of homework. By the time a student is in eighth grade, it’s between 0-80 minutes a night.
- High school homework minutes are based on the type of classes students enroll in but the research suggests the optimal time is 1.5 to 2.5 hours a night.
- Jiji, the online math program, will need to be part of the calculation for the total number of minutes for a student’s nightly homework.
- Middle school teachers are working to create a “conflict calendar” to make sure students aren’t loaded up with tests or projects around the same time.
- Parents of high school students enrolled in two or more Advanced Placement classes will receive a letter advising them to review the schedule to make sure it’s a workload that’s manageable for their student.
One point Reed made was the importance of students completing their homework in an environment that is free from distractions. That means students unplugging from things like TikTok, Minecraft, and YouTube.
“So this is where we’re really calling our parents as partners, to really help us provide that at home learning space, where a child can be free of the TV, be free of their phone,” Reed said and suggested setting a timer to break up a 60 minute homework assignment into 20 minute increments.
Reed also stressed the district realizes every student is different and what may work for one person, may not be a good fit for another child. “We know there’s not a one-size fits all approach and will rely on parents to guide the process,” Reed said.
Reed said the big picture goal of the homework policy isn’t just to create consistency across classrooms and campuses in terms of the amount of time students spend on homework.
“More than the minutes, it’s to reframe how we think about the options for our kids and their schedule,” Reed said in a phone interview and added later that parents need to “be realistic about what we want for our kids to thrive.”
Reed expects the homework policy to develop and change with parent, student and staff input. “We’re in year one,” she said. “This will be an evolving process.”
For more local education news, visit SpotlightSchools.com.
Letters to the Editor Sept. 7, 2022
To whom it may concern:
I’m writing in regards to our home, that my father, Robert Kerres, purchased in 1971 for his family of six. His wife Jean, 93 years young, still remains at the home, housing several generations of our family.
Our property backs up to railroad property and has always been a welcoming yard for all the family.
Dad fought relentlessly to stop the fuvolaes dumping all those decades ago; we always felt the aggravation took a toll on him and my husband, who at the time was terminally ill. Decades later the City of Cypress is disregarding our concerns and non-responsive to our complaints.
This is more than a nuisance. My neighbors and others are experiencing truck vibrations, cracking windows, rats, stench, etc.
My dad worked hard building our freeways; so my family, in the memory of my father, deserve more from the city. Don’t ignore him again. This property is being abused by lazy, disrespectful, entitled outsiders, avoiding paying at the real dump, cutting corners. If “someone” is profiting and allowing this, eyes are watching.
Surrounding neighbors are helping to make sure all of Cypress, voters and non-voters, are aware of this decades old issue and the possible dangers to everyone’s health young and old.
Impounding vehicles that are doing the dumping could be a real start. Please act accordingly, this is not something that should be put off any further. Stopping it before it gets worse would let us know that we were heard.
Daughter of Bob & Jean Kerres
Deborah Oriaz
Cypress
Honor Our Elders
Now that the closures of the pandemic have waned many are returning to regular schedules and making up for missed travel. I would like to remind everyone that it’s easy to forget that our elders took the brunt of illness during the pandemic. Especially those who lived alone in isolation from friends and family. For those who lived in residential senior housing, it was also a different time for people. For instance, our community teams worked tirelessly to maintain a connection between residents and their families through virtual communication, and we had to be especially creative in providing door-to-door activities to keep their spirits high.
It’s with this in mind that I would like to ask everyone in the community to take a few moments out of their busy schedule during the week of September 11-17 to honor an elder. This is an important week in the senior living community — National Assisted Living Week. This year’s theme is “Joyful Moments”. This theme is especially meaningful given the past two years and it encourages everyone to find happiness, joy, and fulfillment in both the big and small moments in life.
Whether a senior lives in your home, your neighborhood, or in a senior living community, this is the time to let them know that you care. We suggest a simple gesture such as writing a card of appreciation or a small token such as giving a plant, or a flower, or dropping off treats to a senior living facility.
As someone who works daily with the senior population, I can tell you that a little kindness goes a long way to making a person happy. So please consider making Joyful Moments for our elders from Sept. 11th through 17th.
In gratitude to our elders,
Patrick Frazier
Executive Director
Westmont of Cypress
City of Cypress Mayor and Council Members:
My name is Quynh-Giao Nguyen and I have been a resident of Cypress for 19 years. We chose to reside in Cypress because the city provided a safe and healthy environment for our family. When we first arrived, the streets were well-lit, clean with minimal vehicle congestions. Our friendly neighborhood enjoyed a very tranquil existence.
Life was pleasant on New York Avenue. We invested in many home improvements to help keep our neighborhood a beautiful, pleasant place to live. We installed a lush fruit grove in our backyard that allowed our elderly parents a place to enjoy the outdoors within the safety of our home. We also did extensive landscaping, taking care to choose flowers and plants that are drought resistance and don’t consume too much of our precious water supply.
Unfortunately, our little haven has been gravely disturbed due to the trash dumping in our neighborhood. We are now experiencing an infestation of rats, cockroaches and other pests all coming from the garbage left in our neighborhood. We are also experiencing noxious air pollutants and foul odors from the trash.
Recently, KTLA had also reported these trash dumping activities in our neighborhood on the news. By allowing such activities, you have violated aerial trespass when you permit trash dumping activities into the city maintenance yard. These activities must stop immediately. City maintenance yards should never be used for trash dumping. This would adversely affect the health of my family, especially our elders, my property value, and my everyday quality of life. My family is asthmatic.
Our condition is exacerbated by the noxious fumes , trash smell, debris and dirt in the air due to the trash in our area. We are also concerned about being exposed to diseases commonly carried by rodents and other pests. We do not want to be exposed to pollutants & diseases caused by the trash.
We wish for an immediate halt to the trash dumping activities in our neighborhood. No one appreciates having to see trash near their prized grove or garden. No one should be subjected to unpleasant odors, cockroaches, rodents, and pests infesting their backyards. Trash dumping onto city maintenance yards is unacceptable, unethical, and unfair to all the residents in our neighborhood.
Trash does not belong in a residential area where people live. I ask that you put a stop to this activity for the safety of my family and other resident’s families and demand that you rectify the issue, compensate our neighborhood with clean up and all the environmental issues infesting our areas such as infestation of rats, cockroaches and poor air quality.
Thank you for your prompt attention and consideration.
Quynh-Giao Nguyen
Cypress
Send us Letters
Letters on topics of current interested are encouraged and will be published as timely as possible. Letters of potentially libelous nature will not be published. All Letters must have the writer’s name, city of residence and phone number for verification. Only the writer’s name and city will be published.
Letters to the Editor can be submitted to Event-News Enterprise by E-mail at: ed****@******************se.com.
Cypress High senior performs traditional Indian dance
Nithiyashree “Anu” Moorthi, a senior at Cypress High School who has been training in Bharatnatyam since she was just five years old, performed her formal dance recital Aug. 13.
According to her mom, Jayasudha, Anu successfully completed her Arangetram (Indian classical dance) at the Lake Forest Civic Center under the guidance of Smt. Mahalkshmi Balaji.
“The intriguing footwork and breathtaking expressions made this piece truly amazing,” said Jayasudha. She said the audience was “spellbound” by the performance which she also credits to the intricate choreography of Balaji.
After such a vigorous performance, in contrast was a very soothing Performance called “Padam.”
Her parents say Anu has enjoyed an immense passion for this beautiful art since childhood, she puts her heart and soul into each practice. She first started this dance journey under Vanamala Desikan, who had taught in the Thanjavur style of Bharathnatyam.
When Anu moved to the U.S., her mom says Anu began training under Dr. Bina Joe in the Mysore style of Bharatanatyam for over 5 years. As someone who is accustomed to change, she was trained under many teachers in various styles before coming to Mahalakshmi Balaji.
“She has been a student of hers for the past five years,” said Jayasudha. During this time, Anu “has grown tremendously as a student, a performer, an assistant and a teacher. Not only is Nithiyashree a great bharatanatyam dancer, but she also enjoys doing other dance styles like Bollywood and hip hop,” she added.
Nithiyashree has also been choreographing many Bollywood dances for the past four years. She is a musician who was trained in traditional Carnatic music for over six years and Hindustani music for three.
On top of that, her mom says in an email interview that Anu is “someone with many talents, she used to also play the violin and the flute.”
Jayasudha thanked all her friends and family who travelled to see the dance recital and said most were “beyond amazed” at her performance. “It was truly a special and memorable night for her family.”
Bears coast by Los Al Griffins 33-28 in home opener
The Los Alamitos Griffins hosted their first home game of the year as they welcomed the Basha Bears, from Chandler Arizona. Both teams held a national ranking coming into the game, with Los Alamitos at #53 and Basha at #62. If you looked at the final score, you would think it was a close game between two high-scoring offenses.
However, that would not be an accurate account of how this game unfolded.
Los Alamitos jumped out to an early 21-0 lead and left everyone in the stadium thinking that the Basha Bears were no match for the Griffins. However, for the second game in a row, penalties would have a significant impact on the outcome.
Makai Lemon had a monster game last week and was on pace to have another one this week. He had two early touchdowns, and Oregon commit defensive back Cole Martin could not stop him. He had the Bears’ defense on their heels, allowing for the Los Alamitos offensive line to establish a running game behind senior running back Damian Henderson.
After Lemon’s first touchdown, he spun the ball in front of Martin drawing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. After his second touchdown, Lemon pointed at Martin, drawing a second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty which resulted in his being ejected from the game.
Photo by Marja Bene
The momentum in the game shifted, allowing the Bears to have the break they so desperately needed.
The Bears’ offensive went up-tempo as they scored 27 unanswered points, 21 in the second quarter and 6 in the third. Down 27-21 in the third quarter, Los Alamitos was able to mount a drive, which was capped off by a beautiful pass from Malachi Nelson to Kassius “Cash” Ashtiani in the corner of the endzone.
The lead was short-lived, as the Bears would score three minutes later and take a 33-28 lead. The Bears would lean on their running game the rest of the way; a running game that gained 233 yards on 28 carries for Idaho commit Deshaun Buchanan.
So where does Los Alamitos go from here? Individually, the Griffins have been able to accumulate some decent statistics. However, they have yet to have every player eligible and play a complete game as a team.
T.A. Cunningham still has not been cleared by CIF-SS, with no timeline given. Cunningham is a dominant defensive lineman that would undoubtedly help a defensive front that has been giving up gaudy numbers on the ground. Malachi Nelson continues to put up very respectable numbers, ending this game by going 17-27 for 189 yards and three touchdowns.
The Griffins’ next game is at home against Servite (1-2) in Veterans Memorial Stadium in Long Beach on Friday, September 9 at 7:30 P.M. Be sure to come out and support the Griffins as they look to get back on track.
Local wildlife group earns major award
A small group of volunteers has been working tirelessly to help the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge on the Naval Weapons Station for years. For logistical reasons, the group hasn’t had the freedom to grow too big. But that didn’t’ stop the little group from bringing in a big trophy.
The Friends of Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge were recently awarded the National Wildlife Refuge Association’s 2022 Molly Krival— Refuge Friends Group of the Year Award. The award is named for the late Molly Krival, a pioneer in the Refuge Friends movement throughout the national Refuge System.
The group was recognized for their efforts in helping the 965 acre tidal marsh that sits on the land inside the Naval Weapons Station. The group formed in 1996 with the goal of providing support for the marsh with cleanups, invasive plant removal, biological surveys and other needed services. That has included a steady presence at community events as the group has sought support and offered education about the importance of the area for wildlife.
Among those efforts was the efforts to study an endangered species that needs to marshland to survive. It was noted in the nomination papers submitted by Andy Yuen, the Project Leader, San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Yeun took it upon himself to nominate the group since the Seal Beach Friends’ Refuge Manager position is currently vacant.
“The enduring value and benefit of the Friends are reflected in their 23 years of conducting all of the Refuge bird surveys and monitoring of the endangered California least tern during the breeding season,” Yuen wrote in his nomination submission.
Current president of the Friends of Seal Beach group, Carolyn Vance said that the group was unaware that they had even been nominated. She said the group tends to get confused with the larger and multiple groups that work to support the Bolsa Chica Wetlands.
“It was just out of the blue,” Vance said of winning the award. “It’s extra special for us because nobody knows about us.”
Prior to the pandemic, the group put in regular volunteer days to work in the refuge. They also conducted public tours to show and educate people about the wildlife that call the refuge home, or use it during migration. Vance said that prior to the pandemic the group put in about 4,000 collective hours per year in volunteering.
Since his retirement in 2013, Seal Beach resident Joe Lazzari said his involvement with the Friends group has become like a job to him. Lazzari has helped spearhead the editorial article about the Refuge that have appeared in the Sun and he said he hopes more people will find ways to support the Refuge. He also noted that the fact that the Friends group was recognized with this national award is a credit to the small groups persistence.
“It’s pretty amazing that we were recognized in this way,” Lazzari said. “It (the award) represents more than just a year.”
Due to the fact that it is on a Navy Base, there are national security concerns. All volunteers must pass background checks to get permits to enter the base. All tour participants must also pass checks to sign up for a tour.
That has forced the group to keep its numbers small, compared to most volunteer service groups. They have about 50 members who are cleared to enter the base regularly and those have to re-apply every year. There are another 10 or so, who are more part-time, or just monetary supporters.
When the pandemic hit, all work and tours stopped. But the group kept up it’s consistent outreach with emails and zoom meetings to keep members engaged and to also keep the refuge in the minds of the community. Prior to the pandemic the group was a consistent presence at community events, even ones that were well outside the area.
In 2018, the friends attended an event at the Los Angeles Zoo and people who visited their booth eventually made the trip to take a tour of the refuge. Yuen also noted the friends efforts in submitting articles about the refuge and the animals in it, to the Sun News so readers could learn more about the animals.
Even without a refuge manager currently, the Friends of Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge push forward. They volunteer. They work the hours. They reach out to the community and they have been recognized nationally for their efforts.
“It’s a group effort, always,” Vance said.
For more on the Friends, visit sealbeachnwrfriends.org.
The Wildlife Refuge Awards dinner will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC.