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Is the Cypress City Council afraid of diversity?

For Event-News Enterprise
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Is the Cypress City Council afraid of diversity?

By Malini Nagpal, BC-DMT, Ph.D.
For the Event-News Enterprise

On August 19, 2021 at 1:06 p.m., the City of Cypress City Hall published a Facebook post regarding the lawsuit against the city for an alleged violation of the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA). Unfortunately, the post read more as propaganda than as unbiased information, and it contained a number of misleading statements, including,

“First and foremost, the City has received no evidence supporting such a claim and therefore we emphatically disagree that a violation exists.”

“Cypress may not be the only city sued by this firm, but we stand out as one of few cities to stand up and refuse to abandon our at-large voting system without evidence. Time and again, the complainants have failed to provide us with details or evidence of the alleged violation. Contrary to what is alleged, our review of the claim revealed undeniable trends of Asian American voters successfully making their voices heard in Cypress’ at-large elections.”

“Beyond analyzing our voting trends, we contacted the community after receiving the initial complaint letter—we conducted a survey and hosted a series of public forums throughout the City—both in person and online. The message was loud and clear— residents like the at-large election system and the opportunity to vote for all five council members.”

“If a legal proceeding produces evidence of a CVRA violation, we assure you that we will be the first ones eager to find a solution that meets state law as well as the needs of our unique City. Until then, the disenfranchisement of our residents is not an option that we believe is fair or reasonable.

Our city should base its final decision on a bedrock of facts, evidence, and transparency. We will not strip voters of the opportunity to elect the entire City Council without evidence of violation of state law and are ready to stand up for Cypress!”

I am writing this to place the lawsuit and the city’s recent statements in context. The city’s claim of being inclusive and respecting diversity – of economic status, neurodiversity, ethnicity, heritage, LQBTQIA, and abilities – is evanescent at best.

During the July 12, 2021 City Council meeting, many Cypress residents voiced that it behooves the City Council to select Carrie Katsumata Hayashida in the vacant city council position (previously held by Stacy Berry), as she had come in 3rd in the 2020 election. Some residents also voiced support for the city to hold a special election. However, City Council Member Morales had firmly noted that 16,050 (69.17%) residents of Cypress voted to pass Measure P whereby, they (people) entrusted the City Council to fill a vacant position by appointment. Next, four of four city council members, including the Mayor, voted to fill this position via an appointment process. Following this decision, on Aug. 23, 2021, the Cypress City Council appointed Scott Minikus to fill the vacant council member position.

Although the City may have saved approximately $200K-$250K by not holding a special election, a special election would have given the residents of Cypress a voice. Cypress City has approximately $171 million and an additional $11 million coming from federal funding. Spending $200k-$250k on a special election would have been worth it to ensure that every voice, including the voice of 2/3 of the non-white residents was heard and counted. At that time, I had no idea the lack of depth the city’s management and governance structure have about the makeup and experience of its diverse community.

After being passed over during the appointment process, Carrie Katsumata Hayashida reached out to attorney Kevin Shenkman regarding district elections in Cypress (see Carrie Katsumata Hayashida’s April 21, 2022 op-ed/letter). It is inferred from her op-ed that she reached out to Kevin Shenkman prior to Mr. Shenkman sending the initial demand letter to the City of Cypress alleging a CVRA violation and asking the city to voluntarily change from at-large to by-district elections. It is my understanding that in her anticipation to run for city council in the upcoming November 2022 election, Carrie Katsumata Hayashida has shifted her mind and is now in opposition of district voting. At which point, I and Katie Shapiro agreed to be the plaintiff(s) along with the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project.

Since the September 17, 2021 letter alleging CVRA violation, a lot has unfolded in Cypress that clearly demonstrates that our city governance and city management has very little knowledge of the Asian American Community in Cypress let alone the city’s diversity – socioeconomic statuses, heritage, ethnicities, LGBTQIA as well as neurodiversity. Although there are many examples of their lack of knowledge, in the interest of print space, I will only mention a few:

During the second oral communications period at the November 22, 2021 City council meeting, the then Mayor Jon Peat corrected a public commenter named Sara Rohani. Mayor Peat stated “I do wish to correct the misstatement which she made that we have never had a member of the AAPI community on the council. I believe Dr. Prakash Narain and Lydia Sondhi were both part of the Indian community and have been elected to our council. So that was not a correct statement.”

Peat’s statement was incorrect for two reasons. Dr. Lydia Sondhi herself is not from Asian American Pacific Island (AAPI) community. Rather, she is married to a person from South Asian descent, Jay Sondhi. Additionally, Jay Sondhi, who is a member of the AAPI community, ran twice for Cypress City Council – 2012 and 2014 – and lost both times. Such factually inaccurate statements clearly show that the City Council has an inadequate awareness of its own history, let alone the heritage of the previous Cypress City Council members and, by extension, the city’s Asian American residents. During the Jan, 24, 2022 City Council meeting, I raised this issue and clarified the fact regarding Dr. Lydia Sondhi’s heritage and Jay Sondhi’s electoral record. Yet, the Cypress City Council as well as city management seems to conveniently overlook these facts.

Even after this correction, the response letter sent on March 21, 2022 by the City Attorney Fred Galante to Attorney Kevin Shenkman by Cypress City Attorney incorrectly states:
“The only specifics in your letter identifies one Asian Council candidate’s unsuccessful bid for a seat on the Council. This ignores the above trend, but more importantly, overlooks the fact that the City has had a history of Asian American candidates being elected to the City Council. In 1998 and again 2002, Lydia Sondhi was elected to the City Council. Also, in 2006 and again 2010, Dr. Prakash Narain was elected to the City Council.”
Yet again, even after being corrected during the January 24, 2022 meeting, the city continued to point to Lydia Sondhi as an example of successful Asian American candidates, which Sondhi herself corrected in a comment to the Voice of OC.

To assert that a person is from any particular ethnic community or background solely based on the ‘name’ or worse yet who they are ‘married to’ in itself reeks of bias.

In addition, since the initial letter alleging a CVRA violation, the City Council voted, for the second time, against creating a policy allowing flags to be raised that would demonstrate support for LGBTQ and American Asian Pacific Islander community. Further, they also refused to recognize February as Black History Month.

The city’s response to hateful, racist flyers distributed in February, 2022 that targeted our Jewish residents was also insufficient. Rather than decry the blatant racism or express support for the Jewish community, the city issued a dismissive statement that downplayed the incident, stating that,

“Cypress is a diverse, welcoming community that is inclusive of all types of religions, races, genders, backgrounds, and beliefs which is what makes Cypress such a great place to live, work, and play. We take any form of hate, threats, or discrimination seriously and hope community members continue to be supportive and understanding of one another. Please contact the Cypress Police Department if you’ve experienced or witnessed any negative events. #StaySafe. “

Frankly, this is dismissive and an active attempt to denigrate the severity of the racist incidence. If we had single member district representation, the Council Member representing the area where these racist flyers were distributed could have strongly advocated for the community that he/she/they represent. Instead, right now we have Council Members who simply want to ‘keep it the way it is.’

This systematic method of ‘keeping it the way it is’ bleeds directly into how the city plans, negotiates, executes city development projects e.g. “Pay to Play” Lexington park/soccer sports complex, various service contracts e.g. Valley Vista Services, affordable housing initiative, and one of the worst things to unfold in our city, the negative impact to residents that live north of Lincoln due to the City Maintenance Yard being used as trash transfer site. Single Member Districting would afford representation to every neighborhood in Cypress as well as for people from all socioeconomic status, ethnicity, communities, and abilities. The voices of all five City Council members would carry the same weight.

To make matters worse, at the May 23, 2022 council meeting, the City Manager Mr. Grant and a Council Member both admonished and yelled at the public speaking in support for the proposal to provide transcription of meetings for people who experience hearing loss. Of note is that this is not the first time the council members and city management have gotten unhinged. Over the past year, the male council members have frequently displayed overt contempt for a fellow female council member and more specifically towards the only woman of color.

During this same meeting Council Member Minikus placed forth a Diversity Proclamation. The proclamation entirely omits the LGBTQIA+ community and ignores many aspects of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative. Just one example is the use of the word ‘other’. By using ‘other’, the council is endorsing the phenomenon of othering whereby individuals are defined and labeled as not fitting in. By othering, the council is essentially saying it is an “us vs. them” situation, saying that “they are not like me” or “they are not one of us.” Link to the Diversity Proclamation https://destinyhosted.com/cypredocs/2022/CCREG/20220523_196/1806_220509.1_Diversity_and_Inclusion_Proclamation.pdf

The City also asserts that “The message was loud and clear–residents like the at-large elections.” Based on what? Poorly attended public forums and a survey in which the same person could vote over and over again? On a response of about 150 people that was fairly evenly divided in a city of 50,000? The perplexing part is not only this; it is also that the council voted to not hold an at-large-election to fill the vacant council member position so that they can save approximately $200k-$250k. Conversely, they are now willing to spend millions to fight a lawsuit to keep an at-large-election process. If the council believes at-large-election is fair, then why did they not hold that to fill the vacant council member position in July/August of 2021? Why leverage Measure P as an excuse to appoint a person of their choice rather than give the residents a voice to vote?

Based on my experience with the Cypress City Council and the City Management and witnessing all that has unfolded over the past year, I support single member districting. Aside from the fact that Cypress should be in compliance with California Voting Rights Act (CVRA), districting would allow the city governance to more intimately represent people from all socioeconomic status (low, middle, high, and anywhere in between). The voices of all five city council members would carry the same weight, which has been missing from City of Cypress governance for quite a while. The City’s governance should be representing the people that make up the city.

I ask again, what is the Council and the City afraid of?

A victory with lessons for a lifetime

David N. Young
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A victory with lessons for a lifetime

Playing in the shadow of baseball’s most hallowed ground, near the MLB Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, an unheralded group of local 12-year-olds showed the world how to win.

By committing themselves to a total team effort, the upstart SoCal Hawks surprised 56 other teams from around the USA and Canada to play themselves into a league of their own.

On July 22, the SoCal Hawks became champions of Week 8 of the five-day All-Star Village 12 and under tournament, creating their own field of dreams.

“It was mind-blowing,” said coach Matt Hammond. “There were 57 teams, and we knew they were good,” he said, adding that “and we were not one of the favorites.”

While their four-day Cinderella run will remain legendary in the anuals of tournament play, the way the Hawks won and how they got there makes for a story suitable for a Hallmark movie.

“What’s most rewarding as a coach,” said Hammond, “was that when we won this championship, we were not the most talented team, but as I told our boys, ‘we were the best team.’”

Hammond said the players banded together in 2021 after COVID began to break. He’s coached some of these boys for five years and knew they were seeking to play ball again.
Even then, in 2021, the players knew they wanted to make the trip to the All-Star Village this year.

Hammond said his players are mostly from Los Alamitos and Cypress, yet there are also a couple of players from Garden Grove and Long Beach.

Courtesy photo
The team opens a lemonade stand in Rossmoor to raise money for the trip. (L-R) Drew Mapanao, Derek Chastain, Carson Hammond, Hud Pease

This tournament is not the Little League World Series, he said, which is also played near Cooperstown, but a well-known event that draws teams and players from around the world.
To get there, however, could cost about $20,000 for the team, etc., so they began raising money. They did chores and created old-fashioned lemonade stands and other activities to raise their goal of $20,000.

Hammond said Rossmoor was one of the places where they opened a lemonade stand to begin raising money.

“At one point, a dad walked up [to the lemonade stand] and when he found out why we were raising money, he told the boys about his trip to Cooperstown with his son five years ago.”

“He gave the boys a $100 bill and walked off,” said Hammond.
As it turned out, the boys ended up raising $23,000 with lemonade stands and selling snacks, so last month the SoCal Hawks and their families headed across the country to Cooperstown.

Courtesy photo Logan Hall (C) and LJ Smith (P) mid game

Once in the All-Star Village, players are housed in little cabins with bunks near Oneonta, N.Y., near Cooperstown, where they stay for a week, the coach said.

Hammond said the boys consider the excursion a baseball camp of sorts, and there are several activities besides baseball, including swimming in a pool shaped as a baseball glove and trading pins with other players.

Hammond said he and the other coaches, including Ben Stepanoff, Morgan Beck and Geoff Hall, all knew the team had heart, but he said they also knew the Hawks were simply not the most talented team in the tourney.

Yet, he said, they created a secret weapon.

“Our whole goal, all year, was preaching teamwork, teamwork, teamwork,” said Hammond. “This is not a team of one individual, but a team. If one player strikes out or makes an error, the next person will pick you up.”

That’s exactly what happened. According to the notes of Vicky Hammond, the coach’s wife, here’s how their amazing run went down.

Week 8 of the tournament featured 57 teams from across the United States and Canada. The SoCal Hawks, made up of players from Los Alamitos, Garden Grove, Cypress and Long Beach, went 5-1-1 in pool play, including a 4-3 win against the Rough Riders of Orange County on a grand slam walk-off by Logan Hall. The come-from-behind win earned the team the 12th seed heading into the championship rounds.

Courtesy photo Derek Chastain slides back to first in Hawks semifinal win versus the Bombers.

Elimination brackets began with a 10-2 win over the Rawlings Toledo (Ohio) Tigers who had previously granted the Hawks their only loss in the early rounds. The victory advanced the Hawks into the final day of competition, which began early on July 22 as the team defeated the Jackson Bears of Ohio 6-4 in the Round of 16.

Those wins were followed by a 4-1 win over a local rival, the OC Hawks of Placentia, Calif. Tyler Kaufman threw six innings and tallied thirteen strikeouts, while Jackson Beck led with a solo home run to propel the team into the semifinals.

Despite a national tournament field, it was an all-California showcase in the Final Four. With L. J. Smith on the mound, the SoCal Hawks shocked the SoCal Bombers Black with a 21-6 semifinal win. The victory featured eighteen Hawks hits, including home runs by Kaufman and Jett Jenkins, and doubles by Hud Pease and Justin Hall.

This set up the team for a chance to win, but to do so, they would have to navigate through an impossible path that would involve four victories in a single day.

“And you know, to relive my last day, we had to win four games, and we were underdogs in three of them,” said Coach Hammond.

The evening championship game matched the SoCal Hawks against the Whittier Bandits in a live-streamed match-up with bleachers full of fellow players and fans.

While the Bandits struck first with an early solo home run, the Hawks stormed back to knock out four home runs of their own thanks to Logan Hall, Drew Mapanao and another two by Kaufman.

In total, the Hawks tallied twelve hits, with singles from Carson Hammond, Landon Stepanoff, Jenkins, Pease, Smith and Derek Chastain. Stepanoff pitched a complete game allowing only seven hits and tallying six strikeouts.

The final score, Hawks 7, Bandits 2, and the Cinderella team SoCal Hawks proudly took their place at home plate at Patton Field in Cooperstown as they were named Champions with a trophy nearly as tall as some of the 12-year-old players.

“It’s not only that we won,” said Hammond, “it was the way we won. Every single player on our team contributed to our victories,” he said.

“The fact that you know, everybody contributed, player one through eleven was quite frankly, what made it the most rewarding,” he said.

Not only that, but Coach Hammond said the team’s sportsmanship brought them pride as well.

Hammond said one of the Hawks hit a screaming line drive between third and shortstop which was miraculously caught by the opposing 3rd baseman.

“Our kid did not mope,” the coach said, “but he actually ran onto the field and gave the opposing player a high-five,” said Hammond, “which was pretty cool.”

The miraculous run of the Hawks was not lost on All-Star Tournament Director John McIlwain.

“I had no idea who the Hawks were when you arrived,” McIlwain said. “I heard nothing from you, your parents, or your coaches while you were here, but I will never forget you now,” he announced.

Nor was the victory lost on the players, all of whom are now back in middle school.
“When I went to Cooperstown, it was awesome,” said Grand Slam slugger Logan Hall.

Coach Hammond calls timeout and offers a word of encouragement. Courtesy photo

“Meeting all the teams from different states was probably one of the best things there. Camel City was a team from North Carolina, and we became really good friends. They were really big supporters in the championship,” the Oak Middle School 8th grader said.

“The teamwork was really good. We were supportive of each other and did really well. Whenever someone would hit a homer, everyone would get super excited for the hitter, regardless of the score,” he said.

For Drew Mapanao, a 7th grader at Oak, “Cooperstown was a dream come true.”
“My ABSOLUTE most favorite thing about Cooperstown was hanging out with my teammates,” said Mapanao.

“Together, we made memories we will never forget. We watched the MLB Home Run Derby in our bunks, played video games together, and played wiffle ball, cap baseball, and football. We slept in the same room for six nights and ate all of our meals together,” said.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I wish I could relive every second of that week. I will never forget Cooperstown,” he said.

Tyler Kaufman, another middle schooler, said “we played some hard teams, and we weren’t sure we would win. Then, we just played better than we ever have before. Cooperstown is a memory I will never forget. It was amazing.”

When these 12-year-olds remember Cooperstown, it seems the impression of the experience will leave them with a memory of what they did together, as a team.
Stories of shared success, crediting others, and humble championships seem rare today. But for a team whose coaches insisted on “teamwork, teamwork, teamwork,” the trophy seems well earned.

What they accomplished together in 2022 will perhaps last longer than the shining glow on the huge, gleaming trophy they brought home from Cooperstown. Not only was it a validation of a dream, but also a demonstration of a community that believed enough in them to donate a significant sum to get them to Cooperstown in the first place.

While the gleam of their championship trophy will perhaps one-day fade, the memories, and lessons about life they took home from their shared experience could indeed last a lifetime.

Cypress residents living near city’s Public Works Yard claim ill effects of dumping

Macy Meinhardt
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Cypress residents living near city’s Public Works Yard claim ill effects of dumping

Residents in Cypress have a bone to pick with the city regarding Valley Vista Services, and it’s not just about contract extensions and elevated rates.

In a series of interviews with residents living near the city’s Public Works yard, they want to know why is the public city maintenance yard being used as a private trash companies dump site?

Back in early 2021, residents believed that no direct tip transfer station would occur in the city yard after the proposal for Valley Vista to build one was thrown out due to significant residential pushback, prompting council to decline the deal.

“We thought they killed it, we thought it was done,” said Tim Yerian, a resident of Cypress whose home backs up in direct proximity to the city yard.

Fast forward to 2022, Yerian stands beside himself in confusion and disappointment.

It’s 9 a.m. and his house rattles while the sounds of industrial trash machinery drown out any chance of morning tranquility on Grindlay Street. He steps outside to see Valley Vista trash trucks hovering over his fence as he watches unauthorized waste be dumped into the city maintenance yard.

“As City council members, you’re allowing this yard to become a small solid waste transfer station,” wrote Yerian to the City Council, who claims his lifestyle has been severely impacted by daily Valley Vista activity at the city yard.

Trucks dumping trash inside city yard.
Courtesy photo

Yerian and his neighbors who border the maintenance facility have been trying to get an answer to for years, while enduring trash odor, industrial noise, debris, contamination, mental and physical distress, and council negligence.

Other neighbors to the facility echo Yerian’s concerns.

“It has been and still is a battle to get them into compliance,” said Albert Van Meter, who has resided near the maintenance yard for twenty years.

Van Meter and other residents who live on Grindlay Street report that to a varying yet destructive degree, the city and VVS have been proceeding with the trash transfer site regardless of previous agreements.

Residences surround the Cypress City yard as residents complain about health effects of activity, yet city refuses to respond.
Courtesy photo

Almost daily, residents close to the city yard are disrupted by their house shaking along with significant industrial noise while Valley Vista trucks unload city garbage and organic waste into the maintenance yard bins—intended to be a lot for storage of parking equipment, signs, traffic barriers and other city infrastructure.

Debby Oriez, who cares for her 92-year-old mother and is neighbors with Yerian, says her mother, who has dementia, believes the noise and rattling is caused by an earthquake every morning.

“Every time they do a loud drop [of trash disposal] my mom doesn’t understand. She thinks it’s an earthquake, and it is very stressful,” said Oriez.

Speculated to last anywhere between the hours of 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the noise and house rattling are not the only complaints Cypress citizens on Grindlay St. have reported.

Environmental contamination from debris and dust flying into the neighborhood has allegedly created health and safety hazards for the residents.

Van Meter, who lives across from Yerian, says the accumulation of dust that consistently blankets their yard and solar panels has given his wife, Tara, “years of allergies”.

The maintenance yard directly touches five homes; however, its impacts expand further into homes across the street. Oriez, Yerian, and Van Meter have lived on the street for decades, some even before the maintenance yard was built.

When I bought this house years ago, they never mentioned that we were going to be living near a dump,” said Van Meter, who has also complained that the dump has brought rat and vermin issues onto his property.

Residents also report that the range of nuisances from the site has lowered the value of their homes, allegedly causing homeowners on the street to sell their property.

Meanwhile, dust and contamination levels, along with the physical and mental distress that came along with living nearby the site, are what Oriez says contributed to her late father, Robert Oriez’s death.

“It moved up to his lungs. I believe for no doubt it contributed to my dad’s death. The stress factor with him, the stress factor with everybody, it’s just unbelievable,” he said.

With a background in construction, Oriez said her father fought endlessly with the city to get the site removed so this wouldn’t be what they ended up with.

“It was a constant fight with them. My dad fought for years and years and years, because he knew all the [alleged] laws that they were breaking,” said Oriez.

Based on city code, trash dumping, collecting, or transferring is not listed as authorized land use for the city yard, which is zoned as public/semi-public property.

When the joint venture transfer site with Valley Vista was proposed two years ago, citizen opposition mainly stemmed from aspects of the proposal that highlighted a private company’s gain at the expense of vulnerable community members.

The letter states:

“VVS proposes to install a direct-tip transfer facility at the Yard to eliminate daily trash truck trips to the landfill and recycling center. The direct-tip transfer facility would allow trash trucks to dump waste at the Yard, which would then be hauled to the appropriate facility. VVS estimates seven 53-foot long trailers would be hauled to/from the Yard each weekday. VVS believes this approach would reduce wear and tear on its trash truck fleet and City streets.”

Due to revenue hits from COVID-19 and the collapse of the recyclable market, Valley Vista initiated the proposal—which included a 15-year contract extension and CNG fueling station in addition to the site— to make up for economic delays.

King Elementary School, a Title 1 school, an affordable housing complex, Tara Village, and citizens belonging to protected classes all reside close to the maintenance yard.

According to the US census, demographics for the immediate area located in the city’s North end include a split majority of Asian and Hispanic residents and medium to lower-income homes.

“The city council has done more than enough to meet the needs of Valley Vista. This proposal is going too far. The residents in the area of the City yard have enough challenges. Please don’t do this to them,” signed Cypress resident George Pardon in one of the many letters of proposal rejection addressed to the city.

Tim’s late father, Bob Yerian, a decorated World War II veteran, was living with Tim when the proposal was being debated. In a video created by his family, the 97-year-old veteran pleaded to Cypress residents and council to stop the city from dumping trash near his backyard.

“I fought for you, and I hope you will fight for me,” said Bob Yerian, who passed a year later.

Since his passing, Tim has proceeded his advocacy efforts trash dumping as it has continued throughout the year.

Having lived on the street since 1972, Yerian who is retired, has been a persistent voice on behalf of the neighborhood regarding the alleged violations Valley Vista has brought.

Serving as an unofficial neighborhood Valley Vista watch man, Yerian consistently gathers photo and video evidence of the trash dumping and often spearheads neighborhood meetings to discuss the issue.

“The neighborhood has been really good at getting gatherings together to discuss what we should do,” said Van Meter.

Overall, the blatant disadvantage residents on Grindlay St have when it comes to fighting against the city contributes to a larger narrative regarding systemic power play between citizens and government structures.

“The citizens themselves, they don’t have enough [time and money] to do all the research and things to prove it. The city council knows that,” said Oriez regarding the advantage of resources the city has over residents in the area.

Yerian, along with other involved Cypress residents, currently awaits a response from the city regarding their recent complaints and questions.

Local activists have since joined the fight alleging city ordinances and regulations do not allow what’s going on at the Cypress city yard.

In addition, the ENE has left messages for Public Works Director Doug Dancs that thus far, have been unanswered.

In the meantime, Yerian said he will continue his efforts involve his neighbors in the fight to halt the dumping.

Moreover, the long-time resident says he also plans to keep them informed as they continue to seek answers from a local government that seems to favor trash haulers over the safety concerns of their neighborhood.

Los Al Unified starts school year; LAHS students attend class in new STEM building

Jeannette Andruss
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Los Al Unified starts school year; LAHS students attend class in new STEM building

Arron Myers had a big smile on his face as he arrived at Los Alamitos High School for the first day of the 2022-23 school year.

“I’m nervous … he’s excited,” Arron’s mother, Natasha Myers said with a smile after seeing her oldest child walk onto the LAHS campus for the first time on August 15.

Last year Arron was at Mayfair Middle School in Bellflower, she said. This year the avid dancer decided to come to LAHS to pursue performing arts. The freshman is going to be in the school’s award-winning show choir. “I just want success for my baby,” Myers said, sharing a feeling most parents know well, and added, “This is the right place for him.”

Los Alamitos Unified School District Superintendent Andrew Pulver, Ed.D, greeted Arron and his family on campus, snapping photos of Arron and his mother and grandmother, to capture the start of his Griffin experience.

“We’re thrilled to welcome our students and families to the new year,” Pulver said in an interview.

The first day started with music at LAHS as the school’s band played for students entering campus. ASB members handed out donuts. Some LAHS staff members wore t-shirts that read, “Start with Hello.” LAHS Principal Christiana Kraus was one of them. She said the shirts were to ensure all students felt welcome. “We thought it was a perfect way to start the year,” Kraus said.

Students at Los Alamitos High School travel up and down the “grand staircase” of the new $67 million STEM building which opened to students for the first time on August 15. Photo by Jeannette Andruss

LAHS is one of the dozens of campuses in Orange County where school is back in session. Seven of the other Los Al USD campuses in Rossmoor, Los Alamitos and Seal Beach also welcomed students back on August 15. Weaver Elementary school started on August 3. The 2022-23 school year is now underway for more than half of the school districts in O.C. while three school districts don’t begin until September.

As Spotlight Schools reported last week, the school year starts with a relaxation of rules regarding Covid-19.  On August 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention unveiled new guidelines which include dropping the recommendation that students exposed to a Covid-19 positive person test to stay in class.

In response to the new CDC guidance, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in part of a statement: “While COVID continues to evolve, so has our understanding of the science and what it takes to return to school safely.” The California Department of Public Health has not altered its latest Covid-19 recommendations for schools which were released on June 30 and include keeping masks optional on campus.

It isn’t just Covid-19 that school administrators are preparing for. The monkeypox virus, which Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency over, is also on the radar for some educators. According to the Voice of OC, the Santa Ana Unified School District trained staff and administrators to spot monkeypox symptoms and has monkeypox tests available upon request.

STEM BUILDING OPENS TO STUDENTS FOR FIRST TIME

The Los Alamitos USD is starting the year with a brand new $67 million STEM building at LAHS which opened to students for the first time on Monday.

Before, and after, the bell rang at 8:30 a.m., students were searching for their classes in the brand-new three-story structure, sometimes stopping to ask for directions. The gleaming modern building boasting a total of 30 classrooms and labs for math, biology, chemistry and more was built using bond funds.

The new $67 million STEM building at Los Al High School.
Photo by Jeannette Andruss.

“It’s a beautiful environment to provide such a state-of-the-art education to our students,” Principal Kraus said. She expressed gratitude to the community for their support in approving the 2018 Measure G that financed the STEM building.

Kraus said some students were chatting about how excited they were to have a class in the new building, even bragging if they had more than one.

Biology teacher Henry Awad was thrilled with his new classroom on the building’s second floor. “This room is amazing,” he enthused, noting the sunshine that poured into the lab through large windows.

It’s a big upgrade from the windowless “dungeon” Awad described as his old classroom. In fact, Awad shared that his former classroom was the exact same one he once occupied as a student years ago.

“I feel very blessed and I’m very excited for the kids,” Awad said in an interview as he waited for his first class of students to arrive.

Meanwhile, Awad’s wife, Shereen Awad, a chemistry teacher at the high school, already had students in her brand-new lab right across the hall. And down on the first floor of the STEM building, teacher Martin Valenzuela was setting up the new state-of-the-art robotics lab.

While the classrooms were ready for teachers and students on August 15, some parts of the building were not fully operational yet. That includes areas that will house administrative offices, a media center and the career center which are still being worked on including the installation of furniture, equipment and cabinets, painting and some finishing touches.

C.J. Knowland, the district’s point person on construction of the STEM building, is confident everything will be ready in time for next week’s Open House on August 24. That’s when the public is invited to tour the new STEM building at 6:15p.m. Knowland said work would continue to be done daily on the STEM building from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. after the standard school day ends.

For more local education news, subscribe to the weekly Spotlight Schools email newsletter at www.SpotlightSchools.com.

 

 

Memorial planned for Woody Collins, Los Al American Legion Post Commander

David N. Young
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Memorial planned for Woody Collins, Los Al American Legion Post Commander

A popular Past Commander of the Los Alamitos American Legion Post 716 has died.
“It is with a heavy heart, that I am publicly announcing, that the American Legion Post 716, in Los Alamitos has lost a Jr. Past Commander, Vincent “Woody” Collins,” said Post Commander Ernie Rodriquez.

“Woody is the perfect example of the phrase…Freedom is not Free,” he said.
Commander Woody served as a Soldier in Vietnam, where he narrowly escaped with his life.

He received the Bronze Star, and earned many other medals and citations, related to his valor and honorable service, during his tours of duty with the United States Army.
One of the things that he did not ask for, was his exposure to the defoliant, Agent Orange during his service in the U.S. military.

According to Rodriquez, Collins fought the effects of that exposure though out his life.
“I don’t know too many people that can survive as well as he did, with only, a little more than one-third of a lung left from the cancers that he battled,” the Commander said.
The VA did their best, but it wasn’t good enough.

“Woody finally lost his bout on the 27th of July at his daughter’s home in Shreveport, Louisiana,” said Rodriquez.

Military Honors will be rendered, and his Life Celebrated, at the American Legion Post 716 on Sunday the 28th of August at 2 p.m., he said. The public is welcome to attend. Please RSVP at 562-430-6033.

He was a former Army Officer with a Bronze medal. He was a 100% service related Vietnam Veteran. He was also the Commander of the American Legion post 716 for three consecutive years. Woody loved to fish, socialize with people and help others. He had the biggest heart, is loved and will be missed by so many.

Woody is preceded in death by, his granddaughter, Kayla Christine Cabrera.

He is survived by his daughters, Mary Collins Akin, Christina Collins Holten, Christy Fernandez; grandsons, Adolfo Vincent Cabrera, Woody Olivierio Cabrera; grandchildren, Leslie Renee Cabrera, Trenton Denney; and great-grandson, Aksel Kaine Addison.
A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service, in Mr. Collins honor will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, August 28th, within his beloved American Legion Post 716, in Los Alamitos, CA.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestblanchardchapel.com for the Collins family.

Los Al Medical announces upgrade to medical records office

For Event-News Enterprise
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Los Al Medical announces upgrade to medical records office

The Los Alamitos Medical Center has announced an upgrade to the medical records area where patients and families often visit to retrieve and work with their own medical records.
“This is good information to know for families who need assistance with records management,” said Jennifer Bayer, a spokesperson for Los Alamitos Medical Center.

She said the sprawling medical complex on Katella Ave., which Is owned and operated by Tenet Healthcare, made changes by moving the pick-up area of the medical record complex within the Los Al Medical Center complex to the first floor of the Total Care Pavilion.
To work with records, Bayer said patients should bring a valid Identification Card, and/or a power of attorney and all related documentation to the new medical records complex.
She said the new records suite is in Suite 103, adjacent to the lobby, which is open to the public Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Siemens announces company is leaving Cypress for Costa Mesa

Macy Meinhardt
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Siemens announces company is leaving Cypress for Costa Mesa

According to the South Coast Metro Alliance press release, energy tech giant Siemens will be relocating its regional headquarter branch from Cypress to Costa Mesa in early 2023.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome SIEMENS, an extraordinary global enterprise, to their new corporate campus home,” said Michael Coppin, Vice President of leasing at McCarthy Cook & Co, a Los Angeles commercial real estate investment and management firm.

With growing technologies in healthcare, energy, and manufacturing for over 175 years, the German corporation employs over 300,000 people worldwide—having approximately 1,100 employees stretched across the southern California region.

Located in the John Wayne Airport area, the new Siemens office is branded as “the lifestyle, corporate and cultural center of Orange County,” according to its website.
Currently, the company inhabits a large campus at 6021 Katella Avenue, Valley View Street. In early 2023, the branch will make the twenty-one-mile move to 535 Anton Avenue, occupying two levels in the South Coast Metro office campus known as The Met.
The energy tech branch will hold 53,746 square feet of office space in the twelve-story building.

The facility—marketed to businesses as a “reimagined office campus for today’s diverse and innovative workforce” — is represented by Michael Coppin of McCarthy Cook & Co, who facilitated the lease transaction with Siemens representatives Michael Houston and Casey Hilburn of Newmark.

Los Al police greet neighbors during “National Night Out”

David N. Young
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Los Al police greet neighbors during “National Night Out”

Little Cottonwood Park was buzzing with excitement as the Los Alamitos community gathered on Aug. 2, for the long-awaited revival of National Night Out. After a two-year hiatus due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Los Alamitos Police Department was able to host 250 to 300 community members for a night of fun.

Los Alamitos Chief of Police Michael Claborn hosted his first National Night Out event since taking office on January 24, 2022. “One of my top priorities as Chief of the Los Alamitos Police Department is to build a strong, trusting relationship with the community we serve,” said Chief Claborn.

“National Night Out is important to the success of the Los Alamitos Police Department because it provides an opportunity to connect with our community in a positive and mutually beneficial environment.”

Holding true to his word, the Los Alamitos Police Department debuted a new resource allowing them to combat crime and engage with the community all in one fell swoop. The Department’s new Bicycle Detail can be strategically deployed anywhere in the city to address a rise in crime. However, the same resource can be utilized at a community engagement event, enabling officers to interact with the public on a much more personable level.

National Night Out culminates annually on the first Tuesday in August and celebrates police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Each August, police departments from across the United States work to build stronger relationships with their residents while fostering an environment of safety in an effort to bring back a true sense of community.

The mission of National Night Out furthers Chief Claborn’s vision of using Community Oriented Policing principles to enhance public trust and create an inclusive culture where input is welcomed internally and externally.

This year’s National Night Out was also the first for Los Alamitos City Manager, Chet Simmons. Although appointed in January 2020, this was Simmons’ first opportunity to be a part of National Night Out. He said, “The City Council and I’ve been looking forward to National Night Out for a long time now and it has by far exceeded my expectations.” Members of the Los Alamitos City Council and Mayor Shelley Hasselbrink were also in attendance, showing they had a vested interest in the success of the event.

As City Manager, Simmons is responsible for implementing and enforcing City Council policies and legislative initiatives, appointing department heads and directors, and managing all other City affairs within the framework of the adopted budget. Simmons is also responsible for representing the City’s interests on a local, state, and federal level.

Community partners and agencies such as Orange County Fire Authority and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department filled Little Cottonwood Park with booths, displays, and service vehicles from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Live music, fresh kettle corn, a bounce house for the kids, and great conversations were the perfect recipe for a fun night for all.

Chief Claborn said he is excited to begin planning next year’s National Night Out with promises of it being bigger and better than the last.

Aspiring astronaut inspires local students in Rossmoor visit

Jeannette Andruss
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Aspiring astronaut inspires local students in Rossmoor visit

It was the kind of night where the buzz of infinite possibilities filled the air.

Last Wednesday, August 10, more than 120 people, including dozens of children, came out to Rush Park Auditorium in Rossmoor to hear aspiring astronaut Alyssa Carson speak about her journey to fulfill her childhood dream of becoming one of the first people to land on Mars.

The 21-year-old astrobiology major at the Florida Institute of Technology has become a global ambassador of STEM, garnering media attention as the youngest astronaut in training.

The event was packed with kids who were around the same age as Alyssa when she first declared her goal of visiting the Red Planet.

That included children in a Rossmoor family that rolled up to the event in their homemade rocket on wheels which was constructed out of a cardboard box. Two children popped their heads out of the “shuttle” ready to blast off into an evening of learning.

The evening began with a brief presentation from Los Alamitos Unified School District Superintendent Andrew Pulver, Ed.D., sharing details about the district’s brand-new STEM building at Los Alamitos High School. Dr. Pulver also presented Carson with a certificate.

The audience then watched a video explaining Alyssa’s background of growing up in Louisiana and her years at Space Camps and visiting NASA sites.

One of the more emotional parts of the video that many attendees commented about later was when Carson’s father admitted that in supporting his daughter’s dream, he’s also dealing with the possibility that he may never see her again if she takes part in a mission to Mars in the 2030s.

“So I still have to look at it as a father that I’ll have my child for 20 more years and then I may not ever see her again … and that’s hard. But for what she’s wanting to do, I have to support her. I have to let her go. It’s bigger than the two of us,” Bert Carson says in the video.

Carson then introduced his daughter explaining some of her achievements including getting her pilot’s license before she got a license to drive a car and being the youngest person to graduate from Project PoSSUM, an intense training from the International Institute of Astronautical Science.

Alyssa then took the microphone to explain her dream, her journey, and the fascinating things she’s learned along the way about space.

Perhaps the most entertaining part of the evening was when Alyssa took questions from the audience filled with school-age kids. Carrie Logue, Executive Director of the Los Alamitos Education Foundation, moderated the Q-and-A session.

“How big is space?” one kindergartner asked. “What’s the biggest thing you can think of?” Alyssa asked back, garnering chuckles from the crowd. “It’s bigger than that!” She went on to explain why scientists say the universe is expanding.

A girl asks aspiring astronaut Alyssa Carson about how astronauts can push buttons when they are floating in space during a Q-and-A session moderated by LAEF Executive Director Carrie Logue at the August 10 event in Rossmoor. Photo by Jeannette Andruss.

One question, and its answer, elicited squirms and giggles from the audience. A child wondered how astronauts go to the bathroom in space. Alyssa was quite knowledgeable about the topic, explaining the devices used to collect human waste in a zero-gravity environment.

Another student asked about sending animals to space and Alyssa shared the story of pioneers Able and Baker, the monkeys known for blasting into space in 1959.

What may have been the cutest moment of the Q and A came when a lively preschooler asked how astronauts can push buttons when they’re floating around. The girl then tested out gravity herself with a jump for joy as Alyssa answered the question

While kids learned about how galaxies are formed, how astronauts use the restroom in space, and how to spot a planet in the starry sky, the biggest lesson of the evening was to never give up on your dreams.

“This has been wonderful,” said one parent after her son got his free book signed by Alyssa.

The event was made possible through media sponsors Spotlight Schools, The Event-News Enterprise, The Sun Newspapers and the Rossmoor Community Services District.

Spotlight Schools would like to thank the volunteers from The Youth Center and Seal Beach Leos who helped make the evening a success as well as Joe Mendoza and the staff of the Rossmoor Community Services District, Dr. Andrew Pulver from Los Alamitos USD and Carrie Logue from LAEF.

Editor’s note: This story was written by the cofounder of Spotlight Schools, a sponsor of the event featuring Alyssa Carson.

 

 

 

Smash musical “Hamilton” heads to Segerstrom for fall engagement

For Event-News Enterprise
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Smash musical “Hamilton” heads to Segerstrom for fall engagement

Despite 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 American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.

With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel 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.

The HAMILTON creative team previously collaborated on the Tony Award®-Winning Best Musical In the Heights.

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.

Lead support for Hamilton at Segerstrom Center for the Arts is generously provided by Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, CIBC Private Wealth Management, and Karla Kraft and Anderee Berengian.

Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa Hotel’s on-site restaurant, Silver Trumpet Restaurant and Bar will be offering an exclusive matinee luncheon on September 29th at 11:30 AM, featuring a menu inspired by cuisine from Alexander Hamilton’s life experiences, including his favorite dessert.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts recognizes Spectrum Reach as the official media partner for the 22/23 Broadway and Curtain Call Series.

There is a maximum purchase limit of 9 tickets per account for the engagement. When tickets go on sale, prices will range from $49 to $169 with a select number of premium
seats available from $249 for all performances. There will be a lottery for 40 $10 seats for all performances. Details will be announced closer to the engagement.

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.

Photo by Joan Marcus
With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel 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.

Producer Jeffrey Seller and Segerstrom Center for the Arts announce that HAMILTON performs September 28 through October 16, 2022, at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Tickets are on sale at scfta.org, in person at the box office at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 or by calling (714) 556-2787.

Taco Surf damaged by fire

For Event-News Enterprise
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Taco Surf damaged by fire

By Chris MacDonald

Have you noticed that Surfside’s Taco Surf has been out of business since April 2022 after a fire? “We’re in the process of rebuilding, the fire destroyed the entire inside of the restaurant,” said owner Lisa Rodden. “We’re hoping to be open by next summer. The support of the community has been great and the city has been working with us. We’re planning on submitting plans to the city this week & are are looking forward to an amazing new space & place.”

“We can’t wait for them to open because our family loves their food,” said Kevin Paulson, president of the Sunset Beach Community Association.

Association Vice President Dawn McCormack said, “Taco Surf is our favorite restaurant in town!!! We can’t wait for it to be back so we can resume walking over and enjoying their famous fish tacos and all the other fabulous foods we enjoy there. Plus their margaritas are also the best! So glad to see they will be back.”

Sunset Beach Keller Williams Realtor Cheryl Coleman said, “It’s a fun place to listen to live music while eating really good and affordable Mexican food.”

Sunset Beach Resident and former Sandcastle Restaurant co-owner Elaine Bakker said, “Did you know that it was Noel’s Seafood before Taco Surf? They were famous for their fried pineapple chunks. You could get these as a side dish. The food was superb.”

Stay tuned to http://www.tacosurf.com . They have other locations that are open in Seal Beach and Los Alamitos as well.

Rossmoor production of Romeo & Juliet now airing on Los Al TV

John Underwood
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Rossmoor production of Romeo & Juliet now airing on Los Al TV

Courtesy photo
Perhaps the most iconic and accessible of all Shakespeare classics is Romeo And Juliet. A play that begins with a light-hearted masquerade and descends into a turf war that ends badly. It’s a classic theme that even the Bard borrowed from earlier medieval folk tales that informs our world today. In July Shakespeare by the Sea brought their version of the love-crossed tale to Rush Park in Rossmoor along with the more light-hearted Much Ado About Nothing to delighted and devoted audiences sprawled out on the grass. Full rich productions in a casual and bucolic setting. Methinks Shakespeare would approve. Both productions are airing now on Los Al TV Channel 3, 7 p.m. weekdays and back to back on the weekends. These productions, captured by Los Al TV producer John Underwood and made possible with RCSD and RHA funds, are also available in HD online at losaltv.org and on demand via the OurLosAl streaming app on ROKU, Apple TV, Amazon Fire.

Rossmoor pickleball trial now goes to committee for study

David N. Young
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Rossmoor pickleball trial now goes to committee for study

A three and one-half day Pickleball trial within the community of Rossmoor was indeed a huge draw, but officials there say there are some serious considerations that the board must now sort out.

Joe Mendoza, General Manager of the Rossmoor Community Services District was given authority by the Board of Directors to conduct a brief test of the sport using the existing Rossmoor tennis park (4 courts).

The trial began July 27 and ended July 30.

Mendoza and his staff devised a plan to convert one of the four tennis courts into four Pickleball courts for the trial.

Once the trial began, said Mendoza, the Pickleballers came out in force to play.
“Families, husbands, wives, spouses, kids and neighbors came out to play,” he said, “and many of them who play Pickleball had a chance to play against their neighbors, which they had never done.”

During primetime hours, said Mendoza, “the [Pickleball] courts were packed.”
Per the board’s direction, Mendoza and his staff collected metrics on potential problem areas like traffic, noise and other factors.

“We had some concern about noise,” said Mendoza, which he said would now be discussed by the board.

“I’ve written a report for the subcommittee to review,” he added.

Now that the trial is over, he said, it will be up to the board to decide whether Pickleball will resume at all, and if so, how often, where, and issues such as that.

Mendoza said staff is also examining the current utilization of the existing four tennis courts to see if they can arrange better efficiencies.

Two of the four tennis courts are generally utilized by tennis pros who give lessons, he said, of which the district sees substantial annual revenue.

That said, Mendoza said a permanent conversion of one of the four courts into four Pickleball courts could leave only one tennis court open for public utilization unless they can find a way to accommodate the pros on varying schedules.

He said a subcommittee of Directors including President Jeffrey Rips and Director Nathan Searles will now consider the next steps as the district continues to study the results of the recent Pickleball trial.

Mendoza said they will likely also have to determine the popularity of Pickleball within the community as well as tennis.

Many citizens turned out at the Board’s regular meeting in July to speak about Pickleball. Many people supported it, but many others did not.

Even some of those who did not initially support the proposal acknowledged nonetheless that they play Pickleball and could potentially support it if its implementation was “done the right way.”

Priscilla Presley to headline last weekend of Pageant of the Masters

David N. Young
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Priscilla Presley to headline last weekend of Pageant of the Masters

The last Saturday night of the 2022 Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters is not to be missed! Experience the most spectacular event of the year at the Festival’s newly dubbed Wonderful World Soirée on Saturday, August 27th for a jam-packed night of fine art, living pictures, NEW strolling entertainment, giveaways, and so much more! Tickets are available at www.pageanttickets.com. Funds raised will benefit the non-profit organization and its programming.

The biggest bash of the season, the Festival of Arts’ Wonderful World Soirée will welcome the legendary Priscilla Presley to introduce an exclusive performance of the Pageant’s popular production of “Wonderful World”; and Arturo Sandoval, a 10-time Grammy award winner, will perform an intimate concert on the Festival’s green. Guests will also enjoy the artwork of 120 talented artists featured at the Festival of Arts.

Special for this night only, attendees will be amazed by strolling international-themed performers, including traditional Chinese Lion Dancers and African Stilt Walkers, plus fun photo ops, and so much more! Looking to elevate your night even more? Purchase a limited Loge Center seat and be treated to a one-hour early entrance at 4:30pm for a private Wine Reception with gift bag, hosted by Celebrity Cruises. The doors to Wonderful World Soirée will open at 5:30pm for all non-Loge Center ticket holders.

Sharbie Higuchi, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Festival of Arts is enthusiastic about this year’s red-carpet event. “We are so excited to debut a slightly different gala-style event for our patrons and members. This year, the attendees are the star of the show- they will be walking the red carpet, taking photo ops, and surrounded by entertainment everywhere they look. I’m especially excited for the Chinese Lion Dancers!”
Following the concert with Arturo Sandoval, the winning ticket for a 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge ($60,690 value) will be drawn just before the Pageant of the Masters begins by actress, producer, and businesswoman Priscilla Presley. This is the exciting conclusion of a summer-long raffle. Since July 5th, visitors have been purchasing their raffle tickets in hopes of being the lucky winner. Raffle tickets will continue to be sold right up until 8pm that night: $5 for one ticket, $20 for five tickets (winning ticket holder need not be present to win).

Tickets for the Wonderful World Soirée are on sale now and range from $65–$290. There will be limited and open seating for Arturo Sandoval’s performance and assigned seating for the Pageant of the Masters. This ticket is also a season pass to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show, which is open through September 2nd. The event is sponsored by Volvo Cars, Celebrity Cruises, KOST 103.5 and Yamaha.

To purchase tickets, go online to www.PageantTickets.com or call 1-800-487-3378. The Festival of Arts is a non-profit organization that produces the Festival of Arts and the Pageant of the Masters. A portion of your ticket is tax deductible. All proceeds go to art programming at the Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters and stays in the community.

The Festival of Arts, a non-profit 501(c)(3), has always been a local leader that has helped with the growth and development of the community and the arts in Laguna Beach. Established in 1932, the Festival of Arts’ mission is to promote, produce and sponsor events and activities that encourage the appreciation, study and performance of the arts. For nearly every summer for 90 years, the Festival of Arts has produced two world-class events: The Festival of Arts Fine Art Show and the Pageant of the Masters. Together both shows attract more than 225,000 visitors each year.

Priscilla Presley became an instant audience favorite portraying Jenna Wade on Dallas, the most successful evening “soap-opera” style television drama of its time. During her five years on the series, she generated mass audience appeal, becoming one of the show’s most popular leading ladies. Priscilla then displayed her comedic talents in the box office smash The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!, reprising her role in The Naked Gun 2½ and The Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult. Born in New York, her father’s career as an Air Force officer enabled the family to travel extensively.

She attended high school in Wiesbaden, West Germany, where she met her future husband, Elvis Presley. Although Priscilla and Elvis divorced in 1973, they remained very close until the time of his death. In 1979, Priscilla became co-executor of the Presley Estate and has since brought the Presley Estate from a burgeoning entity into a phenomenally successful organization consisting of the famous Graceland Mansion, a worldwide licensing program, merchandising, music publishing, and television and video projects. Priscilla continues to be a steward of the Elvis Presley legacy.

She served as an executive producer and was closely involved in the creation and development of two No. 1 Elvis Presley albums (If I Can Dream & The Wonder of You) and a sold out UK & European live concert arena tour.For 25 years Priscilla has continued to serve as Ambassador to Dream Foundation, the only charity that grants final wishes to terminally ill adults. She is an Executive Producer on the upcoming Sony/Netflix animated series Agent King, fulfilling the dream of Elvis always wanting to be a Federal secret agent.
Arturo Sandoval is one of the most brilliant, multifaceted and renowned musicians of our time! Although he is an acknowledged virtuoso of jazz trumpet and flugelhorn, he is just as dynamic and vivacious on the piano, timbales, vocals and keyboard. He delights in presenting a diverse and exhilarating show featuring Afro-Cuban Jazz, Be Bop, straight ahead Jazz and so much more.He is by far, one of the world’s foremost entertainers, having been seen by millions performing live at the Oscars, the Grammys, at the White House, and the industry’s most esteemed Performing Arts Centers and Festivals.Sandoval is a celebrated classical artist as well as composer who has been awarded 10 Grammy Awards, 6 Billboard Awards, an Emmy, the Hispanic Heritage Award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama, and was recently honored with a Doctorate in Fine Arts from the prestigious Notre-Dame University.

Los Al aerospace company produces key Atlas rocket components

For Event-News Enterprise
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Los Al aerospace company produces key Atlas rocket components

A Los Alamitos company has announced this week that it has manufactured key parts for NASA’s Atlas 5 rockets, a rocket launch system key to the nation’s defense.
The announcement underscores the key role the area still plays in the nation’s aerospace industry.

On Aug. 4, the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket launched the Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit-6 (SBIRS GEO 6), the sixth and final flight of the SBIRS spacecraft constellation.

The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) mission will send new satellites to join the SBIRS constellation, which works to detect missiles and early warning satellites for the United States and our allies.

Arrowhead Products manufactures the Engine Feedlines for the Atlas V rocket, which fuel the engines, supporting nearly 860,000 pounds of thrust. Through this work, Arrowhead Products supports Department of Defense (DoD) and Space Force missions to protect U.S. National Security.

“These national security missions provided an indispensable service to national security efforts,” said Richelle Stewart, Director of Space Programs at Arrowhead Products.”

“Arrowhead Products located right here in Los Alamitos played a role in making this mission happen. We are honored to partner next-generation department of Defense and the U.S. Space Force to bring next-generation security measures into space to benefit,” said Stewart.

Atlas V successfully launched the first five SBIRS GEO satellites between 2011 and 2021. Atlas V delivers the most sensitive and critical missions – including planetary exploration missions, classified defense systems and key commercial assets. ULA boasts more than 15 years of 100% mission success founded on a heritage of more than 600 Atlas program launches.

“The Atlas V has delivered sensitive and essential missions including classified defense systems, planetary exploration spacecraft and key commercial assets with precise orbital accuracy,” said Tory Bruno, President and CEO of United Launch Alliance. “There is no part of this mission that is not important – everyone plays an invaluable role in our mission’s successes, and we are honored to have Arrowhead Products provide parts to this final SBIRS GEO launch.”

Arrowhead Products is a leading ducting manufacturer for the Aerospace Industry that provides high-pressure and low-pressure ducting solutions. In addition to Space aircraft, Arrowhead supports nearly all commercial and military aircraft flying today. Our capabilities expand throughout airframe and engine applications. Additional information can be found at www.arrowheadproducts.net.

ULA is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider, with more than a century of combined heritage.

Win $10k at St. Irenaeus Fall Fiesta 2022

Edna Ethington
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Win $10k at St. Irenaeus Fall Fiesta 2022

Fr. Binh Nguyen announced in July that the St. Irenaeus Parish 2022 Fall Fiesta would be back on the weekend of September 16-18 on St. Irenaeus School grounds at 5201 Evergreen Avenue in Cypress. Fr. Binh thanked God that parishioners are now able to gather with family, friends, and neighbors after not being able to do so for two years because of the Covid 19 Pandemic. He said that there will be a variety of international food, drinks, rides, games, Bingo, and musical entertainment at night for families to enjoy. He asked parishioners to spread the word to their neighbors and other community members.
Fr. Binh said that the Fall Fiesta is a very important fundraiser with proceeds benefitting both the parish and St. Irenaeus School. He encouraged parishioners to participate in the Fiesta’s Opportunity Drawings for the Grand Prize of $10, 000 and other runner-up prizes of $3,000, $1,500, and $500.

The Fiesta Committee, with Co-Chairs Kyeli and Jason Roberts and Daniel and Tennille Rozak, held an Envelope Stuffing Day on July 30 and prepared 4,615 envelopes to be sent to registered parishioners. Approximately 40-50 parishioners came and worked from 12:00 to 2:30 p.m. to complete the task. Volunteers included representatives from St. Irenaeus Parish Staff, St. Irenaeus Parish Ministries, Members of the Knights of Columbus, the Parish Choir, St. Irenaeus School parents, and students who attend St. Irenaeus School. The volunteers were treated to some pepperoni and cheese pizza when they took their breaks. Thanks to their work, parishioners received their opportunity tickets by the first week of August.

Photo by Edna Ethington

Parishioners were given two books of 20 opportunity tickets each for a total of $40 per book. The Fiesta Committee said that participation by every parishioner is essential for the Fall Fiesta to be a successful fundraiser for both St. Irenaeus Parish and St. Irenaeus School. Ticket stubs, unused checks, and money can be turned in after all Masses starting on the weekend of August 20-21 and at the Fiesta Table at the patio next to St. Irenaeus Church or at the Opportunity Tickets Table at the Fiesta. It can also be sent by mail, but do not send cash, and do not put it in the collection basket during Mass. Make checks or money orders payable to St. Irenaeus Parish. More opportunity tickets can be purchased at the Fiesta if needed.

Photos by Edna Ethington
Pictured at the July 30, 2022, Envelope Stuffing at St. Irenaeus Church are Fiesta 2022 Co-Chairs, seated at left, Jason and Kyeli Roberts, standing, and, seated at right, Daniel and Tennille Rozak, standing. The Roberts have been Fiesta Co-Chairs since the 2018 and 2019 Fall Fiestas.

For families and individuals who are looking to save some money, Presale Ride Tickets will be available with 36 tickets for $35. Fiesta Weekend Ride Tickets are 20 for $25, 36 for $40, or $1.50 per ticket. Ride Wristbands are $30 Presale or $35 at the Fiesta. There will be unlimited rides only on Saturday, September 17 from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.

The public is invited to come to the St. Irenaeus Fall Fiesta on the weekend of September 16-18, 2022, to participate in the festivities by trying the food, drinks, rides, and games, and enjoy the live entertainment in the evening. Opportunity tickets for the Grand Prize Drawing for $10,000 and the other cash prizes will be available at the Fiesta, and the drawing for winner will take place on Sunday evening.

For more information, contact Fiesta 2022 Co-Chairs Daniel Rozak or Jason Roberts at fi****@********ss.org, or call St. Irenaeus Parish Office at 714-826-0760.

Los Al Chamber members enjoy Pilates for breakfast

Loreen Berlin
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Los Al Chamber members enjoy Pilates for breakfast

Breakfast with Pilates.

As Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce members gathered at Rush Park one recent Friday morning, they dined on burritos provided by Nick’s Deli, 10900 Los Alamitos Blvd., Unit 109, and listened to “Garage Pilates” Owner Kristin DiMiceli speak about how easy Pilates can be to implement at any age, along with a demonstration by DiMiceli herself, followed by group participation at the conclusion of the breakfast.A great example was Green Street Interiors Owner Judy Klabouch, who just turned 83, a few days ago, stretching on a picnic table, showing off her prowess with great ease; she happens to be instructed by DiMiceli at Garage Pilates.

“I think it’s beneficial to know who Joseph Pilates was,” said DiMiceli.

DiMiceli gave the history of Pilates, which is actually the name of the man, Joseph Hubertus Pilates, born in 1883, who originated the Pilates method by watching animals in nature stretch and warm up their bodies each morning, while he was in a POW encampment; and thus, different exercises in Pilates are named after animals.

Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s for the purpose of rehabilitation, taking its name from the German-born individual who first immigrated to Britain and then of course, to the United States.

He devised the Pilates method as a new approach to exercise as well as body conditioning, which used equipment that he called, “apparatus.”

Even his equipment, the “reformer,” is used in the Pilates Central studio today.
Joseph Pilates developed his system of exercises, with the intention to strengthen the human mind and body. They were taken from ancient yoga and are practiced by dancers and although Pilates does work the entire body, the primary focus in on the core muscles of the abs, lower back and stabilizing muscles. The most important principle of Pilates is concentration and being mentally present.

DiMiceli said that before she opened her Pilates business, she used to go into their home garage to exercise, and so when they opened their own Pilates business in 2018, she just kept the name, “Garage Pilates.”

“We are located at 10900 Los Alamitos Blvd., Ste. 116, in Los Alamitos, at Katella Avenue and Los Alamitos Boulevard and use the reformer machine, offering private and small group classes,” said DiMiceli.

So what is Pilates?

“Pilates is a form of exercise that completely focuses on movement originating in the core of the body. It’s low impact/no impact on the joints, so it’s very body-friendly on all fitness levels,” DiMiceli explained.

“We offer small classes of no more than four-students at a time, so we can assist each person with proper form and give the appropriate attention to detail,” said DiMiceli.

Grip socks are required.

For Garage Pilates information, visit garagepilates.net or call 562-794-3551.
Additional Los Alamitos information on upcoming events includes the Chamber’s “2022 Heroes Appreciation Luncheon,” Thursday, Sept. 22, at 11:15 a.m. in the Rush Park Community Center, 3021 Blume Dr., in Rossmoor. It’s co-hosted by the Rossmoor Community Services District.

Sponsors are being sought in the $100 category up to the $2,500 area and in-between amounts to sponsor a Hero.

To be a sponsor, call the Los Alamitos Area Chamber of Commerce at 562-598-6659 or email at in**@**********er.org.

Also, each Thursday evening at Rush Park, there’s a Farmers Market from 5:30 to 6 p.m. “There’s a puppet show and it’s a great social,” said Joe Mendoza, general manager of Rossmoor Community Services District.

I was hypnotized by the rhyming prose of the late Vin Scully

John Underwood
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I was hypnotized by the rhyming prose of the late Vin Scully

I have a confession to make. Following the news of the day for much of the last week I have been on the edge of tearing up and I hadn’t known why. I’m one of those news junkies who reads three papers a day with the cable TV news on somewhere in the house spewing a constant stream of calamities in at least one ear all the time. I’m usually inured to it all. As a reporter I have trained myself to document with dispassion everything from planes falling out of the sky to whole communities torched by wildfire. So why am I welling up now?

As I began to pay closer attention to my uncharacteristic behavior I realized there was a trigger to my tearing up. And the trigger had a name – Vin Scully. Altogether surprising to me because Scully was never a conscious hero for me growing up. I was a pitcher in little league and throughout high school. Sandy Koufax was my man. Scully was just there, every night, in my ear in the darkness of the still summer nights transporting me into the action.

Even when my dad took me to Chavez Ravine for a live game, there was Vinny’s voice in a thousand transistor radios around me backfilling what my own eyes failed to see just happening, with favor to his team, of course, but with malice toward none. Like so many others, I was hypnotized by his almost rhyming prose that raised you up, even when your team lost because, as Vin often said in so many eloquent ways, there is no defeat in baseball, only setbacks. “There is always next year.” And another chance to make it home.

My conscious mind had no idea that so many “next years” later I would still be hypnotized by the soothing voice of Vin Scully, and drawing me to tears at the sound of it again. Only when I focused on that voice suddenly flooding back to me with all the eulogies of his recent passing, did I realize what was triggering such an emotional response in me. His friendly demeanor and calming presence had woven into endless summers more than just the soundtrack of my youth. His life affirming attitude had wormed its way into my inner self like a kind and faithful friend who patiently advises and abides without judging.

Vin Scully was that faithful friend who brought us all together over more than just baseball. Using baseball as a metaphor he showed us a way forward. Through the humility and civility of his commentary, he showed us how such a disparate melting pot as LA could come together in peace. Proof of that was his ever-widening circle of friends. Scully had the uncanny ability to speak directly to each of us personally through his play-by-play commentary, even though most, like me, had never met him. That feeling of a personal connection to the Voice of the Dodgers made him as popular to fans as the players themselves. If there was an award for how many friends you have when you die, I’m sure Vin Scully would have nailed that award too.

But the loss of Vin Scully’s abiding presence goes beyond the silencing of one more centering voice of tolerance amidst a headwind of intolerance gripping our national conversations today. In our seeming race to the bottom in political discourse, in civil restraint, even in personal courtesies toward others, who out there in the present ethos is giving new voice to the friendly outstretched hand Vinny extended to all through his microphone? My melancholy over the loss of that centering voice is tinged with an unsettling fear of what will replace it? My tearing up at the very the sound of that voice in recent weeks, it seems, is as much a lament for the fading of human civility as for the loss of the man himself. Civility is not just a nice idea, it is a fundamental requisite to the survival of a republic composed of many peoples trying to find equity and order in their daily lives.

As Vin often said from his high perch behind home plate ( which my father would then repeat to me on the playing fields of my youth) the umpire is also human, and he doesn’t always make the right call. But the game goes on. We continue to play by the rules. Maybe next time the break’ll go your way.

In his 67 years of preaching baseball and teaching life Vin Scully only made one promise to us, that tomorrow the Sun will shine and somewhere a baseball game will be played. In other words, life goes on. Just as his dulcet tones remain in my brain triggering remembrance and loss, no doubt they have triggered random acts of kindness as well. And so his influence on our lives beyond baseball lives on too. We can only hope there are others out there touched by Vin’s voice who are ready to take a few pages from the Scully playbook and make his voice of calm and reason their own. As for me, in my notion of a cosmology I’m pretty sure when my last season is up, and I am approaching the eternal gates, my father will be there, glove and ball in hand, ready to play some catch. But I’d also like to think it will be Vin Scully’s voice I will hear, announcing “Welcome home friend.”

Beseiged Cypress begins to lawyer up

David N. Young
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Beseiged Cypress begins to lawyer up

With city officials increasingly besieged with requests for public documents and facing two major lawsuits, Cypress is adding more layers of legal advisors to the city’s payrolls.

On Friday, the city council met in extraordinary session, not in Council Chambers, but in a small meeting room, voting to authorize City Manager Peter Grant to hire additional legal counsel to fight two lawsuits now filed against the city.

Council member Frances Marquez was the only “no” vote as the Council approved a motion by Council member Jon Peat to allow Grant to secure legal services to begin defending the city in the upcoming lawsuits.

The city’s current legal advisor Fred Galante, representing the law firm of Aleshire and Wynder, has been especially busy since the Malibu law firm of Shenkman and Hughes sent a demand letter to Cypress in September of 2021 alleging the city is in violation of the California Voting Rights Act.

In addition, Galante has advised the Council up until now regarding another lawsuit, this one filed by a statewide organization, Californians Aware (CalAware), alleging the Cypress city council has violated the Ralph M. Brown Act by its consistent misuse of executive session to discuss whether to convert to district-based elections.

The Council has only met in executive session since Shenkman’s firm notified the city in September of 2021 of alleged CVRA violations, which the city rejected.
The city’s consistent disregqard for public inclusion in CVRA discussions prompted the CalAware lawsuit.

“The people have the right to instruct their representatives, petition government for a redress of grievances, and assemble freely to consult for the common good,” the CalAware petition claims.

Also, among the citations, the petition states “the people have the right of access to information concerning the conduct of the people’s business, and, therefore, the meetings of public bodies and the writings of public officials and agencies shall be open to public scrutiny.”

Although it is not yet clear that the city has been served with the districting lawsuit, they are obviously aware that it has been filed and are looking for lawyers who will defend the city in court.

Galante has refused to comment on the CVRA lawsuit, claiming to have not yet seen it.
Galante has said in a letter, however, that “it would be impossible to show that districts would enhance the ability of any protected class to elect candidates of its choice or influence election outcomes.”

“To the contrary, splitting up the votes of those protected classes would have the effect of preventing them from voting as a larger class to elect a candidate of their choice,” Galante wrote to Shenkman.

In addition to Cypress, other Orange County city cities like Brea and Irvine, are also resisting move to districts.

In the meantime, the city’s legal bills are expected to increase. Now, with two additional lawsuits, the city is preparing to spend additional taxpayer funds on attorneys as they are ‘lawyering up.’

Following the June 10 special meeting, which was held in the same manner as one this past Friday, Grant was given authority to hire additional legal counsel because of the city receiving accelerating requests for documents under the Public Records Act.

Records indicate that within two business days of the June 10 meeting, Grant executed an amendment on a 2001 agreement with the Costa Mesa law firm of Rutan and Tucker to provide services to the city to assist with “review and response” of PRA requests.

According to the amendment, attorneys with Rutan and Tucker will be compensated $300 per hour for “assistance with review and responses” to Public Records Act requests, $350 per hour for litigation “relating to the assistance with review and response” to PRA requests, with $135 per hour paid for any paralegals working with the attorneys.

In addition, the agreement stipulates that Rutan and Tucker “shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable and necessary expenses incurred.”

Accordingly, the reimbursable expenses “shall include but are not limited to, duplications, long distance telephone costs, reimbursable travel costs, department clerks, reproduction expenses, telecopier charges, messenger services, without limitation court filing fees, court reporter fees, witness fees and other reasonable and necessary out of pocket expenses.”

Apparently, the agreement envisions much more than “review and response” for the city’s new “special counsel,” as the agreement also appears to give the firm the authority for additional reimbursement items that are generally involved with initiating legal action.

In addition, for Grant, it appears as though the new “special counsel” was retained in time to allow Cypress to complete an extended public records request that involved communications from Grant. Accordingly, the special counsel then declared off limits to the public.

On June 29, Cypress City Clerk Alisha Farnell sent the final batch of records connected to a request that had been filed in early May by activists Katie Shapiro and Malini Nagpal. While some of the records were, in fact, earlier sent to Shapiro and Nagpal, it appears as though some of Grant’s requested communications were not released.

Farnell’s note to the Cypress residents read as follows: “Please note that certain records have either not been produced or have been partially redacted pursuant to the attorney-client privilege and work-product doctrine.”

“The public interest served by not disclosing the record clearly outweighs the public interest served by disclosure of the record as determined by the City’s Special Legal Counsel, Todd Litfin of Rutan & Tucker,” Farnell’s email continued.

Now, she and Shapiro are demanding the documentation to justify the determination not to release those records and how the public interest is better served by not disclosing them.

In an email, they provided Farnell with legal citations demanding documentation, including “a full and complete legal analysis, analyses, and rationale(s) used to determine that the public interest served by not disclosing the record clearly outweighs the public interest served by disclosure of the record,” among other items.

At Friday’s special meeting, Galante confirmed that during the closed session portion of the meeting, the Council had discussed the procurement of additional outside legal counsel to defend the city against the two new lawsuits (CVRA and CalAware).

In addition, the city’s legal advisor said the Council discussed a plan to form an “ad-hoc committee” to deal directly with the attorneys.

“We thought it would be helpful to have an ad hoc subcommittee of the city council to help advise and provide feedback. Obviously, any significant issues would go to the entire council,” said Galante.

“The next step would be to authorize the city manager to retain special counsel to respond to the complaints. The theory is there are other law firms that have been involved all the way through trial in these cases, and it may be beneficial for the city to work with another law firm in association with our firm to handle the defense of the matter,” the city attorney said.

“And I can work with your city manager on some good potential candidates,” he added.

Mayor Paulo Morales said he thought a two-member ad-hoc committee to work with what will eventually be a team of lawyers was a good idea.

“My thoughts for an ad hoc committee is just there is a lot of information that has to be reviewed, obtained, looked at for the accuracy of that information, and that’s certainly important,” said Morales.

“And quite specifically, in looking at an ad hoc committee, I was thinking of both myself and the Mayor Pro Tem” to serve on the Ad-hoc committee, he said, to which Marquez immediately objected.

“I’m concerned that there are two people with the same views on the ad hoc committee,” said Marquez, who thought she, and perhaps the public, would not get the whole story.

“It is possible that I will be locked out of the information,” she said, “especially if it’s given that my colleagues have thought that I actually solicited this lawsuit. I never solicited this lawsuit, but they tend to think that I solicited this lawsuit and that’s not the truth. I have never met Kevin Shenkman and never spoken to him.”

Shenkman, in an interview, confirmed he has never met Marquez, never corresponded with her nor ever spoken to her.

Further, the Malibu attorney said Monday that the council majority resisting districts seemed to essentially be “looking after their own interests, not the public interest.”

“It’s time for them to be grown-ups,” he said.

He said Buena Park made the switch to district-based elections with little or no legal expense. Anaheim, which put up a brief fight, then settled, spent approximately $3 million on lawyers, said Shenkman. Palmdale spent about $5.5 million, he said, and Santa Monica could spend $30 million.

Shenkman said taxpayers won’t be happy that Cypress taxpayer money, which should be spent on other things, is going to be wasted on a lawsuit the city must know they cannot win.

“They are starting down a path of wasting their taxpayer dollars to carry on a fight for their own city council seats and nothing more,” he said. He said there could be political consequences as well.

In Santa Monica, three incumbents, the most vocal against district elections, were unseated in the 2020 elections, said Shenkman, mostly for wasting money, he said. The Council members in favor of districting were re-elected, said Shenkman.

“You have to go back 30 years or more to find three incumbents unseated in the same election,” he said.

He said Cypress taxpayers won’t be happy when they start spending millions in legal fees.
Marquez has been the only Council member consistently voting against rejecting the allegations of CVRA violations.

The debate ended, however, much as it had before. Peat’s motion to authorize Grant to work with Galante to find defense Counsel and to appoint Morales and Mayor Pro-tem Anne Hertz-Mallari to an ad-hoc Committee was approved.

Cypress teachers, admin meet with state mediator over agreement

David N. Young
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Cypress teachers, admin meet with state mediator over agreement

The chief negotiator for the Association for Cypress Teachers (ACT) returned from vacation this week and, in essence, echoed the optimism of the district negotiator as both sides are now saying they are hopeful an agreement can be reached soon.

“All I can say is that we’re working on it,’’ said lead teacher negotiator Elizabeth Dunagan, confirming the meeting reported by Spotlight Schools last week.
Dunagan said she was optimistic that a settlement could be reached quickly, perhaps as early as the next negotiating session.

“It was a positive interaction,” she said of their first meeting with the mediator.

“The meeting was good,” said Dunagan, “but we couldn’t finish.” Yet, she noted that “there’s a very, very good chance that we’ll have an outcome in September.”
Tim McLellan, Assistant Supt. for Business Services, said this week that he too is looking forward to a resolution of the dispute.

“I’m very optimistic that there will be a resolution,” said McLellan, the district’s lead negotiator. “I think both sides understand and want to get this behind us so we can move forward and not look back,” he said.

Further, despite the hard bargaining, McLellan said, “there is still a good feeling when we [teachers and the district] come together. The district has a good relationship with its teachers,” he said.

Negotiating teams from the teacher’s union and the Cypress School District (CSD) met at the district office in Cypress last Thursday, July 28, with mediator Jerry Adams from the California Public Employment Relations Board (PERB), said McLellan.

He said the district is mandated under state law to utilize PERB to mediate disputes when they have reached an “impasse” in negotiations. PERB is a quasi-judicial agency that oversees public sector collective bargaining in California.

The sides had met from January through May. Ultimately, the district declared an impasse after making little progress on shrinking the gap between what teachers wanted and what the district was willing to provide in terms of a new employment agreement.

Teachers, citing the 5.07 percent cost of living increase the district was awarded in last year’s budget, were asking for a 4.5 percent raise, with no “hard cap” on teacher’s benefits (meaning there would be a limit on what the district would pay for some families, after which the family would be financially responsible).

The district was willing to offer the 4.5 percent increase, McLellan maintained during the negotiations, but the district insisted on the “hard cap” on benefits, claiming CSD was only following the lead of other districts.

The district had offered teachers a proposal with no hard cap on benefits, but only with a 3 percent pay raise, said McLellan. He emphasized, however, that under both proposals, every employee’s full benefits would have been paid by the district.

The “hard caps,” he insisted, only affect teachers with larger families covered under the medical insurance.

Dunagan, however, refused to budge from the 4.5 percent pay raise with no hard caps, so the district ultimately called an “impasse,” prompting the intervention of state PERB mediators.

The two sides will meet again on Sept. 8, just a few days before school starts. Under state law, both sides must accept and abide by the final decision of the state mediator.
This is the first time since 1895, when the Cypress School District was formed, that the two sides have not been able to reach an agreement.

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