Members of the La Palma-Cerritos American Association of University Women (AAUW) gathered at Mimi’s Café in Lakewood, California, on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at a noon luncheon to thank the past board members for their service and to install new board members for 2022-2023.
Outgoing President Beverly Zwick welcomed everyone to the luncheon and thanked her executive and appointed board members for supporting and assisting her during her two terms as president. She served in the difficult years of 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, when the Covid 19 pandemic made it necessary to have virtual meetings and limited in-person meetings.
Installation Officer Tobi Balma arrived, as members were finishing their lunches, just in time to present Beverly Zwick with a President’s Pin, in appreciation of her service as President of the La Palma-Cerritos AAUW Branch.
Tobi Balma received an additional honor just before the luncheon. She was awarded the Connie Inskeep Award from the Long Beach Branch of the AAUW for her “exemplary leadership in AAUW.” Balma is a Founding member of the La Palma-Cerritos AAUW and has been an active member of AAUW National, AAUW CA, and the Long Beach Branch of the AAUW.
Balma selected as a Garden Theme for the Installation of Officers, “Nutrients and Growth.” She presented each of the elected officers with “gardening tools” as nutrients to help them grow “flowers” of new ideas and new members. The elected officers include President Celia Spitzer, Co- Program VP’s Faith Herschler and Cathy Niederman, Co-Membership VP’s
Saurabh Deedwania and Jackie Shahzadi, Co-AAUW Fund VP’s Tobi Balma and Sue Solomon, Secretary Christine Taxier, and Treasurer Marilyn Forsstrom. Balma hoped that the nutrients she provided would produce great growth in the branch in 2022-2023 as the Branch celebrates its 50th Anniversary of its founding.
Past Co-Membership VP Joan Flax presented two special 50 Year Life Membership Recognition Certificates to Beverly Zwick and Tobi Balma. Both have been members of the AAUW National for 50 years since 1972.
Newly installed President Celia Spitzer invited members of the La Palma-Cerritos AAUW Branch to come to the meeting on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at Heritage Park in Cerritos, to plan for programs and activities for the 2022-2023 505h Anniversary year. For more information about future programs and meetings for the La Palma-Cerritos AAUW Branch starting in September, contact Program Co-VP Faith Herschler at 714-821-4067.
Cypress Catholic School St. Irenaeus 8th Grade graduate Benicio Totah has been awarded a Notre Dame Club of Orange County (NDCOC) Scholarship Award for Outstanding Community Service.
In making the presentation, NDCOC board officer Irv Cuevas said Totah was honored for exemplifying what it means to “give back” by volunteering and participating in a host of community service programs. Totah is one of 22 Orange County students so recognized by the NDCOC.
St. Irenaeus teachers and administrators who chose Totah, an altar server at Mass and a Boy Scout, said “he completed countless hours of community service; was selfless in giving to others; served as a class president; and always showed a positive and optimistic attitude that was contagious, refreshing, and uplifting”.
A $250 scholarship to offset tuition costs will be forwarded to St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower where Totah will attend in the Fall.
NDCOC Scholarship Coordinator Paul Irving said presentation of the Scholarship Awards recognizes graduating 8th graders at each of the 31 Orange County Catholic Diocesan K-through-8 schools participating. In addition, the NDCOC provides each school with plaques on which to list each year’s recipients.
South Coast Orchid Society of Long Beach will host a program by Carol Beule on “A Nation of Gardeners, Perfectionists, and Tradition: The Essence of Japan and Fuukiran, the Wind Orchid”, on June 27, 2022, according to a press release.
It’s been well over two years since anyone could host an orchid travelogue! Carol managed to attend a major Fuukiran (Neofinetia) exhibition in Japan in May, renewing her longtime friendships with Japanese orchid growers, and now she is ready to show us what she found. Gardens and gardening are a huge part of Japan’s appreciation of nature.
Japan is the source for the most coveted garden tools, the most exquisite varieties, and home to the most dedicated farmers, gardeners, and craftsmen. Part of the craft tradition in Japan is to master every skill you undertake, and then always to strive to do it even better – a valuable lesson for orchid growers everywhere.
Join us for a fresh cross-cultural view of orchids and orchid growing. Carol is an EMMY award winning Costume Designer with a Master of Fine Arts in both Costume and Lighting Design. She was a professional Costume Designer from 1974 until her retirement in July of 2017.
She has grown orchids in Southern California for decades, and is now an accredited American Orchid Society judge. The event is free and open to the public. Orchids grown by our members will be on display.
The event will be held at Whaley Park Community Center, 5620 E. Atherton St., Long Beach, CA 90815 on Monday, June 27, from 7-9 p.m. For more information, contact so*********************@***il.com.
They came from away; the pilots, passengers and crew of 38 international flights when the tragedy of 9/11 forced them to land in the small Canadian towns of Gander and Labrador, Newfoundland. “Come From Away” is the story, set to music of camaraderie and love being born out of terrifying circumstances.
Orange County audiences will be welcomed to The Rock (Newfoundland) when “Come From Away” lands at the Segerstrom Center For the Arts, June 21 – 26, 2022. From the opening number “Welcome to the Rock” audiences will realize that they are experiencing an exceptional theatrical experience.
The writers Irene Sankoff and David Hein pitched the idea of a 9/11 musical about the 5 days following the disastrous event to the Canadian Government and received a Grant to write about Ganders response to the arrival of 7000 strangers. “Come From Away” is the longest running Canadian Musical in Broadway History. It received seven Tony Award nods, winning Best Director for Christopher Ashley. The cast of twelve is now on the road in, what is truly distinctive about this show, an authentic ensemble piece.
Among the versatile ensemble is Julie Johnson, who like the entire cast takes on multiple roles become, well, there’s 7000 tales to tell. This show is a musical so naturally the characters sing and dance. Theater aficionados have praised these talented players, labeling them a ‘triple threat.’ Asked if she considered herself a ‘triple threat’ Johnson replied, “Let’s put it this way, I’m a singer and actor. Every now and then I threaten to dance.”
Joking aside, Johnson says “We have a wonderful chorographer, Kelly DeVine, who designed the Celtic, influenced dance moves to reflect Newfoundland’s cultural heritage. There’s a little Irish jig to the arrangements. The dance is also crafted on the individual characters because movement is as much a part of the story telling as word and song dialogue.”
As for being in an ensemble piece, Johnson says “I love singing and working in an ensemble like this. Everyone in this show is capable of being that star who delivers the big 11 O’clock number. Any of these actors has that kind of capability as they sing beautiful music in harmony. This musical is created using every word, every movement to follow the emotion of the stories.”
After seeing the show, Johnson says “I remember thinking it doesn’t matter where or how, I just want to be a part of this musical because it has such a strong message about the beauty and the caring and the love that came out of such a horrific tragedy on November 11, 2001. The travelers were refugees needing solace, food, just about everything when they landed on foreign soil.
They were greeted by the kindest of townsfolk who, without a personal agenda, provided for their comfort and wellbeing. The residents of Gander didn’t believe that their actions were extraordinary but they were! And I wanted to tell that story because it’s so powerful and so rooted in human kindness.”
All the musical’s characters are based on real people. When the book writers, Sankoff and Hein learned that many of the plane people would be returning to Gander for a 10th anniversary commemorative event, they not only attended the ceremony but remained for a month gathering stories and observing passengers and townspeople interacting. Hein says “Every person had a million stories about faith, about love, about food, about overcoming religious or racial or regional differences.”
Sankoff continued “We composited some characters and amalgamated some storylines to get to the essence of what happened. We took some license to make it more theatrical. But anything that happens in the show really happened.”
Johnson’s role is a fusion of two real women who spearheaded preparation of the food, clothing and bedding drive needed to accommodate the plane people. She says of her character “The writers interviewed Beulah Cooper and Diane Davis and compiled their histories into one narrative that became Beulah’s story.
In the musical she’s named Beulah Davis because she represents both women. In the show Beulah is principal of Gander Academy, a local elementary school that housed hundreds of stranded travelers and provided them with clothing and toiletries. Beulah also embodies the women of Gander who took charge and didn’t let anything faze them when those planes landed in their backyard.
They came in cars, with their kids, bringing toilet paper, baked beans, sandwiches and whatever was needed because the luggage wasn’t allowed off the planes. It’s just an unbelievable story about something that actually happened.”
Of playing multiple roles, Johnson says “we, the cast represent a lot of people. I have about five small roles. Of course, Beulah is my main character, but there are a couple of little moments where I’ll put on a scarf or pop out to say something as someone else. The show is so beautifully designed that audiences never seen to be confused about who is who or what is happening. It’s just a fun and emotional excursion for audiences.”
Changing characters with just a hat or accent is one thing but this cast and crew’s sleight of hand rolls over onto the set where they make magic using just a few props. Johnson describes it as “taking place on a single set with 12 chairs, three tables, and very few costume pieces, a sweater, a scarf, a hat to signify a character change. There’s also this amazing seven piece band playing Irish Folk music and intertwining themselves into several community scenes.”
The props or lack thereof, isn’t the point of this uplifting musical because as Johnson says “the people are the heart and soul of this story. It’s not about elaborate set and extravagant costumes. Instead, audiences are taken on a journey with little but their imaginations.
And its message is quite clearly be kind to others, don’t fear strangers or as the Newfoundlanders would say “just help others because you might need help someday.”
Take off to “Come From Away” at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, June 21 -26, 2022. For tickets and information: Online, SCFTA.org; The Box Office, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa; Phone, 714-556-2787.
With well over half a century spent providing musical inspiration to students K-12 in and around Orange County, Chuck Wackerman needs no introduction to Los Al Unified district residents.
His legendary musical education has, by now, touched thousands of lives by instilling in them a love for and strong work ethic around playing music.
That said, little is known about the experiences that inspired and shaped this educational pillar of the community who is a skilled musician in his own right.
Though anybody who knows the Wackerman family knows several of the Wackerman men including Chuck are highly skilled drummers, few know that Chuck’s first instrument was the trumpet.
‘Mr. Wackerman’ as he is known still by his students, regardless of how old they get, was one of two sons born to a piano-playing mother and a non-musician but avid music fan father in Pittsburgh, PA in 1930.
At the age of nine, Chuck and family moved to Alhambra, CA and a year later, he began learning how to play trumpet.
By the time he was set to graduate from Alhambra High, the young Wackerman had had the privilege of taking private lessons from a cornetist who had played with the king of the marching band arrangement John Philip Sousa, recording artist Charles “Del” Staigers.
Chuck met Del Staigers toward the end of Staigers’ life, so their time together was brief, yet invaluable.
“In about six months [with Staigers] I learned much more than I did from the other [my first] teacher in three years,” Wackerman said.
He began teaching himself drums freshman year of high school but continued playing trumpet in concert band mostly, joining the marching band for one year during high school as well.
A standout horn player, one of his teachers suggested he try out for union membership, which Chuck did, successfully, at the age of eighteen.
After high school, he took courses at Pasadena City College and Westlake College and worked at the Fitzsimmons market where his father was a buyer/supplier, before anticipation of being drafted into the Korean War found him, on the suggestion of his future brother-in-law, Brooks Coleman, enlisting with the Air National Guard.
Ironically, before the war, Chuck’s high school trumpet teacher had offered to get him into an Air Force band, which he declined. After all, the Nat’l Guard required less of a time commitment, but he was destined to become a trumpeter in the Air Force’s 562nd Band when the Air National Guard base he was stationed at was called to service.
“As soon as I joined, they activated the whole base,” Chuck said.
He spent approximately seventeen months in the military, mostly serving at George Air Force Base in Victorville, CA, and after the Korean War picked up his education first back at Pasadena City, then joining a few wartime friends at U.C. Santa Barbara and finally ended up at USC where he earned his bachelor and master’s degrees in music and education.
After being discharged, he decided that, as the big band era was ending, he would find a more stable career path ahead as a music teacher than solely as a gigging jazz musician.
It was only after his time in the service that Mr. Wackerman started taking drum lessons.
He studied under bebop drummer Roy Hart, West Coast jazz drummer Charles Flores and Academy Award-winning sound effects artist and drum legend Murray Spivack.
About Spivack, Wackerman said, “he had everything analyzed: the angle of your stick, and the height of the stick, the weight of the stick; he had everything figured out scientifically. The whole basis of his teaching was relaxing, so if you tense up, you’re doing it wrong.”
Also, around this time, Wackerman joined a quartet (on drums) led by guitar great Vic Garcia and joined by Garcia’s wife on vocals and tambourine and Larry Smethers on bass.
They recorded one album together at a studio on Sunset Blvd. under the name Vic Garcia & Germaine called “Up Up & Then Some.”
Almost immediately after graduating from USC, in 1957 Chuck was hired at McGaugh Elementary and has remained a resident and music teacher in the district ever since.
Eventually, he taught at Oak and McAuliffe Middle students, then at Los Alamitos High, and the Orange County (High) School of the Arts, until around 2019-20 when instruction moved to an online format that Chuck found unworkable.
When asked when he officially retired though, he wryly said, “Oh, I never retired.”
For about five years early in his teaching career, Chuck was a gigging lounge musician until the grueling schedule and four hours of sleep a weeknight began to take their toll, at which point he stopped playing except for summertime stints including in Las Vegas.
He has fond memories of playing with his quartet at Reuben E. Lee restaurant in Newport and Tustin, CA and at several venues in Vegas including lounges at Caesar’s Palace and the now-closed Thunderbird Hotel, though he regrets never finding the time to catch Frank Sinatra, who had a residency at the time.
Still, the Wackermans have witnessed and participated in performances by a laundry list of legends.
For example, about watching Frank Zappa rehearse with one of Chuck’s sons, Chuck said, “it took me about two seconds to realize this guy’s a genius. He was rehearsing the band, singing all the parts, and stopping them every second. It was very intense rehearsal.”
Chuck Wackerman with Stacy “Fergie” Ferguson, vocalist for the Grammy-winning Black-Eyed Peas and cousin to one of his daughters-in-law. Courtesy photo Courtesy photo
As for Barbra Streisand, Wackerman recalled his son “Chad played with her … You know, I’ve often heard that she can be very difficult, and Chad said, he told her, ‘You know I never do this but,’ he said, ‘I have to tell you you’re unbelievable’ … and she said, ‘you are too.’ She was super nice, so you can’t go by what people say about people.”
When it comes to enjoying official performances, one musician that sticks out in Chuck’s memory is Maynard Ferguson.
“He was a showman, the audience would just go crazy, he was like a rockstar,” said Wackerman.
It is around the time that he stopped gigging during the school year, circa 1961-62, that he brought jazz to McGaugh Elementary.
By some accounts, this was the first elementary school jazz program in California.
The very first festival competition McGaugh entered at Orange Coast College had no division for elementary school students, so they were lumped in with the junior high bands and still managed to win first place.
Chuck’s skills as an educator eventually led to a victory for the Los Al Big Band and OCHSA’s Jazz Combo at the most prestigious Reno Jazz competition and an individual Most Outstanding Musician award for the band’s drummer, the youngest (Brooks) Wackerman, in 1993.
About their victory stadium performance in Reno, Chuck said it was, “probably the most exciting performance that I ever had.”
Not only did the homegrown talent of his sons (who Chuck personally taught starting them as early as five years old) help keep his bands in lock step to place in festival after festival, Mr. Wackerman also decided already by McGaugh’s second festival appearance to commission some original music.
The first was from John Prince, who composed a piece called “Big Bad Chad” named for one of Wackerman’s sons.
This gave a stellar band with an outstanding teacher an even bigger advantage at competitions.
“Nobody had the music,” Chuck says of those early days.
“I was the only one that had it. So many festivals we’d go to, and they were playing stock arrangements; you’d have five or six bands all playing the same music, so I didn’t want to do that. I wanted things that were more original.”
In 1971, Wackerman innovated again by kicking off the renowned Class Notes concert series, an annual fundraising event showcasing LAUSD’s jazz bands and featuring guest performers (playing with their own bands and with Chuck’s students) from the roster of pros, including Louis Belson, Bill Watrous and Tom Kubis, that Chuck had come to know, some through the musician’s union he joined as a high school senior.
Justin Padilla, current LAHS jazz program director, who has carried this tradition forward under the name Spotlight concert series said “Chuck had the experience of twenty teachers [combined] … and the heart of a saint. One of his superpowers was the ability to make a band of middle school musicians perform as clean as a professional band. With a master like that … there are only two things you can do; try to copy his approach and avoid attending the same festivals he took his band to,” he said
“He had the support of the community and the respect of the world,” said Padilla.
Chuck has won several awards and honors for his achievements in music education including from the Orange County Board of Education in 2012.
“I miss it … Interacting with the students and seeing kids improve and become really good musicians and … even one’s that don’t stick with it … they derive something out of it, enjoyment, and they learn to appreciate music better.”
Former student and professional musician K.J. Ticehurst remembers, “He was so passionate about the school jazz programs and it resonated in the way he conducted us. I was lucky enough to work with Mr. Wackerman throughout my middle and high school years.”
Wackerman’s legacy is alive and well, carried forward by all those he has taught and played music with and through his kids and grandkids.
His late wife, Barbara, was also a pillar of the community and according to Chuck supported him “in a million ways over the years.”
From his relationship with countless amazing musicians and motivating generations of students, to seeing a son open for rock legends Metallica, whose current bassist is a family friend, and a granddaughter make it to the finals on “American Idol” season eighteen, Chuck Wackerman’s place in music history and legacy of work in service of the arts and his community is undeniable.
The Los Alamitos Unified School District this week announced new principals for two elementary schools, J. H. McGaugh and Hopkinson Elementary Schools.
District administrators began a search following the sudden resignation of Dr. Issaic Gates at McGaugh and after Hopkinson Elementary principal Evelyn Garcia announced she would replace the retiring Erin Kominsky as principal at Oak Middle School.
Los Al Unified officials announced in a press release that it has selected Wendy Wood to serve at the next principal of McGaugh Elementary and Jason Farvour to serve as the next principal of Hopkinson Elementary.
District officials said that the decision came only “after a thorough and rigorous process that included input from various stakeholders, including certificated and classified staff, families, Board of Education Members, and administration.”
“Having each been part of our Los Al USD family for decades, both Wendy and Jason bring an exceptional wealth of experience in education to their new roles,” said Superintendent Dr. Andrew Pulver. “They truly understand the value of relationships, collaboration, and building community and I am confident they will excel in their new positions.”
Wendy Wood Courtesy photo
Wendy Wood
Wood has served Los Alamitos USD for the past 33 years in positions both inside and outside of the classroom as well as various leadership roles. Her vast experience includes three years as our McGaugh Assistant Principal, District Teacher on Special Assignment supporting Education Services, Site Administrative Designee, Instructional Coach, Mentor Teacher, and 27 years as an educator at Lee Elementary School where she taught kindergarten, first, second, third and fourth grade.
“I am humbled and beyond excited to continue to serve and build relationships with the Sea Lion community who has so graciously welcomed me with open arms,” said Wood.
Jason Farvour
Serving the district for the past 20 years, Mr. Farvour is no stranger to Los Al USD. For the past five years, he’s held the title of Assistant Principal at Los Alamitos High School over both Student Services and Curriculum and Instruction.
He spent the early part of his career as a history teacher and activities director at Los Alamitos High School and then went on to serve the district as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA). During his time as a TOSA, he also had the opportunity to serve our younger learners as a summer school administrator, supporting students, staff and families.
“Having begun my own parenting journey at Hopkinson, I am thrilled to return to this community and to work with and support all Huskies, their families, and the amazing staff,” said Farvour.
According to the district, both Wood and Farvour will assume their new principal roles on Jul 1, 2022. The Los Al Unified School District also announced it has also began the recruitment process to fill the open assistant principal positions at both McGaugh Elementary and Los Alamitos High School.
More than 800 vehicles carrying hundreds of graduates from the Los Alamitos High School rolled through the streets of Rossmoor Saturday morning as the 3rd annual RHA Senior Parade paid homage to this year’s graduating class of 2022.
According to the Los Alamitos Unified School District, the high school’s Class of 2022 includes 766 graduating seniors and five juniors who are early graduates.
This year’s entries included a wide variety of decorating styles and a wide assortment of moving vehicles carrying seniors, including trucks, SUV’s, military jeeps, sports cars, convertibles, and even classic cars.
Now in its third year, seniors and their families have become very crafty about signage, with many of this year’s entries including not only the names of the graduating seniors, but also what college they are attending and the college mascot.
“You did it. So awesome,” said Jo Shade to the LAHS Class of 2022.
Shade is an official with the Rossmoor Homeowners Association who founded the parade three years ago and organized it again this year. “I just want to say, ‘have fun, enjoy the parade.’ Drive safely. Please watch the car in front of you on speed,” she added.
A large group of elected and administrative officials gathered to send off many of this year’s grads in ebullient fashion.
Los Al District administrators join elected officials on stage to wish the students well.
“Good morning, Griffin class of 2020,” said a jubilant Los Alamitos Unified Superintendent Dr. Andrew Pulver. “I hope that you feel this community just stretching its arms out to all of you and giving you a huge hug,” he said.
“There are no finer communities to raise kids and to thrive in than here in Los Alamitos Seal Beach and Rossmoor,” said Pulver.
He thanked the Rossmoor Homeowners Association for not only making this year’s parade happen, but also for bringing joy to seniors during the pandemic by originating the idea.
“The RHA brought this senior parade in the one of our darkest times during the pandemic and they shed so much light on it that today, it is a new tradition,” he added.
We are so excited to have you here and just a huge thanks to the RHA for putting this on for our whole community and being so inclusive of all our graduates,” said LAUSD Board President Diana Hill.
“This is an incredible showing,” said Los Al High School Principal Christiana Kraus looking over the stage at the rows and rows of cars waiting to pull out into parade formation.
“It’s no surprise,” said Kraus “because that this is the way Los Al is. I’m excited to celebrate with you, the Class of 2022. You’re amazing. You’re so kind, so talented, so brilliant. And have incredible hearts and we know that you’re off to do even greater things. Congratulations Griffins,” the principal said.
“The sky’s the limit,” Assemblywoman Janet Nguyen advised the grads.
“Hey, class of 2022,” said Los Al Mayor Shelley Hasselbrink. “I want to congratulate you. Just enjoy the summer and enjoy your next season. Just buckle up and enjoy the ride,” she said.
Los Al Police Chief Michael Claborn was reflective in his message to seniors.
“As I sit and think about all the things that you all have had to endure over the last four years,” said Claborn, “I can assure you that you have been battle tested more than any graduating class has been that has come before you,” he said.
“So, whatever the world has to throw in front of you. I’m sure you’ll be able to handle it. Congratulations, it’s an exciting time to close one chapter and open your next, good luck.”
Students too, were reflective and mindful of what they had endured as they now move on.
“It’s exciting. It’s been like different,” said Abby Depina. “Because like COVID you know, it, kind of like changed all like the rituals, but it’s been fun. Our school [LAHS] has done a good job of like making everything feel back to normal,” she said.
Kaylin Hurley said “I think this year has been super exciting. It was great getting to have a normal year.” Hurley said “we just made the most of it after going through so much and it was so much fun.”
“I think we’re the first year to get the full experience [of a senior year],” said Peyton Nelson.
Depina and Hurley said they are headed to Biola University in La Mirada while Nelson is headed to Hope International University in Fullerton.
Zack Sutherland is one of the few graduates from around the nation selected to the attend the United States Naval Academy. The Los Al graduate will enroll in Annapolis and said he hoped to become a cyber systems specialist in the next four years.
“That’s what I want,” said Sutherland, “but honestly, wherever the U.S. Navy wants me, we’ll have plenty time to figure it out in the next four years.”
The TV images are too much to bear:
Nineteen children and two teachers murdered in Uvalde, Texas.
I watch a sobbing young father who lost his daughter,
I weep for him and his family.
The father is inconsolable.
The reporter puts his arm around him.
The father wanted to protect his child
and felt that he had failed her.
He said, “She brushed her teeth every day!”
This mundane statement hits me in my gut.
These innocent children did nothing wrong.
They did not deserve to die that day.
Each of these children had unfulfilled dreams.
Elliana wanted to be a teacher.
She looked forward to her quinceanera.
Her parents were planning her 11th birthday on June 4th.
Alexandria was honored that day for All-A Honor Roll.
Her mother posted, “She also received the good citizen award.”
Her parents had told her they loved her that morning.
They said they’d pick her up after school.
Ten-year-old Alithia wanted to be an artist.
She submitted a drawing to a recent contest.
Her budding talent was cut short.
What might she have created if allowed to live?
Some of the children had been talented athletes.
10-year-old Eliahana looked forward to playing softball
at the final game of the season scheduled the next day.
10-year-old Layla had won six races at the school’s Field Day.
Teacher, Irma Garcia, died trying to protect her students.
Married for 24 years, she had four children.
Days after her death, her husband died of a heart attack,
leaving their four children parentless.
Teacher, Eva Mireles, age 44, was another heroic victim.
She had worked for the school district for 17 years.
Her husband served as a policeman in the district.
Eva’s daughter said her mom was “the half that makes me whole.”
Jailah didn’t want to gsShe asked her father if she could stay home.
That was unusual for this fun-loving girl.
Her father said, “I think she knew something would happen.”
Both Jailah and her cousin, Jayce, were killed,
one of at least two sets of cousins murdered.
Their families are torn apart with grief,
trying to cope with this senseless tragedy.
Uvalde families were frustrated with law enforcement.
“Mistakes were made,” authorities admitted.
A resident said that slow police response was the norm.
Each minute cost precious lives.
Rows of crosses marked with the names of the dead
like a white picket fence in a horror film.
Flowers and stuffed animals adorn the site,
a futile attempt to comfort lost children and survivors.
Can we break Pandora’s curse and end this evil?
Why does any civilian need an automatic assault weapon?
Should an 18-year-old be able to easily purchase a weapon of war?
Will lawmakers ever pass common-sense gun reforms?
The only thing left in Pandora’s box was hope.
I cling to that glimmer of hope
to protect our vulnerable children,
the future of our nation.
The Cypress Knights of Columbus Council 8599 at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church just completed its Memorial Day weekend’s successful drive to provide wheelchairs to military veterans in need of the extra mobility.
Parish members generously contributed nearly $20,000, sufficient to purchase 112 wheelchairs to be donated to military veterans in the area.
The Knights’ wheelchair program began in 2013, and since then, St. Irenaeus parish donations have purchased nearly 1,500 wheelchairs for veterans.
Knights of Columbus Grand Knight Rick Tkach expressed heartfelt thanks to St. Irenaeus parishioners for their generosity and
) Longtime St. Irenaeus Parishioner Connie Del Fonzo of La Palma makes a generous contribution to Knights of Columbus District 132 Deputy Michael Klett for Wheelchairs for Military Veterans following 4pm Mass Sunday May 29th. Courtesy photo
said this is an excellent and rewarding example of parishioners coming together to help our military Veterans and recognize them for their service to our country.
Tkach added that donations for additional wheelchairs are still being accepted. You can donate online at the St. Irenaeus website https://sticypress.org/ go to Online Donations, and click on the KofC Wheelchair Drive.
Back in May, someone cut the screen on an elderly woman’s home, with her in the home, and proceeded to steal items and make a clean getaway, the Rossmoor Community Services District Board were told.
Dr. Maureen Waters appeared before the Rossmoor Community Services District at their most recent meeting in May to ask the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to explain why that specific incident was not listed as a “home invasion” in their quarterly crime report.
“This past weekend. I was out of town but an elderly lady around the corner from us got burglarized and she was home. And I heard I don’t know if it’s true that it was not classified as a home invasion robbery. I don’t know if he can speak to that if it was and if it wasn’t it classified as a home invasion robbery. I’d like to know why,” Dr. Waters said.
“This lady her front door was locked down her garage driveway gate was not locked. They got into her bedroom. They slice[d] the screen you know she had a window open, she was home. That is concerning to the people of Rossmoor,” said Waters.
Waters’ appeal to the board ironically came on the same night Capt. Gary Knutson presented the OC Sheriff’s Office quarterly crime report, so she asked for an explanation.
Director Mark Nitikman, the board VP but acting president for the May meeting, asked Knutson to explain why that particular crime was not listed as a “home invasion.”
“You know, primarily, just speak to their question about the classification of it, and why it was not considered a ‘home invasion,’” began Knutson. “So, home invasion would be a type of crime where they use you know, force or fear to get past the homeowner to kick in the front door … it’s kind of like a robbery,” he said.
“Like if I was to come up to you and grab your person, you know, rip it [personal property] off your body. That’s what a home invasion is. In this case, it was a burglary. She just happened to be home. Fortunately, she wasn’t injured,” he said.
“I know it’s a scary thing. You know, similar situations happened to my family members. It’s very disconcerting,” said Knutson.
“I believe we have some good investigative leads on it and we’re working to track these individuals down,” Knutson continued.
The OC Sheriff’s official report said the agency was cooperating with the Los Alamitos Police Department, seeking to use data from recently installed license plate readers to check license plates of cars leaving the community on the night of the incident.
Knutson said authorities are already tracking potential persons of interest and suggested there could be arrests in the case soon.
He further said burglaries involve just the entering a structure with the intention to commit a theft or some type of felony. But once obviously, whether someone’s home or not, once there’s engagement, there is a potential home invasion.
This week, Sgt. Scott Steiner, Public Information Officer for the OC Sheriff’s Office said the crime in Rossmoor has become part of a major ongoing investigation and as yet, no arrests have been made. He said the case is “actively” being pursued and investigators think the Rossmoor suspects may be part of a wider crime spree “throughout the surrounding area.”
Knutson said the FBI has changed its Crime Reporting System, which is now called the Uniform Crime Report, and there is now a different set of criteria and many more sub-categories.
Overall, Knutson said Rossmoor showed a slight uptick in crime, most of that in Grand Theft, which he said mostly entailed catalytic converters theft.
Theft of catalytic converters is a crime “pretty much plaguing all of southern California,” he said.
The district was down one in vehicle thefts, petty thefts were also down, while total incidents were up by eleven since the last report.
Most calls for OC Sheriff’s service come in October, November and December, the data show, said Knutson. Overall, the district had 2,564 calls for service in 2021 compared to 2,411 in 2020.
He presented details from the Crime Report, including a heat map of major incidents over the past year.
In other news, the Rossmoor Directors:
• Honored longtime Rossmoor resident Georglyn Seligman, a.k.a. the “Butterfly Lady” for her countless years of service to the community. The community recently placed a plaque on a tree in her honor and publicly honored her at the May Council meeting. Seligman was one of the early Rossmoor residents who stepped in to help RHA organize the first community festival, according to GM Joe Mendoza.
• Decided to postpone discussions on the district’s proposed $1.9 million operating budget for 2022-23 when directors could not agree on the proper amount for employee payraises, but did agree on raises for the city attorney and the RCSD’s full time arborist, which they agreed was significantly below average for the area. No increases will go into effect until the entire budget is approved.
The City of La Palma is excited to announce registration is now open for the 2022 La Palma Citizen’s Academy.
The La Palma Citizen’s Academy is a free five-week course aimed at demystifying and introducing residents to local government. Each workshop focuses on specific aspects of local government functions, including administration, finance, public safety, community development, community services, and public works. Additionally, the Citizen Academy introduces participants to various civic engagement opportunities, such as serving on a City committee or even City Council.
The 2022 Academy takes place on five consecutive Wednesday evenings beginning on July 6 and ending August 3. Sessions will start at 5:30 p.m. and end by 6:30 p.m. Space is limited, so interested residents should apply as soon as possible.
Additional information and registration can be found at www.cityoflapalma.org/academy.
Ranked by Money Magazine in 2015, 2013, 2011, and 2007 as one of America’s Best Places to Live, the City of La Palma is a 1.9 square mile general law city in northwest Orange County, consisting of over 15,581 residents and approximately 300 commercial and industrial businesses.
The City was incorporated in 1955 under the name of Dairyland and has 53 full-time and 35 part-time employees.
Alzheimer’s Orange County (AlzOC) has opened up its annual call for nominations from the public for caregivers, both paid and unpaid, residing in Orange County who care for our frail seniors with extraordinary compassion, something that distinguishes them and inspires others.
The 16th Annual Visionary Women Caregivers Awards event will be held online on Friday, September 23. Anyone can nominate a caregiver at
https://www.alzoc.org/vwluncheon/
With over six million Americans affected by Alzheimer’s, including over 84,000 living here in Orange County, most people likely know someone who has been touched by the disease.
Nominees are being sought for caregivers in the following categories:
• Youth/Young Adult Caregiver – Unpaid caregivers (18 years and under) who provide regular care to a loved one with Alzheimer’s or a related form of dementia.
• Family Caregiver – Unpaid caregivers who are on the frontline (present or past) providing compassionate care to a loved one with Alzheimer’s or a related form of dementia.
• Professional Caregiver/Direct Service – Paid caregivers who work on the frontline to provide compassionate care in the dementia field. This classification is appropriate for hospice workers, in-home care workers, RCFE employees, and others.
• Administrative Professional – Individuals who serve as administrative professionals in a licensed residential care facility or related service agency such as hospice and in-home care that provides support to persons living with Alzheimer’s or related form of dementia.
• Medical/Clinical Professional – Physicians, researchers, geriatric counselors, clinical social workers, geriatric nurse practitioners, care managers, case managers or other clinical professionals in the field of dementia care.
• AlzOC Team Member – Staff/caregivers that work for AlzOC’s Healthy Aging Center Acacia, Healthy Aging Center Laguna Woods or The Cottages who exemplify compassionate care through the direct care or other forms of support they provided for the individuals and families the organization served.
“Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or a related form of dementia can be an intensely emotional journey,” said AlzOC CEO and President Jim McAleer. “We want to honor these extraordinary people who selflessly pour their hearts and energy into improving the lives of those who can no longer care for themselves.”
AlzOC is located at 2515 McCabe, Suite 200, in Irvine. More information can be found at www.alzoc.org.
Commemorating its 40th year of service in Orange County in 2022, Alzheimer’s Orange County provides programs and services that span the continuum of care of Alzheimer’s and related forms of dementia to Orange County, California residents living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, including older adults and frail seniors, along with their families, caregivers, and the community. Alzheimer’s Orange County began as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1982 with a primary mission of providing care and support for those impacted with dementia and their caregivers in Orange County. Alzheimer’s is a devastating neurodegenerative illness that weakens the memory and other cognitive and emotional functions. For more information, call the Helpline at 844-373-4400, or visit www.alzoc.org. Find Alzheimer’s Orange County on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
The Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF) was proud to grant over $75,000 to Los Al schools for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math) needs this year. LAEF accepted grant submissions from school principals to support anything STEAM related, such as curriculum, supplies, technology and/or staff salaries.
“Our STEAM grants recognize that there are unique needs on each school campus. We are thrilled to see that the grant funds awarded in December are being utilized now by students in classrooms across Los Al Unified,” said LAEF Executive Director, Carrie Logue.
At Oak Middle School, Mr. Seann Schiele and his students are excited to now be working with a new industry-standard 3D printer, directly impacting the quality of his STEM classes and the prototypes students produce. At McAuliffe, students are now enjoying new electric drum kits, adding new and improved instrumentation to their music classes. Los Alamitos High School ceramics students are creating pieces on brand-new pottery wheels. Schools were also granted funds for 3D jewelry printers, Ozobots (programmable mini robots) and digital art technology and accessories. Multiple elementary schools are continuing to use LAEF STEAM funds to support salaries for STEAM/Media Center teachers and aides.
Pictured is Oak STEM teacher, Seann Schiele, with his students in front of the 3D printer purchased with LAEF’s STEAM grant funds.
To-date, LAEF has donated nearly $400,000 to support STEAM programs and staff across Los Alamitos Unified School District.
LAEF also continues to support school STEAM fairs. Last year, LAEF sponsored a STEAM Contest in lieu of fairs due to Covid. This year, with the goal of bringing the fairs back and giving more kids an opportunity to participate, LAEF sponsored optional STEAM fairs at school sites. Lee, Rossmoor and Weaver Elementary Schools and Oak Middle School opted to hold fairs this spring and LAEF was there to witness the amazing projects. Student innovation continues to be very impressive.
“The fairs were full of exciting discoveries and creative projects, and we are happy to continue our partnership with the schools to bring these fairs back on campus,” said Logue.
The STEAM donations are due in large part to the support from LAEF’s major donor group, the Los Al Leadership Circle (LALC). The LALC consists of the distinguished, significant supporters of LAEF’s visionary work. Members of the LALC provide the critical donations that bring LAEF’s support of Los Al kids to the next level. To learn more about how to become a member of the LALC, please visit www.LAEF4kids.org/LALC.
LAEF is the non-profit partner of Los Alamitos Unified School District. For more information, visit www.LAEF4kids.org or call (562) 799-4700 Extension 80424 today.
McAuliffe Middle School students welcomed back 8th grader Jason Khan on Monday, June 6, with cheers and congratulations. Jason, 14, had just returned from competing in the Scripps National Spelling Bee where he made it through the first three rounds before finishing 49th in the national competition. That means Orange County’s top speller also ranks among the best spellers in the country.
“I’m super proud of Jason and his hard work. Jason embodies hard work and commitment and what it means to follow your dreams!” McAuliffe Principal Dr. Ryan Weiss-Wright wrote in a text message.
Urban Agriculture is becoming a key ingredient for improving the quality of life in our Orange County communities.
Joel Block Courtesy photo
Whether it is in the form of community gardens or larger-scale community farms, the need for community-based, community-operated food sources is readily apparent.
For consumers, our recent experiences with dramatically higher prices for nutritious, fresh, non-toxic raw fruits and vegetables proves the need for locally grown food.
For students of all ages, community gardens and farms provide excellent teaching opportunities concerning the life sciences, project management, etc., plus work and exercise opportunities.
For Urban ‘Ag’ volunteers, community gardens and farms offer the opportunity to help grow (then eat) your own healthy food, get healthy exercise, meet like-minded neighbors, and contribute to the betterment of your community.
For community members struggling to survive on low or no incomes, community gardens and farms provide a source of fresh healthy food available for local food banks and community kitchens.
Finally, for everyone, urban agriculture improves our environment by increasing community vegetation which replaces carbon dioxide with oxygen. In addition, increasing the supply of locally-grown produce reduces the energy consumed by the use of existing supply chains extending to the Central Valley, Central and South America.
Orange County now counts an estimated 3.2 million residents among its diverse communities. Yet, with a virtually unlimited growing season, community farms and gardens number in the dozens, not the hundreds or even thousands required to fill the county’s needs.
Orange County before my birth in 1948 was mostly dominated by agriculture. Since then, the population has increased 15 fold, changing the local landscape dramatically to an urban space. For all the reasons I’ve listed above, its time our communities reclaimed a portion of the agricultural heritage we’ve lost.
Editor’s Note: Joel Block is a journalist, retired media attorney who lives in Rossmoor.
Even as Malibu attorney Kevin Shenkman readies his lawsuit against the Cypress Council regarding alleged violations of the California Voting Rights Act, another group has filed a lawsuit against the city alleging violations off the Ralph M. Brown Act by excessive use of closed session to keep the resulting districting discussions away from public view.
The lawsuit was filed May 16 in Superior Court by attorneys Kelly A. Aviles and Shaila Nathu on behalf of Californians Aware, a statewide nonprofit organization that promotes government transparency.
Since Shenkman’s initial letter in September of 2021, the Cypress City Council has yet to hold a formal discussion of the matter in public session, instead holding a series of “closed sessions” in private to discuss how to respond.
In March, the city finally responded to Shenkman, rejecting the allegations of CVRA violations, refusing to entertain any serious discussion of switching to district-based elections.
While Shenkman said last week he is preparing a lawsuit against the city to force compliance with the CVRA, CalAware has now filed suit in protest of the lack of transparency the city council displayed in handling those discussions.
On April 14, CalAware sent a “demand” letter to the city, citing the Brown Act violations, therefore asking the Council to rescind any actions taken that occurred within meetings they allege were not legal, including the March 14 rejection of Shenkman’s demand made on behalf of the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project.
In his response to the CalAware demand letter, Cypress city attorney Fred Galante wrote that “the demand incorrectly alleges that the city council must meet in closed session to first determine whether the Shenkman demand was a proper subject of closed session.”
Galante said the law permits the city to meet in closed session when “based on the advice of its legal counsel, holding a closed session to confer with, or receive advice from its legal counsel regarding pending litigation.”
Galante provided a six-page detailed response to the CalAware demand letter, saying CalAware’s allegation “ignores the clear threat of litigation in the Shenkman letter. The city was permitted to receive legal advice and consider the merits of the Shenkman Demand.”
Galante uses similar arguments to refute each point of the April 29 CalAware demand letter.
“Although the Brown Act does separately provide a basis for meeting in closed session to determine whether the Shenkman Letter is a proper subject of a closed session due to potential litigation, it does not require that this step be taken first. As you are aware, this is the exact purpose of the March 14 closed session item.”
With the lawsuit, however, a judge will now determine whether or not Cypress has violated the Brown Act by engaging in its string of nonpublic discussions over the issue.
The petition filed in Superior Court claims “the Brown Act prohibits City Council from conducting closed sessions, unless the closed sessions are specifically permitted. Pursuant to both the Brown Act and Article I, Section 3(b) of the California Constitution, the specific exceptions to the Brown Act’s open-meetings requirements must be construed narrowly.
Moreover, “there is no provision in the Brown Act which provides for any closed session to discuss the form of elections. By discussing this topic of wide public concern and impact in closed sessions, City Council has violated Government Code section 54962.”
Further, the petition claims that because the city’s attorney [Galante] has already stated the city is not in violation if the Brown Act, the citizens will continue to be deprived of information they have a right to hear without judicial intervention.
“Because legal counsel for the City has stated that the City Council’s prior actions did not constitute violations of the Brown Act, it is likely the City Council will continue to violate the Brown Act in the future,” the petition states.
In addition, the petition quotes sections of the state’s constitution that specifically deals with the public’s right to know.
“The people have the right to instruct their representatives, petition government for redress of grievances, and assemble freely to consult for the common good,” the 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.”
Further the “petitioner requests a judicial determination that Respondent has violated the Brown Act in connection with the City Council’s actions taken at March 14, 2022 meeting. This determination is necessary and proper because Respondent refuses to conform to the requirements of the Brown Act and future violations are likely to continue to without judicial intervention.”
The group claims in the petition that it has “exhausted” all administrative remedies and only judicial action will halt the alleged violations.
In the petition, CalAware is asking the court to issue a Writ of Mandate to force the Cypress Council to adhere to the Brown Act’s open meeting requirements.
“It is the intent of the law that [the] actions [of local public agencies] be taken openly and that their deliberations be conducted openly,” the petition states.
“The Cypress City Council violated the Brown Act by discussing, deliberating, and taking action on the form of City Council elections, in closed session in violation of Government Code,” the petition states in summary, and therefore, “the action taken at its March 14, 2022 meeting, including the vote to maintain at-large elections for the City Council, is null and void.”
Further, the petition asks the court to: “(a) prevent the City of Cypress from violating the Brown Act by discussing, deliberating, and taking action on substantive policy issues in closed session under the guise of anticipated litigation; and (b) tape record all closed sessions for a period of three years.”
Further, the group is asking for reimbursement of legal fees and asks for any “further relief as the court deems just and proper.”
Galante said Tuesday that the city has yet to be served with the lawsuit so he could not comment. But, he said, if the allegations are the same as in the demand letter, the city’s responses are likely to be the same as well.
Students, parents, and administrators filled the Los Al High School Performing Arts Center Friday to attend the premiere of “Left Field,” a double entendre title for a student-made film that briefly explores a mystery of sorts surrounding an “incident” involving a baseball team’s star pitcher.
The complex 16-minute short film is the second such film made completely by high schoolers under the tutelage of film and television teacher Conner Brown.
While last year’s film “6:20 a.m.” was made during COVID, this year’s offering demonstrated the potential of filmmaking without the shackles of a pandemic.
“I’m really excited to be a part of this project,” said Brown before the film. “I’m really excited to work with the students. This is such a cool project because it’s fully student made. The students write the scripts. They choose the director to represent them and meet the crew. They select actors and actresses to portray the roles and they do all the work,” he said.
Brown said “we work with industry-grade equipment that you actually see on real film sets. So, the students get amazing hands-on experience and it’s just such a great opportunity for them to learn,” said Brown from the stage shortly before the film was set to be shown.
The film premiere was complete with a so-called “step and repeat” banner and attended by luminary high school teachers, parents who starred in the film and Assistant Supt. for Business Services, Elvia Galicia, who represented the Los Alamitos Unified School District’s administration.
He said the film was directed by Ian McFerson (Junior) and Nikki Ocampo (Senior), and each of the roles and responsibilities, from crewmembers to directors, were also chosen by the students themselves.
“It truly was a professional film set. Students would work together to set up lights, actors, cameras, sound capture, and more to perfect the shot. And working with professional-grade film equipment really gave students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience on a real set.
Before production began, said Brown, the students had to choose a story to tell. “One story really stood out to us,” he said, “and that was from Junior Sofia Youngs who had written a murder mystery [set] in a diner. We chose her script and got to work on all the pre-production and planning to prepare the movie for filming.”
Led by Senior Elizabeth Schmidt, Senior Nikki Ocampo, Sophomore Bria Singleton, and Freshman Sarah Roudabush, our pre-production team worked with the director and writer to tweak and enhance the script.
“We ended up going in a different direction with the plot, but still wanted to keep that ’who done it’ theme to it,” said Brown. After finalizing the script, students were tasked with story-boarding the script to give detailed drawings of how each shot would look to best help the director and camera operators. While storyboards were being created, students began scouting locations where they could film specific scenes.
“After an extensive search, Pietrini Pizza Napoletana agreed to let our students come in and film inside their restaurant for an entire afternoon and evening. Next, Kirk Hasselbrink and LAYB allowed us to film on one of their baseball fields. And finally, Seal Beach Police Department were kind enough to partner with us and have our students be able to film in the police department and even the jail cell,” said Brown.
Casting tryouts were not limited to the Film and TV class, he said, but instead were opened to the entire school. “We were able to find roles for most students with Jacob Guerra, Catie Haynie, and Jonathan Odom (all Seniors) being cast as our lead characters,” he said.
“Our Director of Photography, Matthew Berry (Senior), with the help of our Key Grip, Grace Phelps (Junior), crafted an amazing filming rig to capture a shot of a baseball being thrown down at home plate,” he said, exclaiming that one scene looks like it is right out of a blockbuster movie set.
“This one specific shot [baseball headed to home plate] is something you would see out of a Hollywood budget movie. The ingenuity and craftsmanship of these students continually amaze me,” he said. “I have shown that shot to multiple people in the industry and they all are shocked that high school students made it.”
Editing was super challenging, said Brown, and took more than six weeks.
Editor Alexander Russell (Junior) led the way, he said, spending countless hours each day leading a team to perfect every minor detail in the story. “It’s been an exceedingly difficult process, and things really do start to add up, especially when finals were just around the corner,” said Russell.
Grace Phelps, the film’s key grip said “being a part of the making of Left Field was an amazing experience. Working as a key grip and camera operator allowed me to learn a lot about the filmmaking world. I gained skills and experience while simultaneously creating a great short film and making new memories.”
“My hope is that this will give students the experience and the confidence to go out and apply to the film school of their dreams or work in the film industry,” said Brown.
“Some of the students who are working on this project already have been accepted into USC Film, NYU Film, & Chapman Film just to name a few. Other students are already getting job offers to work on professional sets and projects right out of High School.
“I’m pretty proud of what these kids were able to do,” said Brown, “what they’re able to accomplish. For a high school film department, these guys are rock stars. They’re just doing amazing work.”
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated since the print edition. The length of the film has been properly noted as 16 minutes rather than 31 minutes.
Following the horrific tragedy that unfolded in Uvalde, Texas this week, the Los Alamitos Police Department deployed increased patrols, including foot patrols, to all Los Alamitos Unified schools located in the city.
Police Chief Michael Claborn said immediately after the Texas school shooting incident, he spoke with Supt. Dr. Andrew Pulver and Dr. Jerry Friedman, Assistant Supt. for Safety and Student Services to discuss the possibility of enhancing school patrols.
“I spoke to both of them and basically asked them about their thoughts about increasing the patrols on all of the campuses,” the police chief said. “They were completely supportive for as many officers as we could get on campuses,” said Claborn.
With school ending for the summer, Claborn said his officers are monitoring schools as necessary.
Moreover, Claborn said he will soon formally announce a plan to re-establish a School Resource Officer program for Los Al Unified School District. He said the new program is expected to be in place when schools resume in August.
Claborn said California officers get active school shooter training from the Urban Area Security Initiative.
“The grant has a dedicated training course that is free to all law enforcement in Orange County, our operational area,” the police chief said.
“It is funded for officers to attend and to be able address situations like what occurred in Texas,” said Claborn. He said without “second-guessing” Texas law enforcement authorities, the training in Orange County “calls for a different response.”
Claborn, who will officially be sworn in as the Los Alamitos Police Chief June 9 at the Joint Forces Training Base, said he still meeting people throughout the community and rebuilding bridges to its police department.
“I think community engagement is a big part of my job,” said Claborn.
In addition, he has committed to fully staff the department, saying there are two new officers currently in the Police Academy that are expected to graduate June 30.
Claborn said even with schools out for the summer, Los Al officers will still keep a close eye on local schools, noting that he expects to make a formal announcement about the resumption of a School Resource Officer program before school resumes in August.
High-ranking Pentagon officials gathered along with local military officials at the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos this past week to break ground on a sustainable energy project making JFTB the first U.S. Army installation in the nation to build its own microgrid.
Bright Canyon Energy, a solar company, will construct, own and operate the energy resilience project with high-performing solar panels on approximately 100 acres of the massive facility’s approximately 1400 total acres, military officials have announced.
“Thank you to the Secretary of the Army and the army office of energy initiatives for selecting JFTB for this project,” said Lt. Col. Manju VIg, the base Commander, “and our sincerest appreciation to all our partners and teammates,” she said.
“We are honored to serve as California National Guard’s major installation in Southern California and home of one of the only military airfield in Orange and Los Angeles counties,” she said. “The energy resilient microgrid project that we break ground for today marks a landmark moment for installation and the surrounding region,” said Lt. Col Vig.
A ceremonial groundbreaking is held May 19, 2022, for an energy resilience project at Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos, California. From left: Stephanie Kline, project director, and Robert Hughes, executive director, both with the U.S. Army Office of Energy Initiatives, Robert Smith, president of Bright Canyon Energy, Paul Farnan, principal deputy, assistant Secretary of the Army for installations, energy and environment, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Refugio Rosas, from the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard, Anthony Marasa, project manager with Bright Canyon Energy, and Lt. Col. Manju Vig, garrison commander of Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos. The project, which will be constructed, owned and operated by Bright Canyon Energy, will generate 26 megawatts of solar photovoltaics, and will include a battery energy storage system, backup generators and a microgrid control system. The project enhances the installationÕs energy resilience by providing power for critical missions for a minimum of two weeks during electrical grid outages. The project supports the Army Climate Strategy goal to build a microgrid on every installation by 2035. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Crystal Housman)
“This is very critical and important to us,” said Major General Michael Leeney, a former base Commander who has now assumed command of the 40th Infantry Division. Leeney said the project began nearly a decade ago, in 2014, when he was asked to represent the base as preliminary discussions began.
“I’m about to help put a shovel with dirt on this project,” said Leeney. “Energy resilience is something that we as a state have been actively pursuing, just like the Department of the Army. This project only reinforces the commitment that we’ve had in that regard to move forward.”
He said the new microgrid will assist the base in providing secure operational capability.
“This is also going to provide a substantial source of power for the local communities which we think is very important,” he added.
“I am thrilled around this project,” said Pentagon-based Paul Farnan, Principal Deputy, Assistant Secretary of Army for Installations, Energy and Environment. He said the Bright Energy project is a self-contained, clean energy storage and microgrid that “really hits the two big things that I spent a considerable amount of time focusing on, the Army’s climate strategy and self-reliance.”
“Back in February, we published the army climate strategy. We are the first military service to publish such a strategy. I’m very proud to say we are also currently, the only service to have done so.”
Farnan said the Army is “absolutely leading the way in this to have clean solar power with battery storage that embodies everything that we’re looking for in our climate strategy.”
“The other half that I really spend a lot of time focusing on, which is directly related because the climate strategy feeds into it, is the resilience of our installations. We are in a world where we have to operate no matter what is happening outside of our fence line,” he said.
Farnan said JFTB is “a perfect example of the hub for emergency operations in Southern California. If something happens, we [U.S. Army, California National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve] need to be able to operate, no matter what happens to the grid outside the base.”
“Whether it’s an accident, whether it’s an earthquake, some other wildfire, natural disaster or whether it’s a manmade cyberattack, the grid goes down we absolutely need to be able to operate to support the local community,” he said.
“We are leading the way for the federal government. And with this project in Los Alamitos, this installation is leading the Army, so thank you very much.”
Robert “Bob” Smith, President Bright Canyon Energy, said his company was proud to be part of the U.S. Army’s first microgrid installation.
“When we talk about this project, and about microgrids in general, we use words like resilience, security, power, reliability. You’ve heard those words already,” said Smith.
“But as I stand here, I think of something else associated with those same words. And that’s the brave men and women of our military and so many of you in attendance today.
And that’s what makes this partnership a great fit,” he added.
He said the project’s 100 acres of solar panels will generate approximately 26 megawatts (MW) of solar energy, it includes a 20/40 MW battery for storage and 3 MWs of backup generation. “For perspective, one megawatt is enough to power about 200 homes,” said Smith.
“So this is a pretty large facility that we’re putting in for you,” he added.
“Our mission at Bright Canyon is to grow sustainable energy solutions,” said Smith, “and through this Energy Resilience Project, our missions come together and it’s our honor to assist you in carrying out your mission to serve the American people and protect our nation’s vital interest.”
He said the base’s microgrid control system will enhance installation energy reliance by providing power for full critical JFTB missions for a minimum of 14 days during electrical grid outages, said Smith.
During normal operations, the power generated will be sold to San Diego Gas & Electric using Southern California Edison’s transmission system. During emergencies, the agreement allows for the base to utilize all of the power generated and what is available in storage, said Smith.
“This is great work and would not be possible without the support from so many partners,” he said.
“First and foremost the US Army, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations Energy and Environment, the Army Office of Energy Initiatives, the California National Guard, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and, of course, the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos.
“Thank you for your vision and commitment to arrive at this important groundbreaking milestone today.”
While the JFTB microgrid in Los Alamitos is the first such installation in the nation, Farnan said the U.S. Army is on track to have a microgrid in every installation by 2035.
Officials say the JFTB microgrid is expected to be generating solar power by this time next year.
A suggestion of having the city transcribe its meetings to make them available to deaf residents fueled an uncomfortable exchange between the city manager and residents Monday at the regular Cypress city council meeting.
Amid ongoing complaints of a lack of transparency, the Council denied a request to have city council meetings transcribed where their words would live in an unvarnished document available to everyone and especially those hard of hearing or deaf.
Councilmember Frances Marquez suggested the Council could better adhere to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements by providing a published, unedited transcript of the city council meetings for citizens with hearing problems or disabilities on the city’s website.
During a discussion of the city’s technology master plan, she suggested making a public transcript an addition to the city’s technology master plan, which does include technology for closed captioning.
“I wanted to see in the master plan, if we can get so a statement of the whole meeting listed and typed a transcript to meet ADA requirements,” said Marquez. Although there were other items in the plan that addressed special needs, Marquez said “I did not see that in there. I could have missed it but I just wanted to ask for that.”
Almost immediately, City Manager Peter Grant began throwing shade on the idea, suggesting he was not given sufficient time to plan for the discussion.
“This isn’t something that we were aware you’re going to ask about this evening,” said Grant. He said the city’s technology master plan does include some accessibility items, specifically, closed captioning on broadcasts of the council meetings.
Grant said he was not sure whether there’s an automated transcript option available “for what you’re proposing.” He suggested such technology could be expensive but noted he did not know the answers without further examination.
“If it’s something that the city council would like us to look into, the proper forum for that under your protocols would be through the strategic planning process,” said Grant, “or it would have been at the budget workshop a couple of weeks ago.”
“Having said that, if it’s something that the council is interested in and there’s majority direction to investigate it, and the cost, which I’m sure would be substantial, we’d be happy to report back,” said Grant.
“As a point of reference,” said city attorney Fred Galante, “I don’t know of any ADA requirement that obligates the city to do that.”
Galante did say “I think it would be just within the city’s discretion if that’s some additional resource you’d want to provide people that are unable to hear the audio,” he said.
“Is there anyone else wanting that direction,” asked Mayor Paulo Morales? “I just don’t see its purpose,” he said.
When no other member spoke in favor of providing transcripts for the public, especially for the hard of hearing and deaf residents, Council member Jon Peat made motion to “approve the city of Cypress technology master plan as proposed,” meaning that for now, there would be no further discussion of a transcript since it was not included in the plan.
The Council passed the motion unanimously to approve the technology master plan as proposed, without including any provisions to provide a written transcript of the proceedings.
However, that was not the end of the discussion. During the next open communications session, citizens disagreed with Grant, suggesting that providing a written transcript was a good idea.
“I was troubled, definitely troubled by the almost discounting of Dr. Marquez’ suggestion that we provide a transcript for people in the community that are hard of hearing, or deaf or whatever,” said resident Marilyn Reames. “I thought, what a simple thing to do that could address members of the community that do have those disabilities, and why in the world not,” she wondered.
“I thought that would be something that everyone on the council would go wow, that’s a great idea. I hope you reconsider that whether you will or not, I don’t know,” said Reames.
Long time Cypress resident, and engineer Edwin Kraemer, said “I thought there would be a software solution to this, adding that his three daughters have all learned sign language and have a heart to help people who are deaf.
“I think that we should investigate doing what we can to transcribe these meetings into something that people who are missing one of their senses can then experience, you know, interact, so we can support that,” said Kramer. “I don’t think it’s prohibitively expensive.”
Activist Brittney Cook revealed that an operation earlier in her life to remove a brain tumor left her deaf in one ear.
“It’s hard for me to hear atnight on my phone,” said Cook. “I can hear much better in person because luckily that giant room you’re in, echoes,” she said. “But it’s just it’s something (transcripts) that I feel like maybe we shouldn’t move on too quickly from,” said Cook.
“There’s a lot of people, and like I said it could be you, anyone could lose their hearing overnight. I don’t think it’s asking too much to ensure that things are accessible for people who maybe don’t have that sense,” said Cook.
“A lot of people brought up this issue tonight,” answered Morales, explaining “and it wasn’t just an issue of us quickly…just ignoring it or dismissing it,” he said, “and I’ll let the city manager speak to that.”
Grant turned his ire to citizens who suggested having a printed transcript was a good idea.
“Frankly, Ms. Cook and Mr. Kraemer’s comments were personally offensive to me,” said Grant, noting “they may not know that I have a special needs son.”
“My comments were neither dismissive nor were they about closed captioning, which is included in the recommendations in the technology master plan (passed earlier in the meeting).” Grant credited Marquez with suggesting the closed captioning “not long after she came onto the council,” which will soon become a reality.
Nevertheless, Grant said the new technology being implemented will, in fact, help “people who may have a disability that may make it difficult for them to participate in the city council meetings.”
He did, however, complain that Marquez had brought up the transcripts “with no advanced warning,” suggesting that council meetings could have “millions” of words in them. “That [transcription] is not a small undertaking in my professional opinion,” he said.Moreover, as a practical matter, Grant suggested a written transcript is “not primarily a disability access issue, as these transcripts would be available long after the meetings are completed.”
The city manager seemed to suggest the words themselves could be damaging if taken out of context or allowed the city residents’ comments to exist without accompanying explanations of the Council actions or motivations.
“I think everyone knows how much we appreciate public comments,” said Grant, but it is important that you engage with our explanations, consider our motives, and judge our decisions and our outcomes,” said Grant.
Grant is not a member of the Council, only an employee of the city.
Even so, city officials rarely explain after public comments and even more rarely offer any brief answers to residents asking hard questions.
Grant then actually shamed the taxpaying residents who merely suggested it was a good idea to publish transcripts of the meetings, and apparently only disagreed with Grant’s assertion that transcripts could be expensive.
“Shame on folks at the podium and over the phone, who are that coarse with folks who volunteer their time and their energy to sit on the city council and those of us who embrace their professional obligation to serve the community, everyone in the community,” the city manager said.
This year’s entries included a wide variety of decorating styles and a wide assortment of moving vehicles carrying seniors, including trucks, SUV’s, military jeeps, sports cars, convertibles, and even classic cars.
“It’s no surprise,” said Kraus “because that this is the way Los Al is. I’m excited to celebrate with you, the Class of 2022. You’re amazing. You’re so kind, so talented, so brilliant. And have incredible hearts and we know that you’re off to do even greater things. Congratulations Griffins,” the principal said.
“So, whatever the world has to throw in front of you. I’m sure you’ll be able to handle it. Congratulations, it’s an exciting time to close one chapter and open your next, good luck.”
Depina and Hurley said they are headed to Biola University in La Mirada while Nelson is headed to Hope International University in Fullerton.
“That’s what I want,” said Sutherland, “but honestly, wherever the U.S. Navy wants me, we’ll have plenty time to figure it out in the next four years.”
