On April 22, 2022—Earth Day—members of the Aquarium Conservation Partnership including the Aquarium of the Pacific announced their first step in achieving their long-term goal of climate neutrality. “We are pleased to join with two dozen other aquariums in the United States in announcing a commitment to reach climate neutrality,” Aquarium President and CEO Dr. Peter Kareiva said. “Climate change affects us all—but most of all the vulnerable who cannot afford air conditioning, or coastal communities whose very homes risk being washed away. Our mission is ocean stewardship, and climate change is the greatest global threat to marine life. It has caused unprecedented heat waves that have led to massive die-offs of shellfish. The emissions that are overheating the planet also cause ocean acidification, which is putting coral reefs around the world at risk. We cannot just leave it up to government regulations or investments in renewables. We have to do our bit. To that end, the Aquarium of the Pacific will be continuing and expanding its efforts to become an aquarium that is part of the solution by achieving carbon neutrality.”
Businesses pursuing carbon neutrality commonly measure greenhouse gas emissions as Scope 1, Scope 2, or Scope 3 emissions as defined by the GHG Protocol. Scope 1 emissions are associated with sources controlled or owned by the organization, such as furnaces or vehicles. Scope 2 emissions include indirect emissions associated with the purchase of electricity, steam, heat, or cooling. Scope 3 emissions include all other indirect emissions, such as emissions associated with employee commutes, purchased goods and services, etc.
In the agreement announced on April 22 the ACP member aquariums commit to completing inventories of Scope 1 and 2 emissions, determining a timeline for completing Scope 3 emissions, and determining carbon neutrality goals and timelines by April 2023. By April 2024 the aquariums will develop an emissions reduction plan and timeline. On an annual basis aquariums will measure and report emissions, share and implement strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from operations and remove greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere.
The Aquarium has tracked its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions for the past sixteen years and recently started the process to track Scope 3 emissions. Joining with the ACP member aquariums in formalizing this commitment helps amplify the impact of this effort
The nonprofit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place where diverse cultures and the arts are celebrated and where important challenges facing our planet are explored. The Aquarium is dedicated to conserving and building nature and nature’s services by building the interactions between and among peoples. Home to more than 12,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include Shark Lagoon, the June Keyes Penguin Habitat, Pacific Visions, and the Coral Reefs: Nature’s Underwater Cities exhibition. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages, including First Wednesdays featuring guest speakers. The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for 12 months and other special benefits. .
To visit, advance reservations are required for everyone and can be made at aquariumofpacific.org or by calling (562) 590-3100. The Aquarium of the Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802.
The Festival of Arts is pleased to announce the debut of an all-new virtual exhibit, Nine Decades of Art – Selections from the Permanent Art Collection, on Friday, April 15th (World Art Day). Featured in this online gallery are chosen works from Festival’s Collection by artists who have contributed to the organization’s rich cultural history, spanning from the early 1900s to present day. To view the gallery, visit www.foapom.com/collection/virtual-exhibit.
“Artworks are windows into history and have the opportunity to give the viewer a more thoughtful representation of cultural activities related to a particular time period,” shared Pat Sparkuhl, Permanent Art Collection Specialist. “With the Festival celebrating its 90th anniversary this summer, we can’t think of a better way to reflect on the organization’s past than through artwork that represents the art history and cultural evolution of this region.”
Among the pieces on display are Virginia Woolley’s 1932 painting, Flower Stalls – the first artwork ever sold at the Festival of Arts; Marco Sassone’s 1986 Serigraph work titled Laguna Vista, and Joane Cromwell’s 1935 oil painting titled Nature’s Symphony.
The 3D immersive online gallery experience allows guests the unique opportunity to explore a selection of work from the Festival’s Permanent Collection. Virtual guests may self-navigate around the gallery or take a guided art tour, and are encouraged to read the artists’ bios to learn more about their backgrounds and careers in art.
In addition to the virtual exhibit, a pocket-sized art catalog is available to purchase exclusively through the Festival of Arts online store at www.foapom.com/product/collection-2019. Proceeds from the book will support the maintenance and restoration of the collection as well as future acquisitions. Cost is $10 per book.
The Festival’s Permanent Art Collection, made up of over 1,000 pieces, is composed of an eclectic mix of two-dimensional and three-dimensional work that date back to the early 1900s. Expanded annually through purchases and donations, the collection includes painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, glass, photography, mixed media, furniture and jewelry that reflect the uniqueness and diversity that is synonymous with the Festival of Arts and the region surrounding it.
“We hope viewers enjoy this virtual exhibit and learn more about the Festival of Arts, its rich 90-year history, and the artists who created these magnificent pieces,” added Sharbie Higuchi, Festival of Arts Marketing and PR Director.
The virtual exhibit was produced by the Festival of Arts Marketing and PR team of Sharbie Higuchi and Meghan Perez with artwork selected by Permanent Art Collection Specialist Pat Sparkuhl. It is available free of cost to the public starting Friday, April 15, 2022. Stay up to date on all things Pageant of the Masters and Fine Arts Show visit www.foapom.com or follow @FestivalPageant on social media. To support the Festival of Arts, please visit www.foapom.com/supportnow.
After two years of delayed or canceled shows, zoom auditions, and virtual casting, Musical Theatre West will hold the first live, in person auditions of their new season the week of May 10 for their upcoming production of Grease. Auditions and rehearsals will be held at the MTW’s rehearsal hall: 4350 E 7th Street, Long Beach, CA 90804. Performances will be held at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center: 6200 E Atherton St, Long Beach, CA 90815.
Long Beach, California, is regularly hailed as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the United States, and Musical Theatre West strives to reflect that diversity in all of their productions. That will be particularly true for Grease, in which the cast will represent a typical Long Beach High School. Performers of any gender identity, age, religion, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, language, physical ability or diverse viewpoint are welcome and encouraged to audition.
All roles are open in the cast of 20, and all actors will be paid. Both union and non-union talent will be considered. MTW is particularly seeking young and energetic talent. A full list of character descriptions is posted on the MTW website and at the end of this article.
MTW operates under the guidance of AEA’s MOU regarding COVID-19 Pandemic Reopening Process. All company members must be Fully Vaccinated for COVID-19 by the start of the rehearsal process. Proof of vaccination will be required.
One of the world’s most popular musicals, this highly anticipated production of Grease will be helmed by Snehal Desai, who joins the team fresh from the run of East West Players’ critically acclaimed production of Assassins at the David Henry Hwang Theater in Los Angeles. Musical direction will be provided by Jan Roper, whose musical América Tropical was a winner of the Raise Your Voice Award for diversity and inclusion. Rounding out the team is multi-talented choreographer Corey Wright, who is currently directing and choreographing Pippin at UCLA.
Snehal Desai is the Producing Artistic Director of East West Players, the longest-running and largest Asian-American theater company in the country. He has directed plays everywhere from The Old Globe in San Diego to Boom Arts in Portland, Oregon, to the Old Vic in London, and he’s worked at more than a dozen theaters in New York City. Recent projects include Assassins, Mamma Mia, the first post Broadway production of Allegiance starring George Takei, The Who’s Tommy, Free Outgoing and A Nice Indian Boy. Desai serves on the board of the Consortium of Asian American Theaters and Artists (Caata), the National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT) and Theater Communications Group (TCG).
Among various positions he has held, Desai served as resident director of Theater Emory, participated in the Lincoln Center Directors Lab and was a literary fellow with London’s Royal Shakespeare Company. A Soros Fellow and the recipient of a Tanne Award, Desai was in the Inaugural Class of Theater Communications Group’s (TCG) “Spark” Leadership Program and the Inaugural Recipient of the Drama League’s Classical Directing Fellowship where he was in residence at the Old Globe in San Diego. Snehal is on the faculty of USC’s graduate program in Arts Leadership. He is a graduate of Emory University (BA) and Yale University (MFA Directing).
Jan Roper is a composer and music director. After many years as a singer/performer, she launched her theater career with the full-scale production of her own original rock opera, Jerusalem A.D. Another original work, City of Light, was chosen for the ASCAP Stephen Schwartz workshop (2016) and the sheNYC Festival (2017), where it won Best Score. Her latest work, The Path to Catherine, had a critically acclaimed world premiere at Brick House Theater in NoHo in the spring of 2022 where it enjoyed a 6-week run. Another current new work in development, América Tropical, was the winner of the Raise Your Voice Award for diversity and inclusion in 2020 and recently had a staged reading produced by McCoy Rigby Entertainment at the La Mirada Theatre. Jan stays busy as a faculty accompanist and teacher at AMDA College of the Performing Arts, and music director in the local theater and cabaret community of Los Angeles. She won the L.A. Scenie Award for Best Music Director in the 2019-2020 season.
Corey Wright’s world in the arts all connects to one thing: storytelling. From Louisiana to NYC, to L.A., Corey has worked with the Verdon-Fosse Estate on a reconstruction project that began in 2012. His original choreography for Chicago at Moonlight Amphitheater earned him a Craig Noel nomination. Corey was also assistant choreographer on a production of Chicago with Plan B entertainment. Other choreography credits include: Pippin, “Conan O’Brien,” “General Hospital,” and Within (a virtual reality company.) As a former teacher for Broadway Connection, he’s had the opportunity to share his love of dance and storytelling with students from all over the U.S.
Audition Dates
• Female-Identifying Dance Call (ECC): Tuesday, May 10 at 9 am
• Male-Identifying Dance Call (ECC): Tuesday, May 10 at 11 am
• Performers who don’t identify with either gender are welcome to attend the dance call of their choosing.
• Principal Auditions (EPA): Tuesday, May 10, 2 pm – 10 pm (both Equity and Non-Equity Actors are encouraged to attend!)
• Agent Appointments and Callbacks: May 12 & 13, 2022
The Supreme Court ruling on Roe v. Wade on January 22, 1973 stated that restrictive state regulation on abortion is unconstitutional. Before that landmark decision, women were forced to either try to end the pregnancy themselves with coat hangers or when affordable, seek backstreet abortions by people who weren’t always qualified resulting in botched procedures with severe hemorraging and a staggering number of thousands of women dying each year.
Up until last year, women had reproductive rights which meant they could choose to terminate a pregnancy. Those rights came to a dramatic halt when Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed SB 8 into law which bans abortions if there is fetal cardiac activity detected as early as 5-6 weeks when most women don’t even know they are pregnant. The bill set up a vigilante system where almost anyone can sue abortion providers along with those who aid and abet in any way.
Oklahoma followed suit passing SB 612, which was signed into law by Republican Governor Kevin Stitt. This bill virtually bans almost all abortions except to save the life of a pregnant woman in a medical emergency. This now illegal procedure is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $100,000.
For many women who have not personally experienced an abortion, the word is almost abstract. I, for one, never really understood the entire procedure but I will tell you that that director Audrey Diwan’s HAPPENING, (L’événement) based on an autobiographical book by Annie Ernaux, is a haunting story about a young girl’s desperation to end her pregnancy. The riveting script, co-written by the director and Marcia Romano, is a brutal look at the personal experience of a determined young co-ed in 1963.
The protagonist is Anne, brilliantly played by Anamaria Vartolomei, who digs deeply into her character resulting in a tour-de-force performance mastering the powerful sub-text of her character. Anne is attending university in Angoulême with her two besties Brigitte (Louise Orry-Diquero) and Hélène (Luàna Bajrami). She is an outstanding student and wants to continue with her studies. I should point out that there is absolutely nothing subtle about Director of Photography Laurent Tangy’s amazing camera work.
One of many close-ups is where Anne checks her underpants for any sign of her period which is now five weeks overdue. She finally goes to a doctor (Fabrizio Rongione) who tells her she’s pregnant and sets in motion her heartbreaking odyssey to get an abortion. It should be noted that during this period in France, abortion is totally illegal punishable by imprisonment for the girl, the doctor who performs the procedure, or anyone who assists in any way.
Anne seeks out another doctor (François Loriquet), who gives her medication that he tells her will cause a miscarriag but she later finds out that the drug is used to actually strengthen the fetus. Anne tries living her normal life – spending time with her friends, visiting her parents and attending classes where her concentration is marred by the overarching problem she’s facing. Her once top grades are falling and one professor tries speaking to her to find out what’s going on in her life. She doesn’t answer his questions and it looks like she’s going to fail her exams.
Clearly, medical relief is not forthcoming so she decides to try to self-abort and takes a long kabob skewer from her mom’s home. We watch her sanitize it by burning it with a match, we see her lie down, and although we don’t actually see this instrument being inserted, Vartolomei’s incredible acting, along with Diwan’s direction, and Tangy’s superb camera work, we just see the top of her head and know only too well what is going on.
Anne’s attempt to abort fails and finally a friend gives her the name of a woman who performs the procedure for 400 francs. Anna Mouglalis’ Mme Rivière is a no-nonsense business woman. While she sterilizes the equipment, she does not wear latex gloves and blows on the speculum to cool it down.
She warns Anne that’s it’s going to hurt but if she cries out or makes any sounds, the procedure will immediately stop. Again, the camera angles down from the top of her head so we just see her legs spread apart and hear sounds of equipment being used, without actually seeing anything.
However, we know from her changing breathing when the pain gets unbearable. As bad luck would have it, the miscarriage does not occur and Anne goes back to Mme Rivière who warns her that a second procedure could be dangerous but she’s desperate, and with time running out, insists on proceeding with the second try. Back at the dorm, the outcome is almost catastrophic as she winds up hemorraging and passes out. Luckily one of her friends is with her and immediately calls for an ambulance where the unconscious Anne is fighting for her life.
There is nothing in this intense thriller, which recently won the Golden Lion at the 78th Venice Film Festival, that is sugarcoated and although sometimes difficult to watch, I think it’s important to see one young woman’s horrendous experience back in 1963 and the sobering reality that once again women in Texas and Wyoming are being forced to go through the same backdoor, life-threatening methods. Add to the list of governors with a neanderthal mentality is Governor DeSantis in Florida who might be signing the same archaic legislation.
Again, this is not an easy film to watch, but I highly recommend it as a window into one young woman’s heartbreaking but successful experience to end her pregnancy.
“HAPPENING”
Director: Audrey Diwan
Screenplay: Audrey Diwan, Marcia Romano & Annie Ernaux
Based on the book by Annie Ernaux
Distributor: Wild Bunch
Productions Companies: Rectangle Productions,
France 3 Cinéma, SRAB Films
Producers: Edouard Weil, Alice Girard
Director of Photography: Laurent Tangy
Editor: Géraldine Mangenot
Production designer: Diéné Bérété
Music: Evgueni Galperine, Sacha Galperine
Language: French with English Subtitles
Running Time: 120 minutes
Cast: Anamaria Vartolomei, Kacey Mottet Klein, Luàna Bajrami,
Louise Orry-Diquéro, Louise Chevillotte
Opens Friday, May 6th – The Landmark – Los Angeles
June 21: On Demand
Friday, May 13 – Nationwide rollout
Check your local theatres
Content Warning: Contains sequences with graphic medical procedures
While stopping short of a formal protest or strike, teachers within the elementary school district of Cypress are visibly upset over the School District Board’s refusal to pass on a cost-of-living increase it received in state funding to teachers.
The district, meanwhile, maintains they have made a fair offer to teachers, which they say is in line with the other elementary school districts in Orange County.
According to Assistant Supt. for Business Services, Dr. Timothy McLellan, Cypress is a unique school district with six elementary schools and approximately 200 teachers.
“We’re a destination district,” said McLellan, and “our teachers are very important.” Yet, he said, the district has a responsibility to many other constituents to make the system work as a whole.
At issue in the current negotiations is the 5.33 percent COLA (cost of living adjustment) the CSD received from the state formula funding and the less-than-adequate amount of this influx they are offering to teachers in the form of a pay raise and benefits.
McLellan said teachers began the negotiation asking for 6 percent, a figure he called unrealistic. After taking a close look at what the other Orange County elementary school districts were offering, he said the district took note that many other districts have begun offering “realistic caps” in their employee compensation plans.
“So,” he said, “we [Cypress School District] made them two offers, and they were insulted.”
Elizabeth Dunagan, a district teacher who serves as the Association of Cypress Teachers’ top negotiator, acknowledged the two offers and did not disagree with McLellan’s assessment. “Really, to have such a low offer on the table just feels somewhat like a slap in the face,” she said.
“At this point in time, the district has two offers on the table,” said Dunagan, “a 2.5% wage increase, if we leave healthcare alone, or a 4.5% wage increase, if we change from our health care system that we have now, which is a percentage-based system to a hard dollar cap system.”
“So, if you’re an employee who is only getting insurance for themselves, it would be $11,000. If you were an employee, you had a plus one, it would be $13,000. And if you were an employee who is going to insure their entire family, it would be $15,000 hard cap.
Any amount over that price that’s charged by the insurance companies for the premiums would be the responsibility of the employee, said Dunagan. She estimated family premium costs, in some cases, of $22,000 per year.
Though the district and the teachers have met for the past couple of months, the two sides are apparently still far apart.
Protests every Wednesday. Courtesy photo
McLellan said this week he understands the teachers not accepting either of the offers, but said he is expecting a counteroffer from the teachers and is curious why he has not yet received it.
Dunagan said Monday that ACT will, in fact, have a counteroffer to make when the two sides meet later this week. “We wanted to first poll our members,” she said.
Teachers are also actively seeking community support. Cara Patton, President of the Association of Cypress Teachers, said many community members were “gracious enough” at the last public meeting of the Cypress School District board to offer public support to teachers.
“We appreciate the public support,” she said.
In addition, the group of 188 teachers within the Cypress School District have also resorted to a public campaign to generate grassroots enthusiasm within the community. Teachers, and some students and parents, gather outside each of the six elementary schools every Wednesday morning with signs, said activist Brittney Cook, whose children attend CSD, and she supports the teachers.
Cook said she’s concerned about the district’s ability to attract top teachers in the future. “How are we going to attract new and adequate talent to our district with low pay and capped benefits,” asks Cook?
The answer, however, within the universe of school district formula funding, is complicated.
McLellan points to spreadsheet comparisons to demonstrate his point that the district feels Cypress teachers are already fairly compensated, and that the district is on par with most other elementary school districts.
Courtesy photo
The district, of course, recognizes the need for the retention of high-performing teachers, said McLellan. He said the Cypress Board of Trustees and the administration are convinced they have some of the best elementary school teachers in the county already on staff and intend to keep them.
Nevertheless, “our board does have the responsibility of remaining fiscally solvent,” said McLellan, who reiterated the administration’s goal of fair compensation across the district.
“They [Board of Trustees] really want all of our employees, from custodians to principals to all of our teachers, to be competitively paid,” he said.
Under both pay raise options offered thus far to teachers, McLellan said the district would provide to every employee a pay raise, including benefits. Where the math becomes more complicated, he said, is the district employees that have a plus one, or an entire family and the benefit variations.
Dunagan said the teachers’ own investigation revealed no evidence of financial problems within the district. “When we’ve analyzed their financial records, we do not find that there’s a deficit,” said Dunagan.
According to Dunagan, those same cost comparisons show that Cypress teachers’ pay remains ranked in the bottom third of most comparisons.
“Amongst the elementary school districts,” said Dunagan, “we are at the bottom, like third from the bottom,” she said.
“In most all of the comparisons, even after a potential wage increase, we’re still below the median in most of them,” she added.
The comparison spreadsheet comparison provided by the district shows comparisons to various elementary school districts in Orange County. It does appear to show that in most cases, Cypress teachers are generally at the median, or average levels, yet in some cases, do appear to slightly below average and in lower tiers.
Also, it should be noted that those comparisons do not yet include teacher raises for the current year, which, when agreed upon, will be awarded retroactively for the current school year, and which could elevate the district to higher averages.
Both sides are preparing for this week’s negotiating session. Dunagan and McLellan, each with their respective teams of four additional representatives, will meet again on Thursday, April 28 to again try to hammer out a deal.
“I’m worried about where we are at the moment,” said McLellan, noting the district wants to move on and negotiate for next year as well. “We want to get started focusing on next year and figuring out how to get to a settlement. McLellan said hopefully, once the two sides reach an agreement, the district and the teacher union can perhaps agree to work on a two-year agreement going forward.
“It’s frustrating that we’re we’ve got a month left in the school year and we’ve not given the teachers a raise,” he said. The district does have some flexibility, said McLellan, yet he said there are limits.
Even Dunagan, as she prepares her team to go back to the bargaining table, understands the gravity of the situation. The teachers’ top negotiator said she understands that a teacher work slowdown or stoppage is, at this point, not likely.
“We’re not yet to that point,” said Dunagan, “because well, frankly, too many of our teachers are just not willing to go there until we have to.”
“We have a lot of things we need to do for the kids,” said Dunagan, “and there’s just not enough time in an elementary school teacher’s day to do them.”
Federal authorities arrested a Rossmoor resident this week saying he sent messages threatening anti-LGBTQ violence targeting Massachusetts-based dictionary maker Merriam-Webster, Inc. and other institutions and individuals.
Jeremy David Hanson, 34, faces one count of interstate communication of threats to commit violence and is due to appear in federal court in Springfield, Mass. on April 29.
“We believe Hanson sent a multitude of anonymous threatening and despicable messages related to the LGBTQ community that were intended to evoke fear and division,” United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins said in a press release.
Hanson faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The FBI alleges that in October 2021, Hanson threatened to plant pipe bombs in the offices of Merriam-Webster over definitions in its dictionaries of “boy,” “woman” and “girl.” The messages, submitted as comments on the company’s webpages or messages via a “contact us” form, are contained in a 25-page criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mass. on April 12.
The complaint also quotes Hanson’s mother as saying he “suffers from developmental disorders.”
The complaint claims Hanson posted a comment on the webpage definition of “female” that read: “It is absolutely sickening that Merriam-Webster now tells blatant lies and promotes anti-science propaganda. There is no such thing as ‘gender identity.’ The imbecile who wrote this entry should be hunted down and shot.”
Another message allegedly read: “You [sic] headquarters should be shot up and bombed. It is sickening that you have caved to the cultural Marxist, anti-science tranny agenda and altered the definition of ‘female’ as part of the Left’s efforts to corrupt and degrade the English language and deny reality. You evil Marxists should all be killed.”
The FBI says the threatening activity prompted the Springfield and New York offices of Merriam-Webster to close for five business days.
Hanson’s threat to Merriam-Webster is one of many he has allegedly made in recent years, according to the criminal complaint. The complaint links him to sending messages via “contact us” pages on company and institutional websites, tying most of his threats to gender and sometimes race.
In one example, Hanson allegedly targeted Hasbro Toys over one if its most popular products, Mr. Potato Head. A message tied to Hanson read: “Mr. Potato Head is a male,” and “the only good tranny is a dead one.”
According to the FBI’s complaint, Hanson’s alleged targets were varied, and numerous. He’s accused of threatening the president of a school board in Wisconsin, professors at Loyola Marymount University, The Walt Disney Co., the ACLU, Amnesty International USA, DC Comics, a New York rabbi, Land O’Lakes, University of North Texas, and USA Today.
Hanson is accused of sending an email on March 21 threatening to kill Dr. Tim Nordin, President of the Eau Claire, Wisconsin School Board, and his family.
Eau Claire Police say the threatening message was sent to Dr. Nordin via the school district website’s “contact us” page, which landed in Dr. Nordin’s email inbox.
“I am going to kill you and shoot up your next school-board meeting for promoting the horrific, radical transgender agenda. It’s now time to declare war on you pedos[sic]. I am going to kill you and your entire family,” authorities said the message read.
Teri Piper Thompson, communications manager for Eau Claire schools, confirmed to ENE that the school district’s IT department worked with law enforcement authorities to trace the message to an IP address at a Rossmoor residence, where Hanson apparently lives with his mother.
Piper Thompson confirmed the message triggered a beefing up of security within the Eau Claire system, and especially at school board meetings. She said Dr. Nordin notified authorities immediately after reading the threatening email on March 21.
In a published statement following the incident, the Eau Claire School Board President said the threats “anger me to my core.” Nordin’s statement suggests the threat had political overtones, having been involved a re-election bid at the time the threat was received.
“They are quite literally trying to drive us into submission,” said Nordin in the public statement. “I implore each of you,” said Nordin, “to send a message that Eau Claire cannot be intimidated. Our schools are too important to cede to fear.”
While Nordin recently won his re-election, school officials say they have no idea why Hanson might have targeted Eau Claire.
Piper Thompson said, during the pandemic, like many school boards around the country, Eau Claire experienced citizens protesting in opposition to safety protocols as well as approaches to classroom instruction including those regarding gender.
Police continue to investigate the Eau Claire incident.
Hanson Interviewed by FBI as far back as 2015
The criminal complaint against Hanson reveals that he’s long been under federal scrutiny as FBI Special Agent Casey Hunter Anderson alleges Hanson threatened a variety of institutions and organizations using internet-based communications.
According to the complaint, Hanson and his mother were first interviewed back in 2015 over threatening messages. The FBI said in the complaint it was then that their investigators initially interviewed Hanson in the presence of his mother and a medical psychiatric resident at UC Irvine Medical Center. The resident had determined Hanson was fit to be interviewed. The complaint said in those interviews, Hanson expressed “remorse.”
According to the complaint, Hanson’s mother told investigators in 2021 that he was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and has the maturity of a 16-year-old. She said her son never intended to carry out any of the threats. In the complaint, his mom said a change in medication and the stress of the pandemic have taken a toll on her son.
The mother is quoted in the complaint as saying that her son was “fixated on transgender issues” and is prone to “verbal hyperbole.”
The complaint not only lists the incidents, but also lays out the detailed cyber detective work, including specific software used to track Hanson’s IP address and devices he has allegedly used to make the threats.
While the city of Cypress has been under scrutiny from some citizens for the past few months regarding a perceived lack of transparency, a statewide group whose mission it is to hold government accountable has demanded change.
In an multi-paged demand letter dated April 14, 2022, Californians Aware has put the Cypress City Council on notice that they were in violation of the state’s Brown Act, demanding the Council end its governmental secrecy with a “demand for cure and correction.”
According to the CalAware website, the primary objectives and purposes of this corporation shall be: To foster the improvement of, compliance with and public understanding and use of, public forum law, which deals with people’s rights to find out what citizens need to know to be truly self-governing, and to share what they know and believe without fear or loss.
“This demand is made on behalf of Californians Aware and a group of concerned citizens alarmed by the secret and illegal discussion and action taken by the Cypress City Council (“City Council”) regarding whether to transition from at-large elections to district elections,” said Shaila Nathu, the Assistant General Counsel.
Nearly seven months after receiving a demand letter from a Malibu law firm alleging violations of the California Voting Rights Act, (CRVA), the Cypress city council has yet to hold a public discussion of the issue. They held forums that danced around the issue, but never held a public discussion on the dais since receiving the letters.
Further, they have also not released any documentation, including a purported demographic study, used to defuse and eventually reject the complaint made by the Southwest Voter Education Project
Now, the attorney for this statewide group claims the Cypress Council is breaking the very law they are using to meet in secret sessions.
The letter, written to Mayor Paulo Morales with copies to the Council and legal counsel, details specific actions which Cal Aware claims are “in violation of the Ralph M. Brown Act, Government Code section 54950, et seq. (“Brown Act”). Such discussions and action must take place in open sessions to ensure that the public has a meaningful opportunity to participate in the decision-making process.”
In short, the statewide group, and supportive citizens, believe the Cypress Council has been in violation of the public transparency laws (Brown Act) by holding all of its discussions in nonpublic executive sessions.
To ensure compliance with the Brown Act, “[a]ll meetings of the legislative body of a local agency shall be open and public, and all persons shall be permitted to attend any meeting of the legislative body of a local agency, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.”
After multiple legal citations, the letter says “with few exceptions, the Ralph M. Brown Act obligates government agencies to meet and act in public,” the attorney’s letter contends.
Further, while “The Brown Act” does allow bodies to hold closed sessions, it does so only in limited, statutorily specified situations, and only after complying with notice requirements.
The law provides that a legislative body may hold “a closed session to confer with, or receive advice from, its legal counsel regarding pending litigation.”
In addition, CalAware claims the city incorrectly uses terms to esplain topics discussed in closed session. “Litigation is considered pending only when “[l]itigation, to which the local agency is a party, has been initiated formally,” “[a] point has been reached where, in the opinion of the legislative body of the local agency on the advice of its legal counsel, based on existing facts and circumstances, there is a significant expsure to litigation against the local agency,” “based on existing facts and circumstances, the legislative body of the local agency is meeting only to decide whether a closed session is authorized due to such significant exposure,” and “based on existing facts and circumstances the legislative body of the local agency has decided to initiate or is deciding whether to initiate litigation.”
In a specific reference, the group said the city should not have used that generic moniker for a closed session item. “Here, litigation had not been initiated and City Council had neither decided nor was deciding whether to initiate litigation. Nor was City Council’s discussion limited to whether a closed session was warranted at a later date due to a significant exposure to litigation,” the group claimed. “City Council incorrectly relied on the definition of pending litigation requiring that, based on existing facts and circumstances, there is significant exposure to litigation against the local agency.” But the mere possibility that a body’s action might be challenged in court is not a sufficient threat,” it said.
“CalAware hereby demands that pursuant to law that the City Council “cure and correct its illegal actions by rescinding any action taken (meaning any “collective decision made by a majority of the members of a legislative body.”
Further, the organiztion is asking for a “collective commitment” or promise by a majority of the members of a legislative body to actually vote with regard to City Council elections.
Additionally, CalAware is demanding the City Council “must agree to refrain from similar violations in the future.”
“The City Council must notify this office of its decision to cure and correct as described, or of its refusal to do so, within 30 days. If the Board fails or refuses to cure and correct or respond as demanded, CalAware intends to seek judicial invalidation of the challenged actions pursuant as well as other relief.”
In addition, CalAware made a public records request of all of the Council’s communications, documents and related communication issues.
At Monday’s meeting, the Cypress Council discussed the demand letter in closed session. The city’s legal counsel, Fred Galante, said the CalAware letter would be available to anyone who requested it by contacting the city clerk.
Galante also announced the Council voted 3-1 in closed session on a motion by Council member Jon Peat to reject the CalAware assertions and demand. Council member Frances Marquez was the lone vote against the motion, he said, and a response will be drafted by the next meeting.
Following an 18-month extensive effort by its planning commission, city staff and certified city planners, the Los Alamitos City Council has finally adopted a resolution destined to reimagine the entire city, create a “real downtown” and make the family-friendly city even more connected with natural open spaces.
On a motion by Mayor Shelley Hasselbrink and seconded by Councilmember Mark Chirco, the city council unanimously adopted a resolution that allows the city to continue to develop a plan that reimagines a 20-acre swatch with mixed-use developments designed to beautify the “Town Center” while adding more housing and space for economic development.
The plan seeks to incentivize current owners of downtown parcels within the city plan to either redevelop or sell their properties to developers at some point in the future as the reimagined downtown takes shape.
“This is just a first step,” cautioned City Manager Chet Simmons, noting that the city council will have plenty of time for future input as the plan moves forward.
The “Town Center Mixed-Use (TCMU) plan was presented during an April 11 special session of the council wherein Acting Deputy City Manager Ron Noda and Alan Loomis, a certified city planner representing PlaceWorks presented a re-imagined, future vision of the city.
“There is considerable interest in this plan,” said Simmons, noting that “this is not a pie-in-the-sky approach. This is a framework that can get us (city) to the next level,” he said.
In essence, the reimagining of Pine Street, which is a project already underway, is perhaps a glimpse of a what they hope will become a future vision of tree-lined parkways, pedestrian paths, and bikeways that connect the city’s neighborhoods to its redeveloped Town Center.
Under the plan, the city center would be officially “marked” near the intersection of Katella Ave. and Los Al Boulevard, even perhaps building a tower, monument or other feature to “mark” the city.
Boulevards lined with palm trees will lead to the city center, and the city’s open spaces will be connected by walking and bike paths.
Under the plan, the city will design building codes and incentives to allow for four-story buildings (not higher than 60 feet), that will allow for three stories of residential housing and a ground floor of commercial and business development.
Parking for the new buildings would be both underground and at the street level, said Loomis. He said developers could provide one underground story for parking, while street parking would be mostly used for commercial establishments parking.
Noda said the planning was initiated in January of 2021 and continued through the pandemic. Both he and Noda told the Council that during that period, there was “extensive outreach” to property owners, city residents, business owners and stakeholders of all types.
Given the excellence in the nearby Los Alamitos Unified School District, and given the fact that residents of Los Alamitos, could, without traffic, make it Irvine in 20 minutes going south and to Los Angeles in 20 minutes headed north.
“I tell people we’re right in the middle,” said Noda.
Mayor Pro-tem Tanya Doby asked questions about the potential housing impact, and Loomis told the council that the new housing will certainly help with the state’s so-called RENA numbers. For the purposes of planning, said Loomis, they were using “average” sizes.
Council member Ron Bates questioned would the density factor be sufficient to incentivize development.
“We think so,” said Loomis, but he said there will be “challenges” for property owners. Specifically, whether they will be interested to eventually sell to specialty developers or redevelop on their own.
In addition, Loomis briefly explained how a series of ordinances and other changes would have to be undertaken to correlate with the plan, when a final Town Center plan is adopted.
While the resolution authorized the continuance of a plan, Chirco made sure residents understood that city was not preparing to build anything, that the council had only authorized a general vision that still must be shaped by public and council input.
Senator Thomas J. Umberg (D-Santa Ana) announces that he has introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 100 to declare May 10th, 2022 as Fentanyl Awareness Day in California.
“As the former Deputy Drug Czar under President Clinton, I know first-hand the extent to which substance abuse destroys the lives of individuals and their families,” said Senator Umberg. “This anguish is only amplified with the inclusion of fentanyl-laced substances in our drug stream. It is with a mixture of emotions (sadness, empathy, hope) that I am authoring SCR 100 to proclaim Fentanyl Awareness Day in California. It’s time to raise awareness about this epidemic so we can save lives.”
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid administered to reduce severe pain. It is 50% more concentrated than morphine, therefore when abused can cause brain and other health effects, including death. Four out of every ten pills with fentanyl tested by the federal Drug Enforcement Agency DEA contain a potentially lethal dose and counterfeit pills have also been found to contain fentanyl-related substances and methamphetamine.
The United States in the midst of a Fentanyl overdose epidemic. Over 100,000 Americans died as a result of this drug in 2021 driven by traffickers mass-producing fake or counterfeit pills. According to the Centers for Disease Control CDC, fentanyl is involved in more deaths of Americans under 50 than any other cause of death, including heart disease, cancer, and all other accidents.
Illegally made fentanyl and its dangers, while well-documented by health professionals and law enforcement, are largely unknown to the general population and even more so to its most vulnerable population: youth and young adults. Among teenagers, overdose deaths linked to synthetic opioids like fentanyl tripled in the past two years, yet 73% have never heard of fake prescription pills being made with fentanyl.
SCR 100 will be heard on the Senate Floor before May 10.
For more information about Fentanyl Awareness Day, visit fentanylawarenessday.org.
The Los Alamitos Chamber’s May networking breakfast will be held Friday, May 6, from 7:30-9:00 am at Maderas Steakouse, 3642 Katella Ave, Los Alamitos.
Al Stone, Courtesy photo
According to the Chamber, the topic will be “Smart Banking for Your Business and Personal Finance,” and will feature speakers Al Stone, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Rossmoor and
Debbie Flannagan, Financial Partners Credit Union.
The cost is $25, Pre-Paid Online for Members/Military and $30 at the door/ Non-Members
Please Pre-Pay Online at www.losalchamber.org
Courtesy photo
The long-awaited Grand Opening of the Westmont of Cypress, the newest and most innovative senior retirement and assisted living community in West Orange County that almost wasn’t. It sits on five acres of long contested land along Katella Avenue that originally citizens of Cypress were told would likely be a senior living community of some kind, only to be replaced at the last moment by a plan for a 33-acre truck distribution and logistics hub. Citizens of Cypress opposed it from the start and the truck transfer depot never got built. There were plans for retail and a restaurant row promoted by local government which also fell through. In the end the citizens of Cypress and other surrounding communities got what they conceived of from the beginning, a much-anticipated senior living experience those empty nesters and downsizers wanted from the start. Los Al TV was invited to have a look at this newest retirement village on Grand Opening Day. We invite you to share that tour along with us of the new Westmont Living community on Los Al TV Channel 3. Or view on the web at losaltv.org.
Lina Lumme, CEO of the Youth Center, has been working hard for The Youth Center since 2005 and has been sprinkled with awards in the past, but now it seems when it rains it pours.
Recently, Lina was recognized by Assemblywoman Janet Nguyen and the California Legislature as 2022 Woman of Distinction. She was congratulated by the 72nd District Assemblywoman for her dedication and service to the local community. “I recognize you for your time of service and all that you’ve done throughout the years for this community”, said the Assemblywoman, “Our district would not be what it is today without you”.
And though Lumme is quiet about her achievements, she also received a Kindness Award and Super Star Award from LAUSD Board Member Chris Forehan. She was also recently recognized with an Honorary Service Award from Los Alamitos Council of PTAs.
This award is given to recognize an individual or organization for outstanding service to children and youth in the community going above and beyond what is asked of them. Lina Lumme is very prominent in the Every 15 Minutes program, annual community events, and is a very active member of the local community.
With the Youth Center’s new location opening in 2023, we look forward to new growth under Lumme’s leadership.
Eleven philanthropic youth volunteers from nine local nonprofits were recognized at The Youth Center’s 10th Annual A Night Among the Stars awards ceremony on April 2 for their amazing commitment to give back to their community.
The night was filled with moving stories of the many causes students dedicated their time over the last year like raising awareness and funds for animal care, fighting hunger, tutoring elementary and middle school students, writing letters and collecting donations for veterans, and giving hope to children and teens who struggle with isolation and difficult challenges.
The event?packed room was inspired by every nominee’s effort to make this world, challenged by so many difficult issues, a better place. As shared by Lina Lumme, Executive Director of The Youth Center, “It’s easy to give up and do nothing. These Stellar Volunteers give their time and talents to give us all a brighter future by making a difference in our community.”
Nominees acknowledged for this year’s awards included: Autemn Coleman, Amelia Drukker, Ally Hatakeyama, Adam Jorge, Michael Jorge, Katelyn Loh, Evan Moore, Quincy O’Connell, Alice Phee, Katie Velez, and Marina Zhao.
The Youth Center awarded $2,000 in scholarships to four Stellar Volunteers. The S.E.T.H. Lion’s Scholarship was awarded to Katie Velez, nominated by VBA Leos. Amelia Drukker, nominated by Girl Scouts of Orange County, and Ally Hatakeyama, nominated by The Youth Center and LAHS, received scholarships from Rossmoor Woman’s Club. Katelyn Loh, nominated by Los Alamitos Education Foundation, was awarded a scholarship from the Rotary Club of Los Alamitos for her “Courage in Volunteering”.
“We thank all the dignitaries, community members and families who came out to support these wonderful youth volunteers”, shared Shelly Clark, Director of Youth Programs, “this support is what makes our community solid.”
For more information about The Youth Center, please visit www.theyouthcenter.org
The Cypress Chamber of Commerce will welcome Human Resources expert Jesse Rivera as our guest speaker at our May Networking Breakfast. Our event will be held Tuesday, May 10th at the Residence Inn by Marriott at 4931 Katella Avenue, Cypress/Los Alamitos starting at 7:30 a.m. and will follow all current protocols for attendee safety.
Jesse Rivera will share his H.R. expertise on the TWO key issues impacting employers in 2022, the great resignation and labor shortage as well as the recent rise in employment litigation. The solutions to these problems are not easy but Jesse briefly will share some advice that can help employers.
Jesse is the Principal and Human Resources Consultant for Activate HR Consulting, LLC in Hermosa Beach. His broad areas of expertise include HR Compliance, Recruitment, Compensation, Employee Relations, Performance Management, Training & Development, and HR Administration. He studied Business Management at Vanguard University of Southern California and is a Certified Professional from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-CP). Giving back to the community is also important to Jesse and he currently serves on the Board of Directors for three nonprofit organizations.
Each breakfast attendee will also have an opportunity to stand to introduce themselves and share a little about their business before the program begins.
Reservations are highly recommended to secure your spot for the monthly breakfasts and can be made here. Cost of the breakfast is $25.00. Early Bird Registration is $20.00. Attendees are also encouraged to bring door prizes to promote their product or service. The program will include time for live networking, self-introductions, breakfast, our guest speaker and a question and answer session.
The Chamber breakfasts, which are open to the public, are held on the second Tuesday of every month. Space will be limited. To assure your seat, pre-register on the chamber website at cypresschamber.org.
While I don’t know that moving to Districts will achieve better racial representation, I have become an advocate of Districts for Cypress. Before Jon Peat and Paulo Morales were elected, I would have never been an advocate of Districts, but they have changed my position. There was a time when you could run for City Council for $5,000 – $10,000. Stacy Berry didn’t even file a 460 because she spent such a small amount of money.
When Jon Peat and Paulo Morales partnered up in 2018, Jon Peat reported $20,000 in expenditures and Paulo Morales reported $30,000 in expenditures. Anne Hertz donated $25,000 to her own campaign in 2020. We had some very good candidates in the 2020 election, but they were significantly outspent by the two that won. If campaign expenditure limitations and restrictions on political action committees were in place, I would be more comfortable with at-large elections.
Many people say that District elections dilute their vote, however, I believe it’s the money being spent and the long-standing relationships through different organizations that are already orchestrating the outcomes of our elections and drowning out our voices. It seems to me that it is time for a change. While I know many residents want to vote for all five Council Members, I would be satisfied to vote for one that will hopefully give our section of the community a voice because now that is not the case. While I may now have five votes, I have no voice.
Beyond at-large or District elections, I think there are other things that need to change. First, the appointment of Scott Minikus was flat-out unethical. One of the main reasons given for his appointment was that he would get along with staff. The other reasons that were unspoken were likely that he is a retired police officer so when Paulo Morales is termed out, there will still be a police spokesperson on the Council, not to mention that Paulo Morales’ neighborhood would still be represented. I don’t like the idea of the remaining Council members choosing a replacement at all. The choice of Scott Minikus demonstrated that they will always choose their buddy. I think a special election, while costly, is still the fairest option.
Another change that should occur is that candidates should be vetted for inherent conflicts other than the fact that they can’t be related to another Council Member. Just like the President is supposed to separate from their business interests while in office, I think the same should hold true for Council Members and their employers. For example, the Boys and Girls Club rents their building from the city for $1 per year; they received $138,000 of the City’s $300,000 COVID relief fund which was more than any other group even though the agenda indicated that they didn’t meet the 55% residency requirement for priority consideration; and they receive free trash services from Valley Vista.
With Anne Hertz as the Executive Director and Jon Peat on the Boys and Girls Club Board, it’s understandable why they would vote lockstep on issues. Now, at their last meeting, the Cypress School District gave the Boys and Girls Club a contract not to exceed $150,000 to provide support for summer programs.
While it may not be directly related to Anne Hertz’ Council seat, the fact that Bonnie Peat is the President of the Cypress School Board and Jon and Bonnie Peat recently donated $25,000 to sponsor a Boys and Girls Club event should raise eyebrows since cumulatively, these financial benefits likely are given some consideration by Anne Hertz’ employer as to the value she brings to the organization as a City Council Member.
If Bonnie Peat does run and is successful in being on the City Council, these relationships create a potential bond that could give residents the impression that independent consideration of issues impacting our city are a challenge.
I’m not saying that District elections will solve all these issues, but I believe something needs to be done to address the situation that exists now.
Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) is a day for the community to collectively remember and honor the six million Jewish people who perished in the Holocaust. This year, Yom HaShoah takes place on April 28, while the annual Yom HaShoah Community Observance will be commemorated in person for the first time in two years, and stream via Facebook Live on Sunday, May 1, 2022 from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
The event is hosted in partnership by Jewish Long Beach and Alpert Jewish Community Center, on the Weinberg Jewish Long Beach Campus (3801 E Willow, Long Beach 90815).
The program will include music, a traditional memorial service led by Rabbi Scott Fox of Temple Israel, participation from local Jewish clergy, commemorative candle lighting, and more. Keynote speaker Harriet Bennish, local professional vocalist and musical historian, will present “Tears, Joy and Hope: Yiddish Songs of the Jewish Ghetto,” a detailed revival of the Yiddish music that sustained the oppressed Jewish communities of Eastern Europe during the rise of WWII.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the Alpert JCC Gatov Gallery’s current exhibition: Faces of Resilience, Faith, and the Human Spirit, curated by Georgia Freedman-Harvey. This exhibition includes the artwork of Bill Aron, Dina Dar and Dave Fox. Through their artwork they share their own experiences and those of other survivors, demonstrating their unrelenting determination, hope, faith, resilience, and the power of the human spirit to thrive even after the darkness of the Holocaust.
People may RSVP for the free, in-person event by visiting https://alpertjcc.org/yomhashoah/ The event will also stream for free on the Alpert JCC’s Facebook page: https://facebook.com/AlpertJCC.
The event is free to the public, but those who wish to help continue the crucial work of Holocaust education and remembrance can donate to the Gerda Seifer Fund at Jewish Long Beach. Donations may be made at www.jewishlongbeach.org or by calling (562) 426-7601 ext. 1314.
The Alpert JCC and Jewish Long Beach provide programming for all ages and stages of life. Known as “Your Center for Life,” The Alpert JCC provides a gathering space in which all are welcome to pursue early childhood education, after-school programs, fitness programs, aquatics activities, and summer camp, as well as to engage in Jewish life, culture, and education.
The mother of two students within the Los Alamitos Unified School District has been named the Los Al Elementary Hero of the Heart.
“She wants every student to have the best elementary school experience possible,” said Principal Gary Willems while announcing Jennifer Dodson as the school’s 2022 “Hero of the Heart.”
Willems announced Dodson during a recent LAUSD workshop and said, “she is, by far, the most deserving person of this award.”
“Normally, when you tell someone that they are receiving the ‘Hero of the Heart’ award, there is either excitement or [tears], like last year’s winner who began crying in the middle of the aisle at the supermarket,” said Willems.
“But when I told Jen she was the Hero of the Heart, she said, ‘please tell me I don’t have to make a speech,’” the principal said.
Dodson has a son Tucker at McAuliffe Middle and a daughter Charlie at LAE. During the five years he’s served as principal at LAE, Willems said Dodson has worked to increase parental donations each year and “has become LAE’s single biggest fund raiser.”
He said Dodson started the school’s new fundraiser, the Backyard Bash, and though no longer officially involved in the PTA or other school organizations, “she is still involved with every single event.”
“She has done all of this volunteer work for our students and never wanted anything in return,” the principal said.
Earlier this school year, LAE was named one of two elementary schools within the LAUSD to earn the prestigious U.S. Department of Education’s Blue Ribbon status.
“Anyone who knows me knows this [public speaking] is my biggest fear,” said Dodson.
Yet, Dodson paid tribute to “the army of people it takes to run those [fundraising] events successfully,” and she thanked Willems and Assistant Principal Rick Larson for selecting her for the award.
“Thank you for always saying ‘yes’ to my crazy ideas for events and assemblies,” she said, “including a Double Dare-themed assembly with a giant slip ‘n’ slime, [with] freezing cold water at 8 a.m,” said Dodson.
She thanked her kids, Tucker and Charlie, “who would wake up early to be at school by 5 a.m. to set up for events and assemblies. They would participate in that event sit through their entire school day and help clean up after school.”
“To my daughter Charlie, who grew up sitting under the tables at play meetings with snacks and coloring books so mom and all her friends could come up with more crazy ideas,” she said.
“And to my husband, who would help at all of these events and even build anything we asked him to for these events, including Bob the big orange box, which we also locked him up in dressed up as Captain Underpants for an hour and a half,” she recalled to the laughter of the audience.
Most of all, she thanked the dedication and talent of teachers in the system, especially those who helped educate her children.
“To all of Tucker and Charlie’s teachers throughout the years, thank you for letting me take over holidays, class parties, and art days some of my favorite memories are helping in all of your classes.”
With her voice breaking, Dodson said “lastly, my team, my mom or me, Brittany, Amanda, you guys are simply the best. Without you ladies, none of this would be possible. And you do make LAE the place.”
Board President Diana Hill thanked Dodson for her example to others.
“I just want to say thank you very much for all you’ve done and I know that as parents, it’s a great joy. But I also hope you realize what you are teaching your children and what you’re teaching other children that see you volunteering and giving from the bottom of your heart just to give,” said Hill.
“That is an amazing lesson for our children,” she said.
Supt. Dr. Andrew Pulver said, “the hallmark of this district are the people and it’s like you just continue to make amazing things possible for our students when we talk about unlimited possibilities for students.”
“We could not accomplish this without the amazing partnership of our parents. And then I think about just something simple that Mr. Willems was sharing about the ‘spirit stick’ that you started at LAE and the ripple effect because that was something that Gary has shared with other principals across the district.”
“It’s really powerful, and thank you for who you are and for all that you shared with us,” said Pulver.
“Our kids are there to learn and become the best people they can be,” said board member Meg Cutuli, and she said, “without the community and parental support we could not do half the things we do.”
“So thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” said Cutuli.
“You did an outstanding job,” said board member Marlys Davidson. “For me, a true leader is someone who turns around and acknowledges everyone who did the work with them. You are an outstanding leader,” said Davidson.
Under the leadership of Pastor Terry Miller, nearly a dozen pastors will convene in Rush Park on May 5 to celebrate the National Day of Prayer once again in person.
Miller said Joe Mendoza, General Manager of the Rossmoor Community Services District, invited him to utilize Rush Park to reconvene what has been a national observance since Abraham Lincoln asked the nation to pray for itself to heal after the Civil War.
“Every year on the first Thursday in May, thousands of churches across the country come together to pray,” said Miller, noting that the National Day of Prayer is a tradition that dates to the 1860s.
On March 30, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln designated the day of April 30, 1863, as a day of “national humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in the hope that God would respond by restoring “our now divided and suffering Country, to its former happy condition of unity and peace”.
On April 17, 1952, President Harry S. Truman signed a bill proclaiming a National Day of Prayer must be declared by each following president at an appropriate date of his choice. And in 1988, the law was amended so that the National Day of Prayer would be held on the first Thursday of May.
Pastor Miller, a long-time pastor in Long Beach, now heads his own ministry and is the Executive Director of Calling All Disciples, a Christian discipleship resource and training ministry. Terry and his wife, Debra, have been residents of Rossmoor for the past 14 years.
Miller said he has invited about a dozen of other pastors and church leaders to celebrate a series of prayers that offer blessings for county, state and federal leaders, first responders, the war in Ukraine, and more.
The National Day of Prayer Service will be held on Thursday, May 5, 6:30 p.m – 8 p.m. Christian Simpson will act as worship leader and Chris Hodges, and others will provide worship music.
He said there are several participant pastors, including:
• Pastor Bryan Newberry: Calvary Chapel, Los Alamitos; prayer topic: Let us come into the Lord’s presence (no community prayer).
• John Park: Go and Disciple Church; Prayer for Local Leadership (Mayors, City Council Members, First Responders, Military).
• Pastor Bryan Winger, Good Shepherd, Los Alamitos; Prayer for State of California leadership.
• Rev. Sheri and Gary Leming: Faith Christian Assembly, Seal Beach; Prayer for the Persecuted Church around the world.
• Debbi Andrews: Children’s Ministry; Prayer for families and educators.
• Jim Whitney: Former Long Beach NDP Chairman, Prayer topic: Spiritual revival and awakening for America.
• Pastor Semour Helligar: Grace Community Church, Long Beach; Prayer for Peace in Ukraine
• Pastor Dale Workman, Community Grace Brethren: Prayer for all pastors and church leaders.
Once the official prayers are concluded, said Miller, the pastors will gather in the center and those gathered will then have a final chance to make their own special prayers.
There is no charge to attend the National Day of Prayer and for additional info, contact Miller at -714-926-8557 or via email: te*******@***il.com.
Courtesy photo
Cypress Chamber of Commerce officials gathered this week at the office of Senior Helpers, a local organization of qualified caregivers that provide quality-of-life care to senior citizens. Senior Helpers of Seal Beach, Los Alamitos, Cypress was established in 2021. Our office is owned and operated by Steven Nickens, Kimberley Perata, who is an advocate for high-quality senior care. At Senior Helpers of Seal Beach, Los Alamitos, Cypress the primary goal is to help provide a high quality of life for our clients and their families, by delivering customized, dependable and affordable care. Officials say the team of highly qualified caregivers and staff all live in the metro Cypress, California area and we are invested in this community.
Rossmoor Community Services District and The Youth Center partnered together at Rush Park on Arbor Day to host a celebration for the community. There was a ceremony recognizing the importance of caring for our planet and a tree planting at the park.
During the ceremony, six students from The Youth Center (Maddyson Lockhart, Sebastian Gadea, Efron Zhou, Daniel Lumme, Alex Castillo, and Veratti Sanchez) were invited to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. “I was really nervous,” expressed Lockhart about the experience, “but it’s done now.”
After the ceremony, over 40 children from The Youth Center worked together with Mary Kingman, District Arborist, to plant a new tree at the park. The Youth Center’s students were ecstatic to be able to spend the day outside in the beautiful park, join in a raffle hosted by RCSD, and participate in an animal and tree themed scavenger hunt. The Youth Center also offered a bird feeder craft activity to all its students and members of the general public.
RCSD officials dedicated a tree to Georglyn Seligman for the continued dedication to the district. Courtesy photo
Five year old Lily Schmidt said “my favorite part was spending time with my friends and the staff learning about trees.” Students also were very excited about the raffle and scavenger hunt. Winners of both events were awarded small trees to take home and plant courtesy of RCSD. Stella Ara, age 6, expressed “I won an avocado tree for first place in the raffle!”
After a full afternoon, students were rushing to tell their parents all they had learned during the event. Eliana Jasic, 11, explained “I learned a lot of animals can live in trees.” Events like these hosted by RCSD and The Youth Center teach incredible life long lessons about an appreciation of the world around us.
Rossmoor Community Services District is located in the Community of Rossmoor in Orange County, California. Approximately 10,500 residents make their home in this unincorporated bedroom community located behind a signature brick wall situated between the cities of Seal Beach and Los Alamitos. The Special District of Rossmoor is governed by a five member Board of Directors, who are elected by the residents of Rossmoor and operates under the supervision of a General Manager. Rossmoor is known for its splendid urban forest, beautiful homes and strong family values.
For more information about programs, visit www.TheYouthCenter.org.
