Tier fortheforeseeablefuture. Orange CountyfarbackintothePurple now explodedtoover53,dropping Moderate (Orange) Tier. That figurehas the Countyuptoevenlessrestrictive figure todropbelow4thatwouldmove County officials wereaspiringforthat allowing morebusinessestoreopen. State’s BlueprintforaSaferEconomy, Tier totheRed(Substantial) Tier ofthe ascend fromthe Widespread (Purple) well below7,allowingtheCountyto Rate per100,000residentshaddropped rocketed tounprecedentedlevels. deaths, andhospitalizationshavesky- been abandonedasratesofinfections, ings ofbusinessandsocialsectorshave tiers thatallowsuccessivelywideropen- politicians toascendthecolor-coded matter ofafewweeks,efforts bycounty the mostofanystateincountry. Ina exceeding 2millionCOVID-19cases, Submissions: [email protected] • In August OC’s Adjusted DailyCase California endedtheyear2020by

COVID-19 S St. JudeExpandsTreatment Areas OR CURRENT RESIDENT H V OSPITALS ACCINES See COVID-19,Page3 to Accommodate Surge to Accommodate ULLERTON PRESORTED FULLERTON’S ONLY INDEPENDENT NEWS F by MatthewLeslie BSERVER STANDARD U.S. O POSTAGE PAID PO BOX 7051 ADVERTISE IN THE OBSERVER PERMIT NO. 1577 FULLERTON CA 92834 714-525-6402 FULLERTON CA

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water forover2.5millionresidents Groundwater Basinwhichprovides SL EnvironmentalLawGroup. lawsuit wasfiledDecember1,2020by groundwater andwatersystems. The PFAS (chemicals)intheregion’s responsible forcontaminationfrom alleging thatthesecompaniesare Orange Countycitiesandwaterdistricts Water District(OCWD)andseveral was broughtbytheOrangeCounty Company, DuPont, andothers. The suit Orange Countylawsuitagainstthe3M others areseniors. All have,attimes, Americans with Disabilities Act and have disabilitiesasdefined bythe of Fullerton.Somethese individuals live inRecreational Vehicles intheCity unconstitutional. passed unanimouslyinNovember, the ordinance,whichCityCouncil streets withoutapermit. The lettercalls ordinance thatbansRV parkingonCity delay ofenforcementanewly-passed City officials onDecember15,urging a Rights Center, sentalettertoFullerton with theElderLawandDisability Fullerton andBrea Fire Department’s Fire Chief Adam Loeserreceives thefirstoftwoinjectionsModernavaccine. OCWD managestheOrangeCounty The cityofFullertonhasjoinedalarge “We representmanyindividualswho Brooke Weitzman, directingattorney Fullerton JoinsPFAS Lawsuit Against 3M,DuPont,Others RV P RV by JesseLa Tour U NCONSTITUTIONAL •Est.1978 ARKING Contact: (714)525-6402•DailyStoriesonat:www.fullertonobserver.com P

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Judge Denies OC Sheriff’s Opposition to COVID-19 Inmate Release/Transfer Order by Jesse La Tour Fullerton City Council voted 3-2 at a “We as councilmembers have an obli- special meeting on December 21 to not gation to help assist in protecting the join an amicus curiae (“friend of the public,” Whitaker said, arguing that the court”) brief that would have supported release of prisoners would pose a risk to OC Sheriff Don Barnes’s opposition to public safety. releasing or transferring jail inmates. Councilmember Jesus Silva, who Barnes had appealed a recent a court joined Councilmembers Ahmad Zahra order requiring a 50% reduction of the and Fred Jung in voting to table the inmate population in item, said that the order group living areas does not require release, but because of spiking allows for transfer of pris- inmate COVID-19 cases “Jails are oners to other facilities. due to the vulnerability notoriously Silva said that the Sheriff of inmates living in con- overcrowded, had not yet submitted a gregate settings. and awaiting plan, and so Council would Several Orange County trial should not require more information Fullerton police and fire on the scene of the Dec. 27 brush fire. cities did vote to support before taking a legal posi- be a death PHOTO COURTESY OF FULLERTON POLICE DEPARTMENT. Barnes’ appeal, including tion. Cypress, Irvine, Orange, sentence.” Councilmember Jung Mission Viejo, Dana said, “While I appreciate Police Arrest Arson Suspect in Hillside Fire Point, San Clemente, San —Councilmember the concerns of those on our Fred Jung Juan Capistrano, Los Council that convicted vio- Fullerton Police officers arrested a from the area of the fire. He was subse- Alamitos, Newport lent inmates should not be suspect on Sunday, December 27 whom quently arrested for arson. Beach, Stanton, Garden released to the public. Jails they believe was responsible for a brush The Fullerton Fire Department extin- Grove, and Yorba Linda. are notoriously overcrowd- fire at 1440 N. Harbor Blvd. Around guished the fire, which affected approx- However, Barnes’s appeal of the court ed, and awaiting trial should not be a 2pm, Fullerton Police Officers respond- imately 150 square feet of light vegeta- order was denied on December 29. death sentence, which this virus certain- ed to the area in response to a report of tion. Fortunately, there was no damage The court order resulted from recom- ly can be for some in our society.” a brush fire. Callers had reported seeing to structures nor were there injuries as a mendations of the OC Health Care Mayor Pro Tem Dunlap, who voted to a male running from the location of the result of the fire. An arson investigator Agency and a lawsuit filed by the join the brief in support of the Sheriff, fire and jumping a fence into the area of responded to the scene to conduct an American Civil Liberties Union said, “The cornerstone of city gover- 1700 Sunny Knoll. investigation. (ACLU) on behalf of Orange County nance is public safety. And how else can Upon arrival, officers searched the This is an ongoing investigation. inmates, declaring that inmates should we be proactive in this case than by sup- area and located a male lying in a bush Anyone with information is encouraged be released because they are medically porting an amicus brief where the near the fence line of a residence. to contact Detective C. Murphy at (714) vulnerable and at imminent risk of seri- Sheriff is trying to ensure that dangerous Officers detained the male who was 738-6880. Those wishing to provide ous illness and death from COVID-19. offenders are kept locked up?” later identified as 41-year-old Jose information anonymously can call the Fullerton Mayor Bruce Whitaker, who The court order required Sheriff Lozano-Martinez who was found to be Orange County Crime Stoppers at called the December 21 special meeting, Barnes to submit a plan to the court by in possession of multiple lighters. A wit- 1(855) TIP-OCCS or can visit their joined Mayor Pro Tem Nick Dunlap in December 31. A status conference on ness positively identified Lozano- website at www.occrimestoppers.org. voting in favor of joining the amicus this matter is scheduled for January 8. Martinez as the subject seen running brief.

COUNCILMEMBER FACES CHARGES RV Parking Ban May be Unconstitutional OF BATTERY AND VANDALISM Continued from front page Fullerton City Councilmember amount less than four hundred dollars Ahmad Zahra was charged by the [and]…did willfully and unlawfully use The Ninth Circuit Court determined Joseph Palmer said that the indus- Orange County District Attorney on force and violence against the person of in Desertrain v. City of Los Angeles trial businesses around which he October 29 with one misdemeanor count MONICA F.” (2014), that a law that prohibited the parks allow him to park there because of vandalism and one misdemeanor When asked for a statement from the parking of a vehicle as living quarters he actively helps deter crime and drug count of battery that were allegedly Observer, Zahra wrote via e-mail, “I was unconstitutional. use. committed on September 20. deny each and every allegation and am “The language of the Fullerton law When City Council passed the RV According to charges filed by the DA innocent of the charges. I am confident is similarly unconstitutional,” the let- ban in November, one justification in Orange County Superior Court, on that the truth will come out and expect to ter states. “Fullerton seeks to crimi- was that the City had a Safe Parking September 20, Zahra “did maliciously be fully exonerated.” nalize merely parking or stopping on program that allowed a limited num- and unlawfully deface with graffiti and The case has not yet been decided by public or private property any vehicle ber of people living in their vehicles other inscribed material, damage, and the court, and a trial date is not given in capable of human habitation. This is to park overnight on a City lot near destroy cell phone, real and personal the official court records regarding this no different in impact than the law Union Pacific Park. This program property belonging to MONICA F, in case. struck down in Los Angeles.” expired on December 31, leaving Courts have found that such poli- uncertainty for those living in RVs cies violate an individual’s Fourth and other vehicles who use that pro- Amendment right against “unreason- gram. able searches and seizures.” “They want to start giving us tickets The letter further states that the and there’s nowhere for us to park in ordinance should not be enforced dur- the daytime,” said Walter, a disabled ing the COVID-19 pandemic for pub- man who used the Safe Parking pro- lic health reasons. gram. “Orange County is currently in the City Manager Ken Domer said that height of the pandemic, reaching new the City will not enforce the new RV records of illness every day and all ordinance during the current Stay-at- hospitals in the region are exceeding Home order. He said that the City capacity. As we open overflow out- “would like to see the program con- door emergency rooms, it is a partic- tinued but it is a matter of funding.” ularly dangerous time for the City to In her letter, Weitzman states, “We force senior and medically vulnerable applaud the hard work Fullerton has individuals out of the vehicles where done to start addressing the housing they can shelter in place and on the crisis in the City. The shelter and streets,” the letter states. “This will steps toward affordable housing are only exacerbate the public health cri- critical pieces of the solutions. sis.” However, they do not justify the At the December 15 Fullerton City unconstitutional criminalization of Council meeting, two residents cur- other people experiencing poverty rently living in their RVs in Fullerton within the City.” questioned the City’s new ordinance. JANUARY 2021 COVID-19 FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 3

COVID-19 UPDATE continued from front page

The dramatic increase in transmission On Dec. 15, the OCHCA announced from just two short months ago has that three hospitals in OC, including St. again restricted whole sectors of the Jude, had requested an MFH, but a St. economy and required increased vigi- Jude spokesperson quickly refuted that lance by residents wishing to avoid con- claim. St. Jude spokesperson Dru Ann tracting the coronavirus. A Stay-at- Copping explained, instead, that Home Order originally issued by the “Western Shelter” tents provided by the Office of the Governor on Dec. 3 has OCHCA and since erected in the facili- just been extended for an additional 3 ty’s parking lot were not for patient weeks. The extension is driven by the treatment, but rather to provide “addi- region’s overall shortage of intensive tional flexibility in creating waiting and care unit (ICU) beds. According to a triage areas, if needed.” Triage is a sys- State press release, “The Southern tem of prioritizing incoming patients for California Region may come out of the medical care. Earlier in the year similar Stay-at-Home Order if at such time hos- tents could be seen outside the hospital’s pital ICU capacity project- emergency entrance. ed four weeks out reaches Copping explained that above or equal to 15%.” they were removed after The “Southern California a few weeks because Region” includes all of A second possibly they “proved unneces- Tents for receiving and triaging patients recently reappeared in a southern and parts of cen- worse wave is sary” at that time. In late parking lot of St. Jude Medical Center. PHOTO BY MIKE RITTO. tral California. Orange expected to follow December she was County officials have the December unsure if the new tents direct medical services (because of First COVID-19 expressed frustration at would even have beds at changes in the State’s earthquake safety Vaccinations OC being included in what holidays, as all. codes) for patient care on a temporary they characterize as an millions of Whether for treatment basis during the COVID-19 pandemic. in Orange County arbitrarily defined set of Americans chose or triage, the reappear- To that end, the original St. Jude hos- On December 16, the first vaccines in regions, but OC’s own to travel to spend ance of the tents signals pital building, now nearly obscured Orange County to prevent COVID-19 ICU bed availability is so both the unprecedented from view by the newer towers facing were administered to five health care low at this point that it it with family scale of the current Harbor Blvd., has once again been workers at Providence St. Joseph would seem to make little and friends. surge and the expecta- pressed into service to treat the Hospital in Orange. Michael Lowman, a difference. tion that it will become increased number of patients. At least nurse from St. Joseph’s COVID-19 unit, As the year closes, 1,874 worse in coming weeks. two floors of the 1957 structure, long was selected by lot to be the first of a OC residents have died Despite the desperate unused for patient care, are currently in group of five hospital workers who vol- from COVID-19, and urging of healthcare use as non-COVID-19 medical wards. unteered to take the Pfizer vaccine. He 2,145 are currently hospitalized with the professionals locally and nationally, As many as 60% of the hospital’s total was followed by four others, including disease. Four-hundred-seventy-nine of many people chose to mix households number of patients are there for one of the 1,300 St. Joseph’s staff physi- those patients are occupying increasing- for Thanksgiving celebrations, yielding COVID-19 treatment. They are separat- cians, and several nurses from different ly scarce ICU beds. Infection rates are a predicted wave of infections, hospital- ed from other patients not suffering units of the facility. The vaccines had more than twice as high as the previous izations, and deaths weeks later. A sec- from the virus-caused illness while staff been delivered to St. Joseph just hours surge in July of this year. Fullerton has ond possibly worse wave is expected to continue to convert rooms not previous- before. Each of the five individuals will recorded over 7,000 cases, an increase follow the December holidays, as mil- ly in use for medical purposes into receive a second dose in the coming of over 2,000 in the past two weeks lions of Americans chose to travel for patient care rooms. weeks. alone. In Fullerton, 132 residents have Christmas, whether near or far, to spend No matter how much space is avail- The vaccinations were broadcast live died from COVID-19 so far, 66 of them it with family and friends. A more highly able, however, it is adequate staffing by the Orange County Health Care in skilled nursing facilities. contagious strain of the virus, first that ultimately determines how many Agency during a press conference host- Fullerton’s St. Jude Medical Center, reported in the United Kingdom, has patients can be cared for in hospitals at ed by St. Joseph, a part of the named for the patron saint of desperate now been detected in the United States, any given moment. St. Jude is able to Providence Health system that also situations, will not confirm the number causing additional concern about even call up traveling nurses from a national owns and operates St. Jude Medical of patients currently undergoing treat- higher levels of transmission. registry to supplement their own health- Center in Fullerton, as well as four other ment there, but a California Department St. Jude Medical Center is reportedly care workers, despite elevated numbers hospitals in Orange County. St. Joseph of Public Health site that tracks COVID- absorbing the increase in COVID-19 of infections across the country. St. Jude Chief Executive Jeremy Zoch pointed 19 cases shows a Fullerton hospital, pre- patients better than some other hospitals doctors with different specialties are out during the press conference that a sumably St. Jude, with 200 COVID-19 in Orange County. reportedly shifting to support roles by Providence hospital in Washington state, patients, 26 in ICU beds. Dr. Faisal “Our surge planning and prepara- treating non-COVID-19 patients in the where the company is based, treated the Qazi, a St. Jude neurologist, has report- tion—including the capacity to quickly emergency room so internal medicine first known case of COVID-19 in the ed on social media that the hospitals transition regular medical units into ded- doctors can be free to treat COVID-19 country earlier this year. Zoch spoke of have been at -4% capacity overall, with icated COVID-19 or critical care patients. St. Joseph workers taking extra shifts as ICU bed availability at -8%, and that the units—continues to allow us to meet the The first hospital operated by the numbers of COVID-19 patients dramat- case load was expected to double. needs of our community,” Copping said. Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, who ically increased in recent weeks. The Orange County Health Care Unlike UCI Medical Center, where a would go on to found St. Jude in The Pfizer vaccine is the first to be Agency (OCHCA) is now deploying large outdoor MFH has already been set Fullerton, opened in Eureka, CA during allowed by the U.S. Food and Drug Mobile Field Hospitals (MFH) across up and is in use, the expansion of treat- the great flu epidemic of 1919. A centu- Administration (FDA). Twenty-five the County, where requested, to help ment spaces at St. Jude is internal rather ry later, all elective surgeries at St. Jude thousand doses were scheduled to be with the overflow of COVID-19 than external. “While this surge is creat- have reportedly been halted so doctors delivered to OC the following week to patients. According to the agency, ing an enormous amount of stress and can put all their efforts into fighting the provide the first of two recommended MFHs “are housed in large, semi-type strain, we continue to be able to work current pandemic. Although St. Jude has doses, followed in two weeks by second trailers and contain heavy duty canvas with regulatory agencies to convert and been able to meet the needs of patients doses for the same recipients. St. tents with hard flooring and tempera- reconfigure areas to accommodate so far, Dr. Qazi said, “It’s a real crisis Joseph’s Jeremy Zoch said the hospital ture-controlled units equipped with run- patients,” Copping said. here,” and urged members of the public had received a sufficient number of ning water, toilets and showers, genera- State regulatory agencies have report- to take preventative measures seriously doses to vaccinate every one of the facil- tors, and lighting, as well as air puri- edly allowed use of older facilities that to avoid spreading the coronavirus to ity’s “bedside” workers. fiers.” were previously no longer in use for others. continued on page 19

Page 4 FULLERTON OBSERVER COUNCIL NOTES JANUARY 2021

FULLERTON CITY COUNCIL NOTES

The Council meets at 6:30pm on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Upcoming agenda information and streaming video of council meetings are available at www.cityoffullerton.com. City Hall is located at 303 W. Commonwealth, Fullerton. Contact Council at 714-738-6311 or by email to: [email protected]

DECEMBER 15 MEETING Closed Session

Before every public City Council meeting, there is a “closed session” in which Council meets with various parties to discuss items outside the view of the public. During this closed session, Council met with legal counsel to discuss the following legal cases: Wagner, et al. v. City of Fullerton, et al, Air Combat USA v. Brendan O’Reilly, City of Fullerton, et al, and Orange County Catholic Worker et al. v. Orange County et al. City Attorney Dick Jones announced that the city of Fullerton will join the lawsuit Orange County Water District et al. v. 3M Company et al. regarding PFAS water contamination. See story on front page.

Family and neighbors of Hector Hernandez attended the December 15 Council Short-Term Homelessness Study Meeting at the Fullerton Community Center. PHOTO BY JESSE LA TOUR Rental Fees Session Postponed Public Comment Process Silences Voices of A planned study session update on Council voted 5-0 to approve a resolu- recent homeless response and coordina- Those Speaking about Police Shooting tion establishing fee amounts for short- tion with federal court representatives, term rentals (such as AirBnB). and an overview of future homeless pre- At the December 15 Council meeting, eComments. This was a policy adopted Operators will pay a one-time fee of vention programs was postponed. several residents submitted both by the previous Mayor, Jennifer $425 and an annual renewal fee of $85. eComments and emails regarding the Fitzgerald, and was continued by Bruce killing of Hector Hernandez by a Whitaker at the December 15 meeting. Fullerton police officer this past May. This has created a situation in which Cannabis Fees OC Power Authority However, contrary to the statement on those who choose not to attend in-per- Board Appointments the posted agenda that all eComments son City Council meetings (for public Council voted 3-2 (Silva and Zahra and emails would be read aloud during health reasons during a pandemic), may On November 2, 2020, City Council “no”) to continue an item establishing the meeting, this did not happen. not have their comments heard during approved membership in the newly-cre- fees for commercial cannabis businesses “Many people sent public comments meetings—at the discretion of the ated Orange County Power Authority as in Fullerton to the March 16 meeting. about Hector Hernandez, yet only one Mayor and Council—the very elected part of a Countywide effort to create In another item Mayor Whitaker person’s comment was read at tonight’s officials whom the public may be com- Community Choice Energy with the sought to delay implementation of the meeting. We were silenced,” Fullerton menting about or criticizing. goal of providing options for purchasing City’s new commercial cannabis ordi- resident Mike Rodriguez told the When asked about the eComment and power not from Edison alone, but from nance, but this failed. As it stands now, Observer. “The agenda specifically email process, newly-elected other (perhaps more sustainable) the commercial ordinance is in effect, states how to send public comments, but Councilmember Fred Jung told the sources. Council appointed Fred Jung as although the City still in the process of the City Clerk chose not to read them.” Observer in a recent interview, “We as Fullerton’s representative on the OC establishing its implementation. When asked about this, Fullerton City Councilmembers can make sure the City Power Authority Board and Ahmad Clerk Lucinda Williams told the Clerk reads every one. I recognize that Zahra as the alternate. Observer, “It appears staff inadvertently under the previous Council, they just attached the incorrect coversheet wanted to move the process along so explaining the eComment process to last they’d ask the City Clerk to summarize CalPERS Letter Police Towing Services night’s agenda. I, unfortunately, did not the eComments. It’s really hard to sum- Not Approved notice the error before the meeting so we marize all those e-mails and After nearly a year-long process to could make accommodations for the eComments. So, a lot of it just slips Council voted 3-2 (Whitaker and solicit bids and a approve a contract with emailed comments last night.” through the cracks. So, I think we can Dunlap “no”) to not send a letter pre- a tow company for the police depart- Williams told the Observer that City avoid that by saying, ‘Let’s read every pared by the Mayor to the California ment, Council voted 5-0 to enter into a Council is following the protocols one.’” Public Employees Retirement System 6-month contract with Pacific Towing allowed by the Brown Act with modifi- A protest had been organized for the (CalPERS) reserving right to exclude Inc. Council also requested staff to bring cation temporarily allowed by the December 15 Council meeting regard- certain future employee groups from back an item to discuss adding more tow Governor’s Executive Orders for gov- ing the FPD killing of Hector CalPERS membership, as a way to operators, in three months. ernment meetings during COVID-19. Hernandez. Some members of the public potentially save future City revenue. City Council policy has been to not showed up to the protest with signs, and read aloud emails sent by the public, others who submitted emails were although eComments are sometimes expecting to have them read aloud. They read aloud, at the discretion of the were not. Agenda Forecast Mayor. EComments are limited to 500 To read all of the comments that were characters. Often, when there are many submitted, check out our online article: eComments on a single item, the Mayor www.fullertonobserver.com/2020/12/19/ The next Fullerton City Council meeting will be Tuesday, January 19. Agenda will ask the City Clerk to give a tally of misleading-public-comment-process- items include: committee appointments, Fullerton municipal code amendment relat- those in favor or opposed to a certain silences-voices-of-those-speaking- ing to special events, information technology upgrade and consulting, City Council agenda item, or a summary of the about-police-shooting/. rules of procedure review, and regional advisory body appointments. JANUARY 2021 LOCAL NEWS FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 5

Fullerton Joins PFAS Lawsuit continued from front page films on the topic—a 2018 documentary called The Devil We Know, and a 2019 What Are PFAS? fact-based drama called Dark Waters, Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances which follows the lawyer Robert Bilott’s (or PFAS) are a family of manmade efforts to expose PFAS contamination chemical compounds that include PFOS and obtain compensation for those (perfluorooctane sulfonate), PFOA (per- impacted by it. fluorooctanoic acid) and GenX, that The lawsuit alleges that both DuPont have been widely used for decades in and 3M have known about the dangers industry and in the production of thou- of PFAS for decades and have sought to sands of common household and com- hide these dangers from the public in an mercial products, most notably Teflon, effort to continue manufacturing prod- but many others. ucts that were highly profitable. These chemical compounds are According to the lawsuit, 3M knew known to have characteristics that cause that PFAS are “toxic” in the 1950s, and extensive and persistent environmental as early as 1960 they knew that chemical contamination. They resist natural wastes from its PFAS manufacturing degradation and are difficult and costly facilities that were dumped to landfills to remove from soil and water. would leach into groundwater and enter PFAS testing pilot project (evaluating PFAS treatments). PHOTO COURTESY OF OCWD Exposure to certain PFAS has been the environment. associated with several negative health 3M began monitoring the blood of its action by agreeing to pay $10.25 million business into a new company called outcomes in both humans and animals, employees for PFAS as early as 1976 in a civil administrative penalty and to Chemours. These alleged actions, which including the following: because the company was concerned complete $6.25 million in supplemental the lawsuit calls “fraudulent,” get a bit • Altered growth, learning, and behav- about health effects of the chemicals. environmental projects. The company complex (probably intentionally so). ior of infants and older children Studies by 3M in 1978 showed that also promised to phase out production The lawsuit uses the term “Old • Reducing fertility in women PFAS are toxic to monkeys. and use of PFOA by 2015. DuPont” to describe the company prior • Effects on thyroid hormones DuPont company In 2005, DuPont set- to these reorganizations. • Increased cholesterol levels scientists issued inter- tled a class-action law- “It is apparent that Old DuPont’s goal • Effects on the immune system nal warnings about suit filed on behalf of with respect to the Chemours Spinoff • Increased risk of certain cancers the toxicity associat- The lawsuit approximately 70,000 was to segregate a large portion of Old • Increased risk of ulcerative colitis ed with their PFOA residents supplied with DuPont’s legacy environmental liabili- products as early as alleges that both PFOA-contaminated ties, including liabilities related to its The Defendants 1961. DuPont and 3M drinking water in Ohio PFAS chemicals and products, and in so

By 1979, DuPont and West Virginia for doing, shield Old DuPont’s assets from The main defendants in the lawsuit are have known about had data indicating more than $300 million. any financial exposure associated there- the 3M Company, DuPont (and its vari- the dangers of that its workers Under the terms of this with,” the lawsuit states. ous incarnations and spinoff companies exposed to PFOA had PFAS for decades settlement, DuPont After the Chemours spinoff, “Old including Corteva and Chemours), and a significantly higher and have sought to agreed to fund a panel of DuPont took the untenable position that DECRA Roofing Systems (located in incidence of health independent scientists to it was somehow no longer responsible Corona). hide these dangers issues than did unex- conduct whatever stud- for the widespread PFAS contamination 3M has operated a manufacturing from the public, posed workers. ies were necessary to that it had caused over several decades,” facility in Corona since the 1940s that, DuPont did not report to continue making confirm which diseases the lawsuit says. according to the lawsuit, “is a source of these data or the products that were were linked to PFOA PFAS that has impacted the Santa Ana results of its worker exposure, to remove Claims for Damages River and the Basin.” At this facility, 3M highly profitable. health analysis to any PFOA from the contami- and the Cost of Cleanup manufactured roofing granules contain- government agency nated water sources, and ing PFAS that they then sold to DECRA. The OCWD lawsuit, of which or community. to pay up to $235 mil- In 2011 alone, more than 414 million Fullerton is now a plaintiff, brings sever- In 1984, after lion for medical moni- pounds of these materials were manu- al claims for damages against the defen- obtaining data on toring of those exposed. factured by 3M at the Corona site. dants, and asks that the responsible com- environmental contamination near its After seven years of study and analy- As a direct result of 3M and DECRA’s panies pay for remediation and cleanup Washington Works plant in West ses, the Science Panel confirmed that industrial practices, the lawsuit claims to protect our local water supplies. Virginia, DuPont held a meeting at its PFOA exposures were linked to several that the Santa Ana River, the OC basin, Even though they have not yet won corporate headquarters to discuss health serious human diseases, including two and cities’ drinking water have become the lawsuit, OCWD has taken costly and environmental issues related to types of cancer. contaminated with PFAS steps to protect and clean up wells and PFOA. Employees who attended the More than 3,500 personal injury The lawsuit does not name any specif- groundwater, including investigation, meeting discussed available technolo- claims were filed against DuPont in ic local DuPont manufacturing facilities, sampling, remediation, treatment system gies that were capable of controlling and Ohio and West Virginia following the but instead cites the company’s decades- design, acquisition, installation, opera- reducing PFOA releases from its manu- findings of the Science Panel. long efforts to market and sell products tions, and maintenance of its water sys- facturing facilities, as well as finding In 2017, DuPont and its spinoff com- containing PFAS (including in tems. potential replacement materials. DuPont pany Chemours agreed to pay $670.7 California), to hide these products’ toxi- The lawsuit states that the responsible chose not to use either available tech- million to resolve the approximately city from the public, and then to shield companies’ negligent and harmful con- nologies or replacement materials, 3,500 then-pending cases. itself from liability through complex duct “was performed to promote sales… despite knowing of PFOA’s toxicity. business reorganizations. and maximize profits, in conscious dis- A Complex Corporate Scheme to regard of the probable dangerous conse- The Lawsuits Begin Shield Liability 3M and DuPont Have Known quences of that conduct and its foresee- PFAS Were Toxic for Decades In 2004, the Environmental Protection As its legal liability became a bigger able impact upon health, property and

Agency (EPA) filed an action against threat to its financial situation, DuPont the environment, including the surface The issue of PFAS contamination DuPont based on its failure to disclose engaged in a complex business restruc- water, groundwater, replenishment across the United States has gained toxicity and exposure information for turing strategy starting around 2014, to water, drinking water supply and the increasing public awareness in recent PFOA, in violation of federal environ- shield itself from liability. This included Plaintiffs’ contaminated wells.” years, with the release of two feature mental laws. In 2005, DuPont settled the the “spinoff” of some of its chemicals Page 6 OBSERVER The DOWNTOWN Report JANUARY 2021 by Mike Ritto [email protected] © 2020

Welcome to Fullerton

Got a near panic alert that “Our taxes are being spent on a mural when they should be spent on fixing our potholes!” Of course, we all want our streets to be repaired. This new mural right next to railroad tracks is on the side of the new Amplifi apart- ments on Commonwealth. No worries, it’s not funded by the city of Fullerton, and Kids Can Cosplay volunteers showed up in costume to entertain the kids. looks welcoming for sure. We’ll get another photo once it is completed. Season of Giving

Another tip sent me cruising around looking for some interesting characters in costume. Turned out to be a nice gesture by Garcia’s Cantina and Grill at 136 W Commonwealth, as they invited the public to come down for free photos with Santa, free food and toys. They ended up treating 1200 kids to the goodies. Wow! An Kids sliding down update from our last issue—just down the road from there, Bootleggers offered a the bowl at free meal to anyone who was furloughed due to the pandemic, and the offer included Hillcrest Park. their family members. They got a huge response as well, and over 600 free meals have been served so far, with over 1200 sponsored so the free food offer continues.

Photo Quiz

This issue:

Looking “Back” at 2021…a Prophecy Look familiar? Where is this?

Send your answer to Mike at [email protected] And now, a look “back” at 2021 in our signs of a rebirth, but not yet for all. downtown, which had lost the better part Summer blazed and everyone down- of the previous year of 2020, thanks to a town welcomed it. Outdoor dining was virus particle that ranged in size from still a thing, with shade suddenly a most 70-90 nanometers, whatever that is. The valuable asset for all of our restaurants. virus went small, 2021 went big. Many preferred dining al fresco by now In the first quarter, a nightmare was so it was not as difficult to keep indoor disappearing, very slowly at first, then dining manageable. Could this really be we all noticed it fading, morphing into happening? The Thursday Market was something unlike a dream, but some- more popular than ever; sidewalks were thing even better—normalcy. Life was filled with smiling pedestrians. Hillcrest stressful, but as more and more of us Park was the go-to spot for groups to received the vaccine, the days got gather and reconnect. Could it be? longer, the sunsets more colorful, the As fall and the wicked Santa Ana skies bluer, the landscape greener, the winds descended, we all resolved to prospects brighter. March in particular stick to the plan so the devil COVID was a turning point as more of us grew could be held at bay, if not completely very weary of blaming one group or defeated. By now, most realized their another, and all of a sudden, the ‘United’ sacrifices had a very positive effect, and States reappeared and as the air warmed, none of us wanted to return to anything Last Issue: we warmed up to each other. We were resembling 2020. Knowing the virus not members of a party or an ideology was close to being contained meant we We received a few good guess- any longer, we were survivors. could all likely have an actual es, and many accurate answers. In the second quarter, downtown Thanksgiving, Holiday Season, and a The winner of the $50 Gift became a place we could go and actually Happy New Year. That would be wel- Certificate drawing was Laura be near each other to shop, eat, have a come news for all of us. Gallagher Lopez who lives very drink, explore some new restaurants and You can fill in your fantasy winter. At near the location we were look- shops that we were all grateful to see this point, from what we hear, it actually ing for, which is Ralphs. Laura buzzing with activity. No, it was not might be all we have been hoping for. chose to receive a gift certificate really ‘normal’ yet, precautions were Hey, let’s carpool to the Lakers and from Gilding the Lily in Villa del still the rule and not the exception, but it Dodgers parades. Sol. Congratulations Laura. was working! Our economy showed JANUARY 2021 NEWS & CROSSWORD FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 7

His Name Was Charles by Sharna Campos OUR TOWN CROSSWORD © 2020 “SO LONG, 2020!” by Valerie Brickey (answer key on page 19) His name was Charles. He would also answer to Charlie or Charles Anthony. He wore a long dark ponytail, and he was loud and talkative, and talked out of the side of his mouth in the way those who grew up near the Bronx, NY often do. He was intelligent, well-spoken, and could talk to you for hours about base- ball stats, basketball, UFC fighters, his- tory, classic rock, and movies. He could also share with you his knowledge about Eastern vs. Western philosophy, medita- tion, and his specialty, Qi Gong. He had friends, connections, and ties to his com- munity of people with whom he chose to surround himself. but Eric happened to spot Charles’ car He was also homeless. parked in a familiar place near a trail- My husband Eric met Charles about 7 head in Coyote Hills, one of many years ago while he was seeking to learn places he frequented. Eric said, “See, more about the Qi Gong practice that he he’s just out doing his thing.” But I was had begun to learn in order to help with feeling unsettled. The next day the car his depression and anxiety. Their rela- was still in the same place. Now our call tionship began as student and mentor. went straight to voicemail. We drove to Eventually, they became the car to find that it had friends, and we came to by now been ticketed and know Charles as a friend the tires marked. After to our family. speaking to some people Charles and Eric would If nobody else passing by, we learned the usually meet a couple of was going to car had been there for at ACROSS 42. Maytag subsidiary times a week to sit and look for him, least a week. We called the 1. Popular meeting app in 2020 44. Sold-out sign practice or hike in many 45. George's secret ATM we were meant police. At first Eric was 5. Thailand, once of the green spaces told there was nothing they 9. ___ Bhuvaneshwar code word on "Seinfeld" around Fullerton and to find him. could do and that we (legendary caves in India) 47. Cassettes other parts of Orange would have to call in the 14. Gillette razor 48. It means nothing to the French County. Those green morning to speak to the 15. Bar mitzvah dance 50. "Barefoot Contessa" Garten spaces, which included homeless liaison, presum- 16. Boston newspaper 52. Bill parks, trails, nature pre- ably upon hearing that he 17. Bread baked in 2020 53. Moved the king in chess serves, wetlands, etc., became his home. had slept in his car. Friends encouraged 19. Out of this world 56. Comic strip "___ Before Swine" He chose to spend most of his days in us to call back and insist on filing a 20. Embarrassed 58. Japanese electronics the quiet spaces, off the beaten path, in missing person’s report for our friend, a 22. Panache company bought by Sony in 2002 nature. He also spent much of his time at person we were expecting and who 23. Real 59. More uneven local libraries and eateries that provided never came back. We were put in touch 26. Ann or Andy 62. Besmirches free Wi-Fi service for movie-watching with an officer who went to check out 28. Punch-ballot hanger 64. Netflix show binged in 2020 and streaming sports. the location of the car. He told us he 29. Tanning lotion letters 68. Title role for Michael When COVID-19 hit and as things would be filing the missing person’s 32. Cy Young winner Saberhagen Caine (1966) and Jude Law (2004) shut down, he lost access to the libraries report, forwarding our information to a 33. More demure 69. Second-oldest school in college and eateries. That’s when Charles detective and to their drone team to 35. Up the ante system after San Jose State: Abbr. became a frequent visitor at our house, search the preserve area where Charles 37. Little dog, for short 70. Falco of "The Sopranos" setting up his laptop in our garage to use was known to hike. 40. Spanish accent 71. "Norwegian Wood" instrument our Wi-Fi, where he would download When we didn’t hear anything from 41. "Days of ___ Lives" 72. Optimism for 2021 movies, watch movies he’d checked out authorities the next day, we knew we 73. Deeply engrossed from the library, and stream any sports had to find our friend. So, Eric and I he wanted to watch. He and I often chat- hiked the preserve, searching all of the DOWN 30. Advantages ted while I did my laundry, about movies shady, off-trail areas. On a pass around 1. Some pepperoni orders, informally 31. America's doctor in 2020 and shows and music. During the the ridge, Eric turned and spotted his 2. Plains dweller 34. "Pitch Perfect" actress Wilson Laker’s playoffs and the World Series, body under a dense tree. We had known 3. Christian sch. in Tulsa 36. Pressing need? he could be heard cheering and jeering what we would find, but Charles 4. Plundered 38. 1993 N.B.A. Rookie of the Year during the games. Although he still spent deserved to be found and not spend one 5. Sandbars 39. Protection worn in 2020 his days outdoors doing what he loved, more day out there. And we knew that if 6. Debtors' letters 43. Criminal matriarch in the evenings he was in our garage. nobody else was going to look for him, 7. "Gah!" 46. First-year law student His last visit was on Thanksgiving. He we were meant to find him. It’s as if all 8. Bill with "New Rules" 49. Roma is its capital left me some library movies as he’d the clues were left just for us. 9. Links org. 51. Each done numerous times before. But then We found our friend in a place perfect- 10. Contend 53. Spanish houses he didn’t return. When three days turned ly suited for his final rest. In a year that 11. Item in high demand in 2020 54. Sauce that's heavy to five, we still hadn’t seen him, and he has been so unsettling, we take comfort 12. Draw ___ on (aim) on the garlic...and vowels hadn’t returned for the movies. in knowing he passed in a lovely place, 13. Bruce or Kravitz 55. ___ oven (heavy pot) By the 6th day, Eric tried to call his living life the way he chose, knowing 18. AKA, in the corporate world 57. Always, poetically phone. It rang and went to voicemail. the pleasure he expressed watching 21. Applies with a cotton ball 60. Japanese soup Eric received no reply to his voicemail. Lakers and the Dodgers make history. 23. Bank holdings: Abbr. 61. Scrolling PC key He tried again the next day. A few more He would have said it was a great year! 24. Preaching to the ___ 63. Sun. delivery days passed, and he tried texting him. His name was Charles, and he was our 25. She released two amazing 65. Ore-___ (frozen food brand) After 11 days, there was still no reply, friend. albums in 2020 66. Puppy's bite 27. "Super!" 67. Comprehend Page 8 FULLERTON OBSERVER EDUCATION JANUARY 2021

Principal Rubio at FUHS commented Budget

that all 17 newly-hired teachers should HIGH SCHOOL BOARD HIGHLIGHTS Joan Velasco, Assistant act as coaches or assistant coaches as Superintendent of Business Services, & Commentary by Vivien Moreno part of their work day. BPHS and LHHS updated the district’s budget, reflecting The Fullerton Joint Union High School District Board also emphasized athletic program State revenue increases of $12 million improvements. This indicates a shift information available by calling 714-870-2800 dollars, initially projected as cuts last more heavily focused on sports pro- or visiting www.fjuhsd.net June. Food Services is currently running grams. at a deficit due to on-going food distri- LVHS, LSHS and FUHS focused on bution to students who receive free and raising attendance. SHHS, BPHS, and DECEMBER 15 MEETING reduced meals coupled with a lack of LVHS will concentrate on rebuilding revenue from regular in-person student and strengthening their CTE (Career The 4-hour FJUHSD December 15 everyone agreed that their first priority food purchases. Any State-projected Technical Education) programs. Board meeting started with the swearing is the safety and health of the students one-time money coming to the district The trustees approved the plans with in of Dr. Vicki Calhoun for District 3. and staff after Dr. Scambray’s com- used to prepay deferrals or to pay down no additional questions. Dr. Calhoun has a doctorate in ments, Trustees Klatzker, Calhoun, and pension debt will not greatly impact

Education and works with at-risk youth Fawley suggested that the FJUHSD because the current budget Learning Continuity Plan Update in Fullerton. She is also the first African- Superintendent needed additional guid- reserves allow FJUHSD to maintain a American to hold elected office in ance from the Board. Director of Education Services Steve steady capital stream. Fullerton. Joanne Fawley began her sec- In a pique after the Board comments, Zamora presented a Learning Continuity ond term as a Trustee. Marilyn Buchi Dr. Scambray frostily painted a bleak and Attendance Plan report created for SHHS Construction was elected as Board President and picture of the future for distance learn- parents to understand how much supple- Mr. Todd Butcher, Executive Director Joanne Fawley will be clerk. ing students by claiming that he was fac- mental education funding the district of Facilities, introduced a Southern ing an unprecedented challenge and the receives and spends. FJUHSD currently California Gas request to expand ease- New Public Comment Policy teachers and staff were creating a proven identifies 52% of the student population ments along Lancer Way at Sunny Hills safe environment. After 36 years of edu- as representatives of special student The board implemented a new public High School to widen utility access cational experience and as a parent of a populations defined as English learners, comment policy requiring that persons along the entrance to the school. The high school senior himself, he believes Low-income students, Special making public comments do so via project will be done in sections and no that this learning loss is irreparable for Education students, students experienc- Zoom, over the phone, or in person. blockage would occur during school many students because there is no time ing homelessness, and Foster Youth. The sessions and that any legal fees would to recover. FJUHSD will not pass failing district did not spend all allocated funds Return to Distance Learning be absorbed by SC Gas. The board students and he has no control over what due to an inability to hire enough quali- approved the easement 5-0. In the teachers’ union report, FSTO goes on in the community around the fied instructional aides to properly The next regularly scheduled board President Angie Cencak requested school sites. He knows that with kids accommodate the student needs. The meeting will be January 12. returning to distance learning only after just sitting around at home instead of Trustees did not ask Mr. Zamora to elab- the holiday break due to Fullerton’s cur- going to school, many students are orate on this issue. rent higher positivity rates. The trustees widening the achievement gap. listened to public comments and a quick Trustees Fawley and Klatzker (both presentation by the district’s COVID-19 educational professionals) disagreed FSD Students to Begin January Coordinator, Manny Macias, then began with Scambray’s assertion that no edu- to discuss the benefits of returning to cation was occurring during distance with Distance Learning distance learning for all students and learning. It looks different, but students staff for at least 2 weeks following the have gained real communication and Due to the recent surge in COVID-19, during the week of January 5 through 8, all holiday break. technological skills that are not easily Fullerton School District students will be distance learning from home. During the Superintendent Dr. Scambray agreed measurable at this time. Student Board week of January 11-15, 2021, every school will be offering supervised Distance to take board direction, but he emphati- Member Jenna Beining said this Learning and extended care at school for students currently enrolled in Hybrid and cally believes that the hybrid schedule is COVID-19 upsurge is a nationwide 5-day learning models in addition to in-school support for students on IEPs. Schools not posing any undue risk to students or issue and agreed that a 2-week move will fully return to the current established learning options including in-person staff. Trustees Klatzker, Fawley, and back to distance learning sounded like a learning Tuesday, January 19 (Martin Luther King Day Holiday is January 18). To Calhoun shared health care data of spik- responsible move for the safety of the learn more visit www.fullertonsd.org. ing positivity rates and community con- students, teachers, and the community. cerns about in-person learning with Trustees Fawley, Klatzker, and Calhoun Trustee Jeng in support of the brief affirmed that despite the excellent job return to distance learning only. Trustee performed by teachers and staff in this 987765432103/24182/321 Klatzker, currently experiencing quaran- environment, schools are part of the tine, expressed appreciation of district community and overall conditions must ./-.1,+.3371*/,45/+411 safety protocols but she emphasized that be taken into consideration. 654632130/.-/,+*)('3&%/$#3")!! (-%,#3 3 the schools do not reside in a bubble iso- Dr. Scambray reluctantly agreed to go )))('&%$#"(! lated from the community. Everyone back to distance learning until January agreed that staff are doing an exemplary 19 with a reevaluation at the January 12 job keeping the positive case numbers board meeting. ./-.1,+.33713621625377624134/32 down, but COVID-19-positive cases in Fullerton are spiking and show no signs Single Plan for Student of leveling off at the moment. President Achievement * 3 ")!! (-%,3 %,-3 ,%,3 *3 +*%%!3 .-(+-3 .-(+-3 % (.3 /,3 % ,3

Buchi supported leaving the decision to ,(%!! ,-3%-%,3 %(3 .-)$ ,-.3 *%3 ! 3 -*,3 -* 3 .-(+-3 %),$/( .13 .-(+-3 Principals provided condensed ver- return to distance learning for any length .-)$ ,-.3 */ 3 /,3 %%(-),-'3 -%3 /!'3 %(3 /-- ,$/,+ 3 /-3 %, 3 **3 sions of each school site’s plan to tackle of time to Dr. Scambray, saying that .+*%%!3 ,3-* 3.-(+-3%-* (3-*/,3-* (3**3.+*%%!3%3( .$ ,+ 1 ongoing issues this academic year. Due although rates are spiking now, there is to pandemic learning obstacles, no no way to predict how it will go in  -/!.3 / %)-3 -* 3 % ,3 ,(%!! ,-3 (%+ ..3 /( 3 %),$3 %,3 -* 3 .-(+-3 unique programs or problems at any of January. She felt that “…school is the  .- 3 )))('&%$#"(! 13 /( ,-.3 %(3 )/($/,.3 /'3 /!'3 ,3  (.%,3 %(3 the campuses were discussed. Every site safest place in town to be” and that pub- -* (3 .-)$ ,-3 -%3 /-- ,$3 /,'3 .-(+-3 .+*%%!3 %,3 /3 ./+ 3 / /!/ ! 3 /..13 is dealing with social and emotional lic comments indicate they want school *%)!$3 /,'3 %, 3 .+*%%!3 ( +  3 %( 3 ( ) .-.3 -*/,3 ./+ 3 / /!/ ! #3 issues, focusing on greater student to stay open. Trustee Klatzker pointed -* 3 !!,3 %3 ./+ .3 !!3 3 $ - (, $3 '3 !%-- ('13 & ) .-.3 -*/-3 /( 3 ,%-3 engagement of high-risk students, and out that over 50% of all parents in the . ! +- $3-*(%)*3 -* 3!%-- ('3!!3 3!/+ $3%,3/3/-,3!.-1 mitigating learning loss. There was a district have placed their students in noticeable focus on athletics throughout 100% distance learning so the public  ,3 ,(%!! ,-3 /!+/-%,.3 %(3 -* 3 3 .+*%%!3 ' /(3 /'3 3 % -/, $3 ,3 the discussion and less emphasis on the comments do not reflect a majority of  (.%,3 /-3 -* 3 .+*%%!3 %3 ( .$ ,+ 3 0% 1 1 $ !% $1 0% 1 1 arts. the school community. Even though 13* 3+%! - $3/!+/-%,#3 /!%,3 -*3 (%%3 %3( .$ ,+ 3  113 )-!-'3 !!3 ).-3 3 ( -)(, $3 -%3 -* 3 .+*%%!3 %3 ( .$ ,+ 3 ,%3!/- (3-*/,3% 11 13 2!1 !#1 )1  1   "1 ' 1  1 !1 0% 1 1 (

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"%(3%( 3,%(/-%,3%,3-* 3 ,3,(%!! ,-3(%+ ..3 .-3 )))('&%$#"(! 33 3'%)3*/ 3/,'3 ) .-%,.3! /. 3+%,-/+-3! ,3%
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'&%$#"(! JANUARY 2021 YOUNG OBSERVERS FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 9

FEATURED PET TEEN OBSERVER by Francine, 9th grade by Abigail, 5th grade

Young Observers Celebrate 2nd Year: Meet Spencer! Open Recruitment for Aspiring Writers Through Jan 25 I don’t know about you, but one of my all- When Fullerton Observer founder Ralph started by Mrs. Natalie Kennedy. time favorite animals are Kennedy proposed the idea of establishing a com- Despite the celebration being reduced to a Zoom dogs. They just are the munity newspaper to his friend, co-founder Ron party due to the pandemic, we managed to have cutest pets ever. The sad Kobayashi in 1978, his friend thought it would lots of fun. We brought along our pets to show thing is, a lot of dogs only last a year. Four decades later, the Fullerton everyone, received award certificates, learned don’t have homes. Just Observer has become a successful newspaper. from a TedTalk by Fullerton Observer editor Jesse like Spencer. Spencer is a More recently, it marked a milestone by providing La Tour on editing and publishing a newspaper, five-year-old dog who a platform for the younger generation to have a were inspired by the nuggets of wisdom shared by used to live in the streets voice in the community by creating a youth page Rusty Kennedy, played online games and won e- way back in July of last section. gift cards for prizes. year. I wondered how he survived during that hot weather. On December 18, 2020, our team who is behind For those interested in gaining experience in Sadly, no one really cared about taking him home. But, he the youth page section (also called Young writing for a newspaper and being part of the was brought to a shelter where he was neutered, Observers) celebrated our second anniversary via Young Observers team, recruitment is open to stu- microchipped, and placed up for adoption. He always had Zoom, a video conferencing app. Mr. Kennedy’s dents from 3rd to 7th grade. See requirements a huge smile on his face with a great personality, so of son, Rusty, who is a co-founder of the Fullerton below: course he became a staff favorite. He knows some simple Observer, and retired editor Sharon Kennedy, 1) Write a letter to the Youth Editor explaining commands and is already housebroken. Just like most were among the attendees. They had the rare why you would be a good addition to the Young dogs, he can be picky about living with other dogs, so he opportunity of reliving the time decades ago when Observers team. prefers living alone. He’s been living there for nearly six their mom, Natalie Kennedy, would cook a nice 2) Send in a sample of your work (essay, comic, months, and it’s shocking no one wanted to adopt him. You meal for an annual party to honor newspaper vol- or poem). still have time. I know I definitely would if I were allowed unteers. I started a tradition of celebrating my 3) Email your letter and work sample to to. Learn more at www.ocpetinfo.com or call 714-935-6848 team’s hard work during our first anniversary two [email protected]. (Wednesday through Saturday are the suggested days as years ago, unknowingly continuing a tradition 4) DEADLINE: Jan 25 average wait times are shorter).

LET’S EXPLORE KIDS RULE! by Mateo, 7th grade by Erin, 6th grade ANAHEIM COVES

Are you looking for a place to relax and take a break from the craziness of this world? Are you an avid hiker who has seen everything Fullerton has to offer and are looking for a new place? Are you just looking for some way to get outside and enjoy nature? If any of these three questions apply to you, Anaheim Coves is the place to go. It is a very nice trail where nature is plentiful. A diversity of animals call this place home. It is also perfect for tak- ing walks or going on bike rides, with one main path that branches out into many different paths. Nature and the beauty of the trails are sure to stimulate your interest. Nearly every direction you look, you will find yourself observing nature. Expect to catch sight of many forms of wildlife whether you are hiking on the trails or relaxing on the many benches located throughout the Coves. There is even a giant lake in the middle of the Coves. There are usually not too many people on the trails at once, which makes for a tranquil environment where all you hear is the birds’ chirping and the rustling of leaves. Most likely, you will cross paths with other hikers, so wear your mask. Any stress or boredom can be expelled at the Coves. Consider visiting at 962 South Rio Vista Street in Anaheim. A GOOD READ FOR THE NEW YEAR by Katie, 9th grade A CURSE OF ROSES by Diana Pinguicha 4/5 stars A Curse of Roses follows Yzabel, the soon-to-be queen of Portugal, who hides a curse–the ability to turn food into flowers. As a result, she has to figure out how to not crumble under the weight of all her duties while keeping her curse a secret. There are so many things to love about this book, but I loved Yzabel the most. She’s an incredible character who fiercely defends those she cares for, and is overflowing with empathy and compassion for her people. Even so, she punishes herself for everything, even the things that are out of her control. Pinguicha’s writing is absolutely beautiful–it flows well with the pace of the story while keeping me gripped in its grasp. And since historical fantasy isn’t a common genre, I was amazed by how well this was written. The prose isn’t dense or flowery, but simplistic in a captivating way. A Curse of Roses is a solid historical fantasy debut, filled to the brim with magic, secrets, and yearning. It’s a beautifully-told, powerful story of how we shouldn’t be ashamed of who we love, who we are, and who we will be. I was immensely australianswimschool.com satisfied with this one, and I can’t wait for others to fall in love with this book, too.

Page 12 FULLERTON OBSERVER LA VOZ LATINA JANUARY 2021

LA VOZ LATINA a Spanish Language column

Tradiciones por Diana Trout

¡Feliz Navidad! Sí, para muchos sigue lleno de puestos de comida, juegos siendo la temporada navideña. Una de mecánicos, desfiles y lugares para tomar las tradiciones de mis raíces mexicanas fotografías con los Reyes Magos. Comí que enamoró es la Epiphany-Dia de los buñuelos increíbles, churros frescos y Reyes Magos. Normalmente usaremos chocolate. esta columna para dar a conocer la Voz La Rosca de Reyes es básicamente un Latina en Fullerton, también nos gus- pan dulce de forma ovalada para sim- taría compartir algunas de nuestras tradi- bolizar una corona, con fruta confitada y ciones latinas. unas figuritas de bebé escondidas en su La celebración cae en el duodécimo interior. Se supone que la persona que día de Navidad y tiene sus raíces en el recibe al bebé debe hacer los tamales Nuevo Testamento donde dice que los para la celebración al final de la tempo- reyes Melchor, Gaspar y Baltasar via- rada navideña: la candelaria. jaron de noche siguiendo Otros países celebran Dia de los Reyes Magos celebration. la luz de la estrella de un poco diferente. En Belén. Desde los rincones España, celebran con by Diana Trout más lejanos de la tierra, artistas callejeros y Traditions marca una visita al niño bailarines para compartir Jesús por parte de Los El Zócalo de la la alegría. En Puerto Merry Christmas! Yes, for many it’s this celebration. The Zocalo in Mexico Magos, (los Reyes Ciudad de México Rico, los niños sacan paja still the Christmas season. One of the City was full of food booths, carnival Magos). La palabra estaba lleno de para los camellos. En traditions from my Mexican roots that I rides, parades, and places to take pic- "Epifanía" proviene del puestos de comida, algunos países europeos, fell in love with is the Ephiphany-Dia de tures with the Reyes magos. I ate buñe- griego y significa "mani- juegos mecánicos, los niños dejan sus zap- los “Reyes Magos.” While we will use los with the most amazing toppings, festación" o "revelar". desfiles y lugares atos la noche anterior this column to bring awareness of the fresh churros, and chocolate. Celebra "la revelación de para llenarse de regalos, Latin Voice in Fullerton, we would also The Rosca de Reyes is basically sweet Dios en su Hijo como para tomar mientras que otros dejan like to share some of our traditions. bread in an oval shape to symbolize a humano en Jesucristo". fotografías con paja para los caballos de The celebration falls on the twelfth crown, with candied fruit and a few Nací en la Ciudad de los Reyes Magos. los Reyes Magos. En day of Christmas and is rooted in the baby figurines hidden inside. The per- México, pero mi familia Praga, hay un baño tradi- New Testament where it says that the son who gets the baby is supposed to emigró a California antes cional de los Reyes kings Melchor, Gaspar, and Balthasar make the tamales for the final celebra- de que yo cumpliera un Magos para conmemorar traveled by night following the light tion of the Christmas season—the cade- año. Solía decir que crecí el Día de la Epifanía en el from the star of Bethlehem from the far- laria. culturalmente confundida. Río Vltava. thest corners of the Earth. It marks a Different countries celebrate a little Mi familia aprendió y adoptó las tradi- En nuestra parroquia, comenzamos a visit to the baby Jesus by the Magi, (the differently. In Spain, they celebrate with ciones estadounidenses mientras tam- celebrar a los Reyes. Invitamos a las three Kings, or Wise Men). The word street performers and dancers to spread bién pude escuchar y practicar las tradi- familias a cenar con nosotros. Leímos y 'Epiphany' comes from Greek and joy. In Puerto Rico, children put straw ciones mexicanas, pero no fue hasta que reflexionamos sobre el Evangelio. means 'manifestation' or ‘to reveal.’ It out for the camels. In some European fui adulto que realmente aprendí a apre- Hicimos manualidades y actividades celebrates 'the revelation of God in his countries, children leave their shoes out ciar mis raíces latinas. para los niños, y terminaríamos la noche Son as human in Jesus Christ.’ the night before to be filled with gifts, Al crecer, mis padres me contaban his- con una aparición especial de los magos I was born in Mexico City, but my while others leave straw for the three torias que no recibían regalos de Santa que le dan a cada niño un pequeño rega- family migrated to California before I Kings' camels. In Prague, there is a tra- Claus, si no recibían regalos de los lo. Lo pasamos muy bien juntos. Debido turned one. I used to say that I grew up ditional Three Kings swim to commem- Reyes. a COVID, no tendremos nuestro evento culturally confused. As my family orate Epiphany Day at the Vltava River. En México, los niños se preparan para anual “Una Noche con los Reyes learned and adopted American tradi- At my church, we started celebrating los Reyes limpiando sus zapatos y Magos”, ¡Pero volverá! ¡¡Estamos tions, I also got to hear about and expe- the Reyes. We would invite families to dejándolos fuera de sus habitaciones ansiosos por invitarte el próximo año!! rience Mexican traditions. But it wasn’t join us for dinner, we read and reflected para que los magos puedan dejarles Mientras tanto, intente celebrar en until I was an adult that I truly learned to on the Gospel, we had crafts and activi- regalos en su camino para encontrarse casa, reunirse con la familia en zoom y appreciate my Latin roots. ties for the children, and we would end con Jesús. Se despertaban el 6 de enero organice un espectáculo de talentos para Growing up, my parents would tell me the night with a special appearance by y abrían sus regalos. El 6 de enero era un compartir la alegría. Compre o haga su stories about how when they grew up the Magi who gave each child a small día de celebración, los niños jugaban propia rosca. Ni siquiera tiene que ser they didn’t get presents from Santa gift. We had a great time together. Due con sus juguetes todo el día, las familias elegante. Se puede hacer con tu pastel Claus, they got presents from the Reyes to COVID, we will not be having our reunidas comían, cortaban la rosca de favorito y decorarlo con gomitas, inclu- (Kings). annual Night of the Magi event, but it reyes y la tomaban con una taza de so pueden hacer cupcakes. Limpien sus In Mexico, children get ready for the will be back! chocolate. zapatos. Dejen paja para los camellos y Reyes by shining their shoes and leaving In the meantime, try celebrating at En algunas ocasiones incluso pude dejen un pequeño regalo de los magos them outside their rooms so that the home. Gather with family on Zoom and visitar a familiares en la ciudad de en los zapatos de sus hijos. ¡En todo Magi could leave them gifts on their have a talent show to spread joy, and México y participar de esta celebración. caso, esta pandemia ha sacado a relucir way to meet Jesus. They woke up on purchase or make your own Kings cake. El Zócalo de la Ciudad de México estaba nuestra creatividad! ¡Disfruten! January 6 and opened their gifts. It doesn’t even have to be fancy. It can January 6 was a day of celebration— be made of your favorite cake and deco- children played with their toys all day; rate it with jellybeans. Even cupcakes families gathered would have a meal, will do. Shine your shoes, and leave hay and cut the Rosca de Reyes, and have it out for the wisemen’s camels, and leave with a cup of hot chocolate. a small gift from the Magi in your chil- On a few occasions I even got to visit dren’s shoes. If anything, this pandemic family in Mexico City and take part in has brought out our creativity! Enjoy! JANUARY 2021 ADVERTISEMENT FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 13 Page 14 FULLERTON OBSERVER FEATURE JANUARY 2021

“Wall Gazing Gallery” sculpture by Richard Turner (steps at right). “Water Wall” sculpture by Ray Hein at CSUF.

abstract sculpture “Water Wall,” which international attention, intrigued Smith.” IDEO BSERVER was created and installed in 1970, and He visited a group in the northern out- V O was made using cold rolled copper skirts of Kyoto. That group had built by Emerson Little © 2020 sheets and forged bronze, according to “simple, but ingenious shelters for the Sculpture Collection page on themselves and their novel work on a CSUF’s Department of Visual Arts web- lush strip of wooded land.” Smith Looking Back at CSUF’s Outdoor site. When art gallery director Dextra described the enclave as an “artist’s Sculpture Collection Frankel saw a particular piece of Ray hamlet,” and the artists saw it as a Hein’s jewelry, she suggested that it “refuge from official antagonism and After looking over my dad’s old AAA ting around and having a conversation would make a wonderful sculpture and indifference.” Back in the U.S., Smith “California’s Gold Guide Map” that and I was thinking, ‘I’m in heaven. This Hein was soon commissioned to create assembled an exhibition, “Seven Artists highlights places in California visited by is wonderful. This is what living is for,’” an artwork for the wall and reflective from Kyoto,” for the CSUF campus that Huell Howser in Road Trip with Huell said Turner in his 2002 Huell Howser pool found at the east end of the Visual ran from November through December Howser and California’s Gold, I noticed interview. “And then when I got back to Arts Center. The artist donated his time, of 1965, before moving to San Diego a marker in Fullerton for the “Wall the United States, I Mr. and Mrs. Leon Lyon State in March 1966. Shoji Matsumoto, donated funds for the one of the Kyoto seven, produced five Gazing Gallery” at Cal State Fullerton. thought, ‘I wonder if While the CSUF campus is currently there’s some way that I material, and Royal steel sculptures for that show and gifted closed because of the COVID-19 pan- could share this kind of Metals of Santa Ana them to CSUF. Those sculptures are demic, I thought it would be interesting experience with other CSUF’s outdoor made the metal from the now located in a small sculpture garden to take a look back at old photographs of people.’ And ultimately, sculpture artist’s maquette. between two buildings in the Visual Arts CSUF’s outdoor sculpture collection, this is what I devised for collection is Interestingly, in 2006, Center. which happens to be “one of the largest that. The idea is easy. one of the after the construction of Installed in the summer of 1965, outdoor sculpture collections owned by Maintaining it and mak- the performing arts center “Game Action” was specifically a university in Southern California,” ing sure that it continues largest owned on the CSUF campus, designed for the wall above the entrance according to the Daily Titan. to work over the years, by a university Water Wall was taken to what was then CSUF’s gymnasium Originally a temporary installation, that’s where the problem in Southern down and moved to “cre- and is now the Kinesiology and Health artist Richard Turner’s “Wall Gazing lies.” California. ate a visual bridge Science Building. Falkenstein’s abstract Gallery” was permanently installed in According to the between the visual and sculpture was funded as part of the con- the central courtyard of the Visual Arts “California’s Gold Guide performing arts complex- struction cost of the gym and was made Center at CSUF in 1988, using National Map,” Turner was “hon- es.” out of copper tubing and colored glass. Endowment for the Arts funds granted ored by the Metropolitan Some of the older According to a 2008 Daily Titan article, by the Art in Public Places Program. Water District of Southern California for sculptures on the univer- “The chaotic shapes of the piece’s seven Turner said in the “Liquid Art” Road [his] creative depictions of water in pub- sity’s campus date back to 1965, such as distinct sections are meant to symbolize Trip with Huell Howser episode, “The lic spaces.” Composed of cedar, corru- Shoji Matsumoto’s piece, “Five Untitled the powerful release of pent-up energy title of the piece comes from a Buddhist gated steel, rock, and the soothing sound Sculptures,” and Claire Falkenstein’s and emotion expressive of athletes in legend about Bodhidharma, who was the of water trickling down into a small piece, “Game Action.” CSUF art profes- action.” man who brought Buddhism from India pool, Turner’s “Wall Gazing Gallery” sor Victor C. Smith, also known as Each of the 35 pieces in CSUF’s out- to China. When he got to China, he used to be a place where CSUF students Joachim Smith, went to Japan in the door sculpture collection have their own spent seven years in a cave gazing could study or hang out in a relaxing summer of 1964 on sabbatical leave. It unique origin story and history. To find directly at the wall, staring at the wall in environment. However, because of the was there that “he found an art world out more information about the different search of enlightenment, which he ulti- pandemic, students now have to find a torn between centuries of tradition and sculptures on the university’s campus, mately achieved.” different kind of relaxing place at home the pull of postwar modernism,” accord- check out the alphabetized list of CSUF The sculpture was also inspired by the in their virtual college classrooms. ing to the Department of Visual Arts Outdoor Sculptures at calstate.fuller- artist sitting around with his best friend Another water-based sculpture located Sculpture Collection webpage. “The art ton.edu/news/inside/Sculpture/index.ht in Thailand in a tin-roof building with in Cal State Fullerton’s Department of establishment, which controlled the ml#A and learn more about the rain clattering down on it. “We were sit- Visual Arts is artist Ray Hein’s rather country’s museums, galleries, and civic Department of Visual Arts sculptures at art institutions, represented tradition. www.fullerton.edu/arts/art/sculpture- The modernists and their patrons, who collection/sculpture-coll-2.php#divJ. To found little support in the mainstream, see the “Liquid Art” Road Trip with grouped their strength in newly-formed Huell Howser episode with the segment art alliances. They worked and exhibited featuring CSUF’s Wall Gazing Gallery, their art apart from what they called check out blogs.chapman.edu/huell- ‘officialdom.’ howser-archives/2002/09/09/liquid-art- This movement, which had gained road-trip-with-huell-howser-114-2/. ANUARY J 2021 ARTS FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 15

Christmas stockings from HITS North Cities Quilt Guild

& The North Cities Quilt Guild's Christmas Stocking Chair Martha Ruiz, MISSES recently delivered 500 handmade stock- by Joyce Mason © 2020 ings to the Crittenton home. Beverly Berryman was pleased to receive these stockings, which were distributed to their residents. The North Cities Quilt MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM: TWO HITS Guild is composed of members from Fullerton, Anaheim, Yorba Linda, Playwright August Wilson (1945- underscore this, Wilson uses a centuries- Placentia, and Brea. The Guild is 2005) left behind a series of ten plays old archetypal device from fairy tales presently meeting via Zoom on the 4th about Black American life. Most of and myths – the magic of shoes. Before Monday of the month during which an these are set in Pittsburgh, as was the coming to the rehearsal, Levee has pur- expert teacher demonstrates her tech- 2016 filmed version of “Fences.” But chased a pair of shiny bright yellow nique and shows her quilts. Please visit “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” the most shoes, which he proudly displays to his their web site: www.northcitiesquilt- recently adapted Wilson play, takes fellow performers. If anyone accidental- Stockings for Crittenton. guild.org. place in Chicago in 1927 at the peak of ly bumps up against these golden shoes, the great migration of southern Blacks Levee falls into a rage. Their symbolic to the large cities in the north. Producing power will play out until the final scenes this film is Denzel Washington, who of this film. both produced and starred in “Fences” Also creating dissension within the Holiday Gifts for and has committed to bringing Wilson’s small group of Black musicians is plays to the screen. Rainey’s companion, Dussie Mae City Lights Residents We first see Ma Rainey (Viola Davis), (Taylour Paige), who is young, seduc- often called the mother of the blues, per- tive and beautiful. She fancies a role for by KJ Lee forming in a large rural Georgia tent for herself as an entertainer, but she has lit- an entirely Black audience. But her tle or no talent. However, her attraction Fullerton City Lights is a low- recordings have reached a northern to Levee creates another source of ani- income transitional housing com- white audience as well, and the remain- mosity between Rainey and the upstart plex for mostly formerly home- der of the film is set within or just out- trumpeter. Another source of contention less people. side a recording studio in Chicago. within the group of entertainers is After the first dark week of Rainey’s agent, Irv (Jeremy Shamos), is expressed by Levee’s assault on belief in December, things turned around white, as are the studio employees, but God. One of the musicians, an ordained from nothing to abundance: the rehearsing musicians are Black. minister, is particularly offended by • A beautiful pre-lit tree was Establishing her clout as a now-famous Levee’s dismissal of “a white man’s donated by three ladies from the blues singer, Rainey arrives late and God,” who has no concern for the prob- Fullerton business community. insists on drinking a bottle of Coca Cola lems faced by Blacks. • After a local food bank heard before she can begin recording. Not The film “Ma Rainey’s Black the staff was planning to hand out all handwritten by their teenage members. only is Rainey establishing her authority Bottom” has been adapted by Ruben stockings to each resident, they • To top it all off, Fullerton City Lights resi- within the recording business, but we Santiago-Hudson, who opened up some brought all kinds of goodies to dents had a Christmas meal sponsored by quickly see that she will not tolerate of the scenes by taking them to the out- put in the Christmas gift bags. VOX Church, who had also provided hand innovation within the group of musi- doors. But viewers of this film will • The Vine Church in Fullerton sanitizers and masks. cians who accompany her. A cheeky, notice elements of stagecraft in the use brought over 200 pairs of winter brash, and talented trumpet player of confined spaces within the recording socks, and 135 Christmas cards, KJ Lee is a social worker at City Lights. Levee (Chadwick Boseman) has con- studio. They may also notice the play’s vinced the rehearsing band that Rainey extensive use of dialogue and lengthy had agreed to perform his newer, jazzier soliloquies, especially in the scenes with rendition of her songs. But opening her Levee. mouth full of gold-plated teeth and In a film distinguished by remarkable throwing her considerable weight acting on the part of the ensemble of around the studio (Davis wears a fleshy characters and the superbly talented body suit), Rainey insists there will be Davis, the actor who stands out in every no new arrangements to her music. She frame he inhabits is Boseman, for whom and she alone will control the style and this was his last film. Boseman (who sounds of her recorded music. portrayed Jackie Robinson, James Wilson’s play is adept at depicting the Brown, Thurgood Marshall, and Black transfer of anger and frustration toward Panther on film) died at age 44, just the power that the white community months after completing this film. wields over Blacks to the rivalry and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” can be dissension within their own ranks. To seen on Netflix.

TWO HITS: Don’t Miss it! A HIT & A MISS: You Might Like it. TWO MISSES: Don’t Bother. Page 16 FULLERTON OBSERVER COMMUNITY VOICES JANUARY 2021

community is a good example. Jews Fullerton Out of My Mind consistently support Democrats by around 75%. Yet while the ratio is sig- Observer by Jon Dobrer © 2020 nificant, so is the split. This ration and controversy is also true in many com- The Fullerton Observer Community munities of color. Newspaper, founded by Ralph and The violence and killing of African Natalie Kennedy, Roy and Irene YEAR-END COLUMN: Kobayashi, and other friends in 1978, is Americans, too often under color of staffed mainly by local volunteers who ANNUS HORRIBILIS TO ANNUS MIRABILIS authority, was supposed to awaken a create, publish, and distribute the paper “racial reckoning.” It didn’t. We are not throughout our community. having an important conversation on This venture is a not-for-profit one - All over the world, columnists are that’s not true. Perhaps the biggest loss race and racism in America. We are talk- revenues are plowed back into maintain- writing the same year-end column. Its was of their dignity in either attempting ing, and often shouting at, but seldom ing and improving our independent, non- universal message is Thank God this to overturn the election or worse (in my listening to, each other. And these shout- partisan, non-sectarian community news- Year is Over. We are united in believing view) pretending to try to overturn the paper. Our purpose is to inform Fullerton ing matches are usually between people residents about the institutions and other that we’ll be well rid of this Annus election and thus surrendering their who are in fundamental agreement. On societal forces which most impact their Horribilis. For me, and many others, the credibility, principles, and integrity on the other hand, those opposed to owning lives, so that they may be empowered to year will not end at midnight December the altar of a false god whom they fear up to our history are not even listening. participate in constructive ways to keep 31, but will be extended to January 20 at but don’t believe in. Overlaying this whole year of our dis- and make these private and public entities noon. Whatever they say publicly, many content is COVID-19 and the serve all residents in lawful, open, just, There are some few compensatory hope that Trump takes his money and 20,000,000 sick and 350,000 dead in the and socially-responsible ways. Through blessings this year. Through Zoom and runs—not for office but from the ability our extensive coverage, we seek to pro- United States alone—as of this writing. mote a sense of community and an appre- Facetime we see each other more but to exercise political power. They have Our absolute number of deaths leads the ciation for the values of diversity with touch each other less. I haven’t hugged a learned that his rage can defeat a candi- world, and our death rate is second high- which our country is so uniquely blessed. grandchild since March. date, but his endorse- est in the developed world, just below ______This is a microcosm of ment cannot elect one. Belgium. While no country is doing our electronically con- Besides, there are well, we are doing extremely badly. 10,000 issues of the Fullerton Observer nected but physically dis- many pretenders for To be fair, countries that seemed to are distributed throughout Fullerton tanced world. the presidential nomi- have had it under control, such as Israel, and sent through the mail to subscribers The great every two weeks except only once The Horribilis part of nation—Ted Cruz, Germany, and South Korea, lost control in January, July & August. this Annus is, like challenge of Marco Rubio, John and the virus spread anew. This is a COVID-19, bi-partisan. the new year Cronyn, and a whole world-wide plague, but we have been HOW TO SUBSCRIBE For Conservatives, the is to heal. host of lean and hun- further plagued by politicizing both the Subscriptions are $35 per year. year marked the end of gry pols. virus and masks. This has cost us thou- Sign up and pay with Credit Card at the alliance of conserva- For Democrats, the sands of additional lives. www.fullertonobserver.com tive principles and the year is also an Annus or by check with name & address to: We don’t have The true leitmotif of the year is our Fullerton Observer, PO Box 7051, Republican Party. Gone to agree, but we Horribilis. Yes, they political divisions and toxic partisan- Fullerton CA 92834-7051 were their once core val- must curtail won the presidency, ship. This is the long-lasting plague that ues of balanced budgets, but it will not be easy will not be cured by a vaccine or a single ______free trade, and character being or fun for Biden if they election. We have become angry and counting. Many princi- disagreeable. don’t win the Senate. tribal, making enemies out of adver- HOW TO ADVERTISE pled Republicans ran— Senator Mitch “Dr. saries and attacking people rather than Call 714-525-6402, or email some to the Lincoln No” McConnell will [email protected] policies. The great challenge of the new or visit us online at Project, which wasn’t hold up legislation and year is to heal. We don’t have to agree, www.fullertonobserver.com liberal but simply anti- court appointments. but we must curtail being disagreeable. ______Trump. Some just with- And while many of Certainly there are bad people in the drew and donated less. Trump’s Executive world. However, the vast majority of SUBMISSIONS: For Republicans, fissures opened Orders can be rescinded, many regula- folks are decent and well-meaning. Submissions on any topic of interest between those who believed that Trump tions, now purged, will be difficult to Until we know this, we will be a house are accepted from Fullerton residents. was a fine president and those who were reinstate. The Dems were rightly disap- divided against itself and will not stand. We strive to get something about simply cowed by fear of being called pointed in the down ballot election Having an Annus Mirabilis depends everything in but shorter pieces do have out, mean-Tweeted, and primaried. results when, instead of gaining seats in on opening our ears, eyes and hearts to a better chance of getting in. These people learned that no amount of the House, they lost seats; instead of each other and moving forward, not in Email: [email protected] surrender of formerly held principles gaining a majority in the Senate, they ______lock step but with respect—to help and was enough; no loyalty, flattery, or obe- are hovering two seats short. heal our bruised and hurting nation. I am • STAFF• dience could buy them protection from Democrats too are fighting a civil war hopeful. To believe otherwise would • EDITOR: Jesse La Tour his rage if they varied from his ever- between the moderates (called cede the future to the angry and despair- •CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER: Mehul Desai changing whims. Sen. Mitch McConnell “Socialists” by Republicans) and the ing. •ADVERTISING: Saskia Kennedy was left to twist in the wind many times progressives (called “Communists” by I pray that 2021 will be a year of heal- •REPORTERS: Jane Rands, before Trump’s showy but phony veto Republicans). Many moderate ing, a year when we get out of our phys- Matthew Leslie, Jane Reifer, threat of a COVID-19 Stimulus Bill. Democrats, while agreeing that Black Judith Kaluzny, Lance Langdon, ical and spiritual claustrophobia and Divia Swendson From Gen. Mattis to Gen. Kelly, from Lives Matter, believe that talk of return to the nation, the people, and the • DATABASE MANAGER: Jane Buck Jeff Sessions to the seemingly infinitely defunding the police cost them seats. places we love. • COPY EDITOR: Terry Hendricks compliant Bill Barr, past acts of support Democrats don’t understand how more • PROOF READER: Christine Romer and loyalty could not be banked. Even people of color voted for Trump in 2020 • DISTRIBUTION: Irene Kobayashi, the slightest variance from Trump and than in 2016. They can’t believe that any Marjorie Kerr, Leslie Allen you’re voted, by the only voter who person of color voted for Trump. •DELIVERY: Victor Cortes counts, off the island. It’s a terrible blind spot and a form of •ROVING REPORTER: Jere Greene The biggest loss for the Republicans racism to believe that any ethnic group Re: Mid • COUNCIL REPORT: Jane Reifer • DOWNTOWN REPORT: Mike Ritto was the White House. Well, maybe is owned by a political party. The Jewish December Issue • SCHOOL BOARD REPORTS: Jan Youngman & Vivien Moreno Your latest issue—Mid-December •YOUTH EDITOR: Francine Vudoti 2020—is an especially good one. The •POLITICAL COMMENTARY: cover story about Fullerton businesses Jonathan Dobrer, Vince Buck resisting the latest pandemic restrictions •CROSSWORD: Valerie Brickey HOW TO VOICE YOUR OPINION is well-reported, balanced, and clearly •PHOTOGRAPHERS: written. Your coverage of the recent Jere Greene, Mike Ritto The Community Opinion pages provide a free forum for the commu- council elections—including the long •SCIENCE: Sarah Mosko nity. The Observer welcomes letters on any subject of interest. Opinions •GARDENING: Penny Hlavac are those of the writer. We must verify your identity, but we allow ini- interviews with the new members—is excellent. • MOVIE REVIEW: Joyce Mason tials only and town to be printed if desired, or anonymous in print if a • THEATRE REVIEWS: Angela Hatcher Having spent 25 years on the opinion •VIDEO OBSERVER: Emerson Little reasonable case can be made as to why that is necessary. Opinions sent page of The Orange County Register, I to us without name, address and phone number will not be printed. Due am acutely aware of the loss of local Created & Published in Fullerton to space issues shorter letters have a better chance of getting in. Please news coverage. And I am guessing I by local volunteers since 1978 Published by Fullerton Observer LLC add your contact information so we can verify. Thanks! would disagree with most of the Observer's editorial opinions. But I am [email protected] grateful for and impressed with your The Early February 2021 issue will or mail to: ability to keep us Fullerton residents hit the stands on February 1. Fullerton Observer, informed about important city issues.

SUBMISSION & AD PO Box 7051, Fullerton CA 92834 Matt Leone DEADLINE: January 25. Fullerton JANUARY 2021 COMMUNITY VOICES FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 17 Re: City Allows Outdoor Dining in Defiance of State Health Order California state government is a 10 months, yet none of his 58 separate democracy whose powers are divided edicts have been approved by the legis- among the legislative, executive, and lature, which has had plenty of time to judicial branches. The "Regional Stay- act. On December 8, L.A. County At-Home Order" referred to by the Superior Court Judge ruled against that Observer (in the Mid December issue) is county's outdoor dining ban, as there the arbitrary edict of one man—Gavin was no "risk-benefit analysis" showing Newsom—that has not been passed by any connection with COVID-19 spread. the legislature. The Fullerton Police Newsom himself doesn't think so either, Department should not enforce it. It as his crowded unmasked dinner at the should not shut down hundreds of local French Laundry showed. businesses and throw thousands out of There are many places in the world work. where the police enforce one-man rule. Conspiracy Thinking and Politics Emergency powers granted the Fullerton should not be one of them. Governor are of limited scope when Op-Ed by Divia Swendson right beliefs. In the time I spent search- there's no time for legislative action. Chris Norby ing through the site, I saw people claim- This pandemic has been with us now for Fullerton The definition of a conspiracy theory ing that the death numbers for COVID- is a belief that some covert but influen- 19 were increased through fraud tial organization is responsible for a cir- because people would test deceased cumstance or event. Conspiracy groups people and, if they were positive, would The Failure of Measure S are often characterized by an ideology in count them in the death count. opposition of the status quo. Along with this, a topic of conversa- I am concerned about the next few ties like the Muckenthaler Center and What happens when conspiracists tion was the COVID-19 vaccines. I saw years for our City with the failure of the Fullerton Museum Center. make up a large part of the population, numerous comments calling those who Measure S. We cannot ignore those These are the things that make and what power do they hold to influ- got the vaccine “devil worshippers.” areas that need additional financial sup- Fullerton a city of which we can be ence politics and public policy? We’d These ideas seem outrageous, but port. proud. assume this would not be able to hap- when people are exposed to only one Nobody disagrees about the needs They are also the bedrock of our City's pen, that the system is set up to ward it point of view in the media, and disre- regarding our streets along with the infrastructure as much as streets are off, or that people will not accept things gard every other perspective, there is no accompanying infrastructure that we infrastructure. It is this holistic approach at face value. limit to what can be don't see under the streets. that makes for a city where businesses However, we can’t believed. But there are other needs that must be want to grow and others want to come. deny that these people A lack of limits on acknowledged that define what makes a The pandemic has created much hard- exist. A portion of our What what is believable is city. ship on activities and businesses, includ- population holds certain happens when reflected in a lack of Our diminished level of sworn officers ing City revenues. We need elected lead- beliefs despite their conspiracists established leadership. as it relates to our growth in population; ership that takes the long view and pays being disproven again There’s inherent danger Our maintenance services positions of attention to what makes for a vibrant and again. make up a here, because if no one is a dozen lost that have not been refilled; community. This will require bold, If you’ve ever talked large part of “professional” enough, Our main Library, an institution which imaginative ideas, and action. with a conspiracist, you the population, who is there to listen to? is central to our City, with staff hours know the frustration of and what power This phenomenon of lack and public access diminished by half; Molly McClanahan debating them. People of established leadership The removal of any support for ameni- Fullerton have disputed my do they hold to in conspiracies is research because “we influence politics described by M. Denith, can’t trust the media” and public a sociologist specializing when I’ve brought up policy? in the study of conspira- Letter to the Superintendent and Board of the information from an arti- cies. In an article pub- cle. lished in A Journal of Fullerton School District This didn’t surprise me Knowledge, Culture, and because the only way Policy, he says, “The Your decision to keep the schools terrified that she is going to die because someone could hold on to disproven kind of expertise, then, we might associ- open for on-site education has exposed her parents have COVID-19. views is by being extremely selective ate with conspiracy theories is largely my daughter and son-in-law to COVID- Keep this in mind as you "celebrate" when it comes to sources. This general improvised – in that it lacks institutional 19. your holidays knowing that your deci- us versus them mentality conspiracists features – and, I argue, ideally the prod- Because you required them to come to sion caused my family to be exposed to hold is not dissimilar to what I’ve seen uct of a community of inquiry.” In the the campus, they tested positive for this dangerous virus. woven into politics today. case of Trump supporters, they’ve cho- COVID-19 today. Your short-sighted When the two words “fake news” hold sen to follow their “experts,” which are That means all the decision exposed stu- children they saw this dents, staff, and teachers the power to get rid of all ideas of pro- their fellow thinkers and above every- fessionalism or integrity, it’s no wonder thing else, Trump himself. By promot- week were exposed, all in your district to harm we see an increase in conspiracy think- ing conspiracies, he has cultivated an the teachers and staff Your short-sighted and you have violated ing. audience similar to the conspiracy group were exposed, and my decision exposed your primary responsi- I’ve seen this especially in Trump sup- leaders with whom he has been taking grandchildren were bility of creating a safe exposed. students, staff, environment. You porters who stand by their denial of meetings. Those deemed as profession- and teachers election results. They distrust all media als only months previous to the election Each of you needs to should all resign imme- that don’t align with Trump. This idea of are now disputed by the same people be a substitute teacher in your district diately. There are more fake versus real and us versus them goes who used to preach their words because for a week in your to harm and you qualified individuals beyond the practice of independent they are no longer standing behind schools and get have violated who care about teachers, exposed to students students and staff more thinking. First, they find ways to ration- Trump. This type of infinite trust people your primary alize extremist views. Along with this, hold in him is comparable to the mental- who have been than you. I’ve noticed a sense of pride in holding ity of someone involved in a cult. exposed to COVID-19, responsibility of I pray that you will not these views because they believe they I know families torn apart by this but their parents do not creating a safe have someone in your are “in the know.” However, what they exact predicament. People whose moth- notify the school. If it environment. family get infected don’t see is that their utter distrust for ers or fathers no longer speak to them, is so safe, you go into because of poor deci- the mainstream media has led them to children who feel they don’t have par- the classrooms and sion-making on the part adopt a new media that they’ve found ents because of this ideology that every- teach. But you won't of people in your life. via their conspiracy outlets. Their idea thing other than their word is not to be because your decisions I pray that they will all of independent thinking in actuality is trusted. It should be worrisome to all don't impact you. be safe. Thanks to you, following the reasoning of a new leader that despite numerous experts disputing Your decision to require teachers to my family is not safe. or group. Trump, people would rather lose family teach on campus instead of online, like We do not have that luxury of cele- Extremism, such as the questioning of than accept that he’s out of office. the majority of the districts in southern brating together because of you. We will an election's results without basis, will Through this, Trump has instilled the California, is the reason they have con- spend our time hoping that all will be only continue to grow, especially same distrust in the media, and the same tracted COVID-19. well. through the refusal to accept legitimate us versus them mentality that is This is your responsibility and you are Live with that knowledge. sources. observed in groups of conspiracists. His the reason they are sick. If it gets worse With deepest regret for your poor Now there’s even a separate social promotion of conspiracy theorists has for them it will be on your head and you judgement, media for those arguing for “free brought their ideas into broad swaths of will have to live with it for the rest of speech” although it seems the site the population and is unprecedented in your lives. Joe P Moore Jr. (Parler) consists solely of those with far American history. My granddaughter did distance learn- Hacienda Heights ing and, because of you, is crying and Page 18 FULLERTON OBSERVER TRIBUTES JANUARY 2021

Georgeanna Jackson Joseph Vester Arnold McGaw Irwin Cummings Our beloved Georgeanna Jackson Arnold McGaw Joseph Vester Cummings was born in Irwin, of Franklin TN, passed away December 11, Sacramento, CA on December 31, 1955. He 2020 at the age of 89. Georgeanna was born in passed away December 11, 2020 at his home in Morgantown, WV to the late Wilbert H. & Placentia, CA. Joseph graduated from Fullerton Georgeanna Robbins McGaw. She was the founder, High School in 1973 where he found his love owner and operator of Jan Irwin Interiors for many for Music, which led him to being a stagehand decades. Her surviving family members are two sons, and lighting tech. He was a member of the Geoff (Susan) Irwin of Fullerton, CA and Charles United States Air Force following his parent’s (Kavita) Irwin of Orange, CA; and two daughters, footsteps in the Air Force. He was preceded in Laura (Larry) Randolph of Franklin, TN and Meg death by his parents William and Rose (Lynn) Crew of Franklin, TN. Georgeanna’s grand- Cummings, and aunt, Clara Trout. He is sur- children include Alexandra (Bruce) Anliker, Gregory vived by his sisters Clara C. McFarland and (Jessica) Irwin, and Emily (Morgan) Nelson; great- officiated the service. Burial was in Williamson Kathleen (Mark) Haymaker, nieces Leslie C. grandchildren Noah, Emery, Isaiah, Oliver, Isla, Raul, Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Geoff Irwin, (Christopher) Copeland, Shawna R. McFarland, Anna, and Lee. Funeral service for family and rela- Bruce Anliker, Lynn Crew, Larry Randolph, Gregory and Andrea J. (David) Foster. and great tives was held 11am Wednesday December 30, 2020 Irwin, and Morgan Nelson. Memorials may be made nephews, Justen and Logan Foster. at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home with visita- to Living Rain Ministries, P.O. Box 682965, His final resting place will be Riverside tion one hour prior to the service. Larry Randolph Franklin, TN 37068. National Cemetery.

Martha Darby McCarthy (1937-2020) Borrego with her own family, she loved natural history, and especially birds, with books on plants, mam- mals, birds and geology a constant fixture of her Fullerton home. She also tolerated her husband’s passion for sailing, making several voyages with her husband and sons aboard the Anhinga (“the Water Turkey”) beyond the breakwaters of Oceanside Harbor, even venturing to enjoy the rare excursion off the coast to Catalina Island. Martha will be remembered as a deeply caring mother, grandmother, and devoted friend. She loved the theatre and books, with novels and nonfiction on topics such as “On The Idea of Progress” jostling for space with bird-guides on her shelves. Analyst for the City of Santa Ana— Martha herself would say she was a Martha in the lab with "George" in the late 1950's a position she held and enjoyed for “perfectionist to a fault” in almost (CSUF Science building, now McCarthy Hall) more than twenty years, and from everything she did, from science in which she ultimately retired in her younger life, to her work as an Martha Darby McCarthy of be re-named California State 2007. analyst, even extending to her Book Fullerton passed away at the age of 83 University, Fullerton. Martha and After her husband Miles’ passing Group, where she was famous for on October 28, 2020, after several Miles worked side by side in setting in 1995, Martha devoted major endlessly annotated novels, and even years of declining health. She was up a new laboratory (in a building time and effort to the care of her for displaying actual sword-fishing born June 7, 1937, to Fredryc and located in a vast campus orange own mother, who endured a long hooks, line, and gear to enhance one Priscilla Darby in Berkeley, grove) dedicated to burn physiology struggle with Alzheimer's. In this book discussion. But above all, from California, and spent much of her research. While raising two sons, time Martha was supported by her her devotion to her grandmother, her early childhood moving with her fam- Martha phased out of active scientific delight in spending time with her mother, her children, grandchildren ily for her father’s teaching appoint- research, but remained intensely and Miles’s grandchildren, and by and her life-long friends, she was ments at colleges and universities dur- engaged both with her children and the many lifelong friends she made always ready to think of others before ing and after World War II, including with the growing State College. In from her years in Fullerton, includ- herself. the United States Military Academy at particular, Martha was one of the orig- ing her 3 decades-long Book Group Martha is predeceased by her sister West Point, Vassar College, UC inal advocates and founders of the and her co-workers at the City of Jane and husband Miles, and survived Berkeley, and ultimately Pomona Fullerton Arboretum, and served for Santa Ana. In her last years, she by her sons Matthew and Martin, sib- College, where the family settled in many years as President of the found her greatest pleasure in the lings Cathy and David Darby, neighboring Claremont, California, in Fullerton Arboretum Commission. many visits with friends, family stepchildren Ellen, Lynne, and Miles 1949. She was also active in local politics and especially her youngest grand- Scott McCarthy, her nieces and Martha Graduated from Claremont through the League of Women Voters. children—Eva, Jack, and nephew Elizabeth, Amy and David, High School in 1955, where she She was passionate about natural Christopher. She loved her grand- and her three grandchildren and eight served in student government and resource and energy conservation children passionately, and loved step-grandchildren. When circum- earned high academic honors. She issues, and produced multiple careful- reading and re-reading favorite sto- stances permit we are looking forward attended Antioch College in Yellow ly researched presentations on energy ries, playing games, leading expe- to a celebration of her life, tentatively Springs, Ohio, from 1955 to 1957, and policy and alternate energy develop- ditions to search for lizards, frogs planned for the Fullerton Arboretum would relate fond memories of her ment throughout the 1970s. These and butterflies, watching favorite in Fall of 2021 where her family is college years, particularly internships efforts culminated in her “dream job” movies, and enjoying In-N-Out organizing the commission of a bench in New York City and in Washington with the California State Alternative Burgers with them in her backyard. in her memory. In lieu of flowers, D.C. In 1957 she left Antioch College Energy Grants Program, based at She enriched their lives immeasur- contributions may be made to the and returned to California to assist CSUF, where she ultimately served as ably as the most wonderful grand- Fullerton Arboretum (PO Box 6850, with the care of her ailing grandmoth- Program Director before the federal mother a child could wish for. Fullerton 92834; write “For er. Transferring to UC Riverside, program was ended in the early 1980s. Throughout Martha’s life, the McCarthy Bench” in comment line). Martha graduated from UCR with an Her leadership experience with the natural world, and in particular the Alternately, donations can be made in honors degree in Biology in 1960, one AET Grants Program motivated mountains, were among her great- Martha’s memory to the Audubon of five women in the physical sciences Martha to return to graduate school, est passions and pleasures. Society, The Sierra Club, League of in her graduating class. earning a Master’s degree in Public Beginning with trips with her own Women Voters, or the ACLU. Photos In 1959, she married Miles D. Administration from CSUF in 1987 at mother and grandfather into the and online remembrances of Martha’s McCarthy, and the couple settled in the age of 50. Extraordinarily exact- Sierra Nevada and Tuolumne life may be found at Fullerton, where Dr. McCarthy had ing in everything she did, an intern- Meadows in Yosemite, and sus- LastingMemories.com (www.lasting- been offered a teaching position at ship during her graduate studies led to tained through annual pilgrimages memories.com/memorial/martha- Orange County State College, soon to a position as a Senior Personnel to Lassen National Park and Anza darby-mccarthy). JANUARY 2021 TRIBUTES & NEWS FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 19

JOHN DALE SWANSON OUR TOWN CROSSWORD © 2020

On Dec. 14, 2020, John Dale John was an expert at furniture restora- ANSWER tion. A lifelong Methodist, John served Swanson, Sr. passed away at the age of KEY 91 of Alzheimer’s dementia complicated many years on the board at the Lehigh TO PUZZLE by COVID-19 at Gordon Lane Care Methodist Church and more recently in Brownsville. He was a member of the “SO LONG, 2020!” Center in Fullerton. John was born on on page 7: Feb. 17, 1929 in Sioux City, Iowa to Dayton CC in Iowa and VICC in Ralph and Bernadine Post Swanson. He Brownsville, Texas. He relocated to grew up in Odebolt, Iowa. He excelled California near Scott and Barb due to in football and track in high school. He declining health, and desiring to remain received his BA in Business at the in a warmer climate. He lived most University of Iowa, recently at Oakmont of was a member of Orange but was moved Beta Theta Pi serv- to the Gordon Lane Care ing as president his Center upon diagnosis senior year and of COVID-19. PUZZLE MASTER completed Air He was preceded in Valerie Brickey Force ROTC. He death by his father, was born in served in the US Air Ralph Swanson, his Fullerton and Force in the Korean mother, Bernadine returned to raise Conflict as a navi- Swanson and his wife her family here. gator/bombardier Margaret (Maggie) She has been and flew 50 combat Swanson. He is survived contributing missions in a B26. by his sons: John D. puzzles since 2014. While in the serv- Swanson Jr. (Jack) and his wife, Suzanne and ice, he married COVID-19 UPDATE continued from page 3 Margaret Alma their children Katherine (Katie) Swanson, her Shoemaker on Dec. Dr. Paul Sheikewitz, one of the five to According to a department press husband Noah 18, 1954 in New receive the vaccine, said the Orange release, Firefighter/EMTs and Niermann and children Mexico. His work hospital had done a “wonderful” job of Firefighter/Paramedics will receive the Tressa and Eve Niermann, Kurtis and took them to Peoria, Il, Topeka, KS, expanding their capacity, but that they vaccine. Fullerton and Brea share fire- his wife Kimberley Swanson and their Palatine, IL until he moved his family to were probably at their limit at that point. fighting services under the joint com- daughter, Juniper and Kari Swanson. the farm in Iowa in 1964. He and his St. Joseph has treated thousands of mand of Chief Adam Loeser who Scott D. Swanson and his wife Barbara brother Richard Swanson successfully patients since the pandemic began. received the first injection “as a sign of and their children, David and Sarah farmed until his retirement at 65. He and Medical workers at St. Jude received the good faith” to encourage others to get Swanson. He is also survived by his Maggie retired to Brownsville, Texas. first doses of the vaccine that same vaccinated when they can. First respon- very special friend, Minerva Lieck of He loved the challenge of farming and morning (Dec. 16). ders are prioritized as recipients of some Brownsville, Texas. introduced no-till farming to his peers. Another shipment of the Pfizer vac- of the first vaccinations. Due to COVID-19, a service will be He was an avid golfer and Iowa cine, consisting of 17,000 doses, was County health officials continue to held in Lehigh, IA with interment at Hawkeye football fan. John always had also expected the following week. urge residents to: West Lawn Cemetery at a later date. The many friends and enjoyed good conver- Thirty-two thousand doses of another • Wear a mask around anyone you family would like to thank the staff at sation. Civic engagement was important vaccine, developed by Moderna, were don’t live with. Oakmont of Orange for the excellent to John as a member of the Lehigh scheduled to arrive that week, as well. • Do not gather with other house- care over the past few years, Seasons Lions, River Days Committee, and other The County’s estimated 200,000 health holds. Hospice in Orange, as well as the local causes. He and Maggie ran an care workers and 12,000 first responders • Wash your hands often with soap Gordon Care Center. antique shop in Lehigh for many years. are some of the first to receive the vac- and water for at least 20 seconds or use cines, but there are not yet enough doses hand sanitizer. to go around. Health Care Agency and • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and County Health Officer Dr. Clayton Chau mouth. indicated that he didn’t expect members • Stay home if you are sick and call of the general public to receive the vac- your primary care provider or urgent cine until late February or early March, care. 2021. • Make certain you don’t run out of Fourth District Supervisor Doug any routine, prescription medication by Chaffee (Fullerton) was on hand to help staying in touch with your primary care introduce the proceedings at St. Joseph provider. on Dec. 16. Supervisor Chaffee co- chairs the County’s Ad-Hoc Testing Committee, which has also been tasked with overseeing distribution of the new vaccines. Ten hospitals in Orange County have been approved to receive vaccine shipments after having submit- ted plans to the state of California that include the number of health care work- ers for each respective facility. Chaffee said that doses of the vaccines made available to St. Jude in Fullerton would be distributed through the Providence system. On Dec. 28, members of Fullerton Fire Department began receiving the Moderna vaccine. JANUARY 2021 HOMELESSNESS FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 20 The Longest Night by Jane Rands

December 21, which has the longest night of the year, is National Homeless Persons Memorial Day. Tim Houchen of Hope 4 Restoration organized a candle- light vigil for the 329 people who have died while being homeless in Orange County in 2020. This is the fourth remembrance Houchen has hosted. Among the names of the deceased are people he knew from the 5 years he survived living on the street. Unlike prior years, this year’s memorial was held on YouTube because of COVID-19 and it was co-hosted by Dot Leach of Women Drivers Interfaith Group. Leach said the number of people who have died homeless this year has increased during the pandemic. She Wall of names of those who died homeless in Orange County in 2020. PHOTO BY TIM HOUCHEN. explained that the purpose of the event was to say each name in remembrance, and to make a commitment to perma- Dennis Kriz from St. Philip Benizi, and were interspersed throughout. about leaders to bring long-term change nently house and feed those in need. the Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist When the names of the 329 men, to help our brethren,” and Rabbi Heather She asked people watching from their Church spoke of hope and caring for women, and children had been read, Miller gave a sacred blessing that is homes to light candles and listen to the people in need. Brigette Purdy sang “He Ain’t Heavy, meant to be said each year on the prayers and songs from different reli- Volunteers took turns reading names He’s my Brother” during a black-and- anniversary of a loved one’s death. gions and in different languages. The that were displayed in white on a black white photo-montage of people living Finally, the New Hope Presbyterian Orange County Islamic Foundation, background until the screen filled and on the street. A final prayer from Sheikh Ensemble sang a spiritual while the Baha’i Faith, Congregation B’nai emptied. Video clips of some personal Tarik Ata, Orange County Islamic camera panned the panels displaying the Tzedel, New Hope Presbyterian, Fr. memories from friends of the deceased Foundation, asked for God to “Bring names.

Fullerton Navigation Center Being Used as COVID-19 Site by Jesse La Tour

Due to a spike in COVID-19 cases handle as many clients as possible and across Orange County’s homeless shel- they have created a fluid situation, ters, Fullerton’s Navigation Center run according to Campbell. by Illumination Foundation is being “Like hospitals across the State and used as a site for homeless residents who County, homeless shelters and centers have contracted COVID-19. are reaching maximum capacity due to This operational change COVID-19,” Campbell began around December said. “Our efforts are 19 as residents from other designed to lessen the bur- facilities who had con- den on hospitals and our tracted COVID-19 were In congregate healthcare systems where Sleeping area inside the Fullerton Navigation Center. PHOTO BY SCHWARZ BRUDER. moved into the Fullerton settings with ICU beds are at 0% capac- shelter, and those who had dozens of people ity in Orange County.” tested negative were According to Jason sleeping and breathing the same air in the County had not shut down Project breathing the each room, the outbreaks of COVID-19 Roomkey while there was still funding,” moved to other facilities, same air, the Austin, Director of the including motels. County Office of Care seem almost inevitable. The guidance Weitzman said. “There is a high number outbreaks of Coordination, “We can from the CDC and State have called for A resident who was living at the of COVID-19-positive COVID-19 seem confirm that we are using making hygiene available, getting pri- Fullerton shelter and recently tested pos- cases throughout Orange almost inevitable. the Fullerton Navigation vate rooms with bathrooms when possi- itive for COVID-19 said that communi- County and this vulnera- Center as one of our sites ble, and providing the services needed to cation with residents was lacking during ble population is no dif- for individuals experienc- ‘shelter’ in place for anyone else so they these numerous operational changes, as ferent,” Terry Campbell, ing homelessness who are aren’t moved into these congregate set- COVID-19 cases continued to rise. VP of Marketing and either COVID-19 positive tings. We have seen similar issues in When the residents were tested, Communications at Illumination or symptomatic.” other counties when people are in con- “Instead of telling us, they just escorted Foundation, told the Observer. “We are “Unfortunately, this is exactly why we gregate living situations during a pan- the people who were negative or incon- isolating COVID-19-positive cases at have been pushing the use of single demic.” clusive to these motels. They brought the Fullerton Navigation and occupancy options [such as hotel In October, the County decided to end the negatives out and left the positives Recuperative Care Center because the rooms],” Brooke Weitzman, directing Project Roomkey, the program that shel- in, but they didn’t tell the people they size of the building can best handle this attorney with the Elder Law and tered elderly and disabled homeless peo- were positive until the following day,” need.” Disability Rights Center, told the ple at high risk for COVID-19 in motels, the resident told the Observer. Illumination Foundation is working in Observer. “In congregate settings with replacing it with Project Toolbelt, and The resident said that the Center has tandem with other shelter operators to shared bathrooms and dozens of people restricting new applicants. been filling up with COVID-19-positive “None of this would be happening if residents from other shelters around the County, including Salvation Army in Anaheim, and Mary’s Kitchen in Santa Ana. Located in the HEART of The Observer received word that all the shelters in Anaheim have been in Downtown Fullerton quarantine were not receiving new clients. These new restrictions and lock- 122 N Harbor Blvd #109 downs could impact cities’ ability to enforce anti-camping ordinances at this (714)
305-5582 time. “For vehicle dwellers and unsheltered people in this moment of crisis, shelter- Monday - Saturday 11-7 ing in place, wherever that is, seems necessary for community health,” Weitzman said.