1920s. Orange County, CaliforniaDuringthe Viable Community:TheKuKluxKlanin tled Christopher Cocoltchos(UCLA)enti- in a1979doctoraldissertationby Louis Plummer’s associationwasnoted terrorism againstminoritypopulations. to haveengagedinactsofviolenceand the KuKluxKlan. The KKKisknown that LouisPlummerwasassociatedwith lows: “Thehistoricalrecordindicates natures. Logwood thatgatheredover27,000sig- started byFullertonresidentJacqueline aware ofhispastinanonlinepetition community andschoolboardweremade the KuKluxKlanin1920s. The dence thatPlummerwasamemberof Plummer Auditorium becauseofevi- Louis E.Plummer’s namefromthe unanimously onJune16toremove School DistrictBoardof Trustees voted The Boardagendaitemreadasfol- The FullertonJointUnionHigh

OR CURRENT RESIDENT School Board Votes Submissions: [email protected] • The InvisibleGovernmentandthe from Auditorium Plummer Name

PRESORTED Continued onpage2

FULLERTON to Remove by JesseLa Tour BSERVER STANDARD U.S. FULLERTON’S ONLY INDEPENDENT NEWS O POSTAGE PAID PO BOX 7051 ADVERTISE IN THE OBSERVER PERMIT NO. 1577 FULLERTON CA 92834 714-525-6402 FULLERTON CA OR VISIT

F WWW.FULLERTONOBSERVER.COM ullerton police headquartersnextdoor. Hiredas Chief Dunnappearingfromhisoffice Fitzgerald remotelyfromCityHall,with later, washostedbyMayorJennifer on June23. The other, justtwodays the muralroomofpolicedepartment Fullerton Collaborative,tookplacein Councilmember Ahmad Zahraandthe Robert Dunn. The first,hostedby bers oftheCouncilandFPDChief with virtualtownhallsfeaturingmem- rethinking policingacrossthecountry responding tocallsfordefundingand/or members oftheCityCouncilare Development BlockGrantprogram. funds, specifically theCommunity will comefromfederal CARES Act due tothepandemic. lost theirjobsorhadreduced incomes despite thefactthatmany rentershad received noticeofan8.5%rentincrease, Palm Gardens Apartments, whorecently income renters,specificallythoseof rent freezeamidpleasfrommanylow- not havethevotestopassatemporary meeting. COVID-19 pandemicattheirJune16 program tohelpthoseimpactedbythe approved anemergency rentalassistance The FullertonPoliceDepartmentand Funding fortheprogram ($300,000) At apreviousmeeting,Councildid Fullerton CityCouncilunanimously C OUNCIL BLM Protests Leadto Virtual Town HallswithPoliceChief Reckoning withHistory: By MatthewLeslie by JesseLa Tour Auditorium atFullertonUnionHighSchoolduetoPlummer’s tiestotheKKK.PhotobyMikeRitto. A A SSISTANCE PPROVES •Est.1978 Contact: (714)525-6402•ReadOnlineat: TheHighSchoolBoard votedtoremove LouisE.Plummer’s namefrom the E

P (printed on20%recycled paper) they don’t. and aresubjecttodisciplinaryactionif whose officers followclearprocedures racist andmisogynistbehavior, and department asonethatisintolerantof and theCollaborative,presentinghis questions frommembersofthepublic Anaheim PoliceDepartment,fielded Public InformationOfficer forthe accepting ofchange.” being “championsofchange,and described thedepartment’s personnelas January thatsameyear. OnJune25he having beenbroughtonasacaptainin Acting Chiefsince August, 2018after Chief inJune,2019,Dunnhadservedas government assistance. their paychecksbutareineligible forany ers generallyhavetaxesdeducted from their legalstatus.Undocumented work- any governmentassistance becauseof to thepandemicandwere ineligiblefor undocumented. them wereLatinx,andsome were residentsofPalmGardens. All of approve theprogram.Manyofthem Fullerton rentersurged Councilto reduction inhoursorpay. pandemic throughjob-loss,furlough,or ically impactedduringtheCOVID-19 als andfamilieswhohavebeeneconom- tance grantstoincome-eligibleindividu- MERGENCY ChiefDunn,whoformerlyservedasa Some saidtheyhadlosttheirjobsdue During publiccomments,several The programwillproviderentalassis- ROGRAM

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School Board Votes to Remove Plummer Name from Auditorium Continued from front page Prior to Board discussion of the item, Louis Plummer’s attitude and actions President Andy Montoya read the many toward Mexican immigrants and their public comments that had been submit- children was complex, but it should be ted, the majority of which were in sup- noted that he presided over a school sys- port of the name change. tem that segregated its Latinx students Here are some excerpts from public from its white students. The definitive comments in support of removing the work on this topic is historian Gilbert name: Gonzalez’s book Labor and “Members of the KKK should not be Community: Mexican Citrus Workers honored in Orange County or anywhere Villages in a Southern California else in the United States.” County, 1900-1950. “Vote against hatred and anti-black- Other public commenters felt that the ness. Be on the right side of history.” board should not erase or “sanitize” his- “Having a public building named after tory by removing the name. a former KKK member is absolutely “Wiping out a man’s otherwise good unacceptable and sends name and good works for the wrong message to our mere membership in an students. At this moment organization 100 years we are watching racist ago, however distasteful, monuments being “Members of is not going to make a removed in cities across meaningful change,” America, and we should the KKK should wrote one commenter. join them.” not be honored Other public com- “Over 10,000 students in Orange County menters suggested that in the district are Latino, or anywhere else the Board should “slow Black, and Asian/Pacific down” and do more Islander…As elected in the research on Plummer’s officials, I call on you to United States.” KKK ties before voting do the right thing and to change the name. stand against racism and “I ask that the board white supremacy. Your doesn’t get caught up in actions today will be remembered in his- the movement and brand a local leader tory, and if I was in your position, I who did a lot of good for our community Jacqueline Logwood, who started the online petition to re-name Plummer would want to ensure that I was on the as a member of the KKK without doing Auditorium, stands in front of the building. right side of social justice.” more research,” wrote one commenter. Some public commenters opposed the During Board discussion of the name name change, citing Louis E. Plummer’s change, Trustee Joanne Fawley, who establishment of Fullerton College. It’s I’m not trying to erase history. I do not many contributions to Fullerton’s educa- placed the item on the agenda, said that part of the district’s history…I believe want to erase Plummer’s name, nor do I tional system. she not only read Cocoltchos’ disserta- it’s time to turn the page to a new era in want to discount the things that he did. “The research into Louis Plummer’s tion, but she was able to actually contact history.” But I do not want one of our buildings life shows no indication of discrimina- him. He is now a retired history profes- Trustee Cheseter Jeng said, “As an named after a person who joined the tion on his part,” wrote one commenter. sor. “I thought it was important since we immigrant of color, it is very offensive group, participated, and was a member “In fact, his life was filled with compas- are leaning on that as part of our deci- to me to walk into a building that is of the KKK.” sion for others, particularly the Mexican sion-making to hear from him,” Fawley named after a person associated with the Trustee Marilyn Buchi said that she immigrants who labored in the area’s said. KKK.” was conflicted about removing the citrus industry. Mr. Plummer worked “I believe that the research and analy- “I have spent numerous days research- name, but it was speaking with her with others to set up schools for the chil- sis from my dissertation speaks amply ing this issue and doing a lot of soul- younger family members that moved her dren of immigrants and to teach their for me,” Cocoltchos said. searching,” Board President Andy to support the name change. parents basic English in order to read Regarding the Plummer name change, Montoya said. “I feel that we all have “Plummer certainly did a lot in his 20 grocery labels. Weekly, he and his wife Fawley said, “No one’s denying the his- new eyes, a larger heart, and more years as a superintendent to benefit chil- would visit the labor camps and have a tory that took place with the establish- understanding. The name and associa- dren and the district, and the college. meal with the immigrants.” ment of Fullerton High School and the tion of Plummer and the KKK has to go. But my 15-year-old granddaughter said, ‘You know it’s the KKK that ruins it. She said with that name, with the KKK, his name can’t be on the building,’” Re-Name Fanning? A group of local activists are advocating for the Brea Olinda School District to re-name Buchi said. Fanning Elementary School whose namesake William Fanning was evidently also a KKK member in the 1920s Trustee Lauren Klatzker said, “I think along with nearly 1,200 prominent Orange Countians. You can find the petition at www.change.org. that it is never too late to confront our past, whether it’s our personal past or community past, and to look and reflect at the decisions made, and then to make changes moving forward to make us and our community better.” After public comments and discus- sion, the Board voted unanimously to remove the Plummer name from the auditorium. A new name will be decided at a future time. In response to the news, Jacqueline Logwood, who began the petition to remove the name, said, “When the Fullerton School Board unanimously voted to rename the Louis E. Plummer Auditorium, I felt a great sense of accomplishment, and I am overwhelmed by the amount of support the petition garnered in such a short period of time. Moreover, I am extremely grateful to everyone who signed the petition and shared their respective viewpoints. Overall, I am very thankful that the board rejected the status quo of an imperfect past and paved the way for a more inclusive and hopeful future.” JULY 2020 LOCAL NEWS FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 3

As COVID-19 Infections Rise, County Exceeds Some Threshold Numbers for Remaining Open

by Matthew Leslie

Fullerton is fast approaching a cumu- lative total of over 500 cases of COVID- 19 infections of City residents, an increase from 257 on June 9. The OC Health Care Agency (OCHCA) does not release numbers of deaths by city, but the online Huntington Beach Surf City Voice is reporting that Fullerton has had ten deaths from the virus, so far. It is unclear whether any of the deaths in the City have occurred in skilled nursing facilities, which have been the sites of the worst concentrated outbreaks coun- tywide and account for half of all County deaths. According to State sta- tistics, however, fewer than five such deaths in skilled nursing facilities have occurred in Fullerton. Overall, the County has recorded 323 deaths, the 4th .75% beyond the threshold. Tellingly, first require a referral from their Primary their own households. highest in the state. the HCA skipped its normal Thursday Care Physician or can use the County’s Violating the State’s face covering HCA Director Clayton Chau, who is afternoon briefing on June 25. testing network, which can be contacted order is supposed to be a misdemeanor also serving as Interim County Health HCA continues to push out new num- at 714-834-2000. Another questioned that could carry a fine, but, as with the Officer until a new one can be hired, bers of infections, deaths, hospitaliza- how the County could determine accu- previous County order, OC Sheriff Don said in a June 18 update that OC contin- tions, and other data daily, but has rate positivity rates for people tested for Barnes has indicated that his department ues to fare well in meeting the state of changed its website to utilize the the virus when its dataset didn’t seem to will not enforce it, leaving many to California’s threshold levels that are CalReady Database, incorporating an differentiate between the raw number of worry that infections will continue to supposed to trigger reevaluation of the interactive map model from The Johns tests given versus the number of people rise as some people refuse to wear a face County’s partially-open status, but in the Hopkins University, and linking to the tested, some of whom are tested more covering to protect others. To counter following week some of those numbers state of California’s COVID-19 website. than once. Chau had no ready answer to lax enforcement of refusals to wear face rose beyond those levels. According to that site, the County’s rate the question. coverings, Gov. Newsom’s office Board of Supervisors Chair Michelle of increasing hospitalizations averaged Michelle Steel presides over a Board recently announced that it might with- Steel continues to refer to Orange over a three-day period, has risen to that pressured Dr. Chau to downgrade hold State funding to counties that are County as a leader in taking proactive 17.6%, far above the 10% threshold set departed County Health Officer Dr. out of compliance with the State’s order. steps to protect the community despite by the State. The number of hospital Nichole Quick’s directive for residents At this time, it is not known if OC is in OC’s recent surpassing of neighboring ICU beds that remain available is to wear face coverings while in public to danger of losing critical support, but OC San Diego County in numbers of posi- 37.7%, a number below the State’s 20% a strong recommendation earlier in was one of several counties across the tive cases identified. During a June 18 threshold. And 67% of ventilators are June. Fullerton’s own separate mandato- State where authorities had announced update, Steel announced that the available. ry face covering order remained, but that they would not enforce the wearing County’s 7-day average of COVID-19 Some reporters on a June 18 press call both were overridden just a week later of face coverings. tests showing a positive for infections expressed skepticism that COVID-19 on June 18 by a state order to wear face Locally, some businesses are requir- was at 6.8%, below the California tests were easily available for asympto- coverings while shopping, taking transit, ing customers to wear face coverings, Department of Public Health’s threshold matic people who may be spreading the serving customers, and while in other but others are not, leaving local resi- of 8% that allows the County to remain disease without even knowing they have situations where individuals may come dents to compare notes about where they partially open. By the following week, it. Chau explained that people would in contact with one another outside of feel safe shopping. the number had increased to 8.75%,

CITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS courage challengers. In 2016, there were 5 candidates for District 5 where there IN 3 DISTRICTS THIS NOVEMBER was no current councilmember (incum- bent) running in the district. By contrast, in District 3 where there were 2 per- by Jane Rands member, will be vying for a seat in ceived incumbents running, there was District 4 this year. only one challenger. This year, residents living in 3 of the 5 Jan Flory’s at-large term also expires This year, Districts 1 and 4 are dis- Fullerton City Council Districts will be this year. She lives in District 2. tricts with perceived incumbents and voting to elect a district representative However, when the City Council select- each has only one challenger thus far. for the first time. Fullerton voters ed her to fill the at-large position vacat- Fred Jung, a former Parks and approved district elections and the dis- ed by Jesus Silva when he won the Recreation Commissioner and founder trict boundaries in 2016. In 2018, the District 3 election, she explicitly stated of the Fullerton Bears youth football first 2 Council members elected by dis- that she would not run for Council in league, was the only challenger to trict were Ahmad Zahra in District 5 and 2020. Mayor Fitzgerald in District 1, before Jesus Silva in District 3. Candidates cannot yet request a peti- Mayor Jennifer Fitzgerald learning she would not be running. Voters in Districts 1, 2, and 4 will see tion from the Fullerton City Clerk, but announced on June 25 that she District 4 also has a perceived incum- candidates for their respective council many have already signaled their intent will not seek re-election. bent and only one challenger, Jose district on their November 3 Presidential by filing campaign finance disclosure Trinidad Castaneda. Although Primary Ballot. The candidates are forms. Castaneda no longer plans to run as he required to live in the district for which District 2 has the most candidates so has said he will be stepping aside for a they are running. Also, only residents far. The first to file a Form 501 for his Andrew Do, filed his intent to run. more experienced and better-funded living in the district are eligible to vote campaign was Nick Dunlap in January District 2 has attracted more candi- candidate who has not yet publicly for a candidate in their district. 2019. He is a former Planning dates well in advance of the election, announced their campaign. At-large council members Jennifer Commissioner and the son of Paul likely because it is perceived as an open Candidates will formally file to run Fitzgerald and Bruce Whitaker were Dunlap, the owner of Villa de Sol and seat where no incumbent is on the bal- for City Council between July 13 and elected in 2016 and will serve their full founder of Dunlap Property Group. lot. Technically, the by-district elections August 7. Check the Elections link on terms until the end of this year. Charles Sargeant, who ran unsuccessful- in 2020 do not have any incumbents, but the City Clerk’s page at Fitzgerald released a statement on June ly in 2016, formally filed on August 22, many perceive a current at-large coun- CityOfFullerton.com to lookup your 25 stating that she will not be running 2019. Then in January 2019, Chris cilperson running in the district as an City Council District and to see who is for City Council in the district in which Gaarder, a current Planning incumbent. running in the 3 districts. she lives, District 1. However, Bruce Commissioner and policy advisor to Incumbency weighs heavily in favor Whitaker, the longest-serving council Orange County District 1 Supervisor for most candidates and tends to dis- Page 4 FULLERTON OBSERVER LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS JULY 2020

FULLERTON CITY COUNCIL NOTES JUNE 16 MEETING

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] Closed Session Before every public City Council meeting, there is a “closed session” in which Breakdown of the condition of Fullerton’s roads. Council meets with various parties to discuss items outside the view of the public. During this closed session, Council met with staff to discuss negotiations with the various city public employee groups to negotiate cost savings measures. The Condition of Our Roads

PUBLIC COMMENTS ABOUT POLICE BUDGET City staff presented a report on the Management Plan is to, 1) Determine condition of Fullerton’s roads. This is typical existing pavement conditions for called the Pavement Management Plan roadway segments, 2) Assist with devel- In light of recent conversations hap- of public employee unions? How can (PMP). opment of pavement rehabilitation pening around the country regarding you properly oversee the police depart- The PMP determines the typical exist- strategies, 3) Assist with forecasting police budgets and reform, a number of ment or any public agency when they ing roadway condition and assigns a future pavement rehabilitation projects speakers gave their thoughts and ideas are bankrolling your campaigns?” Pavement Conditions Index (PCI) rating and, 4) Assist with future budgeting. on this issue. “Bloated police budgets effectively from 0-100 for each roadway segment. According to the staff report, in order Faith Forcucci-Morris asked that the take money away from other community The PCI is a rating of to maintain our roads in City budget be re-evaluated completely. programs,” said Mary Sorrell. “The overall conditions of the their current condition, the “What services could the City provide if strength of police unions makes it nearly pavement. Condition City must increase annual it weren’t spending $50 million/year on impossible to punish officers who mur- problems include pot- The City must investment from the current traditional policing?” She said the budg- der and beat American citizens.” holes, cracking, failures, increase annual $4 million per year to a pro- et should be revised “to fund care, not “Fullerton police is not equipped for rutting, etc. Fewer prob- investment by posed $8 million per year. cops.” helping the mentally ill and lems equals a higher PCI Recently, the City’s “Exorbitant spending disenfranchised,” said $4 million to rating. Infrastructure and Natural on policing have not led Jasmine Martinez. “Please Fullerton’s roads have maintain our Resources Advisory to improvements in safe- consider allocating more an overall Pavement roads in their Committee (INRAC) rec- ty, homelessness, mental “What services funds to community hous- Conditions Index rating current ommended an annual budg- health, or affordability ing, food for low income of 63.8, which is consid- et of $5.5 million for arterial in our city,” said another could the city families, free childcare for condition. provide if it ered “Fair.” The break- roads and $10 million for commenter. “Invest in low income families, and down of how Fullerton’s local roads in order to pro- housing, health care, wasn’t spending investing in the education roads fared is: vide an improvement in the food, education, public $50 million/year of our kids. Investing in the •Very Poor: 28% overall condition of the transit, infrastructure, community reduces crime •Poor: 16% roads. All recommendations resources for small busi- on traditional which in turn reduces the policing?” •Fair: 15% (Pavement Management Plan and nesses, and child care.” need for a police force.” •Good: 12% Natural Resources Advisory Sean Paden said that “I insist that the city real- •Very Good: 29% Committee) require increased funding. in 2013, a group of citi- —Faith locate funds to social pro- The Pavement Management Plan is City Council also voted 4-1 (Whitaker zens proposed a Forcucci-Morris grams that have been required by Orange County “no”) to create a dedicated Citizen’s Police proven to be more effective Transportation Authority (OCTA) in Infrastructure Fund to increase the Oversight Committee than policing, and promot- order for the City to be eligible for City’s ability to make infrastructure for Fullerton, which was ing a city that is safe and Measure M2, also known as OC Go improvements. The fund requires that never created. He said that the officer promotes equity,” said another com- funds. Measure M2 funds are part of the 50% of all secured property tax and who killed George Floyd, Derek menter. “We need youth programs, County’s ½ cent sales tax increase sales tax revenues, above a designated Chauvin, had 18 prior complaints increased mental health services, rent passed in 2011. baseline, be deposited into the newly against him. relief, and infrastructure. I also find it The purpose of the Pavement created Infrastructure Fund. “How many employees do we have in repugnant that the Fullerton Museum the FPD who are potential future Center is closing.” Chauvins or [Jay] Cicinellis [the officer Some residents expressed support for who killed Kelly Thomas]?” Paden the Fullerton Police Department. asked. “We don’t know the answer One commenter expressed gratitude Small Business because we don’t have a system that and support for local police. She said Agenda Forecast provides transparency and accountabili- she was a survivor of domestic violence Assistance Program ty. All of these investigations take place and police were there for her. The City of Fullerton City Council in secret, and then we don’t know about “I totally support the police and I do The next Fullerton City Council meet- approved a Small Business Emergency them until somebody snaps and then not want the term ‘defunded’ used,” said ing is Tuesday, July 7 at 6:30pm. Grant Assistance Program. The program we’re told as taxpayers, you pay for it. another commenter. Agenda items include: commercial consists of forgivable loans of up to Let’s not wait until the next terrible inci- “Calls to defund the police are short- cannabis, street vending ordinance, $25,000, funded by additional CDBG dent.” [See Op-Ed on page 9.] sighted and make no sense,” said Raymond Ave. grade separation project, funds from the CARES Act. The funds Tanya McCrory said, “We can’t truly Gretchen Cox. award of contract for communication are intended to help vulnerable small begin to address police reform without “What is the alternative?” asked and outreach efforts, and consideration businesses impacted by COVID-19. The addressing campaign finance reform. Debra Pember, who said the real issue is of placing a sales tax measure on the application portal is available at ocies- Which of you would be willing to run police unions protecting bad officers. November 2020 General Election bal- your next campaign without the funding mallbusiness.org/cityoffullerton through lot. June 30.

Annual 4th of July Fireworks Festival Cancelled The City of Fullerton's Annual 4th of enjoy Independence Day safely by cele- July Fireworks Festival event is can- brating with legal, safe, and sane fire- celed. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, works. For those who want the sparkle the State of California has public health of a fireworks Fourth; local non-profit directives in place that prohibit commu- fireworks booths open on July 1st. nity mass gatherings. It is in the best Please celebrate safely. Using illegal interest of our community's health to not fireworks is extremely dangerous and hold the event this year in order to pre- prohibited. Citizens can report illegal vent further spread of the disease. fireworks by calling the City of Fullerton residents are encouraged to Fullerton at 714-738-6716. JULY 2020 LOCAL NEWS FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 5

Dan Lancaster, head of the Fullerton Fullerton Mayor Jennifer Fitzgerald Firefighters Association Councilmember Ahmad Zahra Fullerton Fire Chief Adam Loeser

City Manager Domer’s Response agreement, echoing many of Domer’s Council and Fire Dept. Clash over points, such as that it will decrease In his report, City Manager Domer response times, and that such agree- Agreement with Placentia pointed out some flaws in a Mutual Aid ments are “best practices in OC.” agreement, such as delayed response A Placentia city council member Fullerton City Council voted 3-2 Safety Department has been created times. called the Fire Department’s opposition (Zahra and Silva “no”) to approve an with this data in mind. They have sepa- “If we change the concept of automat- to the proposal “union talking points.” “automatic aid” agreement with the city rated out their emergency medical serv- ically responding to the emergency 911 The City Clerk received 126 ecom- of Placentia for Fire and EMT services ices from their fire suppression mission needs by replacing it with a system that ments on the item, 17 in support of after several hours of public comments and are utilizing private paramedics for increases the amount of time it takes to Auto-Aid and 109 opposed. and debate. medical calls. initiate the response, we are unnecessar-

Many Fullerton Fire Department staff, This is an effort to more efficiently ily putting our residents, or Placentia Council Discussion including Fullerton Fire Chief Adam use city resources, and increase residents, at a higher risk for delayed Loeser spoke during the meeting, urg- response times to emergency calls. medical response,” Domer’s report Mayor Pro tem Jan Flory, who sup- ing Council to approve a “mutual aid” states. “In today’s regional approach to ported the Auto-Aid agreement, said, agreement instead. Chief Loeser’s Opposition fire and emergency medical calls with “Change is difficult, but I am concerned

The idea for this agreement emerged the use of technology to include GPS- that we cannot sustain the current model In a memo submitted to City Council, when the city of Placentia decided to enabled units and computer-aided dis- where a fire engine with minimum Fullerton Fire Chief Loeser argued that end their contract with the Orange patch systems, returning to yesterday’s staffing of 4 people goes on every single a Mutual Aid, not Auto Aid, would be County Fire Authority (OCFA), which use of the telephone for routine respons- call.” more beneficial to Fullerton. has been providing them with fire serv- es that occur on a limited basis is back- She gave an example of a young “There is a disparity in resources and ice for nearly 30 years, and start their wards.” woman who was stung by a bee outside services between the agencies,” Loeser own Fire and Life Safety Department, Domer also pointed out that, histori- City Hall, and a fire engine with 4 peo- wrote. “Placentia’s deployment model which will begin provid- cally, the number of service calls into ple responded. has not yet been imple- ing services on July 1. Placentia has been low (about 2.5% in “Is that necessary and can we continue mented and evaluated to Currently the city of 2019). to do that?” she asked. establish an objective Fullerton has an He also stated that there will be the Mayor Fitzgerald, who also supported analysis of the breadth Automatic Aid ability to adjust the agreement based on the Auto-Aid agreement said, “This Eighty-one and depth of resource Agreement with OCFA real-time data, that the Auto-aid agree- model is not new. This works. I’m not percent of calls assistance they will ulti- and the city of Placentia ment would have 90-day review periods willing to put life on the line to make mately need from neigh- has requested the same that our local and a 60-day termination clause. Placentia prove themselves to us.” boring agencies.” agreement with Councilmember Zahra, who opposed firefighters The Fullerton Fire Fullerton. The Fire Department Speaks auto-aid and supported mutual aid, got respond to Department has five fire In his staff report, City visibly upset. are medical engines and one ladder Manager Ken Domer During public comments, which lasted “This is getting really frustrating truck, each staffed with laid out his reasons for emergencies. into the early hours of the morning, it because here we are putting our own 4 full-time personnel. supporting the automatic seemed as if nearly every Fullerton chief under interrogation. We respect Fires account By contrast, Placentia aid agreement. In a sepa- Firefighter spoke in opposition to the Placentia but we work for Fullerton…I for 3%. Fire and Life Safety rate memo, Chief Loeser Automatic Aid agreement. Their con- don’t see any reason why we should go Department (PFLSD) laid out his reasons for cerns echoed those laid out by Loeser in into this until they have time to get set will have one fire engine supporting a mutual aid his memo. Some of their comments up,” Zahra said. and one fire truck, each agreement. included: Councilmember Jesus Silva also sup- staffed with 3 full-time What is the difference? We should not be “subsidizing an infe- ported Mutual Aid, saying, “I’m going personnel. Additionally, According to the staff report, rior fire agency—it is not fair.” to count on the expert [meaning Fire Placentia will have 2 private paramedic “Automatic Aid is assistance that is dis- The agreement is “one-sided.” Chief Loeser] to guide me.” vans carrying 2 licensed Paramedics patched automatically by a contractual This “will put Fullerton residents at Councilmember Bruce Whitaker, who each. agreement between two fire departments risk.” supported the Auto-Aid, said, “Since we According to Loeser, Placentia “will (cities or city and special district).” “Why are you listening to your city are short resources in our city, I think it’s not be able to provide the number of By contrast, “Mutual Aid is dis- manager, and not the fire chief?” important to look at new models…fire resources to safely respond to and sup- patched, upon request, by the respond- Placentia’s ambulance service is a pri- and police are where the bulk of the press a single family residential struc- ing fire department and is usually vate, “profit-driven” company. money is now.” ture fire within its own jurisdiction with- requested when available resources are The new Placentia fire chief, as well Ultimately, the Auto-Aid agreement out the assistance of significant not deemed enough to handle the situa- as the Placentia mayor and a city council passed, 3-2. resources from contiguous bordering tion.” member spoke in favor of the auto-aid jurisdictions, including Fullerton. On Auto aid is automatic. Mutual aid is the other hand, FFD’s primary response voluntary, and would allow Fullerton to plan can deploy the proper number of charge Placentia for services rendered. Fullerton fire resources to handle this

same incident. Call Data “Therefore, the city of Fullerton’s fire Dispatch information for Fullerton resources will be subsidizing the and surrounding departments reveals the [Placentia] model, which will not be following breakdown of the types and able to reciprocate without adversely percentage of calls our Fire Department impacting resource allocations of the responded to in 2019: Eighty-one per- other surrounding agencies of Anaheim, cent were for medical; 3% were for fire; Brea, and Yorba Linda who are covered and the remaining calls were for region- by Orange County Fire Authority al responses and other emergencies. (OCFA),” Loeser said. The Placentia Thus, the vast majority of calls that paramedics will not have the same our local firefighters respond to are resources as a Fullerton Fire engine to medical emergencies, not fires. respond to all types of emergencies, The new Placentia Fire and Life according to Loeser. Page 6 OBSERVER The DOWNTOWN Report JULY 2020 by Mike Ritto [email protected] © 2020

The ribbon-cutting on June 18 for Fullerton’s new outdoor dining area, Walk on Wilshire (located along W. Wilshire Ave. downtown between Malden and Harbor), was unusual and unique. Who would have ever expected to one day be standing on the sidewalk and being asked, “Can I get you some- thing?” Strictly verboten until now, this is an innovative way to generate some business downtown and create outdoor space for many to finally get out of the house. Recent exposure on a local TV news channel helped, too. Expect Walk on Wilshire to be there at least until the end of the year, and expect it to become Mayor Jennifer Fitzgerald cuts the ribbon for Walk on Wilshire as many dignitaries look on. more and more popular. History You have read much regarding the Louis E. Plummer Auditorium here lately. Suffice it to say the Fullerton Joint Union High School District board members voted to remove the Plummer name due to his connection to the KKK. See front page for a photo as it now stands. We will follow up regarding renaming the audi- torium. For now, it’s simply ‘Auditorium.’

Day of Music Queen Phyllis Fender with Sunbie Harrell in 2015. DAY OF MUSIC In the past, we had our DOM Queen and many live venues all over town. Of course, everything has changed this year, but many still participated in a new twist Fender Mystery on Day of Music, and you can still see videos of some compelling performers. Just head to Day of Music Fullerton on Facebook and check it out. You will find a treas- Leo Fender is one of Fullerton's most ure trove of photos as well. We have to believe next year will be a return to live per- famous residents--the man who started formances and audiences. Stay the course and turn it up! Fender guitars and amplifiers here in Fullerton. But what was the original Photo Quiz location of Fender's famous Radio Shop downtown? When local business owner Julie Rasmussen moved into a former travel agency location on Commonwealth, she discovered some This Issue: What is this and interesting artifacts, and recently gave what was the address of this them to me knowing I have a few down- business? town items. One was a bottle from R.C.

(Dick) Johnson’s Liquor Store at 112 S. Send your answer to Mike at Spadra [now Harbor Blvd]. Thanks to [email protected] Cheri at the Fullerton Library (she came through once again), we discovered there is a record of RC Johnson being at that address in the 1936 directory, then came up with his world-changing ampli- suddenly he was gone in 1937. fier and guitar designs. Leo sold the After doing some additional research, building to Dale Hyatt in 1949 but con- I found a partial ad for [Leo] Fender’s Last issue: This sketch [below] became a mural, and it is still there. Where is it? tinued to use the building until it sold Radio Service, showing that address as Jim Lace was quickly followed by Sharna Compos with the correct location—our again in 1951. We found the word ‘shop’ well. Puzzling since the local historical Post Office on Commonwealth and Pomona. in yet another ad and in a photo of the landmark plaque for Leo Fender’s sign from the mid-40s. address is 107 S. Spadra, not 112 as I had a long talk with Thomas indicated in the ad. Not being certain Ellingson, whose family owns the build- why the addresses did not match, it was ing, many years ago and he confirmed time to look further, and that led to a Fender's many trial and error guitar and 1940s-era phone book. It seems Leo amplifier designs, and issues with actually first opened his repair shop wood-warping due to the lack of insula- across the street and it was there where tion in the shed, etc. Ellingson opened in Hale’s Liquor was located after Leo 1946, and his business is still family- moved to 107 in 1945. operated today. The Ellingson family So, Fender’s Radio “Shop” opened in owns the historic building and that is 1945, and the infamous tin shed behind where their offices have been since the shop is where he tinkered with Have Music Will Travel moved. WWII surplus parts and eventually JULY 2020 LOCAL NEWS & CROSSWORD FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 7

OUR TOWN CROSSWORD © 2020 “SUMMER BLOCKBUSTERS” by Valerie Brickey (answer key on page 19)

Bird’s Eye Gilia and Tidy Tips Wildflowers in a Pandemic by Penny Hlavac

Over the years I have gotten seeds of California native wildflowers from native plant sales, mail order sources, and friends. Now tidy tips, arroyo lupine, desert bluebells, California pop- pies, wind poppies, Dudley’s clarkia, bird’s eye gilia, and chia have “natural- ized” in my garden, coming up reliably every year without my having to plant the seeds again. They are “annuals,” which means they complete their life cycles within a year, coming up with the ACROSS 37. Summer blockbuster of 1983 late fall and winter rains, blooming at 1. When repeated, Yale University's featuring Harrison Ford various times in spring, and leaving football song 40. "Frozen" queen their seeds on the ground when they die, 6. Twangy, as a voice 41. Diva's solo to repeat the whole process the follow- 11. Use a Singer 42. "It don't ___ thing..." ing year—a clever adaptation to our 14. Comedian Smirnoff 43. Swelter Mediterranean climate of dry sum- 15. Sound 45. Summer blockbuster of 1989 mers/wet winters. 16. Airport screening org. featuring Kim Basinger I don’t have to water them; they can 17. Summer blockbuster of 1994 46. Narrative survive on rainfall alone even in dry featuring James Earl Jones 49. Luau souvenirs years. Most of the work with this type of 19. The Braves, on scoreboards 50. Summer blockbuster of 1990 Arroyo Lupine gardening involves thinning out unwant- 20. Where It.'s at featuring Whoopi Goldberg ed wildflower seedlings (for example, in 21. Medical pros 51. "Hud" Oscar winner Patricia paths where you may trip on them) and ment at having provided pollen and nec- 22. Summer blockbuster of 2001 52. 1977 double-platinum pulling up weeds. Weeding is a chal- tar to insect pollinators and seeds to featuring Eddie Murphy Steely Dan album lenge because you have to be able to tell seed-eating birds. And I get a much- 24. Financial advisor Orman 55. Abet's partner weed seedlings from wildflower needed sense of control when removing 25. Other halves, so to speak 56. Summer blockbuster of 2017 seedlings. Over time this gets easier. I do weeds and deciding which wildflower 27. Summer blockbuster of 1978 featuring Robin Wright not amend the soil or fertilize the wild- seedlings can remain and which have to featuring Stockard Channing 60. Suffix with glycer- flowers. If I am trying a species I have be removed because they came up in an 30. Existence 61. Trojan War epic not planted before, I sow the seeds in inconvenient place. 31. Boston Celtics General 62. Pop culture morning show late fall, “roughing up” the soil a little Now it is summer and the wildflowers Manager Danny since 1991 bit with a rake before scattering them. have gone to seed. Some of the seeds 32. Coop group 63. Flanders of Springfield Never have my wildflowers looked so have provided a feast for birds, some 33. Nice saisons 64. Aquariums beautiful or been so welcome as during have been collected by me to give to 65. Have a hunch this recent tense spring, making stay- people, and yet there are still plenty on at-home restrictions more bearable. the ground so that in an uncertain future Besides the pure pleasure of looking at I know I can count on another beautiful them, there is a feeling of accomplish- display next spring. DOWN 30. Suit 1. 8 bits, usually 32. Buchholz of 2. Pearl Harbor locale “The Magnificent Seven” 3. Approver, briefly 34. Bulls or Bears 4. Texter's guffaw 35. Poet ___ St. Vincent Millay 5. Big fan of Facebook, say 36. Actress Phillips of "I, Claudius" 6. "Eraserhead" star Jack 38. Indian bread 7. Diving seabirds 39. Send a message to 8. Reagan's "Star Wars" prog. "Scream" director Craven? 9. Own, in Edinburgh 44. Be cleverer than 10. Signs in, virtually 45. Den denizen 11. There are five on China's flag 46. "Encore!" 12. Cosmetics Lauder 47. Scold 13. Beats a rap, say 48. Needing decryption 18. Exude 49. West Yorkshire city 23. Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 51. Bismarck's state, abbr. 24. Sonoran Desert plants 52. "I'll second that" 25. "I ___ text hours ago, but 53. First-ever summer still no response." blockbuster of 1975 26. ___ posh 54. "As I Lay Dying" father 27. ___ du Nord (busy Paris 57. Suffix with motor or pay train station) 58. Diarist Anaïs 28. Cambodian currency 59. Bit of binary code 29. Tolkien tree giants Page 8 FULLERTON OBSERVER RE-THINKING POLICE JULY 2020

One prominent criticism of police outright rejected a resident-backed plan nationwide is that they sometimes for oversight of the department the fol- respond with inappropriate violence to lowing year in 2013. OIR was hired for persons with mental health issues. Dunn periodic partial reviews instead. said that mental health organization In recent weeks, Ahmad Zahra and partners have the necessary skillset to Councilmember Jesus Silva both respond to calls, but they request FPD appeared at a Black Lives Matter protest officers to accompany them for safety on the lawn of Fullerton’s City Hall, but reasons. However, he did say that he is only Zahra spoke to the hundreds gath- open to suggestions about what other ered there demanding police reform. professionals might be better responders Reading from a prepared text at the to such calls. protest, Zahra celebrated the Pride Flag Fullerton has had five interim or per- flying above City Hall behind him and Councilmember Ahmad Zahra, Police Chief Robert Dunn, and Leanna Forcucci manent police chiefs in the nine years stridently proclaimed the need to respect of the Fullerton Collaborative at a June 23 virtual Town Hall. since the beating death of the homeless diversity, drawing wild cheers from the schizophrenic Kelly Thomas at the protesters. However, he was met with hands of Fullerton police in July, 2011. momentary silence, and then skeptical BLM Protests Lead to Virtual The department’s procedures and vocal responses, when he tried to assure actions have been under scrutiny ever the assembly that the police department Town Halls with Police Chief since, but the similar senseless and bru- across the street was committed to Continued from front page tal killing of George Floyd by a “accountability, transparency, and the Minneapolis police officer this year—as highest safety standards.” The FPD’s procedures, explained the large knife when repeatedly ordered to well as other killings of people of Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, Chief, are determined with input from a do so, and is shot by multiple officers color—have focused renewed attention who spoke before him, held up a sign private firm called Lexipol (www.lex- with both bean bags and live ammuni- on the very nature of policing nation- reading “Protest and accountability = ipol.com) who contract with the City (as tion while walking towards officers wide. Fundamental questions about how Policy Shift,“ but never once said the well as other departments across the across the street from him. A briefing police function in society once reserved word “police” in her comments. country) to provide updates on legisla- from the second shooting, on May 28 for the far ends of the political spectrum During the town hall with Zahra on tive actions, court decisions, and best has not yet been released. are suddenly mainstream, with calls for June 23, Chief Dunn characterized his practices. Most recently, the FPD The department, according to Chief everything from redirecting some police department as “progressive” on the issue banned the use of carotid choke holds on Dunn, is funded for 140 officers, but duties to social programs to the outright of transparency for being the only city suspects following Governor Newson’s only currently employs 123, 111 of dissolution of departments themselves. he knew of to post on its website person- order for the State’s police training pro- whom are deployable. The unexpected and pre- nel records relevant to complaints and gram to stop instructing officers on its Presumably for securi- cipitous COVID-19 investigations of officers’ misconduct use. ty reasons, he declined caused disruption of the involving sexual assault, shootings, uses Officers receive two days of crisis to specify how many economy that has left of force, and dishonest conduct, in intervention training, Use of Force and were on patrol at any The FPD banned municipalities cutting accordance with SB1421, a 2018 State Racial Bias training every two years, as given time. Dunn services and scrambling bill that requires municipalities to well as additional training in accordance described the depart- the use of carotid choke holds for funding has also release such records upon request. The with the Commission on Peace Officers ment as a “full service” revealed in stark terms bill was signed into law in September, Standards and Training. The Chief said one, although jail per- following Governor that public safety, and 2018, but did not take effect until that officers discuss diversity among sonnel are outsourced. Newson’s order police in particular, January 1, 2019. Sharon Quirk-Silva, themselves often. “We will root out any Of course, many often account for signifi- whose Assembly district includes type of hatred for any reason,” he said. If employees of the for the State’s police training cantly large portions of Fullerton, and who served 2 full terms a complaint is made, the California department serve in city budgets. on the Fullerton City Council, voted Attorney General’s office will review it, non-sworn support program to stop Suddenly, police against SB1421. as will the Office of Independent positions. instructing its use. departments are finding Thirty-eight records can be found at Review (OIR), who contract with the Command staff themselves in the unac- www.cityoffullerton.com/gov/open_gov- City to annually review specific aspects includes two captains, customed position of ernment/sb_1421.asp, some for now of the department, as well as uses of but neither position is having to justify their former officers involved in the Kelly force and problem officers. Dunn claims currently filled long- budgets, and even their Thomas beating. that OIR asks tough questions in its term. Instead, one captain is a returning very existences. Locally, the FPD One file not found on the SB1421 site investigations, which can include inter- retiree, while department rotates its lieu- approached such a moment 8 years ago is a questionable separation agreement nal affairs. Complaints made to the tenants in and out of the second captain when a single vote by then-Council made between former FPD Lt. department about its officers are position. The Chief’s plan is to eventual- member Greg Sebourn defeated a Katherine Hamel and the city of required to be finished within a year, but ly hire two of these lieutenants as his motion to seek a bid for police services Fullerton. It appeared to be designed to the State’s Peace Officers Bill of Rights captains. FPD has ten detectives. from the Orange County Sheriff avoid exposing records of internal (POBR) law makes transparency about Forty percent of Fullerton’s budget is Department. The other 2 votes against affairs investigations into her conduct investigations and disciplinary actions spent on police, much of it on salaries the measure were made by members of that would have been eligible for public difficult. and benefits. Chief Dunn said that the the Council who had been endorsed and request and publication under SB1421. During the June 25 virtual appearance, amount budgeted hasn’t changed since supported by the Fullerton Police The agreement was brought to light by Dunn referred to a “robust” computer he became Chief. During a town hall, Officers Association, the local police the Friends for Fullerton’s Future Blog, system that wasn’t being used before his one person asked how the department union, whose members handed out ham- whom the City is currently suing for tenure. A program on the system is capa- racks up 30,000 hours of overtime. burgers in the city hall parking lot before publishing it and other documents the ble of tracking officers’ use of force, FPD, Dunn said, doesn’t attract many flooding the council chambers to hear City claims were unlawfully obtained application of techniques, success levels lateral hires—officers moving from and to speak out on the item. At the time, from the City’s website. of techniques, and times they are used, another police department—because following the 2012 Council recall elec- The FFFF blog revealed the Hamel none of which was being utilized. The their pensions are now based on retire- tion, 3 of the 5 councilmembers were document in June, 2019. Around that system alerts command staff to potential ment at 55 rather than the 50-year mark not backed by the union—a very unusu- same time, Chief Dunn added oversight problem officers based on the collected they may already enjoy working for al circumstance that only lasted five of the City’s IT division to his duties. data. another department, and which longtime months. Before that time, and since, the According to City Manager Ken Domer, Fullerton Police Officers shot and FPD officers have. Overtime hours are police union—and firefighters union— “Based on his knowledge of IT issues, killed two suspects during the month of used by existing personnel to fill in for have endorsed enough successful candi- and at the time the City was assessing May, 2020. Both were armed with missing positions. dates every 2 years to give them a com- the impact of a data breach, the Chief knives, one reportedly had a gun. City Mayor Fitzgerald said that the depart- fortable majority on the Council who are volunteered to oversee the IT Division” Council members are briefed after each ment’s new budget was developed using not likely to cut their budgets or institute while the City prepares to add an IT such incident shortly after they occur, the same service levels and programing any drastic reforms, reorganizations, or Director in coming months. Chief Dunn but FPD doesn’t release much informa- as last year, but that pension costs are oversight of the police department. temporally oversees all IT not related to tion about officer involved shootings expected to rise 12% this year, and Instead, Council members have the Granicus system utilized by the City while the District Attorney is investigat- health premiums will rise by 7%. expressed dismay and sorrow at the Clerk. ing them. However, state law requires Dunn estimated that 60% of his time is death of George Floyd, but have limited Illegal fireworks are also a source of that video and audio from such incidents spent dealing with homelessness issues. their examination of the department’s many complaints made to the FPD. be released within 45 days. Chief He thinks that the department has struck practices and utility to town halls Chief Dunn acknowledged that the Dunn’s practice is to do so in the form of a good balance between responding to designed to bring the Chief, already department didn’t do much about it last narrated Critical Incident Community complaints and being sensitive to the adept at communicating with the public, year, but has dedicated resources to Briefing videos incorporating the needs of homeless people through its closer to Fullerton residents. Mayor interdiction this year, conducting under- footage, and introduced by the Chief and Homeless Liaison Officer (HLO) Unit, Fitzgerald, in her introduction to a June cover operations that have led to the Lt. Jon Radus. The May 3 shooting one of whose salary is paid for by a 25 town hall, took partial credit for what seizure of large amounts of the contra- killed a man who reportedly tried to car- North OC Public Safety Task Force she characterized as “major reform” of band incendiaries. Non-emergency com- jack a family member’s truck on grant that will expire this year. HLO the FPD beginning with her election in plaints about illegal fireworks can be Commonwealth Ave. In the video, the officers receive an additional 95 hours 2012, but was part of a voting block that made to (714) 738-6716 . Spanish speaking man refuses to drop a of training. JULY 2020 RE-THINKING POLICE FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 9 The More Things Change... It’s Time for a Civilian Police Oversight Commission Op-Ed by Sean Paden On top of this, the Supreme Court decision in Copley Press, Inc. v. My first thought when I viewed the Superior Court (39 Cal.4th 1272) creat- horrific George Floyd video was revul- ed a right of privacy for all personal sion, followed by anger. At the same records, and essentially placed our pub- time, as a Fullerton resident, the video lic safety employees above the law. and reaction it created also includes an Copley guarantees that any complaints uncomfortable feeling of déjà vu. While against officers that are handled through there were clear differences between the police department will be investigat- what happened to Floyd and what hap- ed at the sole discretion of that depart- pened to Kelly Thomas almost nine ment, since the public is typically not years ago, it is difficult to shake the feel- told how the department ruled or why. ing that nine years have passed and Or even whether they looked into the nothing meaningful has matter at all. And in case changed in the way you think this is hyper- agents of the state are bole, then-Acting Chief investigated or disci- Dan Hughes admitted in plined for misconduct. 2012 that this happened in To me, the most signif- A Civilian Police our own Police icant piece of information Oversight Department. in this case was the fact Commission This does not mean that that Derek Chauvin, the was proposed in there are no good officers, man who was able to suf- 2013 after but it does mean that there Former Fullerton police officers Jay Cicinelli and Manuel Ramos, fired over the focate another human, on are no meaningful exter- beating death of Kelly Thomas. Cicinelli sued the city for wrongful termination. camera, in full view of the death of nal checks on the conduct hundreds of eyewitness- Kelly Thomas, of officers that are a prob- es, without a shred of but was never lem, as long as that con- which I participated, decided to prepare Ordinance would at least give the City remorse, had eighteen duct is not so shocking it a model proposed ordinance, which was Council the tools it needs to investigate prior complaints lodged implemented. winds up becoming a presented to the Fullerton City Council and discipline problem officers if it against him as an officer national story. on February 19, 2013. chooses to use it, and provide much of the Minneapolis Police And even then, the pro- This Proposed Ordinance was specifi- needed checks and balances on how the Department, or basically tections afforded by cally designed to provide the strongest Police Department is currently being one for each year on the POBAR makes firing for possible oversight allowed under state run. This would give the City the tools it force. even the most shocking crime difficult. law. needs to remove those officers perma- How is that possible, that such an Look at Kenton Hampton, who is still Section (d) granted the Oversight nently before they cause significant obvious problem employee could employed by the Fullerton Police Commission “the power to subpoena exposure to the taxpayers, not to men- remain an employee in good standing Department (and pulling in $302,795 in and require attendance of witnesses and tion unnecessary injury or loss of life. despite such a lengthy rap sheet? The total pay and benefits as of 2019) despite the production of books and papers per- Also, the Civilian Oversight answer is that, unlike most of us who his involvement in the beating death of tinent to its investigations and to admin- Ordinance would provide as much trans- work in the private sector, he is allowed Kelly Thomas and the beating/false ister oaths.” Section (e) provided for the parency as currently provided under protections and guarantees that make imprisonment of Veth Man. And even hiring of independent contractors to state law. Even before the recent even investigating, let alone disciplining Jay Cicinelli [who smashed Kelly conduct the investigations for the changes to state law, many Oversight him extremely cost-prohibitive. Thomas’ face repeatedly with his taser] Oversight Commission. This would not Commissions (such as the County of Most states have some version of a drew a sympathetic Superior Court only be less expensive than hiring per- San Diego) were able to provide annual Police Officer’s Bill of Rights. Judge in his efforts to force the City of manent city employees, but it would summaries to the public detailing the California’s version is found in Fullerton to re-instate him as member of also be more effective, as non-city nature of claims made against officers of Government Code §3300-3311, and it the Fullerton Police Department. And employees would have a greater degree their Department, and the result of the extends many of the rights afforded to this is not unique to California, as we of independence from city politics and investigation. all of us in criminal prosecutions to offi- have learned from the Floyd case. pressure. Kelly Thomas was killed nine years cers in administrative actions. For exam- In other words, in California, a police Also, subsection (g) of the Proposed ago. I would like nothing more than to ple, an officer also has a right to have officer has a constitutional right to a job. Ordinance is designed to give the put that chapter of our City’s history council present during any administra- A job that can get someone killed if not Oversight Commission “the same stand- behind us. Until meaningful reform tive proceedings relating to their con- performed properly. This is unaccept- ing as presently held by officers of the takes place to ensure that law enforce- duct. Statements made under duress, able. Police Department to appeal a decision ment officers are accountable to the peo- coercion “or threats of punitive action” Since we cannot rely on transparency of the Chief of Police in imposition or ple, what happened in Fullerton and are inadmissible in civil proceedings as (state law prohibits it), and we cannot non-imposition of discipline.” Currently Minneapolis will continue. well as criminal. And an officer can only rely on officers within the department to the only party with standing to appeal I urge you to contact City Council and be disciplined for refusing to answer come forward (Copley makes disclosure the Chief of Police’s decision is the offi- request that they place the Independent questions in an administrative hearing if of internal personnel records a criminal cer himself, making the appeal process Civilian Oversight Ordinance from they are first told that the statements offense), I concluded several years ago fairly one-sided. February 19, 2013 back on the agenda cannot be used against him in any crim- that an effective independent Civilian No system is perfect, but the Civilian for further discussion. inal matter. Oversight Commission was the best Imagine if you attempted to demand method of placing some check on our an attorney present in a meeting to deter- public employees. mine whether you violated company Independent Civilian Oversight is not policy, or if you refused to give a state- perfect and can be toothless in cases ment unless your employer agreed that where no subpoena power is given and statement could never be used against when the Chief is free to ignore the rec- you in a criminal Trial? You’d be fired ommendations of the Commission. That on the spot, and rightfully so. is why the coalition in Fullerton, of

australianswimschool.com Illustration by Felipe Flores. Page 10 FULLERTON OBSERVER FEATURE JULY 2020

VIDEO OBSERVER by Emerson Little © 2020

FINDING HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE IN THE FULLERTON MUSEUM CENTER

The Fullerton Museum Center (FMC) former library at the corner of Pomona has always been an important part of the and Wilshire in April of 1974, with its community. It’s an institution with a rich first permanent collection consisting of history of its own, and was even voted bones from the La Brea Tar Pits. To “Best Art Museum” by the OC Weekly attract a broader audience, Muse 9 was in 2019. However, after recently read- renamed the Museum Association of ing that the Fullerton City Council voted North Orange County. On February 21, to temporarily cut funding for the FMC, 1985, the Museum underwent major I thought it was time to highlight the his- renovations and took on its current name torical and cultural significance of the of the Fullerton Museum Center. Fullerton Museum Center. The FMC has always been a part of According to the city of Fullerton my life. I’ve visited the Museum many website, in 1888, Mr. and Mrs. William times with my family. When I was at Starbuck, with the help of donations Golden Hill Elementary, I even remem- The museum gallery and gift shop will be open on Thursdays through July. from local residents, began the first ber going on a field trip with one of my Travelling Circulating Library in the classes to attend a tour and an education- existed in concept form. Soon after, he However, due to the pandemic, some back area of their pharmacy on the 100 al arts and crafts workshop at the became the first Chairman of the Fender museums are in trouble. Even though block of East Commonwealth Avenue. Museum where we had a chance to learn Committee. the FMC is not certain about its future, As Fullerton began to expand, so did the more about local history. When asked via email interview why educational opportunities are still being need for educational Outside of school, I’ve the FMC is an important part of the offered, such as a virtual tour of their resources. According to been to many exhibitions community, Mr. San Roman said, “I feel current exhibit “Golden Legacy: 75 the City’s website, in and events at the FMC that the Fullerton Museum Center and Years of Golden Books” narrated by 1904, C.C. Chapman, with my parents—every- our surrounding plaza are the very heart Museum Curator Kelly Chidester. mayor of Fullerton, The Fullerton thing from exhibits fea- and soul of Fullerton’s Although the brought up the idea of turing terrible vinyl downtown area. Fullerton City Council constructing a City Museum Center album covers, to science has a rich history, Additionally, the FMC voted to cut operating library. Land on the cor- fiction film posters, to provides a diverse set of costs for the FMC, it ner of Pomona and and was voted national park photogra- exhibits, runs the Museums like was announced as I was Wilshire Avenue was “Best Art Museum” phers, to undersea pho- Thursday Market and writing this column that purchased, and construc- tographs, to Latin Beer Garden, and pro- the FMC can the museum gallery and tion began through the by OC Weekly American street art, and in 2019. vides art programs for make a big gift shop will be allowed use of a grant given to more serious subjects. I adults, summer camps to open on Thursdays the City by the Carnegie have attended the difference in our for kids, Fullerton lives, inspiring through the end of July. Foundation. December Museum’s Haunted Airport tours, Haunted Hours will be from 16, 1907 marked the Walking Tours on multi- Walking Tours, free art and challenging 4:00pm to 7:00p.m. with opening of the brand- ple occasions, which kits, the internationally us to think only 10 people allowed new Carnegie Library. However by offered an in-depth look at some of famous Leo Fender critically about in the gallery at a time. 1938, the Carnegie Library no longer Fullerton’s oldest buildings, as well as Gallery, and much, much the past. Face masks must be met the needs of the community. movie screenings in the plaza. more. The FMC has worn at all times and Funding from the federal Works I’ve been to the Fullerton Market and served over 7,000 of six-foot social distanc- Projects Administration, known as the concerts in the plaza with my parents Fullerton’s youth.” ing will be observed. It WPA, enabled the construction of a new numerous times where we’ve listened to Museums like the has always been inter- building to begin in 1940. music and found a variety of items over FMC can make a big difference in our esting to explore the past and present at According to the Fullerton Public the years. It was an interesting experi- lives, inspiring and challenging us to the FMC, which I hope will find enough Library, local architect Harry Vaughn, ence as a kid because sellers from differ- think critically about the past. According funding to stay open after July is over. known for his work in the Spanish ent booths would yell out to the crowd to to museumsassociation.org, “With soci- To take a look back at the history of Colonial Style and designer of the origi- buy their products, mainly freshly- ety facing issues such as poverty, the Fullerton Museum Center and see nal Fullerton College campus, was hired grown fruits and vegetables. Almost inequality, intolerance, and discrimina- photos from some of their older exhibits, to design the WPA building. The new every time we went to the Fullerton tion, museums can help us understand, check out my short video by visiting design consisted of a main one-and-a- Market, we would stop by the museum debate, and challenge these concerns.” www.fullertonobserver.com and clicking half story structure with two wings and gift shop, which contained a variety of Museums can provide us with interest- the tab labeled “Local.” Underneath that two courtyards. On Christmas Eve of strange, but interesting merchandise. ing learning environments that allow us tab, click on “Emerson Little YouTube 1941, construction of the new WPA After reading that, “The Fullerton to actively engage with members of our Channel,” which will take you directly library was completed. In 1973, the Museum Center will remain closed to community as we look at historical evi- to my page. library moved to its current location on the public until further notice” on their dence. Commonwealth. official website, I decided to reach out to In June 1971, the Fullerton Museum Kirk G. San Roman, President of FMC Association was founded by the mem- Board of Trustees. Mr. San Roman bers of the Youth Center Board of joined the Board approximately eight- Trustees, along with other interested cit- een years ago. His main motivation at Anniversaries izens, after signing a lease with the City the time was to see to it that the Leo and Weddings for the old library building. A museum Fender Gallery was constructed within Angelos Vincis called Muse 9 opened at the site of the the FMC space. At that time, it only Ristorante Est 1971 Any Occasion ! 550 North Harbor Blvd One Call Downtown Fullerton We Do it All ! 714.879.4022 FIVE FREE “A PLACE TO EAT...A PLACE TO SEE.” BANQUET FACILITIES RANGE OUNTY OT IST Accommodating INNER O C H L W BEST ITALIAN 2016 & 2017 up to 800 people Established in 1971, in this family-owned restaurant you dine in the middle of an Italian town square CAPRI SHOES complete with storefronts and twinkling lights. Call 714.879.4022 www.AngelosandVincis.com “Like” us on facebook.com/angelosandvincis JULY 2020 FEATURES FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 11

Isleta/Navajo) and looking back on the killing of indigenous people, it all Native history in North America, it is has had detrimental and psychological one of hardships. After reading Dee effects on a culture from one generation Brown’s Bury My Heart at Wounded to the next. In other words, Historical Knee, I became acutely aware of the his- Trauma. torical suffering of Native people. Dee So why did I protest and support the Brown chronicles the plight of indige- Black Lives Matter movement? nous cultures from 1492 with the arrival Throughout my adult years I have seen and settlement of the first Europeans. and witnessed a system that has Indigenous people were oppressed the Black quickly thrust into the Community in many political arena, for they different shapes and represented a hindrance to forms, whether through colonial expansion. We are a the criminal injustice Warfare was enacted on people who have system, mass incarcer- indigenous people for the ation, economic acquisition of land and been subjected to inequality, social dis- resources. Many indige- the transgressions crimination, or just bla- Rowan Harrison is a local Native American artist. nous people fell due to the of power, greed, tant forms of racism military campaigns of the and authoritarian inflicted on generations growing colonies, were ownership. of Black Americans. Why I Protested pushed off their lands, These social and cul- captured, and enslaved. If tural inequities have by Rowan Harrison The Pueblo of Isleta Indian reserva- military warfare wasn’t not only been applied tion in New Mexico is one of 19 differ- killing thousands of to these people of color The bright New Mexico sun illumi- ent Pueblo villages that occupy the indigenous people in the but to the Native nates a dusty dirt road that is as old and southwest. It is, for me, a place that rep- 15th century, then it was diseases that American community as well. The his- traditional as the Pueblo village that the resents home in the truest sense of the killed them off by the masses—geno- tory of our people is, in many ways, no road weaves and intersects through. word. Life on the pueblo can appear to cide. The 16th century brought the different than the history of Black Gusty winds from the southwest kick up be slower, more idealistic, yet it has the Spanish conquistadors, explorers, and Americans. We are all a people who dust and voices from the past. These are social, economic, and cultural struggles missionaries who implemented more have been subjected to the transgres- the voices of ancestors whose whispers that other non-native communities violence, upheaval, enslavement, and sions of power, greed, and authoritarian circulate throughout the village—a vil- endure. The Pueblo, like other Native disease on the people of the southwest, ownership. lage of interconnecting dirt roads and communities across the country, wrestle all in the name of wealth and manifest I saw a protest poster in Fullerton that paths that wind through quaint adobe with maintaining their cultural tradi- destiny. had a picture of Dr. Martin Luther King homes. As the winds blow from one sea- tions, attaining self-reliance, preserving For a young Native American, it gives that read, “It’s 2020 and I still have a son to another, they bring messages of sacred lands, and sustaining the welfare a new perspective on one’s identity, cul- dream.” So, let’s hope that as the winds hope, wisdom, and clarity. But under of their people in an encroaching and ture, and the history of the Americas. blow across this continent, the winds the moon of the summer solstice, the changing world. Whether it was Wounded Knee, The will have the voices of change that will voices of resentment are blowing across Being a descendent of Native Long Walk of the Navajo, the Indian bring that dream into a reality for ALL the lands. American parents (Pueblo of Removal Act, or legislation that allowed mankind.

HITS & MISSES by Joyce Mason © 2020

THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND: A HIT AND A MISS

Director Judd Apatow (“The Forty Staten Island” plays as a comedy even year old Virgin,” “Trainwreck”) has with the tragic elements that haunt his made his fame by directing some very character. To contrast Scott’s lack of amusing films and has helped launch the focus in making life decisions, he has a careers of several Hollywood actors, younger sister (Maude Apatow) who is such as Steve Carrell, Amy Schumer graduating from high school and is soon and Bill Hader. He is now featuring off to the college of her choice. He fre- another newcomer to the big screen quently reminds her that she was too whom audiences will recognize from young to remember their father before Pete Davidson in “The King of Staten Island” “Saturday Night Live” skits, Pete his fateful accident and was therefore Davidson, playing Scott Carlin, a 24- not as affected by the wrenching loss. A few days later, Ray returns to speak an older fireman played by Steve year-old high school dropout, who lives Scott spends most of his time hanging again with Margie. Also a fireman, Ray Buscemi, who has the wisdom and com- in his widowed mother’s basement, out with his friends and getting them to and Margie find they have much in com- passion to handle a difficult young man. smokes too much weed and hopes for a agree to let him practice his tattoo skills mon and he asks her out on a date. A “The King of Staten Island” is not a career as a tattoo artist. on them. One afternoon he is romance blooms much to the chagrin of perfect movie. It lasts an overly long Apatow and Davidson co-wrote the approached by a nine-year-old boy who, Scott, who has just missed a close call two and one-half hours and it has a mis- script and drew some of the plot ele- intrigued by all of the tattoos, agrees to with the police. His friends have broken leading opening scene which seems to ments from Davidson’s own life story. let Scott practice on his shoulder. His into a pharmacy to steal drugs and he is prepare us for a tragedy. But the tone of Both the fictional Scott and the real-life friends discourage Scott from doing this to be their get-away driver, but the the film is much more comic than we are Davidson had fireman fathers who died without getting permission from the store’s alarm goes off and the police led to expect. in line of duty when their sons were youngster’s parents, but Scott ignores immediately respond. So Scott drives The plot with its developments does seven years old. Davidson’s father died their advice and proceeds until the child away. hold together and there is a definite arc in the Twin Towers on 9/11 while the screams and runs away. The plot then Margie makes Scott move out and the to the story. The acting in “The King” is fictional Scott’s father died heroically takes an unexpected turn when the challenges he meets finding another spot-on and the plot elements, never under less dramatic circumstances. Both child’s father shows up that night at place to live land him in a local fire- banal, are always believable, especially Davidson and his character have suf- Scott’s home and begins excoriating house, where some of the firemen in the scenes with the wonderful Marisa fered emotional trauma growing up him for harming his son and demands remember his father, both his faults and Tomei, whom we haven’t seen in without a father and both are troubled damages for the medical cost of remov- his heroism. Almost stealing the movie enough movies lately. with Crohn’s disease. ing the partial tattoo. Scott’s mother from the other outstanding performers is The emotional scars that Scott carries Margie (Marisa Tomei), who is an ER through adolescence and into adulthood nurse, tells the irate father that she will affect his life, often overwhelming him get it taken care of and pay the cost. TWO HITS: Don’t Miss it! and leading to unwise life decisions, but Somewhat mollified, the father Ray A HIT & A MISS: You Might Like it. Davidson is such a skilled comedic actor (Bill Burr), leaves saying that he will TWO MISSES: Don’t Bother. that the obviously ironic label “King of take care of the expense. Page 12 FULLERTON OBSERVER EDUCATION JULY 2020

Nearly Half a Million Served: The Fullerton School District has served around a half a million meals to students during COVID-19. The District continues to serve meals to all children 18 years and under at 8 sites through July 16. Visit www.fullertonsd.org for more information.

ground of Mr. Plummer and the naming needs students’ accommodations. It also HIGH SCHOOL BOARD of the auditorium itself. Mr. Montoya covers food availability for all students made a heartfelt statement acknowledg- under 18 who are food insecure. The HIGHLIGHTS ing the complex legacy of Plummer. District is extending the availability of & Commentary by Vivien Moreno Trustee Montoya supported removing free bagged breakfasts and lunches at all Plummer’s name from the auditorium, school sites from 11:30am to 1 pm The Fullerton Joint Union High School District Board but he remembered the Plummer schol- Monday through Thursday until July 9. information available by calling 714-870-2800 arships that helped underrepresented or visiting www.fjuhsd.net students of color for years, and that Re-opening School

Plummer’s life should not be buried and Dr. Sylvia Kaufman, Assistant June 16 Board Meeting forgotten because his life contained the Superintendent of Educational Services, formation of the community college as presented preliminary plans to reopen FSTO School Board Endorsements $1,500 each for first-year college well as the KKK affiliation. Trustee school. Parent, student, and teacher sur- expenses. Buchi grappled with this decision but After approving the June 2 meeting veys support a preference for students to Jennifer Ho (TRHS) is headed to ultimately voted to approve the name minutes, Board President Andy physically return to school at least part- Stanford, Katelin Chavez (FUHS) is removal along with the other 4 trustees. Montoya read a statement from FSTO time in the fall. With new information going to UC Davis, Cindy Nguyen She wrapped up by saying that these President Angie Cencak that for the coming almost daily from the State and (TRHS) is headed to UMass Amherst, decisions are complex. “He (Plummer) November election FSTO endorses the Orange County Department of Kelly Bender (TRHS) will attend did a lot as a superintendent, but his Joanne Fawley to represent FJUHSD Education, Dr. Kaufman warned the Gonzaga, and Samuel Kho (SHHS) will name just cannot be on the building.” District 2 and Dr. Vicki Calhoun for trustees that the administration is creat- attend Johns Hopkins. Trustee Klatzker stated that it is never District 3 to replace President Andy ing flexible plans that get them ready to too late to deal with our past and we can Montoya who is stepping down at the safely physically return to school as well Removing Louis E. move forward in a positive way to repre- end of his term. as ready to resume the distance learning Plummer’s Name sent all the community. “His model. She predicted that the reality will PTA Scholarships FJUHSD President Andy Montoya [Plummer’s] name does not belong on probably be a hybrid of both and every- respectfully read over 30 minutes of the building.” Every year the Fullerton PTA Council one will need patience. On June 18, public comments concerning the awards scholarships to students who OCDE released guidelines for schools to removal of Louis Plummer’s name from Board Policy to Name Facilities plan to follow a career in teaching, use in order to reopen, but they are mak- the FJUHSD Auditorium located on health care, or another career that direct- The trustees began updating Board ing it clear that each district will have to FUHS campus. All five trustees spent ly impacts youth. PTA announced the Policy 7551(b) concerning the naming do what is best for their location and the past week reading public comments, 2020 winners at the June 2 board meet- of FJUHSD owned buildings and facili- unique situation. Visit https://news- researching and reviewing the back- ing with awardees receiving up to ties. Policy has not been updated since room.ocde.us/orange-county-together- 1973, and Trustees Buchi and Fawley guide-provides-recommendations-for- tinkered with the radical overhaul sug- safely-reopening-local-schools/ gested on the agenda (5.1.2). The newest version removes old procedures and Summer Athletics

allows the Trustees more flexibility in Dr. Karl Zener, Executive Director of how much community input influences Administrative Services, announced that any future naming procedure. The summer athletics opened on campuses memorial naming policy was removed June 15 under new guidelines. The after being reassured by Superintendent FJUHSD requires a physical before stu- Scambray that memorial benches and ORAL HEALTH TIED TO ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE dents begin on-site participation, with trees would still be possible. The new additional handwashing, using hand san- version will be proposed at the next itizer, and new equipment cleaning pro- Whether you are a professional or amateur athlete, regular dental visits may board meeting in July. tocols. Up to 50 students are allowed to help you perform better and enjoy your sport more. According to the FDI congregate in an outside setting and 10 World Dental Federation, not only can oral injury and trauma inhibit athletic Mini-LCAP performance, but sports-related stress can also lead to dehydration, dry mouth, students or less inside a building, how- and teeth-grinding. Additionally, athletes should note that energy beverages Director of Education Steve Zamora, ever these requirements do not include and certain foods and supplements contain added sugars and acidic ingredi- presented the Operational Committee coaches or assistant coaches as part of ents. These can cause tooth decay and increase the risk of gum disease and Report (www.fjuhsd.org) for the Board’s the attendance limits. These reopening tooth erosion. Moreover, the experience of dental emergencies such as a gum approval. The five-page, bullet-point- measures are subject to change if State abscess, infected tooth, or wisdom tooth eruption prior to a competition, can type report replaces this year’s Local or County officials declare additional impair performance or even prevent the athlete from participating at all. Control Accountability Plan and out- safety precautions. lines the services available to all FJUHSD students after Governor The next FJUHSD Board Meeting 501 N. Cornell Ave., Suite 1, Fullerton 92831. Newsom’s stay-at-home order of March will be available through Zoom on July To schedule an appointment please call 714-992-0092 18. Short and accessible, it covers tech- 7 at 6pm. www.paulnelsondental.com nology support, teacher training, mental health student services, and special JULY 2020 YOUNG OBSERVERS FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 13

TEEN OBSERVER FEATURED PET OF THE WEEK by Francine, 9th grade by Katie, 9th Grade WILL THIS PANDEMIC DISCOURAGE US FROM PURSUING Meet Luke! A CAREER IN MEDICINE? Luke is a two-year-old brown This ongoing Q: In this time of pandemic, how do tabby who is sweet, but a little pandemic has you manage extreme stress and possi- shy in the beginning. Once he made us realize how rigorous and dan- ble post-traumatic stress disorder comes out of his shell, you will gerous is the life of a medical profes- (PTSD) especially witnessing many receive all his love. Luke has a sional. Will the scary reality of having dying from the virus alone? very sweet and playful personali- to deal with the risk and stress of the Dr. Pearle: In order to manage stress, ty. The personality of a cat medical profession discourage aspiring doctors engage in activities that allow us depends on the color of its fur doctors and nurses among us from pur- to recover from everyday stress. We coat, so tabby cats (like Luke) are suing their dream? For Patrick Orvis, a have get-togethers and conversations considered intelligent, affection- Penn State University nursing student, with psychiatrists to help us release ten- ate, and ideal companions. To this doesn’t seem to be the case sion. Besides working as a pulmonolo- schedule an appointment to (pennlive.com, 13 May 2020). Other stu- gist, I am the chairman of the Healthcare adopt, please call OC Animal dents in the same university share his Committee at St. Jude. We have coun- Care at 714-935-6848 or go to opinion as they remain focused on fin- selors who recognize how much stress www.ocpetinfo.com. ishing their courses. They are eager to we have to deal with. It is hard to start contributing to the society once achieve work-life balance, prevent burn they finish their schooling. out, and avoid PTSD when you are a What about those who are already in doctor on the frontline, but we get used FUN FACTS By Genevieve, 9th Grade the medical field? Are they still passion- to it. ate about their jobs or have they started to consider other careers? In order to Q: For someone who goes through California Beaches gain insight from the perspective of a all these difficulties everyday, can you medical professional, I interviewed pul- share simple things in your everyday 1. California has over 420 public beaches! monologist, Dr. James L. Pearle of St. life that are your sources of happi- 2. The California coast is over 800 miles long. Jude Medical Center, who works with ness? 3. Newport Beach has the oldest pier on the coast of California! COVID-19 patients. He is also a resi- Dr. Pearle: I enjoy my relations with dent of Fullerton. Below are his patients as they have become friends Sources: answers to my interview questions. with me. Because of this, I always look forward to seeing them. There is no www.reference.com/geography/interesting-california-coastal-region Q: What do you do for work? competition among doctors so we enjoy www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-californiacoast-pg-photogallery.html Dr. Pearle: I work in the pulmonary working together. department at St. Jude. Our department specializes in lung diseases such as asth- Q: As a healthcare professional WHAT’S TRENDING? ma and pneumonia. with very stressful work, how do you make life "FUN" for you (could be an by Irene, 9th grade Q: How long have you been work- activity that you love to do at work or ing in your profession? outside of work)? A RIDE TO THE PAST Dr. Pearle: 30 years. Dr. Pearle: I play music on my guitar with pulmonologist Dr. Lawton. It is Vintage apparel and design made an With everyone self-quarantined, it Q: What inspired you to pursue more fun than anything else. your career? official comeback near the end of 2018, seems like the perfect time to challenge Dr. Pearle: I wanted to have a positive Q: What is your most memorable making it a good year-and-a-half since yourself to a new hobby. People claim impact on people’s lives. I enjoy con- experience at work? the start of this craze. These days, funky it’s not quite as easy as it seems, yet necting with patients and helping them Dr. Pearle: During my internship, a dance moves in retro skates have been these skaters certainly make it look like improve their health. lady came into the ER with cardiac blowing up all over the Internet, espe- a breeze. arrest and very low heart rate. The doc- cially on the social media platform Getting my hands on a pair of one of Q: With COVID-19 and threats of tors thought she would die. But, the next TikTok. these is a challenge itself, but being able more pandemics in the future, are you morning she got up and it was such a Videos of people dancing in roller to smoothly glide on the streets is like having second thoughts about your happy surprise. skates have been receiving millions of asking for the impossible. We took a ride profession? Has it occurred to you to views, and hot feedback from viewers. to the past by exploring this retro activi- leave your profession and seek a safer Before interviewing Dr. Pearle and This led to a dramatic increase in the ty that is taking on the world. This sum- occupation? before reading about the nursing stu- search term ‘roller skate,’ growing by mer is a throwback to the crazy 70s, and Dr. Pearle: Not really; This pandemic dents at Penn State University, I saw the more than 5000% in a matter of days. I’m totally ready to hop onto this awe- gives doctors a chance to do their jobs pandemic as a big monster that is capa- Thousands are racing to purchase a pair. some summer trend! and be recognized. We have no problem ble of discouraging those who dream of doing what we were trained for because working in the medical field. just like the soldiers on the frontlines, Amazingly, Dr. Pearle and the nursing LET’S CELEBRATE it’s just part of what we do. students have provided a different per- by Alexandria, 9th grade spective that may help aspiring nurses Q: What makes you choose to stay and doctors think things through. Just in your profession despite the serious like soldiers, the risk and stress of being downside of it being risky and stress- a doctor comes with the job. Despite World Social Media Day June 30 ful? these, there are many who will still Dr. Pearle: There are not serious decide to chase their dream and they end downsides because these are situations Social media is used by people all affected communication, it has also had up being successful because they have over the world to express their thoughts, a huge impact on the economy. that doctors have been trained to manage gone through serious training in aca- effectively. feelings, artistic spirit, and much more. Platforms provide companies with a demics, as well as the practical and emo- Posting on one of the several social place to spread ads and get more people Q: Having learned the lessons from tional aspects of the job. There are two media platforms is one of the easiest to learn about their businesses. this pandemic, how do you envision things, though, that seem to be the mov- ways to get a message across to people. It has also allowed political news to the future of healthcare profession- ing force behind Dr. Pearle’s dedication It wasn't like this at first, though. The be spread widely across the country in als? What measures should be put in to his job and the students’ determina- world has come a long way from the just a few minutes. place to encourage young people to tion to pursue their careers in nursing. telephone to what social media is now. Social media has created a huge differ- pursue careers in this field despite the They are their passions for their chosen June 30 is World Social Media Day. It ence in the world and without it the risk and the stress? field and their desire to serve our socie- was created in 2010 by Mashable, a world may not function as before. Dr. Pearle: We cannot take things for ty. These turn out to be bigger than all company with a digital website, to rec- Especially in a time like this, it is impor- granted. We always have to be prepared the viruses, the risk, and the stress of the ognize the impact of social media on tant to use social media platforms to for crises mentally and resourcefully. job. communication all around the world. show your support for Our country didn’t plan for the pandem- With social media, people in com- #BlackLivesMatter or raise awareness ic, and we should have spent time and Special thanks to retired physician Dr. pletely different regions can talk to each for COVID-19 and to promote social money to anticipate the worst case situ- Joe Lawton who helped connect me to other, spread their culture, or make responsibility by not allowing yourself ation. Learning from this pandemic can Dr. Pearle for the interview. Dr. Lawton important announcements. to become victims of fake news and by help us protect our country and medical is now a musician and is part of the Ja However, social media hasn't just not spreading fake news. professionals better. Series at Florentine's Grill in Fullerton. Page 14 FULLERTON OBSERVER ARTS AND HISTORY JULY 2020

Fullerton Celebrates Fullerton’s annual Day of Music took place primarily via Facebook livestream on June 21. Local musicians performed virtually in this beloved music event. For more Day of Music Virtually information visit www.thedayofmusic.com.

Lady Zep performs via livestream on Facebook. The Darden Sisters perform.

Fullerton Train Museum

The Fullerton Train Museum, which is located next to the historic Santa Fe depot downtown offers free tours the first and third Saturdays of each month and are staffed by volunteer train enthusiasts. The railcar collection consists of the follow- ing historical train cars:

•1951 Santa Fe 85 foot streamlined sleeping car •1929 Santa Fe cupola style waycar (caboose) •1942 Union Pacific cupola style caboose •1961 Southern Pacific bay window caboose •1949 Union Pacific lunch counter/diner/lounge car •1949 Union Pacific dormitory/lounge car

To learn more about how you can donate and volunteer visit www.fullertontrainmuseum.org. JULY 2020 LOCAL NEWS FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 15 Cal State Fullerton ‘Dreamers’ Celebrate Supreme Court’s Block to Trump Ending DACA

Cal State Fullerton’s Titan Dreamer Resource Center serves nearly 2,000 students and was the first center for undocumented students in the CSU sys- tem when it launched in 2014. The university’s ‘Dreamers’ are among those celebrating the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that the Trump administration could not proceed with its plan to end the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program that protects about 700,000 young immigrants from deportation. At Cal State Fullerton it is estimated Local residents in support of the rental assistance program. that nearly 2,000 of the university’s 40,000 students are among the OUNCIL PPROVES MERGENCY ENTAL ‘Dreamers’ who would have been C A E R affected had this plan been implement- ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Continued from front page ed. the land) agrees with that stance, and “I’m thrilled and joyful to know that proud that the amicus brief we submit- “My husband lost his job. My hours a reason, you are here to help. I’d be DACA is not ending. This is a victory were reduced. I have 4 girls. We are deeply grateful if you take into account ted in partnership with CSU was part of for the undocumented community,” J. the advocacy that contributed to this behind on rent. Support undocumented all Fullerton residents. I’m not just here Jesus Rojas Rivas, of Los Angeles, said. migrants. We all pay taxes and therefore to support Palm Gardens, but to support decision.” He is an undocumented graduate stu- Virjee added that led by the Center, deserve some assistance,” Maria all immigrants and everyone who has dent studying Chicana-Chicano studies Sanchez said. lost their job, and all of us who don’t support, advocacy, and alliance will con- at Cal State Fullerton. tinue in ways that empower all “We are not just affected by rent, but have money right now to pay for our The Titan Dreamer Resource Center also by health matters. My husband suf- rent.” Dreamers to apply to, enroll in, succeed is now a model for programs throughout at, and graduate from Cal State fers from kidney deficiency. I lost my Councilmember Ahmad Zahra, who the State. The center provides academic job. We had to borrow money to pay part represents District 5, the south part of Fullerton. and emotional allies, referrals to finan- But the Supreme Court’s 5-4 ruling of the rent, not even the full rent. It’s a Fullerton where many of the speakers cial and legal assistance, and informa- very stressful situation for those of us live, thanked residents for sharing their means there is much work to be done, tion on programs and services that Rivas said. “We may have won a battle who don’t have any support because of stories. improve retention and graduation rates. our legal status,” another speaker said. “Our unemployment rate is 15% so but not that war. We need a better immi- “CSUF stands with our Dreamers not gration system. A great number of folks “I have lived here for 30 years. I have there’s a lot of struggle out there,” Zahra just because it is the right thing to do, always worked. I have never asked for said. still do not have DACA and they need but because their presence illuminates a some sort of protection as well, not government help. But I’ve been laid off Councilmember Jesus Silva, who had brighter future for all Titans and every- now for six weeks because of the pan- argued for the failed rent freeze on June because of their contributions to the one who calls this nation home,” Fram economy, but because they are humans demic. I feel forced now to ask for 2, spoke in support of the program. “The Virjee, president of Cal State Fullerton, help,” Alejandro Ramirez said. eye-opening part is to hear from so and have the right to the pursuit of hap- said. “We at CSUF are pleased that the piness and financial stability.” “This financial relief will help me to many who are undocumented, not on Supreme Court (and every other court in continue living here in Fullerton. I love assistance, but who have lost their jobs Fullerton, my children are in school and are working and need help,” Silva here. This will help my family and all said. residents in Fullerton,” a 25-year Councilmember Bruce Whitaker said, Fullerton resident said. “It’s clearly a worthy use of these BALANCE & CHANGE “I notice those who were born here funds.” just extend their hand and get a check; To view the rental assistance applica- they get subsidies,” Alma Chavez said. tion visit www.cityoffullerton.com. Black Lives Matter “Please know that God put you here for Black lives matter. A common Now imagine that as you walk response to that statement is that all down the street, that people look at lives matter. That is, of course, true. you with fear, even though you aren’t But right now there is a group that doing anything. Imagine that every needs more attention and care from time that you open your mouth, that our country and from the world. This you are deemed as less than, that your particular group has not been treated words are not as important as your as if they matter. colleagues. It is difficult to understand what it Yes, of course all lives matter. But is like to be a person of color, some- not all lives are treated the same. This one who is from an oppressed or is not about trashing anyone. I have diminished community unless that is the utmost admiration for most cops your reality. Can you imagine driving and other first responders. It is an down the street, not doing anything incredibly difficult job that most do wrong, not breaking the speed limit, very well. This is about educating just driving your car, which you people as to what is going on and that worked hard to pay for and the police it is time that we all need to change. pull you over? This happens to my Taking care of one group does not nephew, who is African American, mean denigrating a different group. all the time. He drives a nice car. He We want everyone to be treated with drives in the neighborhood that he respect. No matter their color, sexual lives in. He is doing nothing wrong! orientation, ability or anything that Yet he gets pulled over because it is makes them different from you. Yes, assumed that he has no good reason all lives matter. But right now, it is to be there. time to focus on Black Lives Matter. Photo by Jensen Hallstrom

Coyote Hills Nature Hike July 12 INDIVIDUAL, COUPLE & FAMILY THERAPY by Karen Lang with water, comfortable shoes, and MICHELLE GOTTLIEB Psy.D., MFT preferably, a hat. A Nature Hike for Coyote Hills will Let’s think about giving people a safe 305 N. Harbor Blvd, Suite 202, take place Sunday, July 12, at 6pm, at place to enjoy the outdoors in Coyote Fullerton, CA 92832 the Equestrian Ring west of Laguna Hills, staying safely within the guide- 714-879-5868 x5 www.michellegottlieb.com Lake. Masks and social distancing will lines. Let’s allow people to enjoy and be required to enjoy the walk, along consider helping save this wild place. Page 16 FULLERTON OBSERVER COMMUNITY OPINIONS JULY 2020

deeds but the entirety of their lives? Fullerton Most of us were aghast when the Out of My Mind Taliban destroyed the great Buddhist Observer by Jon Dobrer © 2020 statues in Afghanistan. These statues offended them. They sincerely saw them The Fullerton Observer Community as idols and great sins against God. Most Newspaper, founded by Ralph and others saw them, not as idols but as art Natalie Kennedy, Roy and Irene Casting Down Icons: and artistic accomplishments. The great Kobayashi, and other friends in 1978, is stone figures on Easter Island, the staffed by local volunteers who create, Statues, City Names, Buildings Pyramids in Egypt, the Temple at publish, and distribute the paper through- Angkor Wat, the great Cathedrals in out our community. I understand the palpable pain that Wagner. Both were anti-Semites but Europe represent to me human accom- This venture is a not-for-profit one - many African-Americans feel when Hitler was defined by his actions—tor- revenues are plowed back into maintain- plishments. Yet they were built by peas- ing and improving our independent, non- passing below a seemingly staring statue ture and slaughter. Wagner, though an ants and slaves. Destroy them? I don’t partisan, non-sectarian community news- raised on a high pedestal, in front of a anti-Semite, was more clearly defined think so. paper. Our purpose is to inform Fullerton courthouse or city hall. Passing below by his music. More difficult are the Casting down an idol or icon does not residents about the institutions and other the gaze of Confederate General Robert famous religious figures who really necessarily mean its destruction. Civil societal forces which most impact their E. Lee or John C. Calhoun or Stonewall can’t be erased from history no matter War generals could be moved out of the lives, so that they may be empowered to Jackson—and so many more—must be their racism or anti-Semitism. public square. They do not belong in participate in constructive ways to keep nearly unendurable and at the very least Unfortunately, Fr. Junipero Serra fits and make these private and public entities front of courthouses and capitols. Their serve all residents in lawful, open, just, extremely painful. Why would we into this category. Though now official- histories, accomplishments and trans- and socially-responsible ways. Through knowingly inflict such ly a saint, his statue gressions should not be erased but put our extensive local calendar and other pain on our fellow citi- resides in the Capitol in into historic context. We can teach and coverage, we seek to promote a sense of zens? Washington D.C. as one seek understanding of former icons, of community and an appreciation for the I got a personal taste of California’s two hero- ourselves, and of each other. values of diversity with which our coun- of this bitter phenome- ic icons, along with Just because these are difficult issues try is so uniquely blessed. non when I was a young Just because Ronald Reagan. Serra ______these are difficult and conversations does not mean they student at the University richly deserves being should be either ignored or subject to 10,000 issues of the Fullerton Observer of Vienna in Austria. issues and cast out. His enslavement inflexible self-righteousness. We need to are distributed throughout Fullerton About six days a week conversations of our Native American listen to each other, and our own inner and sent through the mail to subscribers I’d pass through Lueger does not mean people, forced conver- voices, with open minds and open every two weeks except only once Platz, named after sions, and slave labor hearts. in January, July & August. Vienna’s 19th century they should be disqualify him from ado- mayor, Dr. Karl Lueger. ration and admiration. HOW TO SUBSCRIBE either ignored or Subscriptions are $35 per year. He was not simply an subject to But where then do we Sign up and pay with Credit Card at anti-Semite but took the inflexible stop? Every slippery Police Yourselves www.fullertonobserver.com initiative to turn anti- slope argument or by check with name & address to: Semitic traditions into self-righteousness. inevitably gathers speed While publicity seekers and political Fullerton Observer, PO Box 7051, laws. In many ways, his and destructiveness activists rant about more rules for Fullerton CA 92834-7051 anti-Semitic legislation while losing focus and police, where is the hew and cry for was the first draft of proportionality. Thus we ______stronger rules for the citizenry? Why Hitler’s Nuremberg wonder if slaveholder aren’t we hearing an outcry for people to HOW TO ADVERTISE Laws. Why, I wondered, was his statue and possibly sexual exploiter Thomas behave better, which all by itself will Call 714-525-6402, or email still looming over the square, and why Jefferson should lose his memorial, if minimize the need for interactions with [email protected] did the square still have his name? I Washington D.C. and Washington State law enforcement? or visit us online at would have happily joined in toppling should undergo a name change and the If BLM, then where is the call for www.fullertonobserver.com his hurtful simulacrum. Washington Monument should be radi- blacks in major cities to quit killing or ______Today, there is a movement to topple cally circumcised because of preying on each other? If ALL lives mat- SUBMISSIONS: the traitors who fought our nation, who Washington’s ownership of human ter, where is the demand for less looting, supported enslaving our people and beings? gang activity, drug culture, abuse, Submissions on any topic of interest therefore, I believe, demonstrated their One of the many factors that makes domestic abuse, and stealing? Stop are accepted from Fullerton residents. unworthiness to remain raised up as this a difficult issue is that we don’t We strive to get something about using past injustices as an excuse for everything in but shorter pieces do have icons. I do understand the argument of want to erase our history or sanitize the today’s criminal behavior. a better chance of getting in. not erasing our history and not subject- imperfect people who did some great People, police yourselves and you Email: [email protected] ing people from over a century ago to things. We need to acknowledge and won’t need as much actual policing. ______our modern mores and standards. I learn from our mistakes and their mis- understand that our Founders, and takes and weaknesses. I don’t think we Gretchen Cox • STAFF• indeed the founders of every great should either keep them as icons Fullerton • EDITOR: Jesse La Tour nation and civilization, had flaws and because they’ve been up there so long, •CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER: Mehul Desai foibles, did good, did bad and some- •REPORTERS: Jane Rands, or wantonly destroy them because they Matthew Leslie times even did evil. This is a conversa- offend today’s sensibilities. • DATABASE MANAGER: Jane Buck tion we must have, a conversation Do we ban Mark Twain for the use of • COPY EDITOR: Terry Hendricks involving nuance, listening, and empa- the “N-word?” Should we rid our HOW TO VOICE • PROOF READER: Christine Romer thy—three virtues that don’t seem to libraries of Shakespeare for both anti- YOUR OPINION • DISTRIBUTION: Roy & Irene Kobayashi, characterize our time. Semitic jabs and homophobic jibes? Marjorie Kerr, Leslie Allen At the extremes, it seems to me to be What do we do with the racist views of The Community Opinion •ROVING REPORTER: Jere Greene pretty easy. No nation, and surely not pages provide a free forum for • COUNCIL REPORT: Jesse La Tour Henry Ford or Margaret Sanger? Can we • DOWNTOWN REPORT: Mike Ritto Germany, should have a statue honoring talk and listen? Can we try to judge the community. The Observer • SCHOOL BOARD REPORTS: Hitler. A more difficult issue would be using not only their worst thoughts and welcomes letters on any subject Jan Youngman & Vivien Moreno of interest. Opinions are those of •YOUTH EDITOR: Francine Vudoti the writer. We must verify your •POLITICAL COMMENTARY: Jonathan Dobrer identity, but we allow initials •CROSSWORD: Valerie Brickey only and town to be printed if •FULLERTON HISTORY: Terry Galvin desired, or anonymous in print if •PASSION FOR JUSTICE: Sinh Dang a reasonable case can be made •PHOTOGRAPHERS: Jere Greene, Mike Ritto as to why that is necessary. •SCIENCE: Sarah Mosko Opinions sent to us without •GARDENING: Penny Hlavac name, address and phone num- • MOVIE REVIEW: Joyce Mason ber will not be printed. Due to • THEATRE REVIEWS: Angela Hatcher space issues shorter letters have •VIDEO OBSERVER: Emerson Little a better chance of getting in. 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[email protected] The August 2020 issue will or mail to: hit the stands on August 3. Fullerton Observer, SUBMISSION & AD PO Box 7051, DEADLINE: July 27. Fullerton CA 92834 JULY 2020 COMMUNITY OPINIONS FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 17

OPPOSING VIEWS ON Support Public Health Officials The League of Women Voters of mask protects the wearer. That is not the RENAMING PLUMMER AUDITORIUM Orange County is beyond frustrated and point. Masks should be worn to protect disappointed with the OC Board of others (and, by extension, all of us), as Dear Editor, selves, “How should descendants of Supervisors for their refusal to support it is possible to have and shed the virus Holocaust victims feel about a monu- our now-departed OC Chief Health BEFORE you know you have it – and to I would like to thank you for your ment to Hitler?” “How would the chil- Officer Dr. Nichole Quick. Not only did actually have it and not exhibit symp- recent articles by Terry Hendricks and dren of Nicole Brown Simpson feel the Supervisors refuse to support her toms – which means that folks who feel by Jesse La Tour regarding the removal about a statue honoring O.J. Simpson?” professional advice with respect to the fine may, in fact, have and be spreading of Louis E. Plummer’s name from the Quite naturally, they’d probably feel wearing of masks, but they did little to the virus. That is the basis of the public Plummer Auditorium. I would also like hurt and would most likely want those discourage death threats that surely were health mask requirement. to express gratitude to the Fullerton symbols removed. In short, we should central to her decision to resign. It is shameful that the Board of Joint Union High School District Board go by a new rule; if a notable person was Dr. Quick is a public health scientist Supervisors continues to disparage the for their unanimous vote to remove the responsible for causing great harm to who based her policy on data and facts, recommendations of health care profes- name from the building. Previous people in their time, they should not be including the fact that OC numbers have sionals during the worst pandemic in Boards have elected to maintain the sta- honored so much. Especially if we been going up. The number of hospital- over 100 years. tus quo regarding this issue. However, want to promote love, compassion, and izations continues to rise while the num- Sue Guilford this board, with their action, provided an respect for each other. ber of tests is disgracefully low. President, Orange County opportunity for the Fullerton communi- Lastly, I’d like to commend The Board has also refused to endorse League of Women Voters ty to now unite around the concepts of Jacqueline Logwood for starting the her recommendations for the wearing of diversity and inclusion. petition to remove the name of Louis E. masks when out in public, continually Originally published in I noted that the Fullerton residents Plummer from the auditorium. In the focusing on whether the wearing of a The Los Angeles Times. who were in support of keeping the past, there were other attempts to name on the building made valid points accomplish this goal, but her petition about the important and indeed leg- sparked a mini-movement within the Improving Safety to Encourage Public endary contributions of Mr. Plummer to Fullerton Community to get it done. In Fullerton Junior College and the local addition, the petition raised awareness Participation at City Hall school system. However, the over- that during the Louis Plummer era whelming majority of the opinions schools were segregated. Moreover, Now that the City Council meets in walking back and forth to the Library expressed during the board meeting between 1920 and 1960, Orange County person again, the public has a choice of overflow space. Please ensure a reliable were supportive of the notion that this was ruled by white supremacists who also attending in person or staying safe- audio visual Council broadcast in the city should not continue to exalt Louis wore KKK regalia and made life gener- ly at home, watching the broadcast, and lobby, as it used to be, and/or immedi- E. Plummer to this iconic status because ally difficult for African Americans, using the e-comments function to partic- ately outside the building, but with a of his role as a former member of the Ku Mexican Americans, and other non- ipate. socially distanced entry aisle. Klux Klan. white citizens. In a very real way we The public is always concerned that Please provide socially distanced As we are all aware, Fullerton is not are still living with the consequences of their points may not be made as power- chairs and entry/exit aisles within the the only locale that is grappling with segregation and discrimination. fully if they submit a written comment lobby and immediately outside. If there building and monument names from the However, now as a result of this move- rather than speaking directly to is additional overflow needed at the past, and what to do about them in the ment, some students will not have to Councilmembers. This becomes espe- Library, please provide seating outdoors present. Unfortunately, stakeholders in feel awkward performing in a building cially important if your business, your there, too. 1 to 5 hours is a long time to these scenarios have to weigh the some- named after a member of the KKK. home, or something you care strongly stand to hear your item if the few seats times negative forces of history. I A hearty congratulations to all who about is “on the line’ in some way. are taken. would respectfully request that people supported this effort. Recently, there was an important issue Virtual Participation: Since virtual who support maintaining monuments that I’d worked on with Fullerton resi- methods are not nearly as effective as in that pay tribute to historic figures who A Happy and Proud dents over multiple years that came up person – they must be as robust as pos- supported slavery, discrimination and/or Petition Supporter for a crucial vote. While we were happy sible or people will not feel heard. oppression, put themselves in the shoes to see that the City was choosing a non- Livestream: Especially for commit- of the descendants of slaves or the P.S. Fullerton Community Auditorium profit partner to revive the Hunt Branch tees and commissions which are not yet oppressed. They should ask them- sounds good to me. Library, there was a tricky last-minute meeting in person, there can be quite a issue that needed to be addressed. learning curve for the public to know When I read the City’s requirements how to access the livestream. If the for attendees, “All persons visiting City method of participating is not clear, and Dear Editor, plete." He indicated that there were facilities shall wear face masks and provided well in advance, participants those whom he thought probably were observe social distancing protocols,” I could lose their right to comment. We are saddened that the Fullerton members but were not on it. "When the was pleased to see a strong emphasis on Public Comments: Several OC cities Joint Union High School Board of matter of the Ku Klux Klan arose, it safety, so I felt confident taking a chance allow participants to give comments by Trustees took the action to remove the struck in two areas. One was the so- making a public comment in a room full phone, especially helpful for those with- name of Louis E. Plummer from the called 'do-gooders.’” This was the era of people. out smartphones or computers, or when Fullerton High School Auditorium. of Prohibition and Mr. Plummer was When I arrived I became very con- there’s a technology glitch. Sometimes it is easier to follow the most concerned about the morals of young cerned because several things were not For the public to feel they’re being vocal voices and base one's decision on people. He did not lend himself to the in place to allow the public process to heard, the e-comments need to be: them. There are a number of other more radical elements of the KKK, like work both as safely, and in as participa- •More than 500 characters, resources that should have been taken burning a cross on the front of the tory a way, as had been indicated. Many •Contain a field to provide your name, into consideration in that decision. The Catholic Church in Anaheim! people were not wearing masks, were •Available in Spanish resources at Fullerton College Library Mr. Launer goes on to say, "Louis not socially distanced, and I was disap- •Read out loud at council meeting and the Fullerton Public Library's Plummer (was) a man who was dedicat- pointed to see that temperatures were with the person’s name Historic Collections would have given a ed to the idea that youth should not be not being taken. I hope that the City can •Include a confirmation that the e- more balanced perspective on the issue. confronted with the bad habits of the formally address these issues so that the comment will be read and entered into In Diane Oestreich's The History of day. As a gentleman, he was one of the public doesn’t have to feel trapped the official record, and maybe a second Fullerton Union High School 1893- finest citizens Fullerton ever had, and between a choice of health and safety, confirmation that it actually was. 2011, are some memorable quotes from one of the finest friends and most hon- and being able to have their views heard Some people aren’t worried about Louis E. Plummer: est, sincere and honorable men that I've effectively. As not all the City commis- masks and distancing, but for those who "In as far as possible a trustee will act ever met." sions and committees are yet meeting in are, they should be able to rely on the upon known facts, not upon hearsay. He Perhaps now that the name is gone person, the broadcast and e-comments rules that the City enacted. Opening the will champion the cause he thinks is from the Auditorium, the most important below are even more essential. council meetings for public attendance right regardless of the criticism it may thing we can expect is that our high In-Person Issues: While it seems rea- while not actually requiring masks or bring upon him." And, "a worthy school school students will do their own sonable that Councilmembers and Staff social distancing is unfair to these peo- patron looks to community welfare to research, look at all of the resources and at the dais would not all distance or wear ple. If there’s no way to do it, the City’s justify his contributions in taxes or per- write their own papers, so that Louis E. masks, that should not be the case for target can still be met if it just lets the sonal service. He grants the educational Plummer is viewed in the totality of the the public, that comes from many differ- public know so that they can make an right of every boy and girl to be the person he was: moralistic, yes, ethical, ent households. The public should wear informed decision and provide effective same as those of his own sons and indeed. masks and be socially distanced, includ- virtual commenting options. daughters." ing standing areas, and knowing where We know this is new, we know this is The CSUF Oral History on the Ku Molly McClanahan aisles are to safely exit. This needs to be difficult, we know that City employees Klux Klan in Orange County by Albert Former Fullerton City Council proactively monitored. Best practices have extra stressors these days, but we Launer, former High School board Member and Mayor include monitoring people’s tempera- also know that the City can come though member and Fullerton City Attorney had ture. There need to be a way that people on this because it values both public this to say: John Phelps who can’t be in the actual meeting can health and public participation. Regarding the membership list of the Fullerton High School, Class of 1955 be aware of the real-time progress of KKK, "I don't know how authentic the their issue. It is physically strenuous and Jane Reifer list is...I felt that this list was incom- logistically difficult for some to be Fullerton Page 18 FULLERTON OBSERVER NEWS & TRIBUTES JULY 2020

Nicholas A. Begovich Stephen J. Duffin Nicholas A. Begovich, who has given On June 13, 2020, Steve Duffin was watching Notre Dame Football. generously to Cal State Fullerton to sup- gently taken from us to fulfill God’s will However, his greatest love was fishing. port students and research over the and bring him home. Steve was born He and his father and friends, for over decades, died May 3. He was 98. August 6, 1962 in Fullerton, California 25 years, made the annual trip for open- Begovich, a friend of the university to his parents Jack and Terri Duffin. ing day fishing at Crowley Lake. For since the 1960s, has been a steadfast Steve’s early schooling was at St. over 40 years he, with family, spent two supporter of many areas — from the arts Juliana Falconieri and upon graduation weeks at our beloved Minaret Falls to engineering, and more recently, grav- he went on to Troy High School. He Campground in the High Sierras. Steve itational-wave science. then attended Cal State Fullerton. He would go fly fishing, bait fishing, hike “Nick was far more than a university received a Bachelor’s degree in nearby trails, mountain climb, and best partner, benevolent donor, and all- Communications/Journalism and a of all enjoy the evening campfire. Steve around game-changing Titan; he was a minor in Philosophy. would regale everyone kind and caring friend, mentor, teacher Discerning while at Cal with stories of our close and colleague — not just to me, but to Nicholas and Lee Begovich State, he chose to enter encounters with bears, every single Titan who was ever blessed the priesthood and even though they had to have crossed paths with him. The col- research center in the College of Natural entered St. John’s been heard before. He lective brainpower of our world is Sciences and Mathematics to the Seminary. He was also had a repertoire of diminished today, but will rise to even Nicholas and Lee Begovich Center for ordained a priest in spooky stories to scare greater heights because of Nick’s pas- Gravitational-Wave Physics and 1991. While a priest he the younger crowd. sion for education and knowledge,” said Astronomy. spent time at St. Steve is survived by his CSUF President Fram Virjee. Begovich, at an event held last fall in Bonaventure, then St. parents Jack and Terri, “Long before transforming CSUF, his honor, shared why he supported the Catherine’s, St. Anne’s, his four sisters, Susie Nick quite literally changed, and some university and its faculty and students: and St. Cecilia’s. He Rauch (Greg), Shelly would even say saved, our nation with “I can’t tell you how happy I am about left the priesthood in Corbin (Rob), Stacey his engineering ingenuity and legendary this. It completes my life.” 2003; later he married, which ended in Duffin, Sheri Al-Shamsi (Tarek), and generosity. He was far more than a The couple’s gifts to the university divorce. Throughout his life he had a nine nephews, three nieces and a great- Titan; in many ways, he was the Titan, total nearly $13 million, including a strong Catholic faith. It reflected in his nephew. You will remain in our hearts and the legacy that he and Lee built planned gift of $1.25 million to benefit love for Sunday mass, his high point of forever. Steve was a warm, loving indi- together will eternally impact and trans- the College of the Arts’ Main Art the week. Steve had a talent for speak- vidual who was loved by his family and form the lives of all Titans. Julie and I Gallery, renamed the Nicholas and Lee ing. He gave wonderful homilies that by his many friends. We know that he will miss Nick dearly, and our hearts go Begovich Gallery. had a positive effect on many people has the beautiful light of Jesus shining out to Lee and their entire family,” He is survived by his wife of 21 years, who heard him. His homilies were well on him now. In lieu of flowers, please Virjee said. Lee, a former first grade teacher and a thought-out, well-presented, concise, make a donation to Steve’s favorite Begovich and his wife, Lee, earlier devoted supporter of CSUF arts; step- and to the point. His speaking skills charity, Food for the Poor, Inc. (food- this year committed to a planned gift to daughters Jill Carlson; Ann Carlson; and went beyond homilies and he was fre- forthepoor.org) or your own favorite benefit gravitational-wave, engineering alumna Cynthia Carlson ‘84 (B.A. art). quently requested to record talks on St. charity. The funeral was held at St. and computer science faculty and stu- He was preceded in death by his first Joseph Radio and Magnificent events. Juliana Falconieri Church on Friday, dent research. He began collecting for- wife, Joan. Steve loved sports and enjoyed skiing, June 26. eign sports cars in the early 1950s and A private family memorial service water skiing, surfing, rock climbing, and donated 14 classic cars in his collection will be held. His family is requesting — valued at $10 million — to the uni- that gifts be made to CSUF’s College of versity. the Arts-Dean’s Fund for Excellence Ray Schilling In recognition of his philanthropy and and the Nicholas and Lee Begovich Ray Schilling, 89, died on 24 June with the Thailand commanding officer. newfound interest in gravitational Center for Gravitational-Wave Physics 2020. He left behind his wife, Gayle Retired from the Army after 22 years of waves, the university renamed the and Astronomy. Vogt-Schilling, with her four children service, he taught ROTC in Long Beach and nearly 30 grand/great children. high schools for another 20 years. At He also left four Schilling children age 74, he was coaching tennis at and three grandchildren as well. A Huntington Beach High School. His Special Forces/Green Beret, he led an collective family love him so much and incredible and stunning life as a para- will miss his charm and quick wit. trooper, a Ranger, and Scout. He was A military service will be 1215 PM deployed in Vietnam, Panama, and Fri. July 3 at Riverside National Thailand, where as a tennis champion he Cemetery, Riverside. was invited to play singles each morning Those who Died Homeless in Orange County in May Alvin WENDLANDT who died on May 1 in Anaheim Edward JANSSEN who died on May 1 in Costa Mesa Kenneth CONNEL who died on May 1 in Orange Robert HACKETT who died on May 2 in Westminster Joel GANDEZA who died on May 3 in Santa Ana Andrew CONCEPCION who died on May 4 in Anaheim Matthew NICKOLESCU who died on May 4 in Costa Mesa Paul MALOTT who died on May 4 in Santa Ana Michael WHITE who died on May 6 in Midway City Jose CHACON who died on May 7 in Fullerton Patrick PRENDERGAST who died on May 7 in Santa Ana Manolis TSARNAS who died on May 8 in Anaheim Tuong NGUYEN who died on May 9 in Anaheim Alexander CARILLO who died on May 11 in Santa Ana Marie TATE who died on May 12 in Huntington Beach Carolyn TATE who died on May 12 in Huntington Beach John DILWORTH who died on May 13 in Huntington Beach John LINGUA who died on May 14 in Costa Mesa Sawyer PAWLIK who died on May 14 in Costa Mesa Mario ARMENTO who died on May 15 in Anaheim Michael GILREATH who died on May 18 in Orange Tricia GONZALEZ who died on May 19 in Santa Ana Hiep TRUONG who died on May 23 in Garden Grove Jonathan LEMASTER who died on May 24 in Santa Ana Theodore CONTRERAS who died on May 24 in Santa Ana Geoffrey POWER who died on May 27 in Santa Ana Veronica VALENZUELA who died on May 27 in Anaheim Randall WALLETS who died on May 28 in Anaheim Christopher JOHNSEN who died on May 29 in Huntington Beach Barry JACKSON who died on May 29 in Anaheim. JULY 2020 NEWS, CLASSIFIEDS & MORE FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 19

OUR TOWN CROSSWORD © 2020 ANSWER KEY TO PUZZLE “SUMMER BLOCKBUSTERS” on page 7:

PUZZLE MASTER Valerie Brickey Vern Brock stands with his re-purposed tiki-trees. was born in Fullerton and Tiki Trees by Marla Sheehan-Sells returned to raise her family here. In the past few weeks our neighbor- researched authentic tikis, bought some She has been hood has lost two very old (one 85 years power tools and went to work. They are contributing counting rings), very large and very WOW! Vern is currently an English puzzles since 2014. beloved trees on the 400 blocks of Literature teacher who has worked at Malvern and Brookdale. The crew of Disneyland's Jungle Cruise and...the tree-trimmers methodically cut them inspirational Tiki Room. LOCAL ONLY CLASSIFIEDS down in large sections until they were His wife Stephanie, also a teacher, but a memory. Decades of beauty, shade, daughter Rowan (8) and twin sons Call (714) 525-6402 squawking parrots and frolicking rac- Everett and Emerson (6) help supervise coon families...GONE. dad's work. The Fullerton Observer provides space for NEIGHBORS to advertise. To Enter creative neighbor Vern Brock He's already declined offers to buy participate you must have a local phone number. Contractors must provide who scored several huge tree trunk sec- them. After all, they're old friends. Talk valid licenses. Editor reserves right to reject any ad not considered suitable tions...with a mission in mind. He's about making the most of COVID-19 for our family newspaper. The cost of a classified is $15 for 50 words or less sculpting spectacular tikis in his front downtime! per issue. Payment is by check only. The Observer assumes no liability for driveway to the delight of us all. He ads placed here. However, if you have a complaint or compliment about a service, please let us know at (714) 525-6402. Call City Hall at (714) 738- 6531 to inquire about business licenses. For contractor license verification go High Mosquito Abundance to the California State Contractor License Board website at Causes Concern in Orange County www.cslb.ca.gov. The Orange County Mosquito and identify and treat any water sources that WANT TO BUY JOBS Vector Control District (OCMVCD) is result in mosquito breeding. It is essen- observing an increase in mosquito activ- tial for all residents in Orange County to Wanted: TECH BOOKS Ironing ity in urban and coastal areas of the be active in eliminating mosquito breed- Engineering, physics, mathematics, County. This increase marks the 6th ing in and around their properties to help Person needed to iron clothes electronics, aeronautics, welding, wood- at her/his home or our home. week in a row that OCMVCD has reduce the number of adult mosquitoes. working, HVAC, metalworking and recorded higher-than-average counts. Residents should take the following Call BIPIN other types of technical books pur- (657) 500- 8366 Mosquito collections at this time last precautions to help reduce the chances chased. Large Collections (25+ books) year averaged 24 mosquitoes per trap. of breeding mosquitoes: Preferred. Please call Deborah ROOM FOR RENT This year, however, the District’s traps •Dump and drain any containers filled (714) 528-8297 have caught an average of 110 mosqui- with water at least once a week. toes per trap, an increase that is nearly •Clean and scrub bird baths and pet HOME REPAIR Small room for rent in Anaheim five times higher than last year’s num- water bowls weekly. Senior Mobile Home Park. bers. This year’s mosquito counts are •Do not transport or share plant clip- LICENSED HOME SERVICES Prefer female. Please call double the County’s 5-year average. pings rooted in water. Roofing, Dry Rot, Windows, Doors, (714) 992-8012 or “High mosquito abundance is one fac- •Drill a hole or puncture containers to Patio Covers, Fences, Gates (714) 395-1341 (cell) tor that increases the risk for West Nile eliminate standing water. CSLB #744432. virus (WNV) transmission when virus To prevent mosquito bites, take action, Free estimates (714) 272-8702 activity is present. However, OCMVCD and follow these tips: currently has not detected any WNV in •Apply mosquito repellents to our surveillance program,” Robert exposed skin before going outdoors. Cummings, Director of Scientific •Wear repellent containing DEET®, Services, said. Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon euca- Three surrounding counties (Los lyptus. Orange County Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego) •Close all unscreened doors and win- COVID-19 Website have detected West Nile Virus in their dows to prevent mosquitoes from enter- www.occovid19.ochealthinfo.com mosquito samples. This early season ing your home or space; repair broken or virus activity in the region is concerning damaged screens. 211 OC Website when coupled with high mosquito abun- •Wear long-sleeved shirts and long www.211oc.org dance. pants, and opt for lighter-colored cloth- Based on the high mosquito popula- ing. tion in areas of Orange County, the Mosquito control is a shared responsi- District has implemented additional out- bly. Learn how you can take charge of reach to residents and will continue to your yard: www.ocvector.org. Page 20 FULLERTON OBSERVER LOCAL NEWS JULY 2020