ullerton bserver FULLERTON’S ONLYF INDEPENDENT NEWS • Est.1978 (printed on 20%O recycled paper) • YEAR 42 #20 • EARLY DECEMBER 2020 Submissions: [email protected] • Contact: (714) 525-6402 • Read Online at: www.fullertonobserver.com

HOMELESS OUTREACH AND ENFORCEMENT DURING COVID-19 AND COLD WEATHER MONTHS

by Jesse La Tour

For the past couple years, the city of Fullerton has been legally unable to enforce its “anti-camping” ordinance (ticketing people for sleeping outside) due to the court case Martin v. Boise and the federal lawsuit Orange County Catholic Worker v. County or Orange, et al.; the settlement of the latter requires cities to, at a minimum, provide shelter beds for 60% of their homeless popula- tion before they can enforce “anti-camp- ing” ordinances. Basically, according to the law, cities can’t criminalize poverty. These legal requirements have prompted cities in north Orange County—most recently Placentia, Buena Park, and Fullerton—to open “navigation centers” that are homeless shelters with wraparound social servic- es, with the ultimate goal of getting peo- ple the help they need and into perma- nent housing. Thanksgiving Food Drive: Cars lined up for blocks along Commonwealth Ave. in Fullerton on November 22 to receive a free Thanksgiving turkey and groceries. Story and photos on page 2. See Homeless Outreach, Page 12

Dramatic Increase in COVID-19 Forces ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Return of Restrictive Health Measures YLVIA ENDEZ ECEIVES by Matthew Leslie Nationally, cases of coronavirus infec- •S M R tion have reached record levels, with WARRIOR AWARD

PRESORTED PRESORTED (p. 2) POSTAGE PAID PAID POSTAGE

STANDARD U.S. STANDARD Rising Cases of COVID-19 fears of an even worse wave following FULLERTON CA FULLERTON PERMIT NO. 1577 PERMIT ill-advised Thanksgiving gatherings and Orange County’s rates of coronavirus travel, as the country, under the lame AST RANGE ROVES transmission are spiking once again, •L O G duck Trump Administration, still lacks a with metrics in most categories steadily (p. 4) unified strategy for combatting trans- rising in recent weeks. missions. Daily reports of new COVID-19 cases HE OWNTOWN EPORT Travel to and from states with lax or •T D R are now routinely exceeding 1,000 in (p. 6) no rules in place for social distancing, OC. Currently, 479 people are hospital- wearing of face coverings, and other

ized in the County; 115 of them in preventative personal measures, or •FOX WINDOWS RESTORED Intensive Care Units. Seventy percent of COM

. strategic closures of businesses and pub- (p. 7) OC’s ICU beds are occupied, while 64% lic facilities to limit social interaction, of ventilators are available. In mid-July, are of great concern to public health

BSERVER as many as 722 people were hospitalized DUCATION officials who have urged OC residents to •E

with COVID-19 and 245 were in ICU O RESIDENT stay at home during the holidays. (p. 8) beds. But new cases are rising sharply,

THE threatening to equal or exceed hospital- VISIT

ization levels seen last summer. See COVID-19 Update, Page 3 •YOUNG OBSERVERS IN

OR (p. 9)

714-525-6402

CURRENT •NEW SPANISH FULLERTONOBSERVER

. COUNCIL APPROVES CANNABIS ORDINANCE LANGUAGE COLUMN DVERTISE OR

A (p. 10) WWW by Jesse La Tour es, and unlimited testing businesses in certain commercial and manufacturing •CITY BANS RV Fullerton City Council voted 3-2 at zones within the City pursuant to speci- STREET PARKING their November 17 meeting to approve fied development and operational stan- an ordinance that allows and regulates dards. (p. 13) commercial cannabis businesses in the Council had previously approved the City. ordinance on October 6, then tabled it on •REMEMBERING THE Despite the fact that Prop 64 (which October 20, brought it back on WILSHIRE THEATER

legalized recreational cannabis) passed November 2, and finally approved it in 2016, Fullerton City Council voted in again on the 17th. (p. 14) 2017 to ban dispensaries in the City. The At all of the above meetings the ordi- new ordinance allows them. nance was controversial, with members •ARTS The ordinance allows five cannabis of the public and Council divided as to (p. 15) retail businesses, five manufacturing its merits. BSERVER

PO BOX 7051

ULLERTON businesses, five cultivation businesses,

O See Cannabis, Page 5 F five transportation/distribution business- •COMMUNITY OPINIONS FULLERTON CA 92834 CA FULLERTON (p. 16-17) Page 2 FULLERTON OBSERVER LOCAL NEWS EARLY DECEMBER 2020

“History happened right here!” She list- Her father contacted attorney David ed myriad ways Mendez and her family Marcus who had argued and won the have been recognized for the landmark right for Latinos to be in public parks in civil rights case Mendez v. Westminster Riverside. Marcus filed a class action that first established “separate is not suit to challenge the segregated schools equal” in California, pre-dating the US in Westminster, Garden Grove, and Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Orange (then El Modena) on behalf of Education. Among the Mendez family the children in the Mendez, Guzman, honors are recognition from the city of Estrada, Ramirez, and Palomino fami- Fullerton, a US Postage Stamp, schools lies. They won and the school district named for her and her appealed, but the appeals parents, and her receipt court upheld the prior of the Presidential Medal decision. of Freedom from Barack Mendez said it was a Obama. Her father, “smooth integration,” not There are children’s Gonzalo, asked the like integration in the books that tell her story. school principal south in the 1960s. One, Sylvia and Aki, tells When Mendez retired the story of her and her why they could from a career as a nurse, childhood friend Aki not attend the she began telling her Munemitsu. Aki and her school they lived family story as a promise Sylvia Mendez. Photo by Pam Keller. family were forced from next to and was she had made to her their home in Orange told it was because mother. Twenty years County to live at Poston they were ago Mendez told the Sylvia Mendez Receives Internment Camp in story for the first time to Arizona during World Mexican. ninth graders at Garden Warrior Award War II because they were Grove High School. Her of Japanese descent. The goal since then has been by Jane Rands Fitzgerald, and Jan Flory. Mendez family began to have it taught in all Assemblyperson Sharon Quirk-Silva renting the Munemitsu’s schools. Teachers who Sylvia Mendez, whose family was spoke briefly as the creator and past host farm in Westminster dur- wish to may teach about among the five families who won the of the event when she was a Fullerton ing that time and that is how the land- it but she really wants it included as a landmark school desegregation case Councilperson, a teacher, and raising her mark case began. statement in history texts in conjunction Mendez v. Westminster (1947), received children. A former honoree and now When her aunt took 8- year-old with the Brown decision, for students to the 2020 “Warrior Award” at the 16th Congressperson-elect Young Kim was Mendez and her brother along with their know it happened here first. Annual Women in Leadership Forum on included in the opening program as well. lighter-skinned cousins to enroll at the She said her story has never been just November 18. Due to COVID-19, there Quirk-Silva, noting that she and Kim neighborhood school, her aunt was told about her family, but about equal educa- were no other awards given or speakers, had run for the District 65 Assembly seat to take her and her brother to the tion as a “basic human right.” She said as in past years at the virtual event. against each other, said she and Kim are “Mexican” school. Her father, Gonzalo, that while she was part of ending de Women’s Club of Fullerton President warriors too, who have “been through asked the school principal why they jure, or legally enforced, segregation, Mary Torres presented the award, along what we call the good, bad, and ugly of could not attend the school they lived today there is still de facto segregation with past and present Fullerton City politics.” next to and was told it was because they because of economics and social condi- Councilpersons Pam Keller, Jennifer Keller introduced Mendez saying, were Mexican. tions.

Hundreds of cars lined up to receive turkeys and groceries.

City Councilmember Jesus Silva volunteered at the Second Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway. Hundreds of Cars Show Up for Thanksgiving Food Drive

Cars lined up for blocks along Across the three events thousands of Commonwealth Ave. in Fullerton on local residents received food during this Sunday morning, November 22, to difficult holiday season. receive free Thanksgiving turkeys and Volunteers at the event, which includ- groceries. ed Fullerton City Council Member Jesus The Second Annual Thanksgiving Silva, State Assemblymember Sharon Turkey Giveaway was part of three such Quirk-Silva, Fullerton Mayor Jennifer events in Fullerton, Anaheim, and La Fitzgerald, and many others, wore Habra organized and sponsored by the masks and gloves to protect themselves office of OC Supervisor Doug Chaffee and others against COVID-19, as they (4th District) in partnership with United helped distribute food to families in Across Borders and other local non- need. Volunteers unload food at the Turkey Giveaway. profits and food companies. EARLY DECEMBER 2020 LOCAL NEWS FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 3

COVID-19 Update continued from front page

Fullerton has recorded 3,508 con- wave of patients. COVID-19 cases firmed cases of COVID-19, with 112 spiked over the summer, in part, it is fatalities from the disease. For compari- believed, because residents ignored calls son, the city of Orange, with a similar for social distancing and the wearing of population size, has a slightly lower face coverings and they gathered in number of total cases, 3,465, but a much large numbers for Memorial Day and lower death rate of 72. Case Rates per 4th of July celebrations. This helped the 100,000 residents and Test Positivity virus spread to larger numbers of peo- Rates have increased in all four of ple, many of whom required hospitaliza- Fullerton’s ZIP codes, sometimes dra- tions, and some of whom died weeks matically (see chart at right). later. The change in tier status will require Return to Most Restrictive Tier immediate closure of facilities previous- ly allowed to be open in limited capaci- The California Department of Public ties under the less restrictive Red, or Health (CDPH) has moved Orange “Substantial” Tier. Houses of worship, County from the Red Tier, or second bars and restaurants, gyms, movie the- most restrictive, to the Purple, or most aters, and other indoor venues previous- restrictive tier, of the State’s Blueprint ly operating with limited indoor occu- for a Safer Economy: pancies have now ceased indoor activi- https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy ties entirely, and may maintain only out- The four-tiered color-coded Blueprint door services with mod- is a rubric developed by ifications for social dis- the CDPH to measure the tancing. Bars that do not progress of each of the serve food must close State’s 58 counties in entirely. Hair salons and order to determine how barbershops may still widely each county may Fullerton has operate indoors with reopen or must restrict or recorded 3,508 modifications, but retail close various businesses, stores must reduce public venues, activities, confirmed cases of COVID-19, capacity from 50% and schools, in order to down to 25%, which control the spread of the with 112 will see a return of lim- coronavirus. fatalities from ited numbers of cus- Governor Gavin the disease. tomers being allowed to Newsom held a news con- enter stores at the same ference November 16 to and Mayor Pro Tem are chosen. The New Saliva Based Home Test Kit time. Amusement parks announce that, effective report does not indicate whether or not remain closed. Orange County’s Healthcare Agency the following day, the the City Council will allow members of Reacting to the alarm- announced on Nov. 17 a new at-home State was “pulling an the public to attend the Dec. 15 meeting ing rise in numbers of test kit for OC residents. Developed emergency brake” on the or any thereafter. They may possibly reported COVID-19 with Ambry Genetics, the kits are saliva Blueprint due to a dramatic increase in revert to meeting virtually, as they did cases, the Los Angeles County Board of based, and do not require a swab to be COVID-19 cases. Twenty-eight coun- several times earlier this year. It is not Supervisors voted to stop all in-person inserted into a nostril for a sample, as ties, including Orange, were immediate- clear how residents who do not use com- dining in restaurants, wineries, and most PCR tests have been conducted. ly moved back to the Purple, or puters will be able to participate, since breweries, including outdoors, for three OCHCA Director Dr. Clayton Chau “Widespread,” Tier, placing nearly 95% the library is closed and there are no weeks beginning Nov. 25. The Orange gave his assurances that the saliva-based of California residents under the most provisions for comments made by tele- County Board of Supervisors has yet to test is FDA approved and is as accurate restrictive pandemic conditions as deter- phone. impose any such restrictions. as the more familiar nasal swab tests. mined by the State’s metric. Only a few Domer considers the City to have The kits can be mailed to residents and counties remain in the Red and Orange done a “ tremendous job” of facilitating Fullerton Restrictions and come with prepaid FedEx return pack- Tiers. None has managed to stay in the public comments Restaurant Funding aging. Test results are Yellow, or “Minimal” Tier. through the City’s web- promised within 24 Locally, the city of Fullerton is offer- site, but the reading of hours of receipt by the Limited Stay-at-Home ing grants of up to $1,500 to restaurants those comments during lab. Ambry will retain Order in Effect “to enhance the outdoor dining experi- the meetings has not records of tests for future ence during the colder weather,” accord- been consistent, with Effective Saturday, November 21, a epidemiological refer- ing to City Manager Ken Domer. The Mayor Jennifer Orange County’s statewide limited Stay-at-Home Order ence. grants are funded through the congres- Fitzgerald sometimes Healthcare took effect, similar to the one instituted The new at-home test sional CARES Act through funds made choosing to have the earlier this year in the first months of the Agency kits were funded by the available by Orange County’s Board of comments read in their pandemic, except that it will apply only announced CARES Act, which Supervisors. Business owners should entirety and other times to the hours between 10pm and 5am. requires all federal contact Kellee Fritzal at (714) 738-6837 quickly summarized by on Nov. 17 a The order applies only to the now 45 monies to be spent by the for more information. the City Clerk. On occa- new at-home Purple Tier counties, including Orange end of the 2020 calendar No changes in the city facility closures sion, Mayor Fitzgerald and every other county in Southern test kit for year. But County offi- are expected as a result of the County has only asked for the California. According to a press release OC residents. cials say there is a “great slip from Red to Purple Tier. number of comments in from Gov. Newsom’s office, the order likelihood” that more “City facilities will continue to oper- favor of or against a “is designed to reduce opportunities for funding will ultimately ate as they have through the health crisis given agenda item, with disease transmission. Activities con- be made available for by conducting online and appointment no reading of the actual ducted between 10pm and 5am are often them because of the meetings for Planning and Building comments themselves. non-essential and more likely related to recent dramatic increase services, and still offer controlled in-per- City commissions and committees social activities and gatherings that have in COVID-19 cases. son utility payments and Business continue to meet virtually. Although the a higher likelihood of leading to reduced 11,000 of the new kits were first dedi- Registration,” Domer said. “Residents meetings are often effectively inclusive inhibition and reduced likelihood for cated to the hardest hit areas in Anaheim should make sure to check the City’s of the public, residents have complained adherence to safety measures such as and Santa Ana and then to the whole website for services that are offered at times of being unable to participate in wearing a face covering and maintaining County the following week (mid online or in person.” some meetings, which utilize online vir- physical distance.” November). OC officials say that After months of allowing members of tual meetings, or to have comments Like the earlier Stay-at-Home Order, 500,000 kits will be available to OC res- the public to attend and speak during effectively considered. the current one is intended to “flatten the idents by the end of December. Kits can meetings, Fullerton City Council will Schools already in operation are not curve” by moderating the rate of trans- be picked up at one of the 9 participating only permit invited family members and required to close, but schools that have mission among the populace so that community clinics throughout the guests of the Council members them- not reopened for in-person instruction local hospitals do not become over- County, including Family Health selves to the Dec. 1 meeting. “In person may not do so at this time. Colleges and whelmed with COVID-19 patients. State Matters at 901 W. Orangethorpe Ave. in Public Comments will not be allowed Universities must move all but studio health officials are concerned about a Fullerton, Korean Community Services but e-comments and emailed comments and lab classes to online instruction. rate of increase in COVID-19 cases at 451 W. Lincoln, Suite 100 in are highly encouraged,” according to a Both the Fullerton School District and greater than that seen in July of this year, Anaheim, or ordered by visiting report by City Manager Ken Domer. The Fullerton Joint Union High School and want to ensure that hospital facili- https://oc.care.ambrygen.com/#/dtc/lan only item on the agenda is the reorgani- District remain open under modified ties, particularly Intensive Care Unit zation of the City Council itself, wherein ding. beds, are not overwhelmed by a new learning conditions. new members are sworn in and a Mayor Page 4 FULLERTON OBSERVER LOCAL NEWS EARLY DECEMBER 2020

FULLERTON CITY COUNCIL NOTES

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

Closed Session

Before every public City Council meeting, there is a “closed session” in which Council meets with various parties to discuss items outside the view of the public. During this closed session, Council met with legal counsel to discuss the following legal cases: Wagner, et al. v. City of Fullerton, et al, Air Combat USA v. Brendan O’Reilly, City of Fullerton, et al, and Orange County Catholic Worker et al. v. The last commercial orange groves at the former Kimberly Clark plant Orange County et al. There was no closed session report from the City Attorney. could face the axe. Photo by Jensen Hallstrom

warehouse height, but in Fullerton, owned by Goodman, at a later date it Some Kimberly-Clark Trees Goodman was given a zoning variance may appear to have been approved in the to go to 55 feet. City-certified EIR. May Be Saved if Developer is Willing It was also noted by the public that before the City Council public hearings, Firing Range Issues

what appeared to be a majority of by Jane Reifer potential spread if the trees were actual- After Goodman closed escrow, but Councilmembers had met with ly diseased. For avocados, the best time before the original EIR was finalized by Goodman privately. Earlier in the meet- The City Council again voted 4-1 for grafting is in the spring. the City, one or more of the buildings ing, City Attorney Richard Jones com- (Whitaker “no”) to approve the massive It is not clear what, if any, compliance has been used as a firing range with the mented that it had not been the City Goodman Logistics (Goodman) ware- requirements exist for a developer for discharge of live ammunition into the Council’s practice in the past to require house project at the former Kimberly- requests of this type, and nothing has walls and structure of what was then declaration of councilmembers’ individ- Clark site at the November 17 Council been heard so far on either requests from being evaluated as potentially historic ual private meetings (ex parte) with meeting. Due to the outpouring of inter- either the planning staff or the develop- resources. This could also result in lead applicants. Friends for a Livable est from the community in saving some er. and asbestos exposure to current users Fullerton (FFLF) asked that, since these of the trees, Mayor Pro Tem Jan Flory Community members requested a tree and to future demolition crews. ex parte discussions were not disclosed asked the City’s Development Director survey to be done to document if any in the public hearings, there be a new to work with Goodman to rare or unusual trees were Air Quality consider the possibility of on the property. hearing that would also serve as an at least saving trees that There was some confu- opportunity to discuss some of the sub- The city of Fullerton will not realize would not interfere with sion as to how the consult- stantive issues on this project that were the air quality benefits of Kimberly- the future building foot- ants had decided that the not carefully reviewed. Clark, a large polluter, leaving the area. prints. These trees would trees could be removed. Goodman is also a polluter, but will not Community Mystery Expansion Parcel have to do significant mitigation, be on the perimeter of the Usually, surveys are done as members because they were allowed to base their property and some land- part of an extensive For example, the Council voted to emissions on the previous, higher K-C scape areas of the parking requested a Environmental Impact approve items for Goodman’s develop- levels, rather than the baseline in place spaces where new trees tree survey Report (EIR), but in this ment that included an "expansion par- after K-C moved out and the EIR was were to be planted. case neither a tree survey cel" (at 2301 E. Orangethorpe) immedi- to be done. being developed. By this method, Some of the previous nor a biological technical ately adjacent to the larger Goodman almost any company would have come issues with bird habitat report was conducted. The site. Goodman did not acquire this site, out better than Kimberly-Clark and were answered by wide variety of trees was which was home to a roofing company, allowed a “free pass” on clean air and Goodman with the fact dismissed as ornamental when it purchased the K-C site in 2019, greenhouse gases. Why was this base- that they were replacing and belonging to “remnant nor when it was sold to the current line method allowed, which does not the 500+ existing trees on orchards” and the normal owner in early 2020, but did include it in require Goodman to do significant air the property with 600+ new trees, but rules were not followed. Obviously, if a the expensive environmental documents quality mitigations, as other jurisdic- members of the community brought up decision is made not to do even an infor- and maps it prepared. Many City staff tions have required? that using 2-year-old saplings to replace mal study, there is no way to assess any hours were spent analyzing these maps healthy mature 80-year-old trees is not inherent value or environmental and documents. City Indemnification an equivalent level of replacement, impacts. Even though there was never any pub- especially for bird habitat. Councilmember Bruce Whitaker said lic notice for the expansion parcel at the It was asked, but not answered, At the previous council meeting, that it might be too late at this point, but Planning Commission and City Council whether Goodman is indemnifying the Mayor Pro Tem Flory had asked that he wanted to look into what the City meetings, these bodies’ decisions may City for any groundwater and soil con- Goodman to make scions available to was receiving in exchange for the dis- have been colored by some of the docu- tamination. Goodman has indemnified the community to graft onto private cretionary items that Goodman was ments containing the parcel that slipped K-C for any groundwater and soil con- trees to maintain the varieties growing given. He felt that the Development through at both meetings. Oddly, the tamination on the entire site, but it is in the current orchard. Goodman did not Agreement may have committed the only site maps available to City Council unclear whether the city of Fullerton has object to providing scions for avocado City to covering much higher costs in were not stand-alone; they were avail- also negotiated indemnification on the grafting, but explained that the orange the future due to the change in use, such able only in a PowerPoint presentation, site of the City’s well, road, and sewer trees could not be available for grafting as the additional traffic. so councilmembers were not able to ana- easements. due to the current citrus psyllid /HLB Members of the public recommended lyze the maps closely. Also, if this parcel quarantine. caution in approving the project. Other is eventually acquired, it may not go To stay updated, call or text Friends To be clear, all citrus trees in Orange cities have given less special treatment through a Phase 2 hazardous substances for a Livable Fullerton at (714) 729-301, County that are under quarantine are not and received more significant mitiga- report since, although none was per- email [email protected] or necessarily diseased or unhealthy. The tions for similar projects. For example, formed because the parcel was not visit SaveFullerton.com. quarantine is a precaution to prevent any other cities have allowed only 40 feet of City Council Votes Covered Elsewhere in this Issue:

•Council Approves Cannabis Ordinance (p. 1) •Council Bans RV Street Parking (p. 13) •City Council Campaign Contribution Limits (p. 5) Agenda Forecast The December 1, 2020 City Council Meeting will only be for certification of the election and City Council transition only. Members of the public will not be permit- ted in Council Chambers due to increase in COVID-19 and to reduce potential for exposure, at this time. In person Public Comments will not be allowed but e-com- ments and emailed comments are encouraged. EARLY DECEMBER 2020 LOCAL NEWS FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 5

CITY COUNCIL CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION LIMITS

by Jane Rands local government may establish a differ- ent limitation that is more precisely tai- The city of Fullerton has no campaign lored to the needs of its communities.” contribution limits for City Council can- The issue of Campaign Finance Limits didates. But as of January 1, 2021, the was 11th on the November 2 City State will begin enforcing AB-517, Council meeting Agenda, which was which caps individual contributions at discussed more than 4 hours into the $4,770 per election, the same as the meeting. Mayor Fitzgerald skipped the State limit on candidates for the staff presentation and City Manager Ken California State Assembly. Domer provided only a brief introduc- The new State limit is so high, howev- tion. The staff report, which was not dis- decided to receive and file the item the community's. Similarly, the State er, that it will have little effect on candi- cussed, had examples of limits in other without providing direction for the staff legislature approved AB-517 based on dates for Fullerton City Council. For cities. Newport Beach has a $1,200 to move forward. the premise that unlimited contributions example, there were just two individual limit, Orange has a $1,000 limit, Seal The new Council will have its plate to local candidates “creates the risk and contributions in the November 3, 2020 Beach has a $500 limit, and Chula Vista full in 2021 with other issues and may the perception that elected officials in Fullerton City Council Election that has a $350 limit per election from indi- not have an appetite for contribution those jurisdictions are beholden to their barely exceeded the newly-instituted viduals. limits after having just finished compet- contributors and will act in the best limit. Andrew Cho received $4,999 from Despite having asked for campaign ing in a contest that raised over interest of those contributors at the local developer and philanthropist John finance limits to be on the agenda, $325,000 collectively from individuals, expense of the people,” and that the Phelps and Fred Jung received $5,000 Council Members Flory and Zahra as well as corporate entities and political State has an interest in “preventing actu- from his out-of-state father-in-law, asked to “do nothing” and “punting,” action committees, excluding al corruption and the appearance of cor- William Iguchi. respectively, as both expressed concerns Independent Expenditures. ruption at all levels of government.” AB-517 recognizes that the law's con- that if the City sets its own limits, the At City Council Meetings, Fullerton Let’s hope the new Council is of that straints may be too generous for city- city would then be responsible for residents often accuse the Council mem- same mindset. level elections and suggests that, “A enforcing those limits. The Council bers of considering interests other than

Mayor Pro Tem Jan Flory voted for the ordinance. Egleth Nunnci, and many other residents spoke against the ordinance.

CANNABIS STILL POLARIZING ISSUE people voted for Prop 64, “they didn’t voted for the ordinance, said that resi- know it could be next to their house.” dents’ concerns about illegal dispen- Cannabis, from front page the process. Others argued that the peo- Councilmember Ahmad Zahra, who saries could be alleviated with this ordi- ple had made their voices heard by vot- Those opposed expressed concern that supported the ordinance, said that he nance, which would make it easier for ing for Prop 64. allowing legal dispensaries would have feels like the community was included the City to close them down. “The time has come to make what is a negative impact on children and neigh- in the process, citing community meet- Mayor Pro Tem Jan Flory, who voted legal in this state, legal in Fullerton,” borhoods. ings he had attended and hosted. He for the ordinance, said she had spoken wrote one resident. “Fullerton residents “This city has a small-town feel, peo- noted that, as a result of these meetings, with Mayor Vince Sarmiento of Santa are purchasing marijuana, either from ple who have very conservative values,” safety buffers and regulations had been Ana, where they allow legal dispen- bootleg dispensaries, or Lucia Maturino said. “My added to the ordinance. saries. She said that according to from other cities, with parents raised us to not use “For me, it’s about creating laws that Sarmiento, their city went from over Fullerton losing out on sig- drugs. When I heard that would regulate something as opposed to 120 illegal dispensaries before the ordi- nificant tax revenue.” this was proposed, I was in what we have now, which is lawless- nance, to just a handful now. And in Some spoke of the med- shock.” ness, and creating this shady black mar- Santa Ana, the revenue from the legal Council voted ical benefits of cannabis. Those in favor argued ket that we have,” Zahra said. “I know dispensaries pays for enforcement, city 3-2 to approve “They have safeguards that having regulated legal I’m voting my conscience. I’m doing services, and youth education programs. an ordinance in place, particularly when dispensaries would pre- what I believe is right but also listen- The ordinance takes effect December it comes to the health and vent children from gaining that allows and ing…to make sure it serves the commu- 17, although it will take longer than that safety of children, and access to cannabis, and regulates nity overall.” for cannabis businesses to go through that’s what legalizing and would provide the City commercial Councilmember Jesus Silva, who the approval process. regulating cannabis is much-needed revenue for cannabis about,” one resident said. city services and better businesses “Of course, marijuana can enforcement against illegal in the City. be a drug, or it can be a dispensaries. medicine as my grand- “It would be nice to be mother used.” able to support our city and As at previous meetings, give my business here but City Council remained unfortunately I have to make my way divided over the ordinance. out to Santa Ana for these products,” Councilmember Bruce Whitaker, who said one resident. voted against the ordinance said, “I Others argued that the ordinance think we need to be sensitive to very should be more restrictive, with residen- strong attitudes and opinions on the part tial buffer zones. of constituents.” He said it is “a very Leonel Talavera said that, prior to polarizing issue.” approving the ordinance, Council should Mayor Jennifer Fitzgerald, who also establish an advisory committee so that opposed the ordinance, said that when residents would have more of a voice in Page 6 OBSERVER The DOWNTOWN Report EARLY DECEMBER 2020 by Mike Ritto [email protected] © 2020

KICK 2020 TO THE CURB: The Year in Review

We can all finally agree on one thing—the end of this year can’t come early enough. So, that makes an early year in review appropriate just as December begins. January 2020 was a continuation of you vs. me, me vs. you politics, concern for our growing homeless population, and the condition of our city streets; the usual failures to keep New Year’s resolutions, and hand-wringing over the many other issues that were of great importance at the time, with no clue that we might look back fondly to January as the last ‘normal’ month that we would have for the entire remainder of the year. All of our concerns were valid, but what came next? Well, it still seems like science fiction. When someone suggests a movie should be made of this year, we wonder, who would want to watch it? Speaking of the homeless, early in the year we reached out to a number of those who have been taking up residence downtown, and discovered that many had serious health issues that made it difficult, if not impossi- As the year moved ahead, resilient and ble, to work full-time and find a way out of creative residents found ways to cele- their homelessness. As we stopped to talk brate birthdays, anniversaries, gradua- with more and more of them, we learned that tions, and virtually all-important events things were not as they seemed for most, and and milestones even while keeping their we did not see a lot of hope or help on the distance. Caravans became popular, and horizon. Indeed, the population has ZOOM became the place for friends to increased with more on the way as a result of get together. Gas prices began hovering what would soon crash down on all of us. around $2.60 to $2.80, even as most commutes became a thing of the past. Fewer vehicles on the road made wildlife more adventurous, as they start- ed moving back into suburban and even urban neighborhoods. Never-say-die business owners creat- ed outdoor spaces, offered takeout and delivery options, appointment only shopping, and kept their doors open. Part of Wilshire was closed off and became “Walk on Wilshire,” and out- door dining went into full gear. Gardening became a bigger thing than ever before, as did baking. Lucky for some of us, newly inspired bakers September. A bit later, an attempt to save shared their overabundance of bread, the many trees at the former Kimberly cookies, cakes, and just about every- Clark location was underway, and The thing that could be baked. I received a Bastanchury Tree Farm was saved from message of hope and we printed it here: being sold, allowing it to remain much- “We still haven’t stopped singing, danc- needed open space. ing, lighting a fire, and having fun. You A bear skull was unearthed at Mike and his mother. do not help at all being sad and without Fullerton High School, houses were energy.” built for families in need, and Halloween No need to relive all the grisly details happy life. Maybe it’s best to focus on The new FUHS gymnasium went up, decorations gave way to bright lights of how it all came about in February. what positive things have happened and the old one came down. The Korean and colorful figures as we all now look Since you are reading this, you have since then, even if they are hard to find. War Memorial held a ground-breaking, forward to the upcoming holidays and made it through the harrowing months St. Patrick’s Day came and we noted and the Hillcrest Park Duck Pond began the potential return to whatever normal that have kept us apart, at home, away the 30th Anniversary of Heroes Bar & renovation. We hit 114 degrees, even as will look like in 2021. Hang in there and from work, family, and friends. Just one Grill with a nod to our landmark down- some decided to put holiday decorations be safe. point of reference, one that is hard to town restaurants that have been here the out early. Yeah, that was in mid- believe. By mid-February, just 15 longest—The Cellar (1969), Rutabegorz American Citizens had been diagnosed (1970), Angelo’s and Vinci’s (1971), and with COVID-19. We had no clue what Mulberry Street (1984). We are so grate- was in store. For me, February was one ful that all have found a way to keep Photo Quiz of loss, as my Mother passed on, but for- going and remain with us. tunately she was ready after a long and This issue: Last Issue:

I’m looking at you, Where is this alley where am I (below)? (below) located?

Send your Bill Wallace was the first to get answer to Mike at the correct answer: SoCo, South of [email protected] Commonwealth. EARLY DECEMBER 2020 NEWS & CROSSWORD FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 7

OUR TOWN CROSSWORD © 2020 “HOLIDAY DINNER?” by Valerie Brickey (answer key on page 19)

The Fox’s Tea Room Windows Restored by Todd Huffman “We thought there were things more

worth restoring than replacing,” Bob If anyone was wondering lately what Winkelmann said. is going on in the second story of the Benefits for Bob and his crew have Fox Theater’s “Tea Room” as you drove been discovering the quality of the or walked down Harbor Blvd, well… workmanship that went into the building more restoration work. Fox Board during its original 1925 construction by Member and local resident Bob Charles and Stanley Chapman, such as Winkelmann, along with skilled carpen- the solid teak doors with brass fittings, ter/volunteer brothers Luis and original paint colors, decorative stencils, Ramondo Navarro, have taken on the etc. task of restoring the almost 100-year-old “What I find so exciting is the treasure upstairs windows, doors, and corbels. hunt/archaeology aspect of it—the idea ACROSS 38. Messengers of bad news, maybe For the windows, the process involved of pulling down boards and not knowing 1. Covers 41. Darjeeling or oolong taking out the windows and painstaking- what’s underneath, looking at shadows 7. "Mad Men" actor Jon 42. Near, to a poet ly heat-scraping paint, replacing glass, of what used to be there, and recreating 11. Certain corp. takeover 44. Easy pop up, in baseball re-milling rotted mullions, reassembly, it—bringing it back to what it was 14. Washington 100 46. Oven emanation and repainting. The rotting corbels on before,” Winkelman said. 15. "___ Sing America" 49. "You've got mail" co. the roof line of the Tea Room have been The project should be completed (Langston Hughes poem) 50. Cushy situation exactly re-created by Ganahl Lumber’s around December 7. 16. Flight board abbr. 54. Wood sorrels custom mill shop (in Anaheim) and rein- 17. Person binging 58. Only Super Bowl the Eagles won stalled. "Schitt's Creek," say 59. Rocket gasket 19. ___ Tin Tin 60. Yoga posture 20. "He was wearing ___ sneaker" 61. Junior nav. officer 21. Drawing room 62. Fantasy 22. Sporty Pontiac 64. Fr. holy woman 23. Whistle, to Juan 65. "___ be a cold day in hell ..." 24. Adapt 66. Big ___ (large cannon) 26. J. Edgar Hoover's org. 67. Leaky balloon sound 28. Hawaiian geese 68. British tax 29. Incompetent 69. Morning meeting, briefly? 35. Advanced degrees? 37. Wire service inits.

DOWN 45. Sales specialists 1. Songwriters' org. 47. Shortsighted 2. "Madam Secretary" actress Téa 48. ___ saying (an overused 3. Alaskan native expression) 4. Words on Yosemite 50. Daly's TV co-star Sam's mud flaps 51. Cambodian cash 5. Spillane's "___ Jury" 52. Indigo-yielding shrubs 6. Fall mo. 53. Starter: Abbr. 7. Sock Yankovic? 55. Social class in India 8. Words with costs or times 56. Egyptian crosses 9. Detroit music genre 57. Doctor's order? 10. Unification Church 60. Throat-clearing sound follower, informally 63. As yet unscheduled: Abbr. 11. Fairly slow tempo 12. Shakespeare or Churchill 13. "Ready ___, here I come!" 18. Baja bear 24. Greet the judge 25. Spike TV, formerly 27. Chest protector 29. Fifth-century warrior 30. Beekeepers 31. Throbbing headaches 32. Tic-___-toe 33. Kershaw stat 34. Hibernation site 36. ___ Diego 39. Reddish-brown 40. Terminus for some BART riders 43. Carpool lane, abbr. Page 8 FULLERTON OBSERVER EDUCATION EARLY DECEMBER 2020

for students in need, while still provid- to more people in need. HIGH SCHOOL BOARD HIGHLIGHTS ing quality education for the entire stu- The drastic educational revenue defer- & Commentary by Vivien Moreno dent population. rals planned to begin in February now The Fullerton Joint Union High School District Board In May, the LAO and the Governor seem unnecessary, with a giant one-time warned all State entities that California windfall coming into the State this year. information available by calling 714-870-2800 faced a possible $54 billion shortfall. The LAO recommends that the legisla- or visiting www.fjuhsd.net FJUHSD took appropriate measures to ture pay down the proposed deferrals minimize the impact of early to reinstate cash education budget cuts flow capabilities for many State Education Funding and prepared for State districts who have to deferrals of payments maintain ongoing PPE and Predictions for 2020/21 starting next February. Contrary to other COVID-19 safety The recent figures earlier dire and distance learning The nonpartisan Legislative Analyst many billions spent on education really show an economy not measures. Removing the as bad as predicted. predictions, deferrals will put the State Office (LAO) released their regular breaks down on average to around $12- The Legislative California budget update last week 13,000 per student. This places us at 38- Comparing state rev- in a good place with showing a one-time windfall $13 billion 40th nationwide in per pupil spending. enue created August to Analyst Office’s regard to funding public increase to the 2021-22 education budg- New York state, by contrast, spends over October 2020 to the budget update education, and will absorb et. The current economic outlook for the $22,000 per student a year. (This is a same period of 2019 almost $11 billion of the shows a revenue shows a $13 billion windfall. State looks very different than the dark massively simplified summary of educa- one-time windfall financial prediction back in May/June tion funding, state rankings, and per growth of 9%. The rev- The LAO also suggests when Governor Newsom and the LAO pupil spending since it is determined in enue increase reflects $13 billion increasing the educational were concerned about a massive budget various ways and needs to be given as a how this pandemic increase to the rainy-day fund, redirect- shortfall due to COVID-19 pandemic close estimate.) recession has been eco- ing the Governor’s pro- nomically positive for 2021-22 posed supplemental edu- shutdowns and recession job losses. The Fullerton Joint Union High education Now, after eight months, the State rev- School District (FJUHSD) received millionaires and bil- cation funding, which will enues reveal a different story. around $140 million dollars of LCFF for lionaires and it is high budget. receive considerable push- In California, Proposition 98 deter- the 2019/20 school year. With additional wage earners that heav- back from most education mines the yearly minimum amount of federal funds, State revenues, and local ily support California’s advocates, and an addi- public education funding for K-12 and property tax allocations, the FJUHSD general fund. Due to tional pay down of future community colleges, allocating about received a little over $172,625,000 last the inequity of the spo- pension costs for both 40% (around $62 billion last year) of the year for over 13,600 students. This aver- radic economic recovery, which CalPERS and CalSTRS. State’s general fund to support K-12 ages out to about $12,680 per student. adversely affects people who earn lower LAO recommendations always trend schools, according to the Local Control The actual average cost-per-student was wages, the revenues that came in for toward the fiscally conservative, and the Funding Formula (LCFF), and commu- $12,766, and the difference was covered 2019 and the current revenues coming actual funding options will be deter- nity colleges. The State legislature can by district reserves. This average is sim- into the State are rising. Increased mined by the Legislature and the allocate additional ongoing or one-time plistic, as it does not reveal the nuances assessed property values in the State Governor. The LAO is historically accu- funds to supplement educational needs. of the low income, special education, also added to revenue increase. These rate about funding levels and potential California has over six million students English language learner services, and revenue increases get absorbed by the funding issues and pitfalls. in the K-12 public school system, so the other assistance that the schools provide additional State costs to provide services https://lao.ca.gov.

Dr. Calhoun to RICHMAN SCHOOL VOTED BEST PUBLIC OR Represent CHARTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN OC FJUHSD Area 3

by Lance Langdon Richman School has been voted by the readers of Parenting OC as the 2020-21 Reader’s Choice winner in the Best Public or Charter Dr. Vicki Calhoun is the new represen- Elementary School in the Orange County category. Over 22,500 votes tative from Area 3 on the FJUHSD Board were cast this year—“a great turnout!” as noted by Parenting OC. of Trustees. As a little girl growing up in This year marks the 18th year of Parenting OC holding the Best of OC Fullerton, Dr. Calhoun was bussed from Awards and the first year a Fullerton School District school has been her home school, Maple Elementary to selected. “I am excited for Richman School to receive this distinction and Laguna Road, a school in a more affluent be recognized by the community. This is a well-deserved recognition for area of the City. She wants readers to a school and community that work together,” Superintendent Dr. Bob know that she received a strong founda- tional leadership. Dr. Calhoun wants to help Pletka said. tion in academics at Laguna and at the all of the parents and children in her area and Richman School Principal Kristen Holm added, “Richman Elementary other Fullerton schools she later attended: contribute to the success of the whole district, is more than just a school...we are a family. We are so proud of our staff Ladera Vista Junior High and Fullerton as others on the board have done before her. for putting kids first and going above and beyond everyday. We are proud High. Having that foundation enabled Dr. Dr. Calhoun plans to advocate for students to of our students for persevering during Distance Learning. We are proud Calhoun to succeed in higher education, make sure they succeed and they know where of our families for supporting their children at home and at school. We earning her bachelor’s, master’s, and doc- all the resources are in the City that can help couldn't do what we do without everyone giving 100%. Our connection toral degrees, the last of which was in them do so. She will be sworn in by the Board is strong at Richman Elementary.” education with an emphasis on organiza- on December 15.

australianswimschool.com EARLY DECEMBER 2020 YOUNG OBSERVERS FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 9

TEEN OBSERVER WHAT’S TRENDING by Irene, 9th grade by Francine, 9th grade

A Piece of Good News: TIKTOK FAN-MADE MUSICAL Sunny Hills High School Among BECOMES REALITY Top Ranking Schools in International Students Assessment Yet again, social media platform TikTok is blowing away the Internet with an entire production of a fan-made musical based on the Pixar film Ratatouille. From marketing departments to costume designing, TikTokers are literally taking this musical adaptation better known as Ratatouille: The Musical, to the next level. Some have even arranged a whole Playbill cover and set design. With hashtags, “ratatouillemusical,” “remytheratatouille ” and “ratatouillethemusical,” Gen Z con- tent creators have been sharing their creative talents to contribute to the making of the performance. And yes, people are taking this rendition seriously and seem quite invested. What started off as a joke, has now become a full-blown production, ready to head to Broadway.

LET’S CELEBRATE! by Alexandria, 10th grade Sunny Hills High School ranked each participating country/entity to test among the top schools in the 2018 their student’s knowledge on reading, Programme for International Student science, and math. The results per coun- National Cookie Day Assessment (PISA). “The Organisation try or geographic entity (such as Hong for Economic Co-operation and Kong and Macao) were published as December 4 Development’s PISA measures 15-year- early as 2019, but the results for each olds’ ability to use their reading, mathe- school were sent individually to the Everyone loves the combination of cookies and milk, especially around the holi- matics and science knowledge and skills schools. Sunny Hills just received them day season. December 4 is National Cookie day, so you can enjoy a simple snack to meet real-life challenges” last month according to SHHS Principal with many flavors to choose from, including chocolate chip, sugar, snickerdoodle, (https://www.oecd.org/pisa/). This pro- Allen Whitten. Details on SHHS ranking and more. Cookies have been an enjoyable treat in America since the 18th century, gram randomly selects schools from are shown below: first appearing in 1703. They’ve evolved drastically since that time, with the pro- duction of Oreos, and more unique cookies. To celebrate National Cookie Day, you could try baking your own cookies at

1) Sunny Hills vs. 162 USA participating schools home. You could make cookies from scratch or even just from premade mixes. If •Sunny Hills: 1st place in all categories (reading, science, and math) you’re a talented baker and feeling up for the challenge, you could also try to make a unique type of cookie in the kitchen. If baking is not your strong suit, you could Overall, USA ranked 25th out of 79 participating countries/geographic entities) always visit bakeries nearby to buy cookies on this holiday. It is also a great oppor- tunity to share some cookies safely and spread the love to those who are in homeless 2) Sunny Hills vs. participating schools shelters, nursing homes, and the many people who have to rely on soup kitchens for their meals. from 79 countries/geographic entities (If Sunny Hills were a country, below are Sunny Hills’ ranking for each category): a. Reading:

•1st Place: Sunny Hills, B-S-J-Z China (B-S-J-Z China is the acronym for COMMUNITY SCENE the four Chinese provinces: Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zheijiang) by Mateo, 7th grade •13th Place: USA

b. Science: HAVE YOU EVER TRIED TO •1st Place: B-S-J-Z China HELP BRING SOME CHEER TO •2nd Place: Sunny Hills, Macau, and Singapore THE HOLIDAYS? •18th Place: USA It is almost that time of year, the time Second, another thing you could do to c. Math: when many families all around the decorate your house is to put up •Top 4 countries: B-S-J-Z China, Singapore, Macao, and Hong Kong. world gather to have fun and share joy Christmas lights. They don’t have to be with each other. It is a fun time of the too flashy, but a couple lights on the •5th place: Sunny Hills, Japan, South Korea, and Taipei. year that brings everyone far and near front of your house show that you are in •37th place: USA together to have a jolly time (likely via the holiday spirit. Along with the lights, Zoom this year). Although we are still my family has a snowman with lights Seventy-nine countries participated in important thing that happens on campus under the curse of the pandemic, it inside of it that we put up near our door the international assessment. This means each day, and the challenge is in making shouldn’t stop us from getting excited each year for Christmas. A lot of my if Sunny Hills were a country, it would these interactions as inspirational, pro- about the holidays. As a matter of fact, neighbors go all out, but some simple end up in the top 5. Principal Whitten is ductive, efficient, and positive as possi- due to all the miseries that the pandemic lights and a decoration or two should do unaware if there were other schools in ble. Reflecting on his six-year experi- has brought upon us, many sought to the trick. Fullerton that participated in the testing ence leading Sunny Hills, he added, cheer up their homes earlier this year by The last activity you could do for but with Sunny Hills being part of the “Our faculty takes a lot of pride in max- putting up Christmas decorations right Christmas is a fun one for the kids. My Fullerton Joint Union High School imizing these interactions to ensure stu- after Halloween. family has a small wooden tree with District (FJUHSD), the school’s impres- dents are realizing optimal learning Here are three activities you can do to each day of December leading up to sive performance reflects the District’s growth. This starts with positive rela- get extra excited for the holidays, specif- Christmas on it. It also comes with orna- learning strategies that are likely being tionships, high expectations, expert ically Christmas, if you do celebrate. ment magnets. Each day that goes by, implemented among all the schools in level instruction, a focused differentiat- The first two you may have already been starting on the first day of December, the district. For high school students and ed approach by the teacher, and dedica- doing, but the last one might be new to you can let your kids place an ornament their families, and the entire communi- tion and commitment from the students. you. First, one of the most important on the tree counting down the days ty, this is a significant achievement that Add in the Sunny Hills secret sauce—a things about Christmas is the tree! before Christmas while you work your reinforces confidence in the quality of fun and exciting student-centered cul- Nothing is better than a nice, decorated way up the tree. On the day before education offered in Fullerton. ture and there you go—a top-performing tree for Christmas. To add a nice touch Christmas, once you put the last magnet Asked if Sunny Hills has a special school on a global scale.” Prior to join- to my family’s tree, we like to decorate all the way at the top, then that’s when recipe for student success, Principal ing SHHS, Mr. Whitten worked as assis- it with ornaments, snowflakes, and you know it is time for Christmas! Whitten shared that the minute-by- tant principal for La Habra High School lights. We also put a shiny star to top it Anyways, those are three activities you minute interaction between teachers and for four years and as FJUHSD adminis- all off. A Christmas tree is a nice way to can try at home to celebrate Christmas. students in the classroom is the most trator for 10 years. give some more pizzazz to your home. Stay safe, and happy holidays! Page 10 FULLERTON OBSERVER LA VOZ LATINA EARLY DECEMBER 2020

Grupo llamado "Dios es Bueno" al Ayuntamiento de Fullerton Aztec Dance troupe named St. Philip Benizi Cuatlaxopeuh en favor de un Refugio para los Desamparados. dancing on the occasion of Our Lady of Guadalupe Dando voz a la comunidad Giving Voice to Fullerton’s latina de Fullerton Spanish-Speaking Community

por p. Dennis Z. Kriz, OSM, pensable organizarse para que sus by Fr. Dennis Z. Kriz, OSM, needs are addressed. párroco de la Parroquia de San necesidades sean atendidas colectiva- Pastor of St. Philip Benizi Catholic For example, while there has been Felipe Benizi, Fullerton mente. Church, Fullerton quite a lot of indignation, merited in my Por ejemplo, sí está claro que hemos opinion, expressed by members of En primer lugar, deseo agradecer al tenido mucha indignación, en mi First of all, I want to thank the Fullerton’s Hispanic community over Fullerton Observer por permitirnos opinión merecida, dentro de la comu- Fullerton Observer for allowing us to proposals to open marijuana dispen- comenzar una columna en español en su nidad hispana de Fullerton. Una causa start a Spanish-language column in their saries, in good part projected to be put periódico. de la indignación es por newspaper. into their neighborhoods, and organiz- De hecho, el objetivo de propuestas para abrir dis- In fact, the goal of this ing efforts to block or at este proyecto es más pensarios de marihuana, project is bigger. In the next least amend these pro- year, we who will be posals have been noted grande. En el próximo año, puestas en sus propios nosotros los involucrados vecindarios. Los esfuer- involved in the writing of and have been at least this column, and currently partially successful. This en esta columna, un grupo zos para bloquear, o al The first step de seis o siete, deseamos Responder a menos enmendar estas there are about six or seven is only the tip of the ice- crear un periódico legítimo estos desafíos propuestas, fueron nota- of us, wish to put up a true in organizing berg. Spanish-language online I say this because the en el internet, en español, será el primer dos y al menos parcial- to respond con la ayuda de voluntarios, mente exitosos. Para mí, newspaper, staffed, for the to these Hispanic community propósito de foreseeable future, by vol- here is a community para comenzar a servir a la esto no es más que el challenges comunidad latina de esta columna. principio del problema. unteers, to begin serving the whose members are often Fullerton y/o la parte del Pienso que algunas Hispanic community of is articulating abused at work, find their norte del Condado de personas de la comu- Fullerton and northern them. homes threatened with Orange. nidad hispana son Orange County. predatory rent increases El primer paso de este explotados y abusados en However, the first step of and evictions, and whose proyecto es hacernos visi- el trabajo, tienen sus hog- such a project is simply to children attend schools bles y destacar la necesidad de un ares amenazados con aumentos de make ourselves visible and that we all earnestly hope proyecto de este tipo. Por lo tanto esta- alquiler, desalojos y cuyos hijos asisten underline the need for such are "doing the best they mos muy agradecidos con el Fullerton a escuelas donde realmente no sabemos a project. Thus, we are grateful to the can." Observer por darnos la oportunidad de el calibre de su educación. Fullerton Observer for giving us the The first step in organizing to respond hacerlo. Responder a estos desafíos será el opportunity to do so. to these challenges is articulating them. En mis cuatro años aquí en Fullerton, primer propósito de esta columna. Esta In my four years here in Fullerton and And this will be the primary purpose of especialmente durante el reciente ciclo es parte de un proyecto más grande de especially during the recent election this column and the larger project of de elecciones, me quedé convencido que crear un verdadero periódico latino para cycle, I have become increasingly con- building a true Spanish language news- la comunidad hispanohablante, en esta nuestra parte del condado. vinced that the Spanish-speaking com- paper for our part of the County. parte del condado, está a ciegas con Que este proyecto dé fruto y mejore munity in this part of the County is May this project bear good fruit and respecto a las dificultades que está las vidas de todos los que viven en nues- "walking blind" regarding the difficul- help improve the lives of all those living enfrentando colectivamente. Es indis- tra comunidad. ties it is collectively facing, and above in our part of the County. all in organizing, so that its legitimate EARLY DECEMBER 2020 LOCAL FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 11 Page 12 FULLERTON OBSERVER HOMELESSNESS EARLY DECEMBER 2020

Transporting a disabled homeless person’s wheel chair to a shelter. Man sleeping on bench in Fullerton. Photo by Roussan Joshua Collins. Photo by Roussan Joshua Collins. HOMELESS OUTREACH DURING COVID-19 Judge Carter AND COLD WEATHER MONTHS buys a homeless continued from front page Fritzal said. “The goal was to have man in Fullerton This year during the COVID-19 pan- ‘civilians’ up front offering services… a train ticket demic the city of Fullerton, in partner- We have not issued any tickets or cita- to re-unite ship with Illumination Foundation, a tions. That is a last resort, if needed.” with his family non-profit homeless services provider, “It is our hope that our homeless in Maine. opened its first navigation/recuperative neighbors will take us up on offers of care center in a former industrial build- shelter or other available programs,” Photo by ing near the Fullerton Airport. Fullerton Police Chief Bob Dunn said. Kellee Fritzal In October, a coalition of local offi- “So, we will first ask if they are willing cials and organizations began conduct- to go to shelter or receive related servic- ing “enhanced” outreach necessary for es. If they refuse, enforcement is a pos- the City to, conceivably, begin enforcing sibility.” its anti-camping ordinance again. According to Dunn, interaction “They (the FPD) would have to call front of Judge Carter and Attorney This coalition included federal Judge between police and the homeless is the County, or the judge, or us in order Weitzman, versus when they are inter- David O. Carter (who has taken a very prompted by one of three things: to make a plan to get them into that acting with the homeless alone. hands-on approach to making sure that 1) A call for service. Residents and appropriate level of care,” Weitzman “Before our eyes, the police can be cities comply with the requirements of business owners will call to report if our said. “That makes sense because forcing different than when we’re not there,” the law), attorney Brooke Weitzman homeless neighbors are engaging in that person into a congregate setting Roussan said. He shared a video with the (who brought the law- what they believe to be would be bad for them and other peo- Observer of three homeless people in suit on behalf of home- illegal behavior. ple.” Fullerton describing harassment at the less individuals in According to police Additionally, if that person says they hands of an FPD officer. need a “low-barrier” shelter where they Collins added that the restrictions Orange County), Cal department data, of the Trans, CityNet over 42,000 calls for can leave during the day, then the police imposed by shelters make them inacces- (Fullerton’s contracted “There’s an service in 2020, over might be able to get them qualified to go sible to some people. homeless outreach abundance of 5,000 were specifically into the Placentia shelter or the “It would be great if local shelters organization), the homeless-related. Salvation Army shelter in Anaheim. But were walk-up, so the homeless don’t evidence as to if there’s not one of those low-barrier have to go through this cumbersome Fullerton Police why ‘enforcement’ 2) Outreach days. Department, and sever- FPD accompanies its beds available, they would have to let process where they call CityNet and al non-profits. is not productive. outreach provider, City that person stay where they are until one supposedly they get back to you within According to The CDC has Net, on various days of becomes available. three days,” Collins said. “Many home- Fullerton’s Deputy City the week as City Net Because of COVID-19, some local less people don’t even have a phone. So advised not to shelters (including Fullerton’s) have how are they going to get back to the Manager Antonia do it, especially leads homeless out- Graham, through this reach. become “high-barrier” shelters, restrict- homeless person to allow them to get in recent outreach more during COVID-19.” 3) Mental Health ing daytime movement of residents. a shelter?” than 125 homeless resi- Outreach. The FPD has After all these requirements have been One reason for such restrictions on dents were placed into —Brooke Weitzman a long-standing part- met and an officer writes a homeless shelters is concessions to neighboring local shelters or reunit- nership with the person a ticket, there is a “dispute reso- residents and businesses who don’t want ed with family mem- Orange County Health lution process” wherein Judge Carter the “blight” of a shelter next to their bers. Care Agency and has a can decide whether the bed being property, or long lines of homeless peo- “Based on the out- Mental Health offered is appropriate or not. ple waiting to get in. Fullerton’s naviga- reach we are now allowed to enforce Clinician assigned to the Department. “Plus, there’s an abundance of evi- tion center is accessed by referral only. City’s regulations,” Graham said. Often FPD will accompany them as they dence as to why ‘enforcement’ is not No walk-ups. While this may be technically true, reach out to those in need of mental productive,” Weitzman said. “The CDC “There’s all this pushback from differ- City Manager Ken Domer said, health services. has advised not to do it, especially dur- ent parts of the community that just “‘Enforcement in our minds is not According to attorney Brooke ing COVID-19.” don’t want [the shelters] anywhere, and arresting someone. We (the City and Weitzman, people experiencing home- As the City prioritizes outreach over that makes it harder to create that for FPD) understand that that is not produc- lessness in Fullerton have rights and due enforcement, Domer points out that, people,” Collins said. “And ultimately, tive and in today’s environment does process under the law, as well as from while the City has partnered with adja- shelter is not the answer. People need to absolutely nothing except tie up an offi- the settlement agreement from the law- cent cities to build shelters and establish get moved from the shelter into some- cer or two for more than three hours to suit. The FPD cannot write a person a a safe parking program, “Fullerton has where they have more privacy and secu- conduct paperwork so that someone is citation or force them to move without no direct funding source for homeless rity—like permanent supportive hous- then re-released back to the streets to first ensuring that the Orange County prevention or response.” ing. But that’s not built.” start the cycle all over again. The reason Behavioral Health Services has engaged “We face serious fiscal issues and with About a year ago, Fullerton almost we have gone through the last 4-6 weeks with that person. the failure of the sales tax measure we approved a large permanent supportive of intense engagement and outreach is to Then, if Health Services has engaged have no available funding for homeless housing development at 1600 W. get people off the streets and into a shel- with that person, the question becomes: measures,” Domer said. “Neither our Commonwealth, but there was such ter. So, it is less a matter of ‘enforce- Is there an appropriate bed for them? City, nor any city in Orange County, has pushback from the neighbors that the ment’ and more an ability to have lever- If the person has a severe and persist- funding for mental health and substance group that was going to build it, age to motivate someone to get off the ent mental health condition and they are abuse help. This is clearly the purview Pathways of Hope, ultimately pulled street.” waiting for the County mental health of the County and State and both need to out. According to Fullerton’s Deputy program to get them a bed, FPD cannot step up and provide facilities.” Executive Director of Pathways of Director of Community and Economic do any enforcement against that person, Roussan Joshua Collins, with the Hope David Gillanders said, “As winter Development, Kellee Fritzal, during the according to Weitzman. Homeless Advocates for Christ group approaches, we are always concerned recent outreach there were no arrests or Also, during COVID-19, many home- that helped transport homeless people to about our unhoused neighbors and com- citations given. less seniors are not going to go into con- local shelters during the recent outreach, munity members living outside and not “We had our Homeless Police Liaison gregate shelters because it’s dangerous said that based on conversations he has having a safe place to be at night. Also, Officers just offering services and being for them to live in a building with 100 had with local homeless people, there is we’re concerned how they are or are not back-up if there were any concerns,” other people during a pandemic. sometimes a discrepancy between how being put on a path to permanent, home- Fullerton police officers behave when in lessness-ending housing.” EARLY DECEMBER 2020 HOMELESSNESS FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 13

Flyers were placed on RVs parked along streets in industrial areas stating that the new ordinance goes into effect December 17.

Comment in opposition to the ordi- provide places (Safe Parking) for Fullerton Bans RV Street Parking: nance. Package, who is on the Fullerton Fullerton-connected persons,” he said. Is This Criminalizing Homelessness? Police Chief’s Advisory Council said he “I will not open our City as a refuge “would prefer we take care of the home- from other cities having RV parking less crisis before we take RVs off the bans that push them into Fullerton.” by Jesse La Tour who are out here like this don’t want to streets.” Brooke Weitzman, the attorney repre- be out here…People are doing the best Nonetheless, Council approved the senting several homeless plaintiffs in the Fullerton City Council voted unani- they can. When you don’t have money ordinance unanimously. court case Orange County Catholic mously at their November 17 meeting to to buy gas for your vehicle, to move it The city of Fullerton currently has a Worker v. County of Orange, et al., ban all RV parking on public and private when they tell you to, then they come Safe Parking Program, operated by local called the RV parking ban “a surefire streets citywide without a temporary back and you’re still there, then they non-profit Pathways of Hope, wherein way to increase homelessness.” permit obtained from the police depart- impound you.” people living in their vehicles are Weitzman cited recent legal cases in ment. This has prompted concern from The City recently began placing flyers allowed to park in a cer- Los Angeles and San Diego that found those living in Recreational Vehicles on all the RVs parked on tain lot, with certain such ordinances unlawful. (RVs) in the City who feel they are being Valencia and other streets restrictions. “More importantly, similar to writing discriminated against for being home- stating: “Effective Pathways took over people tickets, it works against the inter- less. December 17, 2020, RV the program in May ests of the City,” Weitzman said. “If the Prior to voting on this, a Fullerton Parking will be Prohibited “I am a taxpayer, 2020. Since then, they City’s interest is having more people police officer gave a Power Point pres- on All City Streets in and it is a have served a total of housed and fewer people homeless, entation that showed photos of RVs Fullerton. Please plan and public street. 20 community mem- forcing the people who are in their RVs lined up on streets in certain industrial prepare to move now Am I not bers, according to (which in many cases are seniors, often areas along Valencia Ave. where some before enforcement, David Gillanders, senior women, or parents with minor folks live in their RVs and other vehi- including towing, starts.” Joe Public? Executive Director of kids) out of their last chance at housing cles. Some of the photos showed trash For the past few years, It seems to me Pathways of Hope. This and onto the streets doesn’t serve any- and waste surrounding the RVs. The Horton and Lopez have the city program is set to end one’s interests.” photos were presented as justification been forced to move ordinances are December 31. The ordinance itself states, “The City for banning RV parking in Fullerton, around due to surrounding “For now, we are cer- Council hereby declares that it would except with temporary permits for “resi- cities passing similar ordi- prejudiced.” tainly accepting those have passed this Ordinance and each dents.” nances. Anaheim, Buena folks who are living in section, subsection, phrase or clause “‘Resident” means a person who cus- Park, La Mirada, —Michael Horton their cars and need a thereof irrespective of the fact that any tomarily resides and maintains a place of Placentia, and Orange all safe place to be at night, one or more sections, subsections, abode or who owns land within the have ordinances banning as well as working on phrases or clauses may be declared City,” according to the ordinance, “It or restricting RV parking. case plans that will end unconstitutional.” shall not mean a person who maintains “They do everything homelessness perma- “The intention appears to either make an address at a mailbox drop or who they can to criminalize being homeless,” nently,” Gillanders said. [people living in RVs] more homeless or rents a room that is not his or her pri- Horton said. “When we buy gas, we pay Though there is currently no plan to force them out of the City,” Weitzman mary place of abode nor shall it mean a state road taxes. I am a taxpayer, and it extend Fullerton’s program, Gillanders said. “Typically, if the City decides to person who maintains only a post office is a public street. Am I not Joe Public? It said the need is great and his group start enforcement, they would start writ- box, unless that person also provides seems to me the city ordinances are prej- would like to try a regional approach to ing tickets, rather than taking people’s evidence of residence at a street address udiced.” this program in north Orange County. RVs a few days before Christmas and within the City.” Under the new ordinance, the police- Fullerton City Manager Ken Domer leaving them on the road.” According to the last Point in Time issued temporary RV permits are permit- supports the ordinance. “In Fullerton we Count (of people experiencing home- ted only in residential zones and are lessness), the city of Fullerton has an available only to “residents.” estimated 308 unsheltered homeless “Any resident may obtain a temporary people on a given night, a portion of RV parking permit authorizing him or whom are living in vehicles. The exact her to park a recreational vehicle in front number of vehicles being used as hous- of his or her residence,” the ordinance ing is not known, but estimates place the states. These permits are good for 24 number between 30 and 50. hours. Michael Horton, a retired crane opera- Additionally, “Any out-of-town visi- tor, and Mary Lopez are currenting liv- tor may obtain a temporary RV parking ing in an RV on Valencia Ave. Prior to permit to allow him or her to park a living in the RV, Horton grew up in and recreational vehicle in front of the resi- owned a house on Lille Ave. just a few dence in which they are visiting.” These blocks away from where he now parks. are good for up to seven days. “I wish they would lighten up on the At the Council meeting, only one res- RV people,” Lopez said. “Most people ident, Tony Package, submitted an e- Page 14 FULLERTON OBSERVER FEATURE EARLY DECEMBER 2020

Poster showing film screenings at the Wilshire Theater. The Wilshire Theater before it was turned into apartments. VIDEO OBSERVER Photo courtesy of the Fullerton Public Library Local History Room. by Emerson Little © 2020 building’s former swimming pool. I Reifer told me that the City of returned many times in the ensuing Fullerton allowed this theater to be torn RECOLLECTIONS OF THE years. We eagerly awaited each new down as a “remodel” rather than a schedule of upcoming fare. What a perk “demolition” since several studs were WILSHIRE THEATER it was for Fullertonians having their own left standing from the original structure. ‘art house’ revival cinema. The Wilshire “Among other advantages, this allowed Since so many theaters are closing phone call reporting a suicide outside played a great part in developing my the new apartments to keep the grandfa- because of the pandemic, I thought it the building. Three police cars rushed to love for film.” thered setback of the theater/hotel build- would be interesting to write about one the Wilshire Theater to find a body For many years, the Wilshire was one ing instead of the more stringent set- of Fullerton’s most beloved movie hous- hanging from a flagpole in front of the of the theaters that had midnight week- backs that would have been required for es, the Wilshire Theater, which closed theater. It turned out to be the stuffed end screenings of films such as cult new construction,” Reifer said. “The roughly thirty years ago. Many long- dummy of a man in work clothes adver- favorite, The Rocky Horror Picture underground speakeasy wall with its time Fullerton residents have memories tising the current attraction, Hangman’s Show. Audiences were encouraged to mural was also kept and is still there, of the Wilshire, a building that played a Knot. dress up and sing along. Most screen- underneath the apartments. The massive large role in the community even before In the Seventies, the theater mostly ings were double features, which at the wooden arched trusses that had stars it became a theater. screened independent, off-beat films as time were still the norm at many main- painted on them were supposed to be When researching the history of the “an alternative to the Fox Theatre,” stream theaters. saved, but I don’t think this happened. Wilshire, I was referred to the website according to CinemaTreasures. The After this, the theater changed yet Homes were found for most of the furni- CinemaTreasures.org by types of films shown again. According to Observer contribu- ture and theater seats, but the marquee Cheri Pape, Local History included Hollywood tor and local activist, Jane Reifer, “dur- was destroyed.” Archivist at the Fullerton classics, foreign language ing the era when the theater showed Seeing the theater torn down must Public Library. It was features, counter-culture Mexican cinema, it was run by the have been devastating for members of there I learned that the The types of films, and cult favorites. Olivos family that owned the West Coast the Fullerton community. “Seeing this building that would films shown In fact, according to an and Yost Theaters in downtown Santa theater and affordable SRO hotel build- become the Wilshire included article by Holly Bridges Ana, where they showcased classic ing torn down and considered a remodel Theater was originally Hollywood from the Fullerton Daily Mexican Cinema and staged famous was very upsetting,” Reifer said. “This “erected on the site of an News Tribune, dated Feb. celebrity appearances.” was one of the reasons I’ve been orange grove in 1927.” classics, foreign 20, 1979, “The Wilshire While I could not find a specific date, involved in affordable housing and his- Originally built as a language Theater is no longer a the Wilshire’s permanent closing most toric preservation work throughout $50,000 apartment house features, theater. It’s a Movie likely happened around the mid-1980s. Fullerton ever since. You could say that at the corner of Wilshire counter-culture Palace.” It appears that The building was demolished in 1991 this theater’s demise is one of the rea- and Malden avenues, it ownership of the building and apartments were built on the site in sons that the Fox Fullerton is still stand- was constructed by Dr. films, and cult had been passed to a man 1992. Jane Reifer said via email, “One ing.” H.H. Young. At the time, favorites. named Tom Cooper, who last feature of the building that doesn’t To see old photographs of the theater, it was called the Malden also owned the Tiffany get mentioned very often is the unusual newspaper clippings, and movie listings Arms Hotel, and even and the Vagabond in Los undulating pattern that the exterior walls from the Wilshire, please visit included an indoor swim- Angeles. Admission to had. The walls would catch the light and www.fullertonobserver.com and click on ming pool and retail the Wilshire at the time change the shadow patterns as the day the tab labeled “Local.” Underneath that space. was $2.50 for adults and went by. Also, in its last days, the upper tab, click on “Emerson Little YouTube According to CinemaTreasures, dur- $1.50 for children and senior citizens. floor of the hotel became a roosting area Channel,” which will take you directly ing the Depression era, the building Cooper was planning to start at those for local bats.” to my page. served as a speakeasy. In 1946, a man prices and gradually raise them in the named William L. Kaye converted the coming months. old swimming pool into the Wilshire “I went to the Wilshire for the first Theater. Kaye even kept the diving time as a high school student in the boards behind the screen, where the 1970s,” bookseller and lifelong deep end used to be. When the structure Fullerton resident Donald Cannon said was transformed, the “spectator balcony via email. “My older brother and his on both sides of the pool remained in the friends brought me to a double feature theatre.” screening of classic 1950s science fic- Looking at scanned articles sent over tion films, including Invasion of the from the Fullerton Public Library’s Body Snatchers (1956) and The Day the Local History Room archives, I discov- Earth Stood Still (1951). The atmos- ered that in 1953, the Fullerton Daily phere was unlike anything I’d experi- News Tribune reported on “an eerie enced before – bohemian, a bit rundown, scene” at 205 W. Wilshire Avenue, and exciting. I remember the surprise of where the theater was located. seeing depth markers on the walls, Apparently, there was an anonymous which I learned were legacies of the ARLY ECEMBER E D 2020 ARTS FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 15

HITS & MISSES by Joyce Mason © 2020

THE LIFE AHEAD: A HIT AND A MISS

As of this writing, movie theaters in Orange County are once again closed due to a resurgence of the coronavirus, so movie fans in search of a mainstream movie must once more turn to streaming services within their own homes. Some fans remem- ber the young and gorgeous Sophia Loren, now at 86 and star- ring in her first movie in ten years. Directed by her son, Edoardo Ponti, whose father was producer Carlo Ponti, Loren has lost some of her glamour but none of her on-screen charis- ma and her innate acting ability. “The Life Ahead” is based on a Romain Gary novel, “The The Muck presents 'Darden' for Life Before Us,” adapted in 1978 with the title “Madame Rosa,” then starring Simone Signoret. However, Ponti insists a Drive-in Christmas Concert his film is not a remake of that movie. Set on the Italian coast, the movie’s never-identified city reflects a more multi-cultural The Muckenthaler Cultural Center presents Concert-goers will also have the chance to populous than the Naples of Loren’s early films. Darden for the center's last Drive-in concert of purchase artisanal crafts and holiday gifts before At the heart of the movie is a 12-year-old Senegalese Muslim the year on Friday, December 18. and during the show. The Muck has invited sev- orphan named Mohamed, who insists on being called Momo A local favorite, Darden is made up of four eral local artists to set up outdoor booths for (Ibrahima Gueye). When Momo is caught stealing two silver sibling singer-songwriters who have honed a guests to shop fine arts and crafts. Vendors, staff candlesticks, an elderly doctor who has overseen his care takes unique Americana sound. Regular performers and guests are required to wear face masks any- Momo to Madame Rosa (Sophia Loren). A retired prostitute, at The Muck, this will be their third holiday time they are outside of a vehicle. Rosa now makes her living providing childcare. Reluctant to show at the center. Fans are encouraged to pur- The concert begins at 7pm, with gates opening take Momo, who she knows could be a troublemaker, she final- chase tickets early, as their concerts typically at 6pm. Tickets are $30 per vehicle and are on ly relents when the doctor offers her half-again her monthly sell out. sale on The Muck's website: TheMuck.org. fee. Sullen and angry much of the time, Momo resents Rosa’s dis- cipline and harsh admonishments as well as the other children already in her care. A Holocaust survivor, Rosa has on her arm the tattooed prison numbers of a Nazi camp. None of the chil- dren in her care knows the significance of those numbers, so Momo, possessing an active imagination, decides that the num- bers mean she is an undercover secret agent. With this possibility in mind, Momo begins to see Rosa in a different light. She is also tolerant of the many hours he is away from home and never questions him. What he is doing is selling street drugs, returning the money from his sales to the drug lord and getting paid for his reliability. Eventually, he earns enough to purchase a bicycle. Rosa never questions this and gradually they develop a guarded respect for one another. Her health is beginning to fail and she requests a favor of Momo that he eventually honors. Momo never loses his street toughness but he gradually becomes friends with the other boy in Rosa’s care and with one of the children’s transgender parent, a woman who speaks with the voice of a man. He loves watching her dance when she picks up her children because his fondest memory of his own mother has been her love for dancing. Ponti is not a brilliant director but he is adequate for the story. He creates no moments of sublime insights or memorable images that might linger with us. Ponti also makes a decision to release the movie with dubbed voices rather than subtitles, which some viewers will find distracting because the words coming from the characters do not always match their lip movements. But the film does have the inimitable Loren, Watercolor West @ Brea Art Gallery whose performance brings credibility to her unusual role.

Though Brea Gallery is temporarily closed, you can view their current exhibit, Watercolor West, TWO HITS: Don’t Miss it! virtually: www.artsteps.com/view/5f7d0f6007da063905edf0bd. A HIT & A MISS: You Might Like it. Just want to click through the images? Go here: www.breaartgallery.com/ww-image-gallery TWO MISSES: Don’t Bother. Page 16 FULLERTON OBSERVER COMMUNITY VOICES EARLY DECEMBER 2020

need to respond. We also need to main- Fullerton tain governmental credibility because Out of My Mind without it, the governed withdraw their Observer by Jon Dobrer © 2020 consent. This is not a left vs. right or Democrat vs. Republican issue. Already, The Fullerton Observer Community some in law enforcement are refusing to Newspaper, founded by Ralph and enforce some of these edicts. Already Natalie Kennedy, Roy and Irene protestors, and not simply conserva- Kobayashi, and other friends in 1978, is How to Lose the Consent of the tives, are publicly protesting the 10pm staffed mainly by local volunteers who curfew. This is not good news and I create, publish, and distribute the paper Governed in a Time of COVID-19 don’t support it, but it is an understand- throughout our community. able response to chaotic policies. This venture is a not-for-profit one - Trump’s constantly bad role model- revenues are plowed back into maintain- How many people will get sick from ity of our government. No more than ten ing and improving our independent, non- ing, with super-spreader rallies and partisan, non-sectarian community news- COVID-19, and how many will die people? No more than three families? White House events has both sickened paper. Our purpose is to inform Fullerton because of LA Mayor Garcetti’s well- Will you be knocking on our doors or and killed people. Newsom’s ill-consid- residents about the institutions and other meaning but counterproductive policy just tracking cellphone location data? ered dinner at The French Laundry was societal forces which most impact their of having passengers at LAX and When Venice Beach was closed, I foolish, hypocritical, and dangerous role lives, so that they may be empowered to Burbank Airports stop at the most vul- interviewed a police officer who was modeling. Yes, it is certainly less dam- participate in constructive ways to keep nerable part of their journey and fill out looking at thousands of people cavort- aging being a public one-off, but it is and make these private and public entities a form? How many people will be saved ing. “What do you want me to do,” he serve all residents in lawful, open, just, still harmful. Trump, Newsom, and a and socially-responsible ways. Through by standing in line, reading and then asked rhetorically? “A week ago visitors whole host of high-level politicians our extensive coverage, we seek to pro- signing a notice of our rules, given that could go in the water but not sit on the demonstrate their belief that the rules do mote a sense of community and an appre- most of them are already ignoring the sand. Then they could sit in the sand but not apply to them. This erodes our sense ciation for the values of diversity with rules by flying? Did anyone calculate couldn’t exercise. Then they could… that they know what they’re doing and which our country is so uniquely blessed. the cost/benefit ratio? Where’s the sci- Well, you get it.” Yes, I do. that the same rules apply equally to all. ______ence? And now there’s a cur- We cannot afford for this to happen The fight against few! Really? Are we 10,000 issues of the Fullerton Observer with our government. Our leaders, at all are distributed throughout Fullerton COVID-19 is a life/death going to enforce it? levels, need to show us the science and and sent through the mail to subscribers matter. Yet, decisions Probably it will be mis- follow it themselves. They need to be every two weeks except only once seem to be made by the Our leaders, used against people of better, so we will be better. Our lives in January, July & August. gut and the assumed color who are outside depend on it. benign intentions of our at all levels, past 10pm. And what’s HOW TO SUBSCRIBE leaders. Without the sci- need to show the point of a curfew? Subscriptions are $35 per year. ence, Mr. Mayor, you will us the science Anyone who has chil- Sign up and pay with Credit Card at lose the consent of the dren, or was once a www.fullertonobserver.com and follow it Re: Bridging the governed and we will child, knows that a mid- or by check with name & address to: themselves. Fullerton Observer, PO Box 7051, lose lives. Think this night curfew just tells Chasm in Our Fullerton CA 92834-7051 through, Mr. Mayor. They need to you to hurry up and mis- Wounded Nation Garcetti’s plan is, in be better, so we behave. A ten o’clock ______microcosm, the story of curfew only speeds up will be better. I knew when I opened the pages of many of our COVID-19 the transgressions. We OW TO DVERTISE your very "liberal" newspaper that I H A policies, rules and follies Our lives depend know that if we yell at Call 714-525-6402, or email would find an editorial by Jon Dobrer all over both the state and on it. our kids and threaten [email protected] encouraging all to "give ourselves a the nation. We ask people punishments that we or visit us online at chance to bridge the chasm when we lis- to follow the science but don’t carryout, they will www.fullertonobserver.com ten with respect and open hearts." For ______create rules by the seat of stop listening. They will the last several years he has not done our pants. We open and close businesses translate our loud and dire warnings into what he is now preaching. He did noth- SUBMISSIONS: based on intuition and not by tracing the mere parental noise. ing but criticize our Government and sources of our outbreaks—as the CDC Our political leaders clearly have Submissions on any topic of interest now he wants us to have "tolerance" and are accepted from Fullerton residents. used to do. unusual powers in emergency situations, see the "flaws as well as the virtues on We strive to get something about We close hair salons without evidence but no one believes that these powers both sides." I never once read anything everything in but shorter pieces do have that they are spreaders. If we have evi- are unlimited or eternal. If they were, we in any of his columns where he had writ- a better chance of getting in. dence, we need to share it. We push din- could get rid of the other two branches Email: [email protected] ten anything that I would have construed ing outside—and this makes intuitive of government and have mayors, gover- ______to be as seeing "virtues on both sides." I sense. But then, when restaurants put nors, or presidents rule by decree. find it ironic that all those who are big money into outdoor seating, we Emergency powers must either sunset • STAFF• against Republicans and conservatives • EDITOR: Jesse La Tour close that too. Any evidence that they (expire) after a stated period of time or and have been publicly speaking out •CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER: Mehul Desai are a source? Any thought that closing be confirmed by the legislative process negatively against them are now want- •ADVERTISING: Saskia Kennedy the outdoor spaces will drive people into or adjudicated in the courts. Only this EPORTERS ing all of us to get along and unify. •R : Jane Rands, what is clearly the more dangerous week, the Supreme Court ruled that Matthew Leslie, Jane Reifer, venue of indoor dining? Run some num- closing and limiting attendance at reli- Judith Kaluzny, Lance Langdon, Roberta M. Keyzers bers, please. Think through the likely gious events was not legal, particularly Divia Swendson Fullerton • DATABASE MANAGER: Jane Buck consequence of our disjointed policies. when the density limits seemed irra- • COPY EDITOR: Terry Hendricks We create rules that we do not, tional. No more than 100 in a huge • PROOF READER: Christine Romer because we cannot, enforce. Guidelines cathedral but liquor stores were open? Sweet Notes from • DISTRIBUTION: Irene Kobayashi, make sense. Rules or laws that in reality (This was part of their unsigned ruling) Subscribers Marjorie Kerr, Leslie Allen are only suggestions lessen the credibil- This virus is both real and deadly. We •DELIVERY: Victor Cortes •ROVING REPORTER: Jere Greene Enclosed is my check for our annual • COUNCIL REPORT: Jane Reifer subscription as well as a donation to • DOWNTOWN REPORT: Mike Ritto thank you for your service to Fullerton • SCHOOL BOARD REPORTS: residents. I would also like to thank you Jan Youngman & Vivien Moreno for helping the League of Women Voters •YOUTH EDITOR: Francine Vudoti of North Orange County publicize our •POLITICAL COMMENTARY: Jonathan Dobrer, Vince Buck events during this amazing year. I found •CROSSWORD: Valerie Brickey Jon Dobrer’s “Out of My Mind” & Terri •PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kennedy’s letter informative, insightful, Jere Greene, Mike Ritto and even inspiring. Thank you. •SCIENCE: Sarah Mosko -Patti C. •GARDENING: Penny Hlavac Fullerton • MOVIE REVIEW: Joyce Mason • THEATRE REVIEWS: Angela Hatcher I know it’s time to renew my subscrip- •VIDEO OBSERVER: Emerson Little tion—and I’m adding extra dollars in Created & Published in Fullerton loving memory of Ralph and Natalie by local volunteers since 1978 Kennedy, who gave so much of them- Published by Fullerton Observer LLC selves as founders of the Observer. I am so proud of what has been accomplished since the first issue in August 1978! The Mid December 2020 issue will Keep up the good work! hit the stands on December 14. SUBMISSION & AD -Barbara Johnson DEADLINE: December 7. Fullerton EARLY DECEMBER 2020 COMMUNITY VOICES FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 17

Open Letter from Fullerton Museum Center Board President The Fullerton Museum Center Although the FMCA Board of Association (FMCA) would like to offer Trustees and a small band of volunteers our sincere congratulations to new City have been working very hard behind the Council members Nick Dunlap and Fred scenes, the future of the Fullerton Jung. The challenges before them will Museum Center in 2021 and beyond is be daunting, but the promise of new in no way certain. visions and solutions should make us all We believe that the FMC serves as the hopeful. hub of Fullerton’s downtown, and serves Since the FMC was defunded on June all ages as a valuable educational facility 2 by a 5-0 City Council vote, you, the and meeting place. In addition, the FMC citizens of Fullerton have made it abun- has provided a diverse array of exhibits, dantly clear that you support the arts in art programs for adults and kids, sum- our community. mer camps, Haunted tours, Fullerton • Over 2,600 have signed an online Airport tours, the internationally famous petition in support of the FMC. Leo Fender Gallery, a very popular wine • The FMCA Board along with City and beer garden, and a wide variety of staff managed to put together a very suc- other events and activities that benefit Photos of micro trenching in Fullerton. cessful “FMC and ME” exhibit. Staff the entire community. eventually were laid off despite earlier I do not believe that the citizens of promises. Fullerton and north Orange County want Questions About FiberOptic Microtrenching • With the help of volunteers, the gal- to lose this downtown treasure. Funding leries and gift shop stayed open through- must be restored. I'm reaching out to you to highlight a trenches. In this case, Fullerton out the Fullerton Market season. If you agree, I urge you to voice your construction activity going in our City, Fibercity company is only required to • The Leo Fender Gallery was saved… support for the Fullerton Museum to our and hope you can shed more light on it. back fill their trench with a cement type for now. new City Council members through let- The Fullerton Fibercity company is material but is not required to resurface • $35,000 in Grants were sought and ters, email, voice messages, or in-person installing fiber optic cables in our streets street asphalt. Further, more surprising awarded to the FMCA. Over $20,000 conversation. via a method called micro trenching. is the fact Fullerton Fibercity company was raised in gift shop and art panel Although by comparison to traditional is being allowed to open cut newly con- sales. -Kirk G. San Roman, trenching, the micro trenching method structed streets with asphalt (paved in • The annual tradition of Haunted President, FMCA Board of Trustees involves a narrower width for open cut July/August 2020). Tours was maintained…with masks and on street surfaces, it is still an open cut, Given the negative impact of miles of social distancing. which negatively impacts the surface of open cut by Fullerton Fibercity on our • Complimentary Art Kits for Kids Editor’s Note: roads. roads and lack of adequate repairs, my were distributed throughout the Market You can e-mail City Council at: As a resident I understand the City's concerns are the streets having to be season, and the early COVID-19 [email protected] role to work with utility companies in reconstructed sooner than their designat- months. or call (714) 738-6311 reviewing and approving their infra- ed life cycle and City residents having to structure installation, but what I don't pay for these repairs. understand is the City not requiring util- ity companies to pay their fair share in -Jose Cortez adequately repairing their open cut Fullerton Fullerton Navigation Center

I've been gathering different stories them it's "voluntary" to be at the shelter, I am on Rose Drive, evidently one of the first streets to be ruined [by micro from the people here at the Fullerton or doesn't do much to meet people half- trenching]. The company has ruined our street by digging a trench and filling it back Navigation Center (run by Illumination way. Angie is lacking staff but means in with the worst possible workmanship imaginable. The workmen come at night. Foundation) from all walks and educa- well, in my opinion. I think it would be The assistant city manager has come out to view the destruction; the construction tion levels in life who are here for one in the public’s best interest to investigate company has come out and, laughably, power-washed the poor job. The residents on reason or another. Illumination Foundation, as well. We our street believe our property has been devalued. As you know, there is no money No one is perfect, but the management see higher-ups come by in suits or well- to fix our streets. Why the City is allowing this company to come ruin what is left here is beyond apathetic. If being home- dressed but never interact with the resi- of our streets is a mystery. less feels like being invisible, being at dents. They just inspect the property as -Gina Laroff the Fullerton Navigation Center is like if to pat themselves on the back. There's Fullerton being noticed for the wrong reasons. It is no evident management to give genuine poorly managed and understaffed. The feedback to. And the forms to fill out are ratios for "case workers" is about 3 peo- handed-out and handled by the people

Another Bicycle-Eating Trench ple for 100+ split between a shelter half there is an issue with. I'd be surprised if Rounding the corner of Malvern and Gilbert is another unmarked [micro] and a recuperative care half. The people it doesn't go straight to a shredder. This trench—2 inches wide and 12 inches deep. Beware, bicyclists. The City of who are brought in often aren't pre- would be a place worth investigating. Fullerton, Corbel Communications Industries, Inc., and Traffic Management, Inc. screened for the low level entry thresh- are out to get you. For those of you not into bicycling, we keep close to the curb to old or are "referred" by the Fullerton -Schwarz Bruder be out of the way of cars. The bicycle lane is generally 5 feet wide including the Police Department as a way to rid the Fullerton gutter. The border of the concrete and the asphalt is already problematic. Adding city/public of a "nuisance." There is a a trench could be disastrous. lack of transparency and communication Editor’s Note: We will do our best to -Fritz Von Coelln and empathy. Elliot is a staff member investigate this matter. If other commu- Fullerton who dishonestly presents himself as a nity members would like to share their caring "staff" but frequently threatens experiences, please e-mail Editor’s Note: We are currently investigating this issue, and will have an in-depth the homeless with "exiting" or telling [email protected]. update in our Mid December issue. If any residents have information or stories about problems with the micro-trench- ing, please e-mail [email protected].

HOW TO VOICE YOUR OPINION The Community Opinion pages provide a free forum for the commu- nity. The Observer welcomes letters on any subject of interest. Opinions Have You Renewed Your Print are those of the writer. We must verify your identity, but we allow ini- Subscription? tials only and town to be printed if desired, or anonymous in print if a reasonable case can be made as to why that is necessary. Opinions sent to us without name, address and phone number will not be printed. Due If you pay for The Observer by check, it is time to make your annual to space issues shorter letters have a better chance of getting in. Please payment. Please mail a check of $35 to: add your contact information so we can verify. Thanks! Fullerton Observer PO Box 7051 [email protected] Fullerton, CA 92834 or mail to: You can also call us at (714) 525-6402 Ext 1 and we can walk you through the online renewal process. Thank you for your support. Fullerton Observer, www.fullertonobserver.com. PO Box 7051, Fullerton CA 92834 Page 18 FULLERTON OBSERVER TRIBUTES & NEWS EARLY DECEMBER 2020 Russell K. Hanson 1925-2020

Russell K. Hanson, 95, beloved hus- nance of communication equipment at band, father, grandfather, great grandfa- many notable Anaheim and Orange ther and everybody’s Uncle Russ, County locations such as Autonetics, passed away November 20, 2020 at Aerojet, Quickset, KEZY radio, El Toro home in Anaheim, California with his Marine Corp Base, and many others, family by his side. Russell was born July meeting and interacting with some 28, 1925 in Hayward, Wisconsin to famous people along the way, including Agnes and Edward Hanson. Russ started Walt Disney, Carl Karcher, Walter working after school at age 12 to help Knott, John Wayne and President support the family. Immediately after Richard Nixon. He retired in 1982 after graduating from Hayward High School 36 years of working for “Ma Bell.” at age 17, he enlisted in the Marine Russ loved and was dedicated to his Corps. Russ served aboard the battleship family and friends, and every Holiday USS Maryland (BB46) as a light anti- would find their home overflowing with aircraft fire control man and was part of them. Russ enjoyed hunting, fishing, numerous battles throughout the South and golf, but he especially enjoyed Pacific during World War II, including attending his grandchildren and great the battle of Tarawa. After the war he grandchildren’s sporting events. Russ returned home and met his forever love, was known and admired by all who Phoebe (Boots) Feske of St. Paul, knew him as a kind, compassionate, and “Ghost Bike” memorial to Joshua Pumphrey. Photo by Joel Eckman Maus Minnesota. They were married May 12, generous man. Russ and Boots were 1946 and settled in Ellsworth, long-time members of St Luke's Wisconsin where Russ was employed by Lutheran Church in Fullerton. He was Fatal Traffic Collision Involving Bicyclist the Wisconsin Bell Telephone Company. preceded in death by his wife of 55 years He transferred to Los Angeles in 1953 Phoebe (Boots) (nee Feske) and his On Monday, November 23, at approx- Initial investigations showed the driv- and again to Anaheim in 1956 where he daughter Barbara Magallanes. He is sur- imately 5:43pm, Fullerton Police er of the Mercedes was southbound on and Boots bought a home. Throughout vived by his sons David Hanson, Gary Officers responded to the area of Bastanchury Road when they collided 1960 Russ was the primary “telephone Hanson (Darrelyn) six grandchildren Bastanchury Road and Lancer Way with the bicyclist. At this time, investi- man” at Disneyland, responsible for all and eight great grandchildren. A grave- regarding a traffic collision involving a gators do not believe drugs and/or alco- of the park and the Bell System’s (ATT) side service with military honors will be motor vehicle and a bicyclist. hol were a factor in the collision. “America The Beautiful” exhibit. When held 10am December 11, 2020 at Upon arrival, Officers located 33 year- This is an on-going investigation and he was promoted to management, Russ Riverside National Cemetery. old male bicyclist Joshua Pumphrey the exact cause of the collision is still oversaw the installation and mainte- with severe injuries. Fullerton Police under investigation. Anyone with infor- Officers, along with Fullerton Fire mation about this collision is encour- Department personnel on-scene, imme- aged to contact Accident Investigator H. diately began life-saving measures. Barclay at (714) 738-6815. Those wish- Thirty-two People in Orange County Pumphrey was transported to a local ing to provide information anonymously trauma center where he died. can call the Orange County Crime Died Homeless in October The driver of the involved motor vehi- Stoppers at 1(855) TIP-OCCS or can cle, a white Mercedes sedan, remained visit their website at www.occrimestop- Source: OC Coroner’s Office list of those who died “without fixed abode.” on-scene and is cooperating with inves- pers.org. tigators. Jennifer HABIB died on October 1 in Westminster Matthew MCKINNEY died on October 1 in Irvine William BEWLEY III died on October 1 in Garden Grove Donald WELCH died on October 2 in Santa Ana Merry WATANASRIMONGKOL died on October 3 in Newport Beach Joyce McADOO died on October 4 in Fountain Valley Steven BORBOA died on October 6 in Huntington Beach Ricky DELGADO died on October 6 in Fullerton Heather RHEUBY died on October 7 in Fountain Valley Jose DE LOS SANTOS died on October 7 in Garden Grove Steven WIATT died on October 8 in Fountain Valley Faith REYNOLDS died on October 8 in Fountain Valley James VASQUEZ died on October 9 in Anaheim Donna VALADEZ died on October 10 in Santa Ana Dionicio RAMIREZ-ORTEGA died on October 14 in Huntington Beach Conrad RIEGER died on October 14 in Buena Park Jonathan RAWLINGS died on October 15 in Buena Park David MONGE died on October 16 in Huntington Beach Anthony GONZALES died on October 17 in Orange Paula FORD died on October 20 in Anaheim Kristofer MILLER died on October 21 in Anaheim John NGUYEN died on October 22 in Buena Park Daniel DELGADO died on October 22 in Santa Ana Ronald WHITECOTTON died on October 22 in Fountain Valley Derek DOUGHERTY died on October 26 in Newport Beach William CASTILLO died on October 26 in Costa Mesa Daniel MAYHEW JR. died on October 27 in Santa Ana Ignacio MALDONADO died on October 28 in Santa Ana Christopher JONES died on October 29 in Anaheim Damond MILLER died on October 29 in Anaheim Leonard ROMERO JR. died on October 30 in Placentia Carissa ORTIZ died on October 31 in Santa Ana.

The Longest Night: December 21 Every year on the winter solstice, we gather to honor the lives of the members of our community that died without permanent, healthy, safe and secure places to call home.

Please join us this year for a special virtual memorial service and candlelight vigil sponsored by the Women Drivers Interfaith Group and Hope 4 Restoration.

For more information visit www.hope4restoration.org. EARLY DECEMBER 2020 CLASSIFIEDS & MORE FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 19

OUR TOWN CROSSWORD © 2020

ANSWER KEY TO PUZZLE “HOLIDAY DINNER?” on page 7:

PUZZLE MASTER Valerie Brickey WORLD AIDS DAY was born in IS ECEMBER Fullerton and D 1 returned to raise her family here. World AIDS Day is December 1. This HIV testing is available year-round She has been day unites community efforts to stop at these locations: contributing new HIV infections, support those liv- puzzles since 2014. Due to COVID-19, testing services ing with HIV, and remember those who may be by appointment only and testing have lost their lives. Worldwide more hours may change without notice. To than 75 million people have been diag- make an appointment or for additional LOCAL ONLY CLASSIFIEDS nosed with HIV and in Orange County information regarding testing hours, (OC), 13,540 people have been diag- Call (714) 525-6402 contact: nosed with HIV since reporting began in •APAIT Health Center: Call (714) or visit www.fullertonobserver.com 1981. Our communities can help end the 636-1349 to make an appointment or stigma of HIV by getting tested, know- visit http://apaitonline.org for more The Fullerton Observer provides space for NEIGHBORS to advertise. To ing their status, and supporting those information. participate you must have a local phone number. Contractors must provide living with HIV. •OC Health Care Agency/17th Street valid licenses. Editor reserves right to reject any ad not considered suitable

Testing, Treatment and Care Clinic: Call for our family newspaper. The cost of a classified is $30 for 30 words or less Local World AIDS Day Events: (714) 834-8787 to make an appointment per issue. The Observer assumes no liability for ads placed here. However, The LGBTQ Center OC will provide or visit www.ochealthinfo.com/std for if you have a complaint or compliment about a service, please let us know HIV testing (by appointment only). more information. at (714) 525-6402. Call City Hall at (714) 738-6531 to inquire about busi- Appointments can be scheduled online •RADAR: Call (714) 868-5601 for ness licenses. For contractor license verification go to the California State at: www.lgbtqcenteroc.org/services/hiv- information on at-home HIV self-test Contractor License Board website at www.cslb.ca.gov. testing/. Swag bags will be provided to kits. anyone that comes in for testing on this •Radiant Health Centers: Call (949) day. This event is scheduled for 809-8764 to make an appointment or December 1 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. visit www.radianthealthcenters.org for RADAR in collaboration with The more information. Frida Cinema will commemorate World •The LGBTQ Center OC: Call (714) YOUR AIDS Day with a drive-in presentation 953-5428 to make an appointment or COVID-19 help: of the 2018 Freddie Mercury biopic visit www.lgbtcenteroc.org for more AD Bohemian Rhapsody. More information information. HERE is available at: ochealthinfo.com thefridacinema.org/drive-in/bohemian- For more information on World AIDS Call 714-525-6402, or email rhapsody/. This event is scheduled for Day, visit: www.hiv.gov/events/aware- [email protected] December 1 and gates open at 5:30 p.m. ness-days/world-aids-day. or visit us online at www.fullertonobserver.com

There Ought to be a Law

Local State Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva recently posted this on Facebook:

"A good piece of legislation, is like a good sentence; or a good piece of music. Everybody can recognize it.” – Barack Obama

Residents of Assembly District 65, I am coming to you to request your input for legislative suggestions for the upcoming 2021-22 Legislative Session. If you have an idea that you would like to share with me, please feel free to visit my website and submit your legislative suggestion to our or my office. https://a65.asmdc.org/there- ought-be-law.

COVID-19 DEATHS AS OF NOVEMBER 2020

World: 1,458,485 United States: 272,254 (highest of any country in the world) California: 19,131 Orange County: 1,577 Fullerton: 112 EARLY DECEMBER 2020 LOCAL GOVERNMENT FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 20

would know that the eComment period Ways to Improve Public is about to close. City Council specific: Few people Participation During COVID-19 know that their public comments are sometimes addressed immediately after City Council Meeting To Be “Virtual Only” on Dec 1 they are made and they leave without the benefit of hearing the feedback that they by Jane Reifer submitted emails were neither read nor asked for, so this should be announced. summarized, as promised on the agenda. Since meetings will now be virtual, The ability for Fullerton residents to Orange County Best Practices there also needs to be an announcement participate in local decision-making is Survey: Vern Nelson, an Anaheim for the public as to how to pull consent becoming more difficult with COVID- activist, is worried that the pandemic, in calendar items for discussion. We also 19 restrictions. addition to taking lives, may also take need to address the ability of the public Any issue that dramatically affects away local, participatory democracy. He to show a photo or a chart during their someone’s personal or business life, surveyed the ten largest cities of Orange how the public can participate, in public comment. including zoning of a nearby property, County (and the County itself) to see English, Spanish, closed-caption, and The public is always concerned that zoning of their own property, new busi- how they’ve been conducting council any other necessary languages. This their points may not be made as power- ness restrictions, or any matter that pro- meetings, and how residents are able to information should also be distributed in fully if they submit a written comment foundly affects them, are issues that the give comments during the pandemic. flyers or in materials that go out to resi- rather than speaking directly to public should have an opportunity to (www.orangejuiceblog.com/2020/11/oc- dents who may not have computers. Councilmembers. This becomes espe- participate in. council-meetings-during-covid-and- Water bills are a good method, but they cially important if a resident’s business, It’s hard enough for residents to make why-does-sidhu-love-the-darkness). are bi-monthly, and do not always go out home, or something they care about their case in person at Council meetings, The city with the best system seems to to renters. strongly is “on the line.” Civic issues but that is usually the most effective be Costa Mesa, which combines a Zoom Phone access: Whether the councils can have profound effects on the public, way. Issues that are not voiced aloud webinar, Granicus (the municipal elec- and commissions meet in person or not, occasionally even at the level of life and during an actual council or commission tronic information system) and YouTube there should be phone access for people death, and, especially during a pandem- meeting are sometimes ignored. for a meeting in which you can see the to submit comments, especially for ic, the public deserves to have its say. The City Council meetings have, in council and staff on a grid, and call in by those without smartphones or comput- general, been the best of the various city phone to comment. ers, or when there’s a technology glitch. New Rules for City Council meetings, but they still need some As the Council discontinues meeting Telephone notifications/blasts regarding improvement. in person, effective virtual methods, Council meetings might also encourage Starting Dec 1 Most difficult, though, are the numer- such as those suggested below, are more participation. The public may no longer attend in ous city committees and commissions, essential. Broadcast or livestream: There can person, but may watch live online at which each have chosen unique ways to be quite a learning curve for the public https://fullerton.legistar.com, on to know how to access the livestream, as address public participation, with little Proposed Best Practices Spectrum Cable Channel 3, and AT&T each commission is different. The consistency. If a member of the public is Consistent protocol: The City should U-Verse Channel 99. method should be clear, and provided used to participating one way, it can develop a consistent protocol for best To give comments ahead of time, you well in advance, so participants don’t come as a surprise that a different com- practices for the council and commis- can call (714) 738-6311 or e-mail coun- lose their opportunity to watch and/or mittee has opposite rules for their meet- sions to have to have the same, reliable, [email protected] with the subject comment. There should be instructions ings, resulting in a missed opportunity to method for public participation. The cur- line “City Council Meeting as to when to expect the video or participate. rent practices are inconsistent across Correspondence—Item #” (insert the livestream, which can be confusing. Many major decisions are being made commissions, and sometimes even with- relevant item number) or “City Council Names and titles: These should be without the ability for the public’s par- in a commission. If a consistent protocol Meeting Correspondence Non-Agenda broadcast so you can see the coun- ticipation. For example, at an October can’t be developed, there should at least Item” for general public comments that cilmembers or commission members, 14 Planning Commission public hear- be a chart explaining the different meth- don’t pertain to an agenda item. Staff and it would be helpful if names and ing, a developer had 40 minutes during ods. will forward these to the City Council, staff titles can be available to know who public comment to make their case, Calendar links and charts: Meetings but they will not be read aloud at the is speaking and if they are speaking in while the public’s well-researched 3 and calendars should clearly indicate council meeting. All correspondence an official capacity. received becomes part of the official E-Comments: These should be more record of the meeting and is posted than 500 characters and should contain a online with the supplemental materials separate field to insert your name, rather for that meeting. Contact the City than having to set up an account. They Clerk’s Office at cityclerksoffice@city- should be available in Spanish, read out offullerton.com or (714) 738-6350 with loud at council and commission meet- any questions. ings with the person’s name. There Alternatively, you can use the needs to be someone verifying that each “eComments” found on the city website item has an e-comment attached to it. within the agendas posted online at For example, many Library Board of https://fullerton.legistar.com until the Trustee agenda items are missing a cor- close of the public comment period for responding e-comment. Include a con- the item. These will be read or summa- firmation that the e-comment will be rized during the item discussion. read and entered into the official record, and a final confirmation when it actually If you have more ideas, contact happens. It’s hard to make comments in Friends for a Livable Fullerton at real-time, and it would be helpful to (714) 729-301 or give some kind of count down so people [email protected]