THURSDAY,JUNE 24,2021 /// Now including Coastline Pilot and Huntington Beach Independent /// dailypilot.com Laguna may face lawsuit in shooting by officer

The City Council denied a claim by a man who said police acted negligently when he was shot after a pursuit. BY ANDREW TURNER

After a man who was shot by Laguna Beach police in March saw his claim against the city re- jected last week, the case ap- pears to be headed to court, his attorney says. Tobiah Paul Steinmetz of Jupiter, Fla., filed a claim on May2 alleging that Laguna Beach police acted negligently when he was shot while exiting avehicle following a pursuit that occurred on March 11. Don Leach | Staff Photographer The claim was filed through AHIGH TIDE wave crashes in Laguna Beach on Tuesday. Large swells and nearly 7.0 high tides have combined to batter the coast at sunset time all week. Guizar, Henderson & Carrazco, LLP, a law firm based in Monte- bello. “We have the right to be free Berms go up in Newport Beach from unreasonable searches and seizures, so the Supreme Court ruled in Tennessee v. Garner in 1985 that when a police officer ahead of expected high tides uses deadly force against an in- dividual, they need to have a justifiable reason,” said Chris- he beach berms are re- tian Contreras, Steinmetz’s at- turning to Newport torney. T Beach’s coastline as the “That reason has to be that National Weather Service warns the person presents an immi- of evening tides anywhere be- nent threat of death or serious tween 7 and 7.5 feet across bodily injury, so applying that coastal Orange County. standard, and even applying The notice went out on Tues- Graham v. Connor, which was day afternoon and is in effect decided in 1989 by the Supreme through Thursday. Court, Mr. Steinmetz was un- The National Weather Service armed, he was exiting a vehicle, warned of minor tidal overflow and he appeared to be intoxi- into low-lying beach areas — cated, so the officers didn’t have such as on the Balboa Peninsula, any justifiable reason whatso- where streets on the western- most end of the island are only 5 See Laguna, page A3 feet above sea level — board- walks and parking lots. Recently, the Newport Beach City Council received a presenta- Newport tion on updates to the 1930s drainage system on Balboa Is- land to address the issue of terminates flooding. The peninsula flooded last July and it’s flooded previously in its local 2018 and 2019, albeit the latter to rainstorms. Workers were out on Monday emergency with heavy equipment to build Scott Smeltzer | Staff Photographer up the berms and they were in MICHAEL MARTINEZ with the Newport Beach Public Works Department places a sign on a sand berm place by Tuesday, said John near Balboa Pier on Wednesday. The sand berm is in place to protect coastal properties from high tides. status Pope, a spokesman for the city of Newport Beach. heights, minor tidal overflow or ing that there may be strong before swimming. Use caution “A beach hazards statement is lightning are possible at local currents. when in or near the water and The council unanimously issued when threats such as beaches,” the National Weather “Obey posted warning signs always swim near a lifeguard.” strong rip currents, elevated surf Service said in its warning, add- and flags and talk to a lifeguard —Lilly Nguyen votes to dissolve the action that was taken in March 2020 in response Inclusivity a watchword at Newport Beach church to the pandemic. BY LILLY NGUYEN

BY SUSAN HOFFMAN It’s official! The Newport Beach City Council unanimously voted Josh Vecchione, a transgender male, had Tuesday to terminate its pan- spoken in front of large groups before, but a demic-related local emergency, recent Sunday would be his first time speak- ahead of state action. ing before a church congregation. The city initially declared its lo- He sat across from the Rev. Canon Cindy cal emergency status on Evans Voorhees for the “A ltarside Chat” in March15, 2020. honor of Pride Month at St. James Episcopal The declaration granted New- Church in Newport Beach. port Beach access to state and Vecchione, who had had sex reassignment federal resources. Councilman surgery to become male 44 years ago at the Will O’Neill requested at a City age of 20, explained, “I always felt like a boy, Council meeting earlier this since I was 8 years old.” month for city staff to bring back As a result of gender reassignment, Vec- an item that would allow the city chione, an Orange County resident, has en- to dissolve the local emergency. dured intolerance, exclusion and strife. He Following council action, it was has been called “one of those freaks” by a officially terminated on Tuesday DMV clerk, prompting stares from the room night after nearly 16 months. With full of people. He has been followed when he it went emergency powers Photos by Susan Hoffman walked down the street in his neighborhood granted to City Manager Grace BISHOP'S WARDEN Meagan Cooper, center right, celebrates Pride Month with, from left, where he’d once been class president of his Leung and emergency ordinances Jackie Freeman, and Maggie and Rod Adams at St. James Episcopal Church in Newport Beach. high school. on outdoor dining — which city He was embroiled in a court case for 10 officials extended through early IRENE years, fighting for custody with his ex-wife September — and holds on short- VECCHIONE, over their young daughter. He had set a prec- term lodging. in white jacket, sits edent in being recognized legally as a gender That same day, the Orange among the reassigned male to marry and parent, which County Board of Supervisors congregation at St. generated national media attention. But it moved to maintain the local state James Episcopal was expulsion from his place of worship that of emergency. Church. was the most hurtful. “I’ve been looking forward to “More devastating than going through the getting to the point that we could custody trial was to have my church turn even have this conversation, let their back on me, saying I’m not good alone pass it for over a year now,” enough to be at church anymore,” Vecchione said O’Neill, who was serving as said. “It’s sad to be shunned from a church mayor at the start of the pan-

See Church, page A3 See Newport, pageA2 A2 THURSDAY,JUNE 24,2021 DAILY PILOT | COASTLINE PILOT | HUNTINGTON BEACH INDEPENDENT WWW.DAILYPILOT.COM NEWPORT THE COACHHOUSE Continued from page A1 www.thecoachhouse.com demic. TICKETS &DINNER RES: 949-496-8930 “We’ve seen some sub- stantial ups and we’ve seen some substantial downs and we have fortunately seen a decrease [of COVID-19 cases] in the last couple of months that, honestly, it’s amazing for so many reasons.” O’Neill said that, circum- stantially, Newport Beach THU, JUN 24 SAT, JUL 10 SUN, JUL 11 THU, JUL 15 should have been hit a lot Raul Roa|Staff Photographer ALBERT LEE CREED HENRY harder as a city due to its LEE ROCKER BRATTON KAPONO aging population, but MARCOS ESCUTIA of Costa Mesa wears a unique face wasn’t — at least in part be- mask at the Newport Pier in Newport Beach on May 7, 2020. 6/24 ALBERT LEE cause many residents are 6/25 STEVE TYRELL either retired or are able to There are obviously ways to ment to the council in De- 6/26 ABBAFAB work from home. improve and I do hope that cember. 6/27 THE SPINNERS Census data from 2019 none of us up here have to Mayor Pro Tem Kevin 7/2 SKELETON CREW (Grateful DeadTribute) indicates that at least 23.1% experience that again in Muldoon said the past year of the city’s population is our lifetimes, let alone from was an interesting case 7/3 WILDCHILD50th AnniversaryCelebration over the age of 65. About the dais.” study in the powers that be 7/8 STRANGELOVE (Depeche Mode Tribute) 17.2% are under the age of O’Neill thanked city staff at the state, county and city 7/9 KELLY BOWLIN & THEBEALE STREETPLAYERS 18 and 3.9% under the age for their efforts and added level, joking that someone 7/10 LEE ROCKER of the Stray Cats of 5. that he felt that govern- might write a legal book on 7/11CREED BRATTON from The Office “A lot of other communi- ments should give up their how the state of California ties couldn’t say the same declared states of emer- responded to the pan- 7/15 HENRY KAPONO thing. So, this is a fortunate gency when they could no demic. 7/16 KILLER &THE KING (Elvis & JerryLee Lewis Tribute) community and we need to longer justify keeping them Residents raised con- 7/17 THE HIGHWAYMANSHOW recognize there are demo- in place. cerns about whether or not 7/23 BEATLES VS STONES graphic reasons for the abil- Councilman Noah Blom the termination of the local 7/24 YOUNG DUBLINERS ity for us to weather this said that even being able to emergency would limit and to come out OK,” talk about the termination Newport Beach’s access to 7/25 KEB MO O’Neill said. of the local emergency was additional funds to make 7/29 THE MARSHALL TUCKER BAND “There is a lot to be said one of the most exciting is- up for what was expended 7/30 THE RISING (Bruce Springsteen Tribute) about the way that things sues to come up to him on 7/31 MISSING PERSONS worked out for our city. the dais since his appoint- See Newport, page A3 8/1 SUBURBANSKIES 8/6THE MOTELS 8/7THE BABYS 8/13 HONK 8/14 BERLIN 8/20 THE TUBES MARKETPLACE 8/21 THE SMITHEREENS with vocalist MARSHALL CRENSHAW 8/26 BRIANREGAN To place an ad, go to 8/27 YACHTLEY CREW http://timescommunityadvertising.com/ 8/28 YACHTLEY CREW 8/29 THE 5THDIMENSION Legal Notices Legal Notices 9/1TONY ORLANDO 9/3LED ZEPAGAIN (Led Zeppelin Tribute) GOODJOBS, 9/5THOMPSON SQUARE Acoustic Business Names 9/8BUDDY GUY RELIABLE 9/10 CHRISTONE “Kingfish” INGRAM Fictitious Business SERVICES, 9/11 TOMMY CASTRO Name Statement 9/12 THE FUNNIEST HOUSEWIVES The following person(s) is/are doing business INTERESTING 9/17 SAVOY BROWN as: PELICAN PLUSH 9/18 WILD CHILD (DoorsTribute) 224 STONECLIFFE AISLE, IRVINE, CA THINGSTOBUY, 9/19 BENISE 92603, Orange County, 9/23 BillyBob Thornton & THE BOXMASTERS SCHWARZ, CHRISTIAN IT'SALL & SCHWARZ, ALEXA 224 9/25 THE FENIANS (HALFWAY TO ST PATRICKS DAYCELEBRATION) STONECLIFFE AISLE, IRVINE, CA 92603 This HERE 10/1 VENICE business is conducted 10/3 WAILERS by: a General Partnership The Registrant(s) EVERYDAY 10/8 JD SOUTHER Commenced to transact 10/9 DESPERADO (EaglesTribute) business under the Fictitious Business IN 10/10 GEOFFTATE Name(s) listed above on: N/A Signed CHRISTIAN SCHWARZ This state- CLASSIFIED! ment was filed with the County of Orange on (714)966-4600 06/17/2021. 2021 6608246 06/24, 07/01, 07/08 & 07/15/2021

SAT, JUL31 FRI, AUG 6 SAT, AUG 7 FRI, AUG 13 MISSING THE THE HONK PERSONS MOTELS BABYS 10/13 FRANKMARINOAND MAHOGANY RUSH 10/14 JOHNHIATT & JERRYDOUGLAS BAND 10/16 TAPE FACE 10/17 ROBERT EARL KEEN 10/23 OINGO BOINGOFORMER MEMBERS 10/24 HEIDI NEWFIELD 11/3 THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY 11/4 FIREFALL 11/5 RONSTADT REVIVAL 11/7 ATLANTARHYTHMSECTION 11/11JDSIMO /GA-20 11/12 FIVEFOR FIGHTING w/StringQuartet 11/13 SUPER DIAMOND(Neil Diamond Tribute) 11/20 WHICH ONE’S PINK? 11/26 LA GUNS 11/27 METALACHI 12/2 THE PLATTERS 12/4 DSB (Journey Tribute) 12/9 LEONID & FRIENDS(Chicago Tribute) 12/10 JOHNMAYALL /WALTERTROUT 12/12 ROBERT CRAY 12/17 AMBROSIA 12/18 BERLIN 12/19 GARY“HO HO” HOEY 12/23 An Evening w/ David Benoit Charlie BrownChristmas 12/26 BUCKCHERRY/Jetboy 1/7QUEENNATION (QueenTribute) 1/8QUEENNATION (QueenTribute) 1/13 GINGER BILLY 1/15 THE BLASTERS 1/22 JOANOSBORNE/THE WEEPIES 2/3THE GILMOURPROJECT 2/6AnEvening with DAMIEN ESCOBAR 2/12 OTTMAR LIEBERT & LUNANEGRA 2/13 KINGSTON TRIO 3/10 KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD 3/13 GLENN MILLERORCHESTRA 3/21 TINSLEY ELLIS 4/2Y&T 4/16 MARCCOHN 4/17 MARCCOHN CLASSIFIED It’sthe solution you’re searching for-whether you’re seekinga SUN, AUG 29 WED, SEP 1 SUN, SEP 5 WED, SEP 8 THE 5TH TONY THOMPSON BUDDY home, apartment, pet or new DIMENSION ORLANDO SQUARE GUY occupation! 866.468.3399 33157 Camino Capistrano |San Juan Capistrano Like Us on facebook.com/coachhouseconcerthall | follow us on Twitter @coach_house WWW.DAILYPILOT.COM DAILY PILOT | COASTLINE PILOT | HUNTINGTON BEACH INDEPENDENT THURSDAY,JUNE 24,2021 A3

Lt. Jim Cota told the operating in secrecy, so LAGUNA Daily Pilot that Steinmetz we’ll see what the truth Continued from pageA1 was taken to Mission reveals,” Contreras said. Hospital in Mission Viejo Steinmetz pleaded not ever to use deadly force to be treated for his in- guilty to all charges in a on him.” juries. court appearance on Officers had been at- He was said to be in April 21. tempting to make a traf- “critical but stable condi- He faces felony counts fic stop near the intersec- tion” following the inci- for unlawful taking of a tion of Smithcliffs Road dent. vehicle, evading a peace and North Coast High- There were no other officer, reckless driving way at about 6:20 p.m. injuries resulting from and resisting an execu- the evening of the inci- the incident, including to tive officer. dent. the drivers of the two ve- He has also been Steinmetz then drove hicles that were struck charged with a misde- off, striking two vehicles during the pursuit. meanor for a hit-and-run with officers in pursuit, “[The police] violated incident resulting in authorities said in a news Mr. Steinmetz’s, our cli- property damage. release. ent’s, 4th Amendment Orange County Dist. The pursuit crossed rights, and we’re suing. Atty. spokeswoman Kim- over into Newport Beach Of course, we’re suing,” berly Edds confirmed Raul Roa | Staff Photographer before Steinmetz turned Contreras said. that if convicted on all BEACHGOERS PRACTICE social distancing near the Newport Pier on May 23, 2020. his vehicle around and “This is a grave injus- charges, Steinmetz faces headed back into Laguna tice because this was a amaximum sentence of Rescue Plan Act. country, county and com- Beach on Coast Highway. person who is a veteran, three years and eight NEWPORT Leung said that if there munity level. Officers employed a who is a minister, and the months in state prison, Continued from page A2 are additional expenses Avery said that he was pursuit intervention only reason why he was plus an additional 180 such as vaccination clinics amazed at how the county technique, a maneuver in this situation was be- days in Orange County by the city in response to after the termination of the operated and thankful for utilized to cause a vehicle cause his … prescription jail. the pandemic. local emergency, it is pos- how Newport Beach fared. to spin out and stop, the meds were off, and he Phil Kohn, the city at- Leung said the city has sible the city will not be re- “This is our Independ- statement said. wasn’t thinking clearly.” torney for Laguna Beach, submitted all potential re- imbursed for those. ence Day,” Councilwoman The release added that Contreras added that declined to comment for imbursements through Mayor Brad Avery said Diane Dixon said. Steinmetz “quickly exited body camera video has this story. Tuesday and that it had re- the arrival of the pandemic the vehicle” and was shot not been released with ceived the first installment brought about “real exist- [email protected] by police. respect to the incident. [email protected] of the American Recovery ential questions” at the Twitter: @lillibirds Laguna Beach police “It seems like they’re Twitter: @AndrewTurnerTCN

female or he could no long- me encircled me afterward at St. James, which is the [often] ask, ‘Why am I go- the LGBTQ community. CHURCH er be a member of the and invited me to the after- leader of the Bishop’s Com- ing?’ ” The month-long recogni- Continued from page A1 church. Nor could his par- church hospitality service.” mittee, similar to a board of She explained since tion along with lighting of ents, if they continued to Cooper was about to directors. members of the LGBTQ the church in rainbow col- because of who you choose support him. learn welcoming went be- “The whole congregation community have been ors, providing visitors with to love. We’re all the same.” He recalls the pastor’s yond church walls. While at is so kind and welcoming,” pushed away from church, aHuman Rights Campaign Vecchione, a jeweler, city words: “When you get to her bank one morning, she Cooper said. “It’s so easy to the consensus is they can’t glossary of terms and a commissioner and funeral heaven, what’s God going ran into Voorhees, senior be yourself there.” be gay and have faith; they giveaway bag noting grati- service director who holds to say?” priest from the church, who Along with Cooper’s have to give up one or the tude from the LGBTQ com- degrees in psychology and Vecchione’s dad, who at- apparently remembered church duties, she is em- other. munity: “Pride is unity in deaf studies, had once been tended the same meeting her and noticed she had ployed as a human re- “We stand for inclusive- diversity.” fully accepted into that with the pastor, interjected, been absent for a time. sources leader for a medical ness, it’s part of our web- “Gays are a loving com- church. Among his contrib- “He’s going to say, ‘Job well Voorhees pointed her finger device company, and is the site,” Voorhees said. “Our munity, yet they are an op- utions over the 15 years done, come on in,’ and to at Cooper and said, “Where chairman of the board of church is a positive force pressed community,” there was his deaf ministry; you people, you’re hypo- have you been? You need to the LGBTQ Center OC. and we consider ourselves Voorhees said. “They have he was interpreting by sign- crites.” come back.” Cooper explained that an allyship and are open influential assets, yet they ing on stage every Sunday While Vecchione’s once They headed to Star- there’s an intersection be- about it.” are kicked out [of churches and also teaching a class in accepting church environ- bucks next door where tween what the LGBTQ Allyship is an ongoing or other organizations] for sign language. ment shattered, Meg Coop- Voorhees took the time to Center of OC does and the process of learning about being gay.” The upheaval that elic- er’s grew stronger. get to know Cooper and work that Voorhees is doing experiences, empathizing Cooper added that doing ited the pastoral decision New to California, where the then-newcomer in the LGBTQ space. with challenges of a mar- good and supporting inclu- from the Orange County Cooper stumbled across St. became comfortable Voorhees participated earli- ginalized group of people sivity brings light to a mar- megachurch occurred after James Episcopal Church, enough during the conver- er this year in a panel dis- and building relationships ginalized class. She advo- aformer high school class- which happened to be sation to talk about her cussion on the topic “Can with them. It also means cates being more than just mate approached church down the street from her sexuality. you be Queer And Chris- you’re taking on the strug- open — to be loud in a officials about Vecchione’s home on the Balboa Penin- “[Voorhees] was overly tian?” gle as your own whether good way, and to be a gender change. That news, sula. welcoming, which was so “Personally, I’ve had an you fully understand what member of a community along with the custody “After my first visit I was refreshing,” said Cooper, an easier time defending my it feels like to be oppressed that accepts people for who event going public, set into excited to go back, it was openly gay female. “It made gayness to the faith com- or marginalized. they are and celebrates motion his separation from such a welcoming commu- me want to give my time munity than defending my With June as Pride Month them. the church. nity,” said Cooper, who and resources.” faith to the LGBTQ commu- and St. James being a haven He was ordered to either hadn’t felt that way when Five years later, in Janu- nity,” Cooper said. “The for inclusion and recogniz- SUSAN HOFFMAN is a repent, admit he was a sin- she visited other churches. ary 2021 Cooper took on LGBTQ have been so ostra- ing the struggles, it is cele- contributor to Times ner and go back to being a “The couple sitting next to the role of Bishop’s Warden cized by the church, they brating the contributions of Community News.

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ACROSS 1"Pardon me?" less politely 4TV's "Green __" 9Cheerios ingredients NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF 13 Fish in a casserole MESA WATERDISTRICT 14 "Be quiet!" WATER SHORTAGE RESPONSEORDINANCE 15 __ up; support from behind or below NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to California WaterCode 16 __ 500; annual Section31027(b)(2), that theBoard of Directors (Board) of the car race Mesa WaterDistrict,followingcompletionofanoticedpublic 17 Rival 19 Suffix for hearing, hasadopted OrdinanceNo. 32, aWater Shortage Taiwan or Vietnam ResponseOrdinance(Ordinance).OrdinanceNo. 32 rescinded 20 Full of energy priorOrdinance No.26and adopted various wateruse guidance, 21 Quick limitations and restrictions consistent with Mesa WaterDistrict’s 22 Archaeological gratitude to site SUDOKU adopted 2020 Urban WaterManagement Plan, including, but not 20 Dock limitedto, theWater Shortage ContingencyPlanincorporated 24 Advice to the By The Mepham Group 23 Finds a underweight purpose for therein. 25 Smooched Complete the grid so each row, column and 24 Pres. Carter's 27 Least nuts 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every middle name Mesa Water’sDistrict’sBoard Secretary hasdetermined that due 30 "__ the Dragon"; digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve 25 Didn't throw Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk. to thelengthand complexity of theOrdinancethat it is notfeasible Bruce Lee film out 31 Neglect one's 26 Narrow water to prepare afairand adequatesummary of the Ordinance. duties passage 33 Panama or 27 Gentlemen Copiesofthe full text of theOrdinance areavailable at theMesa derby 28 Diplomas WaterDistrict’sbusiness offices located at 1965 Placentia 35 Two __ two is 29 "Grimms' Fairy four __" Avenue,CostaMesa,California92627,for public inspectionupon 36 Spin 31 Kill flies request duringnormalbusinesshours. 37 Market section 32 Big success 38 One of the 34 Wave The full text of theOrdinanceisavailablefor review and/or Kennedys movement 39 Dinghies & 36 Huge amount download on theinternet at: https://www.mesawater.org/. dories 37 Boring event 40 Liberated 39 Exposes Director(s)Votingfor Ordinance No. 32: Atkinson, Bockmiller, 41 Oppressive 40 Blood-sucking Fisler,Dewane, DePasquale ruler insect 43 Pass, as time 42 Negligent Director(s)Voting Against Ordinance No.32: None 44 Trauma ctrs. 43 Mr. Hemingway Director(s)Absent: None 45 __ of society; 45 Mournful song Director(s)Abstaining: None riffraff For answers to the crossword and 46 "I'll drink to __!" 46 __ song; TV Sudoku puzzles, see page A4. 47 Medal of Honor show tune recipient Formoreinformation or questions, please contact Denise Garcia, 49 Most populous 61 Beginning beef 48 Award for District Secretary, by email [email protected] or nation 62 Wood for 7Observe "Frasier" telephone(949) 631-1205. 51 Child baseball bats 8"Thar __ blows!" 49 Facial feature 54 Northern __; 9Pain-relieving 50 Cluckers USA's location DOWN drug 52 Linear measure PublishedinDailyPilotonJune 24, 2021. 56 Come across 1Attila's men 10 Painting & 53 Ike's 57 Hugger's need 2Actor's sculpting monogram 58 Wedding bands substitute 11 Tugboat noise 55 Expert 59 __ in a blue 3Stable meal 12 Agile 56 Actor Barrett moon 4Go higher 13 Reason for a 60 Mattel 5Karate blows 10th inning Tribune Media products 6__ roast; cut of 18 Express Services A4 THURSDAY,JUNE 24,2021 DAILY PILOT | COASTLINE PILOT | HUNTINGTON BEACH INDEPENDENT WWW.DAILYPILOT.COM MARKETPLACE WOMEN’S To place an ad, go to http://timescommunityadvertising.com/

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Kevin Chang | Staff Photographer LOCAL ATHLETES, from left, Alys Williams, , , , Stephania Haralabidis and have been selected as six of the13 members of the U.S. women’s water polo team during a news conference on Wednesdayin Los Angeles. 6 local alumni elected to U.S. Olympic squad

BY MATT SZABO am Krikorian] say the the second straight words, I felt like I could Olympics. LOS ANGELES — Alys breathe,” Williams said. Team USA boasts eight Williams was the last player “Shout-out to all of the returners, led by captain cut from the 2016 U.S. people who aren’t here with , as it goes Olympic women’s water us today, because I know for its third straight gold polo team. what it feels like.” medal. The Americans are She never got to travel to On a warm morning, the 14-0 this year since play re- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to 2021 Olympic squad was sumed last month, and pre- help Team USA win its sec- announced at a ceremony viously boasted a 69-match ond straight gold medal. at Kyoto Garden in down- winning streak. Williams is fairly low-key town Los Angeles. More Each member of the out of the water, but miss- than half of the team — team adapted to down time ing an opportunity like that seven players — have local during the pandemic in dif- is a bitter pill to swallow for ties. ferent ways. Musselman any competitive athlete. Left-handed attacker said she started an Insta- With one more year of el- Stephania Haralabidis, a gram food page, igibility left at UCLA, the Corona del Mar High grad- @musshavefood. Edison High School alumna uate, made her first She was an 18-year-old could have finished her ca- Olympics. CdM alumna kid during her first reer with the Bruins and and attacker Maddie Mus- Olympics but now has a headed off into the sunset. selman made her second different role. Like Williams Instead, she got back to Olympics while CdM’s cur- in 2016, Musselman will re- work and set her sights for rent coach, defender and turn to UCLA next year as a the next Olympics, taking center , redshirt senior. She’s a place this summer in is back to chase her third three-time All-American. Tokyo. straight gold medal. “I was definitely more “There’s always been Newport Harbor alumna stargazed and young last nerves, that’s for sure,” said Kaleigh Gilchrist and the time,” Musselman said. “It’s Williams, 27. “I’ve tried to former Laguna Beach great to compete with the stay positive, but especially standout sister duo of returners and to be able to after 2016, it’s been like, Makenzie and Aria Fischer go with a lot of the first- what if that happens again? also are headed to their timers as well, especially What if I get all this way second straight Olympic Alys. and I don’t make it? I’ve Games. “I got to play with her at been nervous about it, but “It’s awesome,” said UCLA as well, and to be to much more confident this Gilchrist, fully recovered play with her at this time around.” from a leg injury suffered in Olympics, it makes that a Williams and her team- 2019 when a balcony at a lot more exciting. We get to mates had to deal with the nightclub in South Korea bring that passion from coronavirus pandemic that collapsed. those first-timers with us to postponed the Olympics “Looking back at Rio, I al- Tokyo, as well as the experi- for a year. She also got mar- ways joke that it seemed ence from the three-timers ried to fellow UCLA alum like a cakewalk after these [Seidemann and Steffens].” Cody Moore last November. last five years that every- Musselman is also recon- The hard work all paid off one’s been through. It was a nected with Haralabidis. for Williams on Wednesday. long time coming and a The two were teammates She heard her name called tough road, but I’m better on the 2013 CdM girls’ wa- as one of 13 players to rep- for it and I believe this ter polo team which won resent the United States in team’s better for it.” the program’s only CIF Tokyo starting next month. The coaching staff even Southern Section Division 1 She became the first has a local feel, as UC title. player in program history Irvine women’s water polo As for Williams, she said to be the last cut for a pre- coach Dan Klatt returns as she was proud to represent vious Olympic roster, then an assistant for his third Edison on the Olympic make the team for the next straight Olympics. CdM team. She is the Chargers’ Olympics. alumnus Chris Oeding is first Olympic water polo “To hear [head coach Ad- another assistant coach for player in school history. Former Chargers girls’ water polo coach Diggy Ril- ey said Williams was always ajoy to coach before she graduated in 2012. “Five years ago, she’s the first alternate [for the ATimes Community News publication incorporating Olympics],” Riley said the Huntington Beach Independent, Coastline Pilot, Wednesday in a phone in- Orange Coast Daily Pilot and the Newport Harbor terview. News Press combined with Daily Pilot “What a life lesson. How easy it would be to be like, CONTACT US ‘I’m done, I’m not going to Carol Cormaci TCN Legal Phone go through four more years Managing Editor 888-881-6181 of this’ … She chose to go [email protected] TCN Legal Email for it again, knowing that ——— [email protected] there were no guarantees. Raymond Arroyo That takes a lot of guts and Advertising Director COMPANY INFO alot of faith.” (714) 966-4608 The Daily Pilot, Riley said Williams’ con- ——— established in 1907, is tact is still listed as “Alice” Address published Wednesday in his cellphone, not “A lys.” 10540 Talbert Ave., through Sunday by Times “That first Sunset League Suite 300 West, Community News, a game at Newport, when we Fountain Valley, CA 92708 division of the Los did the showcases, they ——— Angeles Times. would announce her name Business Office Subscriptions are as Alice Williams,” he said. (714) 966-4600 available only by “It was the funniest thing. Newsroom subscribing to The Times, She was like, ‘My name’s (714) 966-4699 Orange County. not Alice.’ And I was like, ‘It Sports is now’ … Little Alice is now (714) 966-4612 an Olympian.” TCN Classifieds ©2021 Times Community News. 800-234-4444 All rights reserved. [email protected] Twitter: @mjszabo

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