Mass Vaccination Sites Open

entire county. ICU bedsareavailablethroughoutthe Care Unit(ICU)beds.Fewerthan100 OC hospitals,439ofthoseinIntensive from COVID-19.1,592arecurrentlyin OC residentsareknowntohavedied nursing facilities.Countywide,2,868 succumbed tothevirus,73inskilled eighteen. 193Fullertonresidentshave cases havebeenyoungpeopleunderage cases inFullerton;1,174oftheknown have been10,192knownCOVID-19 year-long pandemic. cinations suggestaneventualendtothe hospitals andthebeginningofmassvac- in patientsrequiringICUbedslocal from COVID-19,butaslightdownturn double-digit numbersofdeathseachday As ofthebeginningFebruary, there Orange Countycontinuestorecord OR CURRENT RESIDENT State liftsStay-at-Home FULLERTON’S ONLY INDEPENDENT NEWS Submissions: [email protected] • Order, ThoughMany Restrictions Remain Vaccination Sites Open PRESORTED See COVID-19,Page3

FULLERTON by MatthewLeslie STANDARD U.S.

BSERVER Mass O POSTAGE PAID PO BOX 7051 ADVERTISE IN THE OBSERVER PERMIT NO. 1577 FULLERTON CA 92834 714-525-6402 FULLERTON CA OR EMAIL

F [email protected] ullerton pletely. option torescind theordinancecom- February 16meeting,including the ordinance fordiscussion attheir Council voted3-2tobring backthe the newly-configuredFullerton City However, attheir first meetingof2021, of cannabisbusinessesintheCity. nance legallyallowingalimitednumber 2020, CityCouncilapprovedanordi- proved muchrockier. OnNovember17, cannabis businesses,however, has In Fullertontheroadtoallowinglegal adult useandsaleofcannabisstatewide. Marijuana Act) in2016,whichlegalized Proposition 64(the Adult Useof to amatureavocadogrovewithan grove inFullerton,whichwasalsohome ance ofthelastcommercialorange over 600newtrees. oper hasindicatedthattheywillplant nated Fullerton’s landscape. The devel- of thecitrusindustry, whichoncedomi- removal goessomeofthelastvestiges of themover60yearsold. With their company GoodmanLogistics. op thepropertyforwarehousesby January 28-29aspartofaplantodevel- Kimberly-Clark site,wascutdownon Fullerton, atthe65-acreformer Voters inCaliforniaapproved “It’s distressingtosee thedisappear- Nearly 500treeswereremoved,many The lastcommercialorangegrovein Cannabis Ordinance Orange Countyresidents lineuptoreceive vaccinesatDisneyland.PhotocourtesyofCountyOrange. O RANGE Council toRe-Consider •Est.1978 L AST Contact: (714)525-6402•DailyStoriesat: G C

(printed on20%recycled paper) ROVE OMMERCIAL buffer betweenretail locations. libraries. Italsorequires a300-foot grounds, citycommunity centers,and tions orclubfacilities, parks, play- cares, youthcenters, organiza- “buffer” of800-feetfromschools, day- cannabis businessesinresidentialzones. tial buffer, althoughitdoesnotallow from residentialproperties. potential cannabisbusinessesmustbe “buffer zones”—thatis,howfaraway effect December17,2020,isresidential recently-passed ordinance,whichtook through August 31).” through August the nestingseason(generallyFebruary1 “to thegreatestextentpossibleduring the projectwastoavoidremovaloftrees and park-disadvantagedDistrict5.” open spacesleftinacongested,urban, groves. “Thiswas,sadly, oneofthefew who hadworkedtopreservesomeofthe Friends foraLivableFullerton(FFLF) nesting season,”saidJaneReiferof ry birdsthatarejustabouttostarttheir orchard, includingresidentandmigrato- and wildlifethathadadaptedtothe rare trees,andmanyformsofpollinators exceedingly rarerootstockfeature,other The ordinancedoeshaveaseparation The currentordinancehasnoresiden- A keypointofcontentionwiththe One oftheConditions Approval for C See OrangeGrove,Page2

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Page 2 FULLERTON OBSERVER LOCAL & REGIONAL NEWS EARLY FEBRUARY 2021

Ann Carlson Fullertonian Goes to Washington

by Joyce Mason

Born and brought up in Fullerton, Ann Carlson attended Raymond School, Wilshire Junior High, and Fullerton High School. After graduating from U.C. Santa Barbara and from Harvard Law School, Ann forged a career in Environmental Law, teaching at Uprooted orange and avocado trees. Photo by Jensen Hallstrom. U.C.L.A. Law School. She is currently writing a book on how Southern California has cleaned up its air pollu- Orange Grove Cut Down Continued from front page tion. On Wednesday, January 20, Ann was If the trees had been removed on Former Mayor Pro Tem Jan Flory sug- Planning Commissioners and sworn in as Chief Counsel for the Monday, February 1, a preconstruction gested a compromise regarding saving Councilmembers should report when National Highway Traffic Safety nesting bird survey would have to have trees that did not impact the warehouse they’ve had conversations and site tours Administration (NHTSA). The NHTSA been conducted on Friday, January 29 to footprints, and offering avocado tree with development applicants,” Reifer is responsible for highway safety but see if active nests of species protected scions to the public, but there was no said. also has joint responsibility, along with by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and follow-up/implementation despite At the February 3 Planning the EPA, for greenhouse gas and fuel the California Fish and Game Code requests. Commission meeting, Goodman economy standards for the transporta- were present, in order to prevent distur- Reifer said she feels that the process Logistics is requesting to modify the tion sector. bances to nesting and baby birds. It is for allowing public input on saving the Site Plan with what they feel is a minor Carlson said, “I’m part of a group of possibly a coincidence, but the timing of groves was inadequate. At an October modification, but the Director of appointees that makes real the Biden- this seems calculated to avoid being 14, 2020 Planning Commission meet- Community and Economic Harris commitment to make tackling cli- technically subject to this condition. ing, the developer had 40 minutes to Development has determined that they mate change a whole government prior- Fullerton City Council voted unani- speak. Because of COVID-19, the pub- are not minor. ity.” mously on Nov. 2 to allow development lic was not allowed to comment in per- To view the Feb 3 Planning She will be working remotely in the of the property. son, and their e-mails explaining the Commission meeting agenda and submit near term but will then move to At that public hearing, representatives “hidden” biological resources, although public comments on this item, visit Washington, D.C. and commute back of FFLF asked to save a portion of the promised in the agenda to be read, were https://fullerton.legistar.com/Calendar.a and forth to her home in Los Angeles as groves. Though an Environmental not. spx. often as possible. Her husband Carl H. Impact Report (EIR) was done by the Reifer pointed out many other short- To learn more about Friends for a Moor is a judge in Los Angeles. developer as required by State law, comings with the process and the devel- Livable Fullerton, visit www.savefuller- Carlson was sworn in by President FFLF asked for a survey of the over 500 opment plan as it was submitted and ton.com. Biden just hours after his inauguration trees on the property, and for a biologi- approved. on January 20. cal assessment covering birds, mam- “The Council should consider an ini- mals, and pollinators. Such an additional tiative to clean up the process by which survey was not done. large projects are approved and State Extends County Launches Eviction Emergency Rental Moratorium Assistance Program

California’s eviction moratorium The county of Orange launched an has been extended through June 30, Emergency Rental Assistance pro- 2021. gram on February 1 and will accept It was announced that up to $2.6 applications for a period of one month billion from California’s share of from eligible renter households with the latest federal stimulus bill will unpaid rent or utilities bills due to the be used for rental assistance. impact of COVID-19. “These critically-needed federal Local non-profit Pathways of Hope funds, targeted to the most at-risk received over $20 million. They will households with unpaid back rent, disburse these funds throughout 2021 will help tenants stay afloat during to residents of north Orange County and after this pandemic. Income- who are at risk of becoming homeless qualified tenants and their landlords due to the impacts of COVID-19. can choose to receive direct rental Pathways of Hope plans to serve assistance in exchange for forgiving approximately 3,000 households prior rental debt,” Governor (over 10,000 people) with these funds Newsom said. over the course of 2021. “COVID-19 continues to devas- If you or someone you know would tate communities across our State benefit from accessing the Emergency and too many Californians remain Rental Assistance Program and home- one paycheck away from losing lessness prevention services, please their apartments or homes. These call 211; text ERA to 898211; or visit: families need protection and relief www.ERA.211oc.org for more infor- now.” mation and to complete the application process. EARLY FEBRUARY 2021 COVID-19 FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 3

OC residents line up at Disneyland to receive the vaccine.

COVID-19 Continued from front page

State Lifts Stay-at-Home Order, 722 COVID-19 patients were occupying An Orange County resident receives a COVID-19 vaccine. Though Many Restrictions Remain ICU beds. By January 17 of this year

that number had risen to 4,826 (calculat- The state of California has lifted the appointment only to avoid large gather- or app-based system to schedule vacci- ed by a rolling 14-day average). Though Regional Stay-at-Home Order imposed ings of people who might spread the nations for aging and/or disadvantaged the number remains high, State health on December 5, 2020 which was intend- virus while waiting for a vaccine. communities who could be assumed to officials were confident enough that the ed to slow the spread of the COVID-19 be least likely to have Internet access or downturn would continue throughout virus. The Othena App use smart phones or tablets. Southern California to allow the lifting The Order affected the San Joaquin of the Stay-at-Home Order. The State’s OC residents who would like to be Valley, Bay Area, and Southern Vaccination Plan COVID-19 dashboard site shows that vaccinated (which currently includes California Regions, as defined by the only 1,186 ICU beds are currently avail- those 65 and older, health care workers, State’s Department of Public Health. The state of California recently able in the State, an increase of 20 beds and some front line workers) are direct- The Order was lifted because ICU released a tiered plan prioritizing groups from the previous day. ed to visit covidvaccinefacts.com for capacities through- of residents by occupation and age to A spokesperson for more details. Appointments are made out the region are determine who will first receive the vac- Providence Southern through the County’s new online site projected to remain cine. Following the vaccinations of California, which operates and app Othena.com, which was report- above 15% for the Phase 1A healthcare workers and long- Fullerton’s St. Jude Medical edly used to sign up 10,000 people for next four weeks in Users have term care facility residents, Phase1B Center, reports a “steady appointments in the first two hours of its all three regions. reported bugs included anyone over the age of 75, decline” in the past several operation. Fourth District Supervisor The change took on the site however that age range has been low- weeks of more than 15% in Doug Chaffee, whose district includes effect on Monday, ered to 65 years and older. Dr. Chau rec- and app, leading numbers of COVID-19 both Fullerton and Anaheim, explained January 25. ommended the age relaxation because patients they are treating during the January 13 The relaxed stan- to numerous those aged 65 and older across the eleven hospitals press conference that dards will allow the reports of are the most at risk for that the healthcare provider the app’s name derived resumption of some frustrated serious hospitalization operates in the region. A from Athena, the of the following and death. individuals not State website shows that St. Greek goddess of wis- activities in The County’s The County’s goal is to Jude currently has just 2 dom, and the letter California: being able to goal is to vaccinate 7,500 to 8,000 unfilled ICU beds, but ICU “O” for Orange • Restaurants may schedule vaccinate 7,500 people per day per POD numbers are difficult to pin- (County). resume outdoor din- appointments. site, which adds up to point because availability The Othena app is to 8,000 people ing and continue 40,000 doses per day depends not only on facili- also meant to help the offering takeout, but per day per overall. The state of ties but staff. The hospital OCHCA to track indoor dining is not POD site, California has allocated routinely declines to con- infection rates within allowed. which adds 170,000 doses to OC, firm exact statistics, citing ZIP codes to measure • Grocery and enough for half that num- frequent changes. The same State site the effectiveness of up to 40,000 essential retailers may allow up to 50% ber of residents. Not all shows the hospital currently treating 173 vaccines in specific capacity in stores. doses per day doses have yet arrived, COVID-19 patients. communities. The sta- • Other retailers may only allow up to overall. but at least 42,000 had Tents erected outside the hospital for tistics will help the 25% capacity in stores. just been delivered the reception and possible triage in Health Care Agency to • Hair and nail salons may reopen with week of Jan 11-15, and December are expected to stay, despite target information to limited capacity. another 35,000 were the slight downturn in COVID-19 neighborhoods who • Gyms and fitness centers may oper- expected the following patients. St. Jude had dramatically might not know about ate outdoors only. week. The Othena app expanded treatment space to accommo- the vaccinations or how to receive them. • Places of worship may hold services and website are intended to demonstrate date the recent surge, establishing a Two ZIP codes in Anaheim, including outdoors and only with modifications that the County has the capacity to COVID-19 treatment-only section of the one that contains Disneyland, have for social distancing. deliver vaccines in a timely and organ- hospital, in the complex’s original struc- some of the highest numbers of COVID- • The Limited Stay-at-Home Order ized fashion. Board Chair Do empha- ture. There are no plans to scale back at 19 infections and deaths in the County, that restricted travel between the hours sized that 80% of all vaccines provided this time. which has alarmed health officials who of 10pm and 5am has also been lifted. by the State are sent directly to health fear that non-English-speaking resi- All California counties will now care providers. Residents are advised to County Opens Mass Vaccination dents, and/or those working frontline revert back to the State’s Blueprint for a first contact their primary care physi- Sites at Disneyland and SOKA jobs and living in dense residential con- Safer Economy color-coded 4-Tier sys- cians to arrange vaccinations before University ditions might not know about the oppor- using the County’s app and website. tem to determine when other business tunity to be vaccinated. Chaffee, who has served for two practices and activities may resume in The Orange County Healthcare “Vaccine hesitancy” is also an issue months with Chair Do on a Board com- counties as they progress up the tiers. Agency’s first COVID-19 mass vaccina- within these communities, as well as mittee overseeing vaccine distribution, Like most counties in the State, tion site began administering vaccines elsewhere throughout the County, but acknowledged technical problems with Orange County remains in the Purple or Wednesday January 13 in the parking lot Dr. Clayton Chau, OCHCA Director and the Othena site, which remained “Widespread” 1st Tier based on our of Disneyland in Anaheim. The site is County Health Officer, believes that tar- unavailable to some users that very day. Current Adjusted Daily Case Rate and the first of five so-called SuperPODs geting neighborhoods with the highest “We’re working on that,” Chaffee said. Test Positivity Rate (averaged over (Super Point-of-Dispensing) planned to infection and death rates will signifi- The site appears to have since been seven days with a seven-day reporting open in different regions throughout the cantly help to relieve the strain on hos- revamped. The website instructs users to lag). In order to move up to the less County. During a press event that day, pitals overwhelmed by the pandemic. first create an account before using the restrictive Red “Substantial” Tier, OC OC Board of Supervisor Chair Andrew Board Chair Do supports the strategy, app. would need to lower its Adjusted Daily Do thanked Disney for not only provid- saying that the County cannot possibly Chaffee said he’d like the operational Case Rate to less than 7 from its current ing the site, but also for staffing, sup- vaccinate everyone with their current state of the Disneyland site to “send a 46.6. Test Positivity Rates would also plies, and logistical support. He allotment of vaccines, and should con- message to President-Elect Joe Biden,” need to be lowered from the current described the site as a template for centrate on those most at risk, citing a and invite Biden to visit the County’s 12.9% to less than 8%. future ones not only in the County, but 220% higher mortality rate in disadvan- Incident Management Team “Brain Available ICU beds plummeted across in other municipalities that are trying to taged communities because their num- Center,” which Chaffee said he sees as a OC in recent months as the number of organize vaccinations for their local bers ultimately impact everyone. model for the rest of the country. COVID-19 cases rose dramatically in populations. Officials did not address the seeming late October of last year. On October 26, The Anaheim vaccination site is by contradiction between relying on a web Continued on page 11 Page 4 FULLERTON OBSERVER COUNCIL NOTES EARLY FEBRUARY 2021

FULLERTON CITY COUNCIL NOTES

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

JANUARY 19 MEETING Closed Session Before every public City Council meeting, there is a “closed session” in which Council meets with various parties to discuss items outside the view of the public. During this closed session, Council met with legal counsel to discuss the following cases: Wagner, et al. v. City of Fullerton, et al; Stephanie Stevenson v. City of The Jan 19 City Council meeting was held via Zoom. Fullerton; and Francisco Oliveros, et al. v. City of Fullerton, et al. City Attorney Dick Jones announced that the city had settled the Oliveros case for $13.5 million. Council to Re-Consider See article on page 12. Cannabis Ordinance Continued from front page

During previous discussions, some many community members were pre- City Adopts Zoom and Phone Access for Public councilmembers said they opposed the pared to speak at the Jan. 19 meeting. Participation at Council Meetings residential buffer because it would have “A lot of community members sent the practical effect of concentrating messages, e-mails, petitions, a lot have In response to public concerns about Council consideration by clicking on the most of the cannabis businesses in south submitted comments tonight. I don’t see accessibility during COVID-19, the city eComment link accompanying the agen- Fullerton. why we cannot address this today, or at of Fullerton adopted new Zoom and da posted online at As at previous meetings, a number of least have a discussion on what you phone-in options to enable citizens to https://fullerton.legistar.com until the residents of south Fullerton spoke in brought to us to address,” Zahra said. participate remotely during City Council close of the public comment period for favor of reconsidering the ordinance, Councilmember Fred Jung, who sup- meetings. The public may now make the item. Staff will read or summarize and against the ordinance ported the motion to contin- oral public comments via Zoom on a public comments during the meeting. in general, citing the neg- ue the discussion, said he’d computer, smart device, or by phone. If you have questions, contact the City ative impact cannabis has Council will be open “to consider resi- Alternatively, the public may submit Clerk’s Office at cityclerksoffice@city- on young people in their dential buffers of 500-1000 written public comments of up to 500 offullerton.com or (714)-738-6355 prior neighborhoods. consider feet.” characters electronically for City to the meeting. A speaker named changes and Mayor Bruce Whitaker, Connor spoke against possibly rescind who supported the motion continuing or rescinding to continue the item, said, the ordinance. the ordinance “The reason this was carried NEW COMMISSION, COMMITTEE, AND “Every week you delay at their forward is because this item BOARDMEMBERS CHOSEN this issue, you are allow- Feb. 16 bridged both Councils—the ing the $10 billion illegal meeting. prior Council and the new One duty of newly-elected (or re- Community Development cannabis market to con- Council. And there was a lot elected) Fullerton City Councilmembers Citizens Committee tinue and endanger the of sentiment expressed even is to select representatives to serve on children of the City at the time this was passed • Michael Pascual (Whitaker various City committees, commissions, you’re supposed to represent,” he said. to allow the new Council to put some of appointee) and boards. Council selected the follow- Mayor Pro Tem Nick Dunlap made a its stamp on it. So that is really the input • Sarah Bernal (Dunlap appointee) ing people to serve on the following motion to continue discussion of the that needs to be provided here.” • Dr. Vicki Calhoun (Jung appointee) bodies: ordinance to Feb. 16, along with a possi- Ultimately Council voted 3-2 (Zahra

Planning Commission bility to rescind it. and Silva “no”) to continue discussion Infrastructure and Natural “There’s this policy that we’re kind of of the ordinance for possible amend- • Douglas Cox (Whitaker appointee) Resources Committee rushing to throw down, and I don’t think ment or rescission at their Feb. 16 meet- • Chris Thompson (Dunlap • Greg Sebourn (Whitaker appointee) that’s the way to enact a policy like this ing. appointee) • Munish Bharadwaja (Dunlap that’s going to affect so many in the Meanwhile, on January 15, the City • Jose Trinidad Castaneda (Jung appointee) community,” Dunlap said. received a notice of intent to circulate a appointee) • Charles Chong (Jung appointee) Councilmember Jesus Silva, who petition to put the cannabis ordinance on

voted against Dunlap’s motion, said, the ballot. If passed, this ordinance Library Board of Trustees Transportation and Circulation “We have not tried to rush this would supersede any Council action. • Ellen Ballard (Dunlap appointee) Commission through…We put it out for the public… City Manager Ken Domer said that the

• Seuling Chen (Jung appointee) It’s been going on for four years now.” ordinance connected to the petition • Whitaker continued his choice to • Irene Strauss (Silva appointee) Councilmember Ahmad Zahra, who largely mirrors what Council passed last the next meeting also voted against the motion, said that year. • Mark Klingsberg (Dunlap Parks and Recreation Commission appointee) • Erik Wehn (Whitaker appointee) • Anne Sim (Jung appointee) • Damion Lloyd (Dunlap appointee) City Allocates Additional CARES Act Funding • Kathy Lira (Jung appointee) Regional Advisory Bodies

Councilmembers also voted to select Deputy Director of Community and PPE for Richman Community Active Transportation Committee representatives on various regional Economic Development Kellee Fritzal Center ($5,000): Due to the impact of (Formerly Bicycle Users Sub- boards. There was some contention gave an outline of how the City will COVID-19 a majority of the program- Committee) about the choice for Orange County spend an additional $1,245,627 in ming at the Richman Community Center • Jeffrey Chase (Whitaker appointee) Water District Board of Trustees. CARES Act funding that it has received has been suspended. The recommenda- • Mackenzie Chang (Dunlap Ultimately, Mayor Whitaker was select- to benefit low-income residents. Here tion is to provide PPE for the classrooms appointee) ed to replace Councilmember Zahra are the programs the new funding will and computer room to allow for the cen- • Jane Rands (Jung appointee) whose term had expired. support: ter to re-open and provide needed serv- Feed Fullerton ($200,000): The pro- ices to the community. gram matches local restaurants with eli- Project HOPE ($650,000): Project gible participants to receive up to 12 Hope (Homeless Outreach and Proactive meals per quarter. Engagement) will focus all homeless Agenda Forecast Jobs First Forgivable Loans services, including the county of ($100,000): These are loans to small Orange, north Orange County cities, The next Fullerton City Council Meeting is February 2 at 6:30pm. Items on the businesses affected by COVID-19. The ambulances services and local hospitals. agenda include: Review current Metropolitan Water District Board of Directors City is looking for a new non-profit part- The Homeless Police Liaison Officers, appointment and either reaffirm current appointee or make a new appointment fill ner to assist with this program. Homeless Case Managers and service the remainder of the current term, Sustainable Business Certification Program, Fullerton Navigation Center providers will be housed at Project Hope Fullerton Museum Center Update and Discussion, Update on Homeless Initiatives, ($444,000): The funding for the for coordinated outreach and services. 2021 Fireworks Sales, Discussion about increasing membership on some City com- Homeless Shelter will be to provide con- This new program will be housed in a mittees, commissions, and boards. tinued outreach to Fullerton’s homeless building near St. Jude Medical Center. residents. EARLY FEBRUARY 2021 LOCAL NEWS FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 5

City Reorganizes Parks and Recreation Department

by Matthew Leslie

The City has terminated the contract of Parks and Recreation Director Hugo Curiel. In a January 15 letter to members of the Parks and Recreation Commission, City Manager Ken Domer wrote that the separation of Curiel’s contract was for “no single cause,” citing a “need to move forward in a different direction from prior years.” In a later Hugo Curiel email to The Observer, Domer reiterated The Hillcrest Park Recreation Center is available for lease. that the contract separation was not will assign specified city employees to because of any “wrongdoing” and there oversee different areas of the depart- CITY SEEKS TO LEASE SOME PUBLIC FACILITIES was “no cause for my action other than I ment, reporting to Deputy City Manager am constantly reviewing operations and Antonia Graham. Domer described the FOR COMMUNITY PROGRAMS responding to changing circumstances.” reorganization as temporary, with He continued, “As the City Manager, I Amanda Arbiso overseeing Recreation The city of Fullerton announced on number of Parks and Rec employee lay- am responsible for day- and Cori Lantz running the January 18 that it is seeking to lease sev- offs and temporary closures of many to-day operations and Community Center/Senior eral public buildings “for profit or non- City facilities, such as the Fullerton make adjustments as Center. Alice Loya is in profit partners to provide neighborhood Museum Center. needed, and sometimes charge of general adminis- services and/or operate recreation-based When asked about the City leasing they are bigger than oth- Domer wrote trative issues, key West programs and services.” facilities, newly-elected City ers that are made more in his message to Coyote Hills issues, the The facilities include: Councilmember Fred Jung said he had frequently. Given the Parks and Parks Master Plan, and • Gilbert Neighborhood Center not been consulted. City’s ongoing financial Fiscal Sustainability plan- • Maple Neighborhood Center Likewise, Parks and Recreation condition, as we transi- Recreation ning. Graham will leave in • Orangethorpe Neighborhood Center Commission Chairman Erik Wehn said tion to a lesser level of Commissioners 90 days to become Chief • Chapman Building (located in the Commission was not informed, not service ability in that he would Operating Officer of the Chapman Park) consulted, and had no agenda items response to staffing levels not be appointing newly formed Orange • Hillcrest Recreation Building about this matter. and revenue projections, County Power Authority, of • Hillcrest Red Cross Building “I had no idea this was being consid- the organization will con- a new Director which Fullerton is a mem- • Independence Park Gym and ered or worked on and was completely stantly be changing so we for at least ber. Racquetball Courts blindsided by it,” Wehn told The can continue to deliver a year. Mayor Bruce Whitaker, • Hillcrest Izaak Walton Cabin Observer in an email. “I don’t know services and be respon- who now represents the • Lions Field Building why staff decided this particular project sive to our residents.” City’s 4th District, said The City divides these buildings into didn’t deserve the process and trans- According to Curiel’s removal wasn’t a two types for two kinds of uses: parency that other similar projects his- Transparent California, Council initiative, and that 1) Neighborhood Service Centers: torically have.” Curiel’s salary was $141,024 in 2019, he had nothing to do with the decision. Gilbert, Maple and Orangethorpe neigh- City Manager Ken Domer told The the most recent year available on the He did note that the Council has to be borhood service centers, which are Observer, “As the City continues to look site, with additional pay of $8,536. open-minded when looking at the city’s located in disadvantaged communities. at service levels given our financial Pension debt of $33,089 and benefits of budget. He predicted that the council 2) Recreation Buildings: Recreation resources, the solicitation is meant to $34,217 brought his total compensation would have to become more active in a buildings located in Chapman, Hillcrest, generate the information needed to bring for that year to $216,866. Curiel was time of tight municipal finances and that and Independence Parks and Lions Field decisions to the City Council as to how appointed to the job of Director in 2013 cities would need to be willing to are available to profit and non-profit to more effectively expend our by then City Manager Joe Felz. Curiel restructure personnel and overhead. partners interested in offering programs resources in the next budget year. The had been with the department since The personnel shift comes just one and services in the areas of art and cul- goal is to provide the facilities for qual- 2008, where he had previously served as month after the first meeting of a City ture, community services, education, ified community partners to deliver a Parks Project Specialist. Council that includes two newcomers, events, food and beverage, health and enhanced services that would allow the Domer also wrote in his message to Fred Jung, who represents the 1st wellness, recreation, sports and fitness, City to focus our scarce resources on Parks and Recreation Commissioners District, and Mayor Pro Tem Nick and youth programming. things such as maintenance of the build- that he would not be appointing a new Dunlap who represents the 2nd District. The decision to seek bids/leases on ing or property. We would look to Director for at least a year, but rather these facilities came from City Manager reprogram full-time staff more efficient- Ken Domer, not City Council, and the ly and effectively…we will look to request for bids was placed on the City’s bring recommendations to the City website just a few days after the City Council around June, which corre- Manager terminated the employment sponds with the Fiscal Year 2021-22 contract of Parks and Recreation budget adoption.” Director Hugo Curiel. To learn more about this visit the City The COVID-19 pandemic caused a website www.cityoffullerton.com. Page 6 OBSERVER The DOWNTOWN Report EARLY FEBRUARY 2021 by Mike Ritto [email protected] © 2020

Felipe Ruiz, who was Tommy Lasorda’s assistant for the past 5 years, stands on Lasorda’s lawn with flowers left by local residents. Tommy Lasorda with Cynthia Peck, owner of Angelo’s and Vinci’s restaurant.

FULLERTON LOSES A LOCAL ICON, rapher Jon Soohoo: “I have been a say this car?’ It is pronounced Terr-Sell, Dodger fan since they played at the so he hits the mic and blurts, ‘OK A FRIEND TO MANY Coliseum. I liked Tommy’s fire, bleed- Dodger fans, we are giving away a ing Dodger Blue, and his handling of Terkull,’ not once but twice. Fans had a Fullerton resident and baseball legend home for an extended period of time pitchers. He passionately fought for his good laugh but it never bothered Tommy Lasorda passed away on with his Dodgers, his wife Jo said, players on and off the field. He found Tommy, he had more important things to January 7. “Tommy, I think you love baseball more Mike Piazza in the 62nd round and think about. So sad to hear of his pass- Not wanting to intrude but wanting to than you love me.” Tommy’s reply was pitched poorly in the minors to give ing, his legend and memory will live get a photo of some kind, I parked across “But honey, I love you more than I love Sandy Koufax a chance. We’ll miss see- on.” the street from the Lasorda home and football and basketball.” Tom Elliott ing you around Downtown Fullerton Debbie Curtis Bolda, also my friend: waited until a car left. As I walked up, I again: “When I reflect back on Tommy’s eateries.” “Growing up in West Fullerton, I was figured it was OK to ask the person in legacy, maybe his most enduring imprint Mike Carlucci, personal friend who good friends with Tom Lasorda Jr. I the driveway if he could hold a Dodger will be as the Chief Ambassador of our knew Tommy well, Dodger Stadium PA spent a lot of time hanging out at his flag, which I had mounted on a pole at National Pastime, the game of baseball.” announcer from ‘93 to ‘02, Olympics house. His Father was gone quite a bit half-mast. Felipe was very friendly and Cynthia Peck, owner of Angelo’s and and MLB The Show Stadium Voice: as he worked for the Dodger’s Farm accommodating, in fact, he immediately Vinci’s, where Tommy was often found: ‘Hey Carlucci, come down here (his team in Santa Domingo. When he would offered me a donut. I noticed a maple “Tommy would never refuse an auto- clubhouse office) and get some pasta come home, he always had time for us. bar, which for some silly reason remind- graph or photo request, no matter how and gravy in your belly NOW.’ “That’s One day, the three of us were sitting on ed me of a maple baseball bat. I accepted many times his dinner was interrupted. when Tommy used to call up the press the front porch steps talking. I referred the offer, of course. Above is a photo He said, ‘If any of my players were to box sometimes after a game at Chavez to him as ‘Mr. Lasorda.’ He looked at showing just a small section of the many refuse an autograph they shouldn’t be in while I was waiting for traffic to die me and then put his hand on my shoul- flowers and mementos left to honor the the game.’ But he did demand Dodger down…On Fan Appreciation Day we der and said, ‘Deb, call me Tommy. Fullerton man who will never be forgot- loyalty from even the youngest baseball were giving away a Toyota Tercel and You’re my friend.’ He will be missed, ten. enthusiasts. One night, one of our Tommy asked me, ‘Mike, how do you our neighbor and my friend.” Felipe Ruiz had been Tommy young customers came up to Tommy Lasorda’s assistant for over 5 years and with a ball to autograph. The little guy he told me that Tommy had had a tough was wearing a Yankee hat and shirt. year last year, not being able to do all of Tommy said, ‘Take off that hat and Photo Quiz the things he always had, and the inac- cover that shirt!’ He did, and Tommy tivity may have been an issue in his said, ‘Now that’s good’ and he auto- This issue: declining health. Tommy wanted to live graphed the ball and offered it back to to be 100, and he came close, but as you the kid. Don’t worry, he loved it!” A light dusting of snow in Orange County, visible from a all learned a few weeks ago, he passed Daniel Minamide, caricature artist: ”I downtown parking structure. Name that peak. away at the age of 93 from heart failure. saw Jo at Past Times Collectibles and at Send your answer to Mike at [email protected] You have heard a lot of accolades and Heroes, but my encounters with Tommy accounts of his amazing successes. Here were all at the Stadium when I did gigs are some thoughts from those who knew for the team at civic functions… The him as much more than the Hall of Fame best one I can relate was once a year at Dodgers manager. the team Christmas Party we were in the Charlie Pecoraro: “When my family buffet line and I remarked to him, ‘I’m and I got the chance to meet Tommy and glad I’m ahead of you.’ Not sure how he his wife Jo at an Angelo’s and Vinci’s took that, but the fact that it was wine event, he was everything I was Christmas may have saved me from tak- hoping he’d be— personable, irascible, ing a Louisville Slugger upside the an unfailingly authentic paisan. Tommy head.” was one of baseball’s, and the Italian- Peter Fong, who has written for The American community’s greatest charac- Observer, given tours of Dodger ters. He’ll be greatly missed.” Stadium, and taken me to an amazing Tom Elliott: “After being away from presentation by official Dodger photog-

Last Issue:

Many of you responded, and we got some incredible info and details regarding this sculpture, which is on Chapman just south of Fullerton College. We will have some of that in the next issue, this time we wanted to use all of this page to honor 60-year Fullerton resident Tommy Lasorda. EARLY FEBRUARY 2021 NEWS & CROSSWORD FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 7

Zahra Hosts ‘Lets Talk Water’ in Disadvantaged Communities by Jane Rands

Fullerton Councilmember and former “Make sure there are no attacks on our Orange County Water District (OCWD) water.” He also said he wants to get Director Ahmad Zahra hosted another Federal money for water infrastructure. “Let’s Talk Water” event through Zoom Zahra said Fullerton needs federal on January 21 to discuss water in disad- money for water infrastructure. vantaged communities, referred to as Markus, GM of OCWD, said the per- DAC. chlorate plume in the north basin and Zahra said that in his area, Fullerton PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid, PFOA, City Council District 5, in the southeast and perfluorooctane sulfonate, PFOS, region of the City, “There are a lot of chemicals) affect disadvantaged com- lower income families” with concerns munities in central and north Orange about water affordability County including and water quality. Zahra Fullerton where four wells partnered with fellow need treatment for PFAS. OCWD Director and He said OCWD “Acted Anaheim Councilmember Zahra partnered rather quickly” after the Jordan Brandman, OCWD with OCWD State Water Board lowered ACROSS 21. February 13th (a celebration President and recently- boardmembers the notification levels for 1. Blond in a bar? created by Amy Poehler in elected Mayor of Santa PFOA to 5.1 ppt and 4. It may be glossed over "Parks and Recreation") Ana Vincent Sarmiento, and other water PFOS to 6.5 ppt in August 7. "City of Love," so they say 28. Deluge and Stacy Lynne Taylor, officials to 2019 and then lowered the 9. "All My Children" vixen 29. Muscat resident the Water Policy Manager develop a policy response levels to 10 ppt 12. Banks and Hudson 31. J.C. ___ (Diane Keaton's at Mesa Water District in for seeking for PFOA and 40 ppt for 13. Ring bearer? character in "Baby Boom") Costa Mesa, to develop a PFO in February 2020. 14. "Last Christmas ___ you 33. Go-to gift on February 14th DAC policy for seeking funds from the The design and contract my heart..." (Wham! lyric) 35. "Every kiss begins with ___" funds from the State to State to benefit for the Kimberly 1A well 15. Secret admirer of Lily Potter (jeweler's slogan) “benefit disadvantaged disadvantaged (formerly the site of in the Harry Potter universe 36. Pedestrian path communities.” communities. Kimberly Clark) will be 16. Up (or down) for something 37. Ample shoe width Zahra said he was proud back online in May of this 19. "To Live and Die ___" 38. Fantasy role-playing to have hosted his year with an Ion Exchange (1985 William Friedkin film) board game, briefly Community Meetings treatment occurring at the about water with Fullerton well head. The three other Director of Public Works Fullerton-affected wells at Meg McWade, General Manager of the main plant in Anaheim will be online OCWD Mike Markus, and Adán Ortega, by the end of the year using a charcoal DOWN (1979 John Paul Young disco hit) Fullerton’s representative on the filtration treatment, according to 1. Diva's solo 20. Caustic chemical Metropolitan Water District (MWD) and Markus. 2. "Ray Donovan" actor Schreiber 22. Abandoned settlement in Principal at Ortega Strategies Group, OCWD is paying for construction at 3. To be, to Tiberius Greenland, used as the starting point which created the California Association the well head and half the cost of main- 4. More or ___ for North Pole expeditions of Mutual Water Companies. tenance and operations. In December, 5. Farsi-speaking land 23. Don't Fifty-four people attended the online Fullerton joined OCWD’s lawsuit 6. Hummus holder 24. Opposite of gushed event including elected officials, against the manufacturers of PFAS 7. ___ donna 25. Honeymooner OCWD and other water board members along with 10 other water producers, to 8. Dear 26. "Orinoco Flow" singer and staff. Zahra introduced U.S. recover the cost of the cleanup. 10. Boy with a bow 27. E.R. cry Congressperson Lou Correa, who repre- The North Basin Plume, Markus 11. Staples Center, e.g. 30. Escher and Hammer sents Anaheim, Garden Grove, and described as legacy aerospace dumping 17. It's just a number, so they say 32. Darjeeling or oolong Santa Ana. onsite that has traveled through the 18 "Love is in the ___" 34. Like many wine casks Correa retold the events of January 6 ground to create a five mile plume. The during which he was trapped in the area was listed as a superfund site by gallery of the U.S. House of EPA last year and is in the process of Representatives when insurrectionists completing their preliminary site inspec- stormed the Capitol in an attempt to stop tions. The EPA will propose a plan and the counting of the Electoral Votes for record of decision for long-term mainte- the U.S. President. He said water should nance before construction begins in be a matter of national defense, to 2024-25. Page 8 FULLERTON OBSERVER EDUCATION EARLY FEBRUARY 2021

HIGH SCHOOL BOARD SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTES by Jan Youngman HIGHLIGHTS & Commentary by Vivien Moreno Fullerton School District Board meets at 6pm on 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month at district headquarters, The Fullerton Joint Union High School District 1401 W. Valencia Dr., Fullerton. Board information is available by calling For agenda go to: www.fsd.k12.ca.us or call 714-447-7400 714-870-2800 or visiting www.fjuhsd.net.

New Board Member Goal 3: Recruit and retain exceptional

and diverse staff who are culturally respon- Dr. Pletka introduced the new Board ANUARY EETING sive, student-centered and who focus on J 26 M Member, Leonel Talavera. high expectations. Support and evaluate all

staff regularly to improve performance. The FJUHSD Trustees held a special meeting on Tuesday, January Board 2021 Goals 26 to discuss returning from all-distance learning to the hybrid sched- Provide professional growth and develop- ule. The goal for administration, teachers, and the Trustees is to safely 1. Higher Expectations for All Students ment opportunities. offer the hybrid learning schedule to the 40% of the student population 2. Long-term District Financial Stability Goal 4: Engage families to participate that wishes to participate in this option. The Trustees discussed down- 3. Recruit, Hire, Support, and Retain and provide opportunities for input. Involve ward positivity trends that portend a positive outcome for the local Exceptional Staff families and community in programs, com- area, but with the necessity of reducing COVID-19 test positivity to 4. Welcome and Engage Families and mittees, social culture and celebrations. 8%, there is still a ways to go. They decided to meet via Zoom again Community Respect, empower, and appreciate our Tuesday, February 2 at 5pm to see if the downward trend continues 5. Promote Safety, Mental and Physical diverse families and communities. and they hope to return to offering the hybrid option on February 9. Health and Well Being Goal 5: Promote child-centered educa- Superintendent Dr. Scott Scambray announced his retirement, which tion and build connections with students District Focus To Achieve These Goals emphasizing the "whole child.” Provide wil start June, 2021. He joined FJUHSD in July, 2015 and over his programs that focus on restorative prac- tenure he has responsibly directed the introduction of Chromebooks to Goal 1: Narrow the Achievement Gap; tices, nutrition, mental, social, and emo- all students, managed the $143 million Measure I Bond, and directed Prepare students for success in High tional health, personal responsibilities, and the response to the pandemic. FJUHSD Board President Marilyn School, College and Career; Utilize person- a positive school climate. Buchi stated that Superintendent Scambray will be missed and she alized, student-centered approach; Promote Create an environment that incorporates made a motion to begin the process of choosing the next superintend- Patriotism, Democracy, and U.S. Civics in the importance of safety, mental/physical ent. There will be student, parent, and community input opportunities History Framework through curriculum and health and wellbeing for all students, to let board members know their priorities and what the school com- State standards; Provide opportunities for employees, and members of the communi- munity wants from its next FJUHSD superintendent. students to be productive citizens of the ty. Strengthen and work with our communi- The next FJUHSD Board meeting is February 2 at 5pm. Go to community. ty partners. www.fjuhsd.org and select Board of Trustees Agendas to join by Goal 2: Exercise responsible fiscal stew- Zoom. ardship. Black History Month at FSD The Board of Fullerton School Offer professional development and District is “encouraging district-wide training for staff that addresses 1) participation in Black History Month” Culturally responsive teaching strate- throughout February and “declaring that gies, 2) Age-appropriate lessons that the lives of Black students matter” (Per focus on cultural diversity with multiple Resolution 19/20-21). perspectives and citizenship, 3) Implicit The following goals were established: bias; 4) Continued partnerships with Expand a district-wide focus on cul- organizations, such as the Museum of tural awareness including events, litera- Tolerance, to provide training to stu- ture, and activities, including the cele- dents and staff on combating hate. bration of Black History Month and Adopt a new edition of History/Social honoring the lives of the Black commu- Science curriculum. nity. Work with parent associations to pro- Establish a Task Force Committee to vide information sessions for parents provide input for a comprehensive plan and community on equity, inclusion, and and timeline for district-wide implemen- cultural awareness. tation of practices on cultural aware- Establish communication systems that Dr. Cornel West Gives Fullerton ness, racial equity, and inclusion. allow district-wide sharing of practices, Facilitate discussions on cultural ensuring better consistency with prac- College Convocation awareness, racial equity, and inclusion tices across Fullerton Schools. Fullerton College presented a virtual Martin Luther King, Jr.—a legacy of at each school site that reflect site and Expand collaboration with community 2021 Spring Convocation featuring a telling the truth and bearing witness to community needs. partners and guest speakers to help facil- dialogue with Dr. Cornel West on the love and justice,” Fullerton College Ensure that classroom libraries itate a process in developing systematic college’s YouTube channel on Friday, President Dr. Greg Schulz said. include cultural diversity and represent approaches that reflect culturally rele- January 22. The pre-recorded hour-long conversa- the community. vant pedagogy and practice. With the theme “Standing together on tion covered many important and rele- this journey for equity and justice” vant topics related to higher education President Greg Schulz joined Black today such as avoiding burnout, doing Faculty and Staff Collective leaders Phil antiracism and social justice work, and Austin and Dr. Queen Peterson in an the disproportionate impact the pandem- engaging conversation with Dr. West. ic has had on community college stu- “Dr. Cornel West has a passion to dents. communicate to a vast variety of people Dr. West spoke about the power of in order to keep alive the legacy of love, humility, and acceptance.

australianswimschool.com EARLY FEBRUARY 2021 YOUNG OBSERVERS FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 9

LET’S CELEBRATE! TEEN OBSERVER by Francine, 9th grade by Alexandria, 10th grade Time to Talk Day Join the Cheer Squad, Feb 6 Beat the Lonely Hearts Club! Have you ever felt like you wanted to talk to someone or felt lonely? Especially during quarantine, feelings like these are common. With Time To Talk Day coming up on A couple of weeks ago, a family from Anaheim those who have transitioned to quiet mode. Many February 6, it’s the perfect time to open up and talk to shared the story of their 14-year-old son who com- teens may not be inclined to deal with mental others. The day is all about mental health and opening up mitted suicide after feeling hopeless that he would- health professionals but they may be more com- to others around you. You could talk to anyone—a close n’t be able to go back to in-person learning any- fortable opening up to fellow students who can friend, your parents, or even a therapist. Opening up may time soon because of the pandemic. The chief psy- help them get out of the “dumps” through the sim- be difficult but it’s a great time to try on this holiday. chologist at Children's Hospital of Orange County ple gesture of friendship. School-issued emails can The holiday was made in 2014 by The Time To Change (CHOC) also reported that calls from parents be used for chatting and growing friendships. social movement. They wanted to get rid of the stigma regarding mental health issues have doubled dur- Soon, video conference apps like Discord and about mental health and help people open up about their ing this difficult time (nbclosangeles.com Zoom can be used for an opportunity to have a feelings, even when it feels impossible to. In a time like 19Jan2021). We are all aware that poor mental “face-to-face” conversation. It's easier said than this, it’s extremely important to keep talking to others health is often associated with suicides, which is done, but we should help each other defeat an when you’re feeling low. If it’s difficult for you to start a currently the tenth leading cause of death, accord- invisible enemy. It is like being part of a “cheer conversation, the Time To Change social movement has ing to the National Institute for Mental Health. squad” whose mission is to beat the lonely hearts a website all about starting a conversation with someone That means there are many teens out there strug- club. at https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/get-involved/time- gling to stay alive. Most of them may not even talk-day. You can support the cause and find your own want to seek professional treatment. And who Free Virtual Calming Room for way of opening up. knows? One day we, too, might wake up and find You & Your Friends ourselves in the "dumps.” Is there something we It is only recently that I thought of trying the can do? YES! We can do something for ourselves “virtual calming room” offered by the Fullerton and for the teens out there, beginning with our WHAT’S TRENDING Joint Union High School District and found it truly friends and schoolmates. engaging. The activities offered there can be done by Irene, 9th grade

alone or with friends online. There are nine differ- Self-Love ent activities: Guided Meditation, ranging from 1 RIVER S ICENSE Three months into the pandemic, I started feeling to 20 minutes, guides you in resting your mind; D ’ L ! depressed. Then, I learned the concept of self-love. Journaling provides interesting topics that you “Learn to love yourself before you love others” is can reflect on like a source of joy you have discov- American actress and singer, Olivia Rodrigo’s latest a piece of advice that has helped me survive the ered; Coloring uses digital tools to add color and debut single, “Driver’s License” now stands as No. 1 on past months. I have learned to actively pursue the effects to digital art; Puzzles & Word Searches the Billboard Hot 100 chart and broke Spotify’s record for things that make me happy. I adopted two bunnies can be fun especially when you compete with the most streamed song in the span of a week. With and they inspire me to look forward to bonding friends; Sounds & Music focuses on specific around 107 million worldwide streams, the 17-year-old’s with them everyday. I have learned to watch K- sounds like rain and thunder or piano music; debut is both a historic moment in the music industry and Dramas (Korean TV dramas), which turn out to be Visual Relaxation shows nature scenes like snow a fresh start for the new year. addicting, and I end up looking forward to the new fall; Live Animal Cam shows animals in their While Rodrigo’s pop-ballad illustrates the story of a episodes. I realized life can get exciting when there locations like a koala in San Diego Zoo; Yoga and heartbreak, fans speculate that the basis for Rodrigo’s is something to look forward to. Exercise. heartbreak revolves around her High School Musical: The This virtual calming room is available on the Musical: The Series' co-star, Joshua Bassett. He has also Cheer Squad website of Fullerton Joint Union High School recently released his single, “Lie, Lie, Lie.” Many have

District under Mental Health noticed the similarities between Rodrigo and Bassett’s I have my group of friends from school that I (https://sites.google.com/fjuhsd.org/fjuhsd-virtual- songs, and some have theorized “Lie, Lie, Lie” is a chat with regularly. It is quite a big group and calming-room/home). There are other virtual calm- response to “Driver’s License.” some have stopped joining the conversations. ing rooms available online, also. While it may be a normal occurrence in friendships If you wish to form a "Cheer Squad" and need thinking of those who may be feeling “blue,” I fig- ET S XPLORE help or guidance, you may email me at L ’ E ured it would be a good idea for us to reach out to [email protected]. by Mateo, 7th grade AN IMMENSE PLATFORM FOR KIDS RULE! by Erin, 5th grade GAME-DESIGNING Have you ever wanted to play a game where you can escape from prison and catch wanted criminals? Jailbreak is the game for you. Maybe you prefer raising pets, designing your own house, and trading with other players. In that case, Adopt Me is a great game. Perhaps you want to create your very own game for other players to enjoy. All of those things are possible on one specific platform—Roblox. With over 150 million players and counting, Roblox does not show signs of slowing down any time soon. Roblox was founded and created in 2006 by David Baszucki and Erik Cassel. It was meant to be a platform where people could create games and bring their imagination to life while also playing the creations of fellow players. As time went on, more and more people were drawn in by the creative idea, and soon enough, it started booming, with many creators and even more players pitching in to help make Roblox a fantastic platform. There are many different genres of games on Roblox, ranging from role-playing games to parkour and obby games to tycoon games. Developers come up with new ideas and update their games every day, which keeps players coming back for more. Not only can you create and play games, you can also customize your avatar, which is how you look in- game. There are many customization options for your avatar, and the community can even create avatar items! Roblox has one of the most creative and vast avatar customization systems out there. So, if you or your children are looking for a new, fun game to play, you should try Roblox. Nine times out of ten, you’ll find everything you are looking for in this one game. Page 10 FULLERTON OBSERVER COMMENTARY EARLY FEBRUARY 2021

nuanced disciplinary actions. Actions identifying teenage behavior that was Weighing the Costs of Police include personally correcting the teens once cause for less punitive behavioral and sharing the law enforcement impli- discipline into actions requiring more Officers on Campus cations of observed student behaviors intense repercussions. Op-Ed by Vivien Moreno directly with students. These actions Having law enforcement participating reflect the officers’ belief that they are in medical emergencies, including men- The FJUHSD Board of Trustees voted comfortable with law enforcement offi- acting as responsible adults dispensing tal health incidents, changes actions by in November to allocate $780,757 to cers and better able to focus on learning. counseling and teaching advice while students with physical, mental, and cog- Fullerton, Buena Park, and La Habra Instead, having SROs on campuses supporting the school community. nitive issues, into law enforcement situ- Police Departments to provide a School has led to unintended consequences, Statewide, some SROs overtly partic- ations rather than student situations in Resource Officer (SRO) at each high showing a steep increase in suspensions ipate in discipline from the direction of need of social services and psychologi- school for all school days and regularly especially for students of color and stu- school administrators by participating in cal support. scheduled afternoon and evening events. dents with disabilities. Law enforcement interrogation of students or other actions FJUHSD recently invested funds to SROs are specially-trained law enforce- redefines normal teenage nonconform- at the insistence of the administration train teachers and administrators in ment officers and the school district has ing behavior as illegitimate or criminal- (Curran, F.C., Fisher, B., “Why and restorative practices and social and emo- little oversight concerning their training ized in the school culture. Students When Do School Resource Officers tional trauma-based teaching methods or actions beyond the MOU experience increased suspensions and Engage in School that have data-backed Discipline,” American proof that these pro- (Memorandum of Understanding) con- less flexibility from administration contract. The lack of District oversight cerning mental health issues, addiction, Journal of Education, grams result in less makes it difficult to report inappropriate and trauma, which becomes a founda- October 2019). suspensions. The conduct by an SRO towards a student. tional part of the school-to-prison pipe- When Trustee Fawley Trustees could question is not The trustees rarely comment or review line (www.wested.org/resources/effects- asked about additional reevaluate this whether SROs can SRO training, the ques- build good relation- this yearly-budgeted expense in open of-school-based-law-enforcement-on- yearly expense session other than to compliment SRO’s school-safety). tion should have includ- ships with students or services provided districtwide. Last June, State Superintendent Tony ed who trains them and is and invest wisely make them feel safer, The main reason there is a police car Thurmond appointed a Task Force on there any District over- to effectively address it is more a question parked in front of public-school cam- Safe Schools to create State education sight or input in the train- ongoing social of do you get the most ing. benefits for the hefty puses every day is to provide students standards concerning law enforcement and mental health and parents with a greater sense of secu- on school campuses. The State is clear Currently, SRO train- SRO price tag. Over rity. After the Columbine and later that SROs should not be involved in stu- ing is conducted and problems that 50% of FJUHSD stu- Sandy Hook shootings, the new belief dent discipline on campus reviewed by the COPS have been exposed dents feel safe at emerged that if an armed officer is on (www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr20/yr20rel53. (Community School and exacerbated school with or without campus, fewer shoot- asp). Policing Services) pro- an SRO on campus, gram focusing on police during this stressful suspensions have ings would occur and The FJUHSD SRO students would feel job description action and not from an and traumatizing gone up not down, safer. FJUHSD’s 2020 encompasses 17 educational perspective. time. and there is a greater Law enforcement perpet- student need for men- student survey found areas, including to that 57%-64% of the “work with adminis- uates an inherently tal health profession- students feel safe on Having SROs tration to resolve unambiguous perception als that the district school campus. There on campuses has campus incidents,” of student behavior, as cannot currently is no earlier comparable led to unintended keep unauthorized NASRO Executive afford. Director Mo Canady is quoted as saying The Administration could renegotiate district data available as consequences, persons off campus, to how safe students felt investigate student in 2018, “You can’t criminalize behav- to lessen SRO daily presence on cam- without law enforce- showing an conduct situations, ior. It is either criminal or not.” pus, clearly define student discipline to ment on campus. The increase in and conduct personal (www.justicepolicy.org/news/12601). keep SROs out of student disciplinary California Healthy Kids suspensions and property searches Having even the best-intentioned SROs interactions, and create a district over- involved in discipline brings a clear-cut sight process that is easily communicat- Survey shows that for especially for under direction of the past 15 years, on law or administration. legitimate/illegitimate dichotomy in ed to students, parents, and teachers so average, about 50% of students of color They also can assist reviewing teenage behavior. This sim- that any nonnormative behavior exhibit- all California high and students in medical (including plistic view creates additional repercus- ed by an officer can be easily reported. school students feel safe with disabilities. mental health) emer- sions beyond suspension. Teenagers SROs could be welcomed on campuses on campus. There is no gencies, absenteeism, attend school to learn to make better to deal with physical emergencies and credible evidence to safety drills, de-esca- decisions predicated on the reality that provide safety, drug, and de-escalation show that having the lation activities, and sometimes they make unwise choices. education while the District uses some police officer on cam- education of staff on The trending FJUHSD suspension of the yearly expenditure of over pus adds to students drug paraphernalia. rates over the past eight years shows a $750,000 to hire additional school psy- feeling safer. The SRO expense dip from 48 per 1000 students in 2012 chologists or social workers on every In reality, school shootings have expo- means the district has less money for down to 30/1000 in 2015 and then up to school campus where they can form real nentially grown nationwide over the other professional staff and they utilize 52/1000 students for 2017-19 school long-term relationships with teenagers past 20 years, even though over 30% of SROs for many jobs, some of them out- years. That trend is higher than the OC and their families. Hiring the proper pro- all public schools now have an SRO or side their expertise. district average fessionals provides support for students school police officer on campus Before the Trustees approved the (www.kidsdata.org/topic/495/suspen- to cope with their mental health, addic- (www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/at/chks.asp). budget expense, they asked if the offi- sions/trend). tion, and food and housing insecurity Research shows that SROs have effec- cers were specially chosen and if they Self-identified Hispanic students com- challenges, rather than having law tive outcomes instructing teachers and received additional training to work with pose over 50% of the student population enforcement police these issues. staff about safety drills, updated drug students. One pertinent request that of FJUHSD and they are suspended at a Trustees could reevaluate this yearly paraphilia information, and gang mitiga- should be made is for the Superintendent rate of 6.4% versus 4.3% of the white expense and invest wisely to effectively tion actions. Nationwide, the National to define student discipline for both student population (www.caschooldash- address ongoing social and mental Association of School Resource principals and the officers. board.org). This upward suspension health problems that have been exposed Officers (NASRO) claim that SROs pur- Research shows that SROs believe trend reflects that more students are now and exacerbated during this stressful and being suspended for a perceived traumatizing time. portedly reduce student illegal actions they are not involved in school disci- increase of nonconforming or illegal and other misbehavior while improving pline because they equate discipline Resources: student and officer-positive interactions with handing out suspensions and expul- student behavior. leading students to feel increasingly sions, but they are found to participate in This indicates a cultural shift from •Curran, F.C., Fisher, B., “Why and When Do School Resource Officers Engage in School Discipline,” American Journal of Education, October 2019, PDF. •Stern, A., Petrosino, A., “What do We Know About the Effects of School- based Law Enforcement on School Safety?” West Ed Justice and Prevention Research Center, April 2019. www.wested.org/resources/effects-of-school- based-law-enforcement-on-school-safety/ •FJUHSD Board Agenda, November 10, 2020 https://agendaonline.net/public/Meeting.aspx?AgencyID=1272&Me etingID=80433&AgencyTypeID=1&Is Archived=False EARLY FEBRUARY 2021 LOCAL NEWS FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 11

ACLU Sues Orange County Homeless Shelters for Harassment, Violations of Rights by Jesse La Tour

The ACLU of Southern California The suit cites a study commissioned filed a lawsuit on December 10, 2020 by the County that admits that the against the operators of three Orange Anaheim Police Department “does not County homeless shelters as well as the have any statistical information related city of Anaheim and the County of to the types of crimes associated with Orange. emergency shelters such as that pro- The suit alleges sexual harassment, posed by the County.” substandard living conditions, violations “The lock-in/shut-out policy segre- of rights, and retaliation against those gates shelter residents from the commu- The Courtyard shelter in Santa Ana. who spoke against these practices. nity without legitimate justification, The suit was brought on behalf of a making it unreasonably difficult for number of plaintiffs who had stayed at shelter residents to travel locally to work idea/suggestion program called County Catholic Workers v. Orange these shelters—La Mesa shelter in and keep medical and other appoint- “Illuminate Us,” and we recently imple- County et al. (the settlement agreement Anaheim run by Illumination ments,” the suit states. mented a client satisfaction survey that has led to local jurisdictions build- Foundation, The Courtyard Shelter in whereby clients could voice any con- ing shelters) stated that the County has Santa Ana run by Midnight Mission, and Substandard Living Conditions cerns or identify areas of improvement. recently implemented Standards of Care

Bridges at Kraemer in Anaheim run by We provide the tools necessary to serve “to promote best practices, detail rights The suit says that “conditions at the Mercy House. our clients to the best of our ability in and responsibilities for residents and three shelters are so unsanitary that they Fullerton’s Navigation Center (run by order to meet not only their needs but staff, and ensure the protection of due pose a risk to the health and well-being Illumination Foundation) is not named their expectations. process and disability of shelter residents,” and that, “the shel- in the lawsuit. Illumination Foundation rights for all residents.” ters fail to meet minimum habitability takes all client com- “It appears many of the standards for residential facilities.” Sex Discrimination and plaints seriously and issues [stated in the law-

Harassment examines feedback suit] were from before Retaliation The lawsuit across the company in the Standards were “The staff at La Mesa and The alleges that The lawsuit also says that residents order to address concerns implemented,” Weitzman Courtyard routinely subject women res- who alert shelter staff or governmental and improve where need- residents who said. “The Court has idents to unlawful sexual discrimination authorities about the problems at the ed.” alert shelter jurisdiction over our case and harassment, including physically shelters face retaliation from shelter City of Anaheim for a few more years and invasive searches, groping, other staff or authorities staff, including eviction. spokesperson Lauren I’m in regular contact unwanted touching, leering, lewd com- about problems at Gold wrote to The with the shelters and ments, and propositioning,” the lawsuit When asked for comment, representa- Observer, “We are proud the shelters face County to resolve issues states. “These acts create a hostile living tives of the shelters named in the lawsuit of our work to open shel- retaliation from as they arise. We defi- environment and force women residents said that they cannot comment on these ters and for the role they nitely encourage anyone to endure this harassment as a condition staff, including ongoing legal matters. have played in helping to report violations and of their shelter stay.” eviction. Illumination Foundation gave this people out of homeless- we will immediately

statement to The Observer: ness. We value resident bring them to the Court to Lock-In/Shut-Out Policy “Due to the potential of an actual well-being and dignity be resolved.” The suit states that the “lock-in/shut- pending lawsuit, we cannot comment on and hold our shelter oper- Weitzman also stated out” policy of these shelters, which is any alleged allegations [sic]. It is unfor- ators to high standards that two of the three shel- required by the County, violates the tunate that hard work, dedication, pas- with a process for concerns to be heard ters named in the lawsuit will be closed rights of residents. sion, and caring for others who are less and addressed. We are reviewing what in the next month. “The so-called ‘Good Neighbor fortunate requires defense and justifica- has been asserted and defer any further “Our settlement required the County Policy’ is based on unfounded, negative tion...Beyond our mission to disrupt the comment for now.” to either get Courtyard [shelter in Santa stereotypes about homeless people, cycle of homelessness, we believe every Jessica Good, Public Information Ana] up to HUD standards or replace it including the assumption that their pres- individual deserves to be treated with Manager for the County of Orange, within 18 months. With that deadline ence around the shelter would have a dignity and respect and should have the wrote, “Per County policy, we cannot upon us, Yale [a new shelter in Santa negative impact on the surrounding right to a home...As an organization, we comment on matters involving pending Ana] will start taking residents. A new community—and that being a ‘good are extremely proactive in creating litigation.” women’s shelter will be a component of neighbor’ therefore means preventing channels of communications for our Brooke Weitzman, attorney with the Yale as well,” Weitzman said. ‘undesirable’ people from being in the clients. We have a grievance process in Elder Law and Disability Rights Center According to ACLU lawyers, a court community,” the lawsuit states. place across all sites, a client and staff and the lead lawyer in the case Orange date has not yet been set.

SuperPOD site. Speaking from its loca- unable to schedule appointments. Some COVID-19 Continued from page 2 tion at SOKA University in Aliso Viejo, who managed to register with the site Sup. Chaffee urged patience with the have still not been scheduled for a vacci- Biden’s stated goal is to administer Mayor Harry Sidhu, who enjoys the process for scheduling and receiving a nation, despite qualifying for one by 100 million doses in the first 100 days of political support of Disney, noted that it vaccine, virtue of age. Responding to questions his administration. Chaffee said that had been 10 months since Disneyland, Dr. Chau reported that 410,000 people about Othena’s accessibility, allocating 4 million doses to allow the Anaheim Stadium, and the Anaheim had registered with Othena, so far. Of Supervisors suggested that older resi- County to vaccinate 2 million residents Convention Center had closed. “Walt is those, over 53,000 had already been vac- dents ask younger relatives for assis- (the current vaccines are most effective looking from there,” Sidhu said, pre- cinated, while another 63,000 had tance in using it and directly contact the with two doses per person) would help sumably referring to Walt Disney. appointments for it. The app was expect- app developer to report problems. Biden’s administration to reach that Orange County elected officials and ed to add Spanish and Vietnamese in late The County Healthcare Agency urges goal. State representatives have strongly January. Users have reported bugs on the residents to visit covidvaccinefacts.com The Orange County Healthcare advocated reopening Disneyland and site and app, leading to numerous for more information, or call the Agency is partnering with the Orange other amusement parks despite the reports of frustrated individuals being COVID-19 Hotline (714) 834-2000. County Fire Authority to distribute the record high numbers of COVID-19 vaccines through its “Operation infections and deaths. Independence,” named because OC The SuperPOD sites are designed to plans to complete its vaccination pro- allow for scale up as more doses of the gram by July 4 of this year. The Incident vaccines become available. Officials Management Team in charge of the will not reveal the proposed locations of effort is directed by OC Fire Authority additional sites saying that they will be Division Chief Mike Petro and brought online as additional vaccine OCHCA’s Dr. Margaret Bredehoft, both doses become available. Dr. Chau said, of whom were present for the site “The end of COVID-19 is in sight,” and launch. urged OC residents to continue to get Supervisor Don Wagner called Disney tested and to practice preventive meas- “a great corporate friend” and thanked ures like hand-washing, mask-wearing, the company for “picking up the slack” and social-distancing. in the State’s vaccination rollout, which Ten days after the rollout on January he called “a bit disappointing.” Anaheim 23, the County reopened the second Page 12 FULLERTON OBSERVER LOCAL NEWS EARLY FEBRUARY 2021

City Settles $ 13.5 Million LA VOZ LATINA a Spanish Language column Traffic Deaths Lawsuit by Matthew Leslie cross Acacia on the day of the accident. La Voz Latina, The Fullerton Observer’s Spanish language column is on vacation. Oliveros first demanded $39,999,999 It will return in our mid February issue The city of Fullerton has agreed to set- but settled for the lesser amount through tle a $13.5 million lawsuit over an auto- mediation. The settlement stipulates that mobile crash four years ago that claimed neither the city of Fullerton nor the driv- the life of a young girl and her mother. ers of the other vehicles admit any fault The settlement was announced during or wrongdoing. Fullerton City Manager the City Council’s January 19 meeting. Ken Domer wrote to The Observer that QUARANTINE HOROLOGY The 2018 lawsuit was brought by the City settled the case to avoid the sig- Francisco Oliveros, who was driving his nificant attorneys’ fees and other family westbound on Kimberly Ave. on expenses, as well as the uncertainties of by Nathan Wayne February 13, 2017, when their car was a trial. The City filed a cross complaint

struck by another vehicle against AG & Associates, In the 1300s, the very first mechanical heading south on Acacia. who formerly contracted clocks were produced. Sadly, the profes- Both cars were hurtled into with Fullerton for engineer- sion of repairing and building clocks a third car. Oliveros’s 7- ing services. Although the (the study of horology, the profession of The suit was year-old daughter Perla firm is no longer in business, a horologist) has become almost non- filed over an died at the scene of the the City’s insurers will col- existent. If you walk into a clock shop crash. Oliveros’s wife, automobile lect against AG & and ask the person what generation Maria Bracamontes, who crash that Associates’ insurance. horologist they are in their family, the was Perla’s mother, suc- The City’s portion of the answer you will get is most likely third claimed the life cumbed to her injuries settlement will be $2 mil- or fourth generation. This is because a of a young hours later. Francisco lion. According to City horologist’s knowledge is usually some- Oliveros and his other girl and her Manager Domer, “The City thing that is passed down through the daughter survived the acci- mother. is self-insured up to $2 mil- family. dent with injuries. lion and we participate with Being a first generation horologist in Francisco Oliveros filed a a risk management authority ninth grade, I have to self-teach. Until negligence suit against the (insurance pool) for excess the end of 2020, I had never built my drivers of both of the other vehicles and levels above the $2 million. For our own clock, and after a week of tedious also held the city of Fullerton liable for self-insured...potential liability, we work, I felt more confident in having the the dangerous condition of the intersec- budget money in an insurance liability title of horologist. The clock I created is tion. The intersection of Acacia and fund, one of our restricted funds (like a Granddaughter Clock, i.e., a longcase Kimberly had experienced double the workers comp fund, equipment replace- clock, modeled after a British longcase normal traffic volume at the time of the ment fund, etc.).” Domer also wrote that clock. This has been my quarantine proj- accident because Acacia was the desig- the City’s insurers had a “large degree of ect. Nathan’s clock. nated detour street to use to avoid con- input” into the settlement. struction on Raymond Ave. and State The intersection of Kimberly and College Blvd. Between 2015 and 2017, Acacia remains a two-way stop only grade separations were installed below with through traffic north- and south- the railroad crossings on both streets. bound on Acacia with “Cross Traffic County of Orange to Host Second Virtual Oliveros described waiting six minutes Does Not Stop” signs installed on Listening Session Focused on COVID-19 at the intersection before attempting to Kimberly. Health Inequities

The County of Orange and Orange response to COVID-19, and plans for Free DIY Sandbags Available County Human Relations Commission vaccine distribution and availability in are inviting the public to participate in 2021. to Protect Homes from Flooding Health Equity Issues & the Community Speakers include Clayton Chau, Experience, the second virtual listening (Director, OC Health Care Agency & by Jane Reifer form a small wall with their nearby session of a COVID-19 discrimination- County Health Officer) and Mary Anne bags. based series. This event will be held on Foo (Executive Director, OC Asian and The city of Fullerton is offering a free It’s best to have some heavy-mil plas- February 26 from 5 to 6:30pm. It fol- Pacific Islander Community Alliance). sandbag station for residents so they can tic as a base for your sandbag “wall” lows Understanding Our Implicit Biases Register for free by February 19, at protect their homes from flooding. when you get home. There are videos & Community Experiences, which was https://forms.gle/Tu2pMaBKqtcGXpuq9 Everything for filling is provided except on the Internet showing where and how the first virtual listening session of the Contact OC Human Relations mask, gloves, and your labor filling the to lay everything out to protect your series held in October 2020. Commission staff, Norma Lopez, at bags and loading your vehicle. Please structures. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the (714) 480-6594 or norma@ochumanre- observe shovel safety and never put a The Fullerton Sandbag Station (Open magnitude of health inequities in the lations.org. shovel down with “opening” facing up. 24/7) is located west of the City United States. This forum will focus on Visit the OC Human Relations Residents are advised to fill the bags Maintenance Yard near the CNG station a discussion of the impact of the pan- Commission website: https://occommu- only half-way to save your back and (Southwest corner of Commonwealth demic in communities of color in nityservices.org/ochrc to learn about this your car’s suspension, but most impor- and Basque) at 1600 W. Commonwealth Orange County, the County’s efforts and and other programs. tantly, so they’ll be able to spread and Limit 15 bags per household. EARLY FEBRUARY 2021 ADVERTISEMENT FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 13 Page 14 FULLERTON OBSERVER FEATURE EARLY FEBRUARY 2021

Driving or walking along Harbor According to a 2013 KCET article writ- Boulevard through Fullerton’s down- ten by Nathan Masters, “California’s El town district, you may have noticed a Camino Real was just one of many gov- green old-fashioned bell mounted on a ernment roads that stretched through tall concrete crook labeled with a brown Spain’s New World empire. These high- sign with the words, “El Camino Real.” ways linked Spanish settlements in far- This is one of many bells spaced apart flung provinces to administrative cen- along a 700-mile historic route that runs ters. One well-established trail in Baja throughout the state of California called California preceded Alta California’s by started a movement to denote El Camino the El Camino Real, which is Spanish several decades.” In Alta California, the Real as a historic road, a project that for Highway of the King or Royal roads were used to promote military and they kept active until well into the Highway. However, after looking at a commercial uses, “linking the presidios 1900s, gaining support from county gov- map from the Fullerton Public Library’s (military forts), pueblos (civil towns), ernments, the Native Sons and Local History Room of and religious missions Daughters of California, AAA auto clubs, and various business firms. the likely route through that Spain furiously our part of Orange began building in 1769 to Supposedly, a part of the El Camino County based on evi- In 1965, parry the territorial ambi- Real ran through Fullerton. Harbor dence from 2019, tions of Russia and Boulevard, first called Spadra Road, is there’s a chance that the there were only Britain.” The roads also what is now accepted as that route. Mrs. El Camino Real didn’t three original provided a means of trav- A.S.C. Forbes came up with the idea of actually pass through lonely mission el for the Catholic mis- marking the route with a symbol. It was Fullerton. bells left in sionaries who set up mis- to be a bell denoting the early connec- tion with the Franciscan friars’ Despite this, there Orange County, sions to convert the El Camino Real Bell in Plaza Park in happen to be three bells Native American popula- California missions – a bell mounted on Downtown Fullerton. located in Fullerton— two located in tions. a tall crook set in concrete and placed one on Harbor, one in Fullerton, and Back then, transporta- along the King’s Highway. The bells Fullerton bell on Harbor was 12 feet tall Plaza Park across from the other tion was difficult over were first created and paid for by the at the time, according to a photo caption the Fullerton Museum California’s mixed terrain Camino Real Association in the early from a news clipping from The Los Center, and one within in Tustin. of deserts, mountain pass- 1900s. The Association installed the Angeles Times. However, it appears that the Fullerton es, and river crossings, guidepost bells to mark the road and this bell may have been stolen in the Arboretum. Visiting the but over the years the trail many of these bells are still standing summer of 1987. According to an info bell in Plaza Park, I became a workable, today. file from the History Room dating back found a circular brown and green plaque although challenging, travel route. The first bells were designed and pro- to June 11, 1987, “One of Orange placed by Fullerton Heritage in 2007. According to the same 2013 KCET arti- duced by Mrs. Forbes, who became County’s last landmark bells, marking The message inscribed on the plaque cle written by Nathan Masters, “The known as America’s First Woman Bell the Spanish padres’ trail, was stolen reads, “When the Spanish army and mis- stories told today about the footpath Maker. Her initial El Camino Real bell from its pole in front of the Automobile sionaries came to California in 1769, diverge from the actual history. The was placed in front of the Plaza Church Club of Southern California.” In the arti- they made a route, El Camino Real, for road’s exact route was not fixed; the in Los Angeles in 1906. The bells con- cle, Helen Costley, secretary to the AAA travel between the missions they estab- actual path changed over time as weath- tinued to be produced in the 1920s. manager at the time, said she did some lished, stretching from San Diego to er, mode of travel, and even the tides Originally, there were roughly 370 bells research and “found that the El Camino Sonoma. In the early 1900s, a group of dictated. Furthermore, while the road along El Camino Real, but theft and van- Association presented the bell to the women’s clubs, among others, decided provided local transportation links dalism has caused the number to dwin- club about 70 years ago when the busi- to mark the trail and chose as its symbol between colonial settlements, the primi- dle to about 75. Vandals, souvenir ness was located in downtown a mission bell mounted on a shepherd’s tive highway was eclipsed in importance hunters, and the onset of World War II Fullerton.” Costley went on to say that crook. This bell is a replica from the by a coastal water route between Alta and metal shortages sounded the end of when former AAA manager Howard 1960s and marks the trail’s approximate California’s south and north. Ships the original iron markers except for one Link “moved the headquarters up near path through our city reminding us of rather than the so-called royal road usu- or two who found their way into muse- Sunny Hills in 1958, he had the bell early California history.” ally transported goods and passengers ums. Several additional bell designs moved right along with the employees. El Camino Real has a place in over long distances. By the late nine- have been used over subsequent years. Supposedly it was one of the first ones California and Fullerton history. In the teenth century, although local segments In fact, a drive up U.S. 101 now reveals produced by the historical association.” sixteenth century, more than 300 years of the old trail were still heavily used, a smaller bell of reddish rust color on a On May 12, 2007 at the Fullerton ago, Spanish explorers moved up the the route as a whole had faded into green staff. But the original bells were Arboretum, there was a ceremony to Gulf of California to colonize Baja and obscurity.” cast-iron and later, some were concrete. mark the placement of an El Camino brought with them the idea of building a According to a 2007 Fullerton Many of the original bells have been Real bell, and the rededication of well-kept road system that became Heritage newsletter, in 1902, the lost, stolen, or simply cast aside as the Heritage House, which at the time was known as the King’s Highway. California Federation of Women’s Clubs highway developed over the years. entering its fortieth year at the Fullerton has had several bells. Cheri Arboretum. The bell was a gift from the Pape, Local History Archivist at the William Phillips family, which was Fullerton Public Library, emailed to me given to Bill Phillips when he served as a postcard from the Local History an Orange County supervisor. The Room’s Archives that has a photograph Arboretum bell was based on the 1963 of the “original” bell in front of Peter design by Justin Kramer. Schumacher’s business located on “There is a chance [El Camino Real] Harbor. She said via email, “It has been didn’t actually pass through Fullerton,” disputed that it was the ‘first in OC.’ It Cheri Pape said via email. “If it did, it was surely early, but we have not docu- barely touched the hills of the northeast mented a date.” The cast-iron bell was between us and Brea.” I looked at the located in the 100 block of North Harbor map she was referring to that follows El Boulevard, the library said in the caption Camino Real from the Santa Ana River for this photo, which can be found in the to the Puente Hills. It does appear that Library’s online collection of historical the historic route didn’t actually run photos. According to an article from the through Fullerton. Fullerton Tribune, the bells weighed To see historic photographs of the El more than 100 pounds, with the iron rep- Camino Real bells in Fullerton as well resenting the will of the men who made as what they look like today, please visit the first California roads. www.fullertonobserver.com and click on According to an article from History the tab labeled “Local.” Underneath that Room Archives from 1965, there were tab, click on “Emerson Little YouTube only three original lonely mission bells Channel,” which will take you directly left in Orange County, two located in to my page. Fullerton, and the other in Tustin. The ARLY EBRUARY E F 2021 ARTS FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 15

TWO HITS: Don’t Miss it! A HIT & A MISS: You Might Like it. TWO MISSES: Don’t Bother. Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings Rufi Thorpe THE MIDNIGHT SKY: A HIT AND A MISS ALPHA Virtual “Day of Authors” on February 6th by Emerson Little heart and holiday cheer.

Rufi Thorpe writes in the modern-day For 28 years, the Assistance League adult/young adult genre. Her plots delve Professional Humanitarian Auxiliary, into the challenges of young adulthood also known as ALPHA, has hosted the and family dynamics. Her latest novel, popular “A Day of Authors” event, The Knockout Queen, is described by which has drawn over 500 book-lovers the LA Times as “…a dazzling and dark- each year. ly comic novel of love, violence, and This year, due to the COVID-19 pan- friendship in the California suburbs… demic, ALPHA has pivoted to offer a Thorpe’s work brings to mind other virtual author online event. ALPHA’s “A writers…like Donna Tartt or Ann Day of Authors” is free of charge and Patchett.” scheduled for February 6, at 1:30pm. Shedding his handsome leading-man self and Iris to trudge on foot to a weath- Reporter and romance columnist at The virtual gathering will feature image and growing a grizzled, grey er station with a stronger communica- Entertainment Weekly Maureen Lee authors who write about family, love, beard, George Clooney cast himself as tion system. Much of the subsequent Lenker will be moderating the virtual and romantic relationships. The authors the lead in a science fiction drama set in action in the film takes place on Aether. panel at ALPHA’s Day of Authors. invited this year are Christina Lauren 2049 when a cataclysmic event is slowly The crew is headed by Sully (Felicity Lenker’s clients include Ms. Magazine, and Rufi Thorpe. Their discussions will destroying the Earth and he has chosen Jones) and Adewole (David Oyelowo), The Hollywood Reporter and Turner be moderated by Maureen Lee Lenker. to remain on an outpost inside the Arctic who are assisted by additional crew Classic Movies. She covers books, Writing partners and best friends Circle. We first see a small band of members—a pilot, a flight engineer, and movies, television, and theater. Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings tourists fleeing the outpost observatory a navigation specialist. At this point, the ALPHA as an organization also sup- write under the combined named before a major storm. movie bifurcates with most of the scenes ports many worthwhile philanthropic Christina Lauren. The duo has co- A leading astronomer, Augustine now occurring aboard Aether. We learn causes and proceeds from Barnes and authored more than 25 contemporary Lofthouse (Clooney) suffers from a ter- that a pregnant Sully is carrying the Noble book purchases will help fund novels together, including 15 New York minal disease that requires self-adminis- child of Adewole, whose hopes for a these causes that help needy children Times bestsellers. Their latest work, In a tered blood transfusions but he remains successful return to Earth are dwindling and families. To register visit the web Holidaze, is a fun holiday romantic incurable. He had devoted his life to sci- fast. One of the crew members is lost site http://adayofauthors.com. ence, especially the search for another outside the spaceship while attempting comedy with a perfect combination of planet or moon that could sustain life, to repair the communication system. and we get flashback glimpses of a There are repartee and camaraderie young Augustine lecturing eager audi- among the crew members, but as char- ences but eschewing any kind of person- acters they do not engage the audience al domestic commitment. The Barbeau as effectively as Augustine and his Museum Center Seeks Board Applicants Observatory is as much a home for him young companion journeying through as any destination he might choose. an Arctic storm to warn the crew on the The Fullerton Museum Center’s Board of Trustees is currently taking applica- After the last plane has left, Augustine ship of impending danger. tions. The Board works with the museum director and staff to make decisions and finds a little girl (Caoilinn Springall) The ending to “The Midnight Sky” provide programming for this popular local cultural center, which has faced tough huddled in a corner, who was acciden- ties together loose ends but seems con- budget cuts over the past year. tally left behind. He sends out pleas to trived and overly convenient. Also, we The Board of Trustees is composed of 21 members. The term of office is six the evacuees on behalf of the lost child never fully understand through the very years, and a Trustee may fill an unexpired term and/or leave the board for one year but there are no responses. Although brief flashbacks just why the younger and reapply after that one year. This is a volunteer position. seven or eight years old, the child does Augustine (played by Ethan Peck) found If a candidate has questions, requires additional information, or wishes to submit not speak, either by choice or necessity, it necessary to sacrifice his personal life a physical application, they may contact the Fullerton Museum Center at but she draws a picture of a flower. So, in order to do his scientific research. The [email protected]. Those interested may also apply online by 2/15 at: Augustine calls her Iris as he reluctantly strongest asset of “The Midnight Sky” is https://forms.gle/khK3omGnYb6onqpR8. takes on her care. the fine performances of its lead charac- As part of his duties as an astronomer, ters. Clooney succeeds in his role as a Augustine monitors the airwaves for grizzled old scientist nearing the end of signs of life. He notices spaceship his life, and Jones is excellent portray- Brea Gallery Calls for Submissions Aether returning from a two-year dis- ing the competent and level-headed covery mission. Unable to contact the Sully. This annual juried exhibit showcases artwork from all over the state of California. crew to warn them about the danger of “The Midnight Sky” can be seen on This regional show features artwork from an extensive variety of mediums and returning to Earth, he bundles up him- Netflix. explores creative movements happening in California. For any questions or issues regarding submission, please contact gallery staff at [email protected] or call (714) 990-7731. Submissions due Feb. 15. City Seeks Community Input for Hunt Branch Library

The city of Fullerton is seeking coming, and social gathering. This survey is munity input regarding future programs intended to help guide our program at the Hunt Branch Library through an planning by collecting input from mem- online survey. According to the City’s bers of the community such as you. Your website, “The city of Fullerton is work- responses will help shape the plan.” ing with Arts Orange County and The survey, which is available in Heritage Future to revitalize the Hunt English, Spanish, and Korean, can be Library in order to provide literacy, arts, viewed on the City’s website here: and cultural programming to bring resi- www.cityoffullerton.com/news/dis- dents and visitors together in a beautiful playnews.asp?NewsID=2716&TargetI place for inspiration, creativity, learn- D=1. Page 16 FULLERTON OBSERVER COMMUNITY VOICES EARLY FEBRUARY 2021

We are certainly plagued by a terrible Fullerton Out of My Mind and all too easily transmitted virus, COVID-19. It moves across seas and Observer by Jon Dobrer © 2020 borders, both state and national. It deci- mates a city, then moves on before The Fullerton Observer Community returning even stronger, as it feeds on its Newspaper, founded by Ralph and victims. It is relentless and remorseless, Natalie Kennedy, Roy and Irene UR WIN LAGUES Kobayashi, and other friends in 1978, is O T P striking down good people and bad, as staffed mainly by local volunteers who well as the rich and poor of all ethnici- create, publish, and distribute the paper ties. throughout our community. The Best Lack All Conviction while secure in the false belief that they are Who lives and who dies seem so This venture is a not-for-profit one - the Worst are Full with Passionate good people, doing good things, for absurdly random. However, your revenues are plowed back into maintain- Intensity…W.B. Yeats their worthy and holy cause. They just chances of surviving are better if you are ing and improving our independent, non- know that they have God or history on a white person of means and not of lim- partisan, non-sectarian community news- I suspect that future historians will their side. paper. Our purpose is to inform Fullerton ited means living in cramped housing name our present time The Plague The racist and fascist Proud Boys do and doing dangerous (essential) work. residents about the institutions and other Years. In thinking of plagues, Nobel not lack certitude, nor do their fellow- societal forces which most impact their The old are more vulnerable. People lives, so that they may be empowered to Prize-winning author/philosopher travelers in the KKK and Aryan Nation. with pre-existing conditions are also participate in constructive ways to keep Albert Camus and his novel, La They have caught the virus of racism more likely to have bad outcomes, and make these private and public entities Peste/The Plague comes to mind. On its and hatred. It spreads from person to which is to say “die.” Yet the strong, serve all residents in lawful, open, just, surface it told of an outbreak of the person, from perceived slight to feelings healthy, and young can also die, and all and socially-responsible ways. Through Bubonic Plague in Oran, Algeria. It that they are losing power, status, and our extensive coverage, we seek to pro- can have ongoing issues with breathing, described the fear, the conflicts, the identity. As with most forms of pop- organ damage, and cognitive impair- mote a sense of community and an appre- nobility and the cravenness of people, as ulism, they believe that someone is tak- ciation for the values of diversity with ment. which our country is so uniquely blessed. well as the randomness ing advantage of them The nature of life is that we can try to ______and absurdity of that and preventing them mitigate our risks but there are no guar- often-deadly infection. It from achieving their antees. Masks are helpful, but we are not 10,000 issues of the Fullerton Observer was particularly vivid in birthright as White hermetically sealed inside. Just as every are distributed throughout Fullerton describing the rat popula- The racist and males. They truly and sent through the mail to subscribers suit of armor has open articulations that tion of Oran that spread fascist Proud Boys believe that they are allow the knight, jousting with death, to every two weeks except only once the bacteria. victims, taking back in January, July & August. do not lack move, so too even masked and washed, I read the novel many their country from we are exposed. years ago and understood certitude, nor People of Color, HOW TO SUBSCRIBE do their We will eventually tame the COVID Subscriptions are $35 per year. that the Plague was also a Socialists, and plague, but it will be costly and well Sign up and pay with Credit Card at metaphor for Nazi fas- fellow-travelers Communists. over one half million Americans are www.fullertonobserver.com cism that was also indis- The angry and vio- or by check with name & address to: in the KKK and likely to perish. I am less optimistic, in criminately spread by lent are indeed victims the short run, of stopping the social Fullerton Observer, PO Box 7051, rats. At that moment of Aryan Nation. of this social virus. Fullerton CA 92834-7051 They have caught plague manifesting in anger, grievance memory and insight, I Some may seem and violence. There is no vaccine for ______realized that we have two the virus of almost symptom-free hate, except love. And love is hard, plagues—medical and racism and and harbor mostly tough, and challenging. It is truth put not HOW TO ADVERTISE social. unconscious biases. simply into emotions but actions. Call 714-525-6402, or email We are certainly hatred. Others show moderate [email protected] Our twin plagues will not go away plagued by COVID-19. symptoms with delu- without our passionate involvement in or visit us online at But even as I contemplat- sions of superiority, www.fullertonobserver.com the care and healing of this nation’s bod- ______ed this terrible pandemic compensating for their ies and souls. and the tragic death toll underlying sense of SUBMISSIONS: and economic suffering, Camus led me insecurity and failure. Far too many are to thinking about our other plague that deeply infected, and their symptoms are Submissions on any topic of interest are accepted from Fullerton residents. manifests in anger, violence, hatred, and expressed in fevered hatred and vio- We strive to get something about yes, fascism. lence. everything in but shorter pieces do have I watched people infected by this We have seen this virus spread before, COVID-19 Vaccines? a better chance of getting in. plague attack our Nation’s Capitol. at other times and in other societies. We Email: [email protected] Democracy was under siege from insur- remember the Holocaust, the killing What are our City Council and Mayor ______rectionists, purposefully assembled, fields in Cambodia, the genocide in doing to provide the vaccine to our city? worked up, and sent on a destructive Rwanda, the purges in the USSR. We • STAFF• Why are they not having our fire depart- crusade by the President of the United see, but don’t seem to realize that this • EDITOR: Jesse La Tour ment deliver vaccines like other cities? States. contagious madness is not confined by •CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER: Mehul Desai Why do we not have our own super cen- We are exposed to a medical disease country, ethnicity, or religion. Against •ADVERTISING: Saskia Kennedy ter to deliver vaccines? Why can’t they •REPORTERS: Matthew Leslie, and to societal dis-ease. I thought of our our false stereotypes, Buddhists have set up something in the unused college Jane Rands, Jane Reifer, dis-ease as the mob raged. Their faces slaughtered Muslims in Myanmar. parking lot? Fullerton has a lot of elder- Judith Kaluzny, Lance Langdon were twisted in hate and anger, and per- Muslims have also killed other ly people who need the vaccine, who • COPY EDITOR: Terry Hendricks haps most troubling, they were filled Muslims, even as Christians have fought • PROOF READER: Christine Romer live at home, and who can’t walk far or with self-righteous certainty. They many wars against each other. Former • DATABASE MANAGER: Mehul Desai stand in line for hours. We need to be believed themselves to be patriots, Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was • DISTRIBUTION: Irene Kobayashi, doing something for our own city. defending their (White) nation. assassinated by a Jew who thought him- Marjorie Kerr, Leslie Allen •DELIVERY: Victor Cortes Unlike some of the politicians and self to be both patriotic and religious. Paula •ROVING REPORTER: Jere Greene pundits, they were sincere. They prove There is no national, ethnic, or religious Fullerton • COUNCIL REPORT: Jesse La Tour that sincerity is not always a virtue. immunity. “It can’t happen here,” is • DOWNTOWN REPORT: Mike Ritto Most evil is perpetrated by people denial. • SCHOOL BOARD REPORTS: Jan Youngman & Vivien Moreno •YOUTH EDITOR: Francine Vudoti •POLITICAL COMMENTARY: Time for a New Jonathan Dobrer, Vince Buck Measure S? •CROSSWORD: Valerie Brickey •PHOTOGRAPHERS: HOW TO VOICE YOUR OPINION Emerson Little, Mike Ritto •SCIENCE: Sarah Mosko The Community Opinion pages provide a free forum for the commu- Measure S failed in November •GARDENING: Penny Hlavac nity. The Observer welcomes letters on any subject of interest. Opinions because our City Council members • MOVIE REVIEW: Joyce Mason are those of the writer. We must verify your identity, but we allow ini- failed to dedicate it to fixing our • THEATRE REVIEWS: Angela Hatcher tials only and town to be printed if desired, or anonymous in print if a appalling streets ONLY. Fullerton vot- •VIDEO OBSERVER: Emerson Little reasonable case can be made as to why that is necessary. Opinions sent ers are not going to fall for a tax Created & Published in Fullerton to us without name, address and phone number will not be printed. Due increase that is going to be put into the by locals since 1978 to space issues shorter letters have a better chance of getting in. Please general fund! We know that the money Published by Fullerton Observer LLC add your contact information so we can verify. Thanks! can too easily be diverted into other, less needed, things. If they put forth a bill for a 0.5% tax increase that will [email protected] ONLY be used to fix our streets, then I The Mid February 2021 issue will or mail to: (along with most Fullertonians!) will hit the stands on February 15. Fullerton Observer, vote for it! SUBMISSION & AD PO Box 7051, DEADLINE: February 8. Fullerton CA 92834 J. Conly Fullerton EARLY FEBRUARY 2021 COMMUNITY VOICES FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 17

BUSINESSES AND COVID-19 Re: Missed Trash Pickups

On a rainy Saturday, January 23, Hospitals are bursting at the seams and I was very pleased to see the article All of the bins in my alleyway have 2021, there was a contrasting reality to medical staff bear the brunt of those about missed trash pickups being been in accordance with the conditions the COVID-19 pandemic. One reality people gathering in Downtown addressed by your paper in the Mid required for Republic Services to pick was people eating and gathering inside Fullerton. It's a vicious cycle until this December edition. However, as I read up the bins. The bins were pulled out Downtown Fullerton restaurants in plain country and people get their acts togeth- the article I realized that the information from the walls and fences. They were view as I drove up Harbor Blvd. Some er. provided was from Republic Services filled with the stated items i.e, recycling business windows covered in brown The city of Fullerton and Orange and not the customers who are experi- items in recycle bins. paper concealing business as usual...a County turn a blind eye, contributing to encing the missed pickups. My consis- I do not believe that Republic Services tattoo parlor with a neon open sign and the crisis burdening our hospitals while, tent experience with Republic Services is managing the trash pickups in accor- a corner salon with a hair stylist just out- at the same time, honoring our valiant on this matter is quite different from dance with their contract with the city of side having a smoke break. Nothing to medical staff with praise. what was reported. Fullerton. I personally have had to see here. Maybe the harsh reality will set The notion of personal freedom Throughout November and December resolve the issue of my alleyway by fol- in when people die around them from infringes on others to be simply healthy. of this year, the recycle pickups for the lowing along with the recycle driver to COVID-19 and just then, it may hit The more people gather and ignore the entire alleyway of my residence either ensure that all of the bins are emptied home. health crisis, others will retreat for safe- didn’t happen at all or many of the recy- regularly and consistently so that there Just up Harbor Blvd., the other reality ty. cle bins were not emptied. Oftentimes, is neither a litter nor health concern due is a medical system in crisis. The St. these bins were completely full and/or to overflowing trash. This is not some- Jude Hospital parking lot is a fortified J.M. Hernandez overflowing. I called each and every thing I want to do. I would like Republic tent city to house patient overflow. Fullerton time and was told that they would come Services to consistently empty the trash out in 3-4 business days (not the next bins once a week per (what I assume to day as you reported). Never once did be) their contract with the City. they come back for the missed bins as Thank you for your attention to this Cannabis in Fullerton they said they would. As this continued, matter and thank you for the good work I requested to speak with a supervisor. I you do with your paper. was told that a supervisor would call me I am worried that the Cannabis ha sido legalizado y Fullerton ha redac- the next day or within 48 hours. I never S. McCandless Dispensary ordinance is in danger of tado una ordenanza que ha pasado por once received a call from a supervisor. Fullerton being taken out of the control of resi- numerosas reuniones del ayuntamiento dents of Fullerton. Cannabis has already y reuniones públicas. been legalized and Fullerton has drafted Si no apoyamos la ordenanza exis- an ordinance that has gone through tente que requiere que los dispensarios numerous town hall and city council estén ubicados en toda la ciudad de meetings. If we do not support the exist- Fullerton, se puede manipular para que UNAUTHORIZED FRAT HOUSES ARE COMMUNITY ing ordinance that requires dispensaries los dispensarios estén ubicados sola- HEALTH AND SAFETY HAZARD be located throughout the City of mente en el sur de Fullerton. Parece que Fullerton, it can be manipulated so dis- los residentes, así como los nuevos pensaries are located in miembros del consejo For over 10 years the house at 2542 area next to them and also across the south Fullerton. It appears municipal, no entienden Balfour Ave has served as overflow street and behind them. that the residents, as well que podrían estar presion- housing for a fraternity, despite not I have complained to the police, and to as our new ando a los dispensarios being registered or designated as a frat the property management company, and Councilmembers, don't We currently para que se ubiquen única- house. Recently, the frat has added addi- to the City and now I turn to you (the understand that they might have numerous mente al sur de la calle tional overflow that houses more young University). These people are your be pushing the dispen- illegal Chapman. Necesitamos men at 2604 Balfour Ave, across responsibility as they are your students saries to solely be located dispensaries que esta ordenanza se Commonwealth. There are 11 residents and they represent your organization, south of Chapman. We apruebe como está escrita, at 2542, and an unknown number at and your campus police refusal to need to get this ordinance that are not con las restricciones exis- 2604. address anything off-campus, despite passed as written, with the paying taxes tentes que no permiten These houses' behavior during this the fact their jurisdiction extends for 2 existing restrictions not and are selling ubicaciones cerca de igle- pandemic has finally reached the point miles in every direction, is shameful and allowing locations near to whomever sias, escuelas y parques that it requires the University to step in embarrassing and should prompt a com- churches, schools and públicos. La ordenanza and take immediate action to protect its plete review of campus police proce- public parks. The ordi- they want. será aplicada por la policía students and the surrounding communi- dures. nance will be enforced by y la ciudad. Actualmente ty. This is a neighborhood with $600,000 Police and City Code contamos con numerosos Last night there were over 75 and $700,000 houses, and should not Enforcement. We current- dispensarios ilegales que unmasked guests attending a party have drunk 19- year-olds vomiting on ly have numerous illegal dispensaries no pagan impuestos y venden a quien between 11pm and 3am. Police were our lawn or walking on my property. that are not paying taxes and are selling quieran. Estos dispensarios son a called twice. Young people flooded the Parties can happen any given day of to whomever they want. These dispen- quienes debemos temer, NO a los dis- street in groups of 8, 12, and more, the week in this house, at any given saries are who we need to fear, NOT pensarios legales permitidos. Los dis- smoking and drinking in the middle of time, and parties regularly move back permitted legal dispensaries. Cannabis pensarios de cannabis pueden estar bajo the street like a block party. As they and forth between the two houses cross- dispensaries can be in our control or not. nuestro control o no. ¡La decisión es arrived and left, they carried open bot- ing Commonwealth, which is extremely The decision is OURS! NUESTRA! tles of alcohol and yelled, whooped, and dangerous. We have tried a number of Me preocupa que la ordenanza sobre hollered like it was the 4th of July. times to address the situation with the el dispensario de cannabis esté en peli- Kitty Jaramillo At 3am a drunk guest came onto my various residents of the house, but they gro de quedar fuera del control de los Fullerton property and tapped on my Bedroom's inevitably claim that they were not home residentes de Fullerton. El cannabis ya Bay window to get my cat's attention and that the other roommates were before tripping and falling to the ground, responsible. They continue to claim that which woke up my pregnant wife. The it's been a hard semester, they say that students showed no remorse, walking they're being very cautious about who away and laughing. they mingle with, and through their open Against Cannabis in Fullerton Not only are both of these houses doors I have heard them talk about their unregistered, which means that they are needs to quarantine, which I have not operating illegally, they are both vastly seen. We have a second chance to keep mar- want to make money at the expense of over-occupied and have shown no inter- This house is a hazard to the school, ijuana businesses out of Fullerton! our citizens. est in abiding with regional and National the community, and Public Health at The former City Council voted to Marijuana use means the lives of Health directives. They continue to vio- large, and you must take immediate make them legal, but the new Council is youth and adults ruined or lost, more late noise ordinances, and their guests action. taking another look at what “pot shops,” DUI’s and crime in our neighborhoods, create an extremely hazardous situation growers, and manufacturers would do to and a burden on the medical system and pulling in and leaving at a high rate of Alex Lukoff our community. law enforcement. speed and endangering the community Fullerton We, as the residents of Fullerton, must We finally have leaders—Mayor in both their automobiles and with their speak out at the City Council meeting on Whitaker, and Councilmen Dunlap and reckless potential spreading of disease, Editor’s Note: This letter was also Tuesday, February 16, 6:30 p.m., at City Jung—who want to hear from us. Let’s with no concern for the families that sur- submitted by Mr. Lukoff to the Dean of Hall, 303 W. Commonwealth Ave., tell them we do NOT want marijuana round the property. Students at CSUF, and it received a Fullerton. (Masks and social distancing businesses in Fullerton. The garage has been turned into a reply from the Assistant Director of will be required). Your voice will make a difference! marijuana smoking lounge, where they Fraternity and Sorority Life containing If we don’t show up, the Council will leave the garage door open and congre- an apology and stating that an investi- only be hearing from out-of-town mari- Ilse Miranda gate inside to play video games and gation has been opened into the houses juana business owners. These people Fullerton curse and drink in full view of the neigh- mentioned. borhood and the children who live in the Page 18 FULLERTON OBSERVER TRIBUTES EARLY FEBRUARY 2021 Elizabeth Foster Hughes Mary Bettis “Bet” Bouknight Runnels

Elizabeth Foster “Betty” Hughes, 88, Later in life Betty was a very active On December 25, 2020, Mary Bettis Bet regularly put the needs of others in wife of the late G. Bailey Hughes, Sr., volunteer for St. Andrews Episcopal “Bet” Bouknight Runnels, age 89, of front of her own. She never viewed passed away on Sunday, December 27, Church in Fullerton, as well as for Fullerton passed away. Bet originates helping people as optional, nor did she 2020. Pathways of Hope, in both cases focus- from Trenton, South Carolina and was seek praise. Taking care of others gave Betty spent much of her life supporting on service to less-fortunate families an accomplished her purpose and joy. ing her husband’s in the Fullerton Registered Nurse. She We are profoundly sad career at Eastman area. met her husband Vernon to lose such a wonderful Kodak, and raising her More important Runnels while traveling person but are also thank- two children. This than what Betty did, in Europe. They married ful that she lived a long was made more chal- though, was who in South Carolina and and well-lived life! She lenging by the need to she was. Whether moved to Fullerton in passed away on the day organize cross-country as a wife, mother, 1960. Vern passed away that we celebrate the birth and international relo- grandmother, at a young age and she of the Lord that she cations every few teacher, quilting raised her three sons as a loved. years (and the result- mentor, or volun- single mother. Bet is In lieu of flowers, ing emotional out- teer, Betty put oth- survived by 3 children please make a donation to bursts from her chil- ers ahead of herself, (Bill, Jim, and Ben) two a charity of your choice dren), a challenge living an exemplary daughters-in-law (Erin or perhaps simply per- Betty met with unfail- life of service. She and Michelle) and four granddaughters form a random act of kindness to some- ing good humor and was greatly loved, (Kiva, Jesa, Avery and Palmer). She one in her honor. Either would have grace. She was an excellent cook and and will be greatly missed. will be dearly missed by all! made her smile! hostess, famous for the dazzling variety Betty is survived by her daughter: of Christmas cookies she baked every Kathy Cartelli (Lyle); her son: Chip year. Hughes (Claudia); and her grandchil- In addition to her family responsibili- dren Lance Cartelli, Joe Hughes, and Joseph Byrne Simpson ties, Betty served for several years as a Liz Barry (Matt). Joseph Byrne Simpson of Fullerton Byrne is survived by his wife of 43 remedial reading teacher in public Services will be deferred until the passed away on January 7, 2021 at the years, Susan K. Simpson.; Her five schools, and later as a co-founder and COVID-19 pandemic has abated. age of 90. Known as Byrne by family daughters, Helen Phillips, Karna co-proprietor of Calico Corner, a quilt- In lieu of flowers, memorials may be and friends, he was born in Houston, Phillips, Christine Loughridge (Brad), ing shop in La Habra, California. Betty made to St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Texas on February 14 1930. Kathryn Phillips and Laura Strand; was an accomplished and prolific quil- 1231 East Chapman Avenue, Fullerton, In 1954 Byrne joined Phillips Grandchildren, Brent Phillips (Ashley), ter, turning out dozens of gorgeous and CA 92831 (saintandrewsfullerton.com); Chemical Co. in Pasadena, TX. In 1957 Karl Stouffer (Lauren), Kevin Stouffer, intricately-sewn quilts, usually as treas- or to Pathways of Hope, P.O. Box 6326, he joined Beckman Instruments Inc., Justin Workman (Vivian), Kristiana ured gifts for loved ones. Fullerton, CA 92834 (pohoc.org). later known as Rosemount Inc. located Strand and Erik Strand; Great in Fullerton. He earned several promo- Grandchildren Reagan Phillips and tions during his career retiring in 1993 Dakota Phillips (due in April 2021). as Division Product Safety Officer. He In lieu of flowers the family suggest was active in Scientific Apparatus contributions in memory of Joseph Michael S. Carrillo Makers Association (SAMA), and Byrne Simpson be directed to either Safety Standards Drafting Committee of University of St. Thomas Chemistry Michael S Carrillo, our beloved hus- AnnMarie, Kailey, Michael, Mylina and the Instrument Society of America Dept. at 3800 Montrose Blvd. Houston, band, brother, father, grandfather, great great granddaughters Maddison and (ISA). He was a registered Professional TX 77006 or St. Juliana Catholic grandfather and friend passed away on Andee. Engineer-Control Systems, in the state Church at 1316 N. Acacia Ave, Fullerton Monday, January 11, 2021 at the age of He worked as a janitor at South, Ball, of California for 20 years. CA 92831. Designate for its St. Vincent 76 after a courageous and Freemont Jr Highs Byrne was a parishioner of St. Juliana De Paul Society fund for the needy. battle with COVID-19. in Anaheim. He attended Catholic Church located in Fullerton. He was born on Aug Fullerton Jr. College, Cal 15, 1944 in Fullerton. State Fullerton and His parents were Jesus National University. He and Andrea Carrillo (pre- taught at Las Positas deceased), and siblings Middle School in La Daniel, Isabel and Jesus. Habra, an EOPS He attended St. Mary’s Counselor at Fullerton (Fullerton) Good College, Director of Shepherd and Garland EOPS at Citrus and at High School in Garland, Riverside Community, TX. and taught night classes Michael joined the at community colleges. Coast Guard 1963-1967, His activities were and was stationed on the USCG Cutter feeding the homeless in Santa Ana, St. Bering Strait, operated out of Honolulu, Mary’s Church with numerous HI. He was a fireman and part of the US events/organizations, the Knights of Contribution to International Civil Columbus, Fullerton Library Aviation Organization. Foundation, and a volunteer with the He is remembered by his wife, Mary Coast Guard Auxiliary. and their children: Michael, Benigna (& Donations in his honor: St Mary’s George), Gabe (& Shawn) and son Church or The Knights of Columbus: Kenny (predeceased). Grandchildren: Mercy Council 16452 (mail to: Albert Lindsay, Julisa (& Matt), Ocean, Garcia 724 W West Ave, Fullerton CA Andrew, River, Isaiah, Berkley, Brylie, 92832) EARLY FEBRUARY 2021 TRIBUTES & NEWS FULLERTON OBSERVER Page 19

ANSWER KEY TO PUZZLE “CAN YOU FILL THE LOVE?” on page 7:

PUZZLE MASTER Valerie Brickey was born in The storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Fullerton and returned to raise Trump Impeached Again, her family here. She has been Rep. Kim Votes ‘No’ contributing puzzles since 2014. President Trump was impeached for able or allow us to move forward once the second time by the House of President-elect Biden is sworn in.” Representatives on January 13 for “I believe censuring the president is a POLICE INVESTIGATE FATAL STABBING “Incitement of Insurrection” in sparking better option,” Kim said. the violent mob on January 6 that On January 12, Kim helped introduce stormed the US Capitol building seeking a resolution to censure President Trump Fullerton Police Officers are investi- wounds in the 200 block of South to overturn the election results, and in for his actions on January 6, and his role gating a fatal stabbing that occurred on Turner Avenue, which is adjacent to the doing so, led to the deaths of 5 people in misleading Americans about the out- Saturday, January 23. At approximately address of the original call. Officers and hundreds of thousands of dollars in come of the election. 11:29pm, Fullerton Police Officers immediately began life-saving measures property damage. That same day, she voted against a responded to the 4000 block of West until Fullerton Fire Department arrived The impeachment passed with a vote House resolution calling on Vice- Valencia Drive regarding a victim who and continued rendering medical care. of 232 in favor and 197 against. Unlike President Pence to invoke the 25th had been stabbed. The party who report- The victim was transported to a local Trump’s first impeachment, ten Amendment to remove President Trump ed the incident found the victim outside trauma center where he was pronounced Republicans voted in favor this time. from office. with multiple stab wounds and called dead. Young Kim, the recently-elected On January 6-7, Kim did not vote on 911. Fullerton Police Detectives were Republican congressional representative the GOP-backed challenge to Arizona’s Upon arrival, officers located a 36- immediately called in to investigate. At for District 39, which includes Fullerton, electoral results, saying that she was year-old male victim with multiple stab this point in the investigation, the voted against impeachment, saying in a being tested for COVID-19. Later, she motive is not yet known.The victim’s statement that she prefers “censure” of voted against the challenge to identity will be released by the Orange the President. Pennsylvania’s electoral results. County Coroner at a later time. A “censure” is a formal statement of Kim ultimately voted to certify the This is an on-going investigation, and disapproval, with little or no legal or election results. police are still looking for suspects. material consequences. By contrast, if a “The Electoral College has voted and Anyone with information about this president is impeached in the House and I will respect their vote,” Kim said in a homicide is encouraged to contact convicted in the Senate, they can be press release. Fullerton Police Detective C. Hines at barred from holding public office forev- In the wake of the January 6 insurrec- (714) 738-5334. Those wishing to pro- er. tion, thousands of National Guard mem- vide information anonymously can call In a press release, after sharply con- bers were called in to Washington, DC the Orange County Crime Stoppers at demning the violence of January 6 and for the inauguration of President Joe 1(855) TIP-OCCS or can visit their saying the rioters and the President Biden. website at www.occrimestoppers.org. “must be held accountable,” Kim said, Donald Trump is the first president in “I believe impeaching the President at United States history to be impeached this time will fail to hold him account- twice.

List of People Who Died Homeless in December, 2020

Source: OC Coroner’s Office

Jeffrey VILLARREAL died on December 5 in Anaheim. George GLENDENNING died on December 6 in Anaheim Juan SANCHEZ died on December 7 in Santa Ana Jason MOTIS died on December 8 in Aliso Viejo Charles MOLFESE died on December 9 in Fullerton Robert JOHNSON JR died on December 11 in Fullerton Daniel SMITH died on December 12 in Newport Beach Adam GIAVELLI died on December 13 in Buena Park Ruswuel CASTELLANOS died on December 13 in Santa Ana Felisha HERNANDEZ died on December 17 in Anaheim Daniel REDDY died on December 18 in Newport Beach Karen MITCHELL died on December 20 in Anaheim Michael MUENSTERMAN died on December 2 in Santa Ana Jaima FAWCETT died on December 23 in Tustin Robyn STEWART died on December 24 in Santa Ana Janie DEVRIES died on December 24 in Westminster Alexandria FODY died on December 25 in Anaheim Rou CHUNG died on December 25 in Westminster Alan DOWNEY died on December 25 in Westminster Ramon LOPEZ JR died on December 26 in Santa Ana J Refugio MUNIZ died on December 26 in Anaheim Robert GEDDES died on December 26 in Mission Viejo Veronica BLAKE died on December 29 in Garden Grove Michael MATTHEWS died on December 30 in Garden Grove. EARLY FEBRUARY 2021 BUSINESS SPECIAL FULLERTON OBSERVER PAGE 20

with delivering goods due to employees Small Businesses Adapting By S. Kilpatrick sick with COVID and re-structuring their facilities to meet CDC guidelines.” Business as usual has taken on a cols, Brownstone started offering family Many retailers were able to find alter- whole new meaning. Teleconferencing, meals at affordable prices as a way to native sources of income by applying cleaning, and juggling a slew of new help people in the community. “I knew for an EIDL grant and PPP loan, but concerns for employees and owners we had to do something to help families Terri Kennedy, proprietor of Ipso Facto, alike can be formidable. However, small and a family meal seemed the best way personally sewed and shipped over 300 business owners in Fullerton are finding to help them.” cotton face masks in custom fabrics that innovative strategies to survive this Fullerton Loves Food (FLF) a social paid her rent and utilities. “During this unprecedented economic disruption due media-created movement, organized last shut down, we sadly saw the demise to the pandemic. community members to shop at a specif- of a few vendors and discovered that “We are doing our best. We know we ic business for the day. Amy Davis, one many suppliers were unable to ship due are in this together,” Jinan Montecristo, of the owners of Let It Brie cheese shop to worker shortages and the instability owner of Les Amis Restaurant, said. said that FLF told them the day they of USPS and other shippers.” Early on her whole family caught and would send people to go on their buying As many retail vendors have turned recovered from COVID so they recog- spree, so they were able to get enough their attention to their websites and nized the importance of every sanitation staff ready. “We were able to pay our social media accounts to bolster sales, protocol recommended and they imple- rent and employees for a month or two. Nancy Jamar, owner of Gilding the Lily, mented even more. Jinan explained that We were thrilled to be chosen.” Amy lamented, “I have learned some impor- it has been a strain physically and men- talked about how they had to gear up tant lessons while forging a new identity tally dealing with the restrictions and fast to offer curbside service, delivery, for my business: If you're not in front of fears of customers and employees. “Our and more gifts items. people, they'll forget you in a hot customers have been so supportive of Mulberry Street Ristorante also com- minute.” not only us, but of the community as mended the City for making outdoor Still some businesses found that they well. They have been donating meals for dining possible. “The City has really were considered essential workers such essential workers through our website.” stepped up to help all the restaurants on as Fullerton’s landscape and home A local jazz musician, Ron Wilshire Ave. Without their help many improvement specialist David Nelson, Kobayashi, who could be heard at Les of us would have closed probably for owner of Pacific Coast Landscaping. Amis’ outdoor venue before the first good,” owner Brandon Bevins said. The “We have been extremely busy. quarantine, has turned his skills toward City has continued to support restau- Everyone’s seeing their yards as a place education by giving lessons to individu- rants by not enforcing Governor to live and they want it as nice as the als online and in classrooms where they Newsom’s mandate to shut down leav- inside of their homes. We have been can social distance. Also adapting to the ing restaurants and patrons to follow the Les Amis employee delivering curbside. busier than ever but have had trouble new social distancing requirements, guidelines of social distancing and sani- finding people who want to work.” Michelle Gottlieb, a local therapist, is tation. According to the CDC, in gener- Social, said. “We had planned to open Currently Fullerton has an unemploy- surviving with the help of Zoom where al, being outdoors and in spaces with just before the pandemic hit, but with ment rate of 6.90% which has dropped she meets clients and teaches. good ventilation reduces the risk of total quarantine we decided to put it off. from September’s high of 8.20%. Nonprofit groups have also found exposure to the virus. Being vigilant We just didn’t think it was going to be There are many sources of assistance inventive ways to support local busi- about contact, wearing face masks, and this long. We have been fortunate, and for businesses but finding the time to nesses and the community. One such hygiene is advised at all times. have been doing great despite the cir- devote to navigating all of them may group, The Assistance League of However, not all businesses were so cumstances,” seem daunting. For more help and Fullerton, was inspired to hire lucky. Vino Nostro Wine bar found Changing and adapting to the safety resources that small businesses can con- Brownstone Café to serve meals to St. themselves facing a new lease and and health measures, owner of Roadkill tact: Jude’s Hospital staff when the first quar- decided to close rather than sign. The women’s boutique Julie Rasmussen Fullerton Community and Economic antine shut down businesses. Kim economic uncertainty was too harsh a said, “I installed plexiglass stands at the Development for a list of services: Rhynes, owner and operator, said, “It burden. However, other businesses front counter and added a hand sanitiz- Call (714) 738-6837 or email Kelly at was a Godsend and helped us so much opened despite the pandemic and have ing station at the front door and back [email protected] when we really needed it. We were so found a modicum of success in these door. It’s been challenging to plan for Small Business Administration: appreciative of all the nurses at St. challenging times. “We opened the day merchandise deliveries. A lot of the ven- www.sba.gov Jude’s ER.” Meeting the challenge of before Thanksgiving,” Vijay Rajput, dors are still having problems with pro- Chamber of Commerce: www.noccham- adapting to the recent quarantine proto- manager of the newly opened Miirch duction and some are still backed up ber.com/covid-19-resources/ VALENTINES DINNER FOR VALENTINES CLOTHING & GIFTS TWO OR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Pick up a pizza for dinner Angelos and Vincis Ristorante Est 1971 4pm to 8:30pm 550 N Harbor Blvd • 714-879-4022 www.angelosandvincis.com

Patio Dining OPEN!

VALENTINES HOME REPAIR & LANDSCAPING