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No. 95476
April 7, 2016
South Harbor to be paved
New LH city hall taking shape
By Jay Seidel La Habra Journal
Jay Seidel/La Habra Journal
New archway: The building that will house the new La Habra Civic Center is starting to take shape. The new location is on the south side of La Habra Boulevard and East of Euclid Avenue. The new city hall should be completed later this year. Demolition of the old location will follow once it is moved.
Riders galloping to a new season
By Autumn Whitney La Habra Journal
LA HABRA HEIGHTS
Highland Riders, the equestrian organization located in La Habra Heights, is preparing for their first show of this year’s season, which begins on April 24. Founded in 1961 by two local families, Highland Riders began holding horse shows in 1964 at the Walnut Valley Riders arena before buying the Cypress Street arena in 1969. Prior to purchasing the arena on Cypress Street, in 1965 Highland Riders leased Southern California Gas Company’s property at the end of Las Palomas Drive. During this time the club split shows between the Las Palomas and Walnut Valley Riders arenas – as many people rode their horses to the shows, they wanted to avoid turning participants away. “Our mission is to provide opportunities for the community to ride and exhibit their horses,” said Michelle Saldivar, president of Highland Riders. “You don’t have to live in the Heights to do it. We welcome any and all.” Highland Riders eventually relocated to The Park on Hacienda, where
they now hold four shows each year, displaying both Western and English disciplines in a variety of events, including walk and jog classes, pleasure class and trail pattern class. Riders are judged on their technique, as well as their horses’ behavior, in each of the categories. All ages are invited to showcase their abilities – as a community organization, Highland Riders caters to children and adults. The club is also open to horses of all ages – some in the competition are as young as three years old, while others are 20. A majority of the horses are between eight and 18 years, according to Saldivar. As participants become better riders, the difficulty increases. On average the shows see 20 to 30 horses and 50 to 60 people, as two people sometimes ride the same horse in different divisions, according to Saldivar. Highland Riders is open to all people who want to put their talents on display, and they readily welcome newcomers to their club. “We try to get new people all the time,” Saldivar said. “The more people
that come, the better the competition. And it’s a better competition for everybody. We have a nice community.” Many riders return to the club’s shows for the contest between each other. Highland Riders runs a buckle series – participants earn points for each show; at the end, the person with the most points wins a buckle. “[The riders and trainers] come pretty faithfully to our program – to our horseshow,” Saldivar said. Apart from the friendly, competitive atmosphere, Saldivar notes that many of the children involved with the club are academically driven because of the responsibility that comes with caring for a horse. Owners pay close attention to their horses’ lives – they must feed their pets twice each day and exercise them daily. “You’ve got to be a confident person to be able to go around on that big animal,” Saldivar said. “It’s good for kids, good for adults; it’s great exercise.” This year the Highland Riders will have shows on June 5, August 21 and September 18, in addition to the first competition on April 24. For more information visit highlandriderslhh.com.
WHAT ’ S INSIDE THIS ISSUE New entertainment lineup boasts global twist
Local nonprofit battles terror for the sake of love FEATURES PAGES 8
LOCAL NEWS PAGE 7
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There will soon be some changes to south Harbor Boulevard, it will be repaved. This, after the La Habra City Council approved at its meeting Monday, a cooperative agreement with the city of Fullerton to pave and rehabilitate Harbor Boulevard. Harbor Boulevard is a main traffic artery for commuters and thus has seen a lot of wear and tear. The stretch of Harbor Boulevard south of Lambert Road and just south of La Palmas Drive is a winding border boundary between La Habra and Fullerton. The pavement agreement is for the stretch of Harbor Boulevard south of Imperial Highway and 300 feet south of La Palmas Drive. Much of the northbound side is within Fullerton’s borders, except south of Best Buy, which it comes back to La Habra, while the southbound side twists into Fullerton. With it being a high traffic area, it was important for both cities to collaborate on a plan and develop a pavement program. Mayor Pro Tem Tim Shaw shared his concern with city staff that since its high volume of cars that Harbor remain open in some capacity. The paving program is set to start by May, and city staff said that it will not be closed. “There will always be a lane open,” said Chris Johansen, La Habra City Engineer. He explained that work will be done to the sides and much of it will be done in the evening after the rush hour traffic has subsided. The total cost for the project is $655,890. The Orange County Transit Authority will fund $262,356, or 40 percent, of the pavement program while Fullerton will pay $161,874. The total cost for La Habra will be $231, 660, which will come from the city’s Gas Tax Funds. Shaw added that he was looking forward to the completion of the project and a smoother ride for commuters on Harbor.
The oldest car dealership in LH prides itself on customer service FEATURES PAGE 10
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
The Boys & Girls Clubs of La Habra provides a free, nutritious snack to all youth ages 0- 18. Youth in the community are welcome to come to the club Monday-Friday between 3:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. to receive a free snack.
Saturday, April 9, 2016
The circus is in town! This is a one stage traveling operation with high-wire acts, acrobats, magicians and clowns. Showtimes this evening are 5:30 & 7:30 p.m. The cost is to be announced and the location will be at the La Habra Marketplace Shopping Center, 1801 W. Imperial Hwy. Pizza Rev will be having a fundraiser for the La Habra Art Walk today. The hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Pizza Rev will donate 20% of your purchase to the La Habra Art Walk. Just mention the fundraiser at the register. Pizza Rev is located at 1841 W. Imperial Hwy. in La Habra.
Sunday, April 10, 2016
The circus is in town! This is a one stage traveling operation with high-wire acts, acrobats, magicians and clowns. Showtimes today are at 3:30, 5:30 & 7:30 p.m. The cost is to be announced and the location will be at the La Habra Marketplace Shopping Center, 1801 W. Imperial Hwy.
Monday, April 11, 2016
Homework Help at the La Habra Library Mon through Thur from 4pm to 5:30pm. High school volunteers help elementary school children with their homework in the Library Meeting Room. Parents need to register their students at their first session. La Habra City Planning Commission Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Free Zumba classes are offered at the LH Library every Tuesday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. No need to worry about childcare. Children’s activities and story times will be held in the library during your Zumba class! For more information call (562) 694-0078. Save your family history/memories by attending this free “Memoir Writing Workshop” . Workshops are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesday’s of each month beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the La Habra United Methodist Church,
NEWS BRIEFS
631 N. Euclid. Everyone is welcome! For more information please call John Knox at (562) 691-1797 or email him at knoxbox@aol.com
Thursday, April 14, 2016
La Habra Heights City Council Meeting begins at 6 p.m.
Friday, April 15, 2016
Free Movie in The Park featuring Pan! There will be some fun activities and entertainment, food is available to purchase or you can bring your own. Seating is on the grass so be sure to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Brio Park, 300 S. Euclid St. from 6-9 p.m. (movie begins at dusk)
Saturday, April 16, 2016
The Community Development Dept invites you to attend their Open House from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 209 N. Orange St. This is a great opportunity to meet the staff and get info on the future of La Habra. This morning from 9-11 a.m. look for all kinds of animal tracks on this 2.8 mile easy hike on a trail open for guided hikes only. Trail Access is via a dirt road with a low lying gate across the street from Arroyo Pescadero lot. No dogs. 7531 Colima Road, Whittier. For more information visit www. habitatauthority.org.
Monday, April 18, 2016
Friendship Square Quilt Guild Meeting is this evening at 6:45 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 631 N. Euclid St. Guest are welcome! For more information visit www.fsqg.org.
Jay Seidel/La Habra Journal Federally trained: The La Habra Council recognized La Habra Police Department Captain George Johnston who recently completed a 10-month advanced police leadership training program at the FBI National Academy. He is holding his certificate with members of his family, council and LHPD Chief Jerry Price
Next KaBoom project set for Montwood Park.
Another La Habra park will have its playground equipment updated and receive an overall cleanup as part of the KaBoom community parks project. Members of the community can help with this project at Montwood Park on Saturday, April 16. Contact the LH Community Services Department if you are interested at (562) 383-4204
LH Community Development Dept. holding open house
Members of the Planning, Building and Safety, Housing, Economic DeChipping in for Kids Golf Classic velopment, Traffic and Engineering benefiting the LH Children’s Muse- Departments will be on hand to disum is today. For Golf Packages and cuss “The Future of La Habra”, recent Sponsorship opportunities call (562) and future development projects. 383-4242. See ad on page 10 for more information. La Habra City Council Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.
To share news, event notices and information with the community, contact the La Habra Journal at: news@lahabrajournal.com Or call: (562) 665-8954
Jay Seidel/La Habra Journal
Brian Burgess receives the proclamation from the La Habra City Council for the annual Prayer Breakfast.
The staff will be available to talk with residents on Saturday, April 16 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Veterans Memorial Hall (209 N. Orange St.).
La Habra’s Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast set for May
The La Habra City Council recognized Brian Burgess and his efforts organizing this year’s annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on May 5 at the Community Center. The breakfast, sponsored by the Highlander Kiwanis Club of La Habra, is an event that evolved from the National Day of Prayer. This year’s prayer breakfast marks the thirty-fourth annual prayer breakfast in La Habra. This year’s theme is Wake Up America.
LH Heights to honor outgoing LA County Supervisor Knabe
La Habra Heights City Council will be recognizing outgoing LA County Supervisor Don Knabe on Thursday, April 14 at 5:15 p.m. at the LHH city hall building. The council is inviting the public to the reception for Knabe’s service representing the Heights at the county level. Hors D’oeuvres and refreshments will be served. The Rancho Starbuck Drumline will perform and the council will be presenting the supervisor with some parting gifts on behalf of the city.
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OPINION
Did you know... By Nicole Panza La Habra Historical Museum
In the late 1940s and 1950s the La Habra community experienced a significant boom in construction and development that shaped the La Habra community we know today. After World War II, La Habra like many other communities in Southern California experienced an increase in population, and a subsequent boom in suburban development. New schools were built, water plants and lines were improved, and the citrus groves that covered the city were cleared for city lots and tract housing. In 1949, the La Habra Star reported that “a total of 346 building permits were issued in La Habra,” of which 280 permits were for single family homes. The value of these permits totaled $1,383,420, an “all time high” for the La Habra community. La Habra would continue to grow throughout the fifties expanding far beyond its original 1925 boundaries. The La Habra Star reported in 1959 that “La Habra ranked seventh in Orange County in subdivision activity.” In 1958, La Habra developed 13 tracts that included 683 lots and 33 acres. In comparison, Brea in 1958, had
COMMENTARY
developed only 2 tracts that included 107 lots and 33 acres. All of this building and tract development in the post-war era contributed to a rapidly changing landscape. With several new housing and city projects in the works today, it seems as if our town is entering into another period of intense transformation. Sources: La Habra Star, December 30, 1949, January 16, 1959; The Pass Through the Hills by Esther Cramer.
CHRISTIAN CARCANO Pre-planning Advisor Funeral/Cemetery Sales Insurance License # 0E10379 3888 Workman Mill Rd. Whittier, California 90601 www.rosehills.com
The La Habra Journal is an independent, locally owned and run, community newspaper published bimonthly and serving the cities of La Habra and La Habra Heights. The Journal’s mission is to provide a vehicle of communication for the whole community and bring the community members together. The La Habra Journal welcomes views and comments from the community. All letters to the editor need to have a name for publication. Comments by the community are the views of the community and subject to verification. Authors will be contacted and notified prior to publication of their letters. The La Habra City Council meets the first and third Mondays of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Civic Center. The La Habra Heights City Council meets on the second Thursday of the month at City Hall at 6 p.m.
Toll Free: (888) 314-9550 Cell: (562) 652-8240 email: christian.carcano@rosehills.com
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Editor: Jay Seidel Operations Manager: Jennifer Seidel Advertising Director Sue Thompson Founding Partners: Jane Williams Nancy Bishop Dotty Shively Reporters: Jason Burch, Christie Garcia, Erik Markus, Naomi Osuna, Ashley Pellegrini, Rachel Rohm, Leon Rome, Autumn Whitney Photographers: Christian Maneros
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We need to be more accountable for accuracy
It was an interesting past couple weeks. Our community was thrust into a media spotlight again for something completely unexpected. It also brought an observation and conversation on media itself. In this issue, you’ll read about the story of the members of the team from the Containers for Hope who were caught up in the terrorist bombings of the Brussels airport. Many of you possibly saw the story reported on ABC 7, CBS 2, NBC 4, KTLA 5, FOX 11 or Telemundo. Field reporters stood out in front of Whittier Christian High School and talked about the group that it was in the airport. While the fact that one of the members was a senior at the school and another was a teacher, none of the other members were directly connected to WCHS, nor was it a school trip. However, many of the reporters and news stations implied that is was a WCHS group that was over there and in trouble. As a journalist and journalism professor, I was troubled by this misleading inference. As I watched the stories shared across Facebook pages and in community pages, I wondered about the spread of inaccurate information. Even the article that ran in the Whittier Daily News said it was a group from WCHS. The OC Register was probably the most accurate, but was still a little off the mark. The rush to be first is something all journalists deal with. However,
I stress to the aspiring journalists in my class that they can be fast, but they need to be accurate first. Nothing is worse for a reporter than the loss of credibility. Without that, it doesn’t matter how fast you are, you still just cry wolf. Samantha Williams, daughter of the couple who founded Containers of Hope summed it up when she said the information being provided was “true-ish.” There are many times my colleagues in print and broadcast news settle for the “trueish” approach to information for the sake of being first (or early). I hope that professors and others continue to stress the importance of accuracy, no matter the story. Further, I hope that we, as consumers, continue to do our part to seek out accurate information and not just take things as 100 percent accurate. When this happens we can then be guilty of sharing false info. A study a few years ago by the Pew Center said that nearly 80 percent of the information retweeted on Twitter was not read by the person retweerting it. Thus furthering the possibility of spreading false information. We all need to be better in our efforts for accuracy. We have the duty of telling a complete story. If we (media outlets) miss something or make an error, we need to acknowledge it. We can’t just settle for “true-ish” information. —The Editor
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4
LHPD’s newest gang unit takes sweet approach By Jaimee Lynn Fletcher Behind the Badge OC.
The teen sat relaxed on the curb, leaning back onto his hands with his feet outstretched in the street. The two La Habra gang unit detectives were equally as relaxed. There was laughing, pleasantries and even talk about the best side dishes to bring to a weekend barbecue. “Wait, I know you,” Det. Daniels concluded after some small talk. He and Det. Razey knew who the 17-year-old was when they stopped him for riding his bicycle without lights on a recent Friday night. “Your cousin runs with one of our La Habra gangs,” Daniels said, maintaining the light mood. Through a smirk, the teen denied knowing anything about that, but the detectives pushed on. “Yeah, he does. That’s right,” Daniels said snapping his fingers. The detectives pointed out the teen’s Washington Nationals hat, explaining it’s common for gang members and their affiliates to wear sports gear to represent their crew. “It’s just a hat,” the teen said. “I like the team.” Razey jumped in. “Oh, really? Cool. Can you name four players?” The teen couldn’t name one. The detectives took the opportunity to let the high school student know that they know who he’s been running with and offered a warning. “Just remember, there are reper-
cussions for what you do,” Razey said. “It’s something you have to think about: Do you want to do this the rest of your life? “Just know, what we don’t find out now, we’ll find out later.” The entire interaction was pleasant, friendly even — one of the tactics of La Habra’s newest gang unit. “You always catch more flies with honey,” Daniels said. “You can always bring (your intensity) up, if you need to and sometimes, with some of these guys, you have to.” Working in the gang unit starts with talking, lots of tracking and gathering intel, and keeping your finger on the pulse of the city’s gangs to ensure the historic low in gang-related activity the department has realized in recent years stays that way. From the early 1990s to about 2005, La Habra had a serious gang problem. It seemed every year the city was dealing with gang-related homicides, along with multiple non-fatal shootings, stabbings and drive-bys. In a city with nearly 62,000 residents, the activity was considered significant. School resource officers and a full-time probation officer were introduced in the department, and La Habra PD later changed the way officers policed the streets. The changes worked. Using crime data for predictive policing and patrolling the city based on crime districts,contributed to city seeing a 25-year low in its crime rates, in 2014.
LOCAL NEWS
Photo by Miguel Vasconcellos/Behind the Badge OC.
Community policing: Detectives Razey, left, and Daniels, right, are members of the La Habra Gang Unit.
However, police must remain diligent and proactive to keep the city from slipping back to the days when gang violence was considered a normal dynamic in many La Habra neighborhoods. Razey, a 15-year veteran of the La Habra PD, has been with the unit about a year. Daniels, who has four years on the force, started with the unit in September. Razey, who worked as a motor officer for nine years, never thought he’d be chasing after gang members, while Daniels knew he wanted to land this assignment when his badge was first pinned. They make a good team. “He’s a wealth of knowledge,” Daniels said of Razey. “Our partnership works well because it’s a melding of different expertise.” Daniels takes pride in being the stats guy — expertly logging information on gang affiliates and learning to spot trends — while Razey serves as the seasoned mentor who is good with the advice. The duo typically works nights and when not running parole checks or visiting recently released documented gang members, they run suppression operations. Part of that suppression effort means looking to prevent kids from joining gangs in the first place. If a La Habra School Resource Officer reports an at-risk student is having problems in school, Razey and Daniels will step in and try to mentor the student and encourage them to choose a different life path. “By high school, most kids have made the decision (whether or not they will join a gang),” Daniels said.
“We go out and talk to middle school kids and let them know we’re not the bad guys, and really try to get them focused on the right path, so they don’t have issues down the road.” The police are looking at introducing programs, such as the Orange County District Attorney’s Gang Reduction Intervention Program (GRIP), as an added resource to deter kids from gangs. “Middle schoolers are where we need to put our focus because they are the most easily influenced,” Razey said. The hard part, he added, is reaching the children born into families where gang life has become a tradition. “We have families here who are fourth or fifth generation gang members who grew up in this town,” Razey said. This dynamic calls for a different kind of suppression technique. “Our suppression usually involves going to targeted gang neighborhoods or neighborhoods we have identified as areas where, historically, gangs hang out,” Daniels said. “We like to keep our presence there.” The gang unit cruises around in an unmarked SUV — a vehicle that’s supposed to be discreet, but Razey said it’s well-known in the city. “As soon as they see the SUV coming, they know,” he said. “They know exactly what it is and who we are.” That presence is what Razey and Daniels said helps deter gang activity. “Just seeing us can keep gang members at bay,” Daniels said. “We’re definitely a proactive unit, that’s why I love our job.”
COMMUNITY RELIGIOUS SERVICES Bethany Romanian Baptist Church 1431 W. La Habra Blvd. La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 690-3844 Beth Shalom 14564 Hawes Street, Whittier, CA 90604 562-941-8744 Erev Shabbat Services every Friday at 7:30 pm Shabbat Services every Saturday at 9:45. Calvary Chapel 1370 South Euclid Street La Habra (714) 446-6222 Services: Sunday 9 a.m., & 11 a.m. Wednesday 7 p.m. www.cclhabra.org Calvary Chapel Into the Light 217 North Walnut Street La Habra (562) 690-3000 Services: Sunday (English) 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. (Spanish) 10:30 a.m. Casa de Oracion 150 E. 1st Ave. La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 278-4282 Services: Thursday 7 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m., 6 p.m. Church of Christ 1621 West Lambert Road La Habra (562) 697-4115 Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 2351 E La Habra Blvd. La Habra (562) 691-1212 Community Bible Church 401 E. 1st Ave. La Habra (562) 691-2798 Service: Sunday 11 a.m. Crossroads Community Church 222 N. Euclid La Habra (562) 691-6674 Service: Sunday 10 a.m. Emanuel Lutheran Church 150 N. Palm Street La Habra (562) 691-0656 Service: Sunday 9 & 10:30 a.m. Family Bible Church 123 E. 2nd Ave. La Habra (562) 694-9900 Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m., Tuesday 6:30 p.m., Friday 6:30 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. Facebook: Family Bible Church of La Habra The Church at Green Hills 2200 West Imperial Hwy. La Habra (562) 943-7291 Services: Sunday (English) 9 & 10:45 (Spanish) 9 a.m. (Korean) 10:45 a.m. Heights Worship Center International Ministries 2000 West Road La Habra Heights (626) 893-9963 Service: Sunday 8:30-10 a.m. Friday: 7 p.m. Youth worship & Adult Connection Rev. N. Jaren Lapasaran, Jr. - Sr. pastor www.hwcim.org Hillcrest Congregational Church UCC 2000 West Road La Habra Heights, CA 90631 www.hillcrest-church.org Rev. Paul Clay, Senior Pastor Worship service: Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Home of Hillcrest Country Day School Church office - (562) 947-3755 School office – (562) 533-2354
Inglesia Bautista 700 W. La Habra Blvd. La Habra (562) 691-8162 Services: Sunday 11 a.m. & 6 p.m. Bible Sudy, prayer service Wed. 7 p.m. Bilingual services Korean Gospel Presbyterian Church 1751 West La Habra Boulevard La Habra (562) 694-6214 Services: Sunday 9 a.m., 11 a.m. La Habra Christian Church 400 Bella Vista Drive La Habra Heights (562) 691-0514 Services: Sunday 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. La Habra Foursquare Mission 324 E. 1st Ave. La Habra (562) 694-2224 Services: Sunday 9 a.m., 11:15 a.m. La Habra Hills Presbyterian 951 N. Idaho Street La Habra (562) 691-3296 Service: Sunday 10 a.m. La Habra United Methodist 631 N. Euclid St. La Habra (562) 691-1797 Service: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Lighthouse Landmark Missionary Baptist Church 550 N. Euclid St. La Habra (562) 697-1364 Service: Sunday 10:45 a.m. Lutheran Church of the Master 1601 West La Habra Blvd. La Habra (562) 697-2884 Service Sunday 9 a.m. Morningstar Christian Chapel 16241 Leffingwell Road Whittier, CA 90603 (562) 943-0297 Service: Sunday 8:30, 9:45, 11:30 a.m. Sunday Evening 7:00 p.m. Wednesday Evening 7:00 p.m. Young Adults (18-25): Friday 7:00 p.m. Jack Abeelen Senior Pastor www.morningstarcc.org Mission Presbyterian Church 1901 E. Lambert Rd. Suite 105 La Habra (714) 448-3305 Services: Sunday 10:30 a.m., Wednesday 7 p.m.. mid-week study Na Sung 1620 Fullerton Road La Habra Heights (562) 690-7979 Services: Sunday 8 a.m., 11 a.m. New Life Church of La Habra 740 E. Lambert Rd. Unit E La Habra (562) 694-5534 newlifechurchlahabra.com Services: Sunday 10 a.m., 6 p.m.; Our Lady of Guadalupe 900 West La Habra Boulevard La Habra (562) 691-0533 www.olglahabra.org Call or visit for service information Potter’s Christian Fellowship 740 East Lambert Road La Habra (562) 690-7020 Service: Sunday 10 a.m. Redemption Hill Church Sonora High School 401 S. Palm St. La Habra, CA (562) 947-4791 Service: Sunday 10 a.m. www.rhchurches.com
INSPIRATIONAL CORNER
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By Dennis Laherty, the Co-Pastor of Emanuel Lutheran Church, La Habra
Over the years the concept of a higher power has been extremely provocative. The name “higher power” comes chiefly from the organization Alcoholics Anonymous. Since AA is a non-denominational group, and in fact wanting to be open to participants from many different religious organizations, the term was coined so as not to be offensive or confusing for those who might be affiliated with a religious institution. Religious institutions use other names: God, the Creator, Savior, Redeemer, Allah, Jehovah, Yawheh making the list of names seem endless. But AA uses the words “higher power” for another reason. The idea of a higher power simply means there is something in the cosmos with more power than we ourselves. Where organized religion usually attempts to establish a relationship between the individual and the deity, AA presents the higher power as a more general entity that is above the person rather than next to them. One can certainly understand how this view can be helpful with recovery from addiction. I find the intentional vagueness of a higher power helpful even for members of organized religion who may comfortably use one of the aforementioned names. The term “higher power” is universal. Regardless of what name a person uses to address a deity, “higher power” is all inclusive. It tends to describe something that is greater than any of us. When one of the other names is used, that certainly represents the person’s higher power. The universality is striking in another way. If a person doesn’t believe in a deity, they can still believe in a higher power. You might feel that I’m playing with words. Not really. The concept of a higher power is very real. In fact, if you use one of the other names for your deity, that is your “higher power”. In that way, we are all united more than one would think. Rehoboth Reformed Church 501 South Idaho Street #120 La Habra (626) 820-9390 Service: Sunday 10 a.m.
Vineyard North Orange County 615 S. Palm St La Habra (562) 697-4600 Services: Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.
St. Paul Lutheran Church 111 W. Las Palmas Drive Fullerton, CA 92835 714-879-8290 Services: Sunday Liturgical 8.a.m. and 11 a.m. Praise: 9:30 a.m.
The Warehouse Foursquare Church 16200 E. Amber Valley Dr. Whittier (562) 690-5109 Services: Sunday 9 a.m., 11 a.m.
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LA HABRA JOURNAL
April 7, 2016
City Communicator Show Your City Some Love The City of La Habra is seeking volunteers for two upcoming community projects. The first is the renovation of Montwood Park and its playground, 231 E. Montwood Ave., on Saturday, April 16th, 7:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Pre-register for this event by contacting Katie Elmore at 562-383-4208 or kelmore@lahabraca.gov. The second annual Love La Habra event, headed by co-chairs Pastor Kurt Fuller and Police Chief Jerry Price, will be held on Saturday, April 30th, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., at Portola Park. The event begins with breakfast and ends with lunch for all volunteers. Recruitment for those who want to serve as volunteer project managers, workers and sponsors is currently underway. For more information on being part of Love La Habra, visit the event website, lovelahabra.com, or contact Jessica Fuller at 562-690-5109. If you are interested in being a project manager, please contact Katie Elmore at kelmore@lahabraca.gov or 562-383-4208. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact David De Leon at ddeleon@lahabraca.gov or 562-383-4206.
FREE Movies in the Park The Community Services Department will begin its 2016 Movies in the Park program on Friday, April 15th at Brio Park, 300 S. Euclid St., with a showing of Pan. Activities begin at 6:00 p.m., and the movie will screen at dusk (approximately 7:00 p.m.). Participants can bring their own food and beverages or purchase snacks at the snack bar. Seating is on the grass, so lawn chairs or blankets are a must. The upcoming movie schedule is as follows: � May 20th The Good Dinosaur Brio Park � June 10th Hotel Transylvania 2 Esteli Park � June 17th Cinderella Brio Park � July 15th Minions Montwood Park � July 22nd Inside Out Brio Park All movies are rated PG. For more information, please contact the Community Center at 562-383-4200.
Community Development Department Open House You’re invited to learn more about the City’s Community Development Department and the future of La Habra at an open house on Saturday, April 16th, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 209 N. Orange St. Staff from Plannning, Building & Safety, Housing, Economic Development, Traffic and Engineering will be available to answer all you questions. In addition, developers will be present to discuss approved City projects, such as Kaiser Permanente, Fairfield, City Ventures, Starbucks, Cervetto, as well as proposed projects that include ICI Development, Northgate Market and Rancho La Habra, to name a few. For more information, please contact the City at 562-383-4100.
City Numbers * All numbers are 562 area code unless otherwise specified.
Animal Control: Beautification Committee: Building & Safety: Child Development: Children’s Museum: City Clerk’s Office: City Hall: City Manager’s Office: Comm. Preserv. Hotline: Community Services: Engineering Department: Fire Department:
Web Site: www.lahabraca.gov A Publication of the City of
L A H ABRA
383-4352 383-4010 383-4116 383-4270 383-4236 383-4030 383-4000 383-4010 383-4143 383-4200 383-4151 691-4692
Earth Day/Arbor Day Event at El Centro-Lions Park On Saturday, April 23rd, the Public Works Department will hold its annual Earth Day/Arbor Day event at El Centro-Lions Park, 320 E. Erna Avenue, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Composting mulch, donated by CR&R Incorporated Environmental Services, and tree seedlings, donated by West Coast Arborists, will be free to La Habra residents, and an informational fair will educate about water conservation, recycling and La Habra’s Public Works programs. Residents are limited to two bags of mulch per person; bags will be provided. Tree seedlings will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please bring proof of residence. The City’s landscaping contractor, S.C. Yamamoto, will also graciously donate ten “Pink Cloud” cherry trees to be planted at Vista del Valle Park in La Habra. For more information, please contact the Public Works Department at (562) 383-4170.
National Prescription Take Back Day Help make your home and the community safer by dropping off your expired, unused , or unwanted over-the-counter and presecription medications at the La Habra Police Department front lobby, 150 N. Euclid St., on Saturday, April 30th, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Please no syringes or illegal narcotics. For more information, please contact the Police Department at 562-383-4300.
Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast The La Habra Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast will be held on Thursday, May 5th, at 6:15 a.m. at the La Habra Community Center, 101 W. La Habra Blvd. This year’s guest speaker is Frank Tanana, former pitcher for the California Angels, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, New York Mets and New York Yankees, and famous for his 100+ MPH fastball. In 1975, he led both leagues in strikeout-to-walk ratio, and in 1977, he pitched 14 consecutive complete games. He also appeared in three consecutive All-Star Games. He currently serves on the Pro Athletes Outreach Board of Directors. Tickets are $15 per person or $150 per table. For more information or to make reservations, please contact Brian Burgess at (562) 697-7000.
Emergency Preparedness Meeting Wednesday, April 27th, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the La Habra Community Center, 101 W. La Habra Blvd.
Zika & West Nile Virus - Mosquito Control Your Medications in Emergencies Pet Preparedness in Emergencies For more information, please call (562) 383-4306 Graffiti Hotline: 383-4220 La Habra Shuttle: 866-557-7433 Library: 694-0078 NOC Youth Center: 383-4227 Personnel Services: 383-4079 Planning Department: 383-4100 Police Department: 383-4300 Public Works: 383-4170 Traffic Office: 383-4151 Water & Sewer Billing: 383-4070
City Facebook: www.facebook.com/CityofLaHabraCA City Twitter: @LaHabraCA
Your City Council: James Gomez, Mayor Tim Shaw, Mayor Pro Tem Rose Espinoza Tom Beamish Michael Blazey La Habra City Hall 201 E. La Habra Boulevard La Habra, CA 90631 Telephone: 383-4000 FAX: 383-4474 *The Council meets the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
7
LOCAL NEWS
Citrus Fair lines up diverse flavor for entertainment By Ashley Pellegrini La Habra Journal
The Seventh Annual Citrus Fair is coming to downtown La Habra April 29 through May 1. The theme for this year’s entertainment is cultural diversity, and will take on various forms of dancing and musical performances. The Citrus Fair has always given a nod to cultural diversity. This year there will be more added surprises from all over the world. They will include a wide array of musical performances on a brand new stage, which will provide a shaded area for its guests The Citrus Fair will begin on Friday, April 29 with the familiar “Bubble Parade” at 6 p.m. Mayor James Gomez and local entertainer Scott Olsen, will perform the La Habra-centered “Still the One”; along with the Hardtrack Band. There will also be a special Michael Jackson tribute by entertainer Remji and his ensemble. Saturday will mark another day of fun, thrills and performances. The full day will start off with USA Dance, and Corona Dance studios. All the country lovers out there can experience square dancing, line dancing and a Country Barn Dance beginning at 4 p.m. Country entertainment will continue with music from the band Fort Worth West located on the main stage until 7:30 p.m. If you’ve never experienced square or line dancing, this is an opportunity to learn the right moves. The party continues with a live band performing all your greatest blues and rock hits until 10 p.m. According to La Habra Chamber of Commerce CEO Mark Sturdevant, Sunday will be considered “International Day”.
Beginning at noon, traditional dances from different countries located in Latin America, Asia, Polynesia and Europe will be performed. Fairgoers can enjoy traditional dances from India such as Baliwood, and Balipop, mixed with a little bit of Zumba. Some of the younger dancers will partake in the performances as well. Group participation by the public is highly encouraged. Local dance studios such as Corona Dance Studio and Alohi’s Dance Studio will partake in a few cultural performances ranging from belly dancing, Polynesian, Hawaiian and Folklorico dancing. Up-and-coming Latin soloist Sherleen Lopez is also expected to contribute to the performances. She will then join, Las Colobri (the hummingbird) which is an all female mariachi band comprised of nine female performers, and will play traditional music of Mexico. The grand finale to this year’s Citrus Fair will be Cal State Los Angeles Latin-Afro Ensemble that will include 16-20 dancers to close out the fair. “It should be pretty spectacular,” said Mark Sturdavent. Sturdavent hopes to add more cultural performances in the coming years such as: Asian, Japanese, and Chinese by incorporating traditional dragon and lion dancers, drums, and other traditional dances. He believes that festivals are one of the best ways to experience different cultures. “Food and dance are the two main things that communicate cultures,” Sturdavent said. He added that Sunday will be one of the best days for families to experience the cultural diversity of the fair. Admission and all entertainment
Jay Seidel/La Habra Journal World music: A look at Mariachi Divas from last year’s Citrus Fair. This year’s Citrus Fair will host an expanded list of live entertainment, including a variety of artists specializing in music types from around the world.
are completely free at the La Habra Citrus Fair. Discount tickets for attractions can be purchased in advance through www.citrusfair.com
Hours of operation are: Friday, April from 29 5-11 p.m., Saturday, April 30 from noon-11 p.m., and Sunday, May 1 from noon -9 p.m.
ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
Friday April 29 Bubble Parade 5:30 6pm Official Opening of the Fair with Mayor Gomez 6:15 Hardtack Band 8-10pm Michael Jackson Tribute performance
Saturday April 30 11:45am–12:30 p.m. USA Dance Studio 12:30 Corona Dance Studio 1:00 Pure Atoma Band 2:00 Bobby Neptune and The Blues Riders 3:00 Step Brothers 4:00–5:30 Square dance and Line dance with public encouraged to participate 5:30–7:30 Fort Worth West country dance band 8:00–10:00 Blues Bros/California Dream dance band
Sunday May 1 International Entertainment 12:00 - Bravo Academy of Music 1:30 Aakansha - Bollypop exercise & India dance 2:30 Corona Dance Studio Folkloric dance 3:30 Belly Dancers - Sabrina Cleopatra’s Court 4:00 Polynesian Dance Alohi’s Dance Studio 5:00 Korean Music and Dance – Esther Lee Studio 6:30 Sherline Lopez Latin soloist 7:00 Las Colibri – All female Mariachi Band 8:00 Cal-State LA Latin / Afro ensemble – dancing!
Lowell Joint Education Foundation Thank you for teeing it up for the kids!
A special thank you to our major sponsors, event donors, and tee sign sponsors for making the 11th Annual Golf Classic such a success!
GOLD SPONSOR: Richard D. Jones, Jones & Mayer SILVER SPONSORS: Ted and Jan Averill, CalAtlantic Homes and SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Foundation BRONZE SPONSORS: Allstate Insurance, Erickson-Hall Construction Co., Oltmans Construction, David Verdugo, Lowell Joint Education Foundation, and Staci Shackelford, Lowell Joint Education Foundation TEE SIGN SPONSORS
Advance! On to College, Fred Lentz Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo Bank of the west, Marty Tourville Boys & Girls Club of La Habra, Mark Chavez Ballard & Tighe Publications, Kent Roberts CalAtlantic Homes Colwell, Downing & Associates, Michael Downing David McCauley Eclectic Associates, Dave Little Daniels Dental Care, Douglas S. Daniels, D.M.D. Dr. Patricia Howell, Former Superintendent of LJSD Fullerton Joint Union High School District Halo Branded Solutions Help for Brain Injured Children Jan Averill Jones & Mayer The Kennedys at Keller Williams Realty Lifetouch National Studios Paul J. Fukushima, Attorney at Law Southwest School Supplies State Farm Insurance, Randy Clayton Whittier Christian High Schools
EVENT DONORS
Alliance of Schools for Cooperative Insurance Programs (ASCIP), Cerritos Agua Caliente Resort and Casino Allison Fonti Art Dominguez Brandon Jones, Board of Trustees Carin Verdugo Central Basin Municipal Water Basin Cheryl Duran Darleene Pullen David McCauley Dr. Bonnie Bell, Superintendent of LJSD Floretta and Glenn Sheppard Grocery Outlet, Bargain Market, Eric and Shannon Flick Kim Lee Linda and Tim Domis Melody Graham Oltmans Construction Richard D. Jones, Jones & Mayer Sandy Peterson SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Whittier Chamber of Commerce
Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo, Cerritos Advance! On to College, Fred Lentz Allstate Insurance Barbara Castillo CalAtlantic Homes Cathleen McGrath, Photography Chang Orthodontics Chick-fil-A, La Habra David Verdugo District Office Staff, Lowell Joint SD Erickson-Hall Construction Co. Friendly Hills Golf Club Jan Averill Jersey Mike’s, La Habra La Habra City Manager, James Sadro Marty Tourville Neal Desai Radisson Hotel, Whittier Salon D’Tangles Staci Shackelford VSP Vision Care
8
FEATURES
Mission of Hope continues despite terror By Jay Seidel La Habra Journal
It was about 1 a.m. when Roland Esslinger heard his cell phone buzz. It was a text from his daughter Taryne. “You might hear about something, but we landed and are fine.” The Whittier Christian High School athletic director read the text and felt an ease as he rolled over to go back to sleep. The text informed him that his daughter, son and 10 others who were on a humanitarian mission destined to the West African nation of Liberia for Containers of Hope had landed safely at their first layover. It was Tuesday March 22 at the airport in Brussels, Belgium. Esslinger woke again about 4 a.m., but this time to a phone call from Taryne. That’s when she filled him in on the news that we all know now, that terrorists had set off bombs in the airport in Brussels, Belgium. He was then communicating all morning with his daughter and son, Brett, finding out about their safety and the status of the entire group. “I would never have gone back to sleep had I known what was going on,” Esslinger said. Across Town, Todd Williams, one of the founding members of Containers of Hope, and his daughter Samantha, were watching the news regarding the ongoing developments of the bombings. The
organization’s other founding member, Todd’s wife Jana, was with the travelers now trapped in Belgium. He explained that she had called him while she and the group was being evacuated from the terminal. “They sent them one way and then sent them out another to a hanger,” Williams said about his wife’s experience. “I told her to get where she needed to and call me then.” The group of 12 people left Los Angeles early Monday morning as part of the nonprofit Christian group Containers for Hope. The group consisted of Jana Williams, Tary and Brett Esslinger, along with WCHS senior Heather Washlee, her sister and WCHS graduate, Jennifer, their parents, a middle school student from Friends Christian School in Yorba Linda, her parents and another family, heading out to share in the mission of hope. Their mission was reach the Lords’ Prayer Orphanage in Liberia. Once there, they would reunite with old friends and with the 70 children at the orphanage. They would also meet up with a shipping container filled with backpacks with school supplies, medial aid, clothing and much more. The group would visit and minister with the children at the Lord’s Prayer Orphanage, but would also travel the country visiting, ministering and providing the clothing, school and medical supplies, showing love and sharing a message of hope to as many
Photo courtesy Roland Esslinger
Unstoppable team: Members of the team from Containers of Hope in Liberia. The members were in the Brussels airport when two terrorist bombs were set off last month killing 31 and injuring approximately 270. Many of the members in front row are wearing skirts they made from blankets given to them when they were evacuated.
children as possible. Containers of Hope has been fulfilling this mission for the last 10 years in Liberia. Todd and Jana Williams have worked to build relationships with local vendors (and are always looking to work with more) and with area schools, Whittier Christian High School being one. After 10 years, they don’t show any signs of stopping the mission, and Todd attributes that to something his wife heard when they first went to Liberia in 2006. “They told her, ‘please come back. Nobody ever comes back,’” he
shared as he explained the people there were so used to various mission trips that did good things, but only came once. “So that always stuck with her, and she has made it a point to always come back.” Despite the chaos and uncertainty caused by a terrorist attack, this team, the organization, and those supporters who didn’t make the trip all feel blessed with the opportunity to reach out to so many, and staying true to Jana Williams’ word, are planning the return trip in 2017. For information contact: 964 Newhall Terrace, Brea, CA 92821 or containersofhope.com
9 FEATURES Creepy Crawlies invade Children’s Museum By Naomi Osuna La Habra Journal
Creepy Crawlies is a brand new exhibit in the Children’s Museum at La Habra that opened March 29, and runs through August 21. Creepy Crawlies is the new spring exhibit featuring spiders, butterflies, beetles, bees, and many other insects, with different sections within it. Each section has a new insect with pictures, displays, and facts, and some of the insets have videos you can watch. Going through the exhibit children can dress up like the insect themselves, with butterfly wings, and goggles. The goal of the exhibit is not only to learning, but having fun as well, according to the assistant visitors services coordinator Lorena Altamirano.
Hands on: Visitors of any age are able to touch and feel the new exhibit at the Children’s Museum.
She explained how they plan exhibits that try to do something different for the kids such as art, dinosaurs, and many other subjects. She explained that it’s been a while since they’ve had insects, so they decided to explore the world of insects for this exhibit. Like the rest of the museum, most of the displays in the new exhibit are hands-on. One of the displays, “Spider Anatomy”, gives children facts about spiders and it also lets them place buttons on the correct spider body part, teaching about each part of the spider. Another display is, “Funnel Spider.” The child is able to pretend to be a funnel spider and hide in their “tunnel” and watch out of the front opening as someone comes to interact. This display shows that not all spiders spin orb webs, some can use their silk in other ways. Knowing the importance of the museum, Diego Hernandez, president of Lady Bugs Environmental Termite and Pest Control helped sponsor the exhibit and provided the museum with a check for $500. “The Children Museum is good for the community,” Hernandez said. “It’s not only a fun place for kids, it’s an educational experience. This is why Lady Bugs supports the Children museum.” The Museum is open to the public from Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays 1-5 p.m. and is closed Mondays and major holidays. For more information contact: (562) 383-4238.
Photos by Jay Seidel/La Habra Journal
Creepy Crawlies: Lady Bugs Environmental and Pest Control owner and La Habra Chamber of Commerce President Diego Hernandez (with scissors), along with members of the city, chamber and museum open the new insect-themed exhibit at the Children’s Museum at La Habra last week. Children (right) are able to get up close to various insects.
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10
FEATURES
Celebrating 50 years of service
Jay Seidel/La Habra Journal
Dedicated to service: Steve Miholancan of Western Liquidators stands behind each of his vehicles. He and his father before him, have done so for the last 50 years and is now the oldest car dealership in La Habra.
to buy a car,” Miholancan said. “ People even stop by just to say hello sometimes.” When asked why anyone would come to Western Liquidators instead of the dozens of other dealerships in the entire state of California? He shared that he didn’t have any real secrets to the dealership’s longevity, but just one outlook when it came to customers. “I learned from father and he also treated people very fairly,” stece explained. “I believe you should treat others as you would want to be treated.”
Western Liquidators 500 S. Harbor Blvd. La Habra, CA, 90631 (714) 871-8540
westernliquidatorscars.com Monday - Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Sundays
Neighborhood Yard Sale SAT. April 9th. 7:30am-2pm
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The car buying experience can often leave people feeling deceived, skeptical, and at times completely frustrated. What is sometimes considered a person’s second most important purchase, next to buying a home can often become a nightmare. Steve Miholancan, owner of Western Liquidators in La Habra knows just how to make his customers feel welcomed and appreciated. Miholancan’s father, Harley Miholancan first opened Western Liquidators in 1966, it’s original location in Paramount. Harley passed away almost eight years ago, but before his passing, even after suffering a brain tumor and was unable to work, he was adamant about being at the dealership. He loved the business and he loved being there. Steve expressed that he has been a part of the car business his entire life. Along with his mother, Steve often paid a visit to his father, to bring him dinner, because he would work well into the evenings selling cars. At age 18, he worked along side his father selling used vehicles to clients, ensuring that all vehicles that were being sold were always in working condition and safe to drive.
Walnut
By Ashley Pellegrini La Habra Journal
As of today, he runs the business on his own, no car salesman, and believes in the same sentiments as his father once did. Steve works with local vendors in La Habra including: Dave’s Auto Repair, J&D Tire Barn, Cannon Muffler, La Habra Radiator, Mario’s Transmission, and Quick Smog. He expressed that he works with the vendors for the necessary parts that are needed to repair the vehicles that he sells. He purchases a number of his vehicles from local dealerships. Steve used to work closely with Don Steves Chevrolet and Burch Ford, purchasing used cars from them to sell on his lot. Now he purchases many of his vehicles from dealerships in the Inland Empire. Steve test drives all of the vehicles he purchases himself and most of the vehicles for sale on the lot are under $10,000. “If I don’t have it, I can find it for you with some time,” said Miholancan. If a customer would like to have the vehicle inspected by their local mechanic before committing to a purchase, he is more than ok with it. Steve expressed that one of the best parts about the business are the people. “I’ve been here a really long time and I have a lot of repeat customers. I don’t believe in breathing down people’s necks and pressuring them
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LH’s oldest car dealership celebrates its golden anniversary
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY
11
NEIGHBORHOOD
The only directory exclusively listing La Habra area businesses
ACCOUNTING/BOOKKEEPING Tax Help Team - CPA, EAs 1201 S. Beach Blvd. Suite 106 La Habra, CA 90631 (x Imperial) (562) 943-1456 “For You & Your Small Business” Tax Debt Relief Expert ACUPUNCTURE Sunny’s Bohwa Acupuncture 143 S. Beach Blvd. La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 756-8757 www.sunnysacupuncture.com “Best care acupuncture”
ATTORNEYS CRIMINAL LAW Brian McDonnell The McDonnell Law Firm 418 E. La Habra Blvd. La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 694-3827 (562) 694-4280 Fax www.lahabracriminalattorneys.com AUTO ACCIDENT INJURY Law Offices Clinton W. Holland, Inc. Derek Holland 418 E. La Habra Blvd. La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 694-3821 (562) 691-5569 Fax www.lawcwh.com BANKS Pacific Mercantile Bank 1530 W. Whittier Blvd. #B La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 690-7117 www.pmbank.com Dawn F. Stille DENTISTS Ezaki Dentistry Ramsey Ezaki, DDS 16336 Whittier Blvd #101 Whittier, CA 90603 (562) 947-9958 www.ezakidentistry.com Smooth Dental Group 1521 W. Whittier Blvd. La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 694-4800 Dr. Elizabeth Tran www.smoothdentalgroup.com ESCROW COMPANIES v Mercury Escrow 410 W. Whittier Blvd. La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 265-3127 Debbie Dudley debbie@mercuryescrow.com
FAMILY MEDICAL SERVICES Friends of Family Health Center Primary care services for all OB/ GYN Services, Family Planning & Pediatric Dentistry 501 S. Idaho Street La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 690-0400 “Like Us” on Facebook! FINANCE/INVESTMENTS Edward Jones Making Sense of Investing Anna Li Financial Advisor 15739 Imperial Hwy. La Mirada, CA 90638 (562) 943-5787
FUNERAL/CEMETERY SALES v Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary 3888 Workman Mill Road Whittier, CA 90601 License #FD970 Bus: (888) 314-9550 Cell: (562) 652-8240 Ask for Pre-Planning Advisor Christian Carcano, Lic.#OE10379 GERMAN DELICATESSEN v Continental Delicatessen 1510 W. Imperial Hwy. Ste. CD La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 697-0333 Party Platters, Sandwiches, Domestic and Imported Foods HANDYMAN v Yes We Can Handyman A Licensed General Contractor (562) 691-0022 joe@yeswecanhandyman.com Lic #903683 HAIR SALON v Primarily Hair 820 E. Whittier Blvd. La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 694-6581 www.primarilyhair.com Find us on Facebook MEDICARE HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS Jerry Perisho 7771 Bacon Road Whittier, CA 90602 (562) 547-6569 jerryperisho@gmail.com www.calljerry4info.com CA License #0I04403 MORTGAGE COMPANIES Finance of America 250 Commerce Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92602 (562) 572-4648 cell Fernando Hernandez FHernandez@financeofamerica.com Sr. Mortgage Advisor, MLO 258327
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PEST CONTROL Lady Bugs Environmental 481 E. Whittier Blvd., Suite A La Habra, CA 90631 (855) 452-3928 Termites, Insects, Rodents, Bird Control & Bee Emergency
PET BOARDING & GROOMING The Dog Lodge 1551 W. Lambert Road La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 691-1152 PHARMACY v Bi-Rite quality pharmacy Home health and medical equipment. 340 N. Harbor Blvd La Habra Ca 90631 562-691-0539. PRINTING Guardian Printing 1050 E. Whittier Blvd. Suite 100 La Habra, CA 90631 (888) 270-0984 (884) 520-3648 Fax www.guardianprinting.com ordernow@guardianprinting.com TNT Printing Offset - Letterpress - Digital 421 S. Cypress St. La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 697-8207 tntprinting@roadrunner.com University Printing 637 E. Whittier Blvd. La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 690-8954 www.universityprinting.org Mark Sanders REALTORS 4 Star Realtors 12232 La Mirada Blvd. La Mirada, CA 90638 Cell: (562) 447-4919 Bus: (562) 947-3768 Ask for Helen Abrams For a Free Market Evaluation v Keller Williams Reality
The Kennedys 16310 Whittier Blvd. Suite F Whittier, CA 90603 (562) 902-5100
SKIN AND NAILS Face It Skin & Nails Spa 1630 W. Whittier Blvd. La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 691-7888 faceitsv@yahoo.com SENIOR CARE Senior Solutions P.O. Box 813 Brea, CA 92822 Pauline Hampton, LVN (714) 318-0835 www.4seniorsolutions.com “We find senior living homes” TREE TRIMMING v Williams Tree Service PO Box 5557 Whittier, CA 90607-5557 (562) 692-8677 wtreedude@aol.com License#941245 TROPHIES & AWARDS Action Trophy 323 Harbor Blvd. La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 691-3321 sales@actiontrophy.us “Serving SoCal Since 1978” VEHICLE WRAPS/BANNERS OC Wraps 2120 E. Lambert Road, Suite C La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 599-9037 www.ocwraps.net ocwraps@yahoo.com WINDOW TINTING v Window Tinting Associates 2253 W. Whittier Blvd. La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 694-0504 (800) 953-TINT Auto***Home***Office v Indicates display advertiser.
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12
ENTERTAINMENT
By John Francis La Habra Journal
Local Theater Roundup
The spring and summer months in the area are going to be big for local theatergoers seeking good community theater events as many playhouses are getting ready to entertain us with lots of musicals and comedies. La Habra’s Mysterium Theater, located at the Depot Theater, 311 S. Euclid St., La Habra, is continuing to present the musical “Fame” through April 10. The play is playing Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. After “Fame” concludes, Mysterium will jump into “Footloose” in May for a four week run. More on “Footloose” in my next column. Tickets for the productions will be $15-$30 and can be reserved by calling 562-697-3311. Artistic Director Marla Ladd said that she is looking for directors for the coming season and those persons interested should contact her at the theater. Whittier Community Theater will be holding auditions for Ken Ludwig’s funny play “The Game’s Afoot or (Holmes for the Holidays)” April 18 and 19 at the Whittier Transportation Depot, 7333 Greenleaf Ave., Whittier 90602 at 7:30 p.m. The play will be directed by Suzanne Frederickson and produced by Karen Jacobson. Frederickson said she is looking for five women and three men and those interested in auditioning should bring a head shot and resume and be prepared to cold read from the script. The play will begin rehearsals April
20 with a read through and will be held Mondays through Thursdays. Opening night the production will be June 3 and continue through June 18. For further information and a character breakdown, visit the WCT website at www.whittiercommunitytheatre.org. Huntington Beach Playhouse will open its production of “Sherlock Holmes and the Portal of Time” April 29 through May 21. The comedy, about time travel involving Holmes, H.G. Wells and Albert Einstein, will play Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Saturday afternoons at 2 p.m. There are no Sunday performances. For tickets and reservations contact the playhouse at 714-375-0696. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors and $20 for students and military.
Stages Theater in Fullerton is having auditions for George Feydeau’s “An Absolute Turkey,” April 2 at the theater, 400 E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton at 10 a.m. Director Shawn Brewer will be looking for eight men and six women ranging in ages 15-70 to cast the comedy. Those auditioning should bring a head shot and resume and be prepared to read from the script. Notice I didn’t write cold read. Stages is putting sides in its website for those auditioning so they can get a look at the script before going in. The play opens June 10 and will play through July 17. In addition to the upcoming audition, the plays “Blood Money” and “Raised In Captivity” currently show-
Jay Seidel/La Habra Journal
Remember my name: Mysterium’s “Fame the Musical” runs through April 10 at the La Habra Depot Theater. The theater will next keep the music going with a production of “Footloose” opening sometime in May.
ing at Stages will close soon. “Blood Money” will close April 2 and “Raised In Captivity” will end its run April 3. Call 714-525-4484 for reservations and tickets. “Private Lives,” Noel Cowards comedy of manners continues it run at the Stage Door Repertory Theatre in Anaheim. The production, directed by Artistic Director Nick Charles, will continue its run through April 17. The play will be performed on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays April 3 at 7 p.m. and April 17 at 2 p.m.
General admission is $20 and seniors, students and military are $17. For reservations, and you need to make them for it is a small 50 seat theater, can be made by calling 714630-7378. Long Beach Playhouse will be opening Lorraine Hansberry’s taunt drama “A Raisin In The Sun,” May 21 and it will run through June 18, on the theater’s mainstage, 5021 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach. For tickets and further information call 562-494-1014, ext. 503.
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FEATURES 13 The voice behind LH community events By Autumn Whitney La Habra Journal
For those who enjoy La Habra’s Fourth of July fireworks celebration and other city events, or attend weddings in the surrounding area, Ross Scebba and his company, Ross Creations DJ, might be behind the scenes making it all possible. Scebba’s DJ career was a fortunate accident. While in the insurance business he attended a friend’s wedding, which began to head downhill because of the DJ at the reception – an old man drinking beer behind the booth. The bride, Scebba’s wife’s best friend, asked Scebba to step in despite having no prior DJ experience. “[My wife’s] best friend’s like, ‘Ross, can you do something? My guests are going home,’” said Scebba. Browsing the song options, Scebba was able to turn the party around. “People came up to me afterwards and said, ‘Man you missed your calling,’” Scebba said. After the wedding, Scebba approached a former teacher of his who was a wedding photographer and asked for connections in the entertainment business. The company he communicated with ended up hiring him and he worked there for approximately eight years. Two decades later, Scebba still DJs, but has expanded to doing lighting and sound set-up for a variety of events. “It came to a point about 17, 18 years ago where I said, ‘Ok – am I going to be doing the chicken dance for the rest of my life?’” Scebba said. When he moved to La Habra in the
mid-1990s, Scebba introduced himself to the staff at the La Habra Community Center and asked for ways to help the city. The lady working mentioned sound issues with the Fourth of July show that had recently finished. Scebba examined the system and concluded it was not large enough to support the size of the show the city was trying to run. Since then, Scebba has worked closely with La Habra in preparing its community events, such as the Fourth of July show and concerts in the park, and his business has grown to include surrounding cities. His helpfulness is a theme that presents itself in all areas of his work. Last year while working on a fireworks show in the beginning of July in a city other than La Habra, the pyrotechnics were running behind schedule with the chance of not launching on time. Scebba and the rest of his crew from Ross Creations DJ stepped in to assist despite being unfamiliar with the setup of pyrotechnics. “I took four of my guys, we go over there and I talk to the gal,” Scebba said. “I say, ‘What do you need for us to do? Talk to us, we’re here to help you out.’” For Scebba, the spectacle of a show is not the greatest part of his job – it is creating a moment and establishing relationships with his clients and crew. “There’s a moment on the dance floor with a groom and his grandmother. And we created that. We created that moment,” Scebba said. “When you watch a bride walk down the aisle and she walks down with her father in a wheelchair. We’re part of that moment.”
Jay Seidel/La Habra Journal
Man behind the voice: DJ Ross Scebba shares information and keeps the crowd going at the recent La Habra City Races. Scebba is the voice behind most of the music at La Habra community events.
He says his company is part of the event and helps with its success, but is not the event itself. The audience comes to the event not looking for lighting and staging, but to enjoy the show. Scebba works to build the event so people are not waiting for the next segment of the show to begin. Through the crew’s work, Ross Creations DJ aims to be on top of its responsibilities in order to help events run smoothly.
“I always tell my clients this, whether it be a bride or a city, whoever it is I work with, we’re here to build a relationship with you. We’re not here to make a million dollars off you,” Scebba said. “It’s not what it’s all about. It’s about building a relationship. And that’s important to me more than anything else.” Visit www.rosscreationsdj.com for more information.
City of La Habra Community Services Department 101 W. La Habra Blvd.
562-383-4200
Volunteers Needed! Come Help Rebuild Montwood Park 231 E. Montwood Ave. Saturday, April 16th 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (Breakfast & Lunch Provided) Sponsored by KaBOOM! Volunteers must pre-register for the event by contacting Katie Elmore at 562-383-4208 or kelmore@lahabraca.gov.
For more information, please call 562-383-4208
14
SPORTS
Raiders edge Yucaipa, win Lions Tourney By Erik Markus La Habra Journal
Runs were hard to come by for the Sonora Raiders baseball team, but they were able to edge out Yucaipa 2-1 and win the Anaheim Lions Tournament Championship last Wednesday. The Raiders (7-8) stumbled out of the gate in the 2016 season, but the Sonora Baseball team is finding its groove at a nice time. After a 1-2 start in the Freeway League, the Raiders have rattled off five in a row and are gelling as a team. With the Raiders enjoying spring break, they have been able to bring up some of their freshman, as well as simply focus on baseball. “We are relaxed. We’re not stressed, we’re not nervous, there are no nerves at all, we’re just out here playing our game, having fun, being confident,” Matt Schmidt said. “We’re playing as a team. Guys on the bench, the dugout atmosphere is incredible,” Raiders Head Coach Pat Tellers said. The Raiders were led against Yucaipa by Willie Castellanos who pitched six scoreless innings for his first victory of the season. “To have the poise to go out there and throw six inning for us, you couldn’t ask for much more,” Tellers said. “I’ve been in this situation before, but it is always mind boggling, but it was fun,” Castellanos said. The Thunderbirds (10-6) were led by hard throwing Cody Stevens who kept the Raiders offense quiet all night. “We knew they were a really good team, and they have really good arms
on the mound, and that was their best guy,” Tellers said. “We knew he was going to pound the zone. We had to make adjustments at the plate.” Unable to make much hard contact, the Raiders relied on small ball, where they have had success all season. In the bottom of the third inning, the Raiders led off the inning with two singles, by Max Wilkinson and Dylan Villalobos. After two straight fielder’s choices, the Raiders had runners on the corners with Villalobos on third and two outs. Mehial Nazaroff, broke for second early in an attempt to gain attention long enough for Villalobos to score from third. The play worked to perfection, as Nazaroff ’s run down lasted long enough for Villalobos to beat the throw home. The third inning ended shortly after that, with Jason Clayton striking out with Nazaroff at second. The Raiders followed a similar script leading 1-0 in the bottom of the sixth, when Nazaroff stole home with the Thunderbirds throwing to second on the double steal attempt. The Raiders benefitted from the two run lead, because the Thunderbirds came up in the seventh fighting. The Raiders wanted to make an effort to limit Villalobos’ innings in order to give his arm a rest. However after a week of playing shortstop, the Raiders turned to him in the seventh. Villalobos got off to a rocky start in his first inning on the mound, as Yucaipa’s cleanup hitter, Tyler Van Marter ripped a triple down the left field line to lead off the inning. Tristan Macias then followed with a walk putting runners on the corners. Macias was replaced by a pinch
Erik Markus/La Habra Journal
Tournament Champions: The Sonora Raiders battled hard to take out Yucaipa and win the Anaheim Lions Tournament Championship last Wednesday. The Raiders will head back to league play against Fullerton
runner who stole second easily as the throw to second sailed over the center fielder’s head. The throwing error led to Van Marter scoring from third and put a runner at second. That was the end of the Thunderbirds chances however, as Villalobos struck the next two batters out to close things down for the Raiders. The Raiders were led in this game by Castellanos who was able to keep the Yucaipa batters off balance for six innings. “As long as he was around the plate, I thought that he would be pretty effective,” Tellers said. Throughout the tournament, the Raiders leaned on Matt Schmidt who won the Tournament MVP hitting 1320, and for his pitching performances during the week. “It just seemed like I could do no wrong out there on the field,” Schmidt said.
“He went 13-17 for the tournament already, he’s got to be our MVP no matter what happens today,” Tellers said. “Anything he touched, the ball was going through, he had some RBI’s, sacrifice bunts.” In addition, the Raiders were able to consistently give him the ball and trust he would take care of business. “He didn’t give up any runs on the mound, he was just fantastic, he played second base, shortstop for us too, the guy had a great tournament for us.” Schmidt’s dominance on the mound will pay big dividends for the Raiders in multiple ways. Schmidt will be trusted with the ball as the Raiders ace moving forward, and take pressure off of Villalobos. “If we can limit the innings right now, maybe he (Villalobos) becomes the closer instead of the starter,” Tellers said. “We would love to keep him at short, it really shores up the defense.”
Christian Maneros/La Habra Journal
Making the catch: Sonora senior Max Wilkinson gets in position to catch a throw to second in an earlier game this season. The Raiders won the Anaheim Lions Tournament with a 2-1 victory over Yuciapa last week.
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SPORTS
16
Lady Highlanders crowned champs over Mater Dei By Jason Burch La Habra Journal
After notching a complete game against Villa Park in the semifinals, Hannah Johnson tossed three scoreless innings in relief, helping the Lady Highlanders hang on for the 6-5 win over Mater Dei in the championship game of the Alan Dugard Softball Classic Tournament Saturday. The No. 4 team in California, Mater Dei didn’t go away quietly on Saturday night. With runners on second and third and two down in the seventh, closer Harley Wells fielded a comebacker cleanly and fired the ball to first base, picking up the save and the title for La Habra. Head Coach Steve Harrington was impressed with how his team responded to adversity against one of the top teams in California, especially in such a high pressure situation, which he admitted La Habra had never experienced before. “That’s kind of our mantra, to be resilient and these kids demonstrated that today,” Harrington said. “They had a great deal of heart when their back was against the wall and they didn’t start ripping at each other, they started praising each other.” Harrington said he knew playing Mater Dei was going to be tough until the final out. “Number one they are a fantastic team, they are well coached, they are good people and good kids,” Harrington said. “I know some of those kids, they are good players, so we knew this was going to be a battle back and forth.” The end couldn’t come soon enough for the Lady Highlanders, who had to play back to back games totalling over four hours of play that began at 5:15 p.m.
The Lady Highlanders got on the board early, scoring their first run in the second inning on a RBI single from Nikki Butler. The rest of the offensive action for both teams happened in the third. La Habra added to their lead with five more runs, all coming with two outs in the top half of the inning. With the bases loaded, starting pitcher Janelle Rodriguez lined a two-run single into the outfield. Butler came up big again with a bases clearing double to the right-centerfield gap, giving her 3 RBI in the game. After replacing starter Gabrielle Sandoval, relief pitcher Danielle Kahn hit the first batter she faced, then allowed an infield single that brought home the final run. Mater Dei surged back into the game in the bottom half of the inning, scoring four of their five runs. The first two came on a squeeze bunt. Rodriguez fielded the ball quickly and underhanded it to Butler, who blocked the plate and applied the tag a hair late. The second run scored on Butler’s throw to second. The Lady Monarchs added two more before Rodriguez settled down to retire the final out in the inning. Harrington said that he didn’t get frustrated, instead he tried to encourage his team reminding them they had a big lead, not to dwell on the mistakes. “The last thing a kid needs is for you to yell at her and tell her what she already knows,” he said. Rodriguez was cruising along until the uncharacteristically sloppy inning, finishing with two earned runs and four strikeouts in just three innings. “I was hoping that mentally the way we prepare, the way we play, that we would be able to weather that storm and rather than get caught up
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Pam Kennedy (562) 547-4489 Terry Kennedy (562) 458-7948 Terry Pam Chris Jason Burch/La Habra Journal Chris 537-8701 Hot streak: The Lady Highlanders took out No. 4 Mater DeiKennedy to win their(562) thirteenth consecutive game and take the Alan Dugard Softball Classic Tournament title on Saturday in Irvine.
in the hype of it all,” Harrington said. Johnson picked up her second win of the day, going three innings with two strikeouts. She also tossed a complete game against Villa Park, racking up nine strikeouts. Johnson was credited with an unearned run in the seventh, after the throw from shortstop on the would be third out sailed wide of first base. Wells inherited a high-leverage situation, entering in the bottom of the seventh with two on and no out. However, despite the throwing error, Wells proved up for the task and handled the pressure well. Rodriguez and Frankie Mendoza each hit a solo home run against Villa Park earlier in the day. La Habra (16-1), the No. 3 team in California has now won 13 straight.
Mater Dei (16-3) had won their previous seven coming into the title game. The Lady Highlanders start Freeway League play April 12 at Sonora.
NEXT GAME FREEWAY LEAGUE OPENER
April 12 At Sonora 3:15 p.m.
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Get them at the La Habra Chamber Office 321 E. La Habra Blvd. OR at the 7-Eleven on Euclid St./ La Habra Blvd. OR online at www.citrusfair.com
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