Lady Highlanders charge into CIF playoffs See Page 15 La Habra’s Independent Community Newspaper
Celebrating 25 years
www.lahabrajournal.com
No. 95479
May 19, 2016
LHCSD board sticks with four By Jay Seidel La Habra Journal
Courtesy Rose Espinoza
Making the cut: Students, along with state and city officials helped cut the ribbon at the grand re-opening of Rosie's Garage last week in La Habra . See Page 8.
Heights approves Fire Tax By Jay Seidel La Habra Journal
LA HABRA HEIGHTS
The La Habra Heights City Council approved the annual increase of the fire tax at its May meeting. The 1.7 percent increase is an adjustment reflective of the cost of living increase, according to Shauna Clark, La Habra Heights City Manager. According to city staff, the estimated cost to fund the La Habra Heights Fire Department this year is $1,285,639. The tax, with the approved COLA increase is estimated to generate nearly $1,069,350. The remaining $216,289 will be covered by the city’s general fund. La Habra Heights Mayor Kyle Miller explained that the fire department is separate but also a part of the city. He added that they share administrative costs of the city staff and that helps provide a savings. The fire tax was adopted by the voters in 1997. The provisions established then require the city manager to annually recalculate the tax ammounts and
give notice to the council. The council will then approve or reject the tax. “There is a cost for the fire department,” Miller said, “but we try to keep it as low as we can for the residents.” Anne Edwards suggested that the council should consider eliminating the tax and possibly turning the services over to Los Angeles County Fire Department. Council members explained that they had received bids from LA County Fire two years ago and it was approximately $3 million. Miller said that it would not be the best choice for the residents. The city had also previously approved a cost-per-use for paramedic coverage. Clark explained that the city has a fire tax for suppression and that it used to pay the city of La Habra for paramedic service. A couple years ago, the city decided to do its own. “The paramedics are funded by the fire tax, the general fund and the proceeds that they bring in,” Clark said.
Jay Seidel/La Habra Journal
Service to the city: The La Habra Heights City Council approved its annual tax increase to help fund its city fire department.
The proceeds are the per-use charge of $45 for the residents of LHH. “For the day-to-day operations and the calls that we get, the fire department does a pretty good job,” said Councilman and former fireman Roy Francis. “Dollar for dollar the community is getting a good deal here and getting a good service.” He added that the “paramedic fee is the best insurance you can buy.”
After a vacancy was created on the La Habra City School District board, the remaining members decided last week to not hold a special election to fill the spot and go with just four members until the elections in November. The vacancy was created when board president Liz Steves recently moved out of state. According to the California Education Code, when a vacancy occurs, that district’s local school board has 60 days to either order an election or make a provisional appointment to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term. Further, Section 5093 of the Ed Code also states that: “there shall be no special election or appointment to fill a vacancy on a governing board if the vacancy occurs within four months of the end of the term of that position.” Ian Harrington of the Orange County Board of Education explained that the local districts are the ones who determine how they should proceed when a vacancy comes up. “The Trustees agreed that since the election was in November and they are a united Board that they would wait until the election to let the community decide,” said Dr. Susan Belenardo, LHCSD superintendent. Steves’ term ended this election cycle and her position would be on the November ballot even if she did not move. According to Board President John Dobson, the board “gets along” and that helped in the decision to continue the remaining months with four members. “If we didn’t get along, then we would have looked at having an election to fill the spot and make it an odd number again,” he said. The challenge for Dobson will be to ensure that all of the board members attend the remaining meetings in order to maintain a quorum. “Trustees are very good about attendance and keeping us informed,” Belenardo said. “So this is not a challenge.” The vacant position as well as Dobson’s position will be on the November ballot. Dobson said he will be running for reelection . The board meets twice a month.
WHAT ’ S INSIDE THIS ISSUE
LHPD Captain brings home leadership training from FBI
Annual Gem and Mineral Show ready to rock LH
LH Little League Challenger Division brings baseball for all
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FEATURES PAGES 9
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Friday, May 20, 2016
Free Movie in The Park featuring The Good Dinosaur. 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, May 21, 2016
Geology Hike today from 9-11 a.m. Meet up at Sycamore Canyon Trailhead, 5040 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier. No dogs on this hike. For more information visit www.habitatauthority.org. Grilling in the Garden – Enjoy a free, old-fashioned hotdog and chips lunch at Armstrong Garden from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Top if off with an ice-cold soft drink while you shop the nursery for colorful summer plants and outdoor furniture in the latest styles. Poker Run is today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning at Harley Davidson Fullerton, 2635 W. Orangethorpe and ends at El Centro/Lions Park. Poker Run benefits HBIC (Help for Brain Injured Children). All motorcycles are welcome! There is a $45 registration fee on the day of the ride. For more information please contact Frank Felix at (562) 889-3268 or Bob Gross at (714) 853-0751.
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Emanuel Lutheran Church invites you to their Spring Variety Show beginning at 5 p.m. Be sure to stay afterwards for an ice cream social. For more information, see their ad on page 13.
Monday, May 23, 2016
La Habra City Planning Commission Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.
NEWS BRIEFS
Whittier Christian High School Graduation is from 6-8 p.m. at the Friends Church of Yorba Linda, 5211 Lakeview Ave., Yorba Linda.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Chamber Night at Señor Campos from 5-8:30 p.m. Wouldn’t you like city staff such as Mayor James Gomez or Police Chief Jerry Price, to name a few, wait on you for dinner? Call (562) 697-1704 to make a reservation for a fun and entertaining night. Remember to tip big, as a portion of the tip money will be shared with Meals on Wheals and High School Scholarships. For more information visit www.lahabrachamber.com. See their ad on Page 7. 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, 631 N. Euclid. Everyone is welcome! For more information please call John Knox at (562) 691-1797 or email him at knoxbox@aol.com La Habra Heights Planning Commission Meeting begins at 6 p.m.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
La Habra High School Graduation is from 6-8 p.m.
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Sonora High School Graduation is from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the LHHS Stadium.
Saturday, May 28, 2016
You're invited to a free Smart Gardening Workshop today from 9:30-11 a.m. at the La Habra Heights City Hall-Banquet Room, 1245 N. Hacienda Rd., La Habra Heights. Learn backyard composting, water-wise gardening, worm composting and grass cycling. No reservations needed.
Unparelleled Real Estate Services... from our Family You Sue Thompson/La HabratoJournal Food drive: Volunteers helped mail carriers across the community as part of a nationwide food donation camPam Kennedy (562) 547-4489 paign last Saturday. Food collected went to the La Habra Community Resource Center and Vineyard Church.
Terry
Pam
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Post Office picks up donations for local food banks
Food was picked up by the US Postal carriers throughout the city Saturday as part of a nationwide Stamp Out Hunger National Food Drive. The event held on the second Saturday of May is described as the largest one-day food drive in the nation. Mail trucks picked up food donations around the city and returned to the post office on Idaho. The food given to two organizations, the La Habra Community Resources Care Center and Vineyard Church.
Lowell Joint School District names interim Superintendent
Former Fullerton Joint Union High School District Superintendent George Giokaris was named interim
Terry Kennedy (562) 458-7948 superintendent of the Lowell Joint Chris Kennedy (562) 537-8701
School District Monday. Superintendent Dr. Bonnie Bell remains on leave for an unspecified amount of time.
West Nile Virus Found on border of LH and Heights
The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District has confirmed the first two West Nile virus positive mosquito samples for 2016. The mosquitoes were collected in mosquito traps in the cities of La Habra and Seal Beach, respectively. In La Habra, the mosquitoes were collected last week from Orsonio Park. Teams have been mobilized to survey the area, post posters regarding the finding, and conducting doorto-door inspections of properties for mosquito breeding and standing water in surrounding neighborhoods.
Unparelleled Real Estate Services... from our Family to You
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LOCAL NEWS
COMMENTARY
What about downtown?
Did you know... By Nicole Panza La Habra Historical Museum
Since the late nineteenth century, members of the La Habra community have gathered for a settlers picnic. In October 1898, the La Habra Women’s Club organized the first picnic. More than 50 local citizens traveled by wagon and buggy to attend the first Old Settlers’ picnic held at the Martinez grove near La Puente. The photo shows the first picnic at the Martinez grove in 1898. The picnic became an annual event that continues to this day where local citizens gather to eat, socialize, and share La Habra’s history. The La Habra Old Settlers Historical Society currently hosts this now bi-annual event. Twice a year, members of the historical society, many of whose families moved to La Habra in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, continue to meet. While the picnics are no longer held under the trees in local groves, these meetings are still a place to celebrate La Habra’s history.
The La Habra Old Settlers’ Spring Potluck will be held on May 22, 2016 at 1pm at the newly renovated Veteran’s Hall (209 N. Orange St.). Members and guests are asked to bring a dish to share as well as plates and utensils. The Launer family will be giving a talk on the role their family played in our town’s development. Just another interesting piece of history about where we live, work, and enjoy being a part of the La Habra community. Sources: La Habra: The Pass Through the Hills by Esther Cramer.
Courtesy La Habra Historical Museum
Picnic in the park: The La Habra Women's Club picnic brought out many residents at the turn of the Twentieth Century.
As you drive through downtown La Habra, aka La Habra Boulevard, you have no doubt seen the construction going on at the corner of Euclid street. That is the new city hall and civic center. From the looks of it, it will be impressive. Shortly after city government moves to the new place, the old place will make way to new homes. These homes, plus the homes built on La Habra Boulevard by Washington Middle School and the Brio development, puts a lot of people in what is considered Downtown La Habra. Because of that, it is time to start looking and envisioning what might Downtown La Habra look like in the future. Since the state made cities do away with the Redevelopment Agencies a few years ago, it is harder for them to entice and offer money to develop downtown areas, like Brea did. Now, I’m not saying what was developed on Birch is a model for La Habra to aspire to. However, there are some ideas generated from looking at that and what we can do to make it right for La Habra. Re-zoning and RDA enticements also helped transform Downtown Fullerton from dive bars and pawn shops to what it is now. Granted, I’m not saying that the city council should to invite a bunch of college bars to Downtown La Habra. Rather
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the shopping and dining options within a walking friendly area would be something to consider. The city has worked with zoning along La Habra Boulevard, and actually has a lot of say as to what can come in and what can be developed along the stretch. However, it is ultimately up to the property owners to make changes. Hopefully, with the new developments already taking place in the downtown area, making for a lot of people there looking for things to do, maybe the property owners will look to enhance their offerings for residents. Further, with encouragement from the city in the realm of tax, economic, financial, and regulatory incentives, perhaps new businesses may be interested in the downtown location. Current owners might look to enhance the look of their storefronts to continue to be attractive to the new residents. With any development, parking will need to be addressed. Perhaps a structure, new street parking ideas, or some other idea will need to be included. I’d be interested in hearing your ideas for the future of Downtown La Habra. Email me at: news@lahabrajournal.com —The Editor
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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The La Habra Journal is a proud member of the California Newspaper Publishers Association.
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
Contact: news@lahabrajournal.com sports@lahabrajournal.com
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Free sign language classes help educate the hearing community By Naomi Osuna La Habra Journal
La Habra Church of Christ offers a free sign language class to the community every other Thursday evening. Mary Lange, a freshman at Sonora High School, volunteers her time to teach this sign language class. When Lange first started teaching, about three months ago, she began with the letters of the alphabet and now they are starting to sign words along with letters. According to Lange, as more people come they add more information and ask the class to contribute which topics they would like to learn about. Standing at the front of the class, she demonstrates the hand gestures and finger placement as well as uses a power point presentation giving a more indepth explanation of the sign language symbols. Along with having a power point she also offers a print out of the power point for the students to take home and practice on their own to help master the language. Every other Thursday she chooses a new topic or theme to teach in signing. Lange teaches an interactive and hands-on class with the students, encouraging them to sign along with her
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as she teaches them. The students are eager to learn and the combination of visual and verbal demonstrations along with printouts to take home, make for a lasting knowledge of the language. Her class has grown each week mainly by word of mouth, a testament to the young instructor. Lange takes American Sign Language 1 at Sonora High School. “The reason I offer classes is because I wanted to get more practice.” She explained. By teaching the class it reinforces everything she’s learned and makes her a better and stronger student of sign language . Educating others on sign language benefits the entire community. “I think it’s nice for the deaf to feel like they are not such outcast," Lange said, "because if more people are learning sign language, they won’t feel as outcasts.” Everyone is encouraged to join the sign language class, there is no prerequisite or age requirement and knowledge of sign language is not necessary. Lange keeps printouts of previous classes for new students or for students who may need a refresher, making it an easy transition for a new student. For more information you can go to their website coclh.org
Cynthia Richert Garcia 1969-2016
Caring wife and mother
Cynthia Louise Richert Garcia passed into eternity on Friday May 6, 2016 in Fullerton. Cynthia was born in Van Nuys, Los Angeles County, California on April 15, 1969, the daughter of John D. and Catherine Richert. She moved from Long Beach to La Habra Heights in 1973. She graduated from Sonora High School. Cynthia completed her education at California State University Chico with a bachelor's degree in sociology. Her career spanned nearly 25 years helping others with social services in the Healthcare field, with her last nine plus years at Saint Jude Medical Center in Fullerton. Cynthia married Roberto Garcia on November 19, 1997 in Brea. She is survived by her husband and her nine month-old son Elijah John Garcia. She is also survived by her parents John D. and Catherine Richert of La Habra Heights, and two brothers:
Richert Garcia Paul L. Richert of Citrus Heights and Daniel J. Richert of Boonville, along with a large extended family. Services will be held at Saint Angela Merici Roman Catholic Church of Brea, at 3 p.m. on Friday May 20, 2016. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made in her name to the charity of your choice or to the College Savings Plan the family has established with T. Rowe Price for Elijah John Garcia.
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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 Bible Study 9:30, Worship 10:30, Bible Study 5 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. Green Hills Baptist 2200 West Imperial Hwy. La Habra (562) 943-7291 Services: Sunday (English) 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m. (Spanish) 9:30 a.m. (Korean) 11 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 Rehoboth Reformed Church
INSPIRATIONAL CORNER
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By Dennis Laherty, the Co-Pastor of Emanuel Lutheran Church, La Habra
Decoration Day was a commemorated day beginning 1868 when it first recognized those who died in the Civil War. When it was realized that the southern states commemorated those who died in the confederacy, the two holidays were united with one commemoration and renamed Memorial Day. It is a day when those who died in one of our nation’s wars is remembered. Each year it is one of the most solemn holidays we acknowledge. When the first Decoration Day was held, I doubt that anybody would have begun to imagine how many would die over the next many years protecting our democracy. The numbers of war dead seem now to be astronomical. I recall several years ago walking on the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. There were other visitors, workers tending to graves, and members of an honor guard paying homage at a funeral. As I walked the grounds I came to an area of those who died in Viet Nam. This particular area must have covered five acres with a traditional Arlington headstone at every grave. In the middle of the area, sitting about two feet from a grave with her legs crossed was a woman. There were no other visitors in that area at the time. From the back, fifty yards away, it was impossible to tell if it was a wife, a girlfriend, a daughter or some other family member or friend of the person buried there. It occurred to me that many people knew that one veteran and were affected by his sacrifice. Even so many years after the war, a person was there to meditate and to remember. As I looked around the area I wondered how many thousands of people like her were remembering and commemorating. Memorial Day needs to be that day when we remember the individuals who touched our lives in some way. I believe we all know a name or a story of a person who paid for our freedom with their life. Let us commemorate. 501 South Idaho Street #120 La Habra (626) 820-9390 Service: 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.
Vineyard North Orange County 615 S. Palm St La Habra (562) 697-4600 Services: Saturday 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 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 schools ending the year with robots, ribbons and recognition May 2016
Our mission in the La Habra City School District is to not only prepare our students to thrive in high school, but to have the critical thinking skills and capacity to innovate and collaborate as they pursue careers, college, and active citizenship in a global economy. We appreciate the support of our community in helping us achieve that vision for every child.
Student Recognitions and Awards
Spring is also a time when various culminating celebrations provide our students the opportunity to demonstrate their learning. Throughout the school year our students learn to Collaborate and Communicate as well as demonstrate their Creativity and Critical Thinking. These events provide them the opportunity to be recognized for demonstrating these skills.
El Cerrito - 2016 Gold Ribbon School!
It’s official, El Cerrito is a Gold Ribbon School. This is a new recognition for schools in California while the California Distinguished School recognition is on hiatus. El Cerrito is receiving this recognition for their excellence in supporting the educational development of their students through the implementation of Project GLAD and preparing their students with 21st Century Skills. This award recognizes the dedication, hard work, and vision of the El Cerrito staff in supporting their students’ success.
Robot Rally
On Friday, May 6th, over 200 students from Las Positas, Sierra Vista, Walnut, and Washington Middle School competed in Cal Poly Pomona’s annual Robot Rally. During the Robot Rally competition students demonstrate their skills in working collaboratively to program robots to compete in a variety of challenges, including sumo wrestling, speed trials and an obstacle course.
Congratulations El Cerrito, we are proud of your accomplishment. Esmerelda Lozano and Selena Gonzalez 2nd Place Teamwork.
This year teams from each school received recognition in the competition. Teams from Las Positas – Francisco Colchado, Jared Pepito, Fedor Skok, Sofie Lefebvre, Vanessa Marie Nungary, Angelina Salazar, Sarah Paredes, and Ava Ramos –Sierra Vista – Luke McGinley and Evan Counts – WMS Team Robot Rally Semi-Finalists. Walnut – Jesus Vargas, Issak Wang, and Daniel Loza – Washington Middle School – Jon Calderon, Raymond Garcia, Calvin Burdick, Rene Camarillo, Jonathan Duron, and Alexander Medina - received recognition for “Top Performers”. The Sierra Vista team of Caleb Koontz, Giovanni Mendoze, and Esteban Rodriguez – achieved 1st place in Teamwork and the Walnut School team of Esmerelda Lozano and Caleb Koontz, Giovanni Mendoze, Selena Gonzalez achieved 2nd and Esteban Rodriguez –1st Place place Teamwork.
Academic Pentathlon Congratulations to our 7th, and 8th grade Academic Pentathlon teams from Imperial and Washington Middle Schools. Students meet after school with the guidance and support from their teacher/coaches, to research and study the specific content outlined for the current year’s competition. Students compete in five academic areas – math, literature, social science, science, and essay- against other schools in Orange County both public, private, and charter. This year we are pleased to report that our 7th and 8th grade teams received a total of 88 individual and team medals including 9 individual 1st place medals and 2 team 1st place medals for Super Quiz and Overall! A special thanks to our Academic Pentathlon coaches - Teri Jackson, Cassandra Canape, and Nathan Painter from Washington; Amanda Wood from Imperial. Pictures and individual results are posted on our website – www.lahabraschools.org.
Staff Recognition and Awards
Spring is always a time of new beginnings and a chance to look back to celebrate and recognize accomplishments. As we near the conclusion of another school year, we are pleased with the support of local organizations that provide us the opportunity to extend special recognition to our dedicated teachers and support staff.
Masonic Lodge Public Schools Program
Teamwork.
Congratulations to all the students who demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship, teamwork, and confidence.
Student Showcase
Have you ever used a ‘Green Screen’, App Smashed, designed and built your own robot, experienced virtual reality with Google cardboard? These were just some of the projects shared on April 28th at the La Habra City School District’s Annual Student Showcase. Thirteen teams participated representing each school in the district and demonstrating how they are learning with 21st Century or Contemporary Skills. It was an exciting afternoon of learning as students demonstrated their skills in an interactive environment. One could not help but strike a pose in front of the Green Screen, or record their singing to be played in Chatter pics. It was amazing to see the robotic creations being demonstrated by the Middle School team as they continued to problem solve their design. Our students proudly demonstrated their skills and confidence in persevering and taking on the challenge to reflect and redesign. This showcase provides an opportunity for the community to see the great work being done by our students. They are amazing, the future will be in good hands.
Teacher of the Year, Naida Cabrera, with her proud family.
Annually our local Cornerstone Masonic Lodge recognizes the contributions made by select employees of the La Habra City School District to the education of our students. This year Naida Cabrera, a 1st grade teacher at Las Lomas, was recognized as La Habra City School District Teacher of the Year for 2017. Naida is an outstanding teacher and creates an exciting and enriching learning experience for all her students.
Also recognized by the Masonic Lodge was our Classified Employee of the Year, Carol Holman, Special Education Department Secretary and our Office Support Staff—School Office Managers, School Clerks, and Clerk Typists. These Classified employees work behind the scenes to keep our schools running smoothly. They are the face of the District as they are often the first person to welcome new parents and students.
Classified Director, Carol Argomaniz & Classified Employee of the Year Carol Holman.
Members of the Office Support Staff: Yvonne Schultz, June Gualano, Becky Sanchez, Karla Montgomery, Alejandra Lopez, Sonia Kneip, Lizette Meda, Maria Aguilera, Imelda Macedo, and Anne-Marie Ramirez.
Mark Your Calendar
May 30th .................. Memorial Day Holiday June 1st ..................... Last Day of School – TK/K – 7th Grade (Minimum Day) June 2nd ................... Last Day of School - 8th Grade (Minimum Day) August 15th .............. First Day of School –TK/K - 7th Grade August 16th .............. First Day of School – 8th Grade
Keeping you informed about your public schools Office of Superintendent Susan Belenardo
500 North Walnut Street
La Habra, CA 90631
(562) 690–2305
www.lahabraschools.org
7 LOCAL NEWS LHPD captain brings leadership from FBI By Jaimee Lynn Fletcher Behind The Badge
The top of the list included family, friends and his Weimaraner, followed by Orange County’s warm weather and In-n-Out. These are the things La Habra Police Capt. George Johnstone missed most when he bid farewell for 10 weeks for a unique opportunity to improve himself and the department he works for. Johnstone, 47, was one of more than 200 law enforcement leaders from around the world selected to participate in the FBI National Academy’s 263rd class in Quantico, Va. The professional development program is reserved for 1 percent of the world’s law enforcement leaders, drawing students from dozens of states and 23 countries including India, Latvia, Germany and Japan. The only Orange County law enforcement professional selected to participate in this session, Johnstone also was the first from La Habra to attend the FBI National Academy in 15 years. In many cases, it can take up to three years to get in, but Johnstone was accepted eight months after he applied. “My first thought was it was much sooner than I expected,” he said. “I was surprised. It wasn’t supposed to happen for at least a year.” Johnstone was in the middle of several projects at work and had yet to prepare his family – a wife and two daughters, ages 15 and 11 – for the nearly three months he’d be gone. “I was almost panicked thinking about closing out projects at work and thinking about the arrangements that needed to be made at home and with my family,” Johnstone said. Everyone stepped up, both at work and at home. “My appreciation goes out to the chief and the City Council for their support, but more so to my family for being able to cover my absence for 10 weeks,” he said. “My wife, mother and brother had to get one teenage girl and one pre-teen to all their sporting events, school events and daily life events.” But his colleagues, and family especially, knew how important this training would be — it was something Johnstone had on his law enforcement bucket list since very early in his career. The Damien High School alumnus decided to
become a cop after serving as a cadet with Chino PD and accompanying officers on several ride-alongs. Johnstone served as a reserve officer with Chino PD for a year and a half before joining La Habra PD 25 years ago. As he rose through the ranks, going from patrol, to K9 handler, to investigations, then serving as a sergeant, lieutenant and now captain, Johnstone’s motivation for being in law enforcement broadened. “I’m more service-oriented now because the majority of our calls are not about making arrests,” he said. “They’re about going out in the community and solving problems.” Just as his inspiration for serving in law enforcement evolved, Johnstone hoped the FBI National Academy would help his leadership skills do the same. The academy boasts a curriculum that enhances the professional development of law enforcement leaders and better prepares them for the complexities of the job. This training really showed how important it is for the community to be involved in policing and how policing needs to be involved with the community.” The academy courses Johnstone enrolled in focused on leadership, media relations, social media, speech and the threat landscape of the cyber world. In addition to classwork, which students showed up for every day, the students were required to meet rigorous physical fitness standards. They regularly would run in snow flurries and 20-degree weather (did we mention Johnstone really missed Orange County’s climate?), and were challenged with high-intensity impact training. “This training really brought me some self-realization, especially in health and fitness and how important that is not just for the individual, but for the entire department as well,” he said. Johnstone earned a black brick for cycling 263 miles on a stationary bike (he’s got the pictures of his mileage to quiet any doubters) and the coveted yellow brick for completing the notorious Yellow Brick Road. The 6.1-mile run is a Marine-constructed obstacle course through the woods and up several hills. Runners have to trek through streams, climb walls, scale rocks, crawl under barbed wire and navigate a cargo net.
Miguel Vasconcellos/Behind the Badge OC
Building a leader: La Habra Police Capt. George Johnstone went through a 10-week training program at the FBI in Virginia.
Johnstone took on the Yellow Brick Road with a 101-degree fever and a sinus and respiratory infection. “I didn’t want to go to the doctor and be quarantined,” Johnstone said. “My time wasn’t great, but there was no way I was going to take the chance of not getting that brick.” Since Johnstone returned to La Habra PD in March, he has shared a physical fitness program he hopes will be adopted by the entire La Habra police force and has held a leadership training for the city’s department heads. His ultimate goal is to help the department continue to evolve and embrace a culture in which the reward for a job well done, is the job itself. “We want employees to have that internal desire to perform at their best, knowing that there is nothing better than representing a very special department, doing a very special job.”
8
FEATURES
Celebrating 25 years of helping kids learn By Christie Garcia La Habra Journal
Rosie’s Garage recently celebrated 25 years of helping La Habra children by creating a safe haven for young students who need homework help. The open house and ribbon cutting ceremony last week allowed state and city officials, along with community members, to see the recent renovations and improvements to the facility. The renovations were part of IGT’s After School Advantage program, which provided a grant for updating Rosie's equipment. IGT After School Advantage is a global community investment program, which provides qualifying non-profit community agencies and public schools with a digital learning center. The goal of the IGT program is in line with the mission of Rosie's Garage. The goal of IGT is "digital learning centers are designed to provide underprivileged/at-risk children ages five to 18 with a meaningful, yet fun, learning experience during the critical after-school hours, in a safe environment," according to IGT. Rosie's Garage now boasts upgraded computer workstations, laptop stations (with laptops for children to use), reading areas and white boards for tutors to provide the assistance the students need.
An addition was more college pennants hanging around the facility to help inspire local children about the importance of education and that they can set college goals early. The non-profit tutoring center was started by Rose Espinoza in hopes of creating a safe space that will bring in at-risk and underprivileged kids to get them interested and focused in school, and in turn keeping them out of gangs. Espinoza opened up her garage for neighborhood kids for the first time in 1991. She made the garage resemble a classroom by putting in chairs, desks and other school supplies. The intention was for Rosie’s Garage to be available for two years but after seeing the enthusiasm from the kids of wanting to go every day after school along with the success it had, it was hard to stop. The future was bright for Rosie’s Garage. Espinoza’s work has received national recognition and has been featured by People and O, The Oprah Magazine. What is in store for the future of Rosie’s Garage also seems to be promising. Today kids that live in a neighborhood that once made an average of 1,300 calls to the police department throughout a two year span have a safe environment where they can learn and get excited about school.
Photos by Chris Reynoso
New Furnishings: Thanks in part to a grant by IGT After School Advantage, Rosie's Garage was able to upgrade its offerings to students to include computer work stations as well as laptops that children can use in the nonprofit after school tutoring program.
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9
FEATURES
Gem Show ready to dazzle By Ashley Pelligrini La Habra Journal
Obsidian, Jasper, and geodes are just a few of the precious rocks, and gems that will be on display at this year’s 32nd annual “Jubilee of Gems” put on by the North Orange County Gem and Mineral Society. This year’s theme, “Rocks around the Clock," showcases a wide array of rocks from all over the world consisting of displays, dealers, demonstrations, raffles, kids activities, and a silent auction. Guests should expect to see demonstrations consisting of: beading, rock carving, faceting, silversmithing, and lapidary (polishing of stone). Guests will also have the opportunity to select their very own geode, and will have a chance to have it cut in half out on the patio. The Gem and Mineral Society
Hands on: Children and adults get an up close look at the hand-crafted artwork at the Gem Show.
focuses on the expansion of kid’s education with an emphasis on earth sciences. The non-profit organization recently awarded two high school seniors a scholarship based on essays they wrote. The scholarship participants had to construct an essay elaborating on the uses of Mineral Salt in Ancient and Modern Society. The entries were then read by the group, and voted on. Each year the topic of the essay changes, and is designed to encourage those interested in earth science, a chance to expand on their ideas and personal interest. Show Chairperson Don Warthen and his wife, President Ofelia Warthen, joined the club several years ago. Ofelia hopes that getting the youth involved in the group will encourage a different type of entertainment. “I would like kids to have a good experience with earth science,” she said. She expressed that she was extremely grateful to the mayor of La Habra, Jim Gomez for being so supportive of the organization and it’s positive educational cause for the community and it’s children. Gem member Linda Chu has been a member of the association since 2011. She has her own jewelry business in which she uses her love of making jewelry out of rocks. She expressed that all rocks and gem shows in general are different. “This is a show you don’t want to miss,” she stated. “The gem show is meant to educate people about the desert, and is
Photos by Jay Seidel/La Habra Journal
Hard rock: All types of gems and minerals will be on display at the annual North Orange County Gem and Mineral Society's Gem Show. Hand-crafted jewelry will also be on hand and available for purchase.
a wonderful opportunity to remind the public that they can go out and dig for these rocks themselves,” said Don Warthen. He expressed that the group takes trips out to the local deserts in search of rocks and geodes. Don and his wife enjoy cutting the rocks and making them into beautiful jewelry. The association highly encourages kids to discover various types of rocks, and the possibilities of creativity are endless. There will be a kids corner that will consist of grab bags, spinning wheel, and educational activities. Workshops are often held for the kids in the La Habra community.
“Kids at this year’s gem show will be able to learn how to make toothpaste, anything rock related and an opportunity to learn how to pan for gem stones,” Warthen said. Ofelia expressed her love of creating beautiful jewelry. “I find working with precious stones is extremely therapeutic," she said. "We often become so consumed that we forget about the world around us.” The Gem show will be held Friday, June 3-5 at the La Habra Community Center. Parking and admission are completely free. All proceeds from the raffles will support the La Habra Youth group.
10 By John Francis La Habra Journal
ENTERTAINMENT
COMMUNITY THEATER ROUNDUP
The Mysterium Theatre at La Habra Depot is getting busier and busier these days as Artistic Director Marla Ladd is getting ready to present three different plays during the upcoming summer months. “The Music Man” will start it off opening June 16 and will run through July 17 and then Ladd will be directing Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew” outdoors next to the theater that will open July 2 at 5 p.m. In addition, Myterium will present “The Little Mermaid,” beginning July 9 that will run through July 17 at 4 p.m. “The Music Man,” will run Thursdays through Sundays with shows at 8 p.m. and performances for Sundays will be 7 p.m. As if that isn’t enough, Mysterium will be holding its annual Summer Youth Theater Camp July 18-21 and 25-29, where children will learn the styles of acting and performing. For more information and ticket prices call the theatre at (562) 6973311. Mysterium has ticket prices for adults, seniors, students and military personnel. Whittier Community Theatre will be presenting its final play of its 93rd season when it opens Ken Ludwigs’s “The Game’s Afoot,” June 3 for three consecutive weekends at the Whittier Center Theater, 7630 S. Washington Ave. The comedy is directed by Suzanne Frederickson and produced by Karen Jacobson and will be at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays with one matinee June 12 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors, students and military.
Marching in: Mysterium Theater will present "The Music Man" at The La Habra Depot Theater. The show opens June 16 and runs through July 17.
For information or reservations contact the box office at (562) 695-0600. My good friends at the Westminster Community Playhouse are presenting the comedy “Funny Money,” by Ray Cooney beginning June 3 and continuing through June 19 at the theater located at 7272 Maple St., Westminster. The play, directed by Priscilla Gonzalez, will be at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. For reservations and tickets prices call the theater at (714) 893-8626. Long Beach Playhouse is presenting several productions this summer starting off with Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin In The Sun,” directed by Phyllis B. Gitlin, which is currently playing through June 18.
After “Raisin,” the playhouse will present the Peter Weiss written “Marat/Sade,” beginning June 11 and playing through July 9 in the upstairs Studio Theater. Then the Playhouse will present the famous Broadway Musical “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying,” July 2-Aug. 6 on the mainstage. Anthony Galleran is directing the production with Bill Wolfe musical directing and Tanya Thompson choreographing. Long Beach will then finish it off with the comedy “Reasons To Be Pretty” in the upstairs theater beginning July 23 and playing through Aug. 20. The theater is located at 5021 E. Anaheim St. and tickets and reservations can be had by calling (562) 494-1014.
And Finally, Huntington Beach Playhouse will be presenting its second production of the season, “MASH,” July 23 through Aug. 13. The play will be at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Saturdays. There are no Sunday performances. For tickets and reservations call (714) 847-4367. Feel free to get a hold of me if you have a play opening or auditions coming up at your theater or if you would like to let us know what your local theater is doing. Contact me at johnstoy@flash.net. (John Francis has been a member of the local theater community for the past 50 years. He has a BA and MA in acting/directing from CalState University Los Angeles.).
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
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NEIGHBORHOOD
The only directory exclusively listing La Habra area businesses
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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
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LH Little League’s Challenger Program shares sporting spirit Sports program offers players with disabilities to play baseball benefits all players. By Rachel Rohm La Habra Journal
La Habra Little League’s Challenger Program makes it possible for children with special needs, regardless of their disability, to play baseball. The opportunity takes place weekly during the season at Portola Park. Since the early 1990s, the 56th District’s Challenger Program has allowed special needs children ages four and up to play baseball like any other kid. It also allows players on the other teams to come alongside children with which they might not have the chance to interact. “It really gives them another side of the world that they need to appreciate,” said Dave Gaytan, long time coach and manager of La Habra Little League. Gaytan is also the Challenger Program representative for the 56th District, which comprises the surrounding seven cities: Brea, Whittier, La Habra, Placentia, Fullerton, Hacienda Heights and Yorba Linda. Steve Anderson, the late mayor of La Habra, was the original representative, and he had the idea to have the Challenger Program players have
their home at La Habra’s Portola Park instead of hosting the game in a different city each week. Gaytan, who has been coaching for Little League for over thirty years, finds this program even more rewarding than regular coaching. “It keeps you humble,” Gaytan said. This season, the program has thirty players, which Gaytan feels is “perfect and manageable.” While there is no longer an age limit, their current players are ages 4-22. They play two-inning games on Sundays at 1 p.m. in Portola Park. Some players like to do a few drills and skills practice before the game, but this is optional. During the game, no score is kept. Everybody hits. When the last player hits the ball, everyone on base runs in with him. The coaches will roll balls and play catch with the fielders to keep them occupied during the game. When these children can do something other than school, they love it. The program has found great success in helping the children adjust and adapt to certain areas. Gaytan has seen cases such as a child with autism who was usually bothered by noise get used to playing baseball with noise going on so much that is stopped bothering him. The Challenger Program en-
LOCAL NEWS
File Photo
Everyone plays La Habra Little League's Challenger Program helps all children enjoy the sport of baseball. Players in the Challenger program work with coaches and other players in a team building and fun environment.
courages the use of “buddies” from other La Habra Little League teams. Children who are restricted to wheelchairs are pushed by another league player. “It really is a privilege to play baseball; they don’t know how lucky they are,” Gaytan said. Playing with the special needs kids helps the other kids realize that those with special needs are normal kids who enjoy the same things they do. The special needs kids grow an attachment to and feel connected with the regular Little League players. Gaytan also commended the parents of children with special needs for bringing them out to play baseball, because he realizes it is not always an easy task.
“But then they cross home plate, and you’d think it was the winning run of the world series,” Gaytan said. Even though the regular season ends in June, in November, Bank of America sponsors a Challenger Classic in Angels Stadium, which is set up to be like a world series of Challengers. Over 60 challenger teams participate in the big game day. Players get their individual and group pictures taken on the field, and there usually are some Angels players there. Coach Gaytan is looking forward to this annual event. New players can register online through La Habra Little League’s website, lhcll.com. If you would like to volunteer, information is available there as well.
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13
ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT
Sam Casañas: Sonora’s clutch leader By Erik Markus La Habra Journal
With the game on the line, there was no player better prepared to handle the pressure of the moment. With the Sonora Raiders Softball season in the hands of their pitcher, Sam Casañas internalized the pressure and pitched her way out of trouble. “C’mon Sam, we need you,” Casañas said she heard from her teammates. “I have really supportive teammates and they back me up, and they are talking to me and that’s important as a pitcher to have that.” Casañas threw two pitches before inducing a comebacker. She quickly turned to third, looked the runner back to third, then made a strong throw over to first. She turned her attention to the next Fullerton batter, keeping the ball low, another grounder over to her sure-handed shortstop, Chelsea Purcell, the Raiders were out of the inning. Despite two errors which extended the inning, and a coaching mishap which wiped two runs from the board, the Raiders’ star pitcher guided her team out of trouble and into sole possession of second place. “I felt like my insides were freaking out, but my body just took over,” Casañas said. Things haven’t always come easily for the four year varsity pitcher. Sam Casañas made varsity her freshman year, but sat while she watched then Sonora ace’s, Sarah Hauke lead the team. Even once becoming a regular starter, she dealt with bumps along the way, losing her sole grasp as the Sonora ace during her junior year. “The reality hit, the expectations
of what she’s doing, she always took responsibility for it, but she wanted it so badly that she wore it on her sleeve,” Head Coach Michelle Rodriguez said. But what was her downfall early in her Sonora softball career, has helped her become the pitcher and person she is today. “From that point on, she’s been a different kid,” Rodriguez said about the way Casañas bounced back from her junior year struggles. Sam Casañas is an emotional person, she cares deeply about winning, and giving everything she has for her team. As a result, she competed every day to earn her way onto the team and into the circle, while gaining her teammates’ respect. “I think it truly came from, ‘this is my team,’” Rodriguez said. Now, when Sam is nervous or frustrated, she can channel that emotion into her pitches. “It’s just an adrenaline rush. I can’t explain it, this adrenaline I can’t get from anything,” Casañas said, “sometimes I get anxious or nervous, but I just push it all into my pitches.” “Her composure in the circle has grown leaps and bounds,” Rodriguez added. Sam came into the season with the desire to be one of the Freeway League’s top pitchers and lead Sonora into prominence. With Sonora tied with Fullerton going into their ninth game of the season, and second with Fullerton, Casañas’ pitching gave the Raiders the edge they needed. “She understood what was on the line, and she got it done for us,” Rodriguez said. As coach Rodriguez considered
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that moment even further, she realized it summed up Sam’s legacy at Sonora. “Right when we made that third out, I looked at her and she was just so emotional,” Rodriguez said, “It kind of just summed up all of her emotions, all of her fears, stamping her position here.” Sam got to this point with help from many, including parents, teammates, and coaches. Sam is grateful for the influence and support she has received from her parents. Sam’s dad is her support on the field. He was her coach when she was younger, he studies her play, then the two of them analyze the games together. Meanwhile, her mom can be found in the stands silently cheering. She cheers silently, because her mom’s familiar voice distracts her in the circle. “When I’m pitching I need to be in the zone, it’s weird the other team can be screaming and I’m like, ‘I don’t know you,’ and I can totally tune it out,” Casañas said. But her mom's voice.... “I hear my mom, and it triggers me to think, ‘oh that’s my mom,’ I don’t know it just distracts me, ‘Mom shh,” Casañas said laughing. “I know she just loves me and she gets excited, but it makes me so nervous.” Among other things that make Sam nervous, rakes. Coach Rodriguez recounted a story from Casañas’ sophomore year where she stepped on the rake and was clocked in the face. “Since then, keep rakes away from Sam,” Rodriguez said laughing. Sam is also a focused student as well as leader on campus. She has been in ASB all four years and considers herself to be an “ASB Nerd.” “My friends always joke around with me, because whenever they want to know what’s going on, they jut ask me. ‘Sam, when is this dance, or how much does this cost,’” Casañas said. Her favorite class is AP Psychology and has led her into sociology, which
Coach Mike Murphy’s 27th Annual
Three Sessions
Session 1- June 27 - July 1 Session 2 - July 5-8 Session 3 - July 11-15
Erik Markus/La Habra Journal
Focused leader: Sonora pitcher Sam Casanas focuses her emotions into her pitches.
she will be studying at Whittier College. Sam believes that the group dynamics studied in sociology apply to many of her interests. In addition to softball and sociology, she is considering adding Spanish or Communications into her arsenal of qualifications as she considers her future. “It’s going to be so bittersweet. I’m so excited for her, what she has in her future, but I feel like, ‘you finally got it all together, and now you’re leaving me now,” Rodriguez said laughing. “I could do so much more with you for another four years.” As she prepares for college softball, she spends most of her time working with her pitching coach and running. She knows she has more running ahead, as she works to build up endurance for double headers and long pitching outings. With a month of vacation on the horizon, Sam is looking forward to hitting the beach, exploring Los Angeles with her friends, and staying as far away from rakes as possible.
RAIDERS SUMMER BASKETBALL SKILLS CAMPS
Boys and Girls entering K to 8th grade Campers will be taught the basic techniques of shooting, dribbling, passing, rebounding, offense and defense under the watchful eyes of Coach Murphy and his staff. Coach Murphy has taught basketball for over 25 years and has won 14 league championships, A CIF championship and has over 575 victories. Session one and three $150 Session two $125 (4 days only) (includes T-shirt and basketball) At Sonora High School’s Gym – 401 S. Palm Street To reserve a space call (562) 266-2193 or (714) 400-6061 or visit the website at raiderbasketballcamp.com Daily schedule: 8:30 a.m. supervised early drop offs, 9:00 a.m. warm-up, 9:30 a.m. passing, 10:00 a.m. ball handling, 10:30 a.m. shooting, 11:00 a.m. offensive moves, 11:30 a.m. lunch,12:00 p.m. games, 1:00 p.m. dismissal.
14
SPORTS
Lady Raiders clinch CIF spot
By Erik Markus La Habra Journal
The Sonora Raider’s softball team stayed composed under pressure on their way to a CIF clinching 2-0 victory over the Fullerton (4-5) Indians. The Raiders (5-4) showed they have a flare for the dramatics, but it was their stars who came up big today. “They wanted it, they knew it was basically do or die today,” head coach Michelle Rodriguez said. In the top of the sixth inning Sonora nearly doubled their two run lead with a two out double by Brianna Garcia. With Claudia Kim and Madi Gimpl on first and third, Garcia hit a liner down the third base line that hooked into foul territory. The ball rolled into the corner of the Fullerton outfield, allowing Gimpl to race around from first, scoring standing up ahead of the throw. The Raiders celebrated in their dugout believing they had taken a four run lead on the Indians. However to their dismay, there was a simultaneous conversation going on in the background with the Fullerton coaches and the umpires. Garcia had been substituted on the basepaths prior to her seventh inning at bat. During the at bat where Garcia doubled, coach Rodriguez forgot to reinsert Garcia into the game. Unaware that Garcia wasn’t allowed to bat yet, the at bat became an illegal at bat. When the next Raider batter stepped to the plate, the double could be wiped from the scoreboard and
replaced by an out. “You see your life flash before your eyes, I’m seeing this game flash before my eyes,” Rodriguez said afterwards relieved by the final outcome. The Fullerton coaches caught the mistake, and the Raiders two run double became an inning ending out. Instead of leading 4-0, they only led by two runs. Unshaken by the drama in the prior inning, Sam Casanas took control, starting with the leadoff batter. With one on and one out in the seventh, the Raiders again found drama. A potential double play ball to third sailed high, into center field, putting runners in scoring position with just one out. With the Raiders in need of a break, Casanas remained focused, turning her attention to Indians catcher Alyssa Brundage at the plate. Brundage hit a grounder to Casanas. Without panicking, she looked Shelby Ficociello back to third, then made a clean throw to first for the second out. Continuing to lead the Raiders, she forced another grounder over to Chelsea Purcell at shortstop, and the Raiders were out of a jam and celebrating a big win on the road. “I’ve said it all season, she’s allowed us to compete, I think she took control of this game from the very start,” Rodriguez said. The Raiders scored their first run in the third inning off a single by Garcia with runners on second and third. Casanas led off the third inning with a walk, then Purcell was intentionally walked. Kim sacrifice bunted
Jay Seidel/La Habra Journal
Surging Raiders: Sonora's Madi Gimpl makes contact. The Lady Raiders secured a CIF playoff spot with their 2-0 shutout victory over Fullerton last week. Sonora finished second in the Freeway League and host Aliso Niguel Thursday in the first round of the Division 2 playoffs.
Katherine Armstrong, who was running for Casanas, over to third, then Purcell took second. Garcia’s two out base hit scored Armstrong easily, but Purcell was thrown out at the plate. Purcell’s confidence wasn’t shaken however, because in the seventh inning, Gimpl singled with Purcell and Kim on first and second. Gimpl’s single to left forced another play at the plate, but this time Purcell slid in ahead of the throw to give the Raiders a 2-0 lead. Casanas’ pitching was especially key for the Raiders today. She needed to be particularly conscious of her pitch placement, because the wind was strong and was taking balls in the air. Casanas struggled to keep the Indian bats quiet in the first matchup. Today Casanas focused on keeping the ball down and avoiding hard
contact, which allowed her to stay in control. After the game Rodriguez was excited to move on to Senior day, which will be Wednesday, May 11 against Buena Park. “They let me off the hook,” Rodriguez said, “I didn’t mess it up for them.”
CIF PLAYOFFS Division 2
Thursday, May 19 vs. Aliso Niguel at Sonora 3:15 p.m.
City of La Habra Community Services Department 101 W. La Habra Blvd.
562-383-4200
Mother/Daughter
Par-Tea Fa l l 2 0 1 6 AY S O La Habra Soccer Registration ALL BOYS AND GIRLS 4 - 18 YEARS OLD ARE ELIGIBLE TO PLAY
$20
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May7th | May 14th | May 21st Imperial Middle School Snack Shack
1 4 5 0 S c h o o l w o o d D r. La Habra, CA 90631
1pm to 4pm Early Registration | $115 VIP | $25 ( special needs program)
HOW TO ENROLL
•�Enroll online at EAYSO.org • Print 3 Sets Of Player Application • Bring 3 Sets of Applications & Payment to Registration + • Returning Players (didn’t play 2015-16) & New Players must: • Bring proof of of age: passport, birth certificate OK • Bring player dressed & ready for a mandatory evaluation.
HAVE QUESTIONS Registration Questions: registrar94@gmail.com General Information: www.AYSO-Region94.com
Saturday, May 21st 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the La Habra Community Center 101 W. La Habra Blvd. Open to girls ages three through 13 years with mom, grandma, aunt or other female guardian. Please pre-register; no tickets at the door. Includes petite lunch, sweet treats, tea, games &more! To register or for more information, please call or visit the Community Center, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., 562-383-4200.
SPORTS
15
Johnson's one-hitter stifles Troy in finale
By Jason Burch La Habra Journal
FULLERTON—The Lady Highlanders softball team closed out the regular season on a 24-game winning streak with a 4-0 victory at Troy on Wednesday. The Lady Highlanders gave the ball to Hannah Johnson in the circle for the second consecutive day and they were not disappointed. “I thought Hannah pitched very well, she brought it today,” said La Habra head coach Steve Harrington. After an inconsistent game against Sunny Hills yesterday, Johnson bounced back to pitch one of her strongest outings of the season, tossing a complete game shutout with just one hit allowed and five strikeouts. “The fact that she brought it was impressive, I thought she had a very good mental and physical approach to the game today, she wanted it,” Harrington said.
Connecting: Billy Wells hits a line drive single in the second inning to score two Lady Highlanders in La Habra's 4-0 win against Troy Wednesday.
Billy Wells got the Lady Highlanders on the board in the second inning with a line drive single to right field that scored two. La Habra added to the lead in the fifth inning. With one out Frankie Mendoza tripled to the base of the wall near center field. The next batter, Kira Cauley slapped a single past third base to score Mendoza to make it 3-0. The final run came across in the sixth. Harley Wells, who has been used primarily as a pitcher all year, pulled a line drive double down the right field line to leadoff the inning. “We got smart and put [Harley] in the lineup,” Harrington said. “She goes at it, she takes hacks up there.” A couple batters later La Habra had runners on the corners and Janelle Rodriguez, who entered the game in the fifth inning, picked up an RBI single in her first at bat. Starting pitcher Miranda Trinidad pitched well most of the game for Troy, but had zero room for error against Johnson, who was virtually unhittable. Miranda got some solid defensive play behind her to keep the game as close as it was. In the top of the third, Warrior right fielder B. Castellon fired a perfect strike to home plate to get Cauley trying to score from second base. A couple innings later Castellon also made a diving catch to take a base hit away from Nikki Butler. With the regular season in the books, La Habra will now await the
Photos by Jason Burch/La Habra Journal
Fire away: La Habra's Hannah Johnson held Troy scoreless pitching a complete game and giving up one hit with five strikeouts. It was Johnson's second consecutive day starting in the circle for the Lady Highlanders.
announcement of the CIF brackets to see which team they will face in the first round next week. Although CIF officials will be meeting Thursday, Harrington thinks that their first game will most likely be next Thursday. Harrington has been preparing his team with the goal of winning a CIF Championship all season. “It’s all going to come down to how we prepare,” Harrington said. “Again it’s all how I prepare them and how we handle the challenges of everyday life.”
CIF PLAYOFFS Division 2
Thursday, May 19 vs. Arroyo Grande at La Habra 3:15 p.m.
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