Local Football schedules released See Sports Page 14
La Habra’s Independent Community Newspaper
www.lahabrajournal.com
No. 95458
July 2, 2015
Fireworks to remain illegal in LH, LHH
Groovin’ in the parking lot
By Jay Seidel La Habra Journal
Jay Seidel/ La Habra Journal.
Crooning: La Habra native Greg Esparza sings to the crowd in the Imperial Market Place as the frontman for the band Thee Midniters. The band entertained the crowd that was gathered for the live music. For Esparza, it was a homecoming for the LHHS alumni. Read more about this on Page 8.
While many neighboring communities have lifted their bans on the sales and use of safe and sane fireworks within their city limits, fireworks are still illegal within the limits of La Habra and La Habra Heights. A possible lifting of the ban was discussed by the La Habra city council at its meeting last month, but no action was taken and the ban remained in place. With the drought and dry conditions throughout La Habra and La Habra Heights, the Los Angeles County Fire Department warns using illegal fireworks because of the increased fire danger. In order to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, residents are encouraged to take part in the city-sponsored fireworks shows. Professional firework technicians and fire crews at the events help to minimize the potential for home or wild fires.
Heights Fire Department receives Jaws of Life By Daniel Hernandez La Habra Journal
LA HABRA HEIGHTS
The La Habra Heights Fire department received an update to its life-saving tools this June, accepting a brand new Jaws of Life from a community support foundation, officials said at the June city council meeting. The La Habra Heights Community Support Foundation purchased the Jaws of Life in part with a $28,734.58 donation from Fourth District Supervisor Don Knabe of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, according to a letter dated January 30 from the County. “For us it’s updating some older equipment we had,” La Habra Heights Fire Chief Doug Graft said. “We’re able to keep up with the technology in the new automobiles with the tougher extrications that we come upon.” The supervisor’s Chief of Staff Rick Velasquez authorized the donation
from the Fourth District Discretionary funds “to assist with the purchase of the Jaws of Life equipment for the public safety benefit of the community of La Habra Heights,” a letter from the supervisor’s office stated. The La Habra Heights Community Support Foundation is a non-profit organization that looks to provides help and resources for the betterment of the city through grass roots organization with a focus on public safety and other concerns. The foundation started a little over a year ago, and the website explains that all of its contributions are allocated to funding the foundation’s projects, since all members are volunteers. The council voted unanimously to accept the donation from the foundation at the meeting. See JAWS Page 4
Daniel Hernandez/La Habra Journal In good hands: Chester Jeng and Layne Baroldi, members of the La Habra Heights Community Support Foundation, present LH Heights Fire Chief Doug Graft with the Jaws of Life for the fire department.
WHAT ’ S INSIDE THIS ISSUE Roy Choi talks Kogi, food and life during lecture at LH Library
Sonora alumna, sports writer publishes novel about the LA Dodgers
FEATURES PAGE 7
FEATURES PAGES 9
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Heights rocks The Park during summer concerts FEATURES PAGE 10
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Recreational Open Swim Monday thru Thursday from 1-3 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. -3 p.m. at the La Habra High School pool. $2 for adults 18+ and $1 for kids 17 and under.
Orange Grove Avenue.
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Music in the Park in La Habra Heights presents Elvis Tribute from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Be sure to bring your chairs and blankets. Food is available for purchase.
Happy 4th of July!
Come on out and celebrate 4th of July at the La Habra High School Stadium. There will be lots of food available for purchase, a musical performance by Soto, free Kids Zone and of course an amazing fireworks show! Tickets are $7 for 13 years and over; $4 for 12 years and under. Kids under 3 are free!
Monday, July 6, 2015
La Habra City Council Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Music in the Park in La Habra Heights presents Tribute to the Andrew Sisters from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Be sure to bring your chairs and blankets. Food is available for purchase. Gregg’s Animal Hospital is having an Open House from 6:30-8 p.m. There will be a guest speaker from Purina, raffles, hospital tours and refreshments. To RSVP please email marketinggah@gmail.com.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Free Concerts in the Park presents Cold Duck. Concert is from 7-9 p.m. at El Centro/Lions Park, 320 E. Erna Ave. Food trucks, vendors and local non-profits will be available. Don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets! La Habra Heights City Council Meeting begins at 6 p.m.
Friday, July 10, 2015
Night at the Museum! (La Habra Children’s Museum that is). Open to kids ages 4 through 12 years with an accompanying parent or guardian. Includes dinner, breakfast & snacks. Includes games, crafts, storytelling, a movie and more. This event begins tonight at 5:30 p.m. and goes through Saturday at 9:00 a.m. Cost is $20 per person. For more information call (562) 383-4200.
Saturday, July 11, 2015
La Habra Historical Museum is open on Saturday’s from 12-4 p.m.201 E. La Habra Blvd. (just North of the library). The La Habra Library proudly presents: Meet Author and Restaurateur Michael Oates today at 2:30. Enjoy an afternoon of music, writing inspirations and food with Michael Oates. Oates is the author of Wade in the Water and owner of Café Hidalgo in Fullerton .Experience a mini taste of Café Hidalgo while supplies last. Books available for purchase. OLG is having their monthly food drive for the La Habra Resource Center. Anyone and everyone is invited to come to the church parking lot today between 5-6 p.m. or Sunday from 6-11:30 a.m. to donate your canned goods, dry goods and toiletries. The food collection is for our La Habra citizens in need. Enjoy a 2.3 mile moderately strenuous Naturalist guided hike in the Hacienda Hills and learn the methods of identifying the native plants of our region. From beginners to more advanced, everyone will gain some skills. Bring in plant samples if you have some or just come out and discover the Preserve’s natives. Dogs ok. This hike begins at 8 a.m. at Hacienda Hills Trailhead, South 7th Avenue &
NEWS BRIEFS
Monday, July 13, 2015
La Habra City Planning Commission Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Free Concerts in the Park presents Mariachi Divas. Concert is from 7-9 p.m. at El Centro/Lions Park, 320 E. Erna Ave. Food trucks, vendors and local non-profits will be available. Don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets!
Friday, July 17, 2015
Free Movie in the Park presents Annie. Activities begin at 6 p.m. and the movie starts at dusk at Brio Park, 300 S. Euclid St (across the street from the Children’s Museum).
Monday, July 20, 2015
La Habra City Council Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Friendship Square Quilt Guild Meeting begins at 6:45 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 631 N. Euclid St. Guests are welcome. For more information visit www.fsqg.org.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Music in the Park in La Habra Heights presents Santana Tribute from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Be sure to bring your chairs and blankets. Food is available for purchase.
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Free Concerts in the Park presents Retro Soul. Concert is from 7-9 p.m. at El Centro/Lions Park, 320 E. Erna Ave. Food trucks, vendors and local non-profits will be available. Don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets!
Courtesy California Air National Guard
Friendly skies: One of the country’s largest military aircraft will be flying over La Habra Saturday in honor of the Fourth of July celebration. The aircraft wil fly over in the afternoon, before dusk.
Air Force aircraft to fly over in Fourth of July
As a way to honor and recognize our service men and women and the birth of our country, there will be a military flyover before the fireworks show Saturday, July 4. Air Force Lt. Col Tim Harris will pilot a C-17 Globemaster aircraft over the city. Residents are encouraged to look to the skies and thank all the men and women who have served our country and all those who are currently serving our country.
La Habra 18U Softball Team Becomes Dist. B Champions
The La Habra 18U Softball team battled and won against Santa Monica this last weekend for the District B Championship. The La Habra 18U Softball Organization has also qualified for the 2015 Amateur Softball Association State Championship and will begin playing July 10, in Lancaster.
La Habra to discuss water, sewer, refuse rate increase
The city of La Habra set to discuss a potential rate increase for water, sewage and refuse services at a public meeting that is set for July 20 at the city council chambers. Terry
Pam
Chris
Morse receives Snowsport award for service to sport
L on g t i m e resident of La Habra Chuck Morse was presented with the Far West Ski Ass o ciat ion’s Snowsports Builder Award at the 83rd Annual Convention in San Diego on June 6. The Award is given to an individual who has made an indelible positive impact on Snowsports. Morse has more than 40 years experience in ski area development and management, marketing and promotion, association management, and civic action. He has extensive and notable contributions in local, regional, national and international snowsports endeavors. Morse was the first full-time Recreational Services Director hired by a division of the US Ski Association (now US Ski and Snowboard Association) and moved up from the volunteer ranks into the Executive Director’s job of the FWSA. The FWSA currently represents over Unparelleled Real Estate Services... from our Familyin to You 50,000 snowsports enthusiasts over 150 clubs located in 9 regional councils Pam Kennedy (562) 547-4489 in 12 western states. Terry Kennedy (562) 458-7948 Chris Kennedy (562) 537-8701
The La Habra City School District will be serving a FREE breakfast to all kids 18 years and younger at Washington Middle School, 716 E. La Habra Blvd. and at Las Lomas Elementary School, 301 Las Lomas Dr. from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, June 15 – July 10, 2015. USDA is an equal opportunity provider. (Closed on Friday, July 3).
Let us know about your community event news@lahabrajournal.com (562) 665-8954
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OPINION
COMMENTARY
No fireworks is OK for the community
Did you know...
By Sue Thompson La Habra Journal
Richard’s Park is located on the southeast corner of Lambert Road and Euclid Street. A sign is posted on the south side of Lambert Road. The actual address of the park is 701 S. Clifton Street. The park consists of 0.28 acres of natural open space with drought resistant landscaping. There is a pedestal in the front center of the park which had a sundial on top of it when it was placed in 1978. The sundial is no longer there, but the pedestal stills exists. At the base of the pedestal is a plaque that reads: “Sundial by City Clerks of California in memory of Richard Lee Wallace son of Joann Jelly City Clerk, to Richard’s Park.
City Council Earl C. Roget - Mayor, Beth Graham - Mayor Pro Tem, Robin Young, Marion Corbett, Burton Ward. Lee Risner - City Manager. April 1978.”
Joann Jelly was a resident of La Habra and the city clerk from January 1977 through December 1980. The park was dedicated in memory of Jelly’s son, Richard Lee Wallace who passed away in 1978. Just another interesting piece of the history about where we live, work and enjoy being a part of the La Habra community. Special thanks to: Laurie Swindell, Deputy City Clerk/Records Manager for the City of La Habra. Source: ci.l-habra.ca.us
It’s the Fourth of July. The time when we celebrate the birth of our great country. It’s a time for family, friends, barbecues and fireworks. As a child growing up in La Habra, I remember lighting fireworks off in the street with neighbors and having a great time. I also remember having to clean up all the paper and burned out fireworks the next day. It has been a while since fireworks have been legal in La Habra, and to tell you the truth, I don’t miss it. It’s like professional football. When the Rams and Raiders left Los Angeles, it was tough. What would we do without the local teams? As time went by, it became easier and easier to handle. An extra televised game, no blackouts and I get to see all the great plays without having beer spilled on me. So, while the NFL discusses the potential return to Los Angeles, I don’t see what the rush for it is. Take your time. I’ve become pretty comfortable without having the local teams. That brings me back to fireworks. I don’t see the need to lift the ban on them in La Habra. I, like many other people have grown accustom to life without them. Besides, there are a number of professional fireworks shows throughout
3
the community. As we all know, if you can’t make it to the fireworks show and party at La Habra High School, you can pull up some chairs and watch it from your house or your friend’s house. Residents in the Heights have the opportunity to see a number of great fireworks shows. Sure the ban might cause you to miss out on getting your hands in on firework experience and you won’t be up close and personal with them. But like television allows you to see better plays and bigger action, professional fireworks shows allow you to see the bigger fireworks and louder booms, without all the cleanup and safety hassle. In addition, with the severe drought the state is going through, all the dry brush and grass around La Habra and La Habra Heights, the idea of allowing more fire into these areas doesn’t appeal to me, and I can imagine others as well. So, as we celebrate the birth of our country, get with family and friends, get some food, a favorite drink, pull up a chair and watch the show. There’s no cleanup, no black marks in front of the house and a worry-free way to celebrate —The Editor
Do you have a letter to the editor?
Want to share your view or opinion on something related to La Habra or La Habra Heights, feel free to submit your letters by email to news@ lahabrajournal.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. The La Habra Journal is a proud member of the California Newspaper Publishers Association.
Editor: Jay Seidel Copy Editor Kyra Kirkwood Operations Manager: Jennifer Seidel Advertising Director Sue Thompson Founding Partners: Jane Williams Nancy Bishop Dotty Shively Reporters: Katelyn Chavez, Taylor Engle,Christian Fletcher, Jackie Garcia, Daniel Hernandez, Erik Markus, Genesis Miranda, Stephanie Stevenson, Shanin Thomas Photographers: Nicole Anderson, Jenny Montes de Oca
Contact: news@lahabrajournal.com sports@lahabrajournal.com
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4
Fitness equipment installed at Montwood By Taylor Engle La Habra Journal
The city of La Habra received a grant from St. Jude Medical Center to build two new outdoor fitness centers at Montwood Park, which became available to the public last week. The grant will also be used to install two community gardens in the park and to hire a grant writer to receive more grants. The fitness areas feature 12 pieces of exercise equipment that focus on strength and cardiovascular activity for building the upper body, core, and lower body. Each piece of equipment has instructions and a QR code to scan that demonstrates the proper use of the equipment. The fitness areas were installed with hopes to encourage people to be more active. “As we all know, obesity and inactivity contribute to a person’s health,” said La Habra Recreation Manager David DeLeon. “Providing people an
opportunity to get fit is a great way to create a healthier lifestyle. Healthier people are happier people.” St. Jude’s was the brain behind this fitness initiative. The goal is to improve the overall health and fitness of the community. “By providing sustainable systems, policies, and infrastructure changes, St. Jude supports healthy lifestyle behaviors that will help to decrease overweight and obesity prevalence, resulting in improved health, wellness, and productivity and decreased health care burden and costs,” said Tracy Bryars, Healthy Communities Initiative Manager at St. Jude Medical Center. There are plans to follow up the fitness areas with additional activities and events that will educate and encourage the community on healthy eating, which goes hand in hand with exercise and fitness. The city also plans to soon offer fitness classes to the public at the Montwood Park fitness areas. The equipment in the fitness areas
LOCAL NEWS
Jay Seidel/La Habra Journal
Open to the public: La Habra Mayor Pro Tem Jim Gomez cuts the ribbon and officially opens the new fitness equipment at Montwood Park. The equipment was installed in collaboration with St. Jude Medical Center.
is open to the public free of charge. The areas are open daily from dawn to dusk. The city of La Habra is also collaborating with the Move More, Eat Healthy Health Educators and Providers Committee to help develop more programs based on healthy
eating and fitness. The city is also currently working with Medical Director of Friends of Family Health Center Dr. Mark Varallo to encourage his patients to be more active and to promote the fitness equipment at Montwood Park.
JAWS: Heights Fire Dept. gets life-saving donation
(From Page 1)
The city attorney confirmed that there is no conflict of interest or violations of the California Political Reform Act despite Mayor Michael Higgins and Mayor Pro Tem Kyle Miller being part of the vote to accept the funds. “I was real pleased that we were able to get the donation for the full amount from Supervisor Don Knabe’s office,” Francis said. The former fireman described a time when he used the Jaws of Life
in La Habra Heights to save a fellow fireman in a car accident on what was old Fullerton Road. “He was coming home … and he fell asleep at the wheel. We used the Jaws of Life, and it took us about 30-45 minutes to get him out, but we got him out,” Francis said. “It’s a great tool. It’s kind of like car insurance. You have to have it, but you hope you never use it,” he said. Other community members, who were recognized at the meeting, also contributed to the over $28,000 in www.edwardjones.com
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funds for the equipment, La Habra Heights Community Support Foundation board member Layne Baroldi said. Baroldi and Chester Jeng, also a board member of the foundation, presented certificates of appreciation at the meeting to some of the largest donors. Over 50 of the community neighbors contributed to the Jaws of Life funds, Baroldi said, although Supervisor Knabe’s donation seemed to cover the entire amount for the equipment. Members of the La Habra Heights Fire Department displayed the new
equipment at the meeting, showing off its massive strength, durability and multiple attachments. The Jaws of Life is a hydraulic apparatus used to pry apart vehicle wreckage in order to free people that may be trapped. In need of replacing some outdated equipment, the fire chief welcomed the donation. “It’s a lot safer equipment than we had before, especially the hoses,” Graft said. “It’s more efficient and certainly state of the art equipment.”
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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 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 Green Hills Baptist 2200 West Imperial Hwy. La Habra (562) 943-7291 Services: Sunday (English) 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m. (Spanish) 11 a.m. (Korean) 1 p.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
It’s unfortunate that we refer to the 4th of July as a national holiday. My preference is to refer to the day as Independence Day not because it represents our freedom from the British but because it reminds us all of our freedoms in the First Amendment. We celebrate our freedom of speech, the press, religion and assembly. It’s how we maintain our independence as a nation as well as individuals. Referring to “The fourth of July” in some way loses the fuller meaning of the day. For this writing today, the freedom of the press certainly plays a part. It is printed here. The freedom of speech is equally important as this writing could go in several directions without the author ever being incarcerated. But for the purpose of this writing, let us thankfully raise up the freedom of religion. On Independence Day weekend, people in our community will worship the way they choose, where they want to worship and with whom. The potential is great for taking the day for granted. I’ve been an American citizen my entire life. I don’t think of the freedoms I have much at all. Yet, in our continuously changing world, it is evident that these freedoms are not as prevalent in every nation. Here is a suggestion for readers of the Inspirational Corner this week of Independence Day: look at a news source in print or online and identify the stories that tell about one of the four freedoms that we take for granted being set aside in another country. If you’ve never done this before it will be enlightening. When you complete this simple task you’ll not take your freedoms for granted any longer. Where ever you choose to worship this Independence Day weekend, offer a prayer of thanksgiving for free speech, free press, the freedom to assemble and the freedom to offer those prayers. Rehoboth Reformed Church 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
Page 6
LA HABRA JOURNAL
July 2, 2015
City Communicator Free Summer Concerts 4th of July Celebration The City of La Habra will hold its annual 4th of July celebration on Saturday, July 4th at La Habra High School Stadium. The event will include children’s games and activities, live entertainment by Soto, food vendors, and fireworks. Pre-sale wristbands for the event may be purchased at the Community Center now through 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2nd. The cost is $5 per adult (age 13 years and over) and $3 per child (age 12 years and under). Children under three years old are free. Tickets at the gate on the day of the event will be $7 per adult and $4 per child, with sales beginning at 10:00 a.m. on July 4th. For further information, please contact the Community Services Department at 562-383-4200.
2nd Annual Family Camping Trip Scheduled This year’s annual Family Camping Trip, Friday-Sunday, August 14th-16th, will be held at the newly remodeled Forest Lawn Scout Reservation, located three miles east of Lake Arrowhead on more than 2,000 acres in the San Bernardino National Forest. Activities available include archery, canoeing/kayaking, hiking, swimming, astronomy, indoor rock climbing wall, low ropes course, zip-line, arts & crafts, games, campfire, skits, and more. Families will have their own room in a lodge with other families. Amenities include bunk beds, restrooms, showers, kitchen area, living/common room and hot water. Scheduled meals are prepared on-site and eaten together in the dining hall. Transportation from La Habra by deluxe motorcoach is included. Cost is $165 per child (ages five-thirteen years and $185 for adults (13 years & over).
Beat the Heat at the Pool The City of La Habra’s swim lessons continue, with two more sessions available: July 6th-16th and July 20th-30th at the La Habra High School pool. The cost is $60 per session, per child. The 40-minute lessons are offered in the mornings, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. All classes are taught by American Red Cross certified instructors. Please pre-register for all swim lessons at the Community Center, 101 W. La Habra Blvd., in person or by calling the Community Center at (562) 383-4200 Monday -Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Recreational open swim is offered at the La Habra High School pool from 1:00-3:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and on Fridays, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., June 8th through August 2nd. Fun Fridays will be held at the pool every Friday from 12:00-1:00 p.m., when aquatic staff will host an hour of fun, interactive games. The cost is $1 for those under 18 years of age and $2 for those over that age. For more information, please call (562) 383-4200.
City Numbers
To Remember
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 Dept.: Fire Department:
* All numbers are 562 area code unless otherwise specified.
A Publication of the City of
383-4352 383-4010 383-4116 383-4270 383-4236 383-4030 383-4000 383-4010 383-4143 383-4200 383-4151 691-4692
The City of La Habra’s annual summer “Concerts in the Park” series, presented by Waste Management and Nationwide Environmental Services, returns to El Centro-Lions Park, 320 E. Erna Ave., beginning on Thursday, July 9th, 7:00-9:00 p.m. The line-up is:
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
July 9th July 16th July 23rd July 30th
Cold Duck - Rhythm & Blues, Rock, Funk Mariachi Divas - Mariachi Retro Soul - Rock, Pop, Soul Hip Street - Tower of Power Tribute
Concert goers may bring their own refreshments or may purchase food from food trucks, vendors and local non-profits. There also will be a kids’ zone and a 50/50 raffle. You may bring your own lawn chairs and blankets for comfortable seating. Please remember that no alcohol or dogs are permitted in the park. For more information, please contact the Community Center at 562-383-4200.
Outdoor Movie Fun Both the Movies in the Park and the Dive-In Movies programs continue to offer an opportunity for family fun, as well as a way to beat the heat. The free Movies in the Park program takes place one Friday each month at Brio Park, 300 S. Euclid Street (across the street from the Children’s Museum). Activities begin at 6:00 p.m., and have included live performances by local vocal groups, as well as the recreation staff providing play equipment and leading games and contests. There is also a nice playground at the park. Movies begin at dusk. Participants can bring their own food or purchase food from vendors and should bring their own blankets and chairs for seating. Upcoming movies are: July 17th Annie August 21st Big Hero 6 Dive-In movies are held once a month on Friday evenings at the La Habra High School pool, 801 W. Highlander Ave., and offer families a chance to relax at the pool while watching a movie. Gates open at 6:00 p.m., and the movies screen at dusk. Recreation staff lead games in the pool, as well as providing inflatable pool games. Food and beverages are available for purchase. The cost to attend is $5 per person. You may pre-register to attend at the pool during swim lessons and open swim (Mon.-Thurs., 9:00 a.m.-12:40 p.m. or 1:00-3:00 p.m., Fri. 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.), at the Community Center (Mon.-Fri., 8:00 a.m.-5:00 P.M.), or at the gate, if space is still available. Upcoming movies are: July 31st: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 August 29th: The Muppets: Most Wanted For more information, please contact the Community Center at 562-383-4200.
Graffiti Hotline: 383-4220 La Habra Shuttle: 866-557-7433 Library: 694-0078 NOC Youth Center: 383-4227 Personnel Services: 383-4079 Planning Dept: 383-4100 Police Department: 383-4300 Public Works: 383-4170 Traffic Office: 383-4151 Water & Sewer Billing: 383-4070
Web Site: www.lahabraca.gov
Your City Council: Michael Blazey, Mayor James Gomez, Mayor Pro Tem Rose Espinoza Tom Beamish Tim Shaw 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.
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FEATURES Choi brings recipe of food, laughs to LH Library event By Shawn Hanley La Habra Journal
Roy Choi is a famous chef, activist, hometown hero, and father of Korean barbeque in a taco. And a busy guy. He arrived slightly late at the La Habra Library Saturday where he was the guest author at the library’s Summer Reading Program kickoff. He hurried, and moved quickly to where the people were waiting on the hot June day. But he didn’t initially go to the people inside the library, who came to hear him talk about his book, “L.A. Son.” Rather, he slipped into his Kogi Korean-Mexican food truck and started cooking for the lunch-minded people who had been closing in on the truck seconds after it pulled up to the library’s front entrance. Apparently satisfied that his crew had things under control, Choi stepped out of the truck. The Kogi truck continued serving folks its famous fusion tacos, kimchi quesadillas and short rib burritos while Choi talked inside. Choi, 46, is best known for his Kogi BBQ trucks, a food movement that spotlights L.A. and Orange County as the capital of the Korean-Mexican taco. His Kogi trucks have also galvanized the food truck industry from roach coach status to gourmet-worthy restaurants on wheels. Choi himself has become a brand; he’s a former chef for the Beverly Hilton and Embassy Suites who now champions the underprivileged, and who chides the food industry for
narrowly focusing only on the rich. He is a cross-cultural everyman who identifies with Koreans, Latinos and that which is uniquely American. “‘Kogi’ means meat in Korean,” Choi said during his talk. “But ours is not food from the homeland. It’s our food.” Tattooed but otherwise anonymous in t-shirt and jeans, Choi spoke about his unremarkable beginnings as an immigrant from Seoul who would later adopt L.A. and love its sprawling neighborhoods as hard as he’d ever love anything. “I used to cruise Whittier,” Choi recalled. “I have major family connections in La Habra. It’s not really L.A. and not really OC. It is its own thing and a beautiful one at that. Wide streets, good people, great food.” “In ‘L.A. Son,’ we took some risks,” Choi said, referring to the book’s candor as well as range of recipes included. There are recipes for all occasions and moods, from chili spaghetti to pizza to Magic Fish Dip. “L.A. Son” tells the story of Choi’s immigration from Seoul. From the eighties to the 2000s, Choi and his family experienced tough times and eventual prosperity. While his parents experimented with business endeavors, and eventually found their niche in the gem business, Choi struggled with racial and class identity. At home in the neighborhoods of Koreatown and Anaheim, Choi was adrift in suburban Villa Park, where the family eventually relocated. Though an honors student, Choi responded to his disconnect with drugs and gang life. Later, he sunk
Photos by Shawn Hanley/La Habra Journal
Signatures and smiles: Local restaurateur and author Roy Choi signs one of his books for a young guest in attendance for Choi’s lecture at the La Habra Library last week.
into a gambling addiction. Through it all were two constants, which he didn’t fully recognize until later: his love for L.A., and his love for food. Food punctuated life. When his parents operated a fairly successful Korean restaurant in Anaheim in the late seventies, food was the reason and the joy behind everything. He writes in “L.A. Son”: “Regardless of what you were doing, everything came to an immediate halt at 3:00 pm. At exactly three o’clock on the dot, it was dumpling time. Family time. The ladies took off their aprons, plunked down at booth number one,” and made dumplings, he explained in loving detail. “For the first time in my life the cooking that I was so used to at home was part of everything I was doing – no start point, no end point.” When Choi hit his bottom at age 25, after a particularly nasty bit of fighting and drinking, he roused to an epiphany. Through his haze, and in his mind, TV chef Emeril Lagasse spoke directly to him: “Why do you act like this? Here, smell this . . . It’s
beef bourguignonne. Wake up and get your …. together!” Choi wrote in his book, “This was my destiny.” His parents, who had never failed to support him through his various crises, were at his side. They sent him to the Culinary Institute of America in New York. “It was the move that would change my life forever,” he writes. After cooking professionally for the Hilton and Embassy Suites hotel chains, Choi and a friend, Mark Manguera, whom he knew during his Hilton days, began Kogi in 2008. They had the idea of fusing traditional Korean barbeque and Mexican tacos. However, experimental street food never tasted so good or sold so well. Choi now owns several restaurants throughout L.A. When asked if a Kogi truck might someday come directly to La Habra, he said, “We’d love to come to La Habra more. Know any good spots?” For more information on Kogi truck schedules, visit www.kogibbq. com.
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FEATURES
8
La Habra’s Greg Esparza and Thee Midniters highlight city’s concerts By Taylor Engle La Habra Journal
The California native rock band Thee Midniters performed a twohour concert at the La Habra Marketplace last Thursday evening. People filled the parking lot with lawn chairs and refreshments as they readied themselves for an evening of live music in the shopping center. Crowds started forming and enjoyed the evening’s opening band, Stepbrothers, who went on from 6 to 6:45 to get the crowd pumped up and ready to dance to the classic music of Thee Midniters. Formed in East Los Angeles in
Dancing: Couples danced to the music of Thee Midniters in La Habra last week.
1965, Thee Midniters have a huge following in the Hispanic community. Five or six generations of fans have been loyal to Thee Midniters throughout their career. Thee Midniters are particularly popular with the La Habra community because lead singer Greg Esparza is a La Habra native himself. He grew up in La Habra and graduated from La Habra High School in 1987. This was his first time performing with Thee Midniters in his hometown this year. Approximately 2,000 people gathered around the stage dancing or sitting in their chairs, enjoying the band’s performance. Thee Midniters performed at a La Habra event two years ago and it was the largest turnout any La Habra concert has seen; the city was very eager to bring them back for a second performance. The members of Thee Midniters were very excited to be back in La Habra. “When we arrived, I remembered what a beautiful community La Habra is,” said founding member and bassist Jimmy Espinoza. “I prayed for everyone before I got here. This performance is all for the grace of God.” The stage was set up in the parking lot area near the Aaron Brothers Art & Framing. There was a large section reserved for concertgoers to set up chairs and blankets, along with plenty of room for people to dance along to the music. Raffle tickets were also going around, giving the concertgoers a chance to win a car. The concert was sponsored by the
Photos by Jay Seidel/La Habra Journal
Local boy: La Habra native Greg Esparza entertains the crowd as part of Thee Midniters at the band’s performance last week in the La Habra Marketplace. businesses of the La Habra Marketplace, a few of them, like Pizza Rev, had booths set up with information about their businesses, coupons, and some games for kids. La Habra’s summer concerts in the past have typically been done at El-Centro Lions Park, but this year the city decided to do some of the summer concerts at the Marketplace to help promote some of the businesses. Based on the success, the city is negotiating to get more of the businesses in the area to sponsor the concerts for 2016. Last week, the Stones vs. Beatles concert was the first to take place in La Habra Marketplace and a huge success. Because of this, the city is considering bringing in more tribute bands for future concerts.
“Like many of our city sponsored programs, we want to create these types of activities to encourage a community,” said Recreation Manager David DeLeon. “We are lucky that our events are well attended and that people provide us suggestions on things they would like to see or hear.” Summer concerts have been around for approximately 20 years in La Habra, and have only gotten better and more popular with the community. “This is my first La Habra concert, and I am really enjoying it,” said concertgoer Bertha Jacuinde. This was the last concert of 2015 to be held at La Habra Marketplace, but summer concerts will be moving to El-Centro Lions park starting July 9 with the band Cold Duck.
City of La Habra Summer Concerts Series Thursday Eves, 6-9 p.m. at La Habra Marketplace Shopping Center 1641 W. Imperialy Hwy. (between Sprouts & Regal Cinema) June 18th: Farpoint: 6-6:30 p.m. Beatles vs. Rolling Stones Tribute: 7:15-9:15 p.m. June 25th: 180 Band: 6-7 p.m. Thee Midniters: 7-9 p.m. Thursday Eves, 7-9 p.m. at El Centro-Lions Park, 320 E. Erna Avenue July 9th: Cold Duck - Rhythm & Blues, Soul & Rock July 16th: Mariachi Divas - Mariachi “Where familes can July 23rd: Retro Soul - Rock, Pop & Oldies be families.” July 30th: Hip Street - Tower of Power Tribute * KID ZONE * 50/50 Raffle * Food Trucks * Intermission Games & Contests Like Us: La Habra Recreation Division @lahabrarecreationdivision
For more information, please call 562-383-4200 Sponsored by:
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9
FEATURES
From Sonora to the diamond La Habra native and long time ESPN the magazine reporter and writer has her first book despite not starting out that way. By Jay Seidel La Habra Journal
Sometimes teachers can have an influence on a person long after they leave the classroom. Such is the case for sports reporter and new author, Molly Knight. While attending Sonora High School, Knight had visions of becoming a doctor. She natually excelled in her IB science courses. However, seeds were planted in of all places, her English classes, that would have a great influence in her life. “I always had teachers at Sonora who would push me toward writing and complemented my writing,” Knight explained. “But I resisted because I’d think, ‘I’m a math or science person’ . I was always surprised to get As in my English classes. I just didn’t think of myself as a writer.” After she graduated from Sonora in 1999, Knight went to Stanford where she studied biology, with her goal still pointed toward medical school, but the seeds that were planted by Marjie Blevins and Marilyn Middleton, her high school English teachers grew. “They were instrumental in where I am today,” Knight explained. “I had a lot of teenage angst and they made me feel like I could get into a good college and do something great. They really are amazing.” By her senior year at Stanford, Knight explained that she couldn’t take another organic chemistry class and decided that she liked writing and she wanted to become a writer. Some of her friends were moving to New York and Knight felt at the time that she needed to start over. So she packed up and moved to New York to start her life as a writer. . She had no experience or training at all, but that didn’t stop her. She worked as a bartender and wrote at coffee shops. She started reviewing CDs for an indie rock magazine. Then interned at a business magazine. She applied for an internship at FHM magazine and they
hired her. After a year, one of her editors moved to ESPN magazine and she followed. She freelanced for ESPN and covered a variety of topics and features. In 2011, they sent Knight to Los Angeles to cover the divorce and legal preceding of former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt. “It was crazy because the story kept going,” Knight explained. “It was one of the first things that was really mine at ESPN.” She found herself writing for ESPN online, doing some television work and writing for the magazine. She enjoyed the work, and got to know some of the players and decided to move back to California. It was at that time that players and Dodger personnel suggested to Knight that she write a book about the team. “I blew it off at first, but then I thought, maybe I should,” she explained. “The Best Team Money Can Buy” chronicles the story of the Dodgers as they transitioned from the profit driven McCourt debacle and drama of his ownership to the new ownership that has a commitment to winning. “I’m pretty straightforward,” Knight admitted. “It’s mainly about the players, their lives and the personalities.” Knight added that she is fascinated with extraordinary people and that is what fueled her interest in writing about the Dodgers. She stopped working for ESPN and spent a year working solely on the book, delving deep into the team and all the surroundings. She is excited and looking forward to the book’s release in time for the MLB All Star Game on July 14. She is open to her future, and is just kind of taking it day by day to see where things go. “People ask me if I’ll write another book,” she explained. “I don’t know. It has to be an extraordinary story.” For now, Knight will continue to enjoy Southern California and what life is like as a published author.
Molly Knight book signing July 31
Play Ball: Sonora High School alumna Molly Knight’s first book, “The Best Team Money Can Buy” will be released from Simon & Schuster on July 14.
Ezaki Dentistry 16336 E. Whittier Blvd. Whittier, CA 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
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Amateurs ONLY - No Professionals CONTESTANT INFORMATION (Please Print Neatly) Form must be submitted by or before July 20th. • Auditions start August 4th. Name: Address: City: Home Phone #:
Category
Bands Dance Singing Comedy Novelty Group (how many members in your group?)
La Habra Collaborative
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2015 Time: 6-9 pm (Social Hour 6-7 pm - Buffet) California University of Health Sciences Location: Southern 16200 E Amber Valley Dr, Whittier, CA 90604 Admission: $50 per person
Age: Apt #: Zip: Alternate Phone #: Email to: elaine@crossroadslahabra.org or mail to: Elaine Friesen, 222 N. Euclid Ave., La Habra, CA 90631
For more information please contact Martha Lester at 562-697-2762 or cell 562-335-7281
La Habra Collaborative Release from Liability and Indemnification Name of Participant
Age
Address
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Phone
I hereby agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the La Habra Collaborative, from and against any and all claims, damages, injuries (including death), liability, expenses and judgements, including attorney’s fees, in any way arising from my, my children’s and/or my pet(s)’s participation in this program. I understand and am familiar with the nature of the event or activity and recognize that this event or activity can be dangerous to me, my children and/or my pet(s), and accept those dangers. In case of emergency, I give my permission for emergency medical treatment for myself, my children and/or my pet(s). I also give my permission to the La Habra Collaborative to photograph me, my children and/or my pet(s) participating in this event for advertising purposes for the La Habra Collaborative and acknowledge I will not receive any compensation for such use. My signature acknowledges that I understand and agree to the above conditions. Signature Relationship to participant(s) Self/Participant
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FEATURES
10 The Heights rocks out once again in The Park By Katelyn Chavez La Habra Journal
The La Habra Heights Improvement A\ssociation brings families and friends together each summer for an entertaining event every Wednesday night. Last week, the audience experienced the music of U2 performed by the Whittier worship band, 40. Brian Guthrie on vocals, Sol Rodriguez on guitar, Josh Mervin on
Bringing friends: Concertgoers brought two and four-legged friends to last week’s summer concerts at The Park in the Heights.
1964-2014 CARDEN WHITTIER PRIVATE SCHOOL
drums, and Ed Eller as their event manager; this has been their second time playing for the LHHIA’s music in the park, and said they are glad to do it. “The energy is so awesome and we want to keep coming back,” Guthrie said. “There’s people we know here, and new faces and it’s so thrilling to see!” Melisa Villanueva and Eric Nicolson are from Fullerton, and they attended the event for the first time this year and said the band sounds just like U2! They added that this event is sure to bring them back because it was so fun. For over 20 years, LHHIA has sponsored music in the park, and each year the music gets better and better. American favorites this year include tribute bands that play sounds of: The Beach Boys, U2, Swing Era, Elvis, Brooks & Dunn, Neil Diamond, Smooth sounds of Santana, and a battle of the bands with the Beatles and Rolling Stones. This year there’s a concert tribute for everyone with good food and desserts to make this event even more enjoyable. The event is so popular and has grown with people starting with an audience from 400 people to 2000, according to organizer Jennifer Jones . “We start planning for this event in January, and like to create a fun atmosphere where friends and family create memories, and bring new people to create some of their own,” Jones explained.
Photos by Jay Seidel/La Habra Journal
Unforgetable Fire: Lead singer Brian Guthrie of the band 40, belts out songs by U2 last week for the crowd at the Park on Hacienda.
Elizabeth Espinoza is from La Habra has been coming to the concerts for the past five years. This time, she brought her friends to celebrate her birthday. “It’s my second week of summer vacation, and this is perfect to start with,” she said. “My husband asked me what I wanted to do to celebrate, and I couldn’t think of anything better to do than this! Next week I’m bringing my family.” Fernando Menchaca who is from Whittier has been working for this event for the past six years and puts his joy in his work to see all the smiling faces. He describes this event … “simply irresistible! Everyone has to come at least once because it automatically puts you in a good mood. The vibe never decreases.”
Time for wine: Many who come out to enjoy the summer concerts bring family, friends and some of their favorite drinks and enjoy the music.
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FEATURES 11 Meet the unique team LHPD has unleashed By Leslie Cano/ La Habra Journal
What does it take for an animal to be considered special or unique? Most dog owners believe their pets are special in one way or another. But really, what makes a dog special? Being able to catch a Frisbee in mid-air while doing a backflip? Barking on command and being rewarded with a treat after? Well how about a team of crime fighting dogs? Part of the K9 Foundation, they help La Habra city be a safer town as they take down the bad guys. Working alongside with the La Habra Police officers, the La Habra K9 Foundation, a non-profit organization, was created to exclusively support the LHPD canines. The foundation includes having a dog that can sniff out hidden narcotics to being able to rely on another dog who is used as an apprehension dog when scenarios get a little too dangerous for officers. Meet the team of LHPD’s four-legged officers who’ve raised the standards to what average canines are really capable of doing.
Officer Bobby
Bobby is an English Springer Spaniel that came from Ireland and is considered one of Orange County’s most unique police K-9’s. His specialty is in narcotics detection. This puppy can sniff out hidden drugs in a building within minutes according to Behind the Badge. He was able to join the La Habra Police Department in late 2013 after $15,000 was collected in donations from private donors. He is now partners with La Habra Police Reserve Officer Rob Sims. “Bobby can do things so much quicker, all by himself,” says Mike Murphy, the departments lead chaplain. “When we are looking for contraband, Bobby with his nose, nothing can beat it. You can have four police officers take four to six hours to complete a search in a house, to where Bobby could inspect the entire house in 45 minutes.” With that kind of nose, Murphy feels Bobby is an incredible asset to the La Habra Police when it comes to locating hidden drugs inside buildings.
Corporal Prinz
Prinz is a Belgian Malinois used as a front man in the line of duty when it comes to going after the bad guys. Prinz’s ranking comes from all the duties he’s been assigned and completed. He is the K-9 partner to Police Corporal Nick Baclit. Together as a team, the dogs have made 35 felony arrests and 26 misdemeanor arrests according to Behind the Badge. Those arrests include having chased and taken down criminals to sniffing out narcotics and weapons. Prinz was recently awarded a ballistic vest to help protect him when he’s out on the job. Without the vest, Prinz has been vulnerable to knife stabbings and gun shots. A Lake Forest nonprofit, the Animal Health Foundation, paid for the bill to get Prinz’s vest. Now he can keep doing his job and be safer than ever while he does it.
Officer Emerson
Emerson is a Golden Retriever with a big heart. Emerson and his owner, the department’s lead chaplain, Mike Murphy, are both full-time volunteers for the foundation. Their duties involve doing jobs that the other police K-9’s wouldn’t really know how to do well, and that is comforting others. When police come across persons who have just experienced a traumatic event or are in a great deal of shock, Emerson is called in to help relax the victim in the situation. “The whole idea behind what I am trying to do with Emerson is to give people help immediately,” Murphy explained. “As soon as we can help people process what they have just been through, they’re better off.” Murphy also adds that when bones are broken paramedics are called to the scene to help, but who helps fix the victims emotions? That’s where Emerson comes in to help heal hearts and emotions.
This team of all-star hounds from the K9 Foundation adds an additional resource for the La Habra Police Department. Each dog has a trait specialty that the department can utilize in their efforts for combating crime. The K9 Foundation is always looking for more volunteers and needed donations. The foundation is currently looking to raise money to purchase another canine to add to this team, possibly a bloodhound according to Simms. The canine force in the LHPD can continue to grow as long as organizations like the K9 Foundation can continue to receive the support and help they need.
Coach Mike Murphy’s 26th Annual
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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 500 victories. $150 a session includes a t-shirt and basketball Sponsored by
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.
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
LOCAL NEWS
Cannings: Customer service and selection is key to success
By Taylor Engle La Habra Journal
Family-owned Canning’s Ace Hardware has been satisfying customers in La Habra for 55 years and counting. Located on La Habra Boulevard, it is a convenient spot for customers to purchase a spare part or tool for a project they are working on. Canning’s Ace Hardware has been around for over half a century and was first opened by the Canning family. However, the Johnson family bought the hardware store from the Cannings family in 1970 and have been running it ever since. Co-owners Irene Johnson and her son Dick Johnson currently own four other hardware stores in the Southern California area, one under the name Johnson’s Hardware and the other three under the name L.B. Johnson. The Johnsons have been in the hardware business for four generations. Johnson’s Hardware, located in Rialto, was opened in 1919 by Dick’s great-grandfather. The Johnsons first bought Canning’s Ace Hardware when Dick was still a college student,
but he quickly became involved in the store. “My years in the hardware business have been good,” Johnson said. “We’ve gotten to the point in La Habra where we’re seeing the same faces every Saturday. There are people who have been coming to us for 30 years or more, and yet we still see new faces pretty often. It’s a lot of fun.” Johnson described Canning’s Ace Hardware as a “homeowner-type store.” The store carries items that are difficult to find at the big chains Home Depot and Lowe’s and the staff is focused on helping each customer solve whatever problem they come in with, no matter how strange it may be. “I like the challenge,” Johnson admitted. “People come in with problems and it’s always interesting to see the way we figure out how to fix it. Sometimes it can be pretty nonconventional.” Dick and Irene are constantly moving around overseeing their multiple stores, which leaves manager of Canning’s Jeff Belongia to hold down the fort the majority of the week. Belongia has been with the store
Jay Seidel/La Habra Journal
The hardware store: The Johnson family stresses friendly and helpful customer service and product selection in order to help keep Cannings Ace Hardware successful in La Habra.
for 17 years and helps customers in the store and on the phone with their day-to-day needs. For Belongia and the Johnsons, it’s the attention-to-detail of the staff and the fact that they have the customer’s best interest at heart that keeps Canning’s Ace Hardware up to speed with its competitors. This is a store that provides a thorough and friendly experience. With four stars of approval on Yelp, the majority of the reviews rave about the excellent customer service and variety of product. Yelper Bruce L. of Whittier emphasized that at Canning’s Ace Hardware, you don’t need to buy that one bolt or nut you need in a bulk package like you would at a larger commercial store.
It’s this kind of convenience that keeps customers coming back to Canning’s Ace Hardware.
Cannings Ace Hardware 344 W. La Habra Blvd, La Habra, (562) 697-8118 HOURS: Mon- Sat 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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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
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