Police pursuit in Anaheim ends in deadly crash

• October 4, 2024

A police pursuit in Anaheim ended in a crash early Friday, Oct. 4 that left one person dead and injured the driver, authorities said.

The pursuit began around midnight when an officer attempted a traffic stop on a white pickup truck in the area of East Street and La Palma Avenue, according to Anaheim Police Sgt. Matt Sutter. The driver fled onto the 91 Freeway before exiting onto State College Boulevard.

For reasons still under investigation, the driver lost control and collided into a palm tree along State College Boulevard, near Romneya Drive, Sutter said.

A passenger in the suspect’s pickup was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim was not identified on Friday.

The driver was taken to a hospital for minor injuries, police said. Information on the driver, including their name, age or city of residence, was not released on Friday.

Nor did police say what prompted the attempted traffic stop.

​ Orange County Register 

LeBron James not playing in Lakers’ preseason opener vs. Timberwolves

• October 4, 2024

PALM DESERT — Anybody hoping to see the first NBA father-son duo share the floor will have to wait at least one more game.

Lakers star LeBron James won’t be available for the team’s Friday preseason opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Acrisure Arena, which was first reported by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.

The 39-year-old James is expected to be available for Sunday’s preseason exhibition against the Phoenix Suns at Acrisure Arena.

Lakers coach JJ Redick told reporters Thursday that James and Anthony Davis – who are coming off winning gold medals with Team USA at the Paris Olympics – would play this weekend.

James’ son, Lakers rookie guard Bronny James, who turns 20 on Sunday, could play in his first NBA game Friday.

“Of course, there are nerves,” the younger James said after the team’s Friday morning shootaround. “Comes with everything. But I’m just excited to go out there and learn and learn from the people playing in front of me.

“And if I get a chance to showcase my game, then I’m going to do that to the best of my ability.

Bronny James, whom the Lakers drafted in the second round, said he expects to get in-game advice from his dad in a similar way he did during high school at Sierra Canyon and his lone collegiate season at USC.

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“Pretty much the same thing but now we’re teammates,” Bronny said. So it’s going to be more in-depth talk about the game and stuff like that. I’m ready for it.”

First-round pick Dalton Knecht could also play his first NBA game Friday.

“I’d just say get a couple of games underneath my belt and just get comfortable out there,” Knecht responded when asked how he’d judge success during preseason. “It’s a whole different game. But it’s gonna be fun. A good adjustment. I got good vets and good guys to learn off of in LeBron, AD, Austin [Reaves], [D’Angelo Russell] and all those type of guys. The more I play out there, the more confident I’ll get.”

​ Orange County Register 

Nine Orange County school districts have bond measures on the November ballot

• October 4, 2024

Nine Orange County school districts are asking voters to approve measures that would allow for the sale of bonds to finance improving classroom learning environments.

The bonds function like loans, with the debt repaid by adding an assessment to local property tax bills.

Districts say they need the bond measures to pass to fund projects such as new classrooms and labs, new technology, repairs and renovations and improvements to campus safety and security – big-ticket infrastructure they say everyday operating budgets can’t support.

School districts are limited to using the funds raised for construction projects. A district could not put the money toward operating costs such as paying for teachers’ salaries and classroom textbooks. California uses an attendance-based funding formula to pay for salaries and other district administration costs.

These school district measures must be approved by 55% of voters to pass.

Brea Olinda Unified School District Measure H

The ballot measure would allow the school district to issue up to $160 million in bonds to fund campus renovations and upgrades, especially for its 108-year-old junior high school.

The district plans to use the funds to upgrade old classrooms by repairing leaky roofs and electrical wiring. It also wants to use the money to better meet accessibility and earthquake safety requirements. New classrooms, labs and career technology facilities would also be funded.

If approved, Measure H would levy $39 per $100,000 of assessed property value to repay the debt with interest, an addition to tax bills that is expected would be collected through the 2058-59 fiscal year. It is estimated $332.7 million would be required to repay the debt if all bonds were issued.

There was no ballot argument submitted against the measure.

Santa Ana Unified School District Measure I

Santa Ana Unified is looking to upgrade various facilities by replacing aging temporary classrooms with permanent structures, renovating school buildings, including upgrading heating and cooling, safety systems and learning technology, adding and supporting more learning technology, and more.

The text of Measure I lists a variety of areas of upgrades, but not site-specific projects.

The measure proposes to issue and sell general obligation bonds up to $355 million to fund the work, levying about $28 per $100,000 of assessed property value on future property tax bills in the district.

The addition to tax bills would be expected to be collected through the 2054-55 fiscal year. The school district estimates with all bonds issued, including the original amount and interest, more than $676 million would be needed to repay the debt.

Supporters of the bond say in their ballot argument that Measure I pays for needed repairs to aging classrooms and helps address the problem of schools containing hazardous materials, such as lead. They also argue that the bond measure will create equal learning opportunities for students across the district.

“Measure I makes Santa Ana schools eligible for over $100 million in state matching funds that will otherwise go to improve schools in other communities,” the ballot argument says. It “ensures students who plan to go to college are prepared to succeed, and those who don’t plan on college receive career training for good jobs.”

But Measure I is the fourth by the district in 25 years, opponents say in their ballot argument against, further raising property taxes, which would affect homeowners, but also be passed on to renters.

“Santa Ana working families are already stretched to the limit with rising prices and taxes, including already paying Orange County’s highest sales tax,” they argue. “Santa Ana residents can’t afford a $676 million dollar tax hike.”

Tustin Unified School District Measure J

The school district is looking to update aging classrooms and repair school facilities. Voting for this measure would allow the district to sell and issue up to $261 million in bonds.

Measure J would levy about $29.85 per $100,000 of assessed property value on future property tax bills – through fiscal year 2054-55 – to repay the debt.

The district would pursue projects such as upgrading emergency response systems and campus safety, modernizing schools and providing “barrier-free access” for everyone in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act.

There are no site-specific projects identified in the measure, but it says along with upgrading aging facilities, work would include constructing and expanding classrooms and adding labs, shops and other learning spaces at all grade levels.

Approximately $539.1 million would be the total debt service if all bonds were issued and sold.

There was no ballot argument submitted against the measure.

Anaheim Union High School District Measure K

The measure would authorize the school district to raise $496 million through the sale of bonds, which would be repaid with a levy of about $30 per $100,000 of assessed property value on future property tax bills through 2056-57.

Measure K aims to upgrade older schools and remove hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead pipes. The district also plans to use the funds to provide modern classrooms and replace temporary classrooms with permanent ones. The district also wants to enhance safety with upgrades to technology and communication systems

With the original bond and interest, the district estimates $1.05 billion will be spent to repay the debt.

The work Measure K would fund “provides students modern science labs and career tech learning spaces to prepare for college and in-demand careers in health sciences, math, engineering, technology and skilled trades,” supporters say in their ballot argument in favor.

Those signing onto the ballot argument – most are teachers in the school district – emphasized student safety would be served by not only upgrading the classrooms, but also improving campus safety systems.

But residents of the district have paid multiple times already for bond measures like this, the ballot argument opposing Measure K says, adding it will increase costs for the community.

“Renters you cannot afford more rent increases,” it says, “homeowners you cannot afford more taxes, and customers you cannot afford higher prices.”

Fullerton Joint Union High School District Measure L

If voters approved this measure, the school district would be authorized to issue bonds up to $284 million. Measure L would levy $21 per $100,000 of assessed property value on future property tax bills through 2054-55.

The district plans to use the funds raised to create Career Technical Facilities for programs such as agriculture, auto shop, construction, engineering and medical careers. Upgraded campus technology, classroom upgrades and renovations, and the modernization of facility infrastructure would be funded.

There are no site-specific projects mentioned, except the modernization of the Plummer Auditorium. Improvements to athletic facilities throughout the district are also mentioned.

If all bonds are issued and sold, the district estimates $538 million will be spent servicing the debt.

Opponents of Measure L argue this is the third time in 10 years there has been “an expensive bond proposed” by the district, and that is on top of requests from elementary school districts serving the area.

“Residents can’t afford another tax increase. Now is not the time for a tax increase,” their ballot argument against the measure says.

But no other funding is available, proponents of the measure say in their ballot argument, calling the annual cost to property owners “modest.”

“School repairs and upgrades are urgent,” they said, adding that there are state matching funds the district could qualify for with the bond funds in hand.

“Most local high schools were built over 70 years ago and don’t meet current building, safety, or academic standards,” they said, adding that funding will support students with their academic and extracurricular goals.

Buena Park School District Measure M

The school district wants to issue up to $84 million in bonds to fund improvements to campus accessibility, replacing temporary classrooms with permanent ones and constructing performing arts centers and athletic facilities, among other infrastructure projects.

The measure would add $30 per $100,000 of assessed value to property taxes beginning next fiscal year to repay the debt, which would be collected through the 2054-55 fiscal year.

If Measure M is approved and all bonds are issued, the district estimates more than $165.2 million would be paid over the years to cover the initial borrow and the interest.

No ballot argument was submitted against Measure M.

In their ballot argument, supports say multiple schools in the district were built in the 1960s and need repairs, adding that upgrading old roofing, plumbing, electrical wiring and adding more permanent classrooms will not just benefit students, but also the community.

“It’s time to modernize and upgrade our local elementary and middle schools so they can continue to serve our community for decades to come,” supporters say in the ballot argument.

Fullerton School District Measure N

The district wants approval to raise up to $262 million by selling bonds and would repay the debt by levying $30 per $100,000 assessed property value on property tax bills until the 2059-60 fiscal year.

If all bonds are issued and sold, the district estimates more than $516 million in total debt service.

The K-8 district is looking to fund projects such as replacing worn-out portable classrooms – there are 120  of them – with permanent buildings, creating modern labs and improving campus security. The district also plans to put money toward renovations such as plumbing, electrical and air conditioning systems.

Most campuses in the district are in need of repairs, supporters of Measure N say in their ballot argument, and the portable classrooms are falling apart. They add the measure will also provide funding for educational technologies and security and will overall help the district become “equipped to provide the best learning environment possible.”

“If we want our kids to succeed in high school, college, and careers, they must be skilled in today’s technology,” their argument says.

This is the second time in four years the Fullerton School District proposed a bond measure – the last one was voted down – opponents of the measure say in a ballot argument against Measure N. They argue that this will be too expensive for locals as they are already facing other rising costs and challenges.

“Fullerton residents can’t afford another tax increase,” they argue. “Now is not the time for a tax increase.”

La Habra City School District Measure O

Voters will decide if the La Habra City School District may issue $73 million in bonds to pay for campus infrastructure projects.

To repay that debt, $25 per $100,000 of assessed property value would be added to local property tax bills through the 2059-60 fiscal year.

The funds raised by Measure O would go toward providing students with more classrooms, labs and facilities for performing arts. The district also plans to put money toward providing up-to-date technology and safe playground equipment.

The district estimates to repay principal and interest would be approximately $149.7 million.

Advocates of the bond measure say the improvements would meet student needs such as technology to support learning in math, science, engineering and other subjects.

“Students and teachers perform better in safe, high-quality schools,” their ballot argument in favor of Measure O says, touting the funding that would also go toward security improvements. “Whether you have children in school or not, good schools are the backbone of a strong community and protect our property values.”

There was no argument against the measure submitted for the ballot.

Lowell Joint School District Measure P

The district is asking voters to authorize $54 million in bonds to repair and update campuses in the district.

In addition to renovations for classrooms and science labs, the measure includes funding for districtwide projects such as replacing portable classrooms with permanent ones and constructing Early Learning Centers and Career Technical Education classrooms.

If the measure passes, the district would levy $30 per $100,000 of the assessed property value on local property tax bills through the 2054-55 fiscal year. The district estimates the total debt service will be about $105.6 million.

Voters in favor of Measure P emphasize this is money that goes to the school district and the funds can’t be taken away from the state. Modernized campuses would also help students build “a solid background in science, math, engineering and technology,” their ballot argument in favor says, and the measure would also support the district in increasing campus security and safety to protect students and staff in case of an emergency.

There was no argument against the measure submitted for the ballot.

The full wording of each of these ballot measures, the required tax rate statement and impartial analysis and any submitted ballot arguments can be found at ocvote.gov/elections/2024-presidential-general-election.

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​ Orange County Register 

Galaxy takes aim at Western crown behind historic scoring attack

• October 4, 2024

Perhaps the only thing possible of slowing down the Galaxy will be the days off before the start of the MLS playoffs.

Heading into Saturday’s final regular-season home game, the Galaxy has scored 66 goals, the second most in the league. The Galaxy can clinch the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference with a win and either a loss or draw by LAFC against Sporting Kansas City.

The Galaxy is the first team in MLS history with four players – Dejan Joveljić, Riqui Puig, Joseph Pantsil and Gabriel Pec – with at least 10 goals. Paintsil, Pec and Puig make the Galaxy just the second team with three players with at least 10 goals and 10 assists.

“This team is built to attack, especially if you look at the guys we have on the field,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said last month. “We have some high-quality attacking guys. Over the course of the year, we’ve grown a ton of confidence to score goals and finish chances, but it comes down to the balance of being able to do that and being able to defend by not giving up things.”

Most believe that once the playoffs begin, scoring chances might dry up, forcing the Galaxy to try to survive a low-scoring game.

However, three seems to be the magic number for this group. The Galaxy has scored three or four goals in 13 games this season and has a 12-0-1 record. The Galaxy has been shut out four times, but never with the full quartet of Joveljić, Puig, Pantsil and Pec available. The Galaxy has scored at least two goals in its past four games.

“It’s really good because we have someone that can feed us the ball, someone like Riqui,” Paintsil said earlier this season. “Having Riqui with the ball makes differences for the other players, for the other opponents, especially the defenders. Because he knows the way I run, the way I always make an option for him to give me the ball when it’s necessary, and as you can see, he also knows how Pec also do his thing to get on his feet and to also do whatever he needs to do.”

CONCACAF Champions Cup

The Galaxy have clinched a berth for the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup. As of now, the Galaxy will enter the field in Round One, but could receive a bye into the Round of 16, if they win MLS Cup.

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This will be the Galaxy’s first appearance since the 2015-16 season. Next year’s tournament will begin in February, which would likely means an earlier preseason report date for the Galaxy.

International call-ups

Joveljić will join Serbia for games against Switzerland (Oct. 12) and Spain (Oct. 15) in UEFA Nations League.

Also, Harbor Miller (U.S. U-19) and Ruben Ramos Jr. (U.S. U-2) will join their respective U.S. youth national teams.

AUSTIN FC at GALAXY

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Dignity Health Sports Park

How to watch: Apple TV+ (MLS Season Pass)

​ Orange County Register 

Keith Jorgensen, Ocean View School District candidate, 2024 election questionnaire

• October 4, 2024

Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Name: Keith Jorgensen

Current job title: Realtor/Investor

Political party affiliation: Non-Partisan

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: None

City where you reside:

Campaign website or social media: jorgensen4ovsd.com

Gov. Gavin Newsom has called for heavier restrictions on smartphones in schools, pointing to studies that show the harmful effects of social media. How do you see schools restricting smartphone use? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I am in favor of implementing heavier restrictions on smartphones in schools. Smartphones are a major distraction, often leading students to focus on social media or gaming rather than their studies. By limiting their use, schools can minimize interruptions and help students concentrate better on their academic tasks.

This shift encourages more face-to-face interactions, fostering stronger peer relationships and collaboration skills. Reduced smartphone usage can decrease instances of cyberbullying and inappropriate content exposure, especially in the K-8 grades.

While smartphones can be valuable educational tools and vital for family communication, their unrestricted use during school hours poses more risks than benefits. Heavier restrictions help maintain classroom discipline, support healthier learning habits and ultimately create a more focused and productive educational experience for all students.

How can your district better harness artificial intelligence technology for learning while also protecting kids from another tool that can be used for bullying? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

Ocean View School District can leverage AI to enhance learning by implementing several key strategies. AI-powered tools can personalize learning experiences, adapting resources and lessons to individual student needs, which can improve engagement and academic outcomes. For instance, AI can analyze students’ performance data to provide targeted feedback and identify areas where additional support may be needed.

To protect against cyberbullying, districts can deploy AI-driven monitoring systems that detect harmful or inappropriate online behavior in real time. These systems can flag suspicious activity and alert educators or administrators, enabling prompt intervention before issues escalate. Additionally, AI can help design educational programs that promote digital citizenship and responsible online behavior, educating students about the impact of their actions and the importance of respect in digital interactions.

What are the top two needs of your school district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

OVSD has a $6 million+ deficit and declining enrollment; schools must take decisive actions to stabilize finances and refocus on core educational priorities. First, streamline expenses by reducing administrative overhead and consolidating programs that are less critical. Prioritize funding for essential teaching resources and maintain teacher quality, as these directly impact student learning.

Revise the curriculum to emphasize fundamental skills — such as literacy, numeracy and critical thinking — to ensure students gain a solid academic foundation. This focus can improve student outcomes, making the school more attractive to potential enrollees, and bring back families that pursued private education or homeschooling options. By concentrating on essential education, optimizing resource allocation and actively seeking additional support, schools can address the financial shortfall and adapt to changing enrollment trends while maintaining a strong academic focus.

What experiences and priorities do you bring to the table for this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that make you the person for this job? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I hold a degree in psychology with a focus on child development from Pepperdine University, which has provided me with a unique perspective on human behavior and decision-making. With 30 years as a real estate investor and almost 25 years as a Realtor, I have honed my skills in managing complex projects, including new builds and renovations, which is directly applicable to overseeing district spending and relationship interactions.

My extensive experience with budgets and spreadsheets ensures meticulous financial oversight, crucial for managing school funds and ensuring efficient use of student resources. Navigating interactions with lenders, contractors and city planning officials has refined my skills in negotiation and problem-solving, enabling me to effectively address and resolve challenges that may arise within the school district and superintendent.

This combination of psychological insight and practical, hands-on experience equips me to contribute effectively as a school board trustee. I am well-prepared to ensure that educational budgets are managed wisely, and the needs of students and staff are met, ultimately supporting a thriving educational environment.

California has a new law, set to go into effect in 2025, that prohibits districts from enforcing what’s been called parental notification policies, rules for school employees to contact parents if their child may be changing their gender identity. What do you see as the role of parents in education? Is there a limitation? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I am firmly opposed to AB 1955, believing it represents an overreach by Sacramento. Parents have a fundamental, God-given right to be fully informed about their child’s well-being until they reach adulthood. Just as children are restricted from voting, driving or consuming alcohol due to their maturity level, parents should not be excluded from critical information regarding their child’s transitioning or medical treatments.

Given that the City Council has declared Huntington Beach a “Parental Right to Know” city, I am committed to upholding this principle at the school board. Ensuring that parents are involved in significant decisions affecting their children’s health and education is essential. This approach fosters transparency and strengthens family involvement, allowing parents and teachers to provide the necessary support and guidance while strengthening the parent-teacher relationship. By aligning our school policies with the “Parental Right to Know” stance, we uphold parental rights and contribute to more informed, collaborative decision-making for the benefit of our students. This commitment will ensure that parents remain integral to their children’s educational and personal development, reinforcing our community’s values and standards.

What role do you see your district playing in combating climate change? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

N/A

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​ Orange County Register 

Keri Gorsage, Ocean View School District candidate, 2024 election questionnaire

• October 4, 2024

Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Name: Keri Gorsage

Current job title: Teacher

Political party affiliation: Non-Partisan

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: N/A

City where you reside: Huntington Beach

Campaign website or social media: www.kerig4ovsd.com

Gov. Gavin Newsom has called for heavier restrictions on smartphones in schools, pointing to studies that show the harmful effects of social media. How do you see schools restricting smartphone use? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

As a candidate for the Ocean View School District School Board, I support this measure and trust our teachers and staff to implement effective strategies that will best serve the interests and needs of our students. Many of our Ocean View schools already have a “bell-to-bell no cell” phone policy and students are well aware of it. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all restrictive policy. Students know to speak with their teachers if an emergency arises.

Our Ocean View staff are responsive to legitimate parental concerns. For example, after a lockdown or other emergency, our Ocean View staff knows that parents may be eager to ensure their child’s safety. Students with special needs may also use their cell phones as part of their educational plan to support their academic success. Unfortunately, at the middle schools, we have seen fights organized using cell phones and/or used for bullying. With technological advancement, we must adjust instruction to meet the needs of our students. Implementing programs that serve to educate our students to develop their digital literacy while helping them understand responsible social media use, and the potential benefits of smartphones as a learning tool would be my primary focus.

How can your district better harness artificial intelligence technology for learning while also protecting kids from another tool that can be used for bullying? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I believe that harnessing artificial intelligence in education requires a balanced approach that maximizes its benefits while safeguarding students. AI can personalize learning, offering tailored resources and support to meet individual student needs. For instance, adaptive learning platforms can help identify areas where a student may need additional practice or challenge, making education more efficient and effective. However, AI can also be misused, particularly in ways that might contribute to cyberbullying or invasion of privacy.

To protect our students, it’s our collective responsibility as a board to establish clear policies that regulate the use of AI tools, ensuring they are used responsibly and ethically. This includes monitoring and controlling access to AI-driven applications, educating students about the potential risks, and implementing robust digital citizenship programs that emphasize respect, empathy, and online safety. By providing the appropriate professional development and allocating time to apply and practice what teachers have learned, the use of AI has the potential to enhance learning while also creating a safe, supportive environment where all students can thrive.

What are the top two needs of your school district, and how are you prepared to address them? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

Competitive compensation for all staff and increased per-pupil funding are our district’s top two needs.

Statewide, public school districts need to be able to rely on stable funding sources. Year after year, our schools shouldn’t have to fight the state for increases in per-pupil funding. The funding formula used in California to calculate the amount each district receives factors in the district’s student enrollment and its average daily attendance rates. Living and working in Huntington Beach for the last 26 years, I know that housing costs are high and young families are oftentimes priced out of our community. Consequently, student enrollment has and continues to experience a steady decrease. In fact, due to declining student enrollment, the Ocean View School District School Board, last year, made the tough, yet financially prudent decision, to close one of its four middle schools. If elected, you can count on me to work collaboratively with my colleagues on the OVSD Board.

The establishment of the 7-11 committee to review the district’s properties is a necessary and legal first step. Additionally, there is a need to provide multiple forums for stakeholder input, so that together we can find and implement prudent financial remedies to keep our small neighborhood schools open while offering competitive compensation packages to attract and retain the highest quality staff for our students.

What experiences and priorities do you bring to the table for this role? What have you learned in prior leadership roles that make you the person for this job? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I have 28 years of first- through eighth-grade teaching experience, and my husband and I have two wonderful children who attended our Ocean View schools. As a mother, I have always been actively involved in my children’s education and extracurricular activities. These experiences, along with teaching various grades, have provided me with a deep understanding of the needs of elementary and middle school students, enabling me to make decisions regarding resources our students need to thrive.

I also had the honor to be elected and serve as PTA president at Marine View Middle School, where I collaborated closely with diverse groups of faculty and administration to provide our students with supplementary resources. Additionally, my leadership experiences with the Ocean View Little League, Huntington Beach High School’s APA Musical Theater Guild, Ballet Repertory Theatre Association, and HBHS Dance Team boosters have each served to strengthen my ability to advocate for and support our students.

I know firsthand the importance of being an active participant in the educational journey of our children. While I recognize there’s always more to learn, I am proud to take on a new role and am committed to serve and contribute to our students’ success.

California has a new law, set to go into effect in 2025, that prohibits districts from enforcing what’s been called parental notification policies, rules for school employees to contact parents if their child may be changing their gender identity. What do you see as the role of parents in education? Is there a limitation? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I believe that a strong parent voice and a genuine partnership between the district’s administrative team, staff, and parents are essential to ensuring a high-quality education for every student. As a teacher, I know parents play a critical role in their children’s education, providing guidance, support, and values that shape their development. The partnership between administration, teachers, and parents is non-negotiable, regardless of changing laws or political climates. By fostering open communication and mutual trust, we can create an educational environment that honors both the rights of parents and the individuality of each student.

What role do you see your district playing in combating climate change? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

Schools have an obligation to provide all students with the necessary academic foundation and personal skills to think critically. Climate change is yet another essential topic that is included in our student’s education. My goal is to inspire our students to become knowledgeable leaders, extraordinary lifelong learners, and ardent advocates for themselves and their communities. We have one world and learning to protect it is a basic must. Leading by example, our district continues to include a curriculum for our students to understand what we are currently doing to combat climate change while acknowledging that there is much more work to be done.

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​ Orange County Register 

Long Beach Symphony launches 90th season with a trip to the beach

• September 25, 2024

The Long Beach Symphony is marking a significant birthday this year and it’s starting the celebration with a musical trip to the beach and the golden era of surf and sun.

The Symphony is launching its 90th season with “Endless Summer — America’s Beach Boys Experience!,” on Sept. 28 as part of its more casual Pops Series. Then for the following show on Oct. 5 the Symphony officially marks its birthday with a classical concert dubbed  “A New World — Celebrating Long Beach Symphony’s 90th Anniversary,” which will feature Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, Op. 84, the first piece the Symphony performed in 1934.

“Great cities are defined by the arts and culture they offer. Every great city has a great orchestra,” said Kelly Ruggirello, president of the Long Beach Symphony.

Now led by Maestro Eckart Preu, the Long Beach Symphony, originally called the Long Beach Philharmonic, was created by prominent Long Beach resident and opera singer Florence Van Dyke who partnered with conductor Robert Resta and the Long Beach Recreation Commission to form the ensemble.

The Symphony was quickly able to attract talented musicians thanks in large part to its proximity to the Hollywood studios where many musicians worked, which is still the case today.

“Artistically we are so fortunate to be so close to the L.A. recording studios because those studios attract the best musicians in the world to record movies and TV. So because of that we are able to hire truly world class musicians who are the best in the business and many have been performing with us for decades,” she said.

The Symphony is now a crucial part of the artistic fabric of the city, putting on about a dozen concerts and events during its season, which attracts about 70,000 music fans annually. The shows include the Classical Series, when the Symphony pays homage to late great composers and also perform new repertoire, the more casual Pops Series, where they perform popular genres from pop to rock and soul, and the Family Concerts. These shows are meant to introduce families to the world of orchestral music.

“We believe all kids, all people should have access to world class music,” she said.

So for its 90th Classical Season Ruggirello said the Symphony will continue its focus on reflecting the city’s diversity.

“If you look at our classical season every guest artist or composer is a woman or guest artist of color. So we are trying to be more representative, to continue to embrace the wider community in all aspects of our organization,” she said.

And for the first show of the season the Symphony will embrace the beach sounds of Southern California with guest Conductor Morihiko Nakahara and Beach Boys tribute band Endless Summer performing hits like “Surfin’ USA,” “Good Vibrations,” and “California Girls.”

“We’re excited to launch our season with some of the greatest tunes of all time,” Ruggirello said.

Endless Summer — America’s Beach Boys Experience

When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28

Where: Long Beach Arena, 300 E Ocean Blvd.

Tickets: $35

Information: longbeachsymphony.org

​ Orange County Register 

Steve-O talks new face tattoo, the state of comedy and more before Southern California shows

• September 25, 2024

Most people celebrate their 50th birthdays by getting pampered at a spa or having a milestone party with loved ones. Yet stuntman and comedian Stephen Gilchrist Glover, known professionally as Steve-O, spent the first week after his birthday getting a phallus tattooed on his face by Post Malone.

“He’s a prolific face tattoo guy,”  Steve-O said in a Zoom interview when asked why he chose the rapper and singer-songwriter to draw up the design. “I almost had the penis tattooed on my forehead for our last ‘Jackass’ movie, but it ended up falling through, and it was just something that I hung on to. It’s a bit of a social experiment to see how long I can last with this tattooed on my forehead before I rush to get it lasered off, which will always be an option.”

Steve-O will have more material related to his face tattoo, turning 50 and more as part of his Steve-O: The Super Dummy! Tour shows, which feature comedy, stunts and other never-before-seen videos. The tour will stop at the City National Grove of Anaheim on Saturday, Oct. 5, the Balboa Theatre in San Diego on Oct. 6 and the Fred Kavli Theatre in Thousand Oaks on Oct. 8.

Five of the nine shows in California, including Fresno and Bakersfield along with all the shows in Southern California, will feature his longtime friend and stuntman, Chris Pontius, who’s appeared in the “Jackass” franchise and the MTV spin-off “Wildboyz.”

“It’s a multimedia stand-up comedy show representing the story of my struggles and what it’s like to be Steve-O, who just turned 50 years old. It is such a ridiculous situation, and trying to navigate turning 50 has proven to be a comedy of errors, but I will not back down.”

The comedian recently made headlines after backing out of a stunt where he was to undergo top surgery for breast implants. In an interview with Consequence of Sound, Steve-O said he changed his mind after speaking with a transgender cashier he encountered at a grocery store. She educated him about the health and discrimination issues the trans community continues to face, and that was enough for him to reconsider the stunt.

“I think it’s a very valuable trait to be able to admit when you’ve got things wrong,” he said in the interview.

Before kicking off his tour in Anaheim, Steve-O talked with Southern California News Group about the top surgery stunt, whether or not comedy is changing, why he moved to Nashville and more. The following conversation was edited for space and clarity.

Q: I’m looking at your face right now on screen, and it looks like your glasses are covering your new tattoo. Is it usually hidden like that?

Steve-O: I wouldn’t go that far. If you get up close, the glasses aren’t covering it.

Q: Do you get a lot of second glances from people who pass you by?

Steve-O: What sticks out to me is how uncomfortable anybody is to acknowledge it.

Q: You spoke a bit about interacting with the trans person before the stunt, which gave you a different understanding of the situation. Have you ever encountered others who have changed your mind like that before?

Steve-O: Nothing that’d I’d say is the equivalent to that. One thing that I was committed to doing and then backed out, of course, was putting the toy car up my butt, but anybody who’s a fan of “Jackass” for a long time would be aware of that. My dad influenced me to back out of that one.

Q: There is this ongoing criticism in comedy led by people who fault political correctness for comedy’s change. Do you think that’s accurate? Does thinking about people’s criticism affect your creativity? 

Steve-O: I’ve really done a good job at not looking at what people are saying on the internet for mental health reasons. I’ve found that it’s unsafe for me to dive into the comment section. I’ve seen enough of it to understand what valid criticism is and adjust my path accordingly.

I haven’t seen anything people have commented about the stunt. I guess to observe me backing out of it and think, “Oh, this is Steve-O being woke/got all sensitive/this is what’s wrong with comedy.” I can’t argue with that, but at the same time, I’ve never been too worried about the state of society and woke culture because I’ve never targeted anybody but myself.

Q: How consistent would you say that’s been in your time in comedy?

With “Jackass,” we’ve always been very mean to ourselves and each other but super respectful of everybody else. There’s never been anything mean-spirited or hateful, and there’s been a positive and wholesome vibe in that respect. I would argue that “Jackass” and me, on my own, have always been “woke.” We’ve never wanted to make people feel bad. We give ourselves a hard time to spread joy to others. In this case, it did occur to me that I don’t ever want to do harm to anyone like that.

Q: “Jackass” also has a very physical kind of humor, some of which involves nudity. Where did that level of vulnerability come from?

Steve-O: There are a lot of guys who are driven by testosterone and masculinity and want to be tough. It’s built into our DNA to make us want to look cool and tough. What makes “Jackass” endearing is our willingness to not look cool. Even though we do high-impact and crazy stuff, the situations we put ourselves in make us not look tough. Overall, not taking ourselves too seriously is a huge part of it. I don’t take myself too seriously, but I do take respect for other people seriously.

Q: How’s the transition from the move been for you from Los Angeles to Nashville?

Steve-O: I was looking for a big property with lots of land to start an animal sanctuary. That’s kind of my long-term goal. My lady and I were really into that. Ultimately, I picture things will wind down, and I’ll be able to live on this ranch in the woods. It seems kind of sad when I put it that way, but we got the property, and I’m there, I absolutely can’t believe how much I love it. I hate that I’m not there.

Q: What made you want to leave L.A.?

Steve-O: I didn’t have a lot of land when I lived in L.A. I was also concerned that with all the fires that insurance companies would not insure these homes. I thought, “Man, what’s going to happen to the value of my house if I can’t get it insured? Where would I want to go if I were to sell my house?” So I wanted to go where I could have a lot of land, be out of the way, and not pay state income tax.

Q: What’s next for you after this tour?

Steve-O: We’ll see. I’m just going to stick with it and make the most of this. That’s where my head’s at right now. I’m taking it as it comes. I keep myself pretty busy with the digital content, the podcast, and touring. I’m going to focus on just trying to keep that up.

Steve-O: The Super Dummy! Tour

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5.

Where: City National Grove of Anaheim, 2200 E Katella Ave., Anaheim.

Tickets: $38.75-$80.35 at Ticketmaster.com.

Also: 7 p.m. Oct. 6 at Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave., San Diego. $38.95-$77.30 at Ticketmaster.com; 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at Fred Kavli Theatre, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. $32.40-$82.65 at Ticketmaster.com.

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