Biden’s hopes for establishing Israel-Saudi relations could become a casualty of the new Mideast war

• October 10, 2023

By AAMER MADHANI and ELLEN KNICKMEYER

WASHINGTON — Less than three weeks ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sat beside President Joe Biden and marveled that a “historic peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia” seemed within reach — a diplomatic advance that he predicted could lead to lasting peace between the Israelis and Palestinians.

Biden was equally optimistic, telling Netanyahu during their meeting in New York, “If you and I — 10 years ago — were talking about normalization with Saudi Arabia, I think we’d look at each other like, ‘Who’s been drinking what?’

Now, the outbreak of war between Israel and the Palestinians after a devastating Hamas attack on Israeli soil is threatening to delay or derail the yearslong, country-by-country diplomatic push by the United States to improve relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

The so-called normalization push, which began under former President Donald Trump’s administration and was branded as the Abraham Accords, is an ambitious effort to reshape the region and boost Israel’s standing in historic ways. But critics have warned that it skips past Palestinian demands for statehood.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Hamas attacks may have been driven in part by a desire to scuttle the United States’ most ambitious part of the initiative: the sealing of diplomatic relations between rivals Israel and Saudi Arabia. The Middle East’s two greatest powers share a common enemy in Iran, a generous military and financial sponsor of Hamas.

Such a pact between Jerusalem and Riyadh would be a legacy-defining achievement for Biden, Netanyahu and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. It’s one that could pave the way for even more Arab and Muslim-majority nations to abandon their rejection of Israel since its 1948 founding in lands long inhabited by Palestinians. Under Trump, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco all signed on to normalization agreements with Israel.

But the startling attack by Hamas — and much of the Arab world’s response to it — has also raised new questions about whether Palestinian ambitions for sovereignty can be put aside while the U.S. tries to help Israel move ahead with improving relations with the rest of its Middle East neighbors.

With Netanyahu vowing to turn all Hamas hideouts in Gaza into rubble, the region is now bracing for even more death and destruction and an expansive military operation by Israel. Biden in an address Tuesday condemned the Hamas operation as “sheer evil.”

“We’re going to see a rather significant operation from air, land and sea that costs many, many, many lives,” said Steven Cook, a senior fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. “I think this dynamic of normalization will likely slow down or come to a halt, at least for a period of time.”

The attacks were a shock to American, Israeli and Saudis officials, who all were riding high on the prospect that an Israeli-Saudi agreement was starting to come into focus.

Netanyahu, in a CNN interview last month, called the potential pact “a quantum leap” for the region. The Saudi crown prince also noted the steady progress, telling Fox News Channel, “every day we get closer.”

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan noted at a recent event hosted by The Atlantic that challenges in the Mideast remained, but the amount of time he was spending on crisis and conflict in the region compared with his recent predecessors was “significantly reduced.”

“The Middle East region is quieter today than it has been in two decades,” Sullivan said.

In a matter of days, that optimism has vanished.

Social media showed crowds take to the streets with Palestinian flags in Lebanon, Bahrain, Kuwait and elsewhere in the hours after the Hamas attack. A policeman in Egypt’s coastal city of Alexandria opened fire on Israeli tourists, killing two Israelis and one Egyptian.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry in a statement soon after the attacks did not condemn Hamas. Instead, the ministry noted that it had repeatedly warned that Israel’s “occupation, the deprivation of the Palestinian people of their legitimate rights, and the repetition of systematic provocations” led to this moment.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby declined to comment on the Saudi response.

“We still believe that normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia is not only good for the people of those two nations but for the American people and for everybody else in the region, and we have every intention to continue to encourage a process where normalization can occur,” Kirby said.

Yousef Munayyer, who heads the Palestine-Israel program at the Arab Center, a Washington think tank, said the Saudis in their statement were reminding the administration that “we’ve been telling you guys over and over again that if you ignore the Palestine issue the region’s going to explode. And I think there’s just been a tremendous amount of hubris on the part of the Biden administration thinking they could do that.”

To be certain, Biden and U.S. officials have privately made clear to Netanyahu that any deal needed to include significant concessions for Palestinians, although members of Netanyahu’s far-right coalition have made clear that an independent Palestinian state is not something they’d abide.

The Saudis had said they, too, expected Israel to make concessions. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said “there is no other way” to solve the conflict than by establishing a Palestinian state.

Other allies in the region had also underscored that Palestinian concerns could not be overlooked.

King Abdullah II of Jordan, whose country in the early 1990s became the second Arab nation after Egypt to sign a peace deal with Israel, told a global summit last month that the prospect of a normalization deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel offered promise for the Middle East but no guarantee of stability in itself.

“This belief, by some in the region, that you can parachute over Palestine, deal with the Arabs and work your way back — that does not work,” the Jordanian king said then. “And even those countries that have Abraham Accords with Israel have difficulty moving publicly on those issues when Israelis and Palestinians are dying. So unless we solve this problem, there will never be a true peace.”

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U.S. officials say they intend to press ahead, but they also acknowledge efforts are unlikely to bear fruit while there is an active conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. The State Department announced Tuesday that Blinken will travel to Israel and Jordan Wednesday through Friday to consult with senior officials.

Analysts note that the Saudis have reason not to walk away from efforts at forging a normalization deal.

Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said that in the long term bin Salman is looking to diversify the oil-rich kingdom’s economy and strengthen its security. As part of any pact, Saudi Arabia is pushing Biden for a nuclear cooperation deal and defense guarantees from the U.S.

“He needs normalization and will continue to move forward,” Dubowitz predicted. Of the crown prince, Dubowitz added, “the Saudis had better be careful because they are playing with fire in Washington.”

Associated Press writers Matthew Lee and Seung Min Kim contributed to this report.

​ Orange County Register 

US Navy sailor from Monterey Park pleads guilty in China secrets case

• October 10, 2023

LOS ANGELES — A U.S. Navy sailor from Monterey Park pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal charges and admitted taking bribes in exchange for sending sensitive military information to a Chinese intelligence officer.

Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, 26, also known as Thomas Zhao, entered his plea to one count of conspiring with the intelligence officer and one count of receiving a bribe, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Zhao, who worked at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme and held a U.S. security clearance, admitted he engaged in a corrupt scheme to collect and transmit sensitive U.S. military information to the Chinese intelligence officer in violation of his official duties.

Zhao pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner, who scheduled a Jan. 8 sentencing hearing in Los Angeles federal court. As a result of his guilty pleas, Zhao faces up to 20 years in federal prison — five years for the conspiracy count and 15 years for the bribery charge. Zhao has been in custody since his arrest Aug. 3.

Court papers show that, beginning in August 2021 and continuing through at least May of this year, Zhao sent U.S. military information, photographs and videos to the intelligence officer.

In exchange for bribes, Zhao sent the intelligence officer operational plans for a large-scale U.S. military exercise in the Indo-Pacific Region, detailing the specific location and timing of naval movements, amphibious landings, maritime operations and logistics support, according to the indictment.

He also admitted photographing electrical diagrams and blueprints for a radar system stationed on a U.S. military base in Okinawa, Japan.

“The intelligence services of the People’s Republic of China actively target clearance holders across the military, seeking to entice them with money to provide sensitive government information,” Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew G. Olsen said in a statement.

“When contacted by his co-conspirator, rather than reporting it to the Navy, the defendant chose greed over protecting the national security of the United States. He is now being held accountable for his crimes. To others tempted to put personal profit ahead of patriotic duty, know that we are committed to identifying you and bringing you to justice.”

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Prosecutors said Zhao also obtained and transmitted details about the Navy’s operational security at the Naval Base in Ventura County and on San Clemente Island, including photographs and videos.

The intelligence officer directed Zhao to conceal their relationship and to destroy evidence of the scheme, according to the DOJ.

In exchange for the information Zhao provided — information he accessed as a result of his position within the U.S. Navy — the Chinese intelligence officer paid Zhao nearly $15,000, the indictment states.

A second sailor based in San Diego was also arrested in August on similar charges, but it’s unclear if the cases are related or if the two seamen allegedly were in contact with the same Chinese officials.

​ Orange County Register 

CIF-SS girls volleyball polls, Oct. 10

• October 10, 2023

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The CIF-SS girls volleyball polls, released Tuesday, Oct. 10

CIF-SS GIRLS VOLLEYBALL POLLS

(Selected by the CIF-SS Girls Volleyball Committee)

DIVISION 1/2

1. Mater Dei

2. Mira Costa

3. Huntington Beach

4. Sierra Canyon

5. Marymount

6. Alemany

7. Los Alamitos

8. Palos Verdes

9. Redondo Union

10. JSerra

11. Orange Lutheran

12. Oaks Christian

13. Santa Margarita

14. Long Beach Wilson

15. Edison

16. La Canada

Others: None

DIVISION 3

1. Beckman

2. Campbell Hall

3. Long Beach Poly

4. Roosevelt

5. Dana Hills

6. Pasadena Poly

7. Hart

8. Notre Dame Academy

9. Village Christian

10T. Redlands

10T. South Torrance

Others: Saugus, Norco, Crean Lutheran, Trabuco Hills

DIVISION 4

1. Capistrano Valley Christian

2. West Ranch

3. Arcadia

4. Crescenta Valley

5. Thousand Oaks

6. Arrowhead Christian

7. Sunny Hills

8. Paloma Valley

9. Royal

10. Agoura

Others: Flintridge Sacred Heart, Westlake, Yorba Linda

DIVISION 5

1. Ventura

2. La Reina

3. Irvine

4. Northwood

5. Centennial/Corona

6. Flintridge Prep

7. Valencia/Valencia

8. San Dimas

9. Temple City

10. Diamond Bar

Others: Burroughs/Ridgecrest, Culver City, Hillcrest, North Torrance, Oak Hills, Rancho Christian

DIVISION 6

1. Sacred Heart of Los Angeles

2. Linfield Christian

3. Glendale

4. Cate

5. La Mirada

6. United Christian Academy

7. Mayfair

8. Heritage Christian

9. St. Bonaventure

10. Costa Mesa

Others: Gahr, Grand Terrace, Hesperia, Highland, La Sierra, Tarbuh V Torah, West Valley

DIVISION 7

1. Pacifica Christian/Santa Monica

2. Norwalk

3. St. Mary’s Academy

4. Wildwood

5. Southlands Christian

6. Gabrielino

7. Loma Linda Academy

8. Ramona Convent

9. Avalon

10. Indio

Others: CAMS, Excelsior Charter, Pomona Catholic, Cantwell Sacred Heart

DIVISION 8

1. Temecula Prep

2. Orangewood Academy

3. Jurupa Valley

4. Lighthouse Christian Academy

5. Le Lycee

6. Patriot

7. Tahquitz

8. Firebaugh

9. Samueli Academy

10. California Lutheran

Others: Academy for Academic Excellence, Villanova Prep, Liberty, Carpinteria, Sierra Vista, Geffen Academy

DIVISION 9

1. Rosemead

2. Moreno Valley

3. Holy Martyrs

4. Canyon Springs

5. Cornerstone Christian/Wildomar

6. Milken Community

7. Hesperia Christian

8. Academy of Careers & Exploration

9. Acaciawood Academy

10. Shalhevet

Others: Garey, Calvary Baptist, University Prep, Liberty Christian, Edgewood

​ Orange County Register 

Ultimate guide to getting your house — and trick-or-treaters — ready for Halloween

• October 10, 2023

Editor’s note: Digital premium subscribers have unlimited access to every recipe in this roundup, all published on news sites within our network. Subscribe for nationwide coverage from award-winning sites like the Baltimore Sun, New York Daily News, Orange County Register and more.

If you’re ready to start prepping for Halloween, look no further: We rounded up some of the best resources we could find on the spooky holiday.

Need Halloween decoration inspiration? We’ve got it. How about Halloween costume ideas that won’t break the bank? Check. And, of course, we’ve got you covered on horror movies to watch this month. Read on — if you dare.

Halloween decorations

An interesting trend emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, writes Brittany Anas for the Denver Post: “Homeowners began taking an interest in the Hollywood-quality monsters and props and incorporating them into their own front-yard haunts.” In fact, one Colorado company, Distortions Unlimited, saw direct-to-consumer sales in the past few years rise by roughly 200%, co-owner Marsha Taub-Edmunds estimated.

“People weren’t able to go to haunted houses during COVID, and they weren’t handing out candy, so they really got into the spirit of decorating,” Taub-Edmunds told the Post.

Retail stores joined in as well, and the National Retail Federation clocks in Halloween decor as a $3.4 billion annual business, according to Anas. If you’re ready to turn your home into a haunt, here are some expert tips on how to decorate for Halloween.

Here’s how to decorate for Halloween, according to scare professionals

Halloween costumes

Instead of buying brand-new Halloween costumes or decorations this year, consider secondhand. There are numerous benefits to shopping this way, writes Liz Ohanesian for Southern California News Group. “Choosing a pre-owned item over something new is an environmentally friendly option since you’re extending the lifespan of a good and potentially saving it from a landfill,” Ohanesian says. “Depending on when, where and how you shop, it can be easier on your wallet, too. But perhaps the most attractive benefit of shopping secondhand is the knowledge that you’ll find something far more interesting than the seasonal products at big box stores.”

Shopping secondhand for Halloween can be tricky, though, so you should start early. Here’s how to create scary Halloween costumes and decorations from secondhand stores.

How to create scary Halloween costumes and decorations from secondhand stores

Halloween recipes

Pumpkin spice latte season started early this year, but you may only now be getting in the mood to start baking with autumnal spices.

As Jack-o’-lanterns appear at grocery stores and on front porches — and pumpkin spice latte and pumpkin beer options abound — consider celebrating autumn with a different type of treat. We sourced pumpkin spice recipes from food connoisseurs and cookbooks from across the country, and none of them are your traditional pumpkin pie (though we have a recipe for that, too).

Pumpkin spice dessert recipes that aren’t your traditional pie

Halloween movies

There are plenty of new horror movies ringing in October on your favorite streaming sites. For one, there’s a comedy called “Totally Killer” launching on Prime Video plus a new “Exorcist” film out in theaters, according to Tribune News Service’s Katie Walsh.

What to stream: New horror movies and more to ring in October

If you’re ready for a Halloween movie marathon, look no further than this list of 2023’s top horror films from Bay Area New Group’s Jim Harrington. “All 10 of my picks were released widely in 2023, although some may have premiered earlier, most likely at film festivals,” Harrington writes. “So, try mixing some of these new offerings in with your old favorites.”

Top horror films 2023: Our No. 1 pick ranks among best horror movies of all time

Halloween gardening

Don’t stop at home decorations — take Halloween into your garden, too! “Spooky-looking garden and house plants have become increasingly popular,” writes The Press-Enterprise’s Alex Groves. “More than 17,000 posts on Instagram include the hashtag #gothgarden and plants such as the Raven ZZ (aka  Zamioculcas zamiifolia) and Alocasia Black Velvet are hot commodities in plant shops.”

Here are some expert picks for spooky — but striking — Halloween plants.

Halloween gardening: Experts suggest some spooky season plants

Halloween pet care

“Spooky season comes with plenty of potential pitfalls for our four-legged friends, wild birds and more,” writes Julia Lamont for Marin Independent-Journal.

For example, “Jack-o’-lanterns and other candles are a burn risk if a curious pet comes too close,” Lamont says. “Opt for battery-operated, flameless candles if you crave that telltale flicker on your front porch.”

Here are a few more tips protecting animals this Halloween, without sacrificing the fun.

Don’t let animals get spooked this Halloween

Contributing: Jim Harrington, Bay Area News Group; Brittany Anas, Denver Post; Julia Lamont, Marin Independent-Journal; Alex Groves and Liz Ohanesian, Southern California News Group; Katie Walsh, Tribune News Service

​ Orange County Register 

GOP appears no closer to picking a new House leader

• October 10, 2023

By Lisa Mascaro and Kevin Freking | Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The House Republican majority is stuck, one week after the ouster of Speaker Kevin McCarthy, with lawmakers unable to coalesce around a new leader in a stalemate that threatens to keep Congress partly shuttered indefinitely.

On Tuesday evening, two leading contenders for the gavel, Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, were scheduled to address colleagues behind closed doors at a candidate forum, but they appeared to be splitting the vote.

McCarthy, meanwhile, was openly ready to reclaim the gavel he just lost, but was seen by many as a longshot option unlikely to win back the handful of hardliners who just ousted him.

“This has been going on for days. Members want to come together,” Scalise said late Monday at the Capitol. “We’ve got to get back on track.”

House Republicans took the majority aspiring to operate as a team, and run government more business-like, but have drifted far from that goal. Just 10 months in power, the historic ouster of their House speaker — the first in U.S. history — and the prolonged infighting it has unleashed is undercutting the Republicans’ ability to govern at a time of crisis at home and abroad.

Now as House Republicans push ahead toward snap elections Wednesday aimed at finding a new nominee for speaker, the hard-right flank coalition of lawmakers that ousted McCarthy has shown what an oversized role a few lawmakers can have in choosing the successor.

“This is a hard conference to lead,” said Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., “A lot of free agents.”

Both Scalise and Jordan are working furiously to shore up support. Both are easily winning over dozens of supporters, but it’s unclear if either can amass the 217 votes likely needed in a floor vote that could come as soon as Wednesday.

Both conservatives from the right flank, neither man is the heir apparent to McCarthy.

Scalise as the second-ranking Republican would be next in line for the gavel and is seen as a hero among colleagues for having survived severe injuries from a mass shooting during a congressional baseball practice in 2017. Now battling blood cancer, the Louisianan is not a clear lock.

Jordan is a high-profile political firebrand known for his close alliance with Trump, particularly when the then-president was working to overturn the results of the 2020 election, leading to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. Trump has backed Jordan’s bid for the gavel.

Several lawmakers, including Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who engineered McCarthy’s ouster said they would be willing to support either Scalise or Jordan.

“I think it’s a competitive race for speaker because we’ve got two greats,” said Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky.

Barr said he was working to help secure votes for Scalise, but would be comfortable with either candidate.

Others though, particularly more centrist conservative Republicans from districts that are narrowly split between the parties, are holding out for another choice.

“Personally, I’m still with McCarthy,” said Rep. David Valadao, a Republican who represents a California district not far from the former speaker’s district.

“We’ll see how that plays out, but I do know a large percentage of the membership wants to be there with him as well.”

For the interim, Speaker Pro-Tempore Rep. Patrick McHenry is effectively in charge. He has shown little interest in expanding his power beyond the role he was assigned — an interim leader tasked with ensuring the election of the next speaker.

The role was created in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack to ensure the continuity of government. McHenry’s name was at the top of a list submitted by McCarthy when he became speaker in January.

While some Republicans, and Democrats, are open to empowering McHenry the longer he holds the temporary position, that seems unlikely for now as the speaker’s fight drags on.

McHenry told reporters it’s “my goal” to keep to the schedule to have hold a House speaker election on Wednesday. He quickly gaveled the House in and out of a brief session on Tuesday, with no business conducted.

​ Orange County Register 

Cal State Fullerton men’s soccer counting on balance, depth to make a difference

• October 10, 2023

George Kuntz is acutely aware of the nuances. He’s conscious of what victories mean beyond the simple and immutable fact that wins and losses are what he and his program are ultimately judged by.

Kuntz is aware that certain victories, even certain victories in the early stages of what could be the best season in his nine years coaching the Cal State Fullerton men’s soccer team, are more equal than others.

Beating Mercer, 6-1? Nice. Taking down Air Force, 2-1? Again, nice. Tying a ranked Washington team, 1-1, in Seattle? Well, yes, that’s nice too – but hardly transcendent or attention-grabbing.

But taking down UCLA – yes, that UCLA – 4-1?

To quote Leonardo DiCaprio’s Calvin Candie in “Django Unchained” on behalf of the greater collegiate soccer world, “You had my curiosity, but now you have my attention. …”

“That was a statement win. I can tell you that UCLA is just another team, but to these guys and to the public, it was something different. It was more than that,” Kuntz said. “You can beat almost anyone and there’s not a blip or a word about it. But when we beat UCLA, I was getting texts and getting attention from all over the world. Everyone was texting me, and everyone was aware of it, and it was a huge spike in the awareness of our program.

“I told them that until you beat teams like this, you’re not relevant. You have to be able to knock down those teams and compete with them straight up. And we did that.”

These Titans are indeed relevant. They are more than a curiosity, and yes, they have the attention of the West Coast collegiate soccer world through an 8-2-2 start. That start not only includes victories over UCLA and Air Force and that gutsy tie with a 25th-ranked Washington team but wins over Loyola Marymount (1-0) and conference foes Cal State Northridge (5-4) and UC Davis (1-0).

The LMU victory came on the road against a previously undefeated Lions team. Beating CSUN also came on the road, via an offensive free-for-all that involved the Titans coming back from a 4-3 deficit via goals from Roberto Ordonez in the 77th  minute and Erick Serrano’s 88th-minute, right-place, right-time game-winner. Ordonez’s shot was parried by CSUN goalkeeper Cooper Wenzel right to Serrano, who buried the rebound.

This would be a good time to explain one huge reason why this Titans’ hot start differs from last year’s hot start, when Fullerton opened the season 5-2-2. The Titans couldn’t sustain that start, going 0-2-2 in their last four and finishing a disappointing 3-3-3 in the Big West Conference. Lack of goal-scoring played a huge part; the Titans failed to find the net in four of their last six games and scored only once in the other two. That came via a wave of injuries to most of Fullerton’s offensive talent.

And as the injuries piled up and the goals dried up, all Kuntz could do was wistfully look at the wispy figure standing near him in street clothes every game – Ordonez.

A transfer from West Texas College, Ordonez was a gem that Kuntz knew he was lucky to find. Assistant coach Irving Garcia unearthed this gem after watching him at a national community college tournament, and then Kuntz worked his recruiting magic getting Ordonez to Fullerton.

All good – until Ordonez somehow injured his back during the 2022 preseason. Test after test turned up nothing, and Kuntz said he was so frustrated the training and medical staff couldn’t find the source of Ordonez’s pain. Kuntz said they believed it was a pinched nerve, and an offseason of strength and core training helped get Ordonez back on the field. But nobody to this day knows what kept Ordonez picking up cones instead of picking up goals.

“He couldn’t play last year, which really hurt us last year,” Kuntz said. “We had a decent team, but we didn’t have Roberto. Everyone would ask me, ‘What happened to that guy you got from West Texas?’ I’d say, ‘He’s over there, picking up cones like a coach.’

“In the spring, he showed flashes of how good he could be. We knew he was excellent on set pieces: corners, free-kicks, dead balls. But his touch, his ability to hold the ball, his ability to possess the ball were things over and above anything that we thought he could do.”

Now, Ordonez is making up for lost time with a vengeance. That 77th-minute goal against Northridge gave him a hat trick. His assist on Serrano’s game-winner gave him two assists – and eight points that night.

Scoring the lone goal in that 1-0 victory over UC Davis gave Ordonez nine goals this season. That and his 25 points lead the Big West.

They also lead the nation.

“I don’t think he’s hit his ceiling yet,” Kuntz said. “I think he has more ability than he thinks he has. He wants to get better. I’ve had a lot of guys go to MLS and I think he has better feet than a lot of those guys who went to MLS. I’ve had a lot, and he would be up there with the best, if not better.”

The good news for Kuntz and the Titans is that Ordonez has regular and frequent company on the scoresheet. Ordonez is one of five Titans with multiple goals, with Sulaiman Bah (four), Mario Carlos (three), Serrano (two) and Marci Killeen (two). Five others have one.

Bah, a junior forward from Sierra Leone who claimed the California Collegiate Athletic Association record for points in a season when he played at Cal State Dominguez Hills, tallied in three consecutive games and scored the opener in a 2-0 victory over University of San Diego. Serrano – a junior midfielder and another product of the Coachella Valley pipeline opened by assistant coach and area native Enrique Cardenas – scored five points (three assists and a goal) last year.

“He’s a tremendous workhorse who is coming into his own,” Kuntz said. “It’s like ‘Who’s that guy?’ He’s been with us two years, but playing in the shadow of (former Titan star) Sebastian Cruz. Now, he’s emerged into his own person.”

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Along with that depth, Kuntz learned something about last season’s fadeout. He realized he needed to manage his players’ bodies better. That meant better understanding of when to work them hard physically and when to back off and do more tactical and technical work. Heart monitors and distance monitors chart the work rate, and the distance players run every practice and game. Kuntz and his staff turn that information into better player management.

“We ran out of gas during league season last year. That’s probably the biggest thing,” he said. “Again, also having talent. We have more talent than last year. I have the ability to put in a guy where there’s no drop-off. When you have guys who can run at people just like the athlete who left the field, it makes a huge difference. There’s no letdown at all.”

How much of a difference? Kuntz coached three Big West Tournament winners and a conference regular season champion. He’s taken three Titans’ teams to the NCAA Tournament and between Fullerton and his previous stop at UC Irvine, entered the season with 123 victories in 10 years – the most of any coach in that time period.

And this Titans team has already made an impact.

“I told our team this. When you’re talking about Fullerton, this is one of the best groups we’ve had,” Kuntz said. “Overall, I think it’s the best group we’ve ever had collectively. We’ve had some good teams, but this one has good balance. There’s depth at every position and that leads to consistency.”

​ Orange County Register 

Kaiser unions lay groundwork for another strike in November

• October 10, 2023

Executives at Kaiser Permanente have received notice of another potential strike just days after 75,000 employees ended a three-day walkout.

The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions issued a 10-day strike notice Monday, Oct. 9, warning of a possible strike Nov. 1-8 if the healthcare giant fails to address “an acute and dire” staffing crisis and continues to outsource jobs.

Union contracts expired Sept. 30 and bargaining between the two sides is set to resume Thursday, Oct. 12 and Friday, Oct. 13.

Frontline healthcare workers say they’ll wait until Nov. 1 for any potential strike action, when an additional contract covering workers in Seattle expires. The delay is intended to give Kaiser executives more time to craft viable proposals.

The Seattle contract’s expiration Oct. 31 would enable another 3,000 healthcare workers also affected by the Kaiser short-staffing crisis to join strike lines.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Kaiser said it is “committed to reaching an agreement that is good for our employees, our members and our organization,” adding that it “will continue to bargain in good faith with the coalition.”

Kaiser said it will keep all hospitals and emergency departments open. It operates three dozen hospitals and more than 500 medical offices throughout California.

The unions say outsourcing has emerged as a major sticking point in negotiations, as Kaiser executives have refused to place limitations on subcontracting and outsourcing. Limits would keep experienced healthcare workers on the job, the unions contend, providing continuity of care for patients.

Caroline Lucas, the coalition’s executive director, said Kaiser has failed to listen to employees who have long complained of being short-staffed and overworked — a situation that has led to burnout among workers and higher turnover.

“This week, Kaiser executives will have another opportunity to listen to frontline staff, to follow the law in formal discussions and to begin investing in ways that will solve the Kaiser short-staffing crisis,” Lucas said.

Jessica Cruz, a licensed vocational nurse at Kaiser Los Angeles Medical Center, said employees are stretched thin.

“I see my patients’ frustrations when I have to rush them and hurry on to my next patient,” Cruz said last week. “We’re burning ourselves out trying to do the jobs of two or three people, and our patients suffer.”

Kaiser workers say company executives have refused to adequately address the staffing crisis and place limitations on subcontracting and outsourcing. (File photo by Gene Blevins/contributing photographer)

Kaiser said it recently finished hiring 10,000 people, adding to the 51,000 workers the hospital system has brought aboard since 2022.

In regard to wages, Kaiser workers are asking for a $25 hourly minimum wage, as well as increases of 7% each year in the first two years and 6.25% each year in the two years afterward.

Kaiser, which turned a $2.1 billion profit for the quarter, has offered minimum wages of $23 an hour in California and $21 an hour elsewhere.

Last week’s walkout among nurses, ER techs, respiratory therapists, x-ray technicians and scores of others has been called the largest healthcare strike in U.S. history. It impacted operations at 23 Kaiser facilities in Southern California, along with others throughout Colorado, Oregon, southwest Washington, Virginia and Washington.

Workers say they hope to avoid another strike but are taking the legal steps necessary to prepare for that possibility.

Kaiser is not the only healthcare chain grappling with staffing issues.

An estimated 1,800 workers across four local Prime Healthcare facilities plan to wage a five-day strike Monday, Oct. 9, claiming management refuses to address unsafe working and patient-care conditions caused by a short-staffing crisis.

The unfair labor practices strike will affect operations at St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, Centinela Hospital Medical Center in Inglewood, Garden Grove Hospital and Medical Center and Encino Hospital Medical Center if the two sides fail to reach a labor agreement.

​ Orange County Register 

Where to watch ‘Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour’ in Orange County

• October 10, 2023

Taylor Swift fans in Southern California will get a second chance to see her SoFi Stadium show when “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” concert film comes to theaters on Oct. 13. The movie was filmed during the Los Angeles concerts in August.

Those who attended the first three night of her shows in Los Angeles were the first to get wind that an Eras Tour film would be coming out. Some fans assumed it would go straight to streaming like her previous projects “Taylor Swift: The 1989 World Tour” that premiered on Apple Music, “Taylor Swift Reputation Stadium Tour” available on Netflix and “Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions” which can be watched on Disney+.

However, on Aug. 31, Swift took to social media to drop the trailer for The Eras Tour Concert Film and announce it would be released in theaters in North America. A month later she shared that it would instead be coming to theaters worldwide.

Bringing the Eras Tours to cinemas is allowing many fans to not only relive the experience, but for some, it’s an opportunity to see the concert for the first time.

Things to know before you go:

In less than 24 hours the concert film had broken AMC’s U.S. record for the highest ticket sales revenue during a single day in their 103-year history. The movie theatre chain later announced that the film had already surpassed $100 million in global advance ticket sales.

While there are still plenty of shows available for the Oct. 13 opening night, some in demand times and locations have already sold out.

Tickets start a $19.89, a nod to her next re-record album “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” which will be released Oct. 27, 2023

For those looking for exclusive merchandise options, Cinemark, AMC, Regal and Galaxy Theaters are all offering Eras Tour themed popcorn buckets and cups. Mini Eras Tour Posters will be given out starting on opening night, but they are first come, first served.

@cinemark

Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour merch? SAY. LESS. Available in theaters starting 10/13. FYI: the cup is EXCLUSIVE to Cinemark and features a metallic design! #cinemark #taylorswift #erastour

♬ original sound – Taylor Nation

As far as rules about etiquette, many Swifties have taken it upon themselves to contact their local theaters to confirm singing, dancing and dressing up is allowed. AMC has put out a guide saying that singing and dancing is permitted, as long as it’s not on the chairs. Other AMC guidelines say there is no filming of the concert film.

@thefolkloretheorist

Replying to @TalPal Is this a concert or not? How loud CAN you be at the Eras tour movie? Let’s ask 3 local theaters what it would take to get thrown out. #swifttok #tstheerastour #erastourmovie #theerastourconcertfilm #taylorswift #greenscreen

♬ original sound – The Folklore Theorist

Taylor Nation, Swift’s official fan club account, took to Twitter to encourage fans to dress up in their favorite Eras Tour looks.

Dress code is #TSTheErasTour. #TSTheErasTourFilm https://t.co/ChaUS8l4mw pic.twitter.com/zWooSjguNI

— Taylor Nation (@taylornation13) September 13, 2023

The friendship bracelet trading made popular at the concerts will likely continue at the cinema, and it looks like some theaters are joining in on the fun. Alamo Theaters provided a FAQ just for the film and is hinting that they might have some friendship bracelets. There’s speculation that other theater chains such as AMC will also be gifting friendship bracelets.

Now that you know the rules, here are some tips for watching the movie with a little extra Swiftie shimmer.

Where to Watch the “Eras Tour” in Southern California

Orange County:

Regal Irvine Spectrum

According to reviews, this location recently underwent a renovation. The Irvine location has an expanded menu for Regal Theaters which includes Cheetos flavored popcorn, bacon cheese fries and pizza. There’s also a luxury wing that has “Regal King-Size Recliners.”

Google Reviews: 4.4/5

500 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92618

The Lot

Located at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, the Lot provides an upscale feel for moviegoers. The Lot’s restaurant offers a menu beyond most theaters that includes poke bowls, brussel sprouts and a cheese board in addition to breakfast options if you decide to see an early showing.

Google Reviews: 4.4/5

999 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas

This luxury movie going experience offers menu items such as a bacon jam burger and butter poached lobster tacos that can be delivered straight to your seat. There’s also bottomless popcorn and beverages. Unique to the menu is a self care option of under eye masks which pairs nicely with their recliner seats.

Google Reviews: 4.6/5

32401 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Los Angeles:

AMC Century City 15

This was the spot to be for Barbenheimer, the internet dubbed title for the double feature during “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” opening weekend. Part of the hype for this theater was that it brought out Barbie decor with outfits from the film on display and a pink makeover for the staircase. It will be interesting to see if something similar happens for the “Eras Tour” film, if not current tour outfits, maybe some from her catalog of costumes.

The theater is located within the Century City Mall, which also includes Cafe Landwer. Their menu features Eras Tour themed meals and drinks such as “Taylor Tots” and a “Holy Grounds” Iced Coffee.

@lisettexo_

The perfect swiftie pregame for the Eras Tour Movie located right next to the AMC theater thank you @Cafe Landwer – Century City for having me #theerastour #theerastourmovie #erastour #AMC

♬ original sound – swiftie

Google Reviews: 4.4/5

10250 Santa Monica Blvd #2000, Los Angeles, CA 90067

Paramount Drive-In

Attending a drive-in turns watching a movie into an experience instantly. Guests can either bring a chair to sit in or stay in the car. For those who don’t want to rely on car audio, other listening options include bringing a portable speaker or downloading a radio app. One of the best ways to see a drive-in is by making the most of your vehicle, preferably a truck, and filling it with pillows. For those with smaller cars who want to get the full Pinterest experience, U-Haul rents trucks starting at $20.

The Paramount Drive-In offers a snack bar on site if you want classic movie snacks like popcorn and candy but guests can also bring their own food in.

Google Reviews: 4.4/57770 Rosecrans Avenue

Paramount, CA 90723

AMC The Grove 14

The Grove has made a name for itself with many who visit Los Angeles making it a point just to stop at this mall to take a picture in front of the fountain. Not only are there plenty of options for cute photo opportunities with fellow Swifties at the Grove, there are a variety of restaurants to choose from for a pre-movie meal. Visitors can also make their way over to the Farmers Market, which houses an assortment of local vendors in a picturesque outdoor dining area.

Google Reviews: 4.5/5

189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood

The Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood has arguably some of the best recliner seats in Southern California. This is a small but important detail when selecting a movie theater: The seats recline just a tad further than the others, which provides a satisfying viewing experience.

In addition to the seats, Citywalk has a few other benefits to offer such as Universal Studios Hollywood being right next door, convenient for those who have an annual pass and want to go on some rides beforehand. Parking is in the same area as the theme park and $5 after showing your ticket.

Google Reviews: 4.5/5

100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – Downtown Los Angeles

Here’s something cool about this theater, in addition to playing movies on the big screen, it also has a lounge where guests can rent movies out for free. The cinema also has recliner chairs, delivers food to your seat and as an added bonus, has an outdoor patio. The menu is loaded with different entree options and has a variety of flavored popcorn to enhance the experience.

Google Reviews: 4.7/5

700 W 7th St Ste. U240, Los Angeles, CA 90017

AMC DINE-IN Topanga 12

The Eras Tour has a run time of 2 hours and 40 minutes. If you don’t want to miss a second of it but want a dinner break, Topanga Mall is the way to go. The Theater offers concession deliveries straight to your seat so guests can decide what time they want it to arrive. For those who don’t want movie theater food, just two floors down is the newly opened “Topanga Social.” This modern take on a mall food court is home to 24 different dining options including Buratta House and Dumpling Monster.

Google Reviews: 3.9/5

Westfield Topanga 6600 CA-27, Canoga Park, CA 91303

AMC Porter Ranch 9

Locals will already know this, but this is the theater where Nicole Kidman filmed her iconic AMC preshow ad. There is bound to be a moment of empowerment before the film as a room full of Swifties recite in unison “Heartbreak feels good in a place like this.”

@nepthalyevargas

heartbreak feels good in a place like this #amc #nicolekidman #nicolekidmanamc

♬ BRENT MORGAN What Dreams Are Made Of – Brent Morgan

Google Reviews: 4.6/5

20059 Rinaldi St, Porter Ranch, CA 91326

Inland Empire:

AMC DINE-IN Montclair Place 12

Just like the AMC in Topanga, this theater offers a dine-in option straight to your seat. According to reviews, this location also serves alcohol. Not only are the seats able to recline but they’re heated as well. Other perks include IMAX and Dolby Cinema screens.

Google Review: 4.5/5

2200 N Montclair Plaza Ln, Montclair, CA 91763

Starlight Terra Vista 6 Movies

This is a small but mighty theater. Tickets are typically cheaper here than most chains, but since the Eras Tour film counts as a special event, tickets are going to start at $19.89 wherever you go. The biggest plus is that there are still plenty of tickets available at this theater so if you’re trying to organize a big group this might be your best bet.

Google Review: 4.3/5

10701 Town Center Dr, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Galaxy Theatres Mission Grove

This location is showing the Eras Tour film in its DFX theater which features immersive audio from Dolby Atmos® in addition to recliner seats.

For those who want to turn movie night into a bigger date night, Castle Park is a quick drive away. The park has an amusement park rides, mini golf and even an arcade.

Google Review: 4.7/5

121 Alessandro Blvd, Riverside, CA 92508

Regal Riverside Plaza

How many times is too many times to watch the Eras Tour film during opening weekend? For those who made a “Mean Girls” reference and answered “the limit does not exist,” Regal at Riverside Plaza has its guests covered as they have 26 showings of the film within a 12-hour period on both Saturday and Sunday.

Regal has taken it upon themselves to break down Taylor Swift’s Cinematic History which highlights the singer’s concert movies, documentaries and acting roles which can help get any new fans up to speed or serve as source material for Taylor Swift Trivia while waiting for the film to start.

The location is only 8 minutes away from Downtown Riverside which has plenty of dining options such as Chat Noir, the Food Lab and Casey’s Cupcakes if you’re looking for a sweet treat.

Google Review: 4.5/5

3535 Riverside Plaza Dr, Riverside, CA 92506

Rubidoux Drive-In Theatre

When the Eras Tour was making its way across the U.S. this summer, many fans decided not to let the fact that they didn’t have tickets prevent them from listening to Swift live and instead tailgated the concert and listen from the parking lot. Why not bring back the best parts about that experience by decorating your car with your favorite lyrics painted on the windows and getting to the venue early to go from car to car trading friendship bracelets.

Drive-Ins are fun for all ages, especially when it doubles as a pajama party. Attendees can remain on theme as well. Fans can DIY a Junior Jewels shirt from the You Belong With Me music video and pair it with some plaid pajamas. Many have already given it an Eras Tour touch by swapping friend names on the shirt for Swift’s different albums.

Other comfy options include the Squirrel pajama set from the We Are Never Getting Back Together music video or bring back the phase of tie dying to replicate the Lover album artwork on a pair of sweats.

The Rubidoux Drive-In Theatre also doubles as a Swap Meet from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tues. through Sun. which gives Swifties the opportunity to find some last minute outfit inspiration and other hidden treasures.

@_.brendab

We brought our whole matress it was our 1st time at the drive in & our kids LOVED it!! #momsoftiktok #drivein #familymovienight #supermariobros #movienifht #driveinmovie #vanburendrivein #momlife #momtok #familythings #foryou #fypシ

♬ Super Mario Bros Main Theme – Geek Music

Google Review: 4.3/5

3770 Opal St, Riverside, CA 92509

Van Buren Drive-In Theatre and Swap Meet

Good news for those looking for last minute tickets for the Eras Tour film, there is no advance purchase option at the Van Buren Drive-In. That means tickets are first come, first serve. It makes for a great last minute option that is just as fun. Chairs are allowed as long as they don’t block anyone’s view.

You can get your typical movie theater snacks as well as burritos and tacos from the concession area.

The box office opens one hour before show time on Fridays and Saturdays and 30 minutes before Sundays-Thursdays. The film is playing only on weekends until Nov. 5.

Google Review: 4.4/5

3035 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92503

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Still can’t decide? Here’s a more detailed list of movie theaters playing the Eras Tour in Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire.

Los Angeles:

San Fernando Valley/Los Angeles:

AMC Town Center 6, BurbankAMC Town Center 8, BurbankAMC 16, BurbankRegency Calabasas Commons, CalabasasAMC Topanga 12, Canoga ParkRegal Edwards, Canyon CountryAMC The Americana at Brand 18, GlendaleLaemmle, GlendaleLOOK Cinemas, GlendaleRegency 9, Granada HillsTLC Chinese Theatres, HollywoodRegal UA, La Cañada FlintridgeAMC Century City 15, Los AngelesAMC The Grove 14, Los AngelesAlamo Drafthouse, Los AngelesRegal LA Live, Los AngelesLaemmle, NewhallCinemark Century, North HollywoodLaemmle 7, North HollywoodRegal, North HollywoodAMC, NorthridgeAMC, Porter RanchRegal Edwards Valencia, Santa ClaritaRegal Sherman Oaks Galleria, Sherman OaksRegal Simi Valley Civic Center, Simi ValleyRegency Plant 16, Van NuysUniversal Cinema AMC at CityWalk, Universal CityAMC Fallbrook 7, West Hills

San Gabriel Valley:

Regal Edwards Renaissance, AlhambraAMC Santa Anita 16, ArcadiaRegency Foothill Center 10, AzusaRegency 14, City of CommerceAMC 17, CovinaLaemmle, GlendaleLOOK Cinemas, GlendaleAMC 12, GlendoraAMC 7, La MiradaLOOK Cinemas, MonroviaAMC 10, MontebelloAMC Atlantic Times Square 14, Monterey ParkLandmark Theatres, PasadenaRegal Paseo, PasadenaCinépolis, Pico RiveraAMC 20, Puente HillsRegal Edwards, South GateRegal Edwards, West CovinaWhittier Village Stadium Cinemas, Whittier

South Bay:

AMC Del Amo 18, TorranceRolling Hills, TorranceAMC South Bay Galleria 16, Redondo BeachRegal Promenade, Rolling Hills EstatesTerrace Cinemas, Rancho Palos VerdesRegal Edwards, South Gate

Long Beach area:

AMC Marina Pacifica 12, Long BeachCinemark at the Pike, Long BeachRegal Edwards, Long BeachCinemark, CarsonHarkins 16, CerritosRegal Edwards, CerritosCinemark, DowneyLOOK Cinemas, DowneyStarlight Center, LakewoodAMC 20, Norwalk

Orange County:

Regal Edwards, Aliso Viejo

AMC GardenWalk 6, Anaheim

Regal Edwards Brea East, Brea

CGV Cinemas 8, Buena Park

Krikorian Metroplex, Buena Park

Regal Edwards Metro Pointe, Costa Mesa

Triangle Square Cinemas, Costa Mesa

Cinemark Lake Forest, Foothill Ranch

AMC Fullerton 20, Fullerton

Regal, Garden Grove

West Grove Cinemas, Garden Grove

Cinemark Century, Huntington Beach

AMC Woodbridge 5, Irvine

Regal Edwards Market Place, Irvine

Regal Irvine Spectrum, Irvine

Regal University Town Center, Irvine

Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas, Laguna Niguel

Regal, La Habra

Regal Edwards Kaleidoscope, Mission Viejo

Regal Edwards Big Newport, Newport Beach

The Lot Fashion Island, Newport Beach

AMC Orange 30, Orange

Cinemark Century Orange, Orange

Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas, Rancho Santa Margarita

MetroLux 10, San Clemente

Picture Show at Main Place Mall, Santa Ana

AMC 14, Tustin

Regency 10, Westminster

Regal, Yorba Linda

Inland Empire:

Fox Cineplex, Banning

2nd Street Cinema, Beaumont

Cinemark Chino Movies 8, Chino

Harkins Chino Hills 18, Chino

Laemmle, Claremont

Dos Lagos 15, Corona

Regal Edwards Corona Crossings, Corona

Regal Edwards Eastvale Gateway, Eastvale

Regency Fontana 8, Fontana

UEC Theatres Diamond 8, Lake Elsinore

AMC Montclair Place 12, Montclair

Harkens Moreno Valley 16, Moreno Valley

Regency Towngate Cinemas, Moreno Valley

Reading Cinemas at Cal Oaks Plaza, Murrieta

AMC Ontario Mills 30, Ontario

Regal Edwards Ontario Palace, Ontario

Regal Edwards Ontario Mountain Village, Ontario

Regency 10, Perris

AMC Victoria Gardens 12, Rancho Cucamonga

Starlight Terra Vista 6, Rancho Cucamonga

LOOK Cinemas, Redlands

Harkins Mountain Grove, Redlands

Cinemark Bistro Renaissance Marketplace, Rialto

AMC Tyler Galleria, Riverside

Regal Jurupa 14, Riverside

Regal Riverside Plaza, Riverside

Regal, San Bernardino

Regency Sterling 6, San Bernardino

Regal Metro, San Jacinto

AMC Temecula 10, Temecula

Regal Edwards, Promenade Mall, Temecula

Temeku Cinemas, Temecula

Regal Edwards, La Verne

​ Orange County Register