House nears vote on Rep. Jim Jordan for speaker, but Republican holdouts remain

• October 17, 2023

By LISA MASCARO, FARNOUSH AMIRI and STEPHEN GROVES

WASHINGTON — Republicans are trying Tuesday to elect firebrand Rep. Jim Jordan as the new House speaker, elevating a chief ally of Donald Trump to a center-seat of U.S. power and showing just how far the hard-right flank has moved into the GOP mainstream.

After two weeks of angry Republican infighting since the ouster of Kevin McCarthy, the House is to vote in a showdown for the gavel. At least a handful of holdout Republicans are refusing to give Jordan their votes, viewing the Ohio Republican as too extreme for the powerful position of House speaker, second in line to the presidency.

But with public pressure bearing down on lawmakers from Trump’s allies including Fox News’ Sean Hannity, it’s not clear how long the holdouts can last. Jordan swiftly flipped dozens of detractors in a matter of days, shoring up reluctant Republicans who have few options left after McCarthy’s ouster.

Ahead of voting Trump restated his support of his top ally in Congress.

“Jim Jordan will be a great speaker,” the former president said outside the courthouse in Manhattan, where he is facing business fraud charges. “I think he’s going to have the votes soon, if not today over the next day or two.”

The political climb has been steep for Jordan, the combative Judiciary Committee chairman and a founding member of the right-flank Freedom Caucus. He is known more as a chaos agent than a skilled legislator, raising questions about how he would lead. Congress faces daunting challenges, risking a federal shutdown if it fails to fund the government and fielding President Joe Biden’s requests for aid to help Ukraine and Israel in the wars abroad.

Upset that a small band of hardliners have upended the House, Republicans have watched their majority control of the chamber descend into public infighting. All House business has ground to a halt.

To seize the gavel, Jordan will need almost the full majority of his colleagues behind him in a House floor vote, as Democrats are certain to back their own nominee, Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York.

With the House Republican majority narrowly held at 221-212, he can only afford to lose a few votes to reach the 217 majority threshold, if there are no absences. While eight hard-right ousted McCarthy, the holdouts this time range from seasoned legislators worried about governing, to newer lawmakers from swing-districts whose voters prefer Biden to Trump.

After a late-evening meeting Monday at the Capitol turned into a venting session of angry Republicans, Jordan acknowledged: “We’ve got a few more people to talk to, listen to.”

One holdout, Republican Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado, said Jordan’s role in the runup to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol and his refusal to admit President Joe Biden won the 2020 election remained an issue.

“Jim, at some point, if he’s going to lead this conference during the presidential election cycle and particularly in a presidential election year … is going to have to be strong and say Donald Trump didn’t win the election and we need to move forward,” Buck said.

But Jordan can rely on Trump’s support as well as pressure on colleagues from an army of grass-roots activists who recognize him from cable news and fiery performances at committee hearings. Republicans say it will be hard for rank-and-file lawmakers to oppose him in a public floor vote.

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who engineered McCarthy’s ouster by a handful of hardliners, publicly praised each lawmaker who has flipped to Jordan’s column — and berated those who have not.

“Thank you Rep. Ann Wagner!” Gaetz posted on social media, after the Missouri Republican announced her support.

One by one, others also announced their support. Still, it could take multiple rounds during House floor voting not unlike in January when it took McCarthy 15 ballots to win the gavel.

Democrats have decried the far-right shift, calling Jordan the leader of the chaos wing of the GOP.

The Democratic whip, Rep. Katherine Clark, said her party is trying to stop Republicans from putting “an insurrectionist in the speaker’s chair.”

Jordan has been a top Trump ally, particularly during the Jan. 6 Capitol attack by the former president’s backers who were trying to overturn the 2020 election he lost to Biden. Days later, Trump awarded Jordan a Medal of Freedom.

“Jim Jordan is an insurrectionist who has no place being second in line to the presidency,” said Michael Fanone, a former District of Columbia police officer who was wounded fighting the mob on Jan. 6.

Now the Republican Party’s front-runner to challenge Biden in the 2024 election, Trump backed Jordan to replace McCarthy early on, and was working against the nomination of Majority Leader Steve Scalise who withdrew last week after colleagues rejected their own rules and failed to coalesce around him.

Tensions remained high among Republicans ahead of voting. Rank-and-file Republicans are exhausted by the internal party infighting with no other work being done in Congress.

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Some Republicans resent being pressured by Jordan’s allies and say they are being threatened with primary opponents if they don’t support him as speaker. One aide said their office received an email from Hannity’s team pushing Jordan.

Others are simply upset at the way the whole process has dragged out. One, Scalise backer Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa., began circulating an option to give Rep Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., the interim speaker pro-tempore, more authority to lead.

“I think we still need conversations,” said Rep, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa.

First elected in 2006, Jordan has few bills to his name from his time in office. He also faces questions about his past. Some years ago, Jordan denied allegations from former wrestlers during his time as an assistant wrestling coach at Ohio State University who accused him of knowing about claims they were inappropriately groped by an Ohio doctor. Jordan has said he was never aware of any abuse.

Associated Press writers Kevin Freking, Mary Clare Jalonick and Jill Colvin in New York contributed to this report.

​ Orange County Register 

Convicted criminal Dave Min loses ground in race for Katie Porter’s seat

• October 17, 2023

California Sen. Dave Min, D-Irvine, is continuing to pay the price for his drunk driving conviction and prison guard union corruption.

According to recently published data from the Federal Election Commission, Min’s fundraising in his campaign to represent the open seat in the 47th congressional district has been in a free fall.

From the time he announced as a candidate until March 31 of this year, he raised an impressive $521,000. After his arrest for driving drunk in a California Senate vehicle at night without his lights on through a red light in May, his fundraising totals have plummeted. In them most recent quarter, he raised just $311,000.

Meanwhile, Min has blown through $400,000 as part of his desperate attempt to remain a candidate.

As of this writing, the Min campaign has $825,542.68 on hand, compared to $832,638.54 reported by the Joanna Weiss campaign and $1,374,856.05 reported by the campaign of Republican Scott Baugh. And this is, of course, before the ads and mailers go out highlighting Min’s arrest.

For context, Scott Baugh narrowly lost to Katie Porter last year despite being outspent by tens of millions of dollars. That he is in fact the top fundraiser this time means Democrats will need to do better than a drunk driver who can’t out-fundraise Baugh if they want to make the race remotely competitive.

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This newspaper has already called for Dave Min to drop out of the race and to refrain from seeking public office as long as he remains on probation.

There is a viable Democratic alternative to Min, Joanna Weiss, who in recent weeks has earned endorsements from Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken and Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis.

Unlike Min, she hasn’t been arrested for driving drunk and she hasn’t voted to give away hundreds of millions of dollars per year to the state prison guard union. That alone speaks to better judgment.

Again, we repeat: Dave Min should drop out of the race. The people of the 47th congressional district deserve better than to be represented by a drunk driving, corrupt politician like Dave Min.

​ Orange County Register 

4 ways married couples can use tax breaks to build wealth

• October 17, 2023

By Elizabeth Ayoola | NerdWallet

The investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. NerdWallet, Inc. does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it recommend or advise investors to buy or sell particular stocks, securities or other investments.

“Two is better than one” is an old adage that translates to finances, too. Two incomes can go much further than one, especially between married couples.

People who say “I do” also have access to various tax breaks that can give them a financial edge when it comes to building wealth. For instance, married couples filing their taxes jointly get a standard deduction of $27,700 in 2023, while single filers get a $13,850 deduction.

How can married couples act on the many tax breaks they have access to and use them to build wealth? Two certified public accountants share a few strategies for couples to consider.

Strategy 1: Investing

When married couples get a tax deduction or tax credit, there’s an opportunity to invest that extra money. There are a string of ways to invest the money, but couples could benefit from investing in themselves, says Sheneya Wilson, a CPA and founder of Fola Financial in the Bronx in New York City. Couples may choose to use their tax savings to invest in courses that improve their skills, market value and salaries, she says.

Retirement accounts like 401(k)s, IRAs or regular brokerage accounts are also an option for couples. Investing those extra dollars from tax breaks means couples have more money that can potentially grow and enjoy the benefits of compound interest.

Wilson adds that married folks can also consider alternative investments, such as commodities, gold, silver, royalties or music catalogs.

Ultimately, couples can choose investments that align with their goals and legacy.

“The best investments are going to be in line with how that person wants to leave an influence on the world,” Wilson says.

Strategy 2: Real estate

Married couples who own a property may be able to sell it and exclude some of the real estate capital gains tax from their income. For married couples filing jointly, that means they can keep up to $500,000 of the profit tax-free. Single filers, on the other hand, are capped at $250,000.

“Now think about what you can do with around $500,000 of tax-free income,” says Williams. That extra money could go toward investing in another property, she adds.

Note that couples have to own the house, use it as their main home, live there for at least two of the five years before selling and meet other rules in order to qualify for the exclusion.

Strategy 3: 529 plans

529 plans — investing plans for education that allow tax-free growth and withdrawals — are another way couples can use tax breaks to build wealth, says Jasmine Young, a CPA and founder of Southern Heritage Financial Group in Atlanta.

“It could be your niece, your nephew, your cousin, it could be you, whoever’s gonna use the money for educational expenses,” Young says. ”That’s one way for you to reduce your tax liability and put the money somewhere that’s going to give you a resource to build generational wealth.”

Some states offer deductions or credits for 529 plan contributions. A perk for married couples is that in many states, joint filers can deduct double the amount than single filers, lowering their taxable income. The amount joint filers can deduct varies from state to state.

Another way married people can benefit from 529 plan tax benefits is with the federal gift tax exclusion. While 529 plans don’t have an annual contribution limit, contributions are considered “gifts” by the IRS, which means gifting over a certain amount could lead to extra paperwork at tax time. In 2023, those married filing jointly could gift $34,000 without needing to file a gift tax return versus $17,000 for single people.

Married couples who take advantage of this larger limit can save more annually for their kids or loved one’s kids and potentially help them grow wealth faster.

Another wealth-building strategy couples can potentially use beginning in 2024 is rolling unused funds in a 529 account into a Roth IRA account for the beneficiary. By rolling unused funds into a Roth IRA, the beneficiary — be it a child or family member — can get a head start on saving for retirement. There are several conditions account owners must meet to do this, so consult a financial advisor beforehand.

Strategy 4: Entrepreneurship

If one spouse is an entrepreneur, or a couple runs a joint venture, there’s an opportunity to write off business losses during tax season, Wilson says.

“If you are married, filing jointly and your spouse is investing in starting a business, there may be a net loss from that business venture on the joint tax return because that spouse was investing in maybe educational courses [to] start their business,” she says.

In 2023, married couples with their own business can take a loss of up to $524,000, compared with $262,000 for single filers. The dollars that may have gone to paying taxes can be funneled into growing an existing business, starting a new one, or paying down debt.

Couples curious about exploring more strategies they can implement may want to speak with a finance professional like a tax advisor or financial planner.

This article was written by NerdWallet and was originally published by The Associated Press.

The article 4 Ways Married Couples Can Use Tax Breaks to Build Wealth originally appeared on NerdWallet.

​ Orange County Register 

Sofia University’s New Doctorate in Business Administration Program: Transcending Business Education

• October 17, 2023

In the bustling landscape of Orange County, where businesses thrive and innovation reigns supreme, a unique educational opportunity has emerged. Sofia University proudly introduces its Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) program, adding a new dimension to the educational offerings in the region. Rooted in the rich tradition of transpersonal education, this DBA program goes beyond traditional business studies, focusing on the holistic growth of its students. Here’s a closer look at what sets this program apart.

A Distinctive Approach

Sofia University’s DBA program is unlike any other in Orange County. While other programs may emphasize business knowledge alone, Sofia’s approach is holistic. It integrates transpersonal principles into its curriculum, encouraging students to explore not only the intricacies of business but also their personal growth. This unique blend of business acumen and personal development sets Sofia’s DBA program apart from the rest.

Competitive Pricing

Education is an investment, and Sofia University recognizes the importance of making this investment accessible. The DBA program at Sofia is competitively priced, ensuring that students receive exceptional value without an exorbitant financial burden. This affordability is a testament to Sofia’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities for all.

Benefits of Pursuing a DBA

A DBA degree opens doors to a world of opportunities. Graduates of DBA programs are equipped with advanced business knowledge, critical thinking skills, and leadership acumen. They are often sought after for senior leadership roles in corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Furthermore, a DBA can provide a competitive edge in today’s dynamic business environment, where expertise in research, problem-solving, and strategic decision-making is highly valued.

Mary Kay Chess, DBA Program Chair at Sofia University

Sofia University’s DBA Program Options

Sofia University is currently accepting applications for its DBA program, offering two unique tracks to cater to diverse needs:

1.     Chinese Language DBA: Designed for international students seeking a DBA education with a focus on the Chinese business landscape.

2.     English Language DBA (Domestic): Launching in January 2024, this program will cater to domestic students, providing them with a transformative DBA experience rooted in transpersonal education.

Join Us on this Transformative Journey

Whether you aspire to expand your career horizons, engage in meaningful research, or embark on a journey of personal growth, Sofia University’s DBA program offers a distinctive path forward. Join us in exploring the world of business through a transpersonal lens and discover the limitless possibilities that await you.

For program details and application information, visit our Sofia University DBA Program page. To speak with our admissions team, call 888.820.1484.

Sofia University – Where Business Education Meets Personal Transformation.

​ Orange County Register 

Ramen burgers, shaved ice, ube rolls coming to OC Japan Fair 2023

• October 17, 2023

Billed as one of the largest Japanese cultural festivals in Southern California, the OC Japan Fair returns to Costa Mesa from Oct. 27 through Oct. 29. Organizers expect upward of 45,000 people to attend the three-day festival, which is a lot of mouths to feed. Luckily, this year’s abundant lineup of Japanese and Asian food vendors are reason alone to check out the fair, now in its 13th year.

A handful of culinary highlights will include katsu chicken from Kagura, which has locations in Costa Mesa, Torrance and Gardena; Kuramoto Shavery, which creates Japanese-style shaved ice made with Kuramoto Ice; Tamuken’s Japanese barbecue bowls; noodles by Tokyo Yakisoba; Big and Long Potato Swirl frying up eponymous potato snacks; Rated R Ramen Burger, whose ramen-sandwiched burgers are made with wagyu beef; and ube cinnamon rolls from Ubenabon.

Beer and sake will also be on hand to quench any 21-and-over thirst, with boba teas and matcha drinks available for all ages. OC Japan Fair’s 2023 food roster is as follows:

Sukiyuki LA
Big Takoyaki
Big and Long Potato Swirl
Miniyaki Cheese Taco
Ajaj Cafe
Mr. Bully
Kagura
Got Corn?
Yakitoriyado
Yakitori Yado Matcha Latte
Gong Su Gan
Nikuman-Ya
Lobsterdamus
Ubenabon
Egghasuted
Otafuku
Rated R Ramen Burger
Kuramoto Shavery
Gluten Free Meister
Kanto Filipino Street Food
Takouaki Yamachan
Mochill Mochil Crepe
Boba Bestie
All Dat Dumpling
Iwate Wagyu
Aki Takoyaki
Gindaco USA
SVR BBQ
Amami-Ya
Waffleland
Japadog
Hot Bamboo
Tokyo Yakisoba
Hawaiian Honey Cones
Wagyu Street
RE&S
Shin-Sen-Gumi Yakitori
Kuramoto Shavery
Aoki No Chuuka
La Musubi
Lucky Ball Korean BBQ
Mr. Teddy Baker
Midoh
Daikokuya
Tokyo Style Food Truck
Okamoto
Tamuken
Arcance Cafe

The fair will also have a live blue tuna-cutting demonstration, in which a sushi chef slices a Maguro fish on stage, as well as sushi galore available for eating.

In addition to the many food offerings, guests can look forward to the “Oiran Dochu,” (which translates into “alluring procession”), a recreation of the procession done by Yoshiwara courtesans during the Edo Period; taiko drum performances, an appearance by comedian Mr. Yasumura, aka Tonikaku, who appeared on “Britain’s Got Talent” in June (the clip of his performance has since accrued 7 million views); and more.

When: 5-11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27; Noon-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29

Where: OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa

Tickets: General admission is $10 for adults; free admission for children 6 and under and seniors over 65; parking is $10

​ Orange County Register 

Orange County girls athlete of the week: Maia Helmar, Newport Harbor

• October 17, 2023

Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now

The Orange County girls athlete of the week:

Name: Maia Helmar

School: Newport Harbor

Sport: Flag football

Year: Junior

Noteworthy: Helmar threw four touchdowns, intercepted a pass and recorded several tackles to lead the Sailors, ranked No. 1 in the nation by MaxPreps, to a 27-0 victory against No. 4 Corona del Mar in the Surf League. Newport Harbor improved to 22-1.

Please send nominees for Orange County girls athlete of the week to [email protected] or @ocvarsityguy on X or Instagram

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​ Orange County Register 

New law would stop Orange County cities from selling land in violation of affordable housing laws

• October 17, 2023

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill that aims to prevent cities in Orange County from selling surplus land in violation of the state’s affordable housing laws, a response to the fallout of Anaheim’s now-nixed efforts to sell Angel Stadium.

State Sen. Tom Umberg authored the legislation, which applies only to Orange County and will expire in 2030. An earlier version of the bill would have applied statewide, but Umberg’s office said, “Relentless lobbying by local governments including cities, counties, and special districts have led to the measure’s narrowing over the last 18 months.”

If a city within Orange County receives a notice of a Surplus Land Act violation from the California Department of Housing and Community Development from a planned sale of land, it would not be able to proceed with the sale without correcting the violation, according to the new legislation.

The Surplus Land Act requires priority be given to affordable housing and open space when a local government is selling excess property, including giving affordable developers first crack at negotiating for the land.

The state’s housing department, under Umberg’s bill, would also have the authority to require the surplus land to be rebid, according to Umberg’s office.

“At the very least, the people of Anaheim and Orange County deserve accountability with their tax dollars in light of the ongoing stadium mess,” said Umberg, whose district includes Anaheim.

The state notified Anaheim in late 2021 that its planned sale of Angel Stadium violated the Surplus Land Act. City leaders initially responded that the stadium property was exempt. Anaheim later agreed to pay $96 million from the sale’s proceeds toward the creation of affordable homes.

“Back in 2021, there was a reasonable question about whether a stadium leased for Major League Baseball was surplus land. But we are in a different time and place today,” Anaheim spokesperson Mike Lyster said in a statement Monday. “We have tracked the legislation and its signing and will always adhere to any applicable California law.”

Another one of Umberg’s bill signed by the governor into law last week requires a local agency that receives a violation notice to hold a public hearing to review and consider the matter.

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​ Orange County Register 

In Ducks’ 30th anniversary season, who are their top 30 players of all time?

• October 17, 2023

The Ducks have had plenty to celebrate over their 30 seasons of existence, the pinnacle of which was their Stanley Cup triumph in 2007. This year, they’ll be infusing fanfare into a celebratory campaign that will bring back legends, reintroduce logos and reflect on a proud history that’s added a refreshing element to Southern California hockey and given Orange County a team to call its own.

While the coaches, owners and fans can all be celebrated, at the end of the day, a franchise’s legacy is all about its players. Ducks broadcaster and former NHL goalie Brian Hayward, who has been with the organization since Day 1, gave us an assist in compiling a list of the top 30 players to ever don a Ducks sweater. The Southern California News Group and Hayward collaborated on the list, with the comments for players 16-30 coming from SCNG and those for the top 15 coming directly from Hayward.

SCNG selects players 16 through 30:

30. Trevor Zegras – A placeholder for things to come, representing his promise and that of this new generation of Ducks.

29. George Parros – Parros led a lineage of enforcers that also included Stu Grimson and Todd Ewen.

28. Andrew Cogliano – Cogliano was a pro’s pro, combining meticulous preparation with Herculean lower-body strength.

27. Todd Marchant – Cogliano had wheels, but Marchant could flat-out fly. He lent that speed to a defensive role in the 2007 Cup run.

26. Petr Sykora – Sykora scored the game-winning goal in the longest game in Ducks history, a quintuple-overtime affair against Dallas, en route to the 2003 Stanley Cup Final.

25. Jakob Silfverberg – Only one thing needs to be said: “Ohh-ahh, Silf-ver-berg, Ohh-ahh, Silf-ver-berg!”

24. François Beauchemin – A secondary contributor in 2007, he returned for a second stint in a leadership role.

23. Rob Niedermeyer – Blazing speed must run in the family because he and his brother Scott both made the list.

22. Jonas Hiller – The Swiss netminder’s 162 wins rank fourth in franchise history.

21. John Gibson – Gibson has made more saves than any other Ducks goalie, and could continue climbing this list.

20. Keith Carney – Super steady and never more so than during the five-OT game in which he logged more than 56 minutes.

19. Bobby Ryan – Ryan was the consolation prize for missing out on Sidney Crosby, and he trails only Teemu Selanne and Paul Kariya among Ducks in goals per game.

18. Hampus Lindholm – Soft-spoken and gentle off the ice, Lindholm rewarded the Ducks for taking him sixth overall.

17. Sami Pahlsson – A shutdown defender and a heart-and-soul guy, Pahlsson was one of four players who went on both the 2003 and 2007 runs (Andy McDonald, J.S. Giguere and Rob Niedermeyer were the others).

16. Chris Kunitz – Quiet excellence personified, Kunitz won a Cup with the Ducks, two more in Pittsburgh and an Olympic gold medal with Canada.

The esteemed Bryan Hayward selects the top 15:

15. Ryan Kesler – Highly competitive, his abrasiveness stood out for a center as talented as him. Incredible faceoff man and penalty killer, he was the perfect second-line center behind captain Ryan Getzlaf.

14. Adam Oates – One of the greatest passers ever to play in the NHL. He was a very cerebral center who saw the game on a higher level.

13. Ruslan Salei – Steady and reliable. Underappreciated nationally, he had a surprisingly good shot.  Very adept at moving people from in front of the net.

12. Sergei Fedorov – Star power. An incredible skater who not only made things happen offensively but played the 200-foot game as well as anyone.

11. Andy McDonald – The underrated center had blazing speed and hands to match. Concussions prevented him from becoming a household name.

10. Steve Rucchin – Unicorn. An undrafted Canadian college player who became the perfect complement for Paul Kariya and Teemu Selanne.

9. Guy Hebert – The original Mighty Duck taken in the expansion draft, he kept his team in a lot of games when they were badly outplayed.

8. Cam Fowler – The longest-serving Duck and a beautiful skater who can break the puck out under pressure almost single-handedly.

7. Chris Pronger – Big and nasty, he’d do whatever it took to win. He kept teammates accountable, intimidated opponents and ran the power play.

6. Jean-Sébastian Giguère – A workhorse goaltender who elevated his game in the playoffs. He won one Cup (2007) and almost single-handedly stole another (2003, when he was the playoff MVP in a losing effort). Mentally as tough as they come.

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5. Scott Niedermeyer – A quiet leader who saw the game on a different level than most. A big engine who could elevate his game when the pressure mounted and an effortless skater.

4. Paul Kariya – Incredible shot release and intimidating speed that could pull fans out of their seats.  Disciplined and dedicated to skill development.

3. Corey Perry – Great hands, long reach, a relentless drive and unbridled passion for the game made him the only league MVP in franchise history. (He is also the Ducks’ all-time leader in penalty minutes).

2. Ryan Getzlaf – The complete package: size, strength, incredible vision combined with leadership attributes. A dominant center.

1. Teemu Selanne – A dynamic goal-scorer who played with passion and became the face of the franchise. The best trade in Ducks history. He scored the most important goal in franchise history against Detroit, en route to the 2007 Stanley Cup.

​ Orange County Register