Anaheim council set to consider approval of 498-unit Anaheim Hills apartment complex

• October 28, 2024

The Anaheim City Council on Tuesday, Oct. 29, will consider approval for a 498-unit apartment complex in Anaheim Hills’ Deer Canyon, a contentious project that has neighbors pleading for it not to get built.

The Hills Preserve housing project would be a departure from the typical single-family homes built in the area. The development would see the apartment complex with high-end amenities and some office space built on an undeveloped plot of land in the Anaheim Hills.

SALT Development, the company behind the Hills Preserve proposes to build on about a third of the 76-acre plot of land near the 91 Freeway off of Santa Ana Canyon Road. The rest of about 50 acres would be designated as open space.

SALT Development’s leaders say their project will open up access to an underutilized park nearby, Deer Canyon Park Preserve, by building new roads and trails and will help in addressing the region’s need for more housing.

Neighbors opposed to the project say it’s too much of a fire risk to have there and would worsen evacuation times during wildfires when every moment counts.

The apartment is planned to be a mid-century design with a bowling alley, rooftop pool and fitness center.

If approved, SALT Development has promised the city $500,000 for affordable housing and $2.2 million to Anaheim Fire & Rescue.

The Planning Commission approved the Hills Preserve at its Sept. 30 meeting. City staff had recommended the denial of the project over evacuation worries.

The state identifies the land for the project as in a very high fire hazard severity zone. SALT Development says its plans to add fire hydrants, reduce vegetation and build retaining walls would make the area more resistant to fires.

Anaheim Fire Chief Pat Russell told the Planning Commission he did not support the project and raised concerns over how it would affect wildfire evacuations. An environmental analysis for the Hills Preserve said having the apartments would add 24 minutes to evacuation time in a worst-case scenario on a Friday afternoon.

SALT Development has notified the city that if the Hills Preserve isn’t approved it would pursue a builder’s remedy application, allowing it to bypass current density limits and build a much bigger project. Its builder’s remedy plans call for 1,280 apartment homes constructed and 20% would need to be affordable.

The Anaheim City Council meeting begins at 5 p.m. on Tuesday in the Council Chambers in City Hall, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Residents who live within 1,000 feet of where the Hills Preserve would be will get up to 10 minutes to speak during public comment, and everyone else will get three minutes.

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​ Orange County Register 

Senior living: Understanding the recent changes to Medicare Part D

• October 28, 2024

By Jose Juarez, Guest columnist

Navigating the complexities of health care can be overwhelming, especially when you’re managing your health, budget and peace of mind. The recent changes to Medicare Part D, the prescription drug coverage program, come after not being changed in nearly 20 years. So, it’s important for you to review your current plans and ensure you don’t end up having to pay more.

Jose Juarez, Medicare education specialist at MemorialCare. (Courtesy photo)

Having worked with seniors for many years, I understand how critical it is to have reliable information to make decisions. Before we dive into the recent updates, it’s helpful to revisit what each part of Medicare covers to give you a clearer understanding of how Part D fits into the broader Medicare picture:

Medicare Part A: This part covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care and some home health services. Most people do not pay a premium for Part A because they’ve worked and paid Medicare taxes throughout their careers.
Medicare Part B: Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient services, preventive care, lab tests and medical equipment like walkers and wheelchairs. Most beneficiaries pay a monthly premium for Part B, which is based on their income.
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): This is an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers and often include Part D (prescription drug coverage) as well as additional benefits like vision, dental, and hearing coverage.
Medicare Part D: Part D is the part of Medicare that helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. It’s offered by private insurance companies and is available to anyone who has Medicare. This is the part undergoing important updates that can greatly impact your prescription drug costs.
Recent changes to Medicare Part D are part of an ongoing effort to make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible. These updates are aimed at easing the financial burden on seniors and ensuring that medications remain within reach.

Below are key changes to note about Medicare Part D.

Capping out-of-pocket costs

This is one of the most anticipated changes, as it helps reduce the financial stress of high medication costs, especially for those who take multiple prescriptions or need expensive medications. You will no longer face unlimited out-of-pocket costs for drugs once you reach the catastrophic coverage phase — out-of-pocket expenses will be capped at approximately $2,000 per year. As a result, this could lead to higher costs for prescription drug plans, which is why evaluating your current coverage is so important.

Medicare drug price negotiations

For the first time, Medicare will be able to negotiate the prices of 15 high-cost drugs directly with manufacturers. These negotiations will primarily focus on drugs that are commonly used by Medicare beneficiaries and have no generic or comparable alternatives. The goal is to lower the cost of these drugs, potentially saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.

Eliminating the “donut hole” coverage gap

The Medicare “donut hole” coverage gap will be eliminated. Medicare Part D will now have a simplified, three-phase benefit: a deductible phase, an initial coverage phase and a catastrophic phase. The initial coverage phase will extend until your costs reach the $2,000 annual cap. After this, in the catastrophic phase, you will pay $0 for covered medications (within the plan’s formulary).

New drug deductible

Some plans may add a drug deductible as high as $590. Additionally, monthly premium increases will be limited to approximately $2 to help manage health care costs while maintaining access to necessary medications.

Changes in medications formulary and tier levels

High-tier medications may come with increased costs and higher deductibles. It’s important to check your plan’s formulary to understand any changes to your medication coverage, as out-of-formulary drugs will not count toward your $2,000 out-of-pocket maximum.

Other changes

There could be a reduction in benefits, so review the 2025 summary of benefit for your plan’s upcoming changes.

Certain plans, such as UHC’s $42 monthly PPO and Alignment 007 PPO, will no longer be available in 2025, and beneficiaries will be automatically dis-enrolled into traditional Medicare. If you are affected, call me at 877-599-5622 for guidance through this transition.

Some plans, including those from Alignment and Clever, may no longer be accepted by MemorialCare starting Jan. 1. If you want to continue receiving care through MemorialCare, contact me for help navigating your options.

Though choosing a Medicare plan can feel overwhelming, these updates are designed to make healthcare management easier and more affordable, giving you the confidence to make the best decisions for your health and financial well-being. If you need help navigating these changes, please call 877-599-5622 or visit memorialcare.org/MAEP24.

Jose Juarez is a Medicare education specialist for MemorialCare.

​ Orange County Register 

CIF-SS girls flag football playoffs: Saturday’s scores and schedule for the quarterfinals

• October 28, 2024

Saturday’s scores for the Orange County teams in the CIF-SS girls flag football playoffs and the schedule for Tuesday, Oct. 29.

CIF-SS GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS

DIVISION 1

First round, Saturday

Orange Lutheran 44, Roosevelt 12

Corona del Mar 20, Lakewood St. Joseph 13

Santa Margarita 33, San Marcos 14

Anaheim Canyon 19, JSerra 14

Huntington Beach 29, Western Christian 21

Ventura 28, Agoura 20

Dos Pueblos 39, Aliso Niguel 6

Newport Harbor 19, Camarillo 14

Quarterfinals, Tuesday

Games start 5 p.m. unless noted.

Orange Lutheran at Corona del Mar

Santa Margarita vs. Canyon at El Modena High, 6 p.m.

Huntington Beach at Ventura

Dos Pueblos at Newport Harbor

DIVISION 2

Second round, Saturday

Long Beach Poly 12, Redondo 7

Esperanza 27, Newbury Park 20

Northwood 32, Mira Costa 8

Woodbridge 28, Warren 0

El Toro 13, Torrance 6

Edison 6, Downey 0

Trabuco Hills 31, El Modena 20

Sonora 18, Oxnard 12

Quarterfinals, Tuesday

Games start at 5 p.m. unless noted.

Esperanza at Long Beach Poly

Northwood at Woodbridge

El Toro at Edison

Sonora at Trabuco Hills

DIVISION 3

Second round, Saturday

Linfield Christian 39, Shadow Hills 7

Beckman 33, Millikan 26

Lakewood 7, Upland 6

San Clemente 47, Hillcrest 0

King 27, Etiwanda 14

South Hills 24, Norco 6

San Dimas 19, Highland 6

Troy 16, Placentia Valencia 6

Quarterfinals, Tuesday

Games start at 5 p.m. unless noted.

Beckman at Linfield Christian

San Clemente at Lakewood

San Dimas at Troy

DIVISION 4

Second round, Saturday

Cajon 14, La Habra 0

Schurr 12, Bellflower 6

Windward 36, Redlands East Valley 12

Santa Monica 25, Estancia 14

Riverside North 7, Moreno Valley 0

Norte Vista 12, La Serna 6

Loma Linda Academy 20, Citrus Valley 18

Fullerton 25, Gahr 18

Quarterfinals, Tuesday

Games start at 5 p.m. unless noted.

Fullerton at Loma Linda Academy

DIVISION 5

Second round, Saturday

Kaiser 26, California 19

Azusa 25, Montebello 6

Artesia 25, Bishop Montgomery 24

Northview 19, Garden Grove Santiago 14

Covina 22, San Marino 19

Chaffey 31, Westridge 12

Savanna 14, Pioneer 6

Antelope Valley 20, Garden Grove 0

Quarterfinals, Tuesday

Games start at 5 p.m. unless noted.

Antelope Valley at Savanna

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​ Orange County Register 

Gov. Newsom visits Hollywood to propose doubling state’s film tax credit

• October 28, 2024

HOLLYWOOD — Gov. Gavin Newsom was on location in Hollywood Sunday, where he unveiled a proposal to more than double the tax credit the state offers to producers of films and TV shows that shoot in California.

Appearing with industry union leaders, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and state Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-Burbank, Newsom announced a plan to boost the annual tax credit from its current $330 million to $750 million, which would represent the largest amount offered by any state except Georgia, which has no cap on its credits.

The plan, which still needs approval by the state Legislature, could take effect as early as July 2025.

The Los Angeles area, long considered the center of film and TV production in the United States, has struggled to retain its hold in recent years, losing business to Canada and other states that offer more attractive incentives, most prominently New York and Georgia.

“We wanted to reconcile the stress that’s been building up here for, frankly, the better part of a decade,” Newsom said, referring to the competition from other places, the coronavirus pandemic and the crippling writers and actors strikes of 2023.

“I don’t know how they can continue to afford that program (in New York), and we’ll see” how it goes in Georgia, he added.

In a statement released earlier Sunday, Newsom called California “the entertainment capital of the world, rooted in decades of creativity, innovation, and unparalleled talent. Expanding this program will help keep production here at home, generate thousands of good-paying jobs, and strengthen the vital link between our communities and the state’s iconic film and TV industry.”

Bass, who worked on California’s original film tax credit policy in 2009 when she was speaker of the state Assembly, said, “We have to do everything we can to strengthen and protect one of the foundational blocks of our economy in Los Angeles.”

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Bass also noted that losing production not only harms the local entertainment industry, but can jeopardize jobs in other support industries such as restaurants, construction businesses and flower shops.

The mayor closed her remarks Sunday with a lighthearted dig at the Big Apple.

“Just like we’re going to do in the World Series, we have to make sure that we stay ahead of New York,” she said.

In a statement released after Sunday’s event, Portantino said he was “thrilled” by the governor’s budget announcement.

“Film and television production is a significant part of California’s history and economic vitality. Many skilled and talented workers are out of employment and worry about providing for their families. Production has not rebounded since the pandemic and post-strike settlements. It’s imperative that California does more to compete with other states and countries that have been luring production away from us,” he said.

In its most recent report released on Oct. 16, FilmLA noted that overall shooting in the Los Angeles area decreased by 5% in the third quarter of 2024, representing the weakest quarter of the year.

According to FilmLA, the film office for the city and county of Los Angeles as well as other local jurisdictions, the five-year average for local feature film production showed a decline of 48%.

“Only a few months ago, the industry hoped we’d see an overall on-paper gain in the third quarter, due to the strike effect,” Paul Audley, FilmLA president, said after the report was released. “Instead, we saw a pullback and loss of forward momentum, heading into the fall season that will make or break the year.”

Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Krekorian praised the proposal on Sunday.

“Families throughout the Los Angeles region depend directly and indirectly on film and television production for their livelihoods,” said Krekorian, whose San Fernando Valley district includes major studios and production facilities. “I congratulate the governor for his bold move to strengthen this vital industry. I’m proud of the role Mayor Bass and I played in creating California’s original production tax incentive and I’m thrilled it’s being expanded now.”

​ Orange County Register 

LAFC controls Vancouver, wins Game 1 in MLS playoffs opening round

• October 28, 2024

LOS ANGELES — For the Los Angeles Football Club, Game 1 of the best-of-three opening round of the MLS Cup playoffs against the Vancouver Whitecaps was not a shellacking like last year’s encounter — even if it felt like one.

A 2-1 victory over the Whitecaps at BMO Stadium gave LAFC, the top seed in the Western Conference, an early edge in the series, which heads to British Columbia next Sunday.

Goals by Denis Bouanga and Cristian Olivera carried LAFC, which conceded in the 95th minute as Vancouver pounced on a loose ball in the box that denied Hugo Lloris and the hosts a clean sheet.

Because each match in the series stands on its own, the scoreline did not matter beyond winning or losing.

Bouanga continued his torrid scoring record versus the Whitecaps, converting a penalty in the 30th minute that gave his team a 1-0 advantage.

After a video review confirmed that former LAFC defender Tristan Blackmon deflected a shot in the box with his arm, Bouanga stepped up and sent Vancouver goalkeeper Yohei Takoaka the wrong way, giving the French winger 28 goals in all competitions this year.

The go-ahead strike from the spot was Bouanga’s fourth goal against Vancouver in three MLS Cup playoff meetings, and his eighth through nine matches between the two teams the past two seasons.

Throughout 2024, LAFC was nearly perfect when it scored first, which it did a league-best 21 times in the regular season for an 18-2-1 record.

Coming off a 5-0 win at Portland in the Wild Card round, the visitors missed a chance to jump in front when Scottish international Stuart Armstrong, a Designated Player signing in September, slipped a pass behind the defense that Whitecaps leading scorer Brian White pounded off the far post in the seventh minute.

Otherwise, it was another quiet night for Hugo Lloris, who made three simple saves on the night.

With Vancouver struggling to create chances, particularly involving another Scottish international Designated Player, attacker Ryan Gauld, LAFC’s edge felt more like a comfortable margin as the minutes ticked toward the final whistle.

When Cristian Olivera roofed a missile from the right side of the box in the 57th minute to make it 2-0, the outcome was effectively locked up.

The sequence on Olivera’s game-winning goal began at midfield, where Bouanga pushed the ball forward before it was relayed from Ryan Hollingshead to Mateusz Bogusz. The Polish attacker rolled a simple ball into the box for Olivera, who, starting at wingback, once again created several dangerous moments along the right flank.

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LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo went to his bench several times in the last half hour. Striker Kei Kamara took the place of Olivier Giroud in the 65th minute, becoming the third oldest outfield player to appear in an MLS playoff match behind Carlos Valderrama and Preki.

To the delight of the announced crowd of 22,298, Cherundolo also introduced Carlos Vela, whose name the fans chanted as he warmed up near the supporters’ section in the north end of the stadium. The star Mexican’s first appearance came for LAFC in the 85th minute.

​ Orange County Register 

Stefan Noesen scores twice as Devils defeat Ducks

• October 28, 2024

By ALLAN KREDA

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Stefan Noesen scored twice in the second period, Jacob Markstrom made 24 saves and the New Jersey Devils downed the Anaheim Ducks 6-2 on Sunday.

Jack Hughes, Paul Cotter, Nico Hischier and Erik Haula also scored for the Devils, who scored four goals in the second period.

Hughes tied the contest at 1-1 at 1:15 into the second after Anaheim’s Brock McGinn scored in the first period. Noesen put New Jersey (6-4-2) ahead 2-1 at 4:42 of the middle period and scored again on a power play with 2:37 left in the period.

Cotter made it 4-1 with 1:11 left in the second.

Hischier scored his team-leading ninth goal of the season 1:50 into the third to make it 5-1. Haula scored the Devils’ sixth goal with under a minute left in the game at even strength.

Ryan Strome scored the Ducks’ second goal in the third period, and James Reimer made 28 saves for Anaheim (3-4-1).

The Ducks have lost three of four games since starting their season 2-1-1 and play next at the Islanders on Tuesday.

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​ Orange County Register 

Watchtower gives rider Diego Herrera his biggest win

• October 28, 2024

Watchtower and Diego Herrera rallied to beat odds-on Medoro by a nose in the $100,000, Grade III Autumn Miss Stakes at Santa Anita on Sunday, giving the 20-year-old jockey his first thoroughbred graded stakes victory.

The win at 8-1 odds for trainer Richard Baltas in the 1-mile turf race for 3-year-old fillies was Herrera’s sixth in 44 starts at the Santa Anita fall meet that ended Sunday, lifting him into the top 10 of the jockey standings.

Juan Hernandez wrapped up his second Santa Anita fall meet title in a row with 25 race victories, 10 more than Umberto Rispoli.

Bob Baffert won the training title with 14 victories, one more than Phil D’Amato and two more than George Papaprodromou.

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​ Orange County Register 

Chargers’ Bradley Bozeman, Justin Herbert have each other’s backs

• October 28, 2024

INGLEWOOD — Bradley Bozeman saw what was happening to Justin Herbert, and he didn’t like it one bit. New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd grabbed hold of Herbert’s right ankle and leg after Herbert avoided a sack by pitching a pass to running back J.K. Dobbins for a 10-yard gain.

From a distance, it appeared Shepherd was attempting a move you might only see in professional wrestling. From up close, it looked like the dirtiest play Bozeman had ever seen. So, Bozeman sprung into action, knocking Shepherd off Herbert with a powerful two-handed shove.

“He’s a fighter, he’s our leader, he’s our quarterback,” Bozeman said.

Herbert, hoping to prevent Bozeman from picking up an unnecessary roughness penalty or perhaps even an ejection, got to his feet unscathed and pulled his teammate away from Shepard. It was a case of a center coming to his quarterback’s aid and a quarterback coming to his center’s aid.

Bozeman and Shepherd each earned unnecessary roughing penalties.

“I think it’s just something that’s instinctual,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said. “Offensive linemen, we ask them to do so much. Run-block. They’re hitting every play. They’ve got to pass-block. You’re asking them to pursue the play in case there’s a fumble down the field. They’ve got to hustle.

“Everybody knows Justin has a bad ankle. I wasn’t out there. I just saw what I saw and how long it was going on. That’s going on too long; it should be an ejection. I don’t blame (Bozeman). I don’t encourage that at all. I don’t blame him, either. That’s how they’re wired. They’re protectors.”

Herbert said he was grateful for Bozeman’s intervention.

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“I just saw Bradley Bozeman defending me,” Herbert said. “That’s what I saw. That’s the type of center you want on your team. He will give everything for this team. I appreciate what he did. I tried to pull him off so he wouldn’t get any penalties called. To have a guy defending you, there’s no better feeling.”

WIDE RIGHT

Long snapper Josh Harris’ poor snap on a first-quarter punt resulted in JK Scott scrambling after the loose ball in his end zone. Scott couldn’t secure the ball, but tried to bat it out of the end zone and out of harm’s way. Special teams ace Hassan Haskins then managed to do what Scott couldn’t.

It resulted in a safety and two points for the Saints.

It’s believed to be the first errant snap on a punt, field goal or extra point since Harris and Scott signed with the Chargers before the 2022 season, an uncharacteristic miscue from a special teams unit that hasn’t had a punt or a kick blocked, either. Harris is a 13-year veteran and Scott is in his seventh season.

​ Orange County Register