The Orange County Tribune Aug. 10, 2022

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MIDWEEK EDITION

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Printed in Garden Grove, California n orangecountytribune.com n Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022 n orangecountytribune@gmail.com

Corona Cases Still Continue Their Slide Deaths also decline, but use of ICUs and hospitalizations up The tally of new coronavirus cases in Orange County continued to slide in Tuesday’s report from the county health care agency.

According to the calculations of the OCHCA, new cases for the four-day period of Aug. 5-8 totaled

2,978, which averages to 744.5 per day (rounded off to 745).

That compares to daily averages of 955 in Friday’s report and 927 a week ago.

Deaths declined from 21 to 12, but hospitalizations Continued on page 2

A VEHICLE fleeing from police burst into flames after colliding with another car early Saturday morning in Huntington Beach (HBPD photos),

Chase, crash, fire, arrests A speeding vehicle sighting early Saturday morning ended up in a fiery crash and the arrest of two people for the theft of catalytic converters in Huntington Beach.

According to the HBPD, the incident began around 5:15 a.m. when a patrol officer spotted a vehicle leaving a resi-

dential tract in the area of Atlanta Avenue and Newland Street “at a high rate of speed.”

When the officer tried to make a traffic stop, the vehicle sped away, traveling northbound on Newland with officers in pursuit. The suspect vehicle ran a red

HB candidate field is now up to 23 hopefuls Five qualify for GG council election ballot The list of potential candidates for mayor and city council in Garden Grove has grown to 13 people, but only five have submitted completed nomination papers.

According to the list posted by the city clerk, those who have qualified are George Brietigam (Coun-

cil District 1, incumbent), James Webb (Council District 3), Laurie Merrick (Council District 3), Joe Dovinh (Council District 4) and Trung Van Ta (Council District 4).

Other candidates who have taken out papers but not completed the process Continued on page 2

A total of 23 people have • Brian Burley taken out nomination pa- • Patrick Burns pers for Huntington Beach • Gina Clayton-Tarvin City Council and city • David Clifford attorney in the fall elec- • Vera Fair tion, but only four have • Jeffrey Hansler returned those papers and • Amory Hanson (also only three have been de- filed and qualified) clared qualified for the • Jill Hardy county register of voters.

• Kenneth Inouye According to information • Wesam Jreisat posted by the city clerk’s • Casey McKeon office Tuesday morning, • William O’Connell here is how things stand. • Michael Olsberg Incumbents are marked • John Pierarski with an asterisk* .

• Robert Reider City Council Continued on page 2 • Bobby Britton

Continued on page 2

Inside Brad’s a winner but “Train” isn’t PAGES 5 and 6

Matt Stafford’s arm doing OK PAGES 7 and 8

For breaking news and sports all week long, go to www.orangecountytribune.com

2 WEDNESDAY, AUG. 10, 2022/ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE

Coronavirus cases falling Continued from page 1

rose from 271 to 282 and the number of patients being treated for COVID-19 in intensive care units increased from 33 to 40.

To date, Orange County has had 646,563 cases, of which 613,647 are considered recovered. The death toll is at 7,247.

Nationally, The New York

Times is reporting that cases – over a 14-day period – are down by 16 percent. Hospitalizations are down by 1 percent and deaths up by 10 percent.

In California, Los Angeles Times reports that new cases are down by 25 percent and deaths up 3 percent over a similar period.

Garden Grove candidates Continued from page 1

are Steve Jones (mayor, incumbent), Allen Rodriguez (District 1), Andrew Jefferson Nguyen, Gia Le Nguyen, Asia Nguyen Cunningham, Don Taylor and Cindy Tran (all District 3) and

Hunt. Beach candidates Continued from page 1

• Oscar Rodriguez (also filed and qualified) • Tony Strickland (also filed) • Gabrielle Samiy • Gracey Van Der Mark • Mike Vogler (also filed and qualified) City Attorney • Scott Field • Michael Gates.* The deadline is Friday, Aug. 12.

If an eligible incumbent doesn’t file for re-election, the deadline is extended to Saturday, Aug. 13 at 5 p.m.

The election is Tuesday, Nov. 8.

JIm Tortolano Editor and Publisher Marilyn Lewis Tortolano General Manager The Orange County Tribune is published on Wednesdays and Saturdays with some exceptions. Address is 9402 Luders Ave., Garden Grove, 92844.

E-mail is orangecountytribune@gmail. com. Website is: www.orangecountytribune.com.

Phone: (714) 458-1860.

Established Aug. 6, 2016. All opinions expressed in The Tribune, unless otherwise stated, are those of the individual writer or artist and not necessarily those of The Tribune.

A member of The Associated Press, and Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce.

Duy Nguyen (District 4).

The deadline is Friday, Aug. 12.

If an eligible incumbent doesn’t file for re-election, the deadline is extended to Saturday, Aug. 13 at 5 p.m.

Chase, crash, fire, arrests in H. Beach incident Continued from page 1

traffic signal at Adams Avenue and caught fire after it crashed into another automobile.

The driver and passenger of the fleeing vehicle were taken into custody and taken to a local hospital with minor injuries.

The driver of the other auto also sustained minor injuries.

A search of the suspects’ vehicle turned up what police describe as “multiple freshly cut” catalytic converters, a saw and numerous used and new blades.

Both suspects were medically cleared and later booked into Huntington Beach Jail on felony charges, They are Yonathan Acosta, 18, of Norwalk, and Tyrece Sinkler, 22, of Long Beach.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to call the HBPD WeTip Hotline at (714) 375-5066.

Orangecountytribune.com for latest news every day

ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE/WEDNESDAY, AUG. 10, 2022 3

News&Views

Editorial

Let the people decide

NINTH GRADERS GET A WELCOME The “Freshman Fiesta” at Bolsa Grande High School in Garden Grove concluded with a carnival (GGUSD photo)

“Freshman Fiesta” was at Bolsa Grande High School Bolsa Grande High School in Garden Grove held a “Freshman Fiesta” last week to introduce incoming ninth graders to the campus.

Throughout the week, new students got to meet teachers, administrators and counselors.

They learned some mindfulness with Project Kinship staff teaching some tips and tricks.

There was yoga, the making of Rice Crispy treats and more.

It all concluded with a carnival attended by over 200 students who enjoyed food, treats, games and music.

Bolsa is part of the Garden Grove Unified School District.

The first day of classes is Monday, Aug. 15.

Get connected in HB

The Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring another “AM Connect” on Thursday, Aug. 11. The topic is “Using Social Media to Gain Exposure for Your Business.”

Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and the event runs from 8-9 a.m.

The cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members.

Breakfast will be provided by Denny’s. The location is 15744 Goldenwest St., Building A, Room 137-138 (Golden West College campus).

Our Towns Here’s the link: http://chamber.hbchamber.com/.../amconnect-thursday...

Ride the bicycle rodeo

A free bicycle safety event will be held by the Huntington Beach Police Department on Tuesday, Aug. 16. This Bicycle Rodeo is for all ages and will be held from 5-7 p.m. at Jax Bicycle Center, 410 Main St., Huntington Beach.

Bring your bikes and try the obstacle course. Events are free and interactive. There will be Continued on page 4

On Wednesday night – and it’s bound to be a long night – the Westminster City Council will grapple with a most momentous decision.

The council will consider placing on the Nov. 8 general election ballot an extension of the existing Measure SS sales tax at 1 or 1.25 percent. Unlike the original levy, which expires six years after its 2016 approval, this one would stay in place until voters end it.

Councilmembers have been told, repeatedly, that unless the tax is renewed, the city treasury will plunge into red ink and the City of Westminster into eventual bankruptcy.

Even with drastic cutbacks in public safety services, parks and recreation, etc., the sunsetting of the original Measure SS could mean the sun going down in this city of 90,000.

Why is the city council waiting until the last minute to consider placing the matter before voters? The answer is simple: politics.

Four of the five council members are running for higher office this fall. Three are seeking the mayor’s spot and the fourth is a state Assembly candidate. The calculation here is that to in any way seem to support a tax – even just the idea of letting the public decide on whether to impose the tax –is a bad political move.

When the topic of taxes is raised, the simplistic cry is “Live within your means.” But a city’s finances are, in many ways, beyond its control. The economy, new state mandates and unanticipated events such as a pandemic can scramble the math of even the most prudent municipalities.

A more reasonable motto is “Don’t spend more than you need.”

Westminster needs police officers and firefighters. It needs parks and recreation programs, strong public works and intelligent planning. All these would be in jeopardy if the council can’t summon up the courage to do the right thing and let the people decide.

This “All-American City” dates back to 1870. We shall see whether the leaders of Westminster will make an historically smart decision or an historically short-sighted and bad one.

Alleged “fake cop” arrested by Anaheim police Flashing lights in your rear view mirror. You pull over.

Wait … is that a real cop?

A 35-year-old Tustin resident, Richard Moore, has been arrested by Anaheim police for impersonating a police officer.

According to the APD, officers received a report on Aug. 3 of a “suspicious vehicle” displaying what were described as “policestyle lights” in the area of Eu-

clid Street and Cerritos Avenue.

Moore was located and in the investigation that followed, evidence was collected that led to his arrest.

Detectives believe RICHARD MOORE that the suspect may have interacted with people while posing as a law enforcement officer.

Anyone who made have had contact with Moore in Anaheim in which he presented himself as a policeman is asked to call Detective Andre Pedroza at (714) 765-1966.

In an other other than Anaheim, call your local law enforcement agency.

4 WEDNESDAY, AUG. 10, 2022/ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE

Our Towns: What’s going on here Continued from page 3

coloring books and free helmets and safety gear.

College, university honors

Local students honored by colleges and universities include: Tufts University (Medford, Mass.)

• Giang Le of Huntington Beach was named to the dean’s list for the spring 2022 semester.

Missouri State University (Springfield) • Jaleah Brown of Huntington Beach graduated with a bachelor’s degree in general studies • Paige Dispalatro of Huntington Beach graduated with a bachelor of science degree, summa cum laude Adelphi University (Garden City, N.Y.) • Tu Khoi Diep of Garden Grove earned a master of business adminstration in management.

Good (and big) dog!

The final Movie Night of 2022 sponsored by the City of Westminster is Thursday, Aug. 11 in the Civic Center Sunken Gardens, 8200 Westminster Blvd.

The film is “Clifford The Big Red Dog.” Pre-show activities will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the movie showing at dusk.

It’s free and don’t forget to bring a chair, blankets and a picnic dinner.

Be a good citizen

Stanton’s Citizen’s Academy is coming up, with an application deadline of Sept. 19. It’s a four-week program – Wednes-

days at 6 p.m., Oct. 5-26 – in which community members can learn about their city, the departments and the services they provide.

To apply, go to StantonCA.gov/CitizensAcademy

New Garden Grove Rotary Club president

Garden Grove Rotary Club’s new president Robert Emanuel presided over his first official meeting recently. Guests included Westminster City Councilmember Tai Do and fellow Rotarian Bob Hirsch from the Sebastopol Rotary Club.

The Orange County Tribune’s electronic paper is now published on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE/WEDNESDAY, AUG. 10, 2022 5

Arts&Living

OFF THE RAIL MOVIE CAN’T DERAIL BRAD PITT You can’t take your eyes off him in this action-mystery flick (Columbia Pictures)

“Bullet Train” slow, but Brad’s not Lots of fighting, some style, not much substance

By Jake Coyle AP Film Writer

Aboard the speeding locomotive of “Bullet Train” ride at least five assassins, one venomous reptile (a snake on the train), countless glib Guy Ritchieesque slo-mo action sequences, and one bucket-hat wearing Brad Pitt.

It’s a lot of ingredients that go into this candy-colored, battle royale of a movie. But the only one that really matters is that last one. At 58, Pitt’s star power has never seemed so easy and so

Movie Review natural. Radiant in “Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood,” delicious in “The Lost City,” Pitt glides into “Bullet Train” in an rarified state of cruise control.

Seldom has a movie star seemed to be having so much fun.

In “Bullet Train,” which opens in theaters Friday, Pitt plays a hired gun by profession but little else. His code name is Ladybug.

He doesn’t like guns. And in his first job back after a hiatus of self-reflection and therapy, he goes into lethal fights with great reluctance, spouting self-help slogans like “Hurt people hurt people” in the midst of hand-tohand combat.

Pitt, a maximum movie star with a minimalist bent, is a hit-

man with no taste for hitting.

Ladybug, tasked to grab a very particular briefcase off a train headed from Tokyo to Kyoto, might not be up for the job, but the bigger question is whether “Bullet Train” is a good enough vehicle for its biggest star. Director David Leitch, the stuntman-turned-director of “Atomic Blonde” and “Deadpool 2,” has brought the style and energy of a “John Wick” film (he co-directed the first) to a setting that has traditionally been associated with more subtle methods of killing.

But with films like Bong Joon Ho’s “Snowpiercer” and the Liam Neeson-led “The Commuter” greasing the wheels, train movies have chugged along since the original “Murder on the Orient Express.” Adapt-

Fair: HH ed from Kotaro Isaka’s pulpy novel, “MariaBeetle,” “Bullet Train” amps the carnage further and shifts the action to Japan.

But the location here is mostly just a neon-lit stage for a high-speed melee with an international ensemble, including Brian Tyree Henry (best of the bunch) and Aaron Taylor-Johnson as bickering British “twins”; Andrew Koji as a Japanese assassin; a Mexican cartel veteran named the Wolf (Benito A. Martinez Ocasio, a.k.a. Bad Bunny); a dangerous young woman called Prince who fake cries her way out of nearly everything (Joey King); and Zazie Beetz’s killer known as the Hornet.

Continued on page 6

6 WEDNESDAY, AUG.10, 2022/ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE

“Bullet Train” almost goes off the rails Continued from page 5

All are on the train for various criminal reasons ultimately connected to a Russian kingpin named the White Death. The actor playing this most fearsome character is best left to the thirdact reveal, but that’s just one way “Bullet Train” plays around with star persona.

There’s a cameo that answers Pitt’s in “The Lost City.” Another “Lost City” star, Sandra Bullock, is mostly only heard on

the other end of a phone line, as Ladybug’s handler.

The copious flashbacks and quirky banter (Henry’s character has an outlook based around Thomas the Tank Engine) that accompany the juggling of all these characters in between bloody encounters is a familiar kind of framework recalling a long line of Quentin Tarantino knockoffs. In “Bullet Train,” a movie that proudly opts for style over substance, characters

are introduced like videogame fighters, running gags get run into the ground and a winking irreverence lands somewhere in between playful and exhausting.

It’s no train wreck. Leitch’s film is colorful, cartoonish and well-choreographed. But the more-is-more manic energy of “Bullet Train” eventually peters out, since that’s all the movie was ever running on. Well, that and Pitt. His charm alone does wonders for the movie, raising

it at least to the level of watchable. When, in the finale, Ladybug sails comically unharmed through the wreckage, it captures the situation exactly. “Bullet Train” might go off the rails but Pitt remains bulletproof.

“Bullet Train,” a Columbia Pictures release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America for strong and bloody violence, pervasive language, brief sexuality. : 126 minutes.

Brad Pitt’s vehicle pulled into station with $30.1m

By Jake Coyle AP Film Writer

NEW YORK (AP) – The stylized action romp “Bullet Train,” starring Brad Pitt, arrived with a $30.1 million opening weekend, according to studio estimates Sunday, as the last big movie of Hollywood’s summer recovery landed in theaters.

The “Bullet Train” debut for Sony Pictures was solid but unspectacular for a movie that cost $90 million to make and was propelled by Pitt’s substantial star power. Even if it holds well in coming weeks, movie theaters have no major studio releases on the horizon for the rest of August, and few sure things to look forward to in early fall.

While late summer is always a quiet period in theaters, it will be especially so this year – and likely to sap some of the momentum stirred by “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Jurassic World: Dominion,” “Minions: The Rise of Gru” and others. After a comeback season that pushed the box office close to pre-pandemic levels, it’s about to get

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pretty quiet in cinemas.

“It’s definitely going to be quieter, like the calm after the storm,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for data firm Comscore. “But that doesn’t mean there’s not going to be great movies out there and perhaps the good will generated by some of those films might be enough to buoy the box office until we get into the blockbuster corridor with ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Foreved’ and ‘Avatar 2’ down the road. We have to expect that we’re not going to be able to keep up the pace we had this summer.’’

As the last big summer movie to leave the station, “Bullet Train” hopes to keep riding for the coming weeks. That would be in line with the playbook of some other original, August-released summer movies like “Free Guy” and “Crazy Rich Asians.” Directed by David Leitch (“Atomic Blonde,” “Deadpool 2”), “Bullet Train’’ gathers a number of assassins (co-stars include Aaron TaylorJohnson and Brian Tyree Henry) together on a speeding train running from Tokyo to Kyoto.

As one of the few original would-be summer blockbusters without big-name intellectual property behind it, the R-rated “Bullet Train” might have come into the weekend with more momentum if reviews had been stronger. With a low 54% fresh rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, “Bullet Train’’ was only slightly better received by audiences, who gave the film a B+ CinemaScore.

ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE/WEDNESDAY,AUG. 10, 2022 7

Stafford’s arm cannon is ready to go, really Continued from page 8

McVay pointed out that Stafford was making every throw during the Rams’ workout. The coach doesn’t use any of his key players in the preseason, so Stafford’s first chance to demonstrate his arm in a game won’t occur until Los Angeles’ season opener on Sept. 8 against Buffalo at SoFi Stadium.

“The way that he looked today, I

don’t think you would know that anything was going on,” McVay said. “He felt good, so I know that I’m going to sleep better tonight.’’

The 34-year-old Stafford has 49,995 yards passing as he heads into his 14th season this fall, ranking him 12th in NFL history and

fourth among active quarterbacks.

He agreed to a contract extension through 2026 during the offseason, and he has no public doubt he’ll be able to sling it for the duration of his commitment to the Rams and perhaps beyond.

“Anytime you put an arm through

as much stress as I have over the years, it’s not going to look like (a regular person’s) elbow, I’m sure,” Stafford said. “It’s not one of those things that ... the more I throw, the worse it’s going to get.

It’s kind of just a balancing act at this point.”

Angels defeat Oakland A’s, 5-1 Continued from page 8

the season. Shohei Ohtani hit a solo homer, his 25th round-tripper, and pitched six shutout innings. He also went 2-for-3 with

a walk, scored two runs and had one RBI. He also improved his record to 10-7 and lowered his ERA to 2.68.

The Halos, now 48-63, are playing .500 baseball and could – with a modest string of wins – leapfrog into third in the ALW. Ward’s fifth inning blast essentially decided the game; the A’s scored their only run in the bottom of the ninth, a home run by Chad Pinder.

The two teams will go again on Wednesday in Oakland with a 3:37 p.m. game. They’ll have Thursday off, and open a sixgame home stand on Friday with

TAYLOR WARD Hit 3-run homer (AP photo) three games against the Minnesota Twins and three against the Seattle Mariners.

Dodgers are the best in MLB Continued from page 8

Dave Roberts, “and I think there was just a point where he wanted to be looked at, you know, as The Guy.”

The Dodgers continue to be The Team and will take on the Twins (57-52) again Wednesday for a 7:10 p.m. game.

Coming next week: High school sports coverage begins in The Orange County Tribune online daily and in our e-paper Wednesday & Saturday

8 WEDNESDAY, AUG. 10, 2022/ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE

TheSportsPage

Stafford’s Arm? No Problem Rams QB says its just an annoyance as season nears

By Greg Beacham AP Sports Writer

Matthew Stafford downplayed the significance of his elbow injury after demonstrating just how little it’s holding him back in practice with the Los Angeles Rams.

Stafford participated extensively in the Rams’ latest workout at UC Irvine on Saturday, making deep throws and building chemistry with his teammates in what was likely his most extensive work of training camp.

Afterward, Stafford said his right elbow condition is merely “irritating,” and not a threat to his ability to lead the Super Bowl champions’ title defense.

“I just have a little soreness,” Stafford said. “We’re working through it. I felt pretty good today.

I thought it looked pretty good.

Just trying to be smart with it, and make me feel as good as I can feel going into Week 1 while still getting as many reps as I can, too.”

Stafford had elbow pain last season while leading the Rams to a championship in his first season with the team, and he had an un-

MATT STAFFORD SAYS HE’S ARMED AND READY The Rams’ quarterback says his passing limb is suffering from a minor “annoyance” and he’ll be ready to help his team defend its NFL championship (Los Angeles Rams photo ). specified injection in his elbow during the offseason. He didn’t throw to receivers in practice during the offseason program, but he has been participating regularly in drills during camp despite a limited overall schedule.

Still, coach Sean McVay raised eyebrows Thursday when he said Stafford’s injury was “abnormal”

Dodgers win ninth straight as they hammer Twins, 10-3

By David Arthur Orange County Tribune

Continuing to burnish their reputation as the best team in Major League Baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers thumped a pretty good Minnesota Twins team 10-3 Tuesday night at home. It was their ninth consecutive win.

As usual, the Dodgers (76-33) were able to combine a robust offense with solid pitching.

They had 15 hits, including

seven extra-base hits and closed strong with two runs each in the seventh and eighth innings.

Will Smith had three hits, including a double, and Max Muncy slammed his 12th home run of the season. Doing the most damage was Trea Turner with three runs batted in.

Julio Urias (12-6) worked seven strong innings, giving up five hits and just one earned run. He struck out eight Twins and had no walks.

for a quarterback, likening it to injuries more often seen in baseball pitchers. Stafford again declined to go into specifics about his injury Saturday, but he says it’s nothing he can’t handle.

“I’m just going through something that is irritating at the moment, but I’m working through it,’’ Stafford said. “We’ve got a

AL West Standings W-L Houston 71-40 Seattle 60-52 Texas 48-61 ANGELS 48-63 Oakland 41-70

Pct. .640 .536 .440 .432 .369

GB –– 11.5 22 23 30

NL West Standings W-L DODGERS 76-33 San Diego 62-51 San Fran. 54-56 Arizona 50-59 Colorado 49-63

Pct. .697 .549 .491 .459 .438

GB –– 16 22.5 26 28.5

L10 5-5 5-5 3-7 5-5 3-7

L10 9-1 5-5 5-5 5-5 3-7

“Julio expects a lot out of himself,” said Dodger manager Continued on page 7

great plan. I’m feeling stronger every time I come out here and throw. I felt like I could make any throw I wanted to today. I’m just trying to be smart when I get those opportunities to make sure I can come out here, cut it loose, turn it loose like I did today and go from there.”

Continued on page 7

Ward, Ohtani lift Halos, 5-1

By Pete Zarustica Orange County Tribune

It may not look like much of an accomplishment, but with Tuesday’s 5-1 win over the Oakland A’s, the Los Angeles Angels closed to within one game of the Texas Rangers and third place in the American League West.

Taylor Ward slammed a threerun home run, his 15th homer of Continued on page 7