The Orange County Tribune Dec. 7, 2022

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MIDWEEK EDITION

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Printed in Garden Grove, California n orangecountytribune.com n Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022 n orangecountytribune@gmail.com

SAINT NICK COMES TO WESTMINSTER

n HUNTINGTON BEACH CITY COUNCIL

Strickland Is New Mayor of Surf City

By Huw Pickering Orange County Tribune

SANTA TAKES a toy request from an admirer at Monday’s Tree-Lighting Ceremony in the Westminster Civic Center (Tribune photo by Amir Ghani).

Back in person: Santa and tree

By Amir Ghani/Orange County Tribune

With red, green, and twinkling lights galore, Westminster surely decked the halls on Monday during its annual Tree Lighting ceremony.

The ceremony featured live music from multiple local artists, food trucks, and even a visit from Santa Claus himself. Residents and their families enjoyed the outdoor space at the Civic Center as Christmas classics swelled from the stage’s speakers.

“We love that the tree lighting is back in

person, my daughter is excited to meet Santa too,” said one Westminster mom, sipping hot cocoa.

The hot cocoa was served from none other than a redesigned SWAT truck with ‘SWAT Cocoa’ posted on the side of it. Local police officers helped to serve the drinks to chilly residents.

Before the lighting, residents secured their seats near the stage and conversed while children ran around playing. The line to meet Santa seemed never-ending with kids from all over Westminster Continued on page 2

Suspect sought in fatal shooting Police are searching for a suspect in the fatal shooting of a man in Huntington Beach on Monday night.

According to Jessica Cuchilla, public informa-

tion officer for the HBPD, officers responded to reports of gunshots fired in the 5200 block of Tasman Drive (near Bolsa Chica Street) around 8 p.m.

Arriving officers found

an unresponsive man with a gunshot wound.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Orange County Coroner’s office will release the identity of Continued on page 2

Capping the political triumph of their “Save Huntington Beach” slate on Nov. 8, the four new members of the city council chose two of their own as mayor and mayor pro tem at their first meeting on Tuesday night.

Instead of the usual practice of filling those posts on seniority of service, the new council majority selected Tony Strickland as mayor and Gracey Van Der Mark as mayor pro

tem.

Under the council policy – unless set aside by a majority vote – Dan Kalmick would have become the new mayor.

That came after all the new council members – Strickland, Van Der Mark and Pat Burns and Casey McKeon – were sworn in. Saying their farewells were Mayor Barbara Delgleize and Councilmembers Kim Carr, Erik Peterson and Mike Posey.

Together with City Attorney Michael Gates, Continued on page 2

Suicide suspected in death of a principal A Westminster man who had been the principal at a school in Huntington Beach jumped to his death Saturday night from a parking structure at Disneyland.

According to the Anaheim Police Department, Christopher Christensen, 51, principal of Newland Elementary School, was found dead around 9 p.m. when there was a report of of a man having fallen from the Mickey & Friends parking building.

CHRISTOPHER CHRISTENSEN

Christensen’s death is believed to be a suicide, say police. He had been Continued on page 2

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

2 WEDNESDAY, DEC.7, 2022/ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE

Back in person: Santa and the tree Continued from page 1

clamoring to tell him what they wanted for Christmas.

“I want a Nintendo Switch and a new bike,” said one boy, his father chuckling and shaking his head wholeheartedly.

Right as 6:30 p.m. came around, Vice Mayor Carlos Manzo took to the podium to welcome the crowd.

“After three years of virtual meeting, I’m so happy to see everyone here,” he said, “But where is our special guest?”

Suddenly, sirens erupted and a police escort appeared on the street, with Santa hanging

out of the top of a SWAT van, waving to a cheering crowd.

After reaching the stage he and Manzo thanked the audience again for coming, highlighting the importance of community.

Then, they counted down with the crowd and the tree was lit, changing colors and sparkling in the night sky. Cheers erupted throughout the group while others recorded on their phones.

Once the tree was lit, the local performers started to play, and residents returned to enjoying their food, hot cocoa, and time with families and friends.

Even a few years of lockdown

couldn’t stop Westminster from spreading holiday cheer for all.

Fell to death 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 : orangecountytribune@gmail.com.

Website: 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.

Continued from page 1

arrested in November on a misdemeanor charge of child endangerment and battery, and wrote in a Facebook post that “I am on the brink of losing my job …writing my final post to all of you.”

He was scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

New HB mayor Continued from page 1

the new council members campaigned with a conservative outlook that seeks to assert more autonomy on housing policies coming from Sacramento.

The next meeting of the council is scheduled for Dec. 20.

Fatal shooting Continued from page 1

the victim after confirming the victim’s identity and notifying the next of kin.

The suspect is unidentified and remains at large, according to Cuchilla. Detectives are exploring the circumstances and possible motives for the shooting, but it’s believed there’s no danger to the public and the homicide was an “isolated incident.”

Anyone with information relating to the crime is asked to call the HBPD WeTip Hotline at (714) 375-5066.

Reminder: No OC Tribune issue this Saturday, Dec. 3.

Next Saturday issue will be on Dec. 10

ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE/WEDNESDAY, DEC. 7, 2022 3

News&Views

n WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL

Mall Makeover Wins Final OK On a 5-0 Vote FIREFIGHTERS mop up after a garage fire at a home in Stanton on Friday (OCFA photo)

Alarms averted tragedy in Stanton Working smoke alarms are credited with preventing a potential tragedy early Friday morning in Stanton when a fire ignited in the garage of a home.

According to the Orange County Fire Authority, the blaze was reported at 1:22 a.m. in the 7300 block of Cerritos Avenue (between Western and Knott avenues).

Residents of the home evacuated safely and firefighters quickly knocked down the garage fire

that had already begun to move into the home through an open door.

The quick attack limited the spread of the blaze, according to the OCFA, and protected the adjacent homes.

Investigators were on the scene to determine the cause of the fire, and the OCFA encourages residents to close doors behind them when safe to do so when evacuating during a fire.

It’s now official: Amy and Morgan won their elections Three and a half weeks after Election Day, Orange County’s ballots have all been counted and official results revealed on Friday.

The OC had a 54.7 percent turnout with 994,227 people voting, with 830,162 of them via mail or by visiting drop-off locations.

Two close races in the West Orange County area remained tight until the end, but the leading candidate in each held on.

In the contest for three spots

on the Ocean View School District Board of Trustees, Morgan Westmoreland held on to third place, outpolling John Briscoe 12,749 (19.55 percent) to 12,669 (19.43 percent), a margin of 80 votes.

The District 1 seat on the Westminster City Council was decided by a smaller margin. Amy Phan West received 3,190 votes (50.17 percent) to John Gentile’s Continued on page 7

By Amir Ghani Orange County Tribune

Despite pleas from residents to vote against the amendments, new plans for an open-air, residential property-filled alternative to the current Westminster Mall have been approved.

Last week a vote of 5-0 by the Westminster City Council granted permission to investors to begin officially planning what could be built on their land.

“You’ve decided it’s important for the community to focus on this new site, so thank you for that,” said senior planner Christopher Wong, who presented a report to the council and others present.

The presentation by staff was the result of a local study that showed the vision for the mall and also included the environmental impact report. The general plan outlined how the land was to be used by the four different companies that own it.

At least 600,000 square feet of retail space, 3,000 residential units, and 17 acres of open space are required.

“Where do we want our visitors to go in Westminster? This is an

opportunity to create those types of places,” said Wendy Nowak, a consultant for the city and principal in charge at Placework.

After the presentation, council members took time to ask questions and clarify certain topics from the new report.

“I remember fondly taking public transportation to the Westminster Mall; through this process I’ve met so many community members who share these same memories. This is something we can be proud of for the next generation,” said City Manager Christine Cordon.

Then, the public took its given time to share their thoughts on the issue.

“It doesn’t take a planning expert to conclude Shopoff is trying to control this specific plan and the entire site. What does Shopoff want? Residential.

What do residents want and what would be best for the city?

Retail, with some entertainment and plenty of open space,” said one Westminster resident.

“We have invested a significant amount of money into this real estate. The goal is to make money,” said Stephen Logan, a Continued on page 6

WESTMINSTER MALL

4 WEDNESDAY, DEC. 7, 2022/ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE

NewsUpdate

Warnock beats Walker in key Senate race

Incumbent Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock has been declared the winner of the Georgia runoff election Tuesday against Republican challenger Hershel Walker.

The New York Times, Associated Press and CNN, among

other news organizations have called the election for Warnock, a victory which gives Democrats a crucial 51-49 edge in the U.S. Senate.

With 97 percent of the vote in, Warnock was leading with 1,710,603 votes (50.5 percent) over Walker with 1,675,030 (49.5 percent).

Although that margin is relatively tight, votes still to be counted are from heavily Democratic areas of the Georgia. so Warnock’s lead is expected to grow.

Trump’s company is found guilty of tax fraud A Manhattan jury on Tuesday convicted the Trump Organization on 17 counts of tax fraud and other crimes.

According to The New York Times, former president Don-

ald Trump was not personally named in the jury’s verdict, but prosecutors referred to him during the trial.

The court could impose a maximum penalty of $1.62 million.

Also in the news … Kirstie Alley, star of television’s “Cheers” and “Veronica’s Closet,” has died at the age of 71. Colon cancer has been given as the cause of death. She won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her performance in “Cheers.”

Sports: Angels will pick 11th in MLB draft

In the first-ever Major League Baseball draft lottery, the Los

Angeles Angels will pick 11th.

The lottery involves the 18 teams that didn’t qualify for post-season play. The top 10 are thePittsburgh Pirates picking first, followed by the Washington Nationals, Detroit Tigers, Minnesota Twins, Oakland Athletics, Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Colorado Rockies and Miami Marlins in 10th.

Weather: Some sun and some clouds

Mostly clear conditions are forecast for the West Orange County area for the next few days. According to the National Weather Service, Wednesday should be mostly sunny with a daytime high near 63 and an overnight low of 45. Thursday will be similar at 65 (46) with some night winds. Friday should be sunny at 64 (47). with night clouds.

ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE/WEDNESDAY, DEC. 7, 2022 5

Arts&Living

“Gypsy” is Spellbinding, Riveting It is now on stage at the Gem Theater in Garden Grove

By Thom deMartino Orange County Tribune

Be forewarned: the mother of all showbiz mothers is in the house – and what Mama wants, Mama gets.

Loosely based on true events, this rags-to-riches story – only, not in the way you might think – comes to life in “Gypsy,” the newest production presented by Garden Grove’s own Gem Theater, home of the award-winning One More Productions troupe.

Opening in the fading years of the vaudeville stage, “Gypsy” spins the tale of twoyoung sisters – but moreso, that of the driving force of nature that is their mother, Mama Rose (Adriana Sanchez).

Backstage at a variety show, the weary Uncle Jocko (Chris Harper, in one of a number of colorful roles) is struggling with his show’s lineup when Rose swoops in to take control, spotlighting her vivacious daughter “Baby” June (Erica Gonzalez) and to a lesser degree her shy, mousy daughter Louise (Kylie Stewart).

At another venue afterwards, the single mother and her girls meet traveling candy salesman Herbie (Jon Michell), a former agent who knows some of the ins-and-outs of the vaudeville circuit: seizing the opportunity, the persuasive mom convinces the empathetic gentleman to act as their manager – and for maybe a little bit more than just a professional relationship.

Years passing, the determined Mama is always tinkering with the show (though allversions seem to use the same basic melody ... and lyrics...) As the show evolves into “Dainty June and Her Farmboys” the now adolescent June and Louise (Hannah Clair and Courtney Hays) endure their mother’s unrelenting determination to shove her chil-

COURTNEY HAYS as Louise and Matthew Rangel as Tulsa in Gem Theater’s presentation of “Gypsy,” staged at the Gem Theater in Garden Grove (© 2022 Ron Lyon Photo.)

Stage Review dren into the spotlight, despite the onset of the Great Depression and rapidly accelerating demise of vaudeville entertainment.

All the while the patient, longsuffering Herbie burning the candle at both ends and doing damage control as best he can as he has to repeatedly renegotiate with venue managers, struggling to put out the fires lit thanks to Rose’s abrasive approach and inability to compromise – even if she insists she’s only doing it for her daughters.

But time waits for no one, not even Mama: for her daughters, both starlet June, as well as the figurative “ugly duckling” Louise ... are growing up, as vehemently as she might deny it.

And it’s only a matter of time

before they’ll need to spread their wings...

Director Damien Lorton and the One More Productions cast and crew at the Gem Theater have brought a stellar season to a triumphant close with “Gypsy.”

Adriana Sanchez is a whirlwind, with a performance that is nothing less than a mesmerizing, powerful study of love held hostage by misplaced ambition: as Mama Rose forges endlessly towards that distant dream of her daughters’ success – regardless the upheaval to her family, or the emotional wreckage she leaves in her wake.

Clair’s portraylal of the effervescent “Dainty June” is beautifully nuanced: she may be the headliner, but we see the exhaustion and toll that Rose’s unyielding drive to push forward with the show takes on not only just her, but the whole of their

Great: HHHH theatrical family.

Jon Michell’s Herbie is a beautifully portrayed, poignant, if slightly tragic figure: an everyman, heroically struggling not only to make Rose happy, but to take care of their showbiz family/entourage despite her questionable decisions.

That extended family includes the “boys” from the act, including dancers Angie, LA and Yonkers (Erik Diaz, Nate Nolen and Reid Harris) as well as the gentle, charming Tulsa (Matthew Rangel) – all of whom add their outstanding singing and dancing talents to the numbers, thanks to the exceptional choreography of Angela Mattern, Lexi Cross and Shauna Bradford. (Of particular note is the moving, stylish numContinued on page 6

6 WEDNESDAY, DEC. 7, 2022/ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE

The spellbinding, riveting story of “Gypsy” Continued from page 5

ber choreographed by Bradford, “All I Need Is the Girl”, gracefully executed by Rangel’s Tulsa and Hays’ Louise.)

The audience is privy to a fascinating metamorphosis of Louise over the course of the show: and Courtney Hays’ performance is breathtaking. In one particularly vital, spotlit moment of crisis, we see so many little emotions play out over her face -- that terror she struggles to overcome, those tattered shreds of childhood innocence smoldering, falling away... until she rises triumphantly from the ashes, transformed.

There are far too many standout performances in the show to single out without giving too many spoilers, for those who don’t know the tale already: but other highlights include Max Seigel as Mr. Goldstone (amongst other roles in the show), as well as the

at the Gem Theater is without a doubt one of the best shows in OC this year, and certainly a pinnacle of the One More Productions company’s stagings: and with so much to look forward to with the coming season (as well as the special after shows upstairs at the Gem in “Bobbie’s Lounge,” featuring some of the singular and stand-out talent of OMP), “Gypsy” is a phenomenal way to close out 2022, and prepare for more great musical theater in the New Year.

ADRIANA SANCHEZ as Mama Rose sympathetic and colorful exotic dancers Mazeppa, Electra and Agnes played by Alexandra Kyte, Cassidy Love and Hailey Mogul...with a special nod and a wink to the “Toreadorables” and the “Card Girls/Boys.” “Gypsy”

“Gypsy.” Adriana Sanchez, Courtney Hays and Hannah Clair star in this (mostly) true story of misplaced love and hunger for fame. Playing through Dec. 18 now with some Saturday matinees added! – at the Gem Theater in Garden Grove, 12852 Main Street, Garden Grove, 92840. Call (714) 7419550 x221.

Westminster Mall plan got city council approval Continued from page 3

representative for Shopoff.

Shelley Stevens, a Huntington Beach resident that lives near the mall property, spoke after Logan and said “at first” she was opposed to high density residential at the site but she has come around but only if it is a “good plan.”

Gordon Jones, a representative of True Life Companies, a residential company that is working on 3.6 acres of land on the property, agreed with Logan and his support for real estate.

One resident who spoke on Zoom said that the council should be more attentive toward the taxpayers’ requests instead of those of the investors.

“We always dreamed about having a new downtown and this could be our new downtown,” said Vice Mayor Carlos Manzo.

Orange County Tribune’s electronic newspaper: Wednesdays and Saturdays

ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE/WEDNESDAY, DEC. 7, 2022 7

Anthony Davis back to his dominating self Continued from page 8

The Lakers are two games into a six-game road trip that continues Tuesday in Cleveland, a homecoming for James, the former Cavaliers star and northeast Ohio native who is now within 1,000 points of catching Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA’s all-

time scoring record.

But right now, even he’s pointing to Davis as the league’s top player.

“He’s been unbelievable on both sides of the floor,” James said. “Playing like the MVP of this league. Straight dominance.

Straight dominance. ... I just

think he’s hit a switch where he knows how dominant he can be, night in and night out.”

Davis is the 25th player in NBA history to score at least 99 points in a two-game stretch; Wilt Chamberlain did it 92 times, which is almost double the amount of times the other 24 players have done it combined.

But this run by Davis is set apart by the accuracy of his shots.

He’s only the fourth player to score at least 99 points in a

two-game span while shooting at least 70% from the field; Elgin Baylor had three of those streaks, Chamberlain had two and David Thompson had one.

“For me, it’s just being lockedin, staying with a mindset of being aggressive, not taking a game off and coming out with a mindset of dominating and doing whatever I’ve got to do to help the team win,” Davis said.

“Whatever it is, I’m just trying to do my part.”

Eight area hoops teams ranked in CIF-SS polls for this week Eight local high school basketball teams are ranked by the CIF-SS in this week’s polls.

Among girls’ teams, Edison is ranked 12th in Division 4AA. Orange is sixth in 5A. In Division 5AA, Ocean View is second with Marina tied for fifth and Pacifica tied for 16th.

Among boys’ teams, Orangewood Academy is second in Division 3AA, while Huntington Beach is 15th in 5A. Orange is third in 5AA. Of course, basketball isn’t the

Baker in?

Continued from page 8

Now 3-9, the Rams will try to break a six-game losing streak when they host the Las Vegas Raiders (5-7) on Thursday.

Elections Continued from page 3

Our e-paper comes out on Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

For a free subscription via e-mail, please send us a request to: orangecountytribune@gmail.

3,169 (49.83), a margin of 21.

Two ballot measures which weren’t close but that are expected to have a big impact on city treasuries are Huntington Beach’s Measure O, authorizing the taxation of cannabis business in the city, and Westminster’s Measure Y, which extends a 1 percent sales tax originally approved by voters in 2016.

Measure O passed with 54.67 percent in favor and Measure Y won with 70.14 percent support.

only winter sport. Here are rankings for area teams in other athletics.

Boys’ soccer: In Division 4, Santiago is first and Garden Grove is seventh.

Girls’ soccer: In Division 1 and 2, Huntington Beach is 10th. In Division 6, Garden Grove High is 10th.

Boys’ wrestling: In Division 4, Westminster is ninth. In Division 5, Western is second and Marina is fifth.

Girls’ wrestling: In Division 1 and 2. Marina is third.

8 WEDNESDAY, DEC. 7, 2022/ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE

TheSportsPage

Seven Locals Are All-CIF in Polo, V-ball

LOS ANGELES Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) defends against the Washington Wizards during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Washington. The Lakers won 130-119. (AP Photo/Jess Rapfogel)

Now, Anthony Davis is back to dominating Laker star is healthy, team is winning

By Tim Reynolds AP Basketball Writer

Anthony Davis is healthy.

His numbers have never been healthier.

And, not coincidentally, the Los Angeles Lakers are playing like the team they expected to be.

With 99 points in his last two games – his most ever in a span of two regular-season contests – Davis is doing something that few in the league’s history have done before. He shot 40 for 57 from the floor in those games, his 44-point performance at Milwaukee on Friday was followed

by a 55-point outburst at Washington on Sunday.

“Body feels great, in the gym working on my game, we’re coming together collectively as a unit, so everything is going well for us right now,’’ Davis said.

The Lakers are 8-2 in their last 10 games, 7-2 when Davis plays in that span. For some perspective, before this stretch, they were only 7-20 in Davis’ last 27 appearances – much of that because either he, or LeBron James, or both were either sidelined by injuries or trying to play through them.

But, finally, Davis – who was limited to 60 games over the last two seasons – has his health and his game back. He’s averaging 28.6 points, a leaguebest 12.8 rebounds, and

All CIF-SS teams for girls’ volleyball and boys’ water polo have been announced and a total of seven local athletes have been honored.

Girls’ volleyball: Victoria Hagen, a senior from Huntington Beach High, was named to the Division 1 team. Summer Witherby, a junior from Edison, was named to the Division 3 team.

Jordan Packer, a senior from Marina, and Dominique Vadeboncouer, also

a senior from Marina, were named to the Division 5 team.

Giulia Aldi, a senior from Orangewood Academy, was named to the Division 9 team.

Boys’ water polo: Zach Bettino, a senior from Huntington Beach High, was named to the Open Division team.

Jacob Stoddard, a senior from Westminster High, was named to the Division 5 team.

TUESDAY’S RESULT

Los Angeles Lakers 102 Cleveland Cavaliers 116 Anthony Davis (ill) 2 LeBron James 21

doing it all on 59% shooting. All three of those numbers are on pace to be career-bests for the eighttime All-Star who is making an early run at getting into the MVP conversation.

“The first and foremost thing is his health,” Lakers coach Darvin Ham said. “I think he’s feeling great. His body is feeling great. He had a few back issues early on and he’s worked his way through them. And you can see it in his face as well as you can see it in his play – he’s having fun playing the game of basketball pain-free.”

Continued on page 7

RAMS QB MATTHEW STAFFORD

Matt is out; Baker in?

The quarterback situation went from bad to worse this week as it was announced that Los Angeles Rams’ star Matthew Stafford is out for the season with a bruised spinal cord.

Having run through two subpar backups, the team has made a move to acquire Baker Mayfield, picking him up on waivers from the Carolina Panthers.

Mayfield, first pick in the 2018 NFL draft, has had ups and downs, including an 11-5 campaign with the Cleveland Browns in 2020 and an 8-9 year in 2021.

Injuries have hit the Rams very hard this season, they are without not just Stafford, but star defender Aaron Donald and all-Pro wide receiver Cooper Kupp.

Continued on page 7