The Orange County Tribune Feb. 25, 2023

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WEEKEND EDITION

51 / 41

Saturday: 51/41 rain Sunday: 57/47 partly cloudy Monday: 56/45 showers Tuesday: 59/43 partly cloudy

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Volume 3, Number 17 n orangecountytribune.com n Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023 n orangecountytribune@gmail.com

n GARDEN GROVE CITY COUNCIL

Kim is Chosen The New GG City Manager THE FAREWELL to Scott Stiles at the Great Wolf Lodge was “bittersweet,” but the custom cake was delicious (Orange County Tribune photos).

From a Grove off to the desert, he goes

By Jim Tortolano Orange County Tribune

In 6ront of a roomful of colleagues and admirers, outgoing Garden Grove City Manager Scott Stiles bid goodbye Thursday night at the Great Wolf Lodge to the City of Youth and Ambition, and set his sights on a new post as city manager of

Inside The Tribune

“Oklahoma!” is a classic at Gem

ARTS & LIVING PAGE 5

Palm Springs.

As was his typical practice, Stiles heaped praise on city staff, the city council and members of the community.

He also told stories on himself, referring to his early days in office when he was expected to make big decisions, “but I didn’t SCOTT STILES made even know where the his goodbyes as Garden Grove city manager.

Continued on page 6

The Garden Grove City Council has chosen Assistant City Manager and Community and Economic Development Director Lisa L. Kim as Garden Grove’s next city manager, replacing Scott Stiles, who leaves to become the city manager of Palm Springs.

Kim’s new position becomes effective pending approval of her employment agreement by the Garden Grove City Council, scheduled for consideration at the Tuesday, Feb. 28 meeting of the council.

“I am deeply honored and excited to take this meaningful step in my Garden Grove career and lead an amazing group of people dedicated to serv-

LISA KIM has been chosen as new Garden Grove city manager. ing our residents, businesses, and visitors. My sincerest appreciation to the Garden Grove City Council for the incredible Continued on page 2

City will operate Tet Festival for 2024

By Jim Tortolano Orange County Tribune

The annual Tet Parade Festival observing the lunar new year will continue to be a production of the City of Westminster, the Westminster City Council decided on Wednesday night.

n WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL

The vote was 5-0 in favor, and the date of the event is yet to be decided.

“I just want to thank the city staff and police department,” said Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen, “for the terrific effort they put

in.” All the council members praised the outcome of the parade and offered suggestions for future such events.

In the recent past the parade has been staged by non-profit groups and it was sometimes accompanied by controversy. The coronavirus epidemic in-

terrupted the tradition and when no private group applied to organize the 2023 event, the city stepped in.

With just seven weeks to plan, city staff pulled the event together to widespread approval.

The parade route is along Continued on page 2

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2 SATURDAY, FEB. 25, 2023/ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE

Lisa Kim to be new Garden Grove city manager Continued from page 1

opportunity to work together to meet the current and future needs of the community and keep Garden Grove moving forward as a leading Southern California city,” said Kim. Born in Hong Kong and raised in London, England, Kim joined the City of Garden Grove in 2016 as community and economic development director, following more than 20 years of development experience with the cities of Pomona, West Covina, and Orange.

Since 2019, Kim has carried out dual roles as assistant city manager while overseeing one of the most crucial departments in the city comprised of the Office of Economic Development, Planning Services, and the Building and Safety Division.

In addition to attracting several key developments and new businesses to the city, Kim also developed the 2021 Com-

prehensive Plan to Address Homelessness that included the launch of the Be Well OC in Garden Grove Mobile Response Team, a street medicine initiative currently in the works with CalOptima, and the creation of the future Central Cities Navigation Center.

During COVID-19, Kim implemented the Garden Grove Business Resource and Resiliency Plan to help business owners achieve financial recovery. She also initiated community engagement efforts for the proposed relocation of the Garden Grove Police Department headquarters in the Civic Center.

“Lisa’s proven track record for maintaining our city’s strong economic development and successfully implementing key city council priorities such as our vital homeless initiatives, gives the city council reason for furthering its trust in her leadership abilities. I know Lisa is well

Westminster City Council Continued from page 1

Bolsa Avenue between Magnolia and Bushard streets.

In its report on the parade it was stated that the attendance was estimated at 10,000 to 15,000 people, with another 250,000 in viewers on telecasts. About 1,900 people participated in the parade.

Total cost of the event was $205,241, with $104,869 in revenues, for a loss to the city of $100,371, according to Vanessa Johnson, community services and recreation director.

Also on Wednesday night, the council re-iterated on a 5-0 vote the ability of the mayor to place items on the council agenda.

Earlier, the council voted to require two council members to do so, in apparent contradiction to the standing policy allowing the mayor to have that power.

Councilmember Amy Phan West (District 1) spoke in favor of the idea, but Councilmember Carlos Manzo (District 2) said there was no written policy on the matter, but would agree based on his desire to be a “team player.”

Also, the council received a presentation on “best practices”

for social media use by city officials. Councilmembers were cautioned against using city logos or the help of public employees in operating a personal website or using social media.

The next regular meeting of the council is scheduled for Wednesday, March 8 at 6 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 8200 Westminster Blvd.

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, the Garden Grove Downtown Business Association and Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce.

known and highly regarded in she will do an outstanding job as our community and throughout our next city manager,” said Garthe county, and I’m confident that den Grove Mayor Steve Jones.

ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE/SATURDAY, FEB. 25, 2023 3

News&Views n HUNTINGTON BEACH CITY COUNCIL

City will go to court over CA housing rules Approval of a new policy limiting the display of flags on city property to only government flags – and the POW/MIA banner were not the only controversial decisions made by the Huntington Beach City Council on Tuesday night.

As with the flag policy, taken by many to mean a ban on the rainbow “gay pride” flag, the majority in favor was Mayor Tony Strickland, Mayor Pro Tem Gracey VanDer Mark and Councilmembers Pat Burns and Casey McKeon, with Councilmembers Rhonda Bolton, Dan Kalmick and Natalie Moser opposed on these

actions: • directing the city attorney to take legal action to challenge several state housing mandates, including lot splits and accessory housing units; • directing the city manager to work with the city attorney to return with a policy on invocations at council meetings to create and maintain a list of religious leaders or associates, evaluate them and create a rotation system for religious leaders for invocations.

The council meeting – begun with three hours of heated public comments – lasted until adjournment at 11:39 p.m.

n GARDEN GROVE PLANNING COMMISSION

Two new buildings for St. Columban campus

A request for approval of a site plan to build a new lunch shelter and a six-car garage/storage structure at St. Columban Catholic School goes before the Garden Grove Planning Commission when it meets on Thursday, March 2.

The school and church are located at the northeast corner of Nelson Street and Stanford Avenue. The lunch shelter would replace an existing structure and cover 3,606 square feet. The garage/storage structure would be 1,640 square feet.

Additional site improvements would include new wrought iron rolling gates and reconfiguration of new parking stalls to accommodate the new structures.

Also on the agenda is a request for approval of a site plan for the construction of a new one-story 6,694 square foot office building on vacant space at Continued on page 4

VIDEO STILL from carjacking at Knott Street and Lampson Avenue in West Garden Grove. Image shows two men attacking motorist (in blue) near the fuel pumps while a third (at right in black clothing) enters the victim’s car (GGPD image)

Victim beaten in carjacking at Garden Grove gas station Three men carjacked a vehicle at a service station in Garden Grove early Monday morning, two of them beating the driver, police announced on Wednesday.

According to Detective Sgt. Mark Lord, the incident took place at the Union 76 station at 12512 Knott St., near Lampson Avenue, around 5 a.m.

The victim was pumping gasoline into his vehicle when he was approached by a male suspect, thus distracting him.

Another suspect took the opportunity to enter

the victim’s car while the third suspect stood at the hood of the vehicle, according to police.

Then, the first suspect began punching the victim, who attempted to fight back. The third suspect then joined in the attack on the motorist. All three suspects left the scene in the victim’s car, which was eventually recovered in Westminster.

The suspects are described as: • a male Black in his 20s, 5-foot-8 inches to 6 feet tall, wearing a white puffy jacket and red

pants; • a male Black in his 20s, 5-foot-6 inches tall, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with a white design and light-colored pants; • a male Black in his 20s, 5-foot-6 inches tall, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and light-colored pants.

Anyone who was a witness to the incident or who has more information about it is asked to contact Detective Dennis Wardle at denniswardle@ggcity.org or by calling (714) 741-5387.

Expansion at Memorial Park

MEMORIAL PARK

Westminster Memorial Park and Mortuary, one of the largest facilities of its kind in Orange County, is asking for approval to expand the part of its land to be used for cemetery purposes.

Ownership of the park, located facing Beach Boulevard between Bolsa

n WESTMINSTER PLAN. COMMISSION and Hazard avenues, is asking the Westminster Planning Commission for a general plan use amendment and a revocation of an existing conditional use permit for Continued on page 4

4 SATURDAY, FEB. 25, 2023/ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE

NewsUpdate

GG planners Continued from page 3

pears to be on his way out.

The Associated Press is reporting that the team will release him in an apparent effort to get $5 million in salary cap savings. Wagner started all 17 Rams’ games and had 140 tackles, six sacks and two interceptions for a team that finished 5-12.

the southwest corner of Garden Grove Boulevard and Partridge Street.

The commission will meet at 7 p.m. in the Community Meeting Center, 11300 Stanford Ave.

Cemetery Continued from page 3

UKRAINE, Russia each vow to fight on (Shutterstock)

War’s end is not in sight

One year after the start of the war that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, each side is vowing to fight on to victory.

According to The New York Times, both the invader and the invaded are predicting a triumph in a conflict which may last longer than anyone expected.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said the struggle will be waged “step by step” and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was “certain” his nation would win.

U.S President Joe Biden pledged that America would not tire of its support for Ukraine and China is reportedly considering providing military supplies to Russia.

Attorney’s general to sue over abortion pill

Alleging that the Food and Drug Administration is excessively regulating the abortion pill mifepristone, a group of state attorneys general have filed suit.

According to United Press International, the suit asks a Washington State court to declare that the pill is safe and effective and to prevent the FDA from taking the pill off the market or making it more difficult to obtain.

Rams’ Bobby Wagner to be given his release?

Linebacker Bobby Wagner, who had a standout year with the Los Angeles Rams, nevertheless ap-

BOBBY WAGNER

Weather: Rains, clouds, rain and then clouds

West Orange County will continue to be more soggy than sunny for the next few days. Saturday will see a lot of rain, with a daytime high of 51 and a nighttime low of 41. The weather will break a little on Sunday with partly cloudy skies and a high of 57 (47). The forecast for Monday is for showers and a high of 56 (45).

Tuesday sees a return of partly cloudy conditions and a daytime high of 59 (43).

the re-purposing of 17.3 acres of land out of their 156-acre parcel in order to expand the cemetery uses there.

The requests would change the land use designation and revoke a permit that had authorized a golf driving range on the Hoover Street side of the land.

The commission will meet on Wednesday, March 1 at 6:30 p.m. at 8200 Westminster Blvd.

Reach thousands for pennies.

Advertise in The Orange County Tribune, online and e-paper for one low price.

Call Jim at (714) 458-1860

ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE/SATURDAY, FEB. 25, 2023 5

Arts&Living

A timeless, classic ‘Oklahoma!’

Now on stage at Gem Theater in Garden Grove

By Thom deMartino Orange County Tribune

Just because you can change something, doesn’t mean you should: sometimes, you just don’t tinker with the classics.

Such is the case with “Oklahoma!”, newly opened at Garden Grove’s own Gem Theater, as the Rogers & Hammerstein musical is staged by the awardwinning One More Productions troupe.

“Oklahoma!” tells the turnof-the-20th century tale of the budding relationship between the young cowman Curly (Bryan Fraser) and local farm girl Laurey (Erika Baldwin) set against the backdrop of the Oklahoma territory’s coming of age, as it’s brought into the Union.

Though he’s tried to woo her for some time, the young lady teasingly refuses Curly’s bold overtures, including his invitation to accompany him to the box social dance later that evening.

The lovestruck cowboy isn’t the only one having troubles in matters of the heart: fellow cowpoke and friend Will Parker (Matthew Rangel) has returned from his sojourn to Kansas City, along with the $50 he needs to convince his own sweetheart’s father, Andrew Carnes (Tim Klega) to give him her hand in marriage – only, the blossoming beauty Ado Annie (Gio Martinez) is finding she’s enjoying the attention the menfolk are suddenly giving her, especially the silver-tongued peddler Ali Hakim (Peter Crisafulli).

When Laurey tells him she plans to attend the dance with hired hand Jud Fry (James

WILL PARKER (Matthew Rangel) and Ado Annie (Gio Martinez) in “Oklahoma!” at the Gem Theater in Garden Grove (Photos by Ron Lyons).

Stage Review Scognamillo), Curly playfully invites her Aunt Eller (Beth Hanson) to the dance; not realizing that Laurey’s acceptance of Jud’s invite was not simply to stir the cowboy’s passions… but out of unease at the thought of what the brooding, sullen man may be capable of, if refused.

As the dance draws near, the tension between the romantic rivals is ratcheting up – and it’s beginning to look like it may be more than just hearts that get broken, by night’s end…

If there is any drawback to being a regular patron of the Gem Theater – and that is a very big “if,” by the way – it’s that just when you think you’ve seen the pinnacle of their performances,

and have set for certain this time which one is your absolute, positive favorite… they bowl you over with a new show, surpassing the already high expectations of an audience accustomed to their remarkable staging.

Though the now century-old theater may be modest in terms of capacity, it only makes getting a ticket that much more covetable: and while some might wonder if a spectacle such as “Oklahoma!” can be done justice in such a reasonably-sized venue, this production will put any doubts to sound rest.

The choreography of Gem veterans Katy Lawson and Brittney Rose Dawson springs to vibrant life through the deft footwork of the ensemble, in beautiful, haunting pieces like the “Dream Ballet,” and particularly in numbers like “Kansas City” (also

Great: HHHH showcasing the increasing refinement of the ample skills of one talented Mr. Rangel).

The 13-piece orchestra, sitting within the eyeline of the audience and skillfully conducted

by Nick Bravo, acts as backdrop, adding to the atmosphere with stirring accompaniment to songs like the moving “People Will Say We’re In Love” and the extremely memorable “I Cain’t Say No.” Speaking of which…the Gem’s best-kept secret appears to be one Ms. Martinez.

While having appeared in supporting roles in previous Gem productions, the Ado Annie actress comes into her own with this show, clearly relishing the Continued on page 6

6 SATURDAY, FEB. 25, 2023/ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE

It’s a timeless, classic “Oklahoma” Continued from page 5

role of the plucky adolescent, sometimes brash, sometimes bashful: and every raised eyebrow, every sweep of the hair, every mischievous grin is a measured, calculated choice by the actress; curating a singularly playful, strikingly memorable performance.

There are welcome returns to the Gem stage, in the forms of Ms. Hanson and Ms. Baldwin; and the latter’s chemistry with Fraser’s Curly is in a word, magical. The vocal talents of both actors are astonishing in their own right, and the pair are mesmerizing as they harmonize in both song and motion.

Another stand-out performance is that of the menacing heavy of the tale, Jud; in Scognamillo’s hands, what could be dismissed as some kind of early “incel” –

flaunting dirty pictures, with no manners or social niceties, with no ties (easily classified into the “lone wolf” camp), he becomes a man in want of respect, acceptance, love… even if he doesn’t have the faintest idea how to communicate that, or even selfreflect.

The outcome is a character who is not merely a “big bad,” as much as a tragedy waiting to happen.

Another entry for “favorite show, EVER” for Gem fans to consider and debate, “Oklahoma!” is a remarkable piece, that checks all the boxes: beautifully choreographed, expertly conducted, and guaranteed to overturn all expectations – as undoubtedly high as they may be.

“Oklahoma!” Erika Baldwin, Bryan Fraser and James Scog-

namillo star in this masterful One More Productions staging of the beloved classic musical.

Playing through March 26 at The Gem Theater, 12852 Main St., Garden Grove, CA, 92840.

Call 714-741-9550 x221 or email boxoffice@onemoreproductions.com for ticketing information. Appropriate for all ages.

Scott Stiles farewell tour Continued from page 1

bathrooms were in City Hall.”

As his remarks drew to a close, he choked up and teared up, briefly. “The future is really bright,” he said. “There’s a lot of good stuff going on here.”

During his seven-and-a-half years at City Hall, Stiles played a key role in accomplishments both high profile and out of the public eye.

His fingerprints are on the erasure of the city’s budget problems, on the SteelCraft outdoor urban eatery, the transformation of the “rusty skeleton” into the Garden Grove Senior Village, an improved water filtration system, expansion of the police department and more.

He was lauded by several speakers and good-humoredly roasted by a few. Mayor Steve Jones, whose tenure in office nearly paralleled Stiles’ term as the city’s top appointed executive, said, “This is a night to celebrate Scott Stiles’ many accomplishments but it’s also a bittersweet time to say goodbye.

“Despite him making it look easy, Scott faced several challenges as city manager. The pandemic alone probably gave him most of his grey hairs, but fortunately he still has a good head of hair.

“Even when times were tough, he never lost his enthusiasm or his spirit for this community.

He turned out to be an amazing choice.”

Replacing Stiles will be Lisa Kim, who will be elevated from her post as assistant city manager and director of community and economic development.

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ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE/SATURDAY, FEB. 25, 2023 7

Stealing now encouraged in big league baseball Continued on page 8

steals and 4,365 attempts a decade ago in 2012.

In testing in the minors, two Triple-A leagues used the bigger bases for half of the 2021 season. One experienced a 2.2% increase in successful steals, and the other posted 0.7% increase.

The 2012 season – when Mike Trout led the majors with 49 stolen bases – was the last time the big leagues surpassed 3,000 steals and 4,000 attempts.

“I’ve definitely been thrown out by less than (4 1/2) inches ... so maybe that starts factoring into results,’’ said Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner, who swiped a careerbest 20 bases in 22 attempts last year.

Of course, it also gives the majors’ top defensive first basemen an even better chance of keeping runners off base altogether.

“I think it could help. It’ll give me another inch or so of reach on a throw that wants to pull me off the base,’’ said Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker, who won his first Gold Glove last year.

Besides the activity on the basepaths, Major League Baseball is hoping the change will help reduce injuries. While testing the bigger bases in the minors, there was a 13% decline in what the league calls ``injury events near the bases’’ from 2021 to 2022.

There’s more room for first basemen to avoid getting stepped on, or to pull their arm away in time to avoid a batter hustling up the line. It also should help avoid collisions all over the diamond.

“When you walk on the field, you don’t really notice it, and getting closer to the bag, you definitely do notice it,” said Cubs first baseman Eric Hos

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mer, a four-time Gold Glove winner. “It seems like a little flatter, too, as well. Not only bigger and longer, but definitely a little flatter.

“But yeah, I think it’s going to prevent some injuries, so I think anytime you can even knock that number down one or two guys, that’s well worth it.’’

From Lakers to Clippers in one week Continued from page 8

being traded to the Jazz on Feb. 10 as part of a three-team deal.

He is owner of a Hyundai car dealership in Garden Grove.

The Jazz waived him on Monday. Westbrook cleared waivers because no team had the salarycap space to take on the remaining $47 million he was owed on his expiring contract.

The 15-year veteran is averaging 15.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 7.1 assists in 28.7 minutes per game. He is one of only six players in the NBA this season averaging at least 15 points, six rebounds and seven assists.

Lawrence Frank, the Clippers’ director of basketball operations, said both sides are on the same page about how Westbrook can help the team.

“We had an upfront and honest dialogue. I thought it was a really clean process, in that we talked through a lot of different possibilities to make sure that this could be a good relationship,’”Frank said.

Westbrook is reuniting with Paul George, his former teammate in Oklahoma City. George had lobbied the front office to add a point guard before the trade deadline.

George then stepped up the recruiting effort for Westbrook after he was traded to Utah and it appeared he could become a free agent.

“I’ve been in this league a long time and being somewhere that people want you and they embrace you meant a lot to me,” Westbrook said.

8 SATURDAY, FEB. 25, 2023/ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE

TheSportsPage

Baseball Gets Ready to Steal and Run New rules aim at speeding up action, pace

By Jay Cohen AP Baseball Writer

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) – Like a violin virtuoso using a new music stand, San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado noticed a difference right away.

Not only are the bases bigger, but they feel different, too.

“It’s definitely different, for sure,” said Machado, a two-time Gold Glove winner. “They look better. I just got to kind of keep playing with it and stepping on it and kind of like getting the feel for it. But it’s definitely different for sure.’’

The bigger bases – going from 15- to 18-inch squares – are part of a flurry of changes by Major League Baseball designed to put more action and athleticism back in the game and make it more appealing to a younger generation of potential fans.

When the new rules were adopted by baseball’s 11-person competition committee in September, the four players on the panel supported the bigger bases and voted against the use of a pitch clock and limits on

RULES CHANGES such as pitch clocks, limits on pickoff throws and bigger bases are expected to lead to more action on field and more stolen bases (Shuttestock). defensive shifts.

The new bases – “They look like a pizza box,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora cracked – cut down the distance between the bases by 4 1/2 inches. The distance between third and home and home and first was trimmed by 3 inches.

It doesn’t sound like much, but the impact could be considerable.

Instead of waiting around for

a three-run homer, big league teams could try a more aggressive approach on the basepaths.

Coupled with new limits on what MLB calls disengagements – pickoff attempts or steps off the rubber – it’s more important than ever that pitchers are quick to the plate and strong-armed catchers stay alert with runners on.

“The run game, preventing the run game, is something that

we’ve talked about, we’re going to continue to talk about, because ... the stolen-base attempt should increase a good bit, I think,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.

Major league teams finished with 2,486 steals in 3,297 attempts last year, up from 2,214 steals and 2,926 attempts in 2021, according to Sportradar, but much lower than 3,229 Continued on page 7

Westbook will stay in West as a Clipper

By Joe Reedy AP Sports Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP) – It didn’t take long for Russell Westbrook to join the Los Angeles Clippers.

The nine-time All-Star signed with the Clippers Wednesday after he cleared waivers, then hit the practice court as the team gathered for the first time since the All-Star break.

“I’m super excited. I love to play

HIS DEBUT AS A CLIPPER Points: 17 Rebounds: 5 Assists: 14. PF: 6 Kings 176, LAC 175 (2OT)

basketball and I just have a lot of fun while doing it,” Westbrook said. “I get to stay home, see the wife and the kids and take them to school in the morning. That’s a big part of my day and you know, nothing more important than that.”

Coach Tyronn Lue said Westbrook will play on Friday when the Clippers host the Sacramento Kings. When asked how he views what role Westbrook will play and if he would be a starter, Lue said, “I view him as what you will see on Friday.”

Westbrook is from the Los Angeles area, was a standout at UCLA and played less than two seasons for the Lakers before Continued on page 7

RUSSELL WESTBROOK was a Laker, but now he’s a Clipper (Wikipedia)