Future Farmers Are Still Growing

50 years at Westminster High School

A half century ago, when the agricultural studies program began at Westminster High School, Orange County still had acres and miles of farmland devoted to a wide variety of enterprises from citrus groves to cattle.

Last week, WHS held an anniversary party at the school, observing the 50th anniversary of the Future Farmers of America program there, to celebrate the growth and progress not only of FFA, but also of campus farm.

The celebration included Principal Amy Sabol, WHS administration and staff, FFA students, current and former FFA staff members, district office administrators and staff, Huntington Beach Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Clint Harwick, and members of the Board of Trustees, including President Diana Carey, Vice President Dr. Duane Dishno, and Dr. Michael Simons.

At the event, HBUHSD’s Food and Nutrition Services team provided a BBQ dinner for those in attendance. The Giving Farm’s strawberries were on display for sale, with proceeds going back to the FFA program, and attend-

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The HBPD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about driving or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a car. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.

Drivers charged with a firsttime DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Negotiations in debt limit stutter, restart and then stop

Talks between the Biden Administration and Republican negotiators on the debt limit stuttered like a car with a faulty carburetor on Friday.

According to the Associated Press, they stopped when Kevin MCarthy, Speaker of the House, called for the talks to “pause.” They did, but resumed only to stop again.

“The president is confident there is a path forward,” said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, but added that “we have serious differences.”

The deadline for raising the debt limit – now at $31 trillion – is June 1. After that, it’s possible the federal government could default on the money it owes.

A happy Zelensky heads to Japan and G7 Summit

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is heading to Japan for a G7 Summit, flush with the news that nation will have access to the F-16 warplanes made in America.

The New York Times reported that U.S. military will train Ukrainian pilots on the F-16, considered to be the world’s best fighter jet. It’s considered unlikely that the U.S. will provide the planes directly to Ukraine, but other nations using that jet would be likely to give or sell them to the embattled eastern European country.

The G7 Summit in Hiroshima is a meeting of the world’s seven leading powers including Japan.

Also in the news … Jim Brown, considered by many to be the greatest running back in NFL history, died Friday at 87. He was also an actor and civil rights activist.

Dodgers over Cards and Angels over Twins

The Los Angeles Dodgers began a road trip Friday with a 5-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in the Gateway City. A close game was broken open with four runs in the top of the eighth inning by the Blue Crew. Most of that came on a three-run homer by Mookie Betts.

Tony Gonsolin (2-1) got the win, working five innings and giving up just one hit. He struck out three batters.

The Los Angeles Angels rallied with two runs in the seventh to defeat the Minnesota Twins 5-4 on Friday in Anaheim.

Weather: Partly cloudy, etc.

We’re not stuttering; the West Orange County area is in for partly cloudy skies on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The forecast calls for a daytime high of 72 on Saturday with an overnight low of 60.

Sunday looks like 73 (60) and Monday is predicted for 72 (59).