The Orange County Tribune April 6, 2022

Non-partisan News Opinion Arts & Living Sports

Covering Garden Grove Huntington Beach Stanton Westminster

Printed in Garden Grove, California n orangecountytribune.com n Wednesday, April 6, 2022 n orangecountytribune@gmail.com

Suspect arrested in vandalism at Muslim mosque Santa Ana man charged with attack A vandalism incident at a Muslim mosque in Westminster on March 30 has led to the arrest of a Santa Ana man.

According the WPD, Ernesto Martinez, 40, was charged with a civil rights violation, felony vandalism and violation of probation.

The incident began when officers responded at about 7:50 a.m. to a report of vandalism at the Al Noor Foundation mosque,

14522 Goldenwest St. The suspect attempted to flee the area but was found and arrested without incident.

The investigation that followed indicated that Martinez had allegedly used a gallon-sized paint can to hit the front door several times and then threw paint from the can onto the glass entry doors and nearby ground area.

After being detained, Continued on page 2

Investigation continues into fire at Spectrum building An office building that has housed television operations for Spectrum Cable in Garden Grove and surrounding areas was itself in the news Monday as it a fire ripped through the structure.

According to the Orange County Fire Authority, the blaze at 7441 Chapman Avenue (at Western Avenue) in an industrial area was reported at 11:20 a.m. Initial efforts focused Continued on page 2

THREE-ALARM BLAZE OCFA battles fire in West Garden Grove

IT’S BACK TO THE FUTURE Mural on Medal of Honor Pedestrian and Bike Path pays tribute to the importance of rail transit in the history and development of Garden Grove.

Return of the Red Car

“Open Streets” event connects GG’s past to its future The “Open Streets 2022” event in the downtown area of Garden Grove brought out wrestlers, singers, musicians and a whole lot of residents on Saturday afternoon and evening.

As part of plans to spotlight both the current attractions and possible future of the city’s central core, visitors to the area – radiating out from historic Main Street and the north side of

Garden Grove Boulevard – were treated to a variety of entertainments and attractions, as well as booths and tables offering information about an assortment of public agencies and private organizations promoting their services.

At Euclid Street and Acacia Parkway, flamboyant “Lucha Libre” wrestlers Continued on page 2

Mixed coronavirus news Two of four major metrics measuring the status of coronavirus in Orange County showed a reversal of recent encouraging trends.

According to the county health care agency, confirmed new cases rose to 236 in Wednesday’s

report, up from Tuesday’s three-day average of 96.

Deaths rose to nine from Tuesday’s threeday average of 3.3 and hospitalizations decreased from 70 to 67. The use of intensive care units to To date, Orange County treat COVID-19 patients has had 547,793 cases of declined from 14 to 11.

Continued on page 2

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2 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2022/ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE

“Open Streets” in Garden Grove Continued from page 1

performed their act-robatic combats. Along the Medal of Honor Bike and Pedestrian path, walkers and bicyclists rolled past a new mural saluting Garden Grove’s railroad past with a colorful look at the old “Red Cars.” Southeast, a Ferris Wheel towered over the scene.

The center of it all was Main

Street, which was closed to vehicular traffic between Acacia and Garden Grove Boulevard to create room for the “After Party” from 6-10 p.m., featuring live music, a beer trailer and other attractions.

North of that block along Main was a wide variety of food trucks, booths and craft activities, including painting

a car in a colorful variety of hues.

The whole event was organized and sponsored by the City of Garden Grove in cooperation with many civic and community partners.

Fire hits Spectrum Cable bldg.

Continued from page 1

on firefighters entering the twostory building to confine the flames, but because of “extreme fire conditions” the crews were pulled out and firefighters focused on dousing the fire from outside.

It took two hours and 18 minutes to gain control of the fire. There were no injuries and the cause of the blaze has not been determined.

OCFA personnel were assisted

by Garden Grove police and Anaheim Fire and Rescue units.

Latest coronavirus stats show some progress, some regress Continued from page 1

coronavirus, of which 537,652 are considered recovered. The death total is 6,910.

Nationally, The New York Times reports a 1 percent decrease in new cases and a 40 percent drop in deaths over a 14day period.

For California, Los Angeles

Times reports a 31 percent decrease in cases and a 43 percent reduction in deaths over a similar period.

Arrest made in incident at a mosque Continued from page 1

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

E-mail is orangecountytribune@gmail. com.

Our 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 the Online News Association.

Martinez allegedly made an “inflammatory” religious statement about why he had attacked the mosque. He was also found to be on post-release community supervision and was arrested and booked into Orange County Jail.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or have relevant information is asked to call the WPD at (714) 548-3212.

The best in local news The Orange County TRIBUNE

The best in local news

ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE/WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2022 3

News&Views Area residents rally in the support of Ukraine A rally in support of the people of Ukraine and against the Russian invasion drew a crowd to the patio at the front of the Stanton Civic Center on Saturday afternoon.

Dozens of people attended and heard speakers from various faith communities, from public officeholders and political candidates.

Stanton Mayor David Shawver served as host and highlights of the event included not only remarks by a variety of speakers, but also singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” and “Chevrona Ruta” (Red Rue) a traditional Ukrainian song.

The national anthem of Ukraine was sung by 7-year-old Amelia Anisobych.

LET’S WELCOME HEROES Why not invite Ukainian refugees to the OC?

Are we ready for a Little Kyiv? Are we worthy?

“Here is the hospitality which forever indicates heroes.”

– Walt Whitman

ANA FILIPEK sings “The Star Spangled Banner” at Saturday’s rally in Stanton to show support for Ukraine. At left at Stanton Mayor David Shawver and Westminster Mayor Tri Ta (Orange County Tribune photo).

Key Poseidon meeting is delayed by commission

By Carolina Valencia Orange County Tribune

The controversial Poseidon desalination plant has been in the works for more than 20 years and one of the final steps in the process, a meeting regarding a coastal development permit, has been delayed till later this spring.

The meeting was set for March 17 for the proposed facility, which will be located at 21730 Newland St., near the AES

power plant in Huntington Beach.

“In order to accommodate the California Coastal Commission’s staff and their diligent review of our application, Poseidon Water made the decision to voluntarily delay the hearing on the Coastal Development Permit until later this spring,” said Poseidon Director of Communications Jessica Jones. “We’re proud of how thoroughly this project Continued on page 4

Our cities here in Orange County have sometimes been imagined as strongholds of white middle class folks, as homogenized as Wonder Bread. But that’s not true now and never really has been.

As we watch with horror the Russian invasion and admire the courage and patriotism of the people of Ukraine, it’s clear that something remarkable is taking place. One of the world’s great military powers – spiritual heir to the evil Soviet Union – is getting its bottom kicked by a nation a fraction its size.

What with all the destruction and death, millions are fleeing. The United States has offered to take in 100,000 Ukrainians, and there are already growing numbers on the border in Mexico, hoping to find life and freedom in the land of the free.

Let’s let them in. More than that, let’s invite them to settle in Orange County.

Stereotypical images and bad memories aside, the OC – especially the western part – has long been a home to people of different nationalities and races. At present, we have large Vietnamese populations in Westminster and Garden Grove.

Growing numbers of people of Arab descent are settling in West Anaheim, and immigrants from Latin America are everywhere.

Some came here as political refugees – from Vietnam and Korea – and some seeking relief from grinding poverty and Continued on page 4

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Ukrainians should be welcomed here Continued from page 3

unceasing violence, such as those from Mexico and some nations in Central America.

Going further back in our history, there’s been a significant Japanese population in Garden Grove and Fountain Valley, and small Chinese enclaves across the county.

While the experience has not always revealed the best in human nature, it has shown us that different languages and meals have long been a part of the OC culture.

Why not add to the menudo that’s here with more people of proven courage, intelligence and a sense of humor?

(Ukraine’s president is – no kidding – a former comedian).

So many Americans – left and right – have made a fetish of their rights and freedoms.

That’s good as far as it goes, but

without an acknowledgement of our responsibilities to each other, it’s not nearly enough.

I am so proud of what the folks in Ukraine have accomplished, and a little sheepish about our divisions and selfishness. We are still the land of the free, but are we still the home of the brave? I hope so.

So let’s put our hryvnia (Ukrainian currency) where our principles are. Fear of immigration is often just fear of being replaced or the loss of status. Well, who wouldn’t be proud to be with the people who kicked the Russian bear in the keister?

I want to see a Little Kyiv around here. I want to breakfast with some deruni (potato pancakes) and, of course, a dinner of Chicken Kyiv (the dish formerly known as

Chicken Kiev).

The Ukrainian people showed themselves to be heroes.

We’ve seen old men in in their 80s volunteering to become riflemen, women fighting tanks with Molotov cocktails.

Let’s show our hospitality of heroes to them.

Note to readers: There are many ways to send help to Ukraine. One of the best is the International Rescue Committee. You can make a donation by phone by calling 1-855-9RESCUE, or go to https://help.rescue.org/donate/ ukraine .

Poseidon Continued from page 3

has been studied through engineering and technical reports and over-mitigated in order to protect the surrounding environment. The decision to delay the hearing will give staff the time they need to evaluate all of the materials submitted into the record.”

In February, The Orange County Power Authority and Poseidon Water entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to work together to make the desalination plant powered entirely by renewable energy.

“The MOU guarantees that OCPA and Poseidon Water will meet at least monthly to work toward a binding agreement to ensure the project can be powered entirely by renewable energy sources,” according to the press release.

The Orange County Water District is considering working with Poseidon Water, as well.

The OCWD is most likely to consider purchasing from the source if the Poseidon Desalination plant is approved by the California Coastal commission.

FOR CHILDREN ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE/WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2022 5

Arts&Living

“Fuddy’s” Fun at Westminster Playhouse Identity crisis comedy makes for much mirth

By Thom deMartino Orange County Tribune

Can you tell who you are – or “who” others tell you you are – if you don’t find out for yourself?

In Westminster Community Playhouse’s “Fuddy Meers,” the audience is invited on this distorted, Quixotic journey of self-discovery.

Directed by Priscilla GonzalesSuciu, “Fuddy Meers” eases the audience into consciousness along side an affable (if perplexed) woman (Maria O’Conner) as she wakes into a life she has no memory of – including her seemingly secretive and troubled family.

Her resentful son Kenny (a strong, seething performance by Alex Hawley) and her extremely eager yet cagey husband Richard (Greg Stokes, tiptoeing a fine line between reserved and manic, as the gatekeeper to the amnesiac mother’s memory) are only helpful to a point for the woman who finally learns her name is Claire ... and that every morning she wakes with no memory of the previous day, and only echoes of the life she knew before.

Her already surreal adjustment to her unfamiliar surroundings is abruptly intruded upon by the strange, scarred and limping man (an intense, multi-layered Wayne Mayberry) saying his name is Zach and feverishly explaining there is no time, he must get her out, before her husband does away with her.

The pair travel to Claire – and apparently Zach’s – mother

WHO AM I, REALLY? Maria O’Conner (center) stars in “Fuddy Meers” at the Westminster Community Playhouse

Stage Review Gertie’s house but have hurdles communicating due to the jumbled words Claire’s “Mama” speaks in, as a result of a recent stroke (Julianne Bancroft, still managing a witty and snappy

delivery with the tonguetwisting dialogue.)

Add in Millet, the angsty and friendly escapee, along with his foul-mouthed puppet (a nuanced, fun performance

by Jorge Del Toro) and a hot pursuit by Claire’s family and the quirky, persistent cop Heidi

Great: HHHH (a playful, moody, slightly menacing Alexandra Moniz) and you have an unpredictable mix of fun and revelation as Claire tries to come to come to Continued on page 6

40 Acre Mule’s roots rock at Garden Amp

By Reagan Cisar Orange County Tribune

“When I started this, I wanted it to be my 40 acres and a mule, my opportunity to experience the American dream,” said guitarist and vocalist Isaiah Evans.

Toward the end of the Civil War, formerly enslaved people Continued on page 6

ISIAH EVANS He’s the front man for The 40 Acre Mule

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Identity crisis with laughs with WCP’s “Fuddy Meers” Continued from page 5

terms with her past... even if tomorrow she never knows.

The 2022 season is still in swing for a bit longer at the Westminster Community Playhouse, with this unusual, edgy and ultimately fulfilling offering from a mercurial acting troupe that is always seeking to elevate their performances and

update their historic venue, as they invite audiences back after the long and lingering hiatus of the last few seasons.

The expansive, cloudy sky backdrop of Claire’s world add to its dreamlike quality, mood heightened by lighting and by the apt and melodious underlying music. O’Conner’s steadfast, upbeat performance

of a character who could easily be mired in confusion and self-doubt is the tent post of the show, the hub around which the myriad characters’ fates revolve: and despite the suspect stories of both the men who claim to know her best, is determined to find her own truth and own her path.

A challenging guessing game of truths, half-truths and the lies we tell ourselves, “Fuddy Meers” is a fun, dark look at identity and who we choose to be. Playing for a limited time through April 10 at Westminster Community Playhouse in

Westminster, it’s an intriguing enigma to catch while you can.

“Fuddy Meers.”

Maria O’Connor, Greg Stokes and Alex Hawley star in this unusual tale of a woman lost, building her world piece by piec e... and whether or not it will still be hers tomorrow. Playing through April 10 at the Westminster Community Playhouse, 7272 Maple St, Westminster, CA 92683. Ticketing information available online at http://www. wcpstage.org, or call (714)-8938626.

40 Acre Mule at Garden Amp Continued from page 8

were promised 40 acres of land and a mule to help them gain economic stability.

“That reference always spoke to me. Being descended from enslaved people, it means a lot to me, and I wanted the name to carry that weight,” said Evans.

The 40 Acre Mule will perform at Garden [Grove] Amphitheater on Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9 at 6 p.m., bringing its sax-fueled roots rock from Dallas to Orange County. The group has built a diverse fan base with songwriting that combines blues-drenched heartbreak with poignant saxophone solos, offering a fresh take on a familiar sound. When Evans

isn’t making music, he works as an administrator at a Dallas university a few days a week and spends time with his family.

Their new album is slated for release in early 2023. Although the band has six of 10 songs recorded, they are pushing the release due to the global vinyl shortage. In the meantime, the group plans to release singles and videos.

As an administrator, husband, father, and musician, Evans has indeed gotten his 40 acres and a mule, his opportunity to experience the American dream as he travels across the country doing what he loves, surrounded by people he loves.

THE REST OF THE MULE TEAM They will perforrm at the Garden Amp Friday and Saturday.

ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE/WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2022 7

Sports Week: It’s time to “play ball” Continued from page 8

record would be a relief. A trip to the playoffs would be unlikely, but hopes like that arise every spring, don’t they?

The Angels and Dodgers are involved in their traditional Freeway Series to wrap up the spring training “season” with games today (Monday) and Tuesday in Chavez Ravine.

After that, the 2022 MLB season begins in earnest.

Angels: After a day off on Wednesday, the Halos start the regular season in Anaheim with a series hosting the Houston Astros Thursday through Sunday.

Dodgers: The Blue Crew will have Wednesday and Thursday off, then start the season in Colorado with a series that runs from Friday through Sunday.

Cold winter for area professionals

If you’re a fan of the Lakers, Clippers or Ducks, it’s been a chilly winter. Only the Kings are having anything that could be called a successful season.

Plagued by rotating injuries and a somewhat half-hearted defense, the Lakers (31-47) have lost six in a row and – as things stand – will likely miss even the “play-in” tournament, sitting as they are in 11th place in the NBA Western Conference after a 129-118 loss to the Denver Nuggets.

After Sunday’s 119-100 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, the Clippers are in somewhat better shape. At 39-40, they’re in eighth place in the conference and have some hope of a postseason. The return of Paul

George – he scored 15 points on Sunday – should help also.

The good news for Ducks fans is that on Friday the team snapped an 11-game winless streak by defeating the Arizona Coyotes 5-0 on the road. The less good news is that they returned to form on Sunday, getting thumped 6-1 at Honda Center. Right now, the waterfowl sit in sixth place in the Pacific Division at 28-3112 (68 points). With 11 games remaining, it would take a mallard miracle to make up the 14-point difference needed to grab a wild card playoff spot.

That leaves the Kings as the winter team most likely to carry the SoCal banner. The Los Angelenos are 38-23-10 (86) points and in second place in the Pacific. As things stand right now, they would take on Edmonton in Stanley Cup first round action.

Final out: “We put this team together and it looked good on paper.” Anthony Davis’ comment on the Lakers’ dismal season.

“Sport Week” is written by Pete Zarustica, with wire service reports.

Softball teams play hard Continued from page 8

Segerstrom (4-0, 15-1-1), Garden Grove (3-1, 13-6), Katella (3-1, 10-5), Ocean View (1-3, 5-11), Westminster (1-4, 11-8), Godinez (1-4, 8-12).

• Orange League: Anaheim (1-0, 3-8), Savanna (3-1, 8-7), Magnolia (1-1, 6-4), Western (1-1, 6-11), Century (1-2, 4-8), Santa Ana Valley (0-2, 4-8).

• Orange Coast League: Calvary Chapel/Santa Ana (40, 10-8) Costa Mesa (2-1, 7-6), Estancia (2-2, 5-10), Orange (11, 3-15), Santa Ana (1-2, 2-9-1), Saddleback (0-4, 2-9).

• Surf League: Huntington Beach (3-0, 10-7), Los Alamitos (2-1, 17-5), Marina (1-2, 9-10, Edison (0-3, 5-14).

LATEST SPRING POLLS Fifteen area high school teams were recognized in this week’s polls from the CIF-SS. Baseball • Division 1: Huntington Beach is sixth.

• Division 2: Pacifica is unranked but received some votes.

• Division 7: Los Amigos is first Softball • Division 1: Pacifica is sixth and Huntington Beach is eighth • Division 6: Garden Grove is fifth Boys’ volleyball • Divisions 1 and 2: Huntington Beach is 10th • Division 3: Edison is fifth • Division 4: Bolsa Grande is sixth

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TheSportsPage

Baseball, softball scores on Tuesday Here are Tuesday prep baseball and softball results: Baseball • Ocean View 17, Garden Grove 2 • Bolsa Grande 7, La Quinta 6 • Santiago 14, Los Amigos 2 • Loara 8, Rancho Alamitos 0 • Estancia 6, Orange 4 • Costa Mesa 3, Western 2 • Covina 21, Magnolia 1 Softball • Pacifica 6, Kennedy 2 • Huntington Beach 6, Marina 3 • Rancho Alamitos 19, Los Amigos 3 • La Quinta 12, Loara 7.

Local softball teams playing hardball The West Orange County area has some very strong high school softball programs. Three are ranked in CIF-SS polls this week and three are in first place in their leagues through Monday’s action. Two more teams are in second place.

Here’s how things stand in local leagues. League record is first, overall second.

• Empire League: Pacifica (20, 17-3); Kennedy (2-0, 10-8), Valencia (1-0, 2-11), Cypress (0-1, 5-2), Tustin (0-2, 06), Crean Lutheran (0-2,0-10).

• Garden Grove League: Santiago (4-0, 6-7), Rancho Alamitos (3-1, 10-6), La Quinta (2-2, 10-3), Loara (2-2, 2-6), Bolsa Grande (1-3, 3-10), Los Amigos (0-4, 4-8-1).

• Golden West League: Continued on page 7

Dodgers Dream, Halos Hope Blue Crew can expect title run; Angels would like a winning year

By Pete Zarustica Orange County Tribune

To borrow from a classic baseball movie title, “it happens every spring.”

For local baseball fans, what’s been happening every spring – in recent years – is that the Dodgers win a lot of games and some championships, and the Angels lose more than they win and sit home in the fall, nursing their many injuries and disappointments.

What will be different this year? The Dodgers can be expected to be a force, their lineup bristling with three onetime MVPs in Clayton Kershaw, Mookie Betts, and now Freddie Freeman.

The pitching is especially impressive with the emergence of Walker Buehler (16-4 last season, 2.47 ERA) and Julio Urias (20-3, 2.96). But this is also a team with a fearsome batting order, including especially Trea Turner, who had a breakout season with a .328 batting average, 28 home runs and 77 RBIs. Five other regulars hit over 20 home runs last season.

It’s hard to imagine – barring an unprecedented wave of injuries – anything that would keep these guys from winning another 100 or so games in 2022.

Injuries have often been at heart of the Angels’ sixth consecutive losing seasons. But every team has health issues and many have fared better than the Halos, who tend to start off fast and fade by July.

Still, the Angels have two of the greatest players in baseball with Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani.

If the former can bounce back from his injury-shortened 2021

CAN MIKE TROUT AVOID INJURY? The Angels will need him full-stength (AP Photo)

SportsWeek campaign – he was hitting .333 when hurt – and the latter can come close to replicating last year, there’s a chance for a finish near .500.

A key will be Anthony Rendon, who had another painfully short campaign. If he can play like he did in 2019 – .319 BA, 34 home runs, 126 RBIs – the offense will be solid.

Always a question in recent years has been the pitching staff.

No starter won 10 games, and with the exception of Ohtani (9-3, 2.57 ERA) nobody looked very good. Perhaps newcomer Noah Syndergaard (23-12 in two seasons with the Mets) will make the difference in this new six-pitcher rotation.

That’s not a lot to hang a dream on, but for long-suffering Angels’ fans a mere winning Continued on page 7

AT LEAST ONE GOOD YEAR LEFT Clayton Kershaw’s not done yet (Dodgers photo)