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Printed in Garden Grove, California n orangecountytribune.com n Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021 n orangecountytribune@gmail.com
Police shot suspect in attack on bicyclist
New case count stays elevated in Orange Co.
A man suspected of shooting a bicyclist in Sunset Beach was shot by Huntington Beach police on Monday afternoon According to Jennifer Carey, public information officer for the HBPD, the incident began with officers responded at around 12:30 p.m. to a report of a shooting of a cyclist in the area of South Pacific and 7th Street. Officers found an armed suspect a few blocks away. Police say the man – identified only as an adult male resident of Norwalk – was “non-compliant to the multiple commands” given by officers and was shot. The suspect was treated at the scene and taken to a local hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. The suspect’s gun was recovered at the scene. Police located the cyclist in the initial shooting on South Pacific. He had sustained gunshot wounds that were considered “non lifethreatening.” He was taken to a local hospital where he is in stable condition. There’s no evidence, said Carey, that the gunman and the victim knew each other, but “this remains as part of the ongoing investigation.” The investigation into the incident is ongoing. At the request of the HBPD, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is investigating officer-involved shooting.
Coronavirus numbers continue to be high, in Orange County and elsewhere, as the predicted “winter surge” persists. According to the county health care agency, there were 987 confirmed new cases in Tuesday’s count. That’s down from Monday’s four-day average of 1,295, but above last Thursday’s 655. Deaths declined from 13 to six, but hospitalizations rose from 282 to 322. The number of people being treated in intensive care units for COVID-19 is stable at 66. To date, Orange County has had 330,012 confirmed cases of coronavirus, of which 308,307 are considered recovered. The death toll is 5,883. Nationally, the numbers are up dramatically. The New York Times is reporting that – over a 14-day period – new cases are up by 105 percent, although deaths have declined by 5 percent. In California, new cases have risen by 204 percent while deaths are down by 18 percent.
OIL SPILL OFF HUNTINGTON BEACH It closed beaches along the Orange County coast
THE YEAR THAT NORMAL NEVER MADE A RETURN COVID is still with us but the local issues are also The year 2021 was supposed to be known as a return to “normal,” however it was anything but. The coronavirus, which appeared to be getting under control, showed new vigor with the emergence of new variants. Over 200 million Americans are vaccinated, but millions remain resistant or hesitant to getting their “jabs,” despite reports by public health officials that the unvaccinated are at the greatest risk. The foundations of democracy shook somewhat on Jan. 6 when right-wing extremists stormed the U.S. Capitol trying to stop the certificstion of the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to the offices of president and vice president. Weird and extreme weather continued across the landscape, with drought, tornados, floods and hurricanes doing billions of dollars in damage from coast to coast. All that was on the national and international scene, but there was a
lot going on in West Orange County as well in 2021, much of it – if not exactly abnormal – not what would likely be considered “good news.” Here’s our look back, city by city.
Garden Grove: No strawberries again
For the second consecutive year, the Strawberry Festival – one of the largest community events in the western United States – was cancelled, dealing a blow not only to a tradition Continued on page 2
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2 WEDNESDAY, DEC. 29, 2021/ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE
A look at the not-normal year of 2021 Continued from page 1
dating back to the Eisenhower administration, but also to the many non-profit organizations that raise money during the Memorial Day weekend celebration. A wide variety of development, already on the drawing board, was delayed by the pandemic and its ripple effects throughout the economy. But not all progress was stopped. The huge Garden Brook senior housing project on Garden Grove Boulevard – long derided as the “rusty skeleton” – neared completion and the opening of the Sprouts Farmers’ Market in the new Pavilion Plaza West center demonstrated new vitality in the city’s main commercial district at Brookhurst and Chapman Avenue.
Huntington Beach: Oil spills, Tito Ortiz
Surf City was in the headlines in 2021 for the short-butcontroversial service on the city council of celebrity fighter Tito Ortiz as well as an oil spill that closed nearly all Orange County beaches. Ortiz became the mayor pro tem after his victory in the 2020 municipal election, but roiled some members of the community for his comment and actions, including suggesting that the coronavirus emergency was a “plandemic” and refusing to wear a face covering at council meetings and other settings. After six months, the controversies drove Ortiz to resign his council seat and he
UNDER CONSTRUCTION Garden Brook a year ago was replaced by Rhonda Bolton, the city’s first African American councilmember. The oil spill that hit Huntington Beach and other OC coastal cities not only closed the sand and surf to locals and visitors, but also affected the downtown businesses that depend on tourism. The closures prompted the cancellation of the Pacific Air Show as well. It also raised questions about the balance between danger and tax revenue to a city that grew up as a center of oil drilling. On the flip side, the city draw plaudits for its Navigation Center for the homeless and the local government was considered so well-run that City Manager Oliver Chi was hired away to take the same job in Irvine.
Stanton: The boom along Beach Blvd.
Anyone who hasn’t driving along Beach Boulevard in Stanton in the last few years gets a big surprise if they do it now. A gleaming new center –22 At
WESTMINSTER CIVIC CENTER In council chambers, it’s a matter of contentions
Beach – has taken the place of a long-vacant shopping center, and many lots formerly occupied with declining motels, empty auto sales lots and other lowrent uses are being replaced with stylish mid- and high-rise residential projects. Formerly blighted areas are being recycled into modern uses and there’s even the prospect of a municipal financial windfall through the tax revenue expected from luring cannabis processing and sales centers to the town.
Westminster: it’s divided they persist
Bitter political and cultural divisions, played out against a backdrop of potential financial catastrophe, dominated the news in this All-American City in 2021. The council majority of Kimberly Ho, Tai Do and Carlos Manzo are battling the minority of Mayor Tri Ta and Councilmember Chi Charlie Nguyen on a score of issues, insulting and criticizing each other at each council meeting. City Hall leadership has been hollowed out by financial pressure and an exodus of management unwilling to stay during this “uncivil” civil war. The city has been without a permanent city manager virtually all year, excepting the brief unhappy tenure of Marwan Youssef, forced out after six months. Looming ahead for 2022 is the expiration of a one-cent sales tax, the end of which could – according to financial experts – plunge the city into bankruptcy if not extended.
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.
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ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE/WEDNESDAY, DEC. 29, 2021 3
News&Views
Are you a catfish, a ghost, a RINO or a snowflake? Our American English language is constantly changing and always has been. But in today’s super-heated political/cultural climate people are quickly inventing words and terms intended to be pointed in defense of, or an attack on, other folks. Some of this stuff is well known, but a lot is limited to the particular partisan bubble many of us live in. So, as a public service, we present a brief dictionary on some of the more colorful terms so you can tell whether you are being insulted or not. LARKSPUR DRIVE FIRE PUT OUT OCFA firefighters knocked down blaze Monday night
News Briefs
Garage fire knocked out WESTMINSTER – A garage fire that spread to a recreational vehicle parked in the driveway Monday night was extinguished by firefighters from the Orange County Fire Authority. According to the OCFA, the blaze was reported after 11 p.m. in the 9200 block of Larkspur Drive, which is located northwest of Edinger Avenue and Magnolia Street. The fire was confined to the RV and garage. There were no reported injuries and the cause of the fire has not been determined. The OCFA provides fire and paramedic service to Westminster, Garden Grove and Stanton, among other communities.
Bank robbery suspect is charged
GARDEN GROVE – A man accused of robbing the Bank of the West on Main Street in Garden Grove on Dec. 21 was formally charged in court on Monday. According to authorities, Justin Kearney Troy, 38, of Fullerton is accused of felony charges of robbery and attempted robbery, as well as several misdemeanor offenses. Police report that the suspect approached a teller at the bank, demanded money and fled on foot with about $500. He was apprehended by GGPD officers – with assistance from a K-9 unit – about a mile away. Troy was charged at West Justice Center in Westminster.
• Astroturfing: Making it appear that an organization or movement comes spontaneously from the public, when it is actually organized and/or funded by a special interest group. • Brittle: A person or group too easily offended, often because of insecurity, • Catfishing: Representing yourself dishonestly, especially online. Often in terms of a relationship. • CIS gender or CIS: Referring to people with the same gender identity as their at-birth physical sexual characteristics. • Dog whistle: Using an emotionally impactful term intended to arouse political passions without stating specifics. • False flag: When a person, organization or government stages a provocative event to influence public opinion or political action. • Ghosting: Suddenly cutting off all contact or communication with another person, often in a romantic relationship. • Micro-aggressions: A comment or act that – perhaps unintentionally – offends or intimidates another person. • My pronouns: The increasingly popular practice of using “gender-neutral” pronouns such as “they” instead of “he” or “she” to encourage “inclusivity.” See also: “mispronoun” or “misgender.” • OK, boomer: A vaguely condescending expression meant to dismiss the comments or actions of a person from the Baby Boom generation (born 1946 to 1964) as irrelevant to current conditions. • RINO: Republican in Name Only. This term is rapidly disappearing in use as moderates are having trouble finding a home in the GOP. • Snowflakes: People, usually younger folks and often specifically college students, who are easily offended and/or with a sense of Continued on page 4
Oil sheen investigation continues
HUNTINGTON BEACH – An Oxnard-based oil and gas producer has been identified as the “responsible party” for an old sheen spotted recently off Bolsa Chica State Beach. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife reported that DCOR LLC, which operates an underwater pipeline running from an offshore oil drilling platform. The pipeline and related procedures have been stopped. The oil slick or “sheen” is believed to be heading north toward Long Beach.
COULD YOUR ONLINE ROMANCE BE ... in reality a “cold fish” like this one?
Continued on page 6
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Retorts: Catfishing, ghosting and others Continued from page 3
entitlement. • Socialist/socialism: The dictionary definition of socialism is ownership of the means of production by government, which could be democratic or autocratic. Very commonly misused today. Many “progressives” consider Social Security, public schools and fire departments examples of socialism, while many
conservatives consider expanded social services such as a national medical insurance or paid family leave as socialistic. • TERF: Trans-exclusive Radical Feminist. A term invented to stigmatize feminists who don’t accept transsexual women as “real women.” • Triggers: Images, sounds or words that cause an intense negative emotional reaction in a
person. • Virtue-signaling: Advocating a public position (sometimes insincerely) for the purpose of appearing empathic or supportive without any actual impact. Now, don’t you feel better knowing which oversimplified verbal shorthand is further degrading the rational discussion of important issues? If you don’t, you’re nothing but a malarker. That’s someone who is more interested in surface nonsense than solving actual problems. See? Boomers can make up words, too.
Free bus rides from OCTA for New Year’s The Orange County Transportation Authority is providing safe rides for those ringing in 2022 with free fares on OC Bus from 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 31 to 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 1. Riding OC Bus is a safe and easy way to get to popular destinations around Orange County, including bus routes that operate near Downtown Fullerton, Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm and more. The free bus rides, which have been offered for nearly 20 years, were not offered last year because of health concerns related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) but are returning this year as more people return to regular activities. All riders on OC Bus must wear a face covering to board and ride, and the health and safety of passengers and coach operators remains the top priority for OCTA. Those who choose to go out to mark the New Year are encouraged to consider taking advantage of the free bus service to help celebrate responsibly. Those planning to ride the bus this New Year’s Eve are encouraged to plan their trip ahead of time by visiting www.OCBus.com. Free rides begin at 6 p.m., so those getting a start prior to that time must pay the $2 bus fare or use an OC Bus pass. To date, the free service has recorded more than 162,000 boardings since it began in 2002.
ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE/WEDNESDAY, DEC. 29, 2021 5
Arts&Living
‘Becoming Ricardos’? Almost, almost ... Nice insights, a good script but do we see the stars as they were? By Jim Tortolano Orange County Tribune Here is the problem with “Becoming the Ricardos,” the otherwise admirable new film from Amazon Studios by Aaron Sorkin. The people most likely to appreciate a movie about the making of the legendary “I Love Lucy” TV show of the Fifties – Baby Boomers and older – are those most likely to see the gaps between the series and the motion picture. Nicole Kidman (as Lucille Ball) and Javier Bardem (Desi Arnaz) do their best with an excellent script that gives us an interesting inside look at the dynamics and personalities behind the show, but it’s not always easy to accept them as Lucy and Ricky. Bardem is the biggest reach. He’s best remembered as the serial killer in “No Country For Old Men,” topped by the worst haircut in cinema history outside of the Three Stooges. His bulk and demeanor don’t quite
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH “I LOVE LUCY” Nicole Kidman, Javier Bardem in “Becoming the Ricardos” (Amazon Pictures)
Movie Review line up with the suave, peppy Desi we saw on the black-and-white 10inch screens of the Eisenhower era.
BY THE LOOKS OF THINGS ... Some critics have complained about the casting
Kidman is more credible as Lucille Ball, especially once you accept that the real Lucy Ball was more brainy and less madcap than Lucy Ricardo, it’s easier to say, “Ok, close enough.” Frankly, the second half of the film goes more smoothly for one struggling with the visual dissonance. Much is revealed about the technical innovations of the show and Lucy’s skirmish over once having signed up as a Communist (simply as a tribute to her beloved lefty grandfather is her explanation) and the ultimately doomed marriage between two strong personalities – one who can’t keep her lips zipped and one who can’t keep his zipper zipped. The relationship between the Ricardos and their friends – Nina Arianda playing Vivian Vance as Ethel Mertz and J.K. Simmons as William Frawley as Fred Mertz – offers another view that’s refreshing. If, for example, Lucille Ball was such a strong woman, why did Lucy
Good: HHH Ricardo so often break down into tears, bawling, “Oh, Ricky, I’m so sorry!” “I Love Lucy” was a peak in TV comedy, but what followed in Ball’s career was one long – if profitable – slide toward irrelevance. She kept playing the same role over and over, one pratfall and wacky scheme after another. She was good at what she did, but never did it as well as she did with Desi. The “lightning in a bottle” could never be recaptured. The same could be said – kindly – about this movie and the people and events it depicts. “Becoming the Ricardos” is rated R for language and some sexuality. In theaters and streaming on Amazon Prime.
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MOST AREA PREP TEAMS WILL START LEAGUE ... on January 4, 5, or 12 locally
Boys’ high school basketball league play about to begin The boys’ high school basketball season for 2021-2021 is wrapping up its tournaments and league play is about to start. Some of the top teams in Orange County hail from The Tribune’s coverage area of Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Stanton and Westminster. With league play starting for most teams on Tuesday, Jan. 4 and Wednesday, Jan. 5 and others on Wednesday, Jan. 12, some have built impressive records in their preleague performances. Based on won-lost marks, the elite among local boys teams would appear to include Orangewood Academy (11-2), Pacifica (12-2), Edison (13-3) and Marina (11-4). Here’s a league-by-league look at standings and conference openers involving Tribune coverage area teams. • Academy League: Orangewood’s Spartans start league play hosting Southlands Christian Academy on Jan. 4. • Empire League: Pacifica will open play on Jan. 4 at Valencia. The EL is again a tough slog, as it also includes Crean Lutheran (9-0) and Tustin 12-4). • Garden Grove League: The
GGL looks balanced again with three teams – La Quinta (9-7), Bolsa Grande (7-6) and Santiago (8-8) in position to contend. Following are Loara (6-10), Los Amigos (2-8) and Rancho Alamitos (6-11). League action starts Jan. 5 with La Quinta at Santiago, Rancho at Bolsa Grande and Los Amigos at Loara. • Golden West League: As has been the cases the last two seasons, Garden Grove (7-6) and Ocean View (8-6) are expected to the favorites for the GGL title. Westminster is 3-0 so far. On Jan. 4, the Argonauts open GWL action hosting Katella, while Ocean View is at Segerstrom and the Lions host Godinez. • Orange League: Western (48) hosts Savanna on Jan. 4 and Magnolia (0-14) hosts Santa Ana Valley. • Orange Coast League: The Orange Panthers (6-10) visit Estancia on Jan. 15. • Surf League: Edison starts league play vs. Laguna Beach on Jan. 12. • Wave League: Marina opens on Jan. 12 against Fountain Valley, while Huntington Beach (4-11) takes on Corona Del Mar (14-1). A look at the girls’ basketball scene will follow soon.
HAPPY NEW YEAR! HAVE A GREAT 2022
ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE/WEDNESDAY, DEC. 29, 2021 7
Rams on the run and it did work vs. Vikes Continued from page 8
REPUBLIC SERVICES WILL GET YOUR TREE But have it out no later than Jan. 7, please
Free Christmas tree pickup is offered through January 7 Republic Services will provide free pick up of holiday trees during a 2-week period, beginning Monday, Dec. 27 through Friday, January 7. Also, in observance of the New Year’s holiday, trash pickup will be delayed by one day on Jan. 1. If you are disposing of a tree, please remove all ornaments, decorations, stands, tinsels, nails, plastic and lights. Be sure to also place out holiday trees on the curb the night before trash collection day. Flocked trees are not recyclable
and are not eligible for the free collection, but may be disposed of in the regular trash container or by scheduling a bulky item pickup. For questions about holiday trash or tree pickups, call Republic Services at (800) 700-8610 or visit www.republicservices.com. The Orange County Tribune covers Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Stanton and Westminster
host the Denver Broncos (7-8). The loser can pretty much count on missing the post-season. After winning two straight they’ve lost two in a row. With a lot on the line, they can’t afford a fourth quarter meltdown like they did against Houston. “I just didn’t coach well enough today,” said coach Brandon Staley. The same could be said for the previous game in which the Bolts passed up nine potential points on short field goal attempts in favor of risky fourth-and-goal attempts.
The cold and hot of winter-time sports
It’s winter so a lot of the sports action is shifting into arenas, but that hasn’t helped the Lakers get any warmer. After losing five straight games, they’re 16-18 and 11.5 games back in the NBA Pacific Division. The Clippers, at 17-16, aren’t much better. But, at least they are in fifth place in the Western Conference – the top six qualify for the playoffs – while their stable-mates are in seventh. As for the Anaheim Duck and Los Angeles Kings, the coronavirus has their schedules all mixed up, so it’s not just a matter of how they’ll finish this season but whether the National Hockey League will finish the season at all. “Sports Monday” is written by Pete Zarustica.
Are you interested in placing advertising in The Orange County Tribune (print and website)? Call Jim at (714) 458-1860 for details.
Are you interested in placing advertising in The Orange County Tribune (print and website)? Call Jim at (714) 4581860 for details.
8 WEDNESDAY, DEC. 29, 2021/ORANGE COUNTY TRIBUNE
TheSportsPage
Rams made the playoffs in the long run
SONY MICHEL (25) GAVE THE RAMS A RUNNING GAME AGAINST THE VIKINGS He rushed for this touchdown and 131 yards in a 30-23 win that clinched a post-season spot (LA Rams/Bleven Townsell) After a rocky November, the month of December has brought happy holidays in the form of nothing but wins for the Los Angeles Rams as well as a guaranteed spot in the NFL playoffs. The Rams are 11-4 and in first place in the NFC West. They’re on a four-game winning streak, capped by Sunday’s 30-23 win over the Minnesota Vikings in the Gopher State and are now seeded second in the National Football Conference behind the Green Bay Packers. Unlike some previous contests in which Matthew Stafford’s strong right arm was the key, Sunday’s win was accomplished by and large with the legs and
SportsWeek feet. Sony Michel carried the ball 27 times for 131 yards and a touchdown, which helped keep the Viking defense from focusing chiefly on defending the pass. But the real turning point came at 7:06 of the third quarter when Brandon Powell, lately up from the practice squad, returned a punt 61 yards for a score that proved to be the difference. “We had to have that,” said coach Sean McVay, in a bit of an understatement. Stafford actually had kind of an off-day, passing for 197 yards and
a TD, but being intercepted three times which kept the Vikes in the game. Without Cooper Kupp –10 catches for 109 yards – the Rams likely would be mourning rather than celebrating. Either way, they’d better not be too happy to take their next opponent seriously. They play the Baltimore Ravens (8-7) next Sunday in Maryland, a team perhaps more hungry than the boys from SoFi. Pride goeth before a fall, especially in the winter.
Chargers lose ground in the playoff race
Talk about your key games. After the Chargers (8-7) lost 41-29 to
the Houston Texans on Sunday, they really need to make this one count next Sunday when they Continued on page 7