NEWS INSIDE A Monthly Community Newspaper AUGUST 2025 Canyon Beat Page 6 Real Estate Page 10 Service Directory Pages 11-12 Professional Directory Page 13 The Best News In Town Since 1969 FOLLOW US at Foothills Sentry THE ICEMAN COMETH Local electeds address the uneasy specter of immigration raids in the community. See Guest Commentaries, page 4 TIME OUT Community sports, like the high school athletes it covers, is taking the summer off. Will return in the fall. NO HARM, MORE FOWL Orange revises ordinance allowing residents to keep six chickens and modifying coop setbacks. See Chickens, page 3 FEEL THE BURN OC Supervisors bypass public scrutiny and approve a housing tract in a high fire zone. See County, page 7 OUT IN THE STREET Residents take to the road with bikes, carts and sturdy shoes for hometown 4th of July parade. See Villa Park, page 14 See "Sully-Miller" continued on page 6 See "ICE" continued on page 2 Pastor Roger Frick of Salem Lutheran Church was the Grand Marshal for this year's Orange Park Acres 4th of July Parade. He is accompanied by wife Patty and driver John Reina. More photos, page 15. Fate of Sully-Miller property inches toward resolution By Tina Richards A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Orange and Sully-Miller site property owner Milan REI was approved by the city council at its July 22 meeting. The MOU, a follow-on to a Letter of Intent signed April 22, signals the beginning of the end of the decades of disagreement over the fate of the Sully-Miller property in East Orange. The embattled property, purchased by Milan in 2008, has been the site of three failed housing proposals, a construction waste dump, and a stockpile for dirt and debris that contains varying degrees of contaminants. A 2020 voter referendum ensured that open space zoning covered the site. Milan is ready to divest itself of the property, and Orange would like to acquire it for open space, provided Milan gets clearance from all applicable regulatory agencies. The MOU is a step in that direction. Build where you may Milan owns two other properties adjacent to Sully-Miller that are zoned for development. The acreage north of Santiago Creek and south of Mabury Ranch has already been approved for 22 single family houses. The tract map for that project received the city’s OK in 2020, stalled for a while, and is now back on track with the developer getting “ministerial” permits from the city. The current horse arena property on the other side of Santiago Canyon Road across from Sully-Miller is zoned for houses on one-acre lots. That would accommodate six units. Milan wanted to build 118 units there and applied for that project under the “Builder’s Remedy,” an untested legal theory that allows developers to bypass local zoning ordinances and general plans. Milan also filed a Builder’s Remedy application for 231 units on the Sully-Miller site. Because the legality of the Builder’s Remedy has not been tested in court and is not a sure thing, Milan agreed to put its application on hold and negotiate with the city for an outcome that would settle the Sully-Miller issue and allow for an acceptable level of development (more than six, less than 118) on the horse arena property. Fair trade Under the MOU, Milan will submit plans to the city for 30 residential units on that site. The Orange council mute on ICE raids in the city By Tina Richards The City of Orange has not been immune to raids by federal ICE agents forcibly detaining Latino residents who may, or may not, be undocumented. The topic arose at the last two city council meetings with similar results. Councilwoman Ana Gutierrez acknowledged the fear among Latino immigrants, speaking to that issue at the onset of the June 24 city council meeting (see Guest Commentary, page 4). Following her remarks, Arianna Barrios offered three suggestions for the council to consider in support of its Latino residents. “This is a federal issue,” she acknowledged, “not the purview of the council. But when it comes before the city, when we see people scared, we have an obligation to speak out.” Her suggestions included a letter from the council to the city’s congressional representatives (Lou Correa, Young Kim) asking them to ensure laws are enforced respectfully and that they advocate for the city. She also asked that a list of resources (nonprofit agencies, legal help) be posted on the city’s website to aid both legal and nonlegal immigrants alike. She further suggested a city proclamation reiterating city values, noting that First Amendment rights are cherished and that residents who are valuable members of the community are treated with respect and dignity. From silence to free speech Gutierrez’s comments and Barrios’s suggestions were met with silence. Silence from the audience and the dais. Mayor Dan Slater broke the spell, suggesting that documented residents had nothing to fear, that they are protected by the Constitution, and that the city respects the right to protest. “This is a federal issue,” he said. “We should stay out of it.” Jon Dumitru, the only other council member to respond, noted that the city website had never posted resources for other groups (vets, the homeless, service projects), suggesting it was inappropriate to do so. He then focused his comments on the free speech aspect of Barrio’s proclamation suggestion. A proclamation supporting free speech would just be another piece of paper, he noted, and that we already have a “giant piece of paper signed by the founders that says we have free speech.” Defending free speech, he said, is standing up to those who want to deny it, not creating another piece of paper. He also advised that protests are allowed in the city, that “they are doing it right now in the Plaza.” “You do it peacefully,” he said, “that’s fine. But the second you break the law, you want to be 1960s? We’ll return to the 1960s and there should be firehoses. I have no problem with that.” He later apologized for the remark. Take two At the July 22 council meeting, Barrios and Gutierrez introduced a resolution that would require ICE agents operating in the city to not wear masks and identify themselves. The councilwomen’s resolution was bolstered by 26 public speakers who described See "OUSD" continued on page 3 New OUSD superintendent plans to listen and learn By Tina Richards The Orange Unified School District (OUSD) Board of Trustees is optimistic about the future, and considers its choice of Dr. Rachel Monárrez for Superintendent as a positive step in the right direction. Monárrez, the first “outsider” hired to be superintendent since 2008, has been on board since July 1 and, as described by board members, hit the ground running. On her first day, the district learned that federal funding for certain education programs, previously approved by Congress, would not be released as scheduled. The $1.8 million loss is approximately 2% of the district budget and had already been included in the adopted budget for the 2025–26 fiscal year. Monárrez was quick to assure constituents that the district is prepared for this loss of funding, is in good fiscal condition and will continue all programs and services for the next school year. Eye on OUSD Born and raised in Southern California, Monárrez spent most of her 32-year career in the San Bernardino School District. She spent the last three years as superintendent of a district in Massachusetts. Ironically, she says, she always watched OUSD from afar. “It is the perfect mix of Southern California. It’s a district of excellence, and protecting children is a core value. When I heard that OUSD was looking for a superintendent, I had to put my name in.” During her first board meeting, July 14, she presented her immediate priorities as superintendent. They are, primarily, “listening and learning.” Monárrez is meeting with anyone and everyone who will share their thoughts about OUSD. That includes staff, teachers, students, constituents, city officials. “I want to learn what people consider OUSD’s OUSD Superintendent Rachel Monárrez
Foothills Sentry Page 2 AUGUST 2025 ORANGE UNIFIED CLASSES BEGIN AUGUST 20 ENROLL NOW OR BOOK YOUR PERSONAL TOUR TODAY! WWW.ORANGEUSD.ORG PRESCHOOL TK-12 COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS CHAMPIONSHIP ATHLETICS EARLY COLLEGE AWARD-WINNING SCHOOLS & PROGRAMS DISTRICTWIDE DUAL IMMERSION US NEWS & WORLD REPORT: “BEST” SCHOOLS IN THE NATION GE UNIFI BEGIN AUGUS IED T 20 I S "ICE" continued from page 1 Orange Elks named an All American Lodge By Bill Neessen For the ninth time in the last 11 years, the Orange Elks Lodge #1475 was honored as an All American Lodge. The term "All American," in Elkdom, and in our society, means that you are the best that you can be. For the 2024-25 Elk year, the Orange Elks officers, committee chairmen, members, spouses and friends all helped the lodge earn this title. The Lodge supports the programs of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Its key projects are scholarships; youth activity programs; donations to veterans’ causes; participation in veterans programs; conducting an Americanism essay contest; and having a drug awareness education program. The lodge works closely with the Orange Police Department, Fire Department, and GRIP (Gang Reduction Intervention Partnership), Key 2024-25 activities included teaming with the Santiago Creek Greenway Alliance to clean up the Creek; the Antler Program; coordinating two blood drives with the American Red Cross; Flags Over Orange; monthly Flags Over the Plaza; assisting members of Pasadena Elks Lodge who lost their homes in the fires; donating to the HUB Resource Center; providing dinners at the Tustin Village Outpost and Youth Appreciation awards Protesters march along Chapman Avenue, denouncing federal ICE raids that target Latinos. The Orange Elks All American Lodge Award the fear permeating the city, offered first-hand accounts of unidentified masked men detaining and arresting brown-skinned people without regard for legal or illegal status, and implored the council to approve the resolution. Barrios, Gutierrez and many public commenters described the resolution as symbolic of the city’s support and respect for its residents. It was likely unenforceable, but would send a message that Orange recognized the problem ICE’s heavy-handed tactics created for the city, the police department and residents. During the council discussion, most agreed that masked federal agents nabbing residents from the streets was a problem and that people should know who they are, or at least what agency they represent. They also acknowledged that these unidentifiable “officials” destroyed public confidence in all law enforcement, including the Orange police. No stand taken The council, however, was not prepared to adopt the resolution. Citing its lack of enforcement teeth, the city’s inability to “interfere with federal agents,” the likelihood that some activities would require officers to be masked, and that agents had to hide their faces for their own safety, the council quashed the item before taking a vote. Councilman John Gyllenhammer was willing to approve the resolution with some language changes to provide more discretion for law enforcement, but admitted that such changes would substantially weaken it. Barrios motioned for a vote on the subject, but Jon Dumitru made an alternate motion to table it. Mayor Dan Slater, Dumitru, Denis Bilodeau and Kathy Tavoularis agreed to dismiss it. Barrios, Gutierrez and Gyllenhammer disagreed. “I’m disappointed,” Barrios said. “All we were asking is for the council to show support for the community. This is despicable.”
Page 3 Foothills Sentry AUGUST 2025 Learn more at eocwd.com Learn more at eocwd.com/landscape Family. Friends. Community. We’re all in this together. State Farm, Bloomington, IL 1801073 Ron Esparza, Agent Insurance Lic#: 0C79663 827 S. Tustin Ave Orange, CA 92866 Bus: 714-505-3400 ron@ronesparza.com Back to school. Shop Orange! dan@DanSlater.com 714-744-2219 1537 E. Chapman Ave. Orange, CA 92866 DAN SLATER Orange Councilman Denis Bilodeau with backyard chickens Sage, Sorrel, Parsley and Thyme. Chickens come home to roost By Tina Richards “ Y ou have me t o t hank or bl ame f or t hi s , Orange Counc i l man D eni s B i l od eau advi s ed t he audi enc e at t he J une 24 c i t y c ounc i l meet i ng, “ I br ought t hi s f or w ard.” B i l ode au w as ref erri ng t o amendm ent s t o a c i t y ordi nanc e regul at i ng c hi c k ens and c hi c ke n c oops ow ned b y Orange res i - de nt s . T he or di nanc e previ ous l y l i mi t ed t he num be r of c hi c ke ns per household to five and required c oops t o be l oc at ed at l eas t 20 f eet f rom propert y l i nes . U nde r t he revi s ed c ode , t he number of permi t t ed c hi c ke ns i s s i x and c oops pos i t i one d at l eas t 20 f eet f rom a nei ghbor i ng dw el l i ng. “ Chi c ke ns are s oc i al c reat ur es ,” B i l o de au s ays , “ and t hey tend to pair off.” When you have an une ven num be r of t hem, t he odd f ow l w i l l get pi c ked on, he expl ai ns , i t ’ s t he pec ki ng or de r. F ur t her, he not ed, res i de nt s w i t h odd s i zed l ot s c oul d not have poul t ry bec aus e t hey c oul dn’ t meet t he 20 f eet f rom a property line requirement. Changing the buffer zone to 20 feet from a nei ghbor ’ s hous e al l ow s mor e l eeway i n t he pl ac ement of a c oop. T hi s c i t y ’ s rat i ona l e f or t he c hange s ounds a l i t t l e mor e bureauc rat i c . “T he c i t y’ s c ur rent c hi c ke n ke epi ng regul at i ons w ere es t abl i s hed t o bal anc e ur ba n agri - c ul t ur e w i t h res i de nt i al l and us e,” the staff report on the amended or di nanc e advi s ed. “B as ed on staff interaction during Code Enf or c ement i nves t i gat i ons and w hat has be c om e an es t abl i s hed popul ar ani mal - ke epi ng prac t i c e i n t ypi c al s i ngl e- f ami l y nei ghbor - hoods , t here i s a need t o ref res h city standards to reflect “real w or l d” c ondi t i on s t hat have prov - en t o f unc t i on i n an ac c ept abl e manner. T hi s i nc l ude s i nc reas i ng t he al l o w abl e num be r of c hi c ke ns and adj us t i ng prope rt y l i ne ba s ed s et ba c ks . T he propos ed amendment s w oul d al i gn w i t h regi ona l t rends and i mprove prac t i c al i t y f or res i de nt s .” City staff reviewed backyard c hi c ke n regul at i ons i n s ur roundi ng j ur i s di c t i ons and f ound t hat s i x or morec hi c ke ns i s not unreas ona bl e w hen empl oyi ng mor e flexible setback requirements. Addi t i ona l l y , havi ng s i x c hi c ke ns provi de s res i de nt s w i t h a mor e rel i abl e s uppl y of eggs . The 20-foot buffer between c hi c ke n hous i ng and nei ghbor i ng dwellings, staff noted, provides greater flexibility for residents w hi l e mai nt ai ni ng appropri at e s af egua rds t o mi ni mi ze noi s e, odor and pe s t c onc erns . T he revi s ed ordi nanc e al s o del et ed an exi s t i ng c od e s ec t i on t hat l i mi t ed t he c om bi ned num be r of dogs , c at s and s mal l ani mal s per household to five. With that omiss i on, hous ehol ds w i t h dogs and c at s may have t he s ame num be r of c hi c ke ns as hous ehol ds w i t hout dogs and c at s . T he c i t y c ounc i l approved t he or di nanc e by una ni mous vot e. "OUSD" conti nu ed f rom page 1 s t rengt hs and opport uni t i es f or i mprove ment ,” s he s ays . “ I w ant t o gi ve peopl e s pac e t o t al k about w hat ’ s not w or ki ng and t o bui l d confidence in the district.” S he pl ans t o vi s i t every s c hool c ampus and s pend t i me at eac h one by t he end of t he ye ar. “ As ki ng c hi l dr en w hat t hey t hi nk i s f as c i nat i ng,” s he not es . M oná rrez al s o i nt ends t o hos t f ami l y f or um s t hroughout t he di s t ri c t s t art i ng i n S ept ember. H er goa l i s t o get t o know OUSD families and find out w hat w or ks f or t hem. Connecting with constituents S he i s part i c ul arl y i nt eres t ed i n meet i ng w i t h c ons t i t ue nt s w ho di s agree w i t h OU S D pol i c i es or t he w ay i t handl es c ont rove rs y . “ I may not be ab l e t o c hange anyt hi ng,” s he s ugge s t s “ but I w i l l l i s t en t o t hem and make s ur e t hey know I am l i s t eni ng.” “ Educ at i on i s about peopl e,” s he s t res s es , “ and t he w or k i s al - w ays about c hi l dr en. B i g peopl e s erve t he l i t t l e peopl e. T he prom - i s e i s t hat every c hi l d wi l l get w hat t hey need. And t hat prom - i s e i s s om et hi ng you are al w ays w or ki ng t ow ard. I ’ m goi ng t o be everyw here, out w here i t ’ s happeni ng. Y ou c an’ t c ol l abor at e w i t h peopl e be hi nd a c om put er s c reen.” The stakes are high I n a rec ent c onve rs at i on wi t h t he new s upe ri nt ende nt , s he s hared her t hought s on s everal i s s ue s of i mpor t t o OU S D i n part i c ul ar and publ i c s c hool s i n general . On school consolidation: D ec l i ni ng enrol l ment has be en happeni ng al l ove r t he s t at e f or t he past 10 years. We have to take a proa c t i ve approa c h t o what ’ s i n t he be s t i nt eres t of s t ude nt s . S mal l s c hool s c an be good; t hey are f ami l y f ri endl y. B ut t hey can’t offer the range of programs t hat s c hool s w i t h l arger popul ations can. We want to offer more progr ams i n mi ddl e s c hool s , f or exa mpl e, t hat c apt ur e t hei r i nt eres t s and bet t er prepare t hem f or c areers and hi gher educ at i on. I ‘ ve l i s t ened t o t he s t udy s es s i on on school consolidation. We are i n t he i nves t i gat i ve phas e ri ght now . I n res pons e t o t he c om muni t y and B oa rd’ s f eedba c k OU S D w i l l rec onve ne t he c ons ol i da t i on s t udy c om mi t t ee f or f ur t her di s - c us s i on, i nc l udi ng a revi s i on of t he i ni t i al t i mel i ne. I t ’ s a great oppor t uni t y t o ret hi nk ul t i mat el y w hat ’ s be s t f or c hi l dr en. Public education: P ubl i c educ at i on i s t he c or ners t one of de - moc rac y; publ i c s c hool s are hubs for every child. We love them all. B ut parent s s end t hei r c hi l dr en t o c hart er s c hool s f or a reas on; t hey want w hat ’ s be s t f or t hem. We need to learn from charter s c hool s , unde rs t and w hat t hey are doi ng and t hen do i t be t t er. Immigration enforcement: Our res pons i bi l i t y i n publ i c educ at i on i s t o ke ep c hi l dr en s af e, bot h phys i c al l y and ps yc hol og i - cally. We must follow the law, but w edo not as k about s t at us . I t doe s not mat t er. OU S D mus t al - w ays be a s af e pl ac e f or s t ude nt s . We are looking at ways to support c hi l dr en w ho may have be en s eparat ed f rom t hei r parent s , or f ear that they will be. We’re looking at mor e c om mu ni t y engagement . Staff knows what to do in the f ac e of hei ght ened enf or c ement . Above al l , w e mus t prot ec t t he c hi l dr en. Artificial intelligence: F ut ur eready l earni ng i nc l ude s AI . I t c an be us ed t o f ree up l ow - l evel t hi nki ng, but AI c an’ t be a problem solver. We will always need the human element. We have to t eac h s t ude nt s how t o us e AI f or t he ri ght reas ons . I f w edo not hi ng, i t w i l l be us ed t hew rong w ay . In summary: “ T he pat h t o s uc - c es s i s not a s t rai ght l i ne,” M oná rrez says. It’s a squiggly line full of f al s e s t art s , de ade nds and t ri al and e rror .
Foothills Sentry Page 4 AUGUST 2025 JOHNSON MOTORCARS 34 Years of Specializing in the Service and Repair of Mercedes-Benz Gary Johnson 714-997-2567 982 N. Batavia # B13, Orange, CA 92867 gary@johnsonmotorcars.com @ramblingroseoc Circulation … 39,000 Published on the last Tuesday of each month and distributed to residences, businesses, libraries and civic centers. Printing by Advantage, Inc. 714-532-4406 foothillssentry.com 1107 E. Chapman Ave., #207 Orange, CA 92866 ©Foothills Sentry 2025 Publisher/Editor Anita Bennyhoff 1969-2013 Editor Tina Richards editor@foothillssentry.com Sports Editor Cliff Robbins sportseditor@att.net Graphic Designer Jef Maddock graphics@foothillssentry.com Advertising Sales Andie Mills advertising@foothillssentry.com 714-926-9299 Office Manager officemanager@foothillssentry.com ICE is snatching people off the streets of our city By Ana Gutierrez To quote Albert Einstein: “If I were to remain silent, I’d be guilty of complicity.” Therefore, I must speak out against the injustice my Latino brothers and sisters are currently enduring. We are being randomly profiled because of the color of our skin. We have been witnessing, over the past two weeks, the various ICE/ HSI sweeps in our neighboring county, cities and within our own city boundaries. The most recent and inhumane recently occurred to Narcisco Barranco, father of three U.S. Marines, all OUSD graduates. He was brutally beaten and taken away to a detention center as he was working as a landscaper at an IHOP in Tustin. Two weeks ago, in my neighborhood in El Modena, ICE apprehended a Latino man in the parking lot of the old Ace Hardware store. Word got out quickly, rumors were flying, and fear was struck into the neighborhood. No one felt safe to go outside, regardless of status. Two days after that, in front of my home, I, along with my daughter and neighbors, witnessed immigration randomly pick up another Latino man who was walking on the sidewalk, place him in a van and swiftly drive away with him -- in less than 30 seconds. All that we have been witnessing has created fear, anger and distrust among the Latino community, whether they have legal or non-legal status. It’s not only undocumented day laborers that go to Home Depot, 7-11s or car washes. We all do, and it appears that even if you state you are a legal resident, a naturalized citizen, an American citizen, or show your real ID, you are not believed and taken away. No one feels safe. This despicable inhumane manner of enforcing immigration laws is attempting to break us, incite fear, terrorize us, round up whomever, with or without cause, legal or not legal, and push for self-deportation. This is Operation Wetback from 1954 all over again. I am a proud American. I love my county. America is my only home, the country I pledge allegiance to, the country that has afforded me my education and opportunities. But I am also proud of my cultural heritage, my Mexican heritage, my family roots. These two elements have shaped who I am today. I have always been proud to be bilingual and bicultural. But right now, I do not recognize my America. I have never experienced nor witnessed such blatant racial profiling; I have never felt fear for being Latina and brown-skinned. I am saddened that we are having to bear witness to these types of events. My family immigrated to the U.S. through the Bracero Program in the early 1960s, and although my family’s pathway was differGuest Commentary ent than those who are currently here illegally, what unites us is the hope of the American dream. Yet there hasn’t been a pathway afforded to them in 39 years. It is time that our congressional leaders begin to work on this much needed immigration reform. I want my community to know that I stand with them, as do other elected leaders who are fulfilling their oversight duties by visiting ICE detention centers (despite the roadblocks), offering resources in knowing your rights and services for those experiencing difficulties, and speaking up for their communities. Thank you, Congressman Lou Correa, Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento and Assemblyman Avaleno Valencia. It is unfortunate that our Congresswoman Young Kim who represents Orange, has yet to speak out against the inhumane way in which her Latino constituents are being treated. I encourage her to join Congressman Correa in visiting the ICE detention center to check on her constituents. Lastly, I want to encourage all of those who are standing for those who cannot stand and fighting for those without your privilege, to continue to do so in a peaceful and safe manner. It is your constitutional right. I want to thank the Orange Police Department for putting out a statement that they have worked tirelessly to keep Orange safe and build community among the residents. Let’s hope both the OPD and residents are mindful of that and nurture that relationship. Orange PD is there to enforce infractions or any criminal activity, not immigration laws. Stay safe, be peaceful, know your rights and God bless. Ana Gutierrez represents District 5 on the Orange City Council. She made these remarks at the June 24 meeting. Orange Unified vows to protect student rights By Kris Erickson I want to take a moment to address an issue that is weighing heavily on the hearts and minds of many in our community. That is the current surge in Immigration Enforcement activity, and the manner in which that enforcement is happening. We have, for the past month, witnessed something most of us have not seen in our lifetimes. In addition to serving on this OUSD board, I am an attorney and I sit on the board of a local family resource center. In all contexts, we have seen firsthand how these policies are playing out on our streets, right here on Chapman Avenue, and we see a real fear that is disrupting and tearing apart the lives of our OUSD families. To be clear, the fear is not just felt by undocumented persons. The fear is felt throughout many immigrant communities and in this area, by Latino citizens, green card holders, those with pending cases in immigration court and the undocumented. American children are living in fear their parents will not come home. Some of the families we serve are so scared they are skipping food distributions and essential services—choosing hunger over being seen. I have had the honor of attending an immigration hearing for one of our local El Modena families, and I cannot tell you how heartbreaking it is to see a grown man - a proud hardworking man - brought to tears and enduring conditions no American should stand for. That’s not the kind of community we should aspire to be. It’s not sustainable for a society that relies on the strength of every one of its members. We know our immigrant families are essential to our economy and culture. Their presence enriches our neighborhoods, classrooms, churches and community spaces. They work with us; they own businesses; their children attend school with ours; we sit on sports fields together. What is hopeful and inspiring is the range of people coming together on this issue. People of faith, humanists, civil libertarians, those of differing political persuasions are coming together. I am grateful for the many community nonprofits that are stepping up. I am grateful to those who are rising up to support and speak out. And I am grateful to the many people donating food and offering to bring food to people who need it. As your public school district, we want to reassure our community that we are committed to protecting our students' rights. We do not collect data or distribute data regarding immigration status. That is not our business. Our business is providing education, safety, and well-being to all of our students to ensure they are able to learn and thrive. All students enrolled in summer school are provided meals, and all children under 18 can receive free meals Monday through Friday. Additionally, our Student and Community Services Office (714-628-5424) is open and can personally tailor services to meet the needs of students, including counseling, academic support and others. We have a lot of students attending summer schools, and it is heartening to see the joy shining in them. We’re seeing children thrive in environments that are safe, fun and nurturing. Kids are allowed to be kids. The images of joy, curiosity and friendship remind us of what’s possible when we create spaces that uplift and protect. We are working hard to keep that trust in our district. Not only are we doing all we can to maintain safe, welcoming environments for every child right now—we're already planning for the fall to give families the very best options. Our commitment is clear: to ensure every student is placed in an environment where they are safe, can learn, grow and be served in the most meaningful way possible. Kris Erickson is president of the Orange Unified School Board of Trustees. She delivered these remarks at the July 14 meeting. From left, Pat Robles-Friedman, president P.E.O. - IE Chapter, Sheryl Franke, projects committee member, Aaliyah Fortes - STAR winner, Marcia Reynolds, projects committee chair. FHS grad receives P.E.O. STAR Scholarship Aaliyah Fortes, a senior at Foothill High School, was selected to receive a $2,500 STAR Scholarship from the P.E.O. Sisterhood. She was recommended by P.E.O. Chapter IE of Orange. The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship was established in 2009 to provide funding for exceptional women in their final year of high school who plan to attend an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the U.S. or Canada in the next academic year. The competitive STAR Scholarship is for women who exhibit excellence in leadership, academics, extracurricular activities, community service and potential for future success. At Foothill High School, Fortes was on the varsity golf and flag football teams. She was the founder and president of the Miracles for Kids Club, president of her National Charity League Chapter, MVP and lead attorney of the Foothill Mock Trial Team, and a Baccalaureate candidate. She will attend Notre Dame in the fall to pursue a degree in global affairs and political science. She plans to travel abroad in connection with her studies. P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) has been celebrating women helping women for more than 155 years, providing more than $432 million in grants, scholarships, awards and loans. Chapter IE has been a part of the Orange, Tustin and Santa Ana communities since 1935.
Page 5 Foothills Sentry AUGUST 2025 Turning point Dear Editor: I believe July 3 was one of the saddest days in modern American history. It marks the largest healthcare withdrawal in American history. Seventeen million Americans in our country will lose their Medicaid and ACA insurance. Small business owners will face skyrocketing healthcare costs, while people will have their SNAP and WIC benefits cut back, leading to food insecurity and increased health risks. All of this is being done solely to finance tax cuts for billionaires and the wealthiest corporations that don’t even need them. I have never witnessed or prepared for the catastrophic consequences this will have for many people. It is devastating. Mark Moore Orange Zooming in Dear Editor: Re: open town hall meetings hosted by Young Kim Whereas I don’t like the idea of the Senate slipping in a surprise projected sale of the Cleveland National Forest as part of the Big Beautiful Bill, I can see why Young Kim and Supervisor Don Wagner might be advised by the local police to switch from an in-person meeting to a Zoom meeting. This last year, I went to a town hall in the Tustin Community Center, right next door to the police station. Young Kim had arranged for 10 vendors who offer services to seniors and homeless vets to be there. The 10 representatives went to the front of the room and described their services. What I didn’t notice was the number of people coming into the room as they were speaking and quietly taking a seat. When it came to the questionand-answer part, one lady stood up and screamed, “What are you going to do about the bombing in Gaza? You have blood on your hands.” Then, one by one, approximately 25% of the audience stood up and screamed some more. They took over the meeting. Luckily, the police were next door and they came into the room. I quietly slipped out the back as I didn’t want to have any part of the new protest. The point is, as carefully as you may plan a peaceful protest to speak to elected officials, there are “bad actors” who follow these politicians who feel free to change the subject and voice their opinion in a disrespectful manner. I did find it interesting that the public is trying to hold the local Republican representatives accountable for the actions of the Democratic senators that did not prevent insertion of the Cleveland National Forest wording into the senate bill. Gwen Masters North Tustin Ed. Note: The sale of public lands was removed from the budget bill by the Senate parliamentarian because it is a policy issue, and policy changes cannot be included in a reconciliation bill. It's the economy Dear Editor: The story our city council should be telling is of economic development, renewed growth and a city in financial recovery. That narrative is getting lost. Economic development is: • Getting current businesses to stay healthy and grow • Attracting new businesses to our city and supporting them to keep them in our city • Getting current residents to spend money in our city • Increasing sales tax collections and maintaining the increase. People go where they feel welcome and safe, which means their money and businesses go with them. Sales tax follows where people spend their money. City councilmembers and community members asked the city for help because businesses and residents are being harmed. People stopped shopping and eating out, which caused businesses to not make money and the city to collect less sales tax revenue, a major source of revenue. The answer was that no help was coming and blaming those asking for help. The city sent the message that losing out on sales tax revenue because people stopped patronizing local businesses and restaurants is acceptable. This is not supporting economic development. Telling people you do not care about them says “Go away and spend your money somewhere else!” We need to say “Welcome to our city. We hope you make a lot of money for us!” Disdain turns people, businesses and money away. We don’t want that to happen anymore. How does the new city manager fit into the economic development narrative? Part of the pitch for the search for a new city manager was bringing in someone with economic development experience. • What economic development has taken place in Villa Park, Stanton, La Habra Heights and Laguna Hills (cities he previously managed) that are economic game changers for the respective cities? • How much of this economic development work was done after the end of redevelopment and after COVID? • What role did our new city manager play in the economic development of those cities? • What is expected of the new city manager with respect to economic development? Our city deserves that council focus on economic development, including supporting areas with decreased sales tax revenue. Reggie Mundekis Orange Orange limits sale of NOS By Carrie Graham Following suit with the county Board of Supervisors, the City of Orange has adopted an ordinance substantially limiting the sale of nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, whippets or NOS, is a colorless, non-flammable gas widely used by healthcare professionals for medical and dental anesthesia. It takes effect rapidly and dissipates from the human body, making it a primary choice for effective pain relief and minor medical procedures. When administered under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider, nitrous oxide is considered safe and effective. Beyond medical applications, nitrous oxide has various industrial and commercial uses. It can be utilized to enhance engine performance in the automotive industry, as seen in popular movies like “The Fast and the Furious,” and serve as a food preservative or propellant for dispensing and preserving whipped cream and soda. But used as a recreational drug, it has been linked to nerve damage and psychosis, among other health issues. Another key concern is driver impairment. Recreational misuse of the gas in the City of Orange has been linked to multiple accidents over the past few years. One incident involved a 21-year-old driver crashing into an occupied residential apartment building. Another fatal accident saw a 42-year-old driver collide with a tree in Old Towne Orange’s Plaza Park. In a separate case, an 18-year-old driver found in possession of nitrous oxide was arrested after crashing into the historic fountain just months after its restoration from a previous accident. Additionally, another lost his life after crashing into an electrical pole. Most tragically, a fiery high-speed rollover crash claimed three lives, including the driver, and left four others hospitalized. Police discovered a nitrous oxide tank and balloons at the scene, suspecting driver impairment. Overall, the police have made over 120 arrests related to nitrous oxide since January of 2023. One of the primary concerns is its appeal to youth. Of the above incidents, only one driver was above the age of 22. The gas can currently be easily found for sale in a wide range of flavors, making it appealing to younger crowds. During the county meeting in February, Supervisor Katrina Foley, who requested the ban at the end of last year, said there’s a loophole in state law that allows smoke shops and liquor store employees to sell it, as long as they don’t ask the buyer if they plan on using it to get high. When passing the ban for unincorporated areas of the county, supervisors urged cities to take similar action within their own jurisdictions. Now, Orange regulations will prohibit the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide, with the exception of uses explicitly approved by state law, including food preservation, medical and dental applications pharmacies, and vehicle supply stores licensed by the state to sell it. Those who violate the ordinance can face fines that escalate daily or even jail time. From a converted Buick to state-of-the-art fire engines: the history of Tustin’s Fire Department By Guy Ball Some of Tustin’s first firefighting equipment consisted of a twowheel horse cart pulled by volunteers to a fire hydrant. That was back before 1924, when Sam Tustin, the son of the city’s founder, donated his 1912 Buick touring car to the city to be converted to a real firetruck. How did Tustin’s early volunteer firefighting force develop from a converted Buick firetruck to a full-time department that eventually became part of the Orange County Fire Authority? OCFA Fire Battalion Chief Marc Hawkins (retired) and Tustin City Fireman Mike Fertig (retired) will share the history of the department, from when it was part of the California Division of Forestry to its growth into a volunteer fire department, to the Tustin City Fire Department, and now to the OCFA. This Night at the Museum meeting will be held on Friday, Aug. 29 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Tustin Area Museum, 345 El Camino Real in downtown Tustin. Tickets are $20 per person, $15 each for members. Due to the limited seating area, tickets are expected to sell out quickly. For tickets or more information visit TustinHistory.com or call the museum, (714) 731-5701. The Orange Elks supported the Orange High School girls basketball team with a donation of $1,475 for equipment and uniforms. The student-athletes will volunteer at the lodge's Reading Promise program in October. Orange Elks provide funds for OHS girls basketball Girl Scouts seek donations for hygiene kits The Orange Elks Girl Scout Troop #1475 is collecting personal hygiene items to make into kits for the Orange County United Way. The completed kits will be passed along to an emergency shelter, and mental health and veterans agencies. Each one-gallon bag will include a comb, dental floss, deodorant, hand sanitizer, lotion, nail clippers, razor and shaving cream, shampoo, soap, socks, toothbrush, toothpaste, Vaseline and a card of encouragement. Donations are being collected in the Elks lobby, 211 E. Chapman Ave., or view the Amazon wish list at ocuw.to/hygiene. Tustin's first motorized fire truck was converted from a 1912 Buick.
Foothills Sentry Page 6 AUGUST 2025 Forest for the trees Hoist on her own petard Engaged (or enraged) citizens will by now have read the tragicomic story of Representative Young Kim’s apparent public relations miscalculation. Inviting Inter-Canyon League (ICL) President Geoff Sarkissian to host her real-life June 20 visit to Silverado’s Community Center perhaps seemed an opportunity to address criticisms of her failure to host town halls and also sincerely answer residents’ concerns about Trumpian defunding of national parks, GSOB mitigation, and wildfire defense. A jolly crew of mostly grayhaired and tie-dyed constituents attempted to greet her with homemade signs supporting Medicare and wilderness, of all things, with Kim cancelling. Rescheduling the meeting to Zoom, Sarkissian welcomed Kim and staffer John Ding and two leaders each from canyon organizations: Silverado-Modjeska Parks and Recreation District (SMRPD), Fire Safe Council (FSC), both Volunteer Fire Stations, and ICL. Other attendees included Foothills Sentry editor Tina Richards, canyon activist Joanne Hubble, and Supervisor Wagner’s Field Deputy Al Tello. Minutes, or even acknowledgement, of the 70-minute meeting in the lately noticeably more frequent and ironically named “Catch Up with Young Kim” newsletter have not been shared. This reporter could not receive confirmation of Kim’s pledge to "show photos of the canyon protest to House leadership." For lack of what is found there Even the terrific online Voice of OC went out of its way to present so-called objective reporting on the Supervisors’ approval of the long-resisted Saddleback Meadows (ignoring the ICL’s written concerns) “development,” finding one token canyon proconstruction contrarian whose bottom line is the sacred right of private property ownership over ecosystem destruction, wildfire risk and traffic congestion. Fun to reread an archived 2002 LA Times piece reporting on conservation activists’ then already long-running struggle over the same area and issues. Or not. Mike Boeck, GSOB correspondent, reports his participation in the recent OC portion of a GSOB infestation survey. The Irvine Ranch Conservancy organized trained volunteers to canvas the canyon oaks, with no bugs detected in Limestone. Silverado residents were disappointed in their meeting with multiple agencies and offices (Sheriff, Public Works, National Forest, CHP, Supervisor’s office, and Rep. Kim’s office). Organized by resident Brian Blair, the packed June 25 Public Safety and Traffic meeting (with more Zooming in) had hoped for action responding to (quoting one local) “loud, speeding, drunk and generally obnoxious off-roaders who caravan to the forest, lower their tire-pressure at the Maple Springs gate, and blast on up. Late at night, this is repeated as they stop at Maple Springs and reinflate their tires and speed on down the road.” Meet Mr. Gilly! “Dump it in, smash it down, drive around the Trashy Town!” Parents and children who grew up with "Trashy Town," the classic 1999 kids’ book, might want to join a new generation at the Saturday, Aug. 2, 11 a.m. visit of a real trash truck to Library of the Canyons. A Waste Management (WM) rep will explain recycling and disposal. All ages welcome. Naturally, our local branch library has copies of the enduring favorite (and American Library Association notable book) chronicling the adventures of trash truck driver Mr. Gilly, written by Andrea Zimmerman and David Clemesha, with iconic illustrations by Dan Yaccarino. Clever parents will have noted WM’s recent invitation to complete a customer service survey. Ironic, considering the provider is our region’s exclusive contractor (read: monopoly), but fun to answer questions about the merits of recycling and guess at what other canyonites think of its effectiveness or impact. The Wednesday, Aug. 6, 5 p.m. library book group selection is the autobiography "Code Talker" by Chester Nez, subtitled “The first and only memoir by one of the original Navajo code talkers of WWII,” on his experiences of racial discrimination, answered by patriotic service to his country. Among many activities listed on its website (ocpl.org/libraries/lotc), the library announces a new monthly program starting Tuesday, Aug. 26 at 11 a.m. The Mocktail Hour Cookbook Group will (soberly) review cookbooks while enjoying non-alcoholic potables made from juices, syrups and botanicals. The debut meeting considers fruit cookbooks. More beauty, please! In other literary (and civic literacy) news, local readers celebrate the arrival of longtime Modjeska resident Lisa Alvarez’s debut short story collection. "Some Final Beauty and Other Stories" (University of Nevada Press) features 11 stories by the Irvine Valley College writing professor, editor, and arts administrator, two set in the canyons and featuring familiar landscape and fictionalized versions of colorful local characters. Of the collection, LA Times columnist (and former OC Weekly editor) Gustavo Arellano writes: “Lisa Alvarez’s Southern California is one of melancholy and beauty, cities and canyons, insurrections and mariachis and secrets kept and spoken. Gorgeous pacing, storytelling prose — gorgeous.” Country wit This month’s Saturday, Aug. 18 Silverado Summer Concert Series welcomes Wreck-N-Sow, covering bluegrass, roots country and old-timey classics, and Hillbilly Crutch. "Sully-Miller" continued from page 1 Ghost stories will haunt you The Orange Community Historical Society presents the spooky side of Orange with Ernie Alonza, a third-generation Orange resident whose family settled in Old Towne in the 1920s. During this free community program, Alonza will share personal ghost stories from his early years in Orange, tales that sparked his lifelong fascination with the paranormal and ultimately led to the 2009 founding of Haunted OC, Orange County’s original and oldest historical haunted ghost tour company. Valerie Brewster will also bring her tales as the longtime docent for the original Old Towne Orange Haunted OC Ghost Walk, operating for over 15 years. Brewster will share chilling legends and local history. The haunting will be held Tuesday, Sept. 9, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Orange Public Library Community Room, 407 E Chapman Ave. Ed Reynolds and Tammis Berkheimer display their Tustin Area Man and Woman of the Year awards. Tustin names Man and Woman of the Year By Mark Eliot Longtime Tustin community volunteers Ed Reynolds and Tammis Berkheimer have been selected as Tustin Area Man and Woman of the Year for 2024. The announcement was made at the annual Tustin Area Man and Woman of the Year (TAMWY) awards dinner and celebration, June 6. The event, held at the Santa Ana Elks Lodge, was attended by over 120, including city and county officials, previous TAMWY award winners and community members. The TAMWY program has been held for more than 60 years. Tustin individuals are recognized for their dedicated work, leadership and outstanding volunteerism in the community. Nominations for the award come from previous winners or local nonprofit organizations. This year, three men and three women were nominated for the award. "I am stunned and humbled to be part of the legacy of individuals in Tustin who quietly go about their business improving lives and enhancing our community," Ed Reynolds said. Reynolds has called Tustin home since 1971. A graduate of Foothill High School, Reynolds received his degree in civil engineering from the University of Southern California, where he now teaches engineering. Reynolds is a passionate advocate for youth sports. He helped lead SoCal water polo to national prominence, coached SoCal's Tustin girls’ teams to numerous championships and helped players earn over $20 million in collegiate scholarships. He was also a board member of USA Water Polo, helping it turn a surplus and win Olympic medals. He serves on many boards of directors, including the Construction Advisory Council for the Roman Catholic Bishop of Orange. Reynolds has been an active and committed member of the Tustin Community Foundation for many years, guiding the annual grant process. "I am so honored to represent Tustin and all the dedicated and hard-working volunteers who make Tustin great," Tammis Berkheimer said. Berkheimer has lived in Tustin for over 40 years and worked for the Tustin Unified School District for more than 30 years. Currently, she is a member of the TUSD Citizens' Oversight Committee, a group appointed by the school board to oversee the expenditure of bond funds for school improvements. Berkheimer is a familiar face at countless Tustin nonprofit events, and is passionate in her unwavering support of local causes. She approaches every task with a “What can I do to help?” attitude, rolling up her sleeves and taking on any responsibility. Berkheimer's willingness to go above and beyond, taking on even the most overlooked and unglamorous tasks, sets her apart as a true community champion. Her selflessness and reliability make her an invaluable asset to Tustin’s nonprofit sector, as well as Tustin Unified schools. Since the 1980's, Berkheimer has volunteered in the schools, church and community events. She coordinated the Tustin Community Foundation's Project Pajama Drive; supervised TCF's Sip & Stroll in Old Town Tustin; is a referee at TCF's Paper Football Challenge; worked as a TustinSanta Ana Rotarian at Lobsterfest, Tustin Tiller Days and Tustin Chili Cook-Off. She has served as treasurer for Dollars for Tustin Scholars; treasurer for Soroptimist International of Santa Ana-Tustin; is a member of the Tustin Area Council for Fine Arts' Encore group and a volunteer at many other events. Reynolds and Berkheimer will become lifetime members of the TAMWY organization. They will also ride in the Tustin Tiller Days Parade as guests of honor on Saturday, Oct. 4, and have their names permanently etched on a brick walkway in the plaza between the Tustin Library and Clifton C. Miller Community Center at the Tustin Civic Center. city has until July 1, 2026 to approve them. In exchange, Milan will take necessary action to clean up the Sully-Miller dumpsite and contract with a third party to turn the land into usable public open space. Once completed, ownership of the property will be transferred to the city for a nominal sum. Right now, that third party is Landify, a European-based company that reclaims distressed properties and converts them into usable open space for the public benefit. Under the MOU, Landify is given the go ahead to study the site and determine its potential role in reclaiming it. It hopes to develop a feasible open space “vision” and clarify what it would take to achieve that goal. The city has agreed to cooperate fully with Landify’s planning and implementation process. Unfinished business A major stumbling block continues to be the level of contaminants in the mounds of dirt on the site. Pressured by the Local Enforcement Agency (LEA), Milan hired Leighton Engineering to take boring samples from the mounds in 2023. LEA released the test results from one stockpile last year, reporting that some samples did not meet regulatory standards, and that some contained levels of arsenic exceeding acceptable background concentrations. LEA has not released the findings for the rest of the mounds, but turned jurisdiction over to the Regional Water Quality Control Board. The Water Board is considered a better overseer because it has more resources than LEA, the dumpsite borders Santiago Creek and sits atop the ancient creek bed, which contains ground water. The Water Board has not yet reported on the extent, location or composition of contaminants on the Sully-Miller site. During the city council hearing, several residents spoke in opposition to the MOU, noting the site’s contamination and city liability, lack of specific detail in the document, the number of houses slated for the horse arena property, and the lack of consideration for equestrians. “The MOU is not legally binding,” Mayor Dan Slater said. “It can change. It’s simply a roadmap for going forward.” The council approved it with a 6-1 vote. Arianna Barrios dissented. Orange spooks
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