NEWS INSIDE A Monthly Community Newspaper DECEMBER 2025 Letters Page 4 Canyon Beat Page 5 Obituary Page 10 Service Directory Pages 11-13 Professional Directory Page 13 Community Sports Pages 14-15 The Best News In Town Since 1969 FOLLOW US at Foothills Sentry TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL Former students of beloved middle school teacher/mentor ensure his legacy is remembered. See Influential, page 6 FEE-FREE PARKING PASSES The Orange City Council agreed to issue exemption permits to people who live in Old Towne’s forthcoming paid parking zone. See Residents page 8 HERE TO HELP YOU Homeowners suffering from next-door problem development projects get the runaround from the City of Orange. See Letter, page 4; Gas leak, page 5 FLAGS FLY, STAY DRY Community members scramble to protect Field of Valor installation from predicted rainfall. See Volunteers, page 7 SOLDIERING ON Orange Elks honor military veterans with focused events filled with respect and remembrance. See As long, page 8 See "Rescinds" continued on page 5 See "Design" continued on page 3 Orange’s new Antepasado Park, located in the Cypress Barrio adjacent to also-new Well 28, formally opened Oct. 9. Cutting the ribbon are, from left, Orange Councilmembers Kathy Tavoularis and Arianna Barrios, Paul Guzman of the Orange Barrio Historical Society, Councilmember Ana Gutierrez, Mayor Dan Slater, Mayor Pro Tem and Orange County Water Board President Denis Bilodeau, Councilmember Jon Dumitru and Water Board 2nd Vice President Erik Weigand. See Antepasado Park and City of Orange, page 2. Orange rescinds previous approval of campaign contribution transfers By Tina Richards Orange City Councilman Jon Dumitru has changed his mind regarding a controversial campaign contribution ordinance. He is now urging his colleagues to rescind the council’s May 2024 vote to allow political committees supporting one candidate to give money to political committees supporting another. Before last May, Orange did not allow funds from candidatecontrolled committees to be transferred to another candidatecontrolled committee. Dumitru asked the council to remove that restriction from the ordinance in April 2024, but it did not come to a vote until the May 14 council meeting with the hour approaching midnight. Dumitru sought the change at that time, because, he said, the restriction violated free speech; few other Orange County cities had such a contribution limitation; and inter-committee transfers of campaign funds allowed candidates to support each other. The vote was close, with Dumitru, Denis Bilodeau, Kathy Tavoularis and John Gyllenhammer casting a “yes,” and Mayor Dan Slater, Arianna Barrios and Ana Gutierrez opposed. At the Oct. 28 council meeting, Dumitru asked the council to allow him to meet with the city attorney to amend that ordinance to disallow committee to committee contributions. Reporting that he had, in the last year, witnessed abuses of that provision, he now believed it was a bad idea and not in keeping with Orange’s fair political practices. The council agreed with his request, and he and Barrios subsequently met with City Attorney Nathalie Adourian to revise the ordinance. It was revisited at the Nov. Villa Park considers airborne enforcement of illegal fireworks By Carrie Graham Responding to numerous complaints about falling debris from illegal fireworks, the City of Villa Park is considering using drones to help patrol the skies around the Fourth of July. The idea was inspired by a similar program launched this year in Stanton. Back in April, Stanton passed an ordinance that holds registered property owners liable for illegal firework usage on their land. The city then contracted with Turbo Data Systems (TDS), a citation and enforcement company, to provide drones that record footage of fireworks being set off. TDS worked in conjunction with the city’s code enforcement to issue citations. The results were undeniable. The roughly $10,000-price tag for the service resulted in almost a million dollars in citations issued, with one homeowner alone receiving a ticket for $300,000. Villa Park would follow a similar path. Passing an ordinance is a 90-day process, requiring a public hearing and the opportunity for public comments. The city council will need to make a decision soon if it wants to start the program in 2026. The city may decide to pass the ordinance but postpone drone usage, at least for now. Stanton is currently fighting for the ordinance in court, after homeowners challenged fines they believed were unfair. The current ordinance has no cap on fines, meaning each firework set off is its own $1,000 penalty. Villa Park will also need to clearly define that fines for illegal fireworks usage are immediate. The program would be run through code enforcement rather than the already at-capacity sheriff’s department. Those guidelines generally give property owners at least 30 days to come into compliance before incurring fines. Villa Park will likely wait to see how Stanton’s case plays out before committing to drones. Orange Council restricts Design Review Committee purview By Tina Richards The Orange City Council agreed to limit the scope of the Design Review Committee (DRC) to historic properties only, Oct. 28, but not without pushback. The move drew criticism from two different camps: historic district residents who saw it as an end run against efforts to replace the DRC with a Heritage Commission, and residents from other parts of the city who did not want to lose the DRC’s oversight of building projects impacting their neighborhoods. The very existence of the Design Review Committee has been challenged for over a decade. Established in 1974 to “uphold community aesthetics,” the committee has been viewed by some as a roadblock to development. Preemptive solution With the DRC under fire again last year, the Old Towne Preservation Association (OTPA) and Orange Legacy Alliance (OLA), unwilling to lose the committee’s review of projects in historic districts, volunteered to work on a plan to create a Heritage Commission to replace the DRC, draft a preservation ordinance and revisit the processes used to grant and oversee Mills Act contracts. The Mills Act gives owners of historic properties a tax break in exchange for money spent on preservation. OTPA and OLA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the city in October 2024. A draft preservation ordinance was submitted last May. In June, a city financial audit conducted by Grant Thornton, described the DRC as a "roadblock to development, stifling advancement and acceleration via laborious procedures and inflexible approach.” That pronouncement was not backed up with any data, specifics or analysis. Past and present members of the DRC, themselves professional architects, landscapers and land use experts, noted that good projects that meet city guidelines are readily approved. Problem projects take more time, but the DRC “makes them better” by enforcing city design and landscaping standards. Grant Thornton’s claim, however, spurred the city to restrict the DRC’s purview as soon as possible and, in so doing, dismiss ongoing efforts by the Old Towne Preservation Association and Orange Legacy Alliance. Volunteers were blindsided at the August council meeting when a 5-2 vote directed staff to draft an ordinance reducing the DRC’s focus to historic properties only, leaving the preservation work in limbo. Swift shift Arianna Barrios and Ana Gutierrez opposed the August directive, with both noting that it undermined the work of the OTPA/ OLA volunteers, cut back the DRC’s role with no supporting data, and put too much emphasis on administrative approvals. The proposed ordinance sailed through the planning commission with one dissenting vote, Sept. 15, and was presented to the city council six weeks later. Under the modified ordinance, the DRC’s scope is limited to projects involving historic resources. All other projects will be reviewed administratively by staff. The community development director, aided by a preservation consultant, will determine which projects should proceed to the DRC. Before the council addressed the staff-drafted DRC ordinance, Barrios presented the preservation version prepared by OTPA and OLA. “A year ago, in a unanimous action, the council did an MOU with those groups to study the Mills Act, the DRC and the need for a preservation ordinance,” she noted. “These people were volunteers; their work hasn’t been approached as it should be. I fear that a preservation ordinance will never see the light of day. I wanted to put this one in a public space, let everybody see it.” Ana Gutierrez added that the group had worked on the project for over a year, but it appeared at the last meeting as if nothing had Photo by Tony Richards
Foothills Sentry Page 2 DECEMBER 2025 Learn more at eocwd.com Learn more at eocwd.com Antepasado Park opens in Orange A new pocket park in the City of Orange celebrated its grand opening, Oct. 29, with a ribbon cutting, Mexican food and free succulents for all in attendance. Located in the Cypress Barrio alongside the city’s newly minted Well 28, the park is named Antepasado, the Spanish word for "ancestor" to honor the past and present residents of the historic neighborhood that has flourished, despite decades of adversity. The park is marked with plaques celebrating the neighborhood and its contributions to the city. The Cypress Barrio was originally populated by Mexican American farm workers, who’s families remained in the community for generations. It was, for much of the 20th century, the only place in Orange where a person of Mexican descent could buy a home. Councilwoman Arianna Barrios reports that a city map, circa the 1920s, called the area “Mexican town.” “I’m proud of this little park,” she told the audience at its dedication. “This park will remind us forever that there was a culture here and that those who came before us made us who we are today.” Mayor Dan Slater recalled an early threat to the neighborhood when the city rezoned it r-4. Developers tore down the older homes and replaced them with fourplexes. A city councilman at the time, he was petitioned by residents to stop the destruction and protect their neighborhood’s history and culture. The best outcome at that time, however, was merely reducing the zoning to r-2. Robert Baca of the Orange Barrio Historical Society grew up in the neighborhood and has been a force behind the city’s recognition of the historic community’s resilience and rightful place as a protected resource. Paul Guzman noted that his family has lived in the barrio for more than 100 years. As a member of the ribbon cutting team, he said his hope is that Antepasado Park will open the hearts and minds of Orange and that in looking back, we can all look forward. City of Orange Well No. 28: A multi-benefit project By Denis Bilodeau, President, Orange County Water District, and Mayor Pro Tem, City of Orange The City of Orange recently celebrated the completion of Well No. 28 — a milestone project that reflects what can be achieved when local government, regional agencies and community partners work together for the common good. Located at Maple Avenue and Lemon Street, Well No. 28 is a vital addition to Orange’s water system. At 1,000 feet deep, it is the City’s deepest and most productive well, equipped with a 600-horsepower motor capable of producing 3,000 gallons of water per minute. When operating at full capacity, the well will provide about 14% of the City’s total water production — enough to serve roughly 20,000 residents. This project was made possible through collaboration and innovation. The Orange County Water District (OCWD), which manages the groundwater basin supplying up to 85% of the drinking water for 2.5 million people across north and central Orange County, helped fund the project with grant dollars from the Santa Ana River Conservation and Conjunctive Use Program. OCWD also funded the design and installation of an advanced treatment system at the site to remove PFAS, ensuring our water meets all state and federal drinking water standards. Although the City of Orange did not cause the PFAS issue, we remain committed to solving it. Working with OCWD and our regional partners, we continue to invest in treatment solutions that safeguard public health and sustain our local water supply. The story of Well No. 28 is also a story of creative land use and community benefit. Originally, the city had designated a different site for this well near Chapman University’s Panther Village student housing. When Chapman expressed interest in that parcel, the city and the university reached a mutually beneficial land swap. The exchange provided Chapman with the land needed to expand student housing while giving the city a better site for its new well — a true win-win for both education and infrastructure. Adding even more value for the community, the city built Antepasado Park in front of the well site. Though small in size — less than 5,000 square feet — this pocket park carries deep cultural and historical meaning. “Antepasado,” meaning “ancestor” in Spanish, honors the nearby Cypress Street Barrio. Well No. 28 represents the best of Orange—innovation, collaboration, and respect for our community’s heritage. By combining a reliable local water source, advanced treatment technology, thoughtful land use, and meaningful cultural recognition, this project delivers lasting benefits that go far beyond water infrastructure. Antepasado Park celebrates the culture of the Cypress Barrio. Well 28’s grand opening was celebrated with a flourish. A state-of-the-art filtration system separates PFAS contaminants from the well water before it is piped into a storage facility. The well, over 1,000 feet deep and powered by a 600-horsepower motor, is the city’s most productive. Residents add to the new park's ambiance with a game of checkers. Robert Baca shared stories of the Barrio's culture and history and his efforts to help preserve it. The Barrio Historical Society lined the streets adjacent to the park with vintage autos in recognition of the neighborhood’s rich past. Photos by Tony Richards Photos by Tony Richards
Page 3 Foothills Sentry DECEMBER 2025 New Students Apply Online: sccollege.edu/apply Returning Students Register Online: sccollege.edu/register Register for 2026 Intercession and Spring Semester at SCC IntercessionandSpring Ranked #1 Community College in Orange County* Military Friendly® School** *2026 Rankings - www.niche.com \ ** Military Friendly® Schools 2025-2026 - www.militaryfriendly.com Flexible Schedule: Classes available in-person, online or hybrid! INTERSESSION CLASSES BEGIN JAN. 9, 2026 SPRING CLASSES BEGIN FEB. 9, 2026 M erry C h ris tmas , O range! dan@ D anS l ater. com 7 14 - 7 4 4 - 2 2 19 1537 E. Chapman Ave. Orange, CA 92866 DAN SLATER "Design" continued from page 1 been done. “We can’t negate their work,” she said. “Limiting the DRC first is putting the cart before the horse. It’s better to work on both (DRC role, preservation ordinance) together.” But wait, there’s more Mayor Dan Slater said while he appreciates the efforts of the community, but “we are going to get this done. The preservation ordinance is taking too long.” To residents of the city’s historic districts, the role of the DRC and need for a preservation ordinance are intertwined. Most agree that creating a Heritage Committee is a suitable alternative to the DRC. But that leaves development in the rest of the city without an independent reviewing body. Residents making public comments during that night’s hearing suggested that the ordinance eliminated public noticing and oversight of new projects; that it moves things out of the public eye; that city staff is not required to have design or landscaping expertise; and that the ordinance completely changes the way projects are approved. “This is personal,” Laurie Sandoval told the council. “I live next door to a project that’s been ongoing for six years under a conditional use permit. The city has done nothing. What criteria will staff use to evaluate size and neighborhood compatibility, who will evaluate privacy issues?” One for all “This may hurt Orange in the future,” Laura Thomas said. “The rest of Orange neighborhoods are excluded. You’re going to end up with a hodgepodge. All neighborhoods deserve the same consideration as Old Towne. All neighborhoods deserve to have their character and identity preserved. Staff has limited knowledge in these areas. The DRC knows its stuff.” Adrianne Gladson, a DRC member, noted that the council received 44 comment letters opposing the ordinance and just four in favor of it. "This ordinance needs work,” she said, “we should get this right.” Mayor Slater assured the audience that work on the preservation ordinance would continue, Arianna Barrios was not so sure. She asked that a “sunset” clause be inserted that would take effect when the preservation ordinance was approved. That was rejected. “We are racing to do this, she said. “It assumes no CEQA liability, language about public notice and does not include the Eichlers. What criteria will the community development manager use for administrative review? Without specifics, this opens up a nightmare.” The vote to approve was 5-2 with Barrios and Gutierrez opposed. Orange hires preservation consultant The Orange City Council approved an agreement with historic preservation consultants Chattel, Inc., Nov. 12, to draft a comprehensive historic preservation ordinance. The agreement follows assurances from city officials that the recent rescoping of the Design Review Committee will not compromise work on a preservation ordinance. A draft preservation ordinance was completed earlier this year by a committee comprised of Old Towne Preservation Association (OTPA) and Orange Legacy Alliance (OLA) members, but it was not considered for adoption by the city council. Concerned that “We are starting from scratch,” Arianna Barrios wanted to make sure that the committee’s work has not ignored and that Chattel will confer with OTPA and OLA and update her on their progress. Outreach with those organizations is part of the agreement. Under the $66,317 contract, Chattel will provide tools for the city’s effective management of historic and cultural resources. Those tools include establishing a local historic register; criteria for listing and de-listing historic resources; processes to establish historic districts and local landmarks; a Heritage Commission; guidance for historic resources outside of historic districts; refined Mills Act program requirements; criteria for cultural heritage and neighborhood character districts; and applicability to archaeological and tribal resources. Say it again, "sunset" With that contract approved by unanimous vote, Barrios took the opportunity to revisit her request for a sunset clause on the ordinance restricting the scope of the Design Review Committee passed in October. That ordinance was agendized for a second reading during the current meeting. Before approving the second reading straightaway, she noted that the historic preservation ordinance should be finished by June and that the DRC ordinance should end at that time as well. Ana Gutierrez agreed. Jon Dumitru offered an alternative. Noting that things change and “something could pop out that says pump the brakes,” he suggested benchmarking the ordinance in June rather than just ending it. A review of its effectiveness would be in order, he explained. “We want to reach a conclusion that works.” It took three separate motions and three separate votes, but the council ultimately voted to approve the second reading of the ordinance, with the proviso that it be revisited in June. The vote was 5-1, with Ana Gutierrez registering a “no.” Checking out the books in the Elks' Little Library are, left to right, Kevin Wagner, Mike Cash, Megan and JC Cortez. Orange Elks open "Little Free Library" The Orange Elks "Little Free Library" has been installed next to the lodge parking lot, off Grand Street. The Library provides books for people of all ages to read and share. An entire shelf is devoted to younger readers. The Little Free Library is part of the Orange Elks Reading Promise. The Reading Promise provides a new book for young students to keep, and, hopefully, inspire them to read more. The Little Free Library is accepting book donations.
Foothills Sentry Page 4 DECEMBER 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 Tough love Dear Editor: I have sent the following to the Orange City Council: We must focus on our future, which includes increasing funds available to repair and replace decaying infrastructure and address service cuts. We must get back on target to address these financial problems and other issues. We must stop living in the past and trying to prevent change from happening. There is much opportunity and a better and brighter future for our city if and only if we change our ways and work to make our better and brighter future happen. Just a few of the issues I am concerned about: 1. How will the structural deficit be ended by having enough property and sales taxes coming into to pay the current bills and to save money for our future? 2. What is the plan to replace the aging fire stations, which have sketchy living quarters and bays that don’t fit the new bigger fire trucks? 3. When are we ordering new fire trucks and when do we take delivery? 4. When is City Hall getting needed repairs to roof, plumbing and other areas to prevent further damage to the building? 5. What are the plans to have enough money to open our libraries for more hours? Moving money from one account to the library is not acceptable. We need new funding sources. 6. What are the plans to open our swimming pool during the summer? Again, we need new funding sources. 7. Does our PD have enough vehicles and funding to maintain our safety and security? 8. How much money is needed to have the Planning Counter open more hours to better serve the public? 9. How are upgrades to our aging water main system being funded? What is the plan for upgrading our water mains to prevent new sinkholes from developing? 10. Is Panda Mart opening? 11. Is SC Fuels starting to consolidate staff from Orange into Knoxville? 12. How much money is needed to address deferred maintenance on city owned properties? 13. What is going on with the Orange Yards project? 14. When is the new Enterprise Area Zoning coming forward for approval? 15. When will City staff receive market rate wages and more employees hired to serve our residents? 16. What can be done to attract and retain new businesses? Reggie Mundekis Orange Sounding off Dear Editor: Re: Orange Plaza Accidents Council members are concerned that noise from rumble strips would disturb businesses and residents, yet they allow gas powered leaf blowers. That makes no sense at all, actually borders on stupidity, especially for those who voted against a similar blower measure in 2023. Thirty years ago my wife and I were thrilled to purchase a home in Orange. It won't be long until we're gone. Stephen Tyler Orange Dear Editor: For years, the City of Orange has looked the other way at a massive two-story, 2,400-squarefoot structure built only 16 inches from my property line. This structure was never approved through zoning, planning, or the design review process, and it continues to violate multiple city ordinances, including height, setback, and size restrictions. Even more troubling, the city issued a building permit 11 months after nine sliding glass doors had already been permanently removed. No roofing permits were ever issued when 40 acrylic skylights were taken out and replaced with heavy cement roof tiles, which have caused the roof to sag. The same structure has been re-roofed three separate times without permits, and the city is fully aware yet has done nothing. This isn’t just about one property — it’s about accountability and equal enforcement. Homeowners like myself are required to obtain permits for even minor repairs, while others are allowed to make Ed Note: Residents of Orange who do not live in a historic district have decried the loss of the Design Review Committee, as an oversight tool for projects throughout the city. They have been assured that there are already measures in place (zoning, code enforcement) to protect them from irresponsible or illegal development. Two East Orange residents dispute that claim with facts, photos and multi-year complaints to the city. Neither project called out in the following letter or on page 5 was referred to the DRC; both homeowners believe the outcome would have been different had they been. City of Orange Code Violations Summary – Illegal Nonconforming Structure (930 N. Meads Ave., Orange) Violation / Issue Structure built without zoning, planning, or design review approvals Setback violation – structure only 16 inches from property line Height and size exceedances (≈ 20 ft / 2,400 sq ft) Erroneously permitted / illegally established structure Alteration of illegal nonconforming structure Re-roofed three times without permits Replacement of skylights with heavy clay-cement tiles Added ridgecaps increasing roof volume Sagging roof due to excessive roof load Permanent removal of nine sliding glass doors (one wall) Applicable Code or Rule Summary All new construction must be reviewed and approved under City of Orange Municipal Code (OOMC §17.08 & §17.10; OPA Specific Plan). Minimum 5-ft setback (10 ft on reverse corner) required for accessory structures (OOMC §17.13.070). Accessory structures limited to 10 ft height and 120 sq ft unless otherwise approved (OOMC §17.13.070). A structure lacking required entitlements cannot be considered legally established (OOMC §17.38.020). Structural improvements or alterations prohibited unless brought into full compliance (OOMC §17.38.065). Re-roofing that changes materials or load requires a building permit and inspection (CBC §R907 / OOMC §15.04.020). Change to heavier materials requires structural review for weight load (CBC §R802 & §R907). Volume increase constitutes a structural alteration (CBC §R106). Violates building safety and structural integrity standards (CBC §R301 & §R802). Structural change requiring permit and review (CBC §R105.1). Change from enclosed to open structure Water runoff / flooding onto adjacent property Cypress trees suggested over septic tank Blight and nuisance from deteriorating and sagging roof Loss of privacy from seven windows facing neighbor’s property Grotto / water feature with pumps and lighting – no permits City’s failure to enforce known zoning violations Requires new planning and zoning review; unapproved change of use (OOMC §17.12). Grading or drainage cannot cause water to flow onto neighboring parcels (CMC §13.66.070). Planting prohibited above septic systems (California Plumbing Code §722.1 & §1101). Public nuisance under OOMC §8.54 (conditions endangering safety, aesthetics, or property values). Violates privacy and neighborhood compatibility goals (OPA Specific Plan §3.2 & OOMC §17.08.020). Requires electrical, plumbing, and zoning permits (OOMC §15.04 & §17.12). Municipal Code §1.08.010 – duty to enforce adopted ordinances consistently and equitably. A large haphazardly built structure sits 18 inches from the neighbor's property line. The city has offered no relief. major structural changes without proper review. This selective enforcement not only violates the city’s ordinances but undermines public trust in government. The city’s ongoing neglect has resulted in flooding, loss of privacy, and significant harm to neighboring property values. When city officials knowingly ignore unpermitted construction and allow illegal structures to stand, it raises serious concerns about integrity and oversight. I urge the City of Orange to uphold the same standards for all residents and to take immediate action to correct this blatant disregard for zoning and building laws. Laurie Cesena Orange (The writer included a list of violations, at right, that apply to the offending structure.)
Page 5 Foothills Sentry DECEMBER 2025 "Rescinds" continued from page 1 It all adds up Purple people power Congrats! Special election turnout in the two largest (if still very small) of four Silverado and Modjeska area precincts combined was higher than the county at large with final election results not certified until Dec. 2. Registered canyon voters who came out to cast their vote on Proposition 50? An impressive 64.5 percent, as opposed to countywide, at 52.1. Of over 1,312 registered, 847 participated either via voteby-mail or in person. Results were not close countywide, with a Prop 50 victory of 55.4 percent, but extremely close in the canyons, with 50.2 percent reported voting "yes" at press time. Prop 50 supporters bested anti-50 voters by exactly three votes, only slightly complicating the reliable narrative of a purple region with locked-in GOP representation at every level of governance: county, state and federal. The Canyons Vote Center served 182 in-person voters with 665 locals apparently trusting the U.S. Postal Service and County Registrar. Ironically, redistricting resulting from passage of Newsom’s anti-Trump political Hail Mary will likely only further secure continued dominance of Republican electeds in the newly formed 40th Congressional District, with ex-incumbent Young Kim already challenged by former Riverside rep Ken Calvert. Two canyonites worked the Community Room Vote Center site adjacent our library, a fourday in-person polling place. Neighbors might not realize the commitment required for the job, including long hours, in-person and online trainings, set-up and take-down days, all to accommodate the minority of voters eschewing mail-in voting. “I really like doing it,” says veteran poll worker Rusty Morris “It’s a small investment in our democracy.” Follow the money One further reason to celebrate the success of the recent Silverado Country Fair, which benefits the Inter-Canyon League (ICL): a report from Station 14 Fire Chief Steve Kerrigan that, once again, we are a Firewise compliancecertified community, approved by Cal Fire as part of the National Fire Protection Association. Annual recertification matters to homeowners whose insurance premiums are reduced as a result. Attending the annual Fair --- paying admission, buying beer --- helps ICL support Chipper Days, which along with “credits” earned through participation by community members and reported hours spent on clearance toward defensible space, along with drop-offs at Aguinaga, add up to maintaining our Firewise status. Civics education takeaway? Your good time dancing, eating, listening to live music, and playing games at the annual volunteer-run (!) Country Fair becomes ICL’s financial sponsorship to the tune of $3,000 for a single Chipper Day. Unrestricted generosity Big shout-out from your Silverado-Modjeska Recreation and Parks District (SMRPD) board to generous community members who quickly answered its call for emergency donations. Over $1,000 funded both the Community Thanksgiving Dinner in Silverado and weekly “Lunch Bunch” meals through the end of this year. President Ted Wright and SMRPD board members welcome end-of-year “unrestricted contributions,” budget-speak for non-dedicated funds used to cover operational expenses and respond to unanticipated expenses or emergencies. Hay, Santa! Christmas in the Canyons returns to the Silverado Community Center on Saturday, December 13 from 10 – 4 featuring over 60 vendors, including of fine art, arts and crafts, clothing -- all good for holiday gift giving. Food, music, song, and storytellers. Hayride and, yes, Santa Claus. You’ve been warned… … and now, if you’re navigating our local Cleveland National Forest fire roads absent visible license plates or in unregistered street-legal or off-road vehicles, you’ll be cited. For months, Silverado residents have complained about traffic, litter, and reckless driver behavior, and now law enforcement promises to respond not only with warnings but stopping, checking, and issuing citations for ATVs and side-by-sides not displaying plates or otherwise breaking the law. Arachnophilia December Library of the Canyons highlights include the Wednesday, Dec. 5 (5 p.m.) book club discussion of the memoir "Being Henry" by actor Henry Winkler, who made a TV career being Arthur Fonzarelli, Barry Zuckerkorn and Gene Cousineau, and a Thursday, Dec. 18 (11 a.m.) presentation on spiders by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy. More Santa! Did you know that our branch library is a drop-off location supporting collection of gifts for vulnerable children and teens as well as low-income adults and seniors? It’s easy to support the county’s annual Operation Santa Claus/Senior Santa & Friends campaign. Pick up a tag for a suggested item and return with gift(s) collected. They’re sent on by OCPL to a warehouse display “gift shop.” Administered by OC Social Services Agency in association with the Senior Santa and Friends program, OC Health Care Agency, OC Probation, OC Child Support Services and OC Community Resources, new and used toys, clothing and medical items are then distributed by foster families, elder care providers, and volunteers. Winter camp Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary (ENC) offers two short winter camp weeks, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily, this year Dec. 22-26 and Dec. 29 to Jan. 2 with holidays off. Registration now open at encenter.org/camps/winter-camps/ Gas leak illustrates neighbor’s concerns Residents on Grovewood in East Orange have, for years, complained to the city about the construction of a large home on their street. It does not reflect the original plans submitted, eschews city permits and has disrupted the neighborhood for five years. Owners of the adjacent properties say the massive structure is incompatible with the neighborhood and asked for a thorough review by Orange’s Design Review Committee, the body that, until recently, insured that projects met neighborhood and city standards. “We have talked to code enforcement, planning staff, gone to the planning commission and testified at city council meetings,” neighbor Laurie Sandoval reports. “No one from the city ever gets back to us.” Because the house is so large, the existing utility infrastructure will not support it. Additional wiring needed to be installed. On the morning of Oct. 30, crews, without notice, began digging up the Sandoval’s front yard, looking for the existing electrical cable. They ruptured a gas line, about 11:43 a.m., setting off what was described as a major eruption. The fire department came. The police department came. The gas company came. The street was essentially shut down. Residents were advised, but not required, to evacuate. “We stayed,” Sandoval says, “because we had nowhere to go. Even though the smell of gas permeated the house – and the entire neighborhood – the gas company said we were safe.” It took hours for gas company crews to locate the main shutoff valve and turn off the gas. The leak continued until well into the night, with the fire department remaining on scene until the leak was contained. “This didn’t have to happen,” Sandoval admonishes. “How do you start digging without knowing where the gas lines are buried? The city has allowed this homeowner to waver from his ‘approved’ plans, build a retaining wall right next to our property, backfill and excavate without oversight.” From left, OCWD General Manager John Kennedy, SWD Director Greg Mills, OCWD Director Cathy Green, OCWD 1st Vice President Van Tran, SWD President Brad Reese, SWD Director Robbie Pitts, SWD General Manager Jerry Vilander and OCWD 2nd Vice President Erik Weigand. Serrano Water District thanks OCWD The Serrano Water District (SWD) Board of Directors voted unanimously to present the Orange County Water District (OCWD) leadership and staff with a proclamation, in thanks for their “forward-thinking” in the water industry and “outstanding leadership, dedication and commitment to resolving the PFAS challenges.” The proclamation commended OCWD for its valuable assistance in enhancing local water supplies for SWD customers. OCWD assisted with construction of the C.L. “Larry” Pharris Jr. Filtration Plant which removes PFAS from our groundwater wells. Additionally, Orange County Water District has loaned SWD $8 million for the construction of a new Well number 6 for a 20-year term at 3.5%. 12 meeting, with the arguments for and against inter-committee transfers mirroring those made 17 months ago. Bilodeau argued that the prohibition was an overreach, that it could not withstand judicial review; that it increased transparency because campaign contributions are now posted on- line and the public can easily see who donated to who. Tavoularis advised that she hated “going backward on anything,” that the revision to the ordinance was “politically motivated,” and that it s creating a solution for something that is not a problem.” Barrios lauded returning the prohibition of inter-committee contributions to the ordinance. With candidates able to transfer donations made to their campaign committee to another candidate who they support, it allows “people playing the insider game to override grassroots candidates,” who are not part of a political network. “I was disappointed when we changed it last year,” she said. Gutierrez was, she said, “happy to see this come back.” When she first ran, she recalled, “I had no money, no knowledge. Just family and friends. I raised $8,000, and here I sit.” Dumitru’s change of heart was the only change from last year’s discussion. “All policies should be revisited periodically,” he explained. “Things change. I want to make sure campaigns in the city are transparent." He noted that he sought guidance from the Fair Political Practices Committee and the state Attorney General’s offi ce. “Prohibitions of contributions from one committee to another can be narrowly tailored, so as not to chill protected free speech,” he advised. “This ordinance does just that, and the state says this is f ine.” The vote to disallow committee to committee contributions was four (Dumitru, Barrios, Gutierrez, Slater) to two (Bilodeau, Tavoularis). John Gyllenhammer was absent. A gas line ruptured by a construction crew wreaked havoc.
Foothills Sentry Page 6 DECEMBER 2025 BRUNCH | LUNCH | DINNER | SPECIAL EVENTS Sit Down & Sip Up. It’s... HAPPY HOUR MONDAY FRIDAY FROM 3PM 6PM OpenTable Diner’s Choice 2025 Winner Best Ambiance, Best Steak 6410 EAST CHAPMAN AVE. | 714.997.2910 THEORANGEHILLRESTAURANT.COM ORANGEHILLRESTAURANT ORANGEHILLEATS Students who had Maurice “Preach” Lyerla as a teacher at Villa Park Elementary and Cerro Villa Middle School decades ago remember him still. He was, they say, the single most influential teacher in their young lives, in charge of everything from student government to school dances to coaching every sport his young athletes wanted to play. He knew every kid, their families, when they were where they were supposed to be, and when they weren’t. “One day I road my bike home from school a different way,” Cyndee Kellar Paulus recalls. “He called my mother to tell her I was ‘going astray.’ When I got home she asked me what I thought I was doing. Nothing got by him.” Steve Palmer, Lyerla Class of 67, met him in 1957. “I was afraid of my kindergarten teacher, who was also my aunt,” he says. “I refused to get out of the car every morning and Preach would pull me out and carry me into class. Once I got there, I was fine.” Many of Preach's students stayed in touch with him long beyond their school days, meeting for lunches and celebrating birthdays. Now in their 70s, they want to make sure he is never forgotten. Steve Palmer floated the idea of installing a commemorative plaque in his honor at Cerro Villa, the school where he taught from 1965, the year it opened, until he retired in 1993. He taught sixth grade at Villa Park Elementary for nine years, moving to the new middle school to “follow up on his students.” Palmer approached the Orange Unified School District about the plaque project a year ago. “I was willing to pay for the plaque,” he says. “I just needed permission to install it.” Nothing happened. Shortly after Superintendent Rachel Monárrez joined the district, Palmer met with her. Two weeks later he had the permission he needed, and plans were made for a small ceremony to acknowledge the plaque and celebrate Preach. About 25 former students and district officials gathered outside a classroom, Nov. 8, to remember their teacher. “As a teacher, it’s good to feel and know that you’ve made a lasting impression,” Monárrez said. “Mr. Lyerla served more than 30 years. He was a mentor and a guide.” Villa Park City Councilman Robert Frackleton, a Preach alumni, noted that, “It’s the teachers who make the difference. The ones who get it done.” He recalled that Preach always hired a professional band from Hollywood to play at school dances. A local garage band was not good enough for his Cerro Villa students. Frackleton also reported that Villa Park Mayor Nicole Jones also had him as a teacher. “Preach is well represented on the Villa Park City Council.” Steve Palmer was instrumental in getting the plaque honoring his favorite teacher installed at Cerro Villa. Maurice "Preach" Lyerla passed away in May 2024. Preach, second from left, celebrated his 90th birthday in 2021 with former students. From left, Cyndee Kellar Paulus, Julie Oswald Checkham and Marla Small Patterson. Superintendent Rachel Monárrez applauded Lyerla for being the kind of teacher every school district wants. Villa Park City Councilman Robert Frackleton shows off his Cerro Villa ID card. Former students display a class photo from 1967. From left, Suzanne Jones, Cindy Koppel Kraus and Karen Largerquist Aiello. Influential teacher honored by former students Canyon resident named foundation director New Directions for Women (NDFW) named Heather BlackCoyne, a resident of Silverado Canyon, executive director of the organization. She previously served as chief clinical director for the organization. One of the county's sole nonprofit addiction facilities dedicated to women and children, New Directions for Women provides a safe, healing environment for women to find recovery from addiction. Heather Black-Coyne has a personal journey of addiction and experience with long-term recovery. Her professional career in addiction treatment spans over 15 years and she is committed to serve across multiple levels of care, populations and the administration of treatment. Her work is dedicated to treatment that recognizes the needs and experiences of women. Her belief in the power of storytelling is also reflected in her approach to leadership. Black-Coyne is married; the couple have five children combined and recently welcomed a new grandchild. Peyton Harrison was crowned 2025 Homecoming Queen at Foothill High School. Peyton is also a volleyball player at FHS. The Villa Park High Homecoming Queen and her court pose after the crowning. Left to right are Susan Kim, Samaira Multani, Queen Trinity Laurenson, Melayna Kiflezghie and Gabriela Torres. Mason Culp was the Homecoming King with his princes Philip Tran, Youssef Badf, Ethan Cisneros and Yamin El Kahlout. Foothill and Villa Park crown Homecoming Queens
Page 7 Foothills Sentry DECEMBER 2025 Imagine a new regional park in Orange www.SaveOrangeHills.org • 4.5 miles of additional hiking, cycling, mountain biking and equestrian trails • Better wildÞre protection • Relief from traffic congestion • Safer crossings for mountain lions, deer and other declining wildlife • Preservation of a prehistoric Native American village site and scenic panoramic vistas Donate to preserve Orange Hills forever! Orange Hills Regional Park is our vision to permanently connect Irvine Park to Peters Canyon ©2023 Collin Eckert ©2025 Jeff Peterson ©2025 Joel Robinson ©2025 Joel Robinson © Sgoodwin4813| Dreamstime.com ©2024 Paul Sargeant City Parks employees Josh Garcia and Cesar Marquez took charge of the wiring and lighting removal. El Modena High School's Aiden Aguirre, Rivers Pinsin, Isai Cano and Trenton Yoshikawa used teamwork to straighten and wrap flags for storage. Volunteers went back and forth, removing flags from the field and taking them to the staging area. As one volunteer noted, “We’ve done this before; we’ve got it down.” Glenn Easterbrook, Susan Wood and John Schutz from the American Legion carefully wound flags around their flagpoles. Panda Kisela, Nikki Karell and Debbie Kisela alphabetize the cards that were attached to the flags to recognize individual soldiers. Volunteers rally to outrun rain Predictions of heavy rain in the area forced an early closing of the Field of Valor Veteran’s Day flag display at Handy Park. Slated to remain on display until Nov. 13, volunteers were quickly assembled on the 12th to remove over 1,000 flags from the field ahead of the forecasted rain. On short notice, some 60 volunteers from the Community Foundation of Orange, the Elks Lodge, American Legion Post 132 and El Modena High School rushed to the park to remove the flags from harm’s way and get them safely stored until next year. It didn't, however, rain that day. Field of Valor at Handy Park Photos by Tony Richards Photo courtesy Orange Elks
Foothills Sentry Page 8 DECEMBER 2025 Mail check: OPCC P.O. Box 2872 Orange, Ca. 92659 Credit Card: Call OPA Hotline 714.900.2OPA (672) Zelle: 2025 Year end tax deduction opportunity! Act fast before December 31, 2025 Make your tax-deductible donation directly to: The Orange Park Community Corporation (OPCC) 501(c)(3) Support preservation of East Orange Recreational and Open Space Merry Christmas Happy Holidays -&- A Healthy, Happy, Prosperous 2026 New Year See ya’ll at Orange Park Association Annual General Membership Meeting 8:00 AM Coffee ~ Donuts 9:00 AM Meeting Saturday, January 31, 2026 Salem Church School Multipurpose Room Wishing the OPA Community Family From Your Orange Park Association Board We are honored to serve the community info@orangeparkacres.org OPA Hotline 714.900.2OPA(672) The cake celebrating the 250th USMC birthday is cut by, from left, Ricardo Paco; Mark Wayland, the oldest Marine present; Lance Corporal Sean Perez, the youngest Marine present; Colonel Mark M. Tull, USMC, retired; and Jose Gadea. By Bill Neessen The week surrounding Veterans Day is busy around Orange Elks Lodge as members plan, organize, carry out and participate in programs dedicated to those who served. Orange Elks veterans greeted students at Palmyra Elementary School as they arrived the morning of Nov. 7. They shared their experiences as veterans, talked about military history and answered questions posed by student. Later that day, Lodge #1475 hosted Orange High School’s Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps in celebration of the USMC 250th birthday. The Orange High program is one of the biggest in the West, with over 200 cadets attending. Elks members then volunteered at Handy Park to help the Community of Orange Foundation set up the Field of Valor, a tribute to the men and women who are serving and have served in the military. Over 1,100 American flags were set up, with each flag dedicated to honor a friend or family member. On Veterans Day, the Elks worked with the American Legion Post 132 to honor vets at a special event. Over 120 veterans As long as there is a vet, the Orange Elks will never forget and guests attended a ceremony at the Post. The Orange High School’s Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps presented the colors, followed by the program and dinner provided by the lodge. The week ended with the Veterans Night Program at the lodge. The program included patriotic songs, recognizing our members who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Space Force. Veterans Committee Chairmen Brian and Stephanie Fitzpatrick presented the 21st Heroes Scholarship Award to E-5 Petty Officer Andrea Alexander, U.S. Navy. Veterans and Elks, left to right, Brian Fitzpatrick, Terrie Schatz and John Smith shared their military experiences with Palmyra Elementary students. The colors were presented by Orange High School USMC JROTC at the American Legion Post event. U.S. Navy Petty Officer Andrea Alexander, far left, with two sons, received the Heroes Scholarship Award from Elks Stephanie and Brian Fitzpatrick. Residents in Old Towne paid parking zone will get permits By Carrie Graham Moving forward in the process to establish paid parking in Old Towne, the Orange City Council approved a portion of an ordinance giving free parking permits to residents, but balked at the inclusion of businesses in the ordinance as written. While Councilmember Ariana Barrios, who lives near the Old Towne zone, recused herself from the Oct. 28 council discussion; the rest of the members largely agreed that those living in Old Towne shouldn’t be saddled with sudden parking costs. Residents, who must prove they live there, will be issued permits to park in paid parking slots for free. The council, however, was not as amenable to the portion of the ordinance addressing parking permits for businesses. “My problem,” Dumitru said, “is that the whole basis behind this was folks who are working down there would be funneled into the parking structure and other areas. And now there's an inclusion of a permit for employees at $50 a pop for each permit. But it doesn't limit each business to how many permits,” said Dumitru. He later asked Public Works Director Christopher Cash what was to stop businesses from committing fraud. Unclear on the concept The parking system for businesses would require merchants to request permits for their employees as needed. To qualify, the employee must work for the business full-time. While the business would be responsible for the application and the $50 per month price tag, payable only in six-month increments, the permit itself would be assigned to a specific employee license plate number. Cash admitted that the current system leaves some room for dishonesty, but was optimistic that with over 1,000 free parking spots still available in the area, many businesses will likely opt not to foot the $600 per year bill per employee. “There is part of this that’s the honor system, and part of us monitoring the number of permits issued,” he advised. "If we find businesses that are not being honest in their application, that would certainly impact our ability to continue to do the program the way that we're describing it.” Asked how the city would rein in permits if they get out of control, Cash said the permits must be renewed every six months, meaning changes can be made quickly if data shows the current system isn’t providing the desired results. As part of the city’s contract with ACE Parking LLC, awarded over the summer, it will provide a “parking manager” who will track metrics that Public Works can use to bring proposed tweaks to the council. OK for some Dumitru motioned to bifurcate the residential and business portions, passing the residential while continuing the commercial side to a later meeting once city staff had a chance to create more solid criteria. Ana Gutierrez seconded the motion to bifurcate, advising that the criteria for business permits “could be by size or by type of business, but not free rein determined by public works. Not knowing the true parameters is not making it fair and equitable. It cannot be that I'm going to give eight to this one business, 10 to this other one, five to this one and three to this one. It's just too open.” The lone dissenting voice on the issue was councilman Denis Bilodeau. “We have a two-hour parking standard in Old Towne,” he said. “It's not enforced, and I think that is why we have so many parking congestion problems. If you're not going to enforce the existing regulations, then why would anybody follow any of them? I’m not knocking the OPD. They have more important things to do than play meter maid, but we’re not enforcing the existing parking regulations in Old Towne. I think this system will not be as profitable as some may think.” The council will resume discussion with revised criteria from city staff at the last meeting of the year on Dec. 9. Lot 5 Lot 4 Lot 3 Lot 6 Lot 2 Lot 1A Lot 8 Lot 7 L Lot 10 Lot 10 Lot 1 Lot 9 Lot 15 Paid Parking Plaza Circle Paid Parking On-street Paid Parking City Lots Free Parking City Lots Senior Center Lot J:\Production_Environment\Projects\PermitParking\PermitParking.aprx\Paid Parking Ordinance | Old Towne - Landscape 9/3/2025 Source: City of Orange (2025) AREA MAP 0 400 200 Feet . Rate per Hour Maximum Park Time Area $1.25 M-F Senior Ctr. only Sat/Sun, 3 hours $2.00 2 hours $1.50 2 hours $1.25 3 hours Free See Lot Signage Lot 5 Lot 4 Lot 3 Lot 6 Lot 2 Lot 1A Lot 8 Lot 7 Lot 12 Lot 13 Lot 11 Lot 10 Lot 10 Lot 1 Lot 9 Lot 15 Paid Parking Plaza Circle Paid Parking On-street Paid Parking City Lots Free Parking City Lots Senior Center Lot J:\Production_Environment\Projects\PermitParking\PermitParking.aprx\Paid Parking Ordinance | Old Towne - Landscape 9/3/2025 Source: City of Orange (2025) CITY OF ORANGE AREA MAP (OLD TOWNE PARKING) 0 400 200 Feet . Rate per Hour Maximum Park Time Area $1.25 M-F Senior Ctr. only Sat/Sun, 3 hours $2.00 2 hours $1.50 2 hours $1.25 3 hours Free See Lot Signage
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjA1MjUy