Dec. 31, 2020
Payment Coupons are coming soon
by Terri Johnson
Stock Transfer manager
As we say adieu to 2020, shareholders should expect upcoming mail-outs from the Golden Rain Foundation in the next few days. Packets went out starting Dec. 28.
Shareholders who pay their monthly assessments by direct debit will receive one packet containing their 2020 property tax information, guest passes and 2021 direct debit information.
Shareholders who pay their monthly assessments by check can expect two packets, one with 2021 payment coupons, and a second with 2020 property tax information and four 2021 guest passes. Packets were mailed separately.
Shareholders who pay by check will receive the 2021 coupon books and payment envelopes directly from the coupon vendor. Shareholders are encouraged to mail their monthly payments to the payment processing center via the U.S. postal service. However, people can drop payments in the mail slot at the GRF Accounting Office but understand that payments will be forwarded to the processing center and processing may be delayed.
If you maintain a forwarding address, your guest passes and coupon packets will be mailed to the address on file.
Important to note: There are no late charges assessed for late January payments. The due date for January payments is extended to Jan. 31 before assessments are considered late to provide ample time for all shareholders to receive their 2021 packets.
The 2021 guest passes are printed on brightly colored cardstock; your 2020 property tax information is printed on the same sheet as guest passes.
Emergency contact forms are also enclosed in the year-end packet. Complete this form only if you have not updated your emergency contact information recently. Return the forms by dropping them in the payment slot outside of the Accounting Office. Do not include the emergency contact form with your monthly payment.
Due to the large volume of mail-outs processed by the post office, your neighbors may receive their packets before or after you. If you have not received guest passes or payment coupons by Jan. 15, contact the Stock Transfer Office for assistance at (562) 431-6586, ext. 346, 347, 339 or 400.
Social Security payments on rise
Social Security payments will grow by 1.3 percent in 2021, and the program will also be adjusted in several important ways that could affect Social Security payments received or how much people pay into the system. Here’s a closer look:
Social Security payments will increase
The average Social Security benefit for retired workers is expected to climb by $20 to $1,543 per month as a result of the cost-of-living adjustment.
Married couples in which both spouses receive benefits will see an estimated $33 increase to an average payment of $2,596 per month in 2021.
The maximum possible Social Security benefit for someone who retires at age 66 will be $3,148 in 2021, up $137 from 2020.
Social Security payments are adjusted each year to keep pace with inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers.
The 1.3 percent Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2021 is down from 1.6 percent in 2020.
Previous Social Security COLAs have ranged from zero in 2010, 2011 and 2016 to 14.3 percent in 1980.
GAF donates $75,000 to new Fitness Center
by Anna Derby and Linda Johnson
Golden Age Foundation
The Golden Age Foundation, Leisure World’s own philanthropic organization, exists to make Leisure World living the best it can be, whether by supplying free mobility aids to help people get around, tax preparation assistance or donations to upgrade GRF facilities.
As its most recent charitable gift, the GAF donated $75,000 to the Golden Rain Foundation for new state-of-the-art circuit training equipment in the Fitness Center in Clubhouse 6.
“As we all know, an active senior is a happy senior,” said GAF President Anna Derby, in handing over the check at the Dec. 23 GRF Board meeting.
Other recent gifts include $4,000 for a hearing loop in the new Learning Center in Clubhouse 3 to assist the hearing impaired and $3,000 to purchase a new ice machine in Clubhouse 4.
The Fitness Center donation is among the GRF’s most sizable donations this year. It has a history of fostering fitness in LW. In 2013, resident Jack Schiffler left a generous portion of his estate to the GAF, which was used to fund an $110,000 upgrade to the gym equipment in Clubhouse 6.
This year, the Fitness Center was completely overhauled. It now has 10,000 square feet of workout space, new flooring, the latest in audio visual equipment, all-new fitness equipment, two strength circuits and a smart group fitness room, among other features. The Fitness Center is ready to go and will be unveiled as soon as it is safe to congregate again.
Like many organizations, the GAF has sought new ways to benefit the community after COVID-19 shut down many of its usual programs.
In 2020, the GAF donated a total of $40,000 to Meals On Wheels, Orange County, to help supply meals directly to LW residents in need. It also donated $20,000 to Meals on Wheels, Long Beach. This is an ongoing donation that started two years ago with a $10,000 gift.
Other activities sponsored by the GAF include:
• Mask Give-away—Fifty-five volunteers made and gave away for free more than 5,000 face masks to safeguard residents during the coronavirus pandemic. Kudos to all the volunteers who found a way to give back to the community.
• CERT Donation—The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program in Leisure World educates volunteers about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills. The GAF donated $8,000 to purchase needed items for the community in case of disaster.
• Redeemer Lutheran Respite Program Donation—The GAF has committed $5,000 to the church’s Orange County Care Connections Outreach, which provides an affordable adult day program at Redeemer Lutheran Church. The program is closed right now but GAF is ready with its donation as soon as the doors reopen.
• Free Shredding Service—The shredding program has continued throughout the year, with the next one set for March 2021. People can bring their sensitive documents for safe disposal for free. Battery recycling is also handled on service days. There is also a receptacle in the alley behind Building 5 where people can drop spent household batteries (no light bulbs or large batteries). Thanks to generous individual donations at these events, the GAF is able to continue shredding and battery recycling programs.
• GAF Mobility Aids Program— The GAF loans a variety of walkers and wheelchairs to residents who need them. The program has continued with safeguards in place throughout the shutdown. This is thanks to the efforts of the Mobility Aids Chair John Hlavac, who is currently the only person delivering the aids to those in need. John, who has been a tireless worker for many months, also repairs the equipment when needed.
• Tax Assistance and Hospitality Programs: Both programs are currently closed, but the GAF is looking forward to eventually reopening the tax program chaired by Diana Lambert and the hospitality program chaired by Carl Kennedy. Like all residents, GAF volunteers are looking forward to resuming socializing.
The GAF has also helped support:
• Handicapped accessible buses
• Bus benches and shelters
• Audio-alert traffic signal in St. Andrews and Golden Rain Road
• Interfaith Council directory sign
• Emergency communications system
• Ice machines and sound equipment for clubhouses
Thanks to tax-deductible donations past and present, the GAF is able to make Leisure World an even better place to live. The GAF is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to serving the specific needs of shareholders and residents. The GAF was established in 1973 by members of the GRF Board of Directors. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 2369, Seal Beach, CA, 90740
For more information, leave a message at (562) 431-9589.
New Year, New Laws
With the new year comes a slew of new laws affecting everything from family leave to slavery reparations. On Jan. 1, these laws will go into effect in California. Below is a sampling of what’s in store:
• AB 685: COVID-19 Reporting
Assembly Bill 685 will require employers to notify employees and the public of a potential workplace COVID-19 exposure within a day of the exposure. Companies must notify their workers in writing, inform them of their benefits and rights, and provide a comprehensive plan for disinfection.
The company also has 48 hours to notify the local public health agency of a workplace outbreak.
Employers who fail to do so risk major penalties. AB 685 authorizes Cal-OSHA to close workplaces that pose “an imminent hazard to employees” due to the coronavirus.
•AB 3121: Slavery Reparations
AB 3121 establishes a state task force to study and come up with proposals for providing reparations to the descendants of slaves. The law, an attempt at racial reckoning in the state, will require the task force to meet by June. It will be comprised of appointees by the governor and state Senate leader.
The task force will study the history of slavery in California and its impact on the descendants of those slaves across generations. It will have the power to hold hearings and compel testimony and evidence. From there, the task force will be expected to put forth solutions for redressing that impact. While it’s unknown what the task force will recommend for reparations, this law could have a major economic impact on the state, as well as the lives of families affected by slavery.
• AB 2017: Sick Leave and Kin Care
AB 2017 amends Labor Code § 233, which permitted employees to use half of their annual accrual of sick leave to care for a family member, to give employees the sole discretion to designate leave taken to care for a family member as sick leave.
• SB 1383: Family Rights Act
Senate Bill 1383 extends family leave protections to employees at smaller California businesses. It also increases the number of loved ones who qualify for protected family leave. Businesses that employ five or more workers will have to allow them to take family leave to care for grandparents, grandchildren and siblings in addition to a spouse, registered domestic partner, child or parent. Lastly, it provides leave related to active duty of a worker’s spouse, registered domestic partner, child or parent.
• AB 2147: Expunged Records for Inmate Firefighters
In a year when catastrophic wildfires charred millions of acres across the state and stretched firefighting crews to the breaking point, California passed Assembly Bill 2147. The law will allow inmates who work in prison fire camps a chance to have their records expunged upon release. The law is designed to reward their service by making it easier for them to find employment upon release, especially among the ranks of professional firefighters at a time when California proved to be woefully short.
The bill’s authors contend it could be key in protecting residents in this era of catastrophic wildfires.
“Inmates who have stood on the frontlines, battling historic fires should not be denied the right to later become a professional firefighter,” Newsom said upon signing the law.
•AB 2537: General Acute Care Hospital Workers,PPE Requirements
AB 2537 requires General Acute Care Hospitals to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers who provide direct patient care services or whose services directly support such care. These employers must also be prepared to report their highest seven-day consumption of PPE in the 2019 calendar year upon request by the applicable regulating agency.
• AB 2992: Expansion of Protections to Victims of Crime or Abuse
AB 2992 expands protections for victims of crimes or abuse. Specifically, the bill prohibits employers from taking action against employees who were the victims of a crime or whose family members were the victim of a crime when they take time off following the crime.
Presently, Labor Code § 230 prohibits an employer with 25 or more employees from discharging, discriminating or retaliating against an employee who is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking for taking time off from work for any specified purpose, including seeking medical attention for injuries caused by the domestic violence, assault or stalking and appearing in court pursuant to a subpoena.
AB 2992 expands employee protections to prohibit an employer from discharging or discriminating against an employee who is a victim of crime or abuse for taking time off from work to obtain or attempt to obtain any relief. Relief includes a temporary restraining order, restraining order, obtaining psychological counseling, engaging in safety planning, among other actions.
Minimum Wage Increases
California’s minimum wage will increase to $14 for employers with 26 or more employees and $13 for employers with 25 or less employees. Local minimum wages may also increase.
CAP Food Distribution
Free food is available in Leisure World to eligible residents who are 60 years or older through Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAPOC), which has a monthly distribution site by Clubhouse 4.
The next food distribution will be Jan. 21.
Every third Thursday from 9-11 a.m., qualified people receive 40 pounds of food, including canned fruit, vegetables, meat, rice, juice, cereal and more.
Eligible seniors must live in Leisure World, be at least 60 years of age and meet income guidelines as follows: up to $1,354 a month for one person; $1,832 for a two-person household; and $2,311 for a three-person household.
To sign up, bring a photo ID and proof of income (Social Security/SSI Statement, letter or bank statement or paycheck stub).
People who are unable to apply themselves or pick up the box of food may send a proxy to act on their behalf with appropriate ID.
People who need help arranging a proxy can call GRF Member Resource Liaison Cindy Tostado at 431-6586, ext. 317.
Medicare Fraud Alert
Since Medicare covers palliative care to terminally ill patients, the relationship between for profit hospices and nursing home operators is rife with potential for fraud, according to the Office of the Inspector General. Residents can report Medicare and Medicaid fraud by calling 1-800-581-1790.
In some ways, Medicare’s setup contributes to the problem.
How Does the System Work?
Medicare provides palliative care in the form of hospice benefits to individuals who are terminally ill. That means the emphasis is on pain control, symptom management and individualized counseling for not only the patient, but his or her family, too.
In the last 20 years, the number of U.S. providers has roughly doubled, while Medicare spending on hospice has grown sixfold, to $19.2 billion a year. More than 1.5 million Medicare beneficiaries now receive care from some 5,000 hospices, nearly a quarter of them in California.
Nearly all of the growth is of for-profit hospice providers, which are crowding out the local nonprofits.
For-profit operators now make up 70 percent of all hospices certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and 91percent of those in California. In Los Angeles County, they account for 97 percent, according to a Dec. 9 article in the Los Angeles Times.
A Medicare patient is eligible for Medicare Part A services only if he is entitled to these services (usually age 65) and his doctor has certified he’s terminally ill.
That means he has received a prognosis of life expectancy that is less than six months. Enrollment also disqualifies the patient from receiving any curative care. The hospice must meet level and type of service requirements as well and have a written plan to fulfill them. Typical service requirements include physician and nursing services, speech, physical and occupational therapy, counseling, and respite care as examples.
Although some of the core hospice services must be provided by the hospice directly to the patient, others may be provided by caregivers. However, all must be under the management of the hospice provider.
How is Hospice Care Reimbursed in Nursing Homes
Most of the time, hospice care services are provided to beneficiaries in their home. As a result, Medicare makes no special allowances for such services when provided in a nursing home.
As such, hospices receive the same rates when they provide their services in a nursing home as they would in a home-based delivery. This is a fixed amount per day regardless of the quantity or intensity of services delivered.
However, the beneficiary must pay his own room and board, unless he’s eligible for Medicaid benefits for those charges. When he receives hospice care in the nursing home, however, Medicaid pays the hospice 95 percent of the state’s daily nursing home rate and the hospice pays the beneficiary’s room and board.
Each state’s own Medicaid program determines which services must be included in the hospice’s program. One other thing: the hospice may contract with the nursing home to provide some of the non-core hospice services that it may lawfully outsource.
Potential for Medicare Fraud in the Nursing Home-Hospice Relationship
The largest area for potential abuse in this relationship between hospices and nursing homes stems from the nursing home’s control over whom it will allow to provide hospice services in its facilities.
A hospice can derive substantial and recurring revenue if it has an ongoing exclusive contract to serve a large nursing home’s patient base. This situation is ripe for the offer or request of financial kickbacks, incentives and other lucrative means to both parties.
A nursing home’s captive residents can represent an endless supply of hospice patients.
Records show that patients receiving hospice care in nursing homes, on average, receive a longer course of treatment than home-bound hospice patients.
Another problem is that an overlap of services may exist in a nursing home. In this scenario, some of the services the hospice would be obliged to provide to its home-bound patients may be provided, either inadvertently or by design, by nursing home staff.
An OIG study showed that it’s sometimes the case that nursing home hospice patients receive fewer services than their home-bound counterparts.
And since hospice providers are paid a flat rate, providing fewer services may positively affect their profitability and lessen their operating costs.
Kickbacks to Influence Medicare or Medicaid Referrals
As in many health care fields, kickbacks are strictly prohibited by federal health care programs, including Medicare and Medicaid.
The anti-kickback statute strictly prohibits the solicitation, receipt, offer or payment of “anything of value” to induce referrals of items or services payable by any federal health care program.
One particular area the OIG has observed as a potential source of abuse is when a hospice is paid a higher daily rate for a patient it refers to a nursing home. The law states that a hospice patient should be charged no more than if he had been enrolled as a non-hospice patient.
Any additional charges must be in line with the fair market value for the services he received and must not be included in the Medicaid daily rate.
Some Practices that Prevail in these Fraudulent Schemes:
• A hospice free or below fair market value goods or services to get a contract with a nursing home
• Hospice paying higher than normal room and board rates for its hospice patients
• Hospice patient referrals to a nursing home as an inducement to the nursing home to its patients to the hospice
• Hospice providing care that would normally be provided by the nursing home, thus reducing the nursing home’s staff costs
• Hospice paying the nursing home for additional services that should be included in its Medicaid paid daily room and board service list
The OIG pointed out that anti-kickback violators face severe consequences, including criminal prosecution, monetary penalties, and possible exclusion from federal health care programs and benefits.
Haynes Project Update
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is dismantling Power Units 3-6 at the Haynes plant near Leisure World, with work expected to be completed in the summer of 2021.
These natural gas powered units are no longer in service. Removing them will help LADWP create more sustainable options as it works toward a clean energy future.
The following work will be conducted Monday-Friday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. (with project completion by Jan. 31):
• Power Units 5 and 6: The stacks of Units 5 and 6 will be cut into pieces, lifted and carefully lowered to the ground for removal. The work will require the use of torches, excavators and a crane.
• Power Units 3 and 4: Metal framing will begin dismantling.
• Environmental Monitoring: Monitoring instruments will measure dust, noise and vibration levels during work to maintain levels below the required limits.
• Traffic: There will be only a few trucks entering and leaving the plant during daytime hours.
No traffic impacts are expected.
SBPD’s Santa Cop program brings holiday cheer
For the second year in a row, Santa Claus asked the Seal Beach Police Department to help him deliver holiday gifts to families in need.
On Dec. 28, SBPD’s Community-Oriented Policing (COP) Team visited several Seal Beach families to participate in the second annual “Santa Cop” holiday season community outreach event.
In partnership with Target, SBPD and West Cities Police Communications, officers and dispatch personnel visited several families who needed a little extra holiday cheer this year. SBPD asked the community to anonymously nominate families who were struggling or had fallen on hard times. Several community members wrote in, and six Seal Beach families were nominated and chosen to receive donations.
Over $2,000 was raised and it was spent on purchasing gifts and toys. These funds were donated by:
•Seal Beach Target store
•Seal Beach Police Officers’ Association (POA) and the Seal Beach Police
•Management Association (PMA)
•West Cities Police Communications Employee Association
•An anonymous donor gave $450
Gifts were presented to families by the Seal Beach Police and West Cities Communications employees, and Santa Claus himself. In addition to toys and other gifts, families were given grocery store gift cards.
“It was a wonderful experience being able to give back to the community,” said Community-Oriented Policing Team Officer Victor Ruiz.
Drivers over 70 can renew remotely
Drivers over 70 years of age whose California license expired after March 1 no longer have to go in person to the DMV to renew it, even if you received a letter saying that you do.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has ordered that older Californians be allowed to renew their driver’s licenses remotely to protect them from being infected with COVID-19.
If you received a letter from the DMV to appear in person to renew your license, and you are aged 70 or older, you don’t have to go.
Here are step-by-step instructions on how to renew licenses remotely:
• For any task related to the DMV, visit it online at www.dmv.ca.gov. At the top of the page, there is an option for translation if you need to change the language.
• In a pink box on the homepage, the first option is for people over 70 to renew their license or identification; click the link.
• If you don’t have an account on the DMV site yet, it will ask you to create one, and at the end, they will ask you to pay a renewal fee, so have a credit or debit card or electronic check ready. On the left of the page, there are four blue buttons. Press the second one, and it will take you to the page to open your account; if you don’t have one yet, press “register an account” under “login.”
After doing this they will ask for your email account, your license number, cell phone that receives texts, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Then they will send a code to your phone and/or email, and with that, you will confirm your account, after which, you will be asked to enter a password.
Now you will be able to enter your DMV account online, and carry out procedures.
Christmas tree disposal
Christmas trees can be disposed of at the 1.8 lot/Mini Farm area, according to the Service Maintenance Dept. People who need assistance can contact the department and create an order for their tree to be picked up at the current rate of $42 an hour, charged in 15-minute increments.
CSULB Basketball fans can get cutouts
Cal State University, Long Beach, will fill the seats of the Walter Pyramid with fan cutouts for the 2020-2021 basketball season since spectators will not be allowed to attend games in the arena.
Thanks to a generous donation from the university’s sponsor, Cabe Toyota, the first 50 U.S. veteran alumni to reply with their images to lbsutickets@csulb.edu will have them turned into a fan cutout to support this year’s men’s and women’s Beach basketball teams. Fans and alumni who are not veterans are also invited to cheer on the teams by purchasing cutouts for $49 each.
New photos with solid-color backgrounds that contrast with shirts work best for the cutouts. Show Beach pride by wearing black or gold Beach gear. No commercial advertising, social media handles or hash-tags, or offensive language or images are allowed on the photos.
Photos should be taken 3-4 feet directly in front of the subject. Hold the camera vertically, capturing the person from the waist up. Photos should be no smaller than 1512-x-2016 pixels, 21-x-28 inches, and sent as a jpg or png file.
Smaller file size photos will cause the image to be blurry. Complete criteria for the photos can be found at www.longbeachstate.com/fancutout.
For more information, text the word “vets” to (562) 985-4949.
Be aware of COVID-19 scams
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults and people who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness.
This means that most people with Medicare are at higher risk.
Medicare Covers FDA-approved COVID-19 Vaccines
Pharmaceutical manufacturers are now working to distribute the vaccine to federally- and state-approved locations to start the vaccination of priority groups. State governments will handle the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
Look for updates from Gov. Newsom and other state and local leaders as more doses of the vaccine become available for additional priority groups.
Be Alert for Scammers
Medicare covers the vaccine at no cost to you, so if anyone asks you to share your Medicare number or pay for access to the vaccine, it’s a scam.
Here’s what to know:
• You can’t pay to put your name on a list to get the vaccine.
• You can’t pay to get early access to a vaccine.
• Don’t share your personal or financial information if someone calls, texts or emails you promising access to the vaccine for a fee.
Protecting Yourself and Others
• Wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose.
• Stay at least 6 feet (about two arm lengths) from others who don’t live with you, particularly in crowded areas.
• Avoid crowds and indoor spaces as much as possible, particularly ones that aren’t well ventilated. Learn more about daily activities and going out.
• Wash your hands often.
• Watch for symptoms.
• Stay home if you think you’ve been exposed to COVID-19.
• Learn what to do if you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19.
Staying Safe
Gatherings can be an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends, but getting together with people who don’t live with you can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19. .
Medicare Covers Related Needs
• Medicare covers the lab tests for COVID-19.
• Medicare covers FDA-authorized COVID-19 antibody (or “serology”) tests if you were diagnosed with a known current or known prior COVID-19 infection or suspected current or suspected past COVID-19 infection.
• Medicare covers monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19.
• Medicare covers COVID-19 vaccines.
• Medicare covers all medically necessary hospitalizations. This includes if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 and might otherwise have been discharged from the hospital after an inpatient stay, but instead you need to stay in the hospital under quarantine. You’ll still pay for any hospital deductibles, copays or coinsurances that apply.
• If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you have access to these same benefits. Medicare allows these plans to waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 lab tests. Many plans offer additional telehealth benefits and expanded benefits, like meal delivery or medical transport services. Check with your plan about your coverage and costs.
Scammers may use the coronavirus national emergency to take advantage of people while they’re distracted. As always, guard your Medicare card like a credit card, check Medicare claims summary forms for errors, and if someone calls asking for your Medicare number, hang up.
—from Medicare.com
Smartphone Training Offered
Let the expert trainers at California Phones help you make the most of your smartphone. Android and iPhone webinar trainings are offered free from the comfort of your own home. Space is limited.
Learn how to:
• Operate the basic functions of your smartphone
• Send text messages
• Make text larger
• Connect Bluetooth devices
• Make your smartphone louder and easier to hear.
This is a two-part online training. To participate you will need a computer, Internet service and a valid email address.
For more information or to sign up, call 1-866-271-1540 or email smartphonetraining@ddtp.org.
Volunteers in Policing celebrate 25 years
The Seal Beach Police Volunteers in Policing (VIP) is celebrating its 25th year of service to the Seal Beach community.
The Seal Beach Police Substation, located at the base of the Seal Beach Pier, opened in 1995. Longtime resident Jack Haley Sr. spearheaded the fundraising and construction of the building now located at 820 Ocean Ave.
This building houses the Seal Beach Police Volunteers in Policing. The volunteers were selected from residents who applied, passed a background check and completed training.
The volunteer academy included adhering to the mission statement, code of ethics and all procedures used by law enforcement.
The VIP organization consists of a board of directors and four teams, each headed by a supervisor and assistant supervisor. There are about 50 dedicated volunteers who currently serve in the program.
For the last 25 years the volunteers have assisted the SBPD with patrolling the city, crossing guard duty at McGaugh Elementary, DUI checkpoints, Drug Take Back, home security vacation checks, National Night Out, Tri-City Mail Run, door-to-door notifications, annual holiday parade, holiday patrols of business areas, administrative duties at the police department, fleet car maintenance and staffing of the substation.
Volunteers are the eyes and ears of the SBPD as well as good- will ambassadors who are ready and willing to assist the SBPD in any area requested.
“Over the last 25 years, the VIP volunteers have provided an invaluable service to the Seal Beach Police Department and community at large,” said Seal Beach Chief of Police Philip L. Gonshak. “These men and women dedicate thousands of hours each year to giving back to Seal Beach, and do so simply out of the kindness of their hearts. Without their service, the efficiency and effectiveness of the SBPD would be greatly reduced. We thank them for the years of service and look forward to working with these wonderful volunteers for many years to come.”
For more information about volunteer opportunities with the Seal Beach Police Department, visit https://www.sealbeachca.gov/Departments/Police/Volunteer- Programs or contact Sgt. Brian Gray at (562) 799-4100, ext. 1145, or bgray@sealbeachca.gov.
405 Construction Update
The Orange County Transportation Authority, in cooperation with Caltrans, is widening the San Diego Freeway (I-405) between SR-73 and I-605.The project is improving 16 miles of I-405 between the SR-73 freeway in Costa Mesa and I-605 near the Los Angeles County line. Construction updates are as follows:
Westminster Boulevard Traffic Shift
Crews will shift traffic to one side of the Westminster bridge over I-405 to begin the second phase of demolition and reconstruction. Crews will open some lanes on the new bridge, construct the center median, and then fully shift traffic to the new portion of the bridge. This work is anticipated for early-to-mid-January and will require bridge and ramp closures.
Partial demolition of the old portion of the bridge will occur over two weekends under full freeway closures and is anticipated for late January and early February.
The 405 Community Outreach Team will provide detailed closure, detour and schedule information in future alerts. Sign up for project-wide and bridge-specific construction alerts at bit.ly/405-signup.
Westminster On-ramp to Close for One Month
Crews will close the southbound I-405 on-ramp from Westminster Boulevard for about a month starting Jan. 4 at 10 p.m. to accommodate the freeway widening. Activities include demolition, excavation, grading, drainage and electrical system installation, concrete pours and asphalt paving. For more information, email 405project@octa.net or call (888) 400-8994. Construction is occurring along the entire stretch of the I-405, so drivers should watch for detour signs.
For more information and interactive maps, visit www.octa.net/images/freeways/405/405closures.pdf or call 888-400-8994.
California LifeLine
California LifeLine provides discounted home phone and cell phone services to qualified households. Only one California LifeLine discounted phone is allowed per household (except for teletypewriter users and for Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program participants). The California LifeLine discounts can only be for the individual’s primary residence.
Each household must choose to get the discount either on a home phone or on a cell phone, but not on both. Households cannot get the discount from multiple phone companies. Qualifiers must renew annually to receive their discount.
Free cell phones and service are provided through different carriers upon qualification. Cell phone providers have varying data packages.
How to Qualify:
Residents may qualify for California LifeLine in one of two ways; either program-based or income-based. Documentation of proof of eligibility is required. Submit copies of proof of eligibility with the completed and signed application.
Examples:
Program-based qualification may include:
•Enrollment in Medi-Cal, LIHEAP, SSI, Cal Fresh, Federal Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit programs.
•Income-based qualifications for a household size of up to two people is $28,700 (annual income limit equals gross income before taxes, including Social Security payments, pensions, etc.).
For more information and assistance, contact California LifeLine at (866) 272-0349.
People who do not qualify for the LifeLine Program may qualify for senior discounts with phone/cable/internet company. Call your provider directly to inquire about senior discounts and/or eligibility for reduced fees for these services.
For more information or assistance with this program or others, contact GRF Member Resource Liaison, Cindy Tostado, LCSW, at 431-6586, ext. 317.
Perspectives, Page 4
Letters to the Editor
Editor:
Goodbye 2020! Not that we didn’t learn anything this year, mainly how many things we took for granted, like Wa-Rite meetings, visiting family and friends, movies, and eating at restaurants.
So for the new year, remember how to stay safe and healthy, and pass forward kindness and patience. Starting 2021 with peace and joy may help us all.
Sit back and enjoy the sunset while starting a new way of life with tenderness for the past, courage for the present and hope for the future. Happy New Year!
Carol Chambers
Wa-Rite Club president
Editor:
I was very impressed with the shuttle service we have to the Los Alamitos Medical Center. I drove my car to the Administration parking lot, boarded the shuttle and was quickly transported to the Total Imaging Center. I had to wait before and after my appointment, but I did not mind at all. It was a pleasure to talk with others, be out in the sun and people watch.
Coming home, I was the only shareholder on the shuttle and enjoyed a chat with the driver.
I cannot recommend this service highly enough. More people need to take advantage of it.
Judie Jacobus
Mutual 2
Perspectives Policy
Submissions in each of the following categories may be published at the discretion of the Communications and Technical Director.
Letters to the Editor: Maximum number of words: 250. Letters should be typed and delivered to LW Weekly by email (preferred), regular mail or hand-delivered.
Letters must be of general interest to the community and may contain opinions, suggestions, compliments and complaints without being scurrilous, libelous, defamatory, repetitive or otherwise inappropriate.
The names of individual employees, titles and/or departments will not be permitted in letters that could adversely impact any Foundation employee directly or indirectly.
Member Column: At a maximum 500 words, columns may present an argument, opinion or information about pending issues of concern to the community.
Priority goes to first-time or less frequent writers. Some names will be left out to protect privacy.
City of Seal Beach Senior Services
The City of Seal Beach offers a host of senior services, including:
• Senior Transportation Services
• Meals on Wheels
• Discounts on utility bills, parking and pet licenses
• Senior tax assistance
• Bathroom remodel program
• Friendly visitor program
Senior Transportation
Services
This service change was a result of the unexpected closure of the Keolis’ Orange County facility, which was contracted to operate the City’s senior shuttle and Dial-a-Ride program. The Keolis facility closed in June. As a result, the Dial-a-Ride services have been expanded as follows with California Yellow Cab:
• Operating hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance by calling toll free (877) 224-8294. Reservations made less than 24 hours in advance cannot be guaranteed.
• Only registered eligible riders can partake in this service. To be eligible, the rider must be a Seal Beach resident 60 years and older.
• To confirm whether you are already registered, call Melissa Gomez or Cristina Valle of California Yellow Cab at (714) 427-2555
• To register as a new rider, contact Iris Lee at (562) 431-2527, ext. 1322 or email ilee@sealbeachca.gov or AskCityHall@sealbeachca.gov.
• There is no cost to use this service.
• Transportation services will be provided to any location within city limits, and up to 3 miles outside city limits and within Orange County for non-emergency medical purposes. Users may also elect to go to the VA Hospital in Long Beach.
Seal Beach/OC
Meals on Wheels
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Seal Beach Meals on Wheels program has become the lifeline to many seniors by being the sole source of free meal delivery in Seal Beach. The City of Seal Beach Meals on Wheels is offered in partnership with OC Meals on Wheels.
Both homebound meals and congregate meals are available. The homebound program is for seniors who are unable to pick up meals and need assistance with meals delivery, and the congregate lunch program is now available for seniors who are able or prefer to pick up meals (five frozen meals). If seniors are interested in participating in either program, they must register first by calling the city’s Recreation Department at (562) 431-2527, ext. 1344.
For homebound individuals 60-plus years of age who are unable to shop and/or prepare meals for themselves, the City of Seal Beach delivers three meals directly to their home: breakfast items, a cold lunch and a frozen dinner. These meals, which provide 100 percent of the U.S Nutritional Recommended Dietary Allowance, are available five days per week at no cost to the community.
“This program is a testament to the incredible commitment of our staff, which provides the highest level of essential and vital services to our community in need during a major crisis,” said Seal Beach City Manager Jill Ingram.
For more information about this program, contact the city’s Recreation Department at (562) 431-2527, ext. 1344.
Discounts for Seniors
on Utility Bills,
Parking and Pet Licenses
There are discounts available for seniors on utility bills, parking and pet licenses. Pet licenses have a 50-percent discount. Most utility bills have a 15-percent discount, and there is a discount for parking.
When you pay or sign up for these services, make sure to reach out to the city to see what discounts are available.
• Parking Contact: (562) 431-2527, ext. 1310, or via email at parkingpermits@sealbeachca.gov. New parking permits and renewals can be processed online at https://www.citationprocessingcenter.com/citizens/sealbeach/permits
• Pet License Contact: (562) 570-7387. Pet licenses are processed through Long Beach Animal Care Services at www.longbeach.gov/acs/pet-laws-and-licensing/licensing/.
• Utility Bills Contact: (562) 431-2527, ext. 1309, or via email at payments@sesalbeachca.gov
Senior Tax Assistance
Seal Beach offers free assistance for low-income seniors in preparing state and federal income tax returns. Tax assistance is offered at Fire Station No. 48, Community Room, 3131 N. Gate Road, Seal Beach, CA, 90740
At tax time, appointments are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. They are scheduled for Monday mornings ONLY from February-April. For more information, call (562) 431-2527, ext. 1344.
SeniorCityzen
Seal Beach recently launched a new program called SeniorCityzen to support and check in with seniors who are socially isolated as a result of the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders.
The resource allows Seal Beach seniors to connect with city staff (volunteers) who may schedule a call to receive regular check-ins via telephone to chat and/or to receive referrals to community resources during this difficult time. Seniors who are interested in participating may email SeniorCityzen@sealbeachca.gov or call (562) 431-2527, ext. 1600.
Seniors are asked to leave their name and phone number, and staff will return emails and calls to set up a chat and/or answer any senior resource related questions.SeniorCityzen is geared toward people 60 and above who are facing social isolation and are looking for someone to talk to, along with getting referrals to other senior-centric organizations.
For more information about SeniorCityzen, contact Assistant City Manager Patrick Gallegos at pgallegos@sealbeachca.gov or (562) 431-2527, ext. 1308.
—from the City of Seal Beach
Sewer Construction Project Update
The Orange County Sanitation District has installed a 2-mile stretch of sewer pipeline in the City of Seal Beach to improve the regional system.
Construction is ongoing on Westminster Boulevard between Seal Beach Boulevard and Bolsa Chica Road.
The project will move into the City of Westminster with pre-construction activities underway.
Upcoming Construction Schedule Between
Bolsa Chica and College Street
Excavation within the k-railed median area has been underway since Dec. 21. If necessary, median, curbs, landscapes and trees will need to be removed. They will be replaced after sewer work is completed and restoration takes place.
Between Bolsa Chica and Westminster Intersection
As of Dec. 21, night work to check for utilities from the Bolsa Chica bridge through the intersection is underway.
Daytime work hours are from 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Friday and nighttime work is from 9 p.m.-6 a.m., Monday-Friday.
Dates and times are subject to change due to operational factors or inclement weather.
What to Expect
• During non-construction work hours, two lanes of travel in each direction will be open.
• Expect periodic traffic delays and reduced travel lanes during non-peak traffic hours
• Some jobs will require night and/or weekend work, and additional notice will be provided
• No parking will be allowed on Westminster Boulevard for the duration of the construction project
• Construction work through intersections may require temporary detours.
For more frequent updates, sign up to receive email notifications and/or text alerts at www.ocsd.com/Westminster.
The construction hotline is available at (714) 378-2965.
For project details, visit www.OCSD.com/westminster.
This project will replace and reconstruct nearly 3 miles of the existing sewer force main system consisting of two parallel 36-inch diameter sewer pipelines on Westminster Boulevard between Seal Beach Boulevard and Hammon Place/Rancho Road in the cities of Seal Beach and Westminster.
A force main system are pipes used to move wastewater under pressure by use of a pump station. Force mains are necessary when gravity flow is not sufficient to move wastewater.
Why is the project needed?
The aging infrastructure is over 40 years old, with only one of the two pipelines in service.
This project is required to maintain a reliable and effective wastewater collection system expected to last 40-50 years. Construction is expected to last until late 2022.
What impacts can be expected?
OCSD is working diligently on this project to ensure every possible measure is taken to minimize public impacts.
There may be traffic restrictions reducing the number of travel lanes.
There may be elevated noise levels, vibration and other related impacts.
Mitigation measures will be put in place to ensure compliance with city ordinances as well as minimize the impacts to our neighbors.
The Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) is a public agency that provides wastewater collection, treatment and recycling services for approximately 2.6 million people in central and northwest Orange County.
OCSD operates two facilities—Reclamation Plant No. 1 in Fountain Valley and Treatment Plant No. 2 in Huntington Beach—and treats an average of 185 million gallons of wastewater each day from commercial, residential and industrial sources. It oversees 388 miles of sewers.
For more general information, visit ocsd.com.
Do you qualify for CalFresh?
Do you need assistance with food?
CalFresh can help qualifying Leisure World residents receive healthy fruits and vegetables, among other groceries.
Recipients receive a card similar to a debit card with money loaded every month to shop for more fruit, vegetables, protein and other healthy foods.
CalFresh is funded by the USDA and administered through the Community Action Partnership in Leisure World to help improve health and nutrition of people with lower incomes.
Requirements to apply:
• You must have at least one citizen or legal permanent resident with a Social Security number living in your household (including children).
• You may qualify for CalFresh even if you have a full- or part-time job.
Gross monthly income must be less than the amounts listed: One-person household, $2,128; two-person household, $2,874.
• Seniors, those on SSI or those with a disability can apply and may be eligible for CalFresh
• You will need these documents to apply: photo ID, Social Security card, proof of income, resident card (if applicable, receipt of rent and receipt of one utility bill).
Upon application, income and many other factors are taken into account to determine eligibility. For more information, call Daisy Diaz at (714) 897-6670, ext. 3606.
Leisure World residents can get help and more information by calling Cindy Tostado, LCSW, GRF member resource and assistance liaison, 431-6586, ext. 317.
—from the California
Department of Social Services
Government
GRF Meetings
Golden Rain Foundation committee and board meetings are open to Leisure World residents. The following is a tentative schedule. Public health and safety measures will be in place to protect membership and staff, with limited in-person seating at Clubhouse 4. Physical distancing and wearing a face mask are required.
Mon., Jan. 4 Recreation Committee
Clubhouse 4 1 p.m.
Wed., Jan. 6 Physical Property Committee
Clubhouse 4 1 p.m.
Fri., Jan. 8 Executive Committee
Clubhouse 4 1 p.m.
Mon., Jan. 11 Mutual Administration Committee
Clubhouse 4 1 p.m.
Mon., Jan. 11 GRF Board Special Session
Clubhouse 4 12 p.m.
Wed., Jan. 13 Security, Bus & Traffic Committee
Clubhouse 4 1 p.m.
Thurs., Jan. 14 Communications/IT Committee
Clubhouse 4 1 p.m.
Fri., Jan. 15 Finance Committee
Clubhouse 4 10 a.m.
Recap of Special GRF Board Activity—Dec. 21
General—Reopening—Active Outdoor Amenities and Amphitheater (for Religious Services): MOVED and failed to approve to reopen Veterans Plaza, the Golf Course, the Amphitheater (for religious purposes), the Bocce Ball court and the multipurpose court, effective Dec. 22 or as soon thereafter as Recreation Staff are available.
MOVED and duly approved to reconsider the status of current closures (Veterans Plaza, the Golf Course, the Amphitheater—for religious purposes, the Bocce Ball court and the multipurpose court), at a Special GRF Board of Directors meeting on Jan. 11.
Recap of GRF Board Activity—Dec. 23
Approved Consent Agenda: MOVED and duly approved the Committee/Board meeting minutes for the month of November 2020; the minutes of the Nov. 13 Executive Committee Board meeting; the minutes of the GRF Board of Directors meeting, dated Nov. 24; the minutes of the Dec. 15 GRF Special Board meeting; the GRF Board Report, dated Dec. 23; acceptance of the Financial Statements, November 2020, for Audit; the Reserve Funds Investment Purchase; and the Capital Funds Investment Purchase.
General
Accept Donation, Golden Age Foundation: MOVED and duly approved to accept the Golden Age Foundation donation of $75,000, to be used for the purchase of six Precor Treadmills and the Life Fitness equipment comprising the new training circuit.
AB 3182 Ad hoc Committee
FINAL VOTE: Adopt 40-3182-2, Member/Owner (M/O) and Renter/Lessee (R/L) Fines, Fees and Deposits: MOVED and duly approved to adopt 40-3182-2, Member/Owner (MO) and Renter/Lessee (R/L) Fines, Fees and Deposits, as presented.
FINAL VOTE: Adopt 40-3182-1, Member/Owner (M/O) and Renter/Lessee (R/L)—Rules: MOVED and duly approved to adopt 40-3182-1, Member/Owner (MO) and Renter/Lessee (R/L) Rules, as presented.
Amend 30-1001-5, Glossary of Terms: MOVED and duly approved to amend 30-1001-5, Glossary of Terms, adding Member/Owner, Renter/Lessee, and Trust Property Use Fee (TPUF), as presented.
Amend 30-5093-1, Member Rules of Conduct: MOVED and duly approved to amend 30-5093-1, Member Rules of Conduct, adding Qualified Permanent Residents, Co-occupants, Renters/Lessees and Caregivers to those to whom the rules of conduct apply and adding to applicable Trust Property the RV Lot and the Mini farms.
Amend 50-1201-1, GRF Identification Cards: MOVED and duly approved to amend 50-1201-1, GRF Identification Cards, establishing that Renters/Lessees will receive a one-year ID card for which a deposit will be incurred, as presented.
Amend 40-1201-2, GRF Identification Cards—Fees: MOVED and duly approved to amend 40-1201-2, GRF Identification Cards—Fees, by establishing that Renters/Lessees will be subject to the $500 ID card fee if not surrendered upon the sale of the unit or death, by including Qualified Permanent Residents in the instructions for obtaining a replacement card, by establishing an additional Renter/Lessee deposit for lost ID cards, and by establishing that stolen ID cards must be verified by a police report in order to waive an additional deposit, as presented.
Amend 50-1641-4A, Seal Beach Mutual Lease Agreement: The motion failed to carry and was referred to the AB 3182 Ad Hoc Committee for review.
Amend 50-1641-4, Seal Beach Mutual Lease Agreement: The motion failed to carry and was referred to the AB 3182 Ad /hoc Committee for review.
Adopt 50-1630-4, Notice of Disclosures, in membership transfers: MOVED and duly approved to adopt 50-1630-4, Notice of Disclosures, in membership transfers, as presented.
Consent Agenda: MOVED and duly approved to adopt 50-3182-4, Decal and ID Card for Member/Owner (M/O)—Mutuals 2-11 and 14-17, Form and to adopt 50-3182-4A, Decal and ID Card for Renter/Lessee (R/L)—Mutuals 2-11 and 14-17, Form, as presented.
COVID-19 Ad hoc Committee
TENTATIVE VOTE: Adopt and Implement 70-1448-3R, Emergency Operational Rule—Mission Park, Phase One: MOVED and duly approved to adopt 70-1448-3R for Trust property identified as the Mission Park, pending a 28-day notification to the membership, and a final decision by the GRF Board of Directors on Jan. 29.
Executive Committee
Approve Workers’ Compensation Policy Renewal: MOVED and duly approved renewal of the contract for Workers’ Compensation Coverage with Cypress Insurance Company, Berkshire Hathaway Homestate Companies, for the 2021 policy year, in the amount of $210,907, and authorize the GRF President to sign the required documents.
Finance Committee
Capital Funding Request—Replace Copy and Supply Center Shredder: This item was removed from the agenda.
Non-budgeted Funding Request—Prepaid Microsoft Support: MOVED and duly approved the purchase of a prepaid block of 50 support hours from Boyer & Associates, in the amount of $9,750, Operating funds.
Recreation Committee
Amend 70-1447-1, Use of Community Facilities—Mini Farm Rules: MOVED and duly approved to amend 70-1447-1, Use of Community Facilities—Mini Farm Rules, adding information pertaining to Renters/Lessees and prohibiting water run-off on walkways, sidewalks or adjacent plots, as presented.
Amend 70-1487-1, Recreational Vehicle Lot (RVL), Rules and Regulations: MOVED and duly approved to amend 70-1487-1 Recreational Vehicle Lot (RVL)—Rules and Regulations, establishing that Renter/Lessees must follow all rules and are subject to any consequences for failure to do so and that Member/Owners are responsible for their Renter/Lessees, including any fees, fines or disciplinary consequences.
Amend 40-1488-6, Mini Farm, 1.8 Acres, Lease Agreement: MOVED and duly approved to amend 40-1488-6, Mini Farm 1.8 Acre—Lease Agreement, adding Mutual Renter/Lessee to the definition of Lessee, establishing that if a Member/Owner rents their unit, their right to lease a plot is forfeited and establishing that the Lessee will be liable for damage to neighboring plots resulting from acts of omission, as presented.
Amend 40-1489-6, LW Trailer Club Lease Agreement: MOVED and duly approved to amend 40-1489-6, LW Trailer Club—Lease Agreement, adding Trust Property Use Fee payers as eligible to be LW Trailer Club members, as presented.
Emergency Addition to the Agenda: MOVED and duly approved the addition of 40-1487-6, RV Lot Lease agreement to the Dec. 23 agenda 4930 (e).
Amend 40-1487-6, RV Lot Lease Agreement: MOVED and duly approved to amend 40-1487-6, RV Lot Lease Agreement, updating the document language and adding clauses that apply to Member/Owners and Renter/Lessees, as presented.
Mutual Meetings
Mutual residents are invited to attend the open meetings of their mutual boards (schedule subject to change).
Tues., Jan. 5 Mutual 16
virtual 9:30 a.m.
Tues., Jan. 5 Mutual 17
virtual 1:30 p.m.
Fri., Jan. 8 Mutual 3
virtual 9 a.m.
Mon., Jan. 11 Mutual 9
virtual 9 a.m.
Wed., Jan. 13 Mutual 4 (open forum, 9:15 a.m.)
virtual 9:30 a.m.
Thurs., Jan. 14 Mutual 12
virtual 9 a.m.
Tues., Jan. 19 Mutual 15
virtual 9 a.m.
Tues., Jan. 19 Mutual 14
virtual 1 p.m.
Wed., Jan. 20 Mutual 5
virtual 9 a.m.
Wed., Jan. 20 Mutual 7
virtual 1 p.m.
Thurs., Jan. 21 Mutual 2
virtual 9 a.m.
LW Community Guide 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the production of the LW Community Guide in 2020. If there are any changes to your information for the White Pages from 2019, or if you weren’t included in 2019 but want to be in 2021, contact pattym@lwsb.com with your name and address and/or phone number.
COMMENTS/QUESTIONS FROM THE MEMBERSHIP
Jan. 11 GRF Board of Directors Meeting
Submit your request to the GRF Board Office, P.O. Box 2069, Seal Beach, CA 90740, Mrs. Deanna Bennett, Executive Coordinator, no later than 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 5. You may also drop off your question/comment at the Stock Transfer Office, Attention Deanna Bennett or email your question/comment to grfboardaction@lwsb.com. Comments received after the deadline will not be read during the meeting.
Today’s Date: ______________________
Your Name (please print): ____________________________
Mutual #_____ Apt#______
My Subject is: ______________________________________
The Open Meeting Act allows boards of directors to establish reasonable time limits for the open forum and for speakers to address the board. (Civ. Code §4925(b).) Time limits per speaker are limited to: four minutes for 15 or fewer speakers; three minutes for 16-25 speakers; and two minutes for more than 26 speakers.
Notice of Proposed to Amend 70-1448-3R
70-1448-3R Mission Park, Phase Two
Due to government restrictions and recommendations brought about by the pandemic, this rule permits the use of the Mission Park—Multi-Use Courts during emergency health crises and incorporates guidelines for at-risk senior communities. The GRF will take the following steps to ensure a safe environment for reopening the Mission Park—Multi-Use Courts for limited in-person activity.
Use of this facility is not allowed if you are exhibiting any symptoms of the coronavirus: Mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing, or other symptoms identified by the CDC, or have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days. Completion of a COVID Survey is required for all GRF members using this facility.
The Recreation Department will make the Mission Park—Multi-Use Courts are available for Member usage under the following restrictions:
1. Face Masks
1.1. Wearing a face mask is mandatory.
1.2. Mask must cover nose and mouth completely. Public health authorities recommend the face mask is the minimum requirement for protection of both the wearer and the people around the wearer.
1.3. A splash shield/face shield does not provide a level of protection to the wearer and those around them.
1.4. A splash shield/face shield may be worn in addition to the required mask.
2. Pickleball
The following procedure has been expanded pursuant to regulations recommended by the USA Pickleball Association and incorporates guidelines for at-risk senior communities in particular.
2.1. Play at the Multi-Use Court, when opened, must be booked through https://www.lwsb.com. Walk-on games are allowed, but reservations have priority.
2.2. Requests are accepted at https://www.lwsb.com/reserve Monday through Sunday before 4 p.m. for play the following day.
2.2.1. Players must check in with staff to verify their reservation.
2.2.2. Staff may request a player’s GRF ID at any time.
2.3. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. They are posted on the court and on the website.
2.3.1. Scheduling will be adjusted by management as needed to satisfy safety requirements and conform to staff hours.
2.3.2. GRF may close the facility completely without notice.
2.4. No after-game congregation/socializing is permitted in Mission Park, the parking lot or the immediate surrounding area. After their match, players must promptly leave the Mission Park/Clubhouse 2 area.
2.5. To eliminate touch points, benches, score tenders, and all tables and chairs will be removed.
2.6. Masks must be worn in all areas until playing begins on the court. Masks also must be worn after play is completed.
2.7. Social distancing as defined by the CDC (maintaining 6 feet of distance) must be maintained at all times.
2.8. Participants should wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or longer or use a hand sanitizer before and after each match.
2.9. A disinfecting/sanitizing bucket will be on-site between the Bocce Ball and Multi-Use courts for players to use to clean balls and paddles.
2.10. The Clubhouse 2 restrooms will be made available; however, no more than two players per restroom will be permitted at a time.
2.11. Multi-Use games are limited to one hour of play. Pickleball games are limited to four players per court for one hour of play.
2.12. Multi-Use players must provide their own paddles, balls and gloves.
2.12.1. Players must wear gloves when handling the ball and not touch other players’ equipment.
2.12.2. Should a ball identified with another player wind up on your side of the court, do not touch the ball with your hands. Use your paddle or feet to advance the ball to the other side of the court.
All Shareholders wishing to comment on the proposed changes may submit your comments by either:
• Emailing comments to the attention of the GRF Board at deannab@lwsb.com; please include in the subject line “70-1448-3R Mission Park Phase Two”
• Mailing comments to Golden Rain Foundation, P.O. Box 2069, Seal Beal, CA 90740. Attn: Proposed Document Revisions
Please reference 70-1448-3R Mission Park Phase Two on any correspondence you submit. Correspondence must be received by Jan. 19. All comments will be copied to the Board for review and consideration. The Board will take final action relative to 70-1448-3R Mission Park Phase Two at the Jan. 29 meeting.
Arts & Leisure
Is it time to rethink New Year’s resolutions?
The top New Year’s resolutions are typically to lose weight, save money and travel more, and according to a recently released survey by offers.com, 2021 is no different. Of the 1,000 adults questioned, 26 percent said they intend to start a diet and exercise more, while 23 percent want to save funds and get out of debt. Coming in at 17 percent was to travel more.
But after this year, especially, it may be time to rethink those resolutions.
While 17 percent of the 7,750 people surveyed by the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana lost weight during the pandemic, about 27 percent said they had gained. Not surprisingly, the study also found that, on average, people reported significantly higher anxiety levels, with about 20 percent reporting that their symptoms, such as experiencing dread, were severe enough to interfere with their daily activities. Mental-health experts recommend people who are suffering from anxiety and stress focus not on the number on the scale, but rather on things like the quality of the food on their plates. Drink more green tea and eat more antioxident-rich foods, such as blueberries and dark chocolate. Try to have an avocado every day; it contains essential nutrients that help reduce stress hormones and regulate blood pressure.
It’s also wise to switch up exercise routines. It’s a new year, and while 2021 might at first feel like an extension of 2020, changing routines can help prevent burnout. “Almost everyone needs to readjust their lifestyles every now and then,” says fitness guru Denise Austin.
For those who are wanting to start a routine, the CDC advises adults exercise at least 150 minutes per week. But if that sounds daunting, remember starting slow is okay. “It’s important not to feel defeated and stop working out altogether,” Austin says. Walking for 30 minutes at a brisk pace two to three times per week is a good start. Maybe join a stretching class on Zoom. But before starting something new, the National Institute on Aging advises seniors to visit a primary care doctor with any questions or concerns.
There are, of course, other ways to switch things up. Find a new book by a local author. Order takeout from a different restaurant. Try a new recipe from an old cookbook. Take an online painting class or use an app to learn a new language. And remember: Resolutions don’t have to be long-term goals. As psychologist Katherine Arbuthnott points out, “It is probably challenging enough to figure out what’s needed to make it through the months until everyone is vaccinated and can start to make their way back into a more social world.”
Men’s Golf League Results
A very bright, cool, damp morning greeted 11 men and one woman of the Monday Golf League on Dec. 21 in Fountain Valley. The round was played at David L. Baker Executive Golf Course, a par-62, 4,000-yard, 18-hole course with no par 5’s and lots of water hazards. The conditions led to more over par than under par scores, but there were seven birdies. It was good to see a sizeable group of players participating.
All scores are net (actual score minus handicap). A Flight handicaps range from 0-20; B flight is higher than 20.
A Flight Winners: First place: Fujio Norihiro, 7 under 55, plus a birdie; second: Larry Hillhouse, 6 under 56, plus a birdie and closest to the pin on the 110-yard, par-3 third hole: third: Glenn Barry, even par 62, plus two birdies and fewest putts; fourth: Dave LaCascia, 2 over 64; fifth: tie between Ron Jackson and Gary Stivers; sixth: tie between Sam Choi and Bill McKusky; seventh: Gene Vesely, who had two birdies and was closest to the pin on the 120-yard, par-3 15th hole.
B Flight Winners: First place: Bob Munn, 2 under 60, plus a birdie; second: Marv Ballard, 2 over 64; third: Liz Meripol. Munn and Meripol tied for fewest putts.
The Friday Golf League did not meet because of the Christmas holiday.
Both the Monday and Friday Golf Leagues play at four local courses, all within 15 minutes of Leisure World, starting between 7-7:30 a.m., except holidays. The courses are David L. Baker in Fountain Valley, Meadowlark in Huntington Beach, Riverview in Santa Ana, and Willowick in Garden Grove. In general, masks are required at the pro shops, but optional while waiting to tee off. No masks are required on the putting greens, driving range or the course itself. Golfers are respectful of one other’s personal space, and social distancing is observed. Golf carts are single person only unless riders are from the same household.
LW Men’s Club membership is not required, and friends, ladies, spouses and family are all welcome to play and/or join. There is a prize pool for each round that players are not obligated to enter. Prizes are awarded for low gross in each flight, birdies, closest to the pin on two par-3s, and lowest number of putts in each flight. Holes-in-One and eagles, although infrequent, are generously rewarded. If interested, contact McKusky (562) 430-8618 or LaCascia (801) 674-5975.
Handicaps can be determined using local course handicap numbers and adjusted for the longer, more difficult courses outside Leisure World. Contact LaCascia at (801) 674-5975 for more information.
—Dave LaCascia
LW Poetry
This feature showcases original poems by members of the Creative Writers Club of Leisure World and other GRF members.
Hope for 2021
May God bless you with ability,
To live in kind tranquility,
To model dignity and grace,
And make this world a better place!
Negative complaints eschew,
Live thankfully each day anew,
See the best in all around,
And beauty will in you be found!
May your speech be faultless, true,
May joy o’erlay all that you do.
In 2021 brightly shine,
Reflect the spark of Love Divine!
—Fred Wind
OLLI Winter Session 2021
Leisure World resident Holly Weber will teach “Healthy Not High.” The six-week course will be offered via Zoom for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute on Wednesdays,10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., beginning Jan. 6, 2021.
The class will highlight details of cannabis history using the research done by Raphael Mechoulam, Ph.D.; Bonni Goldstein, M.D.; and many others. It will also address marijuana research throughout the world and demystify the many “dangers” of using the plant, as well as cover when cannabis should not be used and possible medication reactions with it. Goldstein’s book “Cannabis Revealed” will be used as a text; copies are available via Amazon.com.
To register, call (562) 985-8237 or go to http://web.csulb.edu/colleges/chhs/centers/olli/.
Weber is a registered nurse, certified brain nutritional counselor and psychotherapist who provides customized wellness consultations and counseling. She may be reached for an appointment at (562) 430-8245.
The December Garden of the Month belongs to Lu de Santis of Mutual 3. Frank of Frank’s Gardening Service assisted de Santis in the planning and planting of the drought-tolerant garden of succulents with rock features at 13700 El Dorado Road, 32-L.
LWers set a course for their own tour of lights
By Dave LaCascia
LW Contributor
One of the fun things the COVID pandemic eliminated from Leisure World activities this year is the annual bus ride around the community to see the Christmas lights. It was always anticipated, and GRF Fleet Manager Grant Winford, with his drivers, made it a fun tour that was enjoyed by all.
In lieu of that, this year, on Dec. 21 (the night of the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter), four intrepid travelers (the same four who braved the open waters of Naples last September) compiled more than 25 reported outstanding light displays into an itinerary, then jumped into a golf cart for a 70-minute tour. The locations were logged with the help of some memories of past bus rides, plus the list in the LW Weekly.
The night was clear and the weather warm. Driver Joe Didonato, pilot Sandra de Dubovay, navigator Dave LaCascia and tour architect Liz Meripol visited some beautifully decorated porches, roofs, patios and gardens throughout the community. Along with the recorded homes, many more were sighted and enjoyed. Friendly walkers, car drivers and homeowners waved and were very cordial to the golf cart and its passengers.
Clear visual favorites were 1671 Interlachen Road, 285-E; 1441 Homewood Road, 96-A; 13550 Del Monte Drive; and 1710 Tam O’Shanter Road, 12-D. There were many other displays in line for the next best, including a set of consecutively decorated homes that were interlinked for a terrific visual effect.
The group is already considering plans for next year’s tour.
Technology Classes by Miryam
Miryam Fernandez’s technology classes are taught every other Tuesday at 2 p.m. Topics change each session, which will be closed captioned. For an invitation, email Fernandez at mzzmimm@gmail.com. If you need help setting up a microphone and/or video or have other connectivity issues, call Bonnie Cooper at (562) 822-6358 before class begins.
Jan. 5, 2021: Google Calendar
Jan. 19, 2021: Facebook
Feb. 2, 2021: Beginning iPhone
Important Reminder: Apple, Microsoft, IRS, Social Security, etc., will never contact you by phone, text or email. If there’s a problem with your account, they will shut you down until you contact them.
Tech Talk
Join Bob Cohen in a free, one-hour live Zoom class on technology every Monday at 10 a.m. Topics are different each week and include iPhones, apps, computers, websites and Internet marketing. A question-and-answer period is held during each session, and all you need to know in advance is how to join using Zoom.
Registration information is sent out in the Bobology newsletter every Wednesday morning for the upcoming Tech Talk. To register for the newsletter, sign up at https://bit.ly/bobologynewsletter or contact bob@bobology.com.
Video Producers Zoom Meetings
The Video Producers Club offers free, weekly Zoom classes, as well as a Zoom Party Social on Thursdays.
Classes are as follows:
• Monday, 10 a.m.: Bob Cohen hosts Tech Talk, focusing on a variety of topics. Email bob@bobology.com for a Zoom invitation. Subscribe to his free newsletter, which features links to videos, articles and free live meetings, at http://bit.ly/bobologynewsletter.
• Monday, 2 p.m.: Zoom class for iPad and Mac users hosted by Fred Carpenter. For an invite to his class, email sail1942@gmail.com.
• Wednesday, 10 a.m.: Beginners’ Zoom class for Windows and Android users with Charlie Guggino. For an invite to this class, email joosuna29a@gmail.com.
• Thursday, 10 a.m.: Beginners’ and Intermediate Zoom class for Windows and Android users and for beginning Video Producers with host Joseph Valentinetti. For an invite to his class, email 0501042@gmail.com.
• Thursday, 5:30 p.m.: The one-hour Zoom Party Social, hosted by Valentinetti, is open to all residents. For an invite, email 0501042@gmail.com.
—Joe Osuna
Where-We-Live Club
Learn about the concept of feng shui in 2021! “Let’s Put Our Affairs in Order and Organize!” will concentrate on the art of placement and how it may change lives. New and previous members, as well as all curious shareholders, are welcome to join. Email wherewelive@yahoo.com to be placed on a mailing list for future workshops, as well as updates to the club’s calendar of activities, Zoom meetings and HomeWorks.
Family Radio Service Users
Calling all Family Radio Service Users in Leisure World: The Radio Club provides an opportunity for a Family Radio Service (FRS) practice drill every Wednesday morning. Anyone who has an FRS radio is invited to participate.
The call-in time is 9:30-9:45 a.m. on Channel 13/0. Be sure to wait until the radio is clear, then call in stating your first name, last name initial and mutual number. Remember to press the side button to speak, then release when finished.
For more instruction on the use of the FRS radio, contact Leisure World Radio Club President Rich Erickson at rjerxn@yahoo.com, or call (562) 431-6586, ext. 409, to leave a message.
Grab ’n’ Go Meals
Dec. 31-Jan. 6
Clubhouse 6 Parking Lot
• Thursday: Domino’s Pizza—call ahead for special orders, wings and salads offered, 3-7 p.m., cash/cards, (562) 493-2212.
• Friday: The Skewer—Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare, shawarma, falafel, fries, hummus, and salads, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. View all options at https://skewerstruck.com/menu. Katella Deli—deli favorites, appetizers, salads, hot entrées; specials of the day available onsite, 3:30-5:30 p.m., cash/cards. Call ahead at (562) 594-8611, or order online at www.katellabakery.com.
• Saturday: Naples Rib Co.—barbecue, salads, sandwiches; 3:30-5 p.m., cash/cards, (562) 439-RIBS. Order ahead at www.ribcompany.com/LW for faster service.
• Sunday: Berg Catering—freshly prepared meals with a healthy, gourmet touch, 2-4 p.m., PayPal/checks/cash/cards. Preorder at (562) 663-2038 or www.bergcatering.com (click the special LW menu).
• Monday: Kabobaholic Food Truck—chicken or meat kabobs, gyros, falafel, loaded fries, 4-6 p.m., cash/cards. To preorder, go to www.kabobaholicft.com or text (949) 400-4696; mention LWSB when ordering.
• Tuesday: Taco Tuesday—Mexican favorites, plus hot dogs, burgers and fries, 5-7 p.m., cash/cards, no preorders.
• Wednesday: Messi Burgers—burgers, sausage, chicken, wings, fries and more, 4-6 p.m., cash/cards. For a full menu, go to https://messiburgers.com. Preorder online or via text at (714) 793-7369; be sure to indicate you are ordering for LW.
•••
All Grab ’n’ Go events take place rain or shine. If it rains or is too hot, people line up inside Clubhouse 6. Masks and 6-foot social distancing strictly enforced. For information, call (562) 431-6586, ext. 398.
On-call bus service is available weekdays from 4:30 p.m., when regular service ends; weekends are on-call at any time. Call (562) 431-6586, ext. 379. For more information or to make a suggestion, call (562) 431-6586, ext. 379.
Watch for LW Live! alerts for daily menus. Sign up for LW Live at https://www.lwsb.com/lw-live-sign-up/. Vendors are subject to change.
Global Market Kitchen Delivers
Free Delivery of Groceries and Meal Kits
Global Market Kitchen delivers groceries and prepared meals every Wednesday, 2-4 p.m., to Clubhouse 4 or your apartment. Order via https://globalmarketkitchen.com or by calling (562) 661-9776. Customer service inquiries should be directed to globalmk.usa@gmail.com.
Book Reviews
LW residents are invited to submit reviews of their favorite books for publication in the LW Weekly. Include your name and mutual and telephone numbers. The reviews are subject to editing and will run as space allows. Email submissions to pattym@lwsb.com.
Cool Cardboard Creations Contest
Reuse and repurpose cardboard boxes and scraps for a chance to win fabulous prizes in the Cool Cardboard Creations Contest. Submissions must be 95 percent cardboard. Acceptable materials include cardboard of all types, fasteners, glue, tape, as well as any nontoxic paint and recyclable decorations. The maximum size allowable for tabletop displays is 24 inches wide, 24 inches deep and 36 inches high. For floor displays, it’s 36 inches wide, 36 inches deep and 72 inches high. And for hanging displays, it’s 36 inches by 36 inches.
Excess cardboard can be dropped off in the designated area on the east side of Clubhouse 6. Anyone needing more building materials is welcome to take from this area.
Individual entries, as well as collaborative efforts made by GRF clubs or departments, should be brought with an entry form (available at https://www.lwsb.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Cardboard-Contest-Entry-Form.pdf) to the LW Library between Jan. 11-14, 2021, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Projects will be judged based on originality and the use of cardboard. The first-place winner will receive $1,000, second place gets $500, and third place $250. Special category winners will be awarded prizes valued between $50-$100.
Creations will be featured in a drive-through display on Jan. 15, 2021, near Clubhouses 3 and 4 and Veterans Plaza. For more information, contact Kathy Thayer at kathyt@lwsb.com, or call (562) 431-6586, ext. 398.
Health & Fitness
Yes, there’s now a vaccine, but keep wearing a mask
Even though there are vaccines now being distributed, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends continuing to wear a mask, maintain social distance and practice regular hand-washing. According to the CDC’s website, “Experts need to understand more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide before deciding to change recommendations on steps everyone should take to slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Other factors, including how many people get vaccinated and how the virus is spreading in communities, will also affect this decision.”
Studies have yet to show whether people who have been vaccinated but are asymptomatic carriers can still transmit the virus. And according to many published time tables, a majority of the population will not be vaccinated for months. Therefore, experts speculate that it won’t be until late spring/early summer 2021 that the public can start relaxing on mask wearing. “It’s estimated that about 70 percent of Americans must be vaccinated before we get to herd immunity through vaccination,” Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and visiting professor at George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, told CNN. “That’s the point where enough people have the immune protection that the virus won’t spread any more. This means about 230 million Americans must receive the vaccine. . . . At that point, we could probably see one another without masks—but not before.”
To be effective, a mask should be fitted to the wearer’s face, with no gaps. Paper masks should not be worn more than once. Fabric masks should be made of tightly woven cotten, with at least three layers of the fabric. It should completely cover the nose and mouth.
Leisure World Blood Drive
On Friday, Jan. 8, there will be a blood drive from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Health Care Center. Sign up online at redcrossblood.org or call Lisa Love at (909) 282-6685.
Drive-Through COVID Testing
The Orange County Health Care Agency offers free COVID-19 tests at two super sites: the Orange County Fairgrounds and the Anaheim Convention Center. The PCR tests are free, but appointments are required via 360clinic.fulgentgenetics.com/.
People will need to wear a mask and bring ID and confirmation of the appointment (printed out or via smartphone). Attendees may arrive up to 15 minutes prior or after, but after this window, they must reschedule.
At the appointment, expect to complete a brief medical assessment prior; the test itself involves self-swabbing the inside of the nose. Results are emailed up to three days later.
For more details, visit occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/supersite.
Meals on Wheels, Long Beach
Meals on Wheels of Long Beach Inc. delivers freshly cooked meals Monday-Friday, between 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Deliveries include an 8-ounce carton of 1 percent milk. An alternate dessert is available for those on a diabetic diet. Contact Caron Adler at (562) 439-5000, ext. 2, or visit www.mowlb.org to complete an online application. To cancel a meal for the following day, you must contact Adler before 9 a.m. the prior business day. Menu is subject to change without notice.
Thursday, Dec. 31: Salsbury steak with mushroom gravy, garlic-and-chive mashed potatoes, and mixed vegetables; apple pie; ham, turkey and cheese sandwich, with lettuce, tomato and pickle, plus homemade potato salad.
Friday, Jan. 1: Closed for New Year’s Day.
Monday, Jan. 4: Herb-roasted pork loin with honey-mustard sauce, macaroni and cheese, and zucchini medley; pineapple with mango; egg salad sandwich, with spinach and tomato, plus homemade potato salad.
Tuesday, Jan. 5: Chicken noodle casserole with peas and carrots, biscuit, and green beans with pimentos; yogurt with berries; entrée turkey and ham cobb salad, with egg, tomato, bacon and blue cheese dressing, plus crackers.
Wednesday, Jan. 6: Beef lasagna, whole-grain roll, and seasoned broccoli and cauliflower; baked apple with granola; turkey-and-cheese sandwich, with lettuce, tomato and pickle, plus creamy coleslaw.
Balance & Stability Class
A Landmark Balance & Stability class is offered on Saturdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., on Zoom. Instructor Adrianne Rosenfeld teaches the free, 40-minute class that focuses on balance, shifting weight and cognizant activities. It broadcasts at around 4:20-4:40 p.m. every day on the Spectrum Cable Channel 1390 and is available on youtube.com.
Rosenfeld is certified in Zumba, Zumba Gold, Silver Sneakers, and Balance & Stability. She also has certification from the Fitness Aging Institute and an ACE Group exercise certificate. Join the Zoom meeting by visiting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84982522530; the Meeting ID is 849 8252 2530.
For more information, email arosenfeld1@verizon.net.
Religion, pages 7-8
LW Baptist
By Rolland Coburn
Pastor
Our savior had a miraculous birth, yet a normal childhood. Nevertheless, his growing up included some amazing elements. The Bible says newborn Jesus’ father and mother were amazed at the things spoken about him (Luke 2:33).
At the baby’s eighth-day circumcision, Mary and Joseph registered his name as Jesus, meaning Jehovah is salvation, as the angel said before he was conceived in the womb (2:21). He was given that name because he would one day save his people from their sins.
The Bible says children are God’s gift. Jewish mothers waited 40 days after their son’s birth before joining public worship, as God’s law mandated. After 40 days, they presented their infant to the Lord because “every firstborn male shall be called holy to the Lord” (23). They brought the offerings they could afford to publicly give thanks to God for the blood atonement, to let humans come to him, and for his sanctifying work in that allows humans to be with him in heaven. Mary and Joseph, being poor, offered two doves or pigeons as the symbolic sacrifices.
A godly man named Simeon surprised them in the temple by referring to baby Jesus as God’s consolation to his people, recognizing Jesus as the Messiah, the anointed savior. The Holy Spirit guided Simeon there because he hoped to see the Lord’s Messiah or Christ before his death. Simeon took baby Jesus in his arms, blessed God, and began singing marvelous praises to the Lord. He spoke of God keeping his promises, his holy word, of providing salvation by sending Jesus, of Jesus being a blessing to the whole world, a light to the Gentiles, as well as the one whose glory in olden days covered and filled Israel’s worship center. No wonder the blessed parents stood amazed.
Simeon startled Mary by adding that in God’s plan, her precious son would be opposed and rejected by many, and yet raise many to saving faith in the Lord their God. Then Simeon spoke of Mary having to see her son on the cross: “A sword will pierce through your soul.”
The purpose, he explains, is this: people’s response to Jesus, the father’s most precious gift to us, shows their heart’s true condition.
A godly older woman named Anna, who always was praying in the temple, stepped up, adding that Jesus was the heaven-sent redeemer, the one who would ransom and restore his people, a message she kept sharing with others from then on (36-37).
The wondering parents finished everything God’s law prescribed in the temple that day and returned to Galilee, to their own town Nazareth, where Jesus continued to grow and become strong, filled with wisdom, and God’s grace was upon him (39-40). Little did they know that their humble and despised hometown would become world-famous, lend its name forever to their firstborn son, Jesus the Nazarene, and become a praise theme: “I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene/and wonder how he could love me, a sinner, condemned, unclean/How marvelous, how wonderful/ and my song shall ever be/how marvelous, how wonderful is my savior’s love for me.”
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
By Jim Greer
LW contributor
Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s most recent article in the December 2020 Ensign explains the answer to the question “Why do I need a Savior?”
None of us want death to be our final status, and without Christ, there would be no resurrection. Beyond resurrection is the opportunity to dwell in God’s presence eternally. Sin keeps us from God’s presence. Even the best people need forgiveness and cleansing, which is possible only through the savior’s atoning grace.
Many ask, “Can’t God do whatever he wants and save us just because he loves us, without the need for a savior?” If you remember, Nehor the anti-Christ taught “that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, for the Lord had redeemed all men; and all men should have eternal life.”
Nehor’s doctrine echoed Lucifer’s plan to “redeem all mankind, that not one soul shall be lost.” Lucifer sought to thwart the heavenly father’s plan by eliminating our opportunity to act independently. Satan’s rejected proposal was founded on coercion, making all God’s sons and daughters his puppets. Christ presented his father’s plan, ensuring man’s agency, and declared that his will be done, and “the glory be his forever.” (Moses 4:1–2).
Referring to Lucifer’s rejected plan, the father declared, “Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, I caused that he should be cast down.” Ever since, Lucifer has sought “to deceive and to blind men and to lead them captive, even as many as would not hearken” unto God’s voice (Moses 4:3–4).
Our mortal experience permits us to taste “the bitter, that we might know to prize the good” (Moses 6:55). In learning, repenting and growing, we act for ourselves, overcome evil and demonstrate our ability to live a celestial law.
Our life on earth requires accountability for our choices. Choice requires law and predictable outcomes. If actions don’t have fixed consequences, then we have no control over outcomes, and choice is meaningless.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ allows us to recover from bad choices and the impact others have upon us. All injustice is redressed that we may be made whole. And to be made holy, we need a savior.
God cannot be arbitrary in saving us. He must be just. If he is not just, he is not God. Therefore, salvation and exaltation can only be accomplished by upholding and conforming to immutable law, to justice. God has upheld justice by providing a savior who understood that justice and mercy would be required if his brothers and sisters were to progress. The father’s plan does not coerce and dominate us but frees and lifts us that we might “be above all” and “have all power” with the father (D&C 132:20).
The savior balances justice and mercy. He saves us from our sins and redeems us from the fall. His atonement permits us to overcome spiritual and physical death and opens the door to immortality and eternal life.
Community Church
By Johan Dodge
Reverend
It will be New Year’s Eve on the date of this publication. It is the end of what my children describe as a “terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year.”
The world around us is hurting and in deep pain. Maybe you lost a friend, a loved one, or even a family member. Some have suffered the most difficult loss of a child amidst this COVID-19 battle. Even as we continue to grieve those losses, it can be cathartic to let go of 2020.
There is much to be hopeful about for 2021, but that hope won’t come easy, and it won’t come quick. We still will be masked for the foreseable future, which has become our new normal in such a way that it will be strange to return to in-person worship when it is safe. We will be excited to return to the things we loved doing before the pandemic, but any time someone coughs or sneezes, we will likely have a little PTSD left over from this year.
With all of that said, the Christ candle was lit again for Christmas Eve. Jesus has been born into a world that maybe isn’t quite certain what to make of him. And with his birth come new opportunities and blessings. Traditionally in the United Methodist Church, New Year’s Eve is an opportunity to remember our baptism and recommit ourselves to life in Christ.
Learning about Jesus leads to knowing Jesus, which leads to following in the steps of Jesus. In three words: crowd, disciple, apostle. First, we are an interested bystander, then we are called to follow and say yes, and eventually we are sent out to be the light of Christ in the world. This New Years Eve we should stay home and stay safe, but we will still have opportunities to be the light of Christ in the world around us. Have you been the light to someone this Christmas
season? Was someone the light for you? Join Community Church for worship on Facebook and contact the church office to join on Zoom for fellowship. I invite you to share your story of the light of Christ.
Join Community Church on Sundays for a live worship service at 9:50 a.m. on Facebook live, @communitychurchleisureworld.
Those who want to join the virtual fellowship will need to call the church office or email leisurewccsue@yahoo.com. If you don’t have a computer or Facebook, you can still call in to the phone system at (562) 431-2503 and listen to the weekly message beginning Sunday evening.
Did you watch the “Christmas Caroling Challenge” on the CW? Two of our own church members were on the show. Another competitor on the show will be a guest on our worship team on Jan. 3.
As always, if you are in need without another way to address it, you may call the office to leave a message at (562) 431-2503.
Assembly of God
By Norma Ballinger
LW contributor
The DVDs distributed to members of the congregation are a welcomed gift each Monday. Pastor Chuck Franco spends several hours getting the DVDs to people who want to connect with others during these unfortunate times.
Richard Ryals makes duplicates of the message every week, and Diana Mushagian provides the labels that have the title and date of each message. Diana also helps provide the included bulletins. It always takes several behind-the-scenes workers to bring a task to fruition, and Assembly of God is grateful for each of them.
This Sunday, Pastor Chuck’s message will be the second part of “How to Handle 2021.” Read Hebrews 13:5-6 to prepare for this message.
The Word of God teaches that to find satisfaction, we must learn that contentment does not come from the outside but from within. One of the beatitudes says that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed and will be satisfied (Matthew 5:6). Keeping our eyes on God and trusting him to supply all our needs allows us to find satisfaction.
John 10:9-10 says “I am the door; if anyone enters he will be saved and find good pasture, gain knowledge and satisfaction.” Then comes the promise that God has come through his son to give life.
Faith Christian Assembly
By Sheri Lemming
Pastor
The best way to spend the first Sunday of 2021 is to come to church. At Faith Christian Assembly, we want you to know that you are always welcome here. You will find welcoming people to greet you, and you will be blessed by the music, “Where the Hymns are Sung,” under the direction of Ginny Vaughn, and you will be inspired every week by Pastor Vaughn’s message that is straight from God’s word.
Come visit Faith Christian Assembly on the first Sunday of the year, Jan. 3, at 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Out of an abundance of caution, all who attend services or events at Faith Christian Assembly will have their temperature taken at the door, will be required to wear a mask before and after service and sit socially distant from others. Those who are ill are asked to remain at home.
Due to COVID-19, Faith Christian Assembly is not currently having all of its regular ministries at this time. Call the church office at (562) 598-9010 for updated information on the midweek Bible study, hosted by Pastor Sheri Leming, on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and Grief Share on Wednesdays at 2 p.m.
To receive a free newsletter and for more information on the church, call (562) 598-9010 or visit the website at www.FCAchurch.net.
Beit HaLev
Beit HaLev’s Coffee Chavurah on Zoom will celebrate the Sabbath evening on Friday, Dec. 31, at 5:30, followed by the evening service at 6. On Saturday, the morning service begins at 10:30, followed by the Coffee Chavurah. To join on Zoom, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9152434704?pwd=THJGTE1OUXI5VXFDTWtuZHF4K3VxUT09. The meeting ID is 915 243 4704, and the passcode is RavGalit.
Beit HaLev continues to livestream on Facebook as well. To attend, go to Rabbi Galit Shirah’s website at Facebook.com/galityomtov.
The prayerbooks for all services are now shared onscreen on both Zoom and Facebook.
Vaychi (And he [Jacob] lived) is the Torah reading for this Shabbat reading in Genesis 49:1-26. After blessing Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manassah, Jacob tells Joseph that he is dying and that he needs to tell his other children “what will befall them in the days to come.” The children of Israel (Jacob) are aware of the prophecy that they will become enslaved for 400 years, but Jacob also gives his “blessing” to each of his sons. Curiously, rather than praising each of them, their father lists their faults along with their futures, while Joseph, the exception, is highly praised. This is the final chapter of the Book of Genesis.
Rabbi Galit Shirah conducts a weekday Ma’ariv service every Thursday for Sim Shalom, the online synagogue. Sim Shalom presents livestream services Monday-Thursday, with a different rabbi each day. To say Kaddish, pray for healing and to hear a spiritual message, go to SimShalom.com.
Classes for Beginning Hebrew and Pirke Avot will begin in January. For information, contact the Rabbi at (562) 715-0888 or duets@icloud.com.
Congregation Sholom
Rabbi Rachel Axelrad will be streaming services at 6:30 p.m on Friday, Jan. 1, on Zoom. Rabbi Axelrad will be on Zoom for Saturday morning services at 9:30 on Jan. 2.
New Congregation Sholom members who want to watch the livestream should contact Jeff Sacks to receive the Zoom invitation. Text Jeff at (714) 642-0122, or email him at jfsacks@gmail.com. The link will have the meeting ID and password embedded. Those who want more details or need to practice beforehand can call Jeff ahead of time.
To join the Zoom meeting, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3752519429?pwd=UDREWTA1N21jaXVUZUhyQmY1U01JQT09.The meeting ID is 375 251 9429, and the passcode is 8ZYy69.
Sunday afternoon Bingo will resume on Jan. 3, and games will continue the following week on Jan. 10.
Those who want to become a member to participate in the livestreamed services on Zoom should call Ron Yaffee at (562) 430-7040.
First Christian Church
By Bruce Humes
Pastor
Truth be known, I think we all are looking for the year 2020 to come to a close so we can move on to 2021. This is certainly a year that won’t quickly be forgotten. The worldwide pandemic has changed the landscape of not only America, but the world for decades to come should the Lord tarry. We all would love to return to that which we thought was normal human behavior, but just as Sept. 11 changed the norms of society, so shall this worldwide pandemic change what we perceive as normal human behavior. Throw in some record-breaking wildfires, civil unrest and an election that revealed just how divided our nation truly is, and we can all understand the desire to move on.
The question we must ask ourselves is will simply changing the date on a calendar change anything? Will swearing in a new administration to run this nation change anything? Will a vaccine cure what ails America–and indeed the world? If we are honest with ourselves, the answer will be no. Why? Because what ails America and the world goes much deeper than what man can solve. It’s beyond the physical and reaches into the spiritual, the very heart and soul of man.
Genesis 6:5 says, “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” He brought judgement in the form of a worldwide flood, destroying all but eight people. So, what does this wickedness look like?
In Proverbs 6:16-19, we read about the seven things God hates: “These are things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to him: (1) A proud look, (2) a lying tongue, (3) hands that shed innocent blood, (4) a heart that devises a wicked plan, (5) feet that are swift in running to evil, (6) a false witness who speaks lies, and (7) one who sows discord among the brethren.” I believe we see these seven things in abundance today in the heart of man. The prophet Isaiah wrote in chapter 64:6: “But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousness is like filthy rags; we all fade as a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind have taken us away.”
The apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans put it like this in 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” And in Proverbs 16:18, we read: “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” We see the heart of man is prideful, desires power and wealth, and will do anything to attain it. It desires to control and manipulate man for his own good and desires to make that which is good evil, and evil good. So, the spiritual battle rages beyond what we can physically see, but itis manifest in the physical, or that which we can see.
The apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:12, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood (physical), but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places.” We as a nation and the world must recognize this and stop putting our trust in men, and instead seek that which can truly change the hearts and souls of men.
Verse 12 explains why our battle is not just physical, but also spiritual, and verses 13-18 explain what we must do to win that spiritual battle: “Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit.”
So, for our New Year’s resolutions, let’s heed the apostle Paul’s words in Ephesians 6:10-11: “Finally my brethren, be strong in the Lord and the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
Do we want 2021 and beyond to be different than 2020? Do we want to win this spiritual battle? Then we must set aside all our worldly lusts and desires, confess them, repent of them, and seek that which can change the sinful heart of man, the Lord Jesus Christ.
If you want to speak to someone at the church or if you have a need, call First Christian Church office at (562) 431-8810. Leave a message, and someone will return your call as soon as possible.
Redeemer Lutheran & St. Theodore’s
By Lisa Rotchford
Reverend
Minnie Louise Haskins wrote a poem titled “God Knows” in 1908. The poem is most famous for its preamble, read to the world by King George VI in his 1939 Christmas broadcast as the world faced the uncertainty of WWII. As we face uncertainty in our own time, the words ring true for us:
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’
And he replied:
‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.’
So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.
As we welcome the New Year, and the coming of the Christmas Star of Epiphany on Jan. 6, may we remember God goes with us, wherever we go.
Holy Family
Holy Family Catholic Church, 13900 Church Place next to the St. Andrews Gate, will observe the Epiphany of the Lord on Sunday, Jan. 3.
The First Reading is from Isaiah 60:1-6, 12-14, and the Second Reading is Ephesians 3:2-3A, 5-6. The Gospel reading will be from Matthew 2:1-12.
Masses
To receive a copy of the weekly parish bulletin, sign up at https://ebulletin.jspaluch.com or https://www.jspaluch.com/Subscribe.
The church is now open to public entry and can return its regular Mass schedule. Saturday (Vigil Mass) is at 4 p.m. and Sunday Masses are at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon.
Those who attend must a wear a mask or face shield, sit socially distanced, and use hand sanitizer upon entry into the building.
Community, p 9-10
Sa-Rang continues its annual
donation to Golden Age Foundation
By Anna Derby
LW contributor
The Golden Age Foundation accepteded its annual donation from Sa-Rang Church in Seal Beach. Sa-Rang Church has been a consistent donor to GAF since its inception and the club appreciates the church’s contribution; especially during the pandemic.
Sa-Rang Church recently celebrated its 17th anniversary. The congregation of about 100 members is served by a team of five retired pastors of diverse backgrounds including the Assembly of God, Methodist and Presbyterian, which is led by Rev. Kyo Min Soh.
Sa-Rang Church began meeting at Clubhouse 3, Room 2 when it was first founded. The church has since relocated to Clubhouse 3’s Lobby thanks to the steady growth the church has seen over the past seven years.
For more information, go to www.goldenagefdn.org, or call Anna Derby at (562) 301-5339.
Senior Peace Club
First Zoom meeting will be on Jan. 12
By Nancy Goldstein
LW contributor
The Senior Peace Club’s first meeting of the New Year will take place via Zoom on Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 2 p.m. The Zoom linkand further details will be provided in the Jan. 7 issue of the LW Weekly. The topic of discussion for the next several months will be race; the unfinished business of our time.
The club will show a YouTube video titled “Dr. Robin DiAngelo discusses ‘White Fragility.’” The video is 83 minutes long and will be divided into three sections over the next three club meetings which will allow ample time to react and discuss the content. The video is based on DiAngelo’s book titled “White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism,” was published in 2018 and is said to “bring language to the emotional structures that make true discussions about racial attitudes difficult.”
The book can be purchased if people are interested in reading it, but it isn’t required to participate in the club meeting. It is suggested that those interested in purchasing the book consider ordering it from an independent, Black-owned bookstore. Both Eso Wan in LA at (323) 290-1048 and Shades of Afrika Books in Long Beach at (562) 436-2210, as well as other local independent book sellers, will do mail order.
Another recommendation from the club is to independently watch the movie “13th,” a documentary by Ava DuVernay that is available on Netflix and YouTube. It illuminates how slavery and the criminal justice/penal system have impacted the lives of Black people.
For more information, call Don Koepke at (562) 330-3397.
Democratic Club
By Mary Larson
LW Contributor
The next Democratic Club membership meeting, originally scheduled for Jan. 20, has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 27, at noon. The meeting will feature further discussion about the importance of the upcoming election to fill the vacancy on the Orange County Board of Supervisors in District 2. The Orange County Registrar of Voters will announce the election date in early January.
In addition to Leisure World, District 2 includes the cities of Los Alamitos, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Cypress, Stanton, Buena Park, La Palma, the unincorporated Rossmoor and the rest of Seal Beach. It overlaps 66 percent of California’s 48th Congressional District.
A handful of candidates has expressed interest in the non-partisan District 2 seat. Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley’s decision to run for the position came one month after she was elected to a second term on the Costa Mesa City Council, earning 52.2 percent of the vote in a race against four other contenders. Huntington Beach Councilman Mike Posey and Kevin Muldoon, a Newport Beach city councilman, have indicated they plan to throw their hats in the ring. California State Sen. John Moorlach, who just lost his bid for re-election in the 37th District, has the official support of the Republican Party.
The Democratic Party of Orange County governing body has unanimously supported Foley in the election for the Board of Supervisors. In support of this endorsement, County Democratic Chairwoman Ada Briceño stated: “Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley is a recognized champion for our health and safety. When the pandemic hit, Mayor Foley collaborated with every level of government to find immediate solutions for businesses, workers and residents. In addition to hosting public town halls to keep us informed, she is committed to strong economic recovery that includes everyone.”
An attorney and president of the Foley Group, PLC, Foley has served on the Costa Mesa City Council for 14 years and previously served on the Newport-Mesa Unified School District board of trustees.
Email lwsbdemocraticclub@gmail.com for information about how to get involved in the District 2 campaign.
••••
If you are a Democrat or a supporter and want to know more about the club, subscribe to the free electronic newsletter by emailing the editor, Mary Larson, at mlarson.telfords@gmail.com or by calling (562) 296-8521. Include your full contact information.
The Democratic Club welcomes new members and friends. Club memberships are now calculated on a January–December calendar basis. Both new and renewal membership forms are available online at https://sblwdems.wordpress.com/democratic-club-membership-2/ or by calling (562) 431-7275.
Republican Club
By Brian Harmon
LW contributor
The OC Republican Central Committee, which officially controls the GOP in Orange County, endorsed John Moorlach for the Board of Supervisors to fill the seat left vacant by Michelle Steel’s election to Congress. The Leisure World Republican Club had also thrown in its support behind Moorlach in the Dec. 10 issue of the LW Weekly.
Voters in District 2, which includes Leisure World, will vote to replace Steel in early 2021. Unfortunately, this special election will not have a run-off; the person with the highest vote will be the winner. Meaning if the Republican vote is split three ways, a Democratic candidate will have a much better chance of winning.
“We must coalesce behind one Republican candidate to hold this critical seat. That Republican is John Moorlach,” OC GOP Charman Fred Whitaker said.
Candidate Mike Posey, mayor of Huntington Beach, was firm in refusing to remove himself from the race.
“Right now, I’m in it all the way,” Posey said, according to the Voice of OC, a nonprofit newsroom.
Posey cited his experience as mayor specifically referring to a decision he made finding the money to increase the salaries of police officers by delaying plans to add police positions.
Newport Beach City Councilman Kevin Muldoon is the other Republican in the race.
Moorlach is best known for his role in the OC bankruptcy and forging policies to confront the problems associated with the Great Recession of 2008.
A unique attribute of Moorlach is his willingness to work with members of the opposite party. For example, in dealing with the related problems of mental illness and homelessness, Moorlach conferred with Democratic lawmakers to help the mentally ill avoid the trauma of living on the streets.
He also cited his experience as county supervisor for eight years.
“There are a lot of departments, a lot of agencies that supervisors serve on boards of. It’s a big workload, and I think the strongest benefit is that I bring the experience. I know the boards, I know management at the county, I know the ancillary agencies,” Moorlach said Friday.
“We’re dealing with COVID-19, and that has a massive financial impact,” he added, pointing to his experience as a retired certified public accountant. “You’ll have someone with the skill sets of an accountant or a financial planner.”
SBTV
SBTV-3 airs on TWC-Spectrum Channel 3, Frontier Fios Channel 37 and online streaming at sbtv3.org/schedule. Have Roku? Go to http://roku.streamsource.tv/add/sbtv. The playback schedule is available at SBTV3.org.
Thursday, Dec. 31
4 pm A COVID Christmas
4:19 pm Christmas Story Song
By Revilla/Williams
4:45 pm FALW Karaoke Christmas
5:30 pm Gingerbread House Contest
6:02 pm Tommy Williams Feliz Navidad
6:09 pm Christmas 2018
6:30 pm Dixieland Jazz Band
7:35 pm Flamingo Party
8:15 pm Cabaret Variety Show 9/2020
9:30 pm LW Tree Lighting Ceremony
10 pm Shakespeare in the Park:
Cymbeline
Friday, Jan. 1
SBTV-3 Wishes You and Yours a Safe and Joyful Holiday
4 pm LW Menorah Lighting 2020
4:13 pm Golf Cart Christmas
Caravan 2020
4:30 pm Special Delivery
5:15 pm Susan Michlin Doll House
5:30 pm SB Lions Club Veterans Day
Car Caravan
5:39 pm Fortunado Revilla
Christmas Music
5:50 pm Clowns in LW
6 pm LW Tree Lighting Ceremony
6:30 pm Los Al Jazz Band 2018
7 pm Seal Beach Christmas Parade
8 pm Shakespeare in the Park:
Orthello
10 pm A COVID Christmas
10:17 pm Golf Cart Christmas
Caravan 2020
10:30 pm Cerritos Center-
Golden Dragon Acrobats
Saturday, Jan. 2
4 pm Seal Beach Christmas Parade
5 pm Special Delivery
5:30 pm LW Menorah Lighting
5:43 pm A COVID Christmas
6 pm Gingerbread House Contest
6:32 pm FALW Karaoke Christmas
7:20 pm Christmas Story by Joe Osuna
7:30 pm LW Tree Lighting Ceremony
8 pm LAUSD
11 pm Cerritos Center–
Matt Mauser
Sunday, Jan. 3
4 pm Seal Beach Christmas Parade
5 pm LW 50th Anniversary 2012
5:45 pm Fortunado Revilla
Christmas Music
6 pm Dixieland Jazz Band
7 pm Seal Beach Christmas Parade
8 pm Life and Times in SB:
Paula Thomas
9 pm Cabaret Variety Show 9/20
10:12 pm Seal Beach Lions Veterans
Day Caravan
10:30 pm LW Menorah Lighting
10:45 pm Los Al Jazz band
11:30 pm Bob Cole Conservancy
Monday, Jan. 4
4 pm Spidey and Snakey
Save Christmas
4:07 pm LW Menorah Lighting
4:30 pm Dove Sonza’s 75th Birthday
5:30 pm LW Tree Lighting Ceremony
6 pm Dixieland Jazz Band
7 pm SB Christmas Car Caravan
8 pm Golf Cart Christmas Caravan
8:15 pm LW Menorah Lighting
8:30 pm LW Special Delivery
9 pm Cabaret Music Around the World 2017
10 pm Shakespeare in the Park:
Taming of the Shrew
Tuesday, Jan 5.
4 pm Susan Michlin Doll House
4:15 pm Christmas Quarantine Show:
the Pops
5 pm Christmas Story by Joe Osuna
5:09 pm Tommy Williams-
Feliz Navidad
5:15 pm Golf Cart Christmas Caravan
5:30 pm Gingerbread House Contest
6:02 pm Fortunado Revilla
Christmas Music
6:15 pm LW 50th Anniversary 2012
7 pm SB Lions Veterans Day
Car Caravan
7:20 pm Clowns in LW
7:30 pm Dixieland Jazz Band 2019
8:30 pm Seal Beach Christmas Parade
9:30 pm Rob Roy Christmas Harmonica
10 pm Cerritos Center–
Matt Mauser
Wednesday, Jan. 6
4 pm Wonderelles Sets 1 and 2
5:40 pm Christmas Quarantine Show:
the Pops
6 pm Christmas Story Song
By Revilla/Williams
6:24 pm Spidey and Snakey
Save Christma
6:32 pm Fortunado Revilla
Christmas Music
6:45 pm Susan Michlin Doll House
7 pm Dove Sonza’s 75th Birthday
8 pm Shakespeare in the Park:
Merry Wives of Windsor
10 pm Cerritos Center-
The Four Tenors
*All programming is subject to change.
obituaries, page 10
••••
Matilda Tsao
1928 -2020
Matilda Tsao passed away peacefully Dec. 16 at Los Alamitos Medical Center.The family welcomes any fun or serious story you have of Matilda. Send the stories to her son, Jeff, at tsaojef@gmail.com.
Matilda was unique and memorable, full of love and joy. She was born Ma Chien-Ling in Guangdong Province on Oct. 18, 1928, and was adopted by Ma Chao Jun and Shen Hui Lian as a little girl. She lived in various places in Guangdong, Nanking, Chongqing and Hong Kong before sailing to San Francisco in 1949.
Matilda went to Jinling College in Nanking, Ursuline College in Kentucky, and the University of Chicago in Illinois. She met her husband, Ching, in Chicago and was married there in June 1952. They moved to Los Angeles, driving cross-country while she pregnant with her daughter Debbie, who was born in Oct.1953. She had her son Jeff in May 1955.
They lived in various places throughout Southern California including Los Angeles, Culver City, Palos Verdes, Seal Beach College Park, and Leisure World, where they moved in 1988.
Matilda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ching, who passed away in 2016, and her grandson Evan Tsao, who passed away in 1989. She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Tsao, and son, Jeff Tsao (Sylvia); her grandchildren Kristin Kolodinsky (Kevin), Hilary Nicholls (Michael), Jeff Yamada (fiancé Liyang Tang), Emil Tsao and Eugene Tsao; and her great-grandchildren Eli Nicholls and Emerson Kolodinsky. Her last years were spent under the care of her beloved caregiver and friend, Winnie Conrad.
••••
Marceline Campeau
1928-2020
Marceline J. Champeau, 92, formerly of Seal Beach, California, passed away on Dec. 23 in Elgin, Illinois. She was born on June 15, 1928, to Joseph and Helen (nee Modrzewski) Kowalewski in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Marceline will be remembered for her great joy in being Nana to her two grandchildren, finding the best deals at garage sales, tending to her flower garden, playing bingo, square dancing and round dancing.
She leaves behind her daughter Michele (John) Nelson, granddaughter Kristin Nelson, and grandson Erik Nelson, along with many special nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her 13 siblings.
Services will be private with burial at St. Adalbert’s Catholic Cemetery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Arrangements by Fox River Cremation Society, (630) 584-8823, or www.foxrivercremations.com.
••••
In Memoriam:
Michael Robertson 64
Celia Sateliz 71
Rosalinda Spurgeon-Minniefield 61
Renwick Serrette 89
Elaine Marks 85
Hector Madera Sanchez 64
Charlene Hinshaw 67
Clayton Dahl 68
Malcolm Red Eagle 70
Donald Brown Jr 86
G. Elizabeth Clark 71
Francis Nze 70
Nelson Molina 87
Grace Anicho 81
Estell Schad 60
Hugh Dupuch 90
Hisakichi Sugimoto 93
Families assisted by
McKenzie Mortuary,
961-9301
—Paid obituary
GENERAL
AVON
Lenora Browning, LW Resident. Phone 562-493-5457. Seal Beach Business License #BRN000. 07/01/21
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SHAKLEE
Delivered to your door.
LW daughter
Sandy Vander Woudefikse.
(562) 618-8731. 03/04/21
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CBD Joint Relief Body Cream
By Restoor Skin Essentials.
Gina, LW Resident.562-281-7103. Business License #MCQ0015. 12/31
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South Florida Real Estate, Dream Home Finder, Licensed in Florida, contact me if relocating.. Óscar Núñez, CPA & Florida Real Estate Broker Associate, BK #3412069. 305-924-6733. 12/31
HANDYMAN
SERVICES
Additions & Remodeling, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Windows, Tile & Stonework. State Contractor’s License #393071.
OGAN CONSTRUCTION, INC.
(562) 596-7757. 03/31/22
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JR HOME REPAIRS. Quality work. Perfectionist, honest & reliable. Call JR 562-519-2764. SB Business License #JRH0001. 07/08/2021
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MP CONSTRUCTION
General Contractor
Specializing in remodeling, Additions, Reconstruction, Window replacement and more! Call for a free estimate.
562-746-5400.
License #954725. 04/22/21
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562-596-0559
LW DECOR INC – LIC 723262
Install doors, new windows, recessed lights, fans, light fixtures. Cabinet refacing & refinishing, paint exterior window frames, ceilings made smooth, closets redone, misc. repairs. Kitchen/bathroom remodeling. 40+ yrs in LW.
LW DECOR INC
562-596-0559. 02/25/21
GARDENING
FRANK’S GARDENING SERVICE
Complete maintenance and landscape. Serving Leisure World since 1978. Planting, clean-ups, fertilization. New lawns, etc. Offering my services to all Mutual’s. Honest and reliable. State Contractor’s License #779462. Call 562-863-7739, 562-743-3832 or 714-527-1172.
BATHTUB & SHOWER REFINISHING
We refinish your TUB/SHOWER to look brand new.
Convert to a WALK-IN SHOWER and/or raise seat.
Nu Kote 562-833-3911
License #699080
Serving LW since 1999. 03/04/20
PAINTING
Painting – Free estimates. 1 room or entire house & refinish kitchen cabinets. Call Jerry (714) 826-8636.
CA State License #675336. 01/21
Affordable – Professional,
Licensed and Insured.
Interior – exterior drywall repair, texturing, pressure washing,
cabinets. Senior discounts.
Cory Gee Painting 714-308-9931.
License #1049257. 01/07/21
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562-596-0559
LEISURE WORLD
DECORATORS
Lic 723262. 40+ yrs in LW. Interiors, cabinets, exterior window frames, kitchen, bath, doors, trim, primered only premium paints. Ceilings made smooth, crown moulding & baseboards installed.
LW Decor Inc.
562-596-0559. 02/25/21
FLOOR COVERINGS
562-596-0559
LW DECOR INC.
40+ yrs in LW. Vinyl plank, laminate, tile indoor and outdoor patio carpet. License 723262.
562-596-0559. 02/25/21
CARPET & UPHOLSTERY
CLEANING & REPAIR
All Year Carpet Cleaning since 1988.
Call Tito (562) 658 – 9841.
State Contractors Lic. #578194.01/21
SKYLIGHT SERVICES
SKYLIGHTS
CLEAN, REPAIR, REPLACE.
Licensed and insured.
Dan (562) 841-3787.
Seal Beach License #BRA0002. 03/11
WINDOW COVERINGS
562-596-0559
LEISURE WORLD DECORATORS
Shutters, blinds, roll-up shades, custom drapes.
562-596-0559. 02/25/21
Leisure World
Helping Leisure World
Y’s Service Club of the YMCA will assist residents with small non-professional jobs. We change light bulbs, clean air conditioner filters, hang a small picture or mirror, remove or place items on a high shelf, air bicycle tires, etc. Donations gladly accepted. Call weekdays between 9 am-5 pm, (562) 596-9906.
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“ROLLIN THUNDER”
GOLF CART CLUB
Offers FREE advice on buying and selling of your golf cart.
Also batteries. 562-431-6859.
HOME CARE
PERSONAL ASSISTANT
CHRISTIAN HOME CARE
Experienced, knowledgeable caregivers, honest, assertive, fluent English. Hourly/full-time, doctor’s appointments, errands. Bernadine 562-310-0280. Seal Beach Business License #BCS0002. Bonded/insured. 06/10/21
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Maria’s experienced caregivers, run errands, Dr’s appointments, cleaning, cooking, part-time, full-time, live-in. (562) 230-4648. Seal Beach Business License #CAM0006. 12/31/20
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I am an experienced caregiver available to assist with daily care, doctor’s appointments, and errands. Available 24/7. 949-899-7770. 12/31
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MOST AFFORDABLE RATE affordable rates with optimum service, 23 years experience LW, reliable, honest caregivers. Licensed, 24 hour, part time, doctors, appointments, references, fluent English. Ann 714-624-1911, Heidi 562-277-3650. Seal Beach License #HYC0001. 12/31/20
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EXPERIENCED CAREGIVER
Over 20 years in Leisure World with Excellent References. Hourly or Live-in. Please Call Pampet: 562-371-4895. Seal Beach License PAN0003 12/31
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Elderly care. Live-in, live-out. 30 years of experience. Cooking, cleaning, medications, companions, doctors. Experience with dementia. Liensed by the state.
Gloria 949-371-7425. 01/14/21
BEAUTY SERVICES
Tammy Nguyen Phenix Salon – Service in private suite. One customer, one hairstylist. Sanitized & professional. Haircut for men & women, shampoo, set, color, highlights, perm, nails & toenails. In-house service available. Tammy Nguyen. 13944 Seal Beach Blvd, #116. (714) 425-4198. 02/25/20
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In home hair care, serving the men and women of Leisure World for 36 years. Mel, cell: 562-480-9341. License #KC75538. 01/07/21
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Stylish haircut at home. Countless clients w/referrals.
Gabriel 562-708-3170. License #B50551. 02/18
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Yvonne from Phenix Salon is coming to your home for perms, color & cut. 714-855-8465. License K336138. 01/21
HOUSE CLEANING
MOVE-IN, MOVE-OUT
WINDOWS,
HOUSECLEANING
CALL PHIL AT
562-881-2093
Over 30 years Experience!
Seal Beach Business
License #AB0001. 03/04/21
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Experienced housekeeper. I do weekly and monthly cleaning.
Call 949-899-7770. 12/31
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GRACIAN’S HOUSECLEANING & WINDOWS.
Windows 10% off first cleaning
General housecleaning
Excellent referrals in LW
(562) 307-3861.
20 years experience.
Seal Beach Business License gra0006. 12/17
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Patricia House Cleaning, weekly or monthly. Excellent referrals in Leisure World. 562-397-4659 Seal
Beach License LUC0001.12/31
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MAGALY’S CLEANING SERVICE
We make your home sparkle! 7 days-call anytime! Complete cleaning. Seal Beach Business License #M0001A. Call 562-505-1613. 01/28
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General housekeeping, 30 years of experience. Bi-weekly or monthly. Seal Beach License RAZ0002. Call Gloria 949-371-7425. 01/14/21
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Maria House Cleaning
We’ll make your house look as
nice as possible! 15 years of
experience, We can work with your
schedule. Bi-weekly or monthly.
Deep cleaning.
Call or text 714-496-2885.
Bus. Lic #HER0008. 01/21
COMPUTERS
FRUSTRATED
(562)755-6199
Everything for your computer (PC or Mac), cell phone, TV, stereo, any electronic device.
Tina Schaffer. Seal Beach Bus.
License #CIP0001 05/20/21
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John’s Computer Services
562-733-9193
Virus removal, Repair, Training,
Software, Wireless, Internet
Security. LW Resident
SB License FUH0001. 01/21/21
AUTOS WANTED
ANY KIND OF CAR
Cars, motorcycle, truck – running or not. We are local – call anytime! We pay cash and remove promptly!We do DMV and Release of liability for you! Bonded/Licensed, since 1985! Call us so we can come out and give you a quote. 562-684-0901. 01/14/21
Electric CarTs/ Scooters/Mobile Chairs for sale
Golf Cars BUY SELL TRADE and REPAIRS. Call: 714-292-9124. 05/13/21
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For sale golf cart. Good condition. Call to see. 562-413-2958. 12/31
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2 scooters. Both run great and have new batteries. Go-Go $300. Jazzy $800. 562-296-8088. 01/03
TRANSPORTATION
Need a lift? Pam Miller.
LW Resident. 310-227-1258. 01/14
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Rides by Russ with a personal touch.
Airports, doctors, shopping and errands. 714-655-1544. 01/14
Autos/Boats/RV’s
Trailers FOR SALE
ELECTRIC CAR PADS
Installed at your residence. Call Frank 562-743-3832. State Contractor’s License #779462.
MOVING, HAULING &
STORAGE SERVICES
J&D HAUL AWAY AND CLEAN-UP SERVICE
No job too small, fast, reliable, great prices. Seal Beach Business License
BRA0002. Dan: 562-841-3787 03/11
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A FRIEND AND A TRUCK
Your moving service, any size job. Call 310-387-2618. Business License RO263644. 03/11
MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE
Plantation shutters from LW apartment for sale. Two sets with four total panels. One set has two panels, each 23” wide by 83” high. The other set has two panels, each 24” wide by 83” high. Very good condition. Call 323-246-1174. Each set is $400.
MISCELLANEOUS WANTED
Wanted outboard motor, 4 to 8 horsepower. 503-314-3873. 12/31