LWW Trans/Vie 01-21-21

Jan 21, 2021

Page 1/General News

City holds public hearing to consider water rates

The Seal Beach City Council will hold a public hearing to consider adjusting Seal Beach’s water and wastewater rates on Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. A Notice of Public Hearing explaining the proposed changes was mailed to all Leisure World residents earlier this month. The notice contained information on how to attend and participate remotely. The notice is available on the city’s website at www.sealbeachca.gov or by calling (562) 431-2527, ext. 1321. 

Seal Beach is considering increasing water rates for the first time since 2014. Rates are currently among the lowest in Orange County. Based on an independent financial consultant’s analysis of the overall financial health of the of city’s water system, it was determined that the water utility revenues are insufficient to meet ongoing operating and infrastructure improvement, creating an operating deficit in the city’s Water Enterprise Fund.

The  financial consultant concluded that water rate increases would be needed over the next five years with the main cost drivers being the ever-increasing cost associated with purchasing/pumping water, chemicals, energy and personnel. Also the city must borrow approximately $11 million over the next five years to construct needed water infrastructure projects to ensure water system reliability. The consultant’s comprehensive rate study analysis can be viewed on the city’s website at www.sealbeachca.gov.  

The city is also looking to revise the water rate structure to yield make it more fair and equitable to all, as well as to be more consistent with the industry standard, according to Public Works Director Steve Myrter. 

The proposed rate structure would group customers by “class,” such as single family residential, multi-family residential, commercial, etc., because customers in the same class tend to use water similarly.  

The Leisure World community would be included within the multi-family residential (MFR) customer class, and the proposed MFR class water rate would be assessed to the community as a whole accordingly. Currently, Leisure World is billed based on the size of its meter as well as volumetric rate.

Based on Leisure World’s total average annual water usage last fiscal year, the proposed water rate increase for each of the 6,608 residential units is anticipated to be approximately $2.44 per month, becoming effective in May. Subsequent water rate increases are planned to take effect on Jan. 1 over the next four years.

Adjustments to the city’s wastewater rate structure will also be considered at the Feb. 22 public hearing. Leisure World owns and operates the wastewater collection system that serves the community; therefore, the city’s individual wastewater rates are not applicable.   However, the city’s wastewater system does collect all of Leisure World’s wastewater flows at a single point in Northgate Road and conveys the flow to the Orange County Sanitation District.

To help offset the cost of owning and maintaining this wastewater pipeline, the city has established a new wastewater rate specific to Leisure World that equates to  17 cents per residential unit per month.

COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout has begun

by Ruth Osborn

rutho_news@lwsb.com

When word came Friday that Leisure World would be given its first doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, the GRF revved into high gear to get registration packets out to every unit over the weekend, set up an appointment call center and organize LW’s first two-day vaccine clinic. It was held on Monday and Tuesday.

Care Ambulance, LW’s 911 ambulance provider, and OptumCare at the HCC teamed up to ensure Leisure World residents would start getting the COVID-19 vaccine in community clinics.

The whirlwind rollout was not without obstacles, including jammed appointment lines and crashed Internet and phone systems, but 900 residents got their COVID-19 vaccines.  

Since November, GRF Executive Director Randy Ankeny and his staff have been working with the Orange County Health Care Agency and other community leaders to designate LW as a Point of Distribution (POD) site for the COVID-19 vaccine. That designation paves the way for vaccine to begin flowing into LW as it becomes available. A GRF team working with OptumCare and others were expecting a February vaccine rollout.

But Friday, OptumCare told the GRF that vaccine was on its way to LW, and it had to be used by Tuesday. The scramble to make it happen was on. 

Carriers for Eagle Rock  Express, owned by Dan Pomeroy, usually deliver the LW Weekly on Wednesdays, but on Friday, they were mobilized for a special delivery of COVID-19 registration packets, two to each unit. The 5-page packets were printed in the GRF Copy and Supply Center by Distribution employees Wendi Noble and Cindy Maiden. They copied more 13,216 packets, working until after 11 p.m., Friday, and back at it on Saturday at 7:30 a.m., despite it being a three-day weekend. 

After packets were bundled, Pomeroy trundled box after box to the Amphitheater where 22 carriers, most of them LW residents, stood by to deliver them. Deliveries began Friday afternoon, went into the night and continued Sunday.

“People were waiting for them,” said carrier Sybil Tanabe of Mutual 15. She delivers to mutuals 12 and 14. “They knew the packets were coming, and they were so happy to get them.”

At noon on Saturday, the call center was opened in Clubhouse 3. Within one minute, the system crashed as thousands of residents dialed and redialed 100s of times. 

According to Assistant Recreation Manager Kathy Thayer, 83,000  calls were attempted; 20,000 of those made it through the system, which crashed immediately. “We could not capture the calls. It killed the Internet, burned up our modem and even shut down all GRF calls for a while,” she said.

Once Spectrum worked out the kinks out, three GRF staffers stayed to take calls till 10 p.m., Saturday, said Thayer. She and others were also “manually pulling numbers that we could see, trying to call them and on our own cells to book appointments,” said Thayer.

GRF staff booked 200 appointments in two hours on Saturday night, completing the 400 slots allotted for Monday’s clinic. Staffers returned Sunday at 8 a.m. and booked 400 appointments in three hours for Tuesday’s clinic.

On Monday, residents began receiving the long-awaited vaccinations. Security and Seal Beach police officers were at the clinic to monitor traffic and confirm registrations. People who tried to enter without an appointment were turned away.

OptumCare and Care Ambulance worked together to facilitate what amounted to a flu clinic on steroids. People could sit for their appointments under a canopy for shade, and then were called in to Clubhouse 6, where they were settled at a station to be vaccinated. They were able to stay at the same table, some for up to a half hour depending on his or her risk of having a possible adverse reaction. This way residents didn’t have to move around and find new seating. After the shots were administered, residents were given appointments for the next shot, which will be given in three weeks.

Care Ambulance personnel administered the shots because Care procured the vaccine in partnership with OptumCare, according to Michael Gorman, CEO of Care Ambulance. 

OptumCare provided nurses and doctors to observe residents for any side effects before release. 

“We partnered with Optum to go after the most at-risk population,” said Gorman. “We want to see this community protected as soon as possible,” he said, noting that the complex nature of vaccine distribution makes for challenges. 

Millions of doses must travel hundreds of miles from manufacturers to hospitals, doctor’s offices and pharmacies, which in turn must store, track and eventually get the vaccines to Points of Distribution  all across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with state and local health departments, coordinates this process. 

The vaccine can only be stored for five days at regular refrigeration temperatures, so clinics must be quickly organized at a moment’s notice, he said, noting that all LWers will have a chance to get a shot in the near future.

“We are very excited for this fantastic opportunity,” said Nancy Boerner, MD, chief medical officer, Monarch HealthCare and Optum Care Pacific West Region. “As we get more vaccine in the pipeline, it won’t be so erratic. We are dedicated to pushing this out to LW. People need to be patient and do all the right things because it’s going to happen.”

 The companies also supplied support personnel to staff registration check-ins, information booths, waiting areas and the clinic itself. Dr. Smith from the HCC even brought her daughter and friends to welcome LWers as they entered the clinic.

This week’s emergency delivery of vaccine began the process of inoculating every LW resident who wants a shot. Currently only those 65 years and older are eligible. 

To expedite the process, residents are asked to fill out registration packets they received last weekend and keep them ready for vaccine availability. People will need to bring them to their shot appointments.

People do not need to be members of OptumCare at the HCC to receive the vaccine.

As additional developments, news and updates occur, residents will be notified via LW Live, the communitywide email communication, lwsb.com and the LW Weekly. Residents are asked to be patient as GRF staff works to facilitate this important project.

Vaccination Options Outside LW

Residents may choose to wait until vaccines are available to them in Leisure World or they can try to find a faster route at other Orange County outlets. To find out more about outside options, visit https://occovid19.ochealthinfo.

According to OCHCA, as of Jan. 11, only those in Phase 1A are eligible for vaccination. 

If you fall in Phase 1A, contact your physician or register online through www.Othena.com. Also, at Othena.com, users can find a full description of the state-mandated phases and eligibility requirements, as well as other requirements for vaccination. Residents can find more information about getting an appointment on Othena’s site and can download the app at the App Store.

Patience is Key

A nationwide vaccination rollout is a massive undertaking that relies on a complex chain of companies, organizations and individuals—starting with the vaccine manufacturers themselves. People are asked to be patient as staff works overtime to get them protected.

Sign Up for LW Live

Leisure World residents are urged to sign up for the GRF’s one-way, real-time community notification system via email. LW Live is designed to keep people informed during emergencies and get the word out about safety, recreation and governance issues. 

Last week, it was used to keep residents apprised of a hastily scheduled COVID-19 vaccination clinic. And alerts were sent out over the weekend when the call center crashed, when additonal vaccination doses became available on Monday and when all appointments were filled.

To get this valuable information, all you need is an email address. 

To sign up online, log onto www.lwsb.com and click the “LW Live” icon to the right. 

 Don’t be left in the dark; sign up today for LW Live.

Stalled sewer project delays opening North Gate Road

Late last year, the sewer construction on North Gate Road was suspended as a result of unforeseen soil conditions, which would require a project redesign, according to the 405 widening contractor, OC405. The project called for a sewer line to be built underneath the 405 Freeway.

The City of Seal Beach was recently informed by OC405 that the redesign of the freeway sewer crossing should be completed by the end of January, with construction anticipated to resume in February. 

The sewer line project should be completed by May. To accommodate this construction, it is anticipated that North Gate Road will remain closed until the project is completed.

OC405 has also informed the city that the proposed new sound wall is currently in design. A construction start date has not yet been set.

Once construction  of the new sound wall starts, OC405 anticipates it will take about 18 months to complete. The project, which includes demolishing the existing sound wall, will not require the closure of North Gate Road.

405 Freeway 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:

Bolsa Avenue Full Closure

Crews will continue concrete work for a retaining wall along eastbound Bolsa Avenue. This work requires full closures of Bolsa between Goldenwest Street and Chestnut Street. 

Nightly closures are set to begin as early as Tuesday, Jan. 19, from 9 p.m.-5 a.m., on weeknights, for approximately two weeks. 

Additionally, crews will pour concrete for the Bolsa bridge over the I-405. This work will require a full 12-hour closure of Bolsa between Goldenwest Street and Chestnut Street. 

The closure is set for as early as 7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 25, to 7 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 26. 

A detour will be in place for pedestrians and bicyclists to navigate around the closure.

Westminster Boulevard Traffic Shift

Crews will shift traffic to the new Westminster bridge over I-405. The shift will occur in three phases and will require lane reductions.

Eastbound Westminster was reduced to one lane between Springdale Street and Willow Lane, and eastbound traffic wasNightly closures are set to begin as early as Tuesday, Jan. 19, from 9 p.m.-5 a.m., on weeknights, for approximately two weeks. 

Additionally, crews will pour concrete for the Bolsa bridge over the I-405. This work will require a full 12-hour closure of Bolsa between Goldenwest Street and Chestnut Street. 

The closure is set for as early as 7 p.m., Monday, Jan. 25, to 7 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 26. 

A detour will be in place for pedestrians and bicyclists to navigate around the closure.

Westminster Boulevard Traffic Shift

Crews will shift traffic to the new Westminster bridge over I-405. The shift will occur in three phases and will require lane reductions.

Eastbound Westminster was reduced to one lane between Springdale Street and Willow Lane, and eastbound traffic was was shifted onto the new bridge Jan. 12. 

Crews will be constructing the center median on weekdays and Saturdays for approximately two weeks.

Westminster will then be reduced to one lane in each direction between Springdale Street and Willow Lane from 9:30 p.m., Monday, Jan. 25, to 6 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 26. Westbound traffic will be shifted onto the new bridge at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26.

Crews may mobilize equipment as early as 6 a.m., and some activity may occur at night.

 Fairview Road Traffic Shift

Crews also will soon shift traffic to the new half of the Fairview bridge over I-405 and begin working on the second half of that bridge. The traffic shift is set for early-to-mid February and will require bridge and ramp closures.

Demolition of the second half of the bridge will occur over two weekends, under full freeway closures and is set for late February.

The 405 Community Outreach Team will provide detailed schedule, closure, detour information in future alerts.

 Off-Ramp to Beach Boulevard is PERMANENTLY CLOSED 

The southbound I-405 loop off-ramp to northbound Beach Boulevard is permanently closed. Motorists will use the Beach Boulevard/Center Avenue off-ramp from now on to access north- and southbound Beach Boulevard.

The loop off-ramp was eliminated to accommodate the widening of Beach and of the freeway. The Beach/Center off-ramp and Center are being reconstructed to accommodate the change in traffic volume.

Email 405project@octa.net or call (888) 400-8994 for more information. The I-405 Improvement Project mobile app provides quick access to current traffic conditions, closures and detours, along with project updates and links to contact the project team. Download it from the Apple Store or Google Play. 

Recognizing Elder Abuse

by Cindy Tostado, LCSW

GRF member resource and assistance liaison

The abuse of elders and dependent adults occurs at all income levels, gender, race, ethnicity, educational background and geographic locations. Older adults age 65 and up and dependent adults age 18 to 65 are often targeted. Victims will often live in silence, unwilling to seek assistance for fear of retaliation, embarrassment, fear that nobody will believe them or fear of being alone.

Unfortunately, more and more older and dependent adults are falling prey to being victimized and abused.

The Orange County Health Care Agency reports that over 225,000 Californians become victims each year, but experts believe the problem to be much larger. 

Many times, victims remain unnoticed and untreated because they are isolated. Abuse is often divided into four main categories: physical, neglect, psychological or emotional, and financial. Other types of abuse may include isolation, abandonment or abduction. Self-neglect can be detrimental to an individual’s well-being and should also be reported. Individuals are most often the victims of multiple kinds of abuse.

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Abuse:

Physical Abuse

•Injuries that are incompatible with explanations.

•Bruises, scratches or other injuries.

•Inappropriate use of a physical restraint or medication.

Neglect and Self-Neglect

•Poor hygiene, dirty or torn clothes or lack of appropriate shelter.

•Medical conditions that go untreated.

•Malnutrition and dehydration.

Psychological or Emotional Abuse

•Elderly or dependent adult is withdrawn, secretive or hesitant to talk freely around caregiver.

• Family members or caregivers isolate the elder or dependent adult, restricting contact with other family members or friends.

Financial Abuse

• Unusual bank account activity including unexplained ATM withdrawals.

• Unpaid bills, eviction notices or discontinued utilities.

• Implausible explanations given about an elder or dependent adult’s finances.

• Changes in spending patterns often accompanied by the appearance of a new “best friend.”

• It is very difficult to tell if a telemarketing call is legitimate. Be cautious and do not let any caller intimidate you. Do not ever be afraid to hang up. 

• Legitimate companies and organizations will not request payment in the form of gift cards. If you receive an unsolicited call from a bank, Apple, Amazon, SCE, etc. requesting payment or sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers or passwords, hang up and call the company directly.  

If you suspect elder abuse, call Orange County Adult Protective Services’ 24-Hour Hotline at (800) 451-5155.

• After the report, a social worker will respond immediately in an emergency or within 10 calendar days of the report.

• Names of reporting parties are confidential and will not be revealed to the victim, their family, or the alleged abuser.

• The elder or dependent adult will be given options to keep him/her safe from harm.

• The victim and their family members can be linked with appropriate community resources.

• Unaware family members and friends can be alerted to step in and help.

• The APS social worker can assist victims and their families in developing individualized care plans.

• The reporter can feel relief in knowing that a professional is assessing the situation.

• APS social workers cannot remove clients from their homes.

• APS social workers do not provide psychiatric assessments.

• For psychiatric emergencies, call police and/or the Centralized Assessment Team at (714) 517-6353.

Mandated Reporters

Under California law, certain individuals are legally mandated to report known or suspected instances of elder abuse. 

Mandated reporters who fail to report may be guilty of a crime (California Welfare and Institutions Code section 15630). The following is a partial list of mandated reporters:

• Physicians and medical professionals

• Clergy

• Bank employees

• All employees of health care facilities, such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, adult day care centers and residential care facilities.

• Any individual who assumes responsibility for the care or custody of an elderly or dependent person.

Prevention is Key

Protect yourself and those you love by recognizing the signs of abuse and reporting suspicions to Adult Protective Services.  

Whether you are a victim or suspect the abuse of someone you know, you are not alone when seeking help. 

Remember:  If you suspect abuse, report it. In an emergency, always call 911.

Seal Beach Registration Software Update

On Jan. 20, the City of Seal Beach’s recreation registration site (register.sealbeachca.gov) was down for maintenance. 

The website was expected to become available by today, Jan. 21. The Community Services and Recreation Department will be upgrading the recreation registration software, which will introduce a brand new registration portal. 

The implementation of an updated, modernized version of the registration software will help enhance the user experience, give internal staff more flexibility and capabilities, and will resolve recurring issues associated with the older software. 

The portal was redesigned with user experience in mind. The new registration portal will also be mobile-friendly, which will be helpful for the growing number of users who are using smartphones to manage their lives.

Additionally, staff plans to implement the new software at the Seal Beach Tennis Center later this year. 

This will permit users to utilize the registration portal to reserve tennis and pickleball courts online, as well as manage membership payments within their household account.

Recreation staff worked with the City Manager’s office, the Finance Department and the city’s information technology contractor (Synoptek) in coordinating the implementation of this new portal. 

For more information, contact the Community Services & Recreation Department at communityservices@sealbeachca.gov or by calling (562) 431-2527, ext. 1344.

Perspectives, Page 4

Letters to the Editor

Editor:

Since 2017, I have been waiting for a Mini Farm plot, and GRF is dragging its feet. 

No plots were assigned since the last quarter of 2020. In a January GRF meeting, I heard that the timeline for people to receive a plot is March.

A Zoom meeting on the Mini Farms is scheduled Jan. 21, so we can ask questions and get answers.

Maybe we should ask GRF what projects are Recreation Department employees and volunteers working on.

All 2020 concerts and those in 2021 are canceled due to COVID-19. All the clubhouses closed; no golf, no pool and no spa. But wait:  a cardboard display happened Jan. 15. 

Is it time to think about an “Amazon type” performance review?

Peter Meuter

Mutual 9

Editor:

I greatly appreciate the words that Brian Harmon expressed on behalf of the LW Republican Club (Jan. 14) regarding the horrible events of Jan. 7. 

I also feel that all of us, myself included, could greatly heal ourselves within if we admitted to our innermost selves the simple words “the election was not stolen.”

Stan Brinton

Mutual 3

Editor:

I wonder if anyone can tell me why my LW shareholder fees went up $20 a month this year, especially when all our amenities, including all the clubhouses, the pool and Amphitheater, have all been shut down and will be closed for the foreseeable future.

Just to be logical, it seems to me that we should have had a big reduction in these fees. 

Joan Rose

Mutual 12

“This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in.”  

—Theodore Roosevelt

Member Column

by Beverley Bender

LW contributor

David Hamilton, Ph.D, author of “The Five Side Effects of Kindness,” says that we’re genetically wired to be kind. When we’re not being kind, it’s unhealthy. We feel separate, disconnected and unhappy.

Kindness isn’t just something we do or feel. It’s something our bodies need. Being kind actually changes the internal biochemistry of the body. There’s a physical effect, the opposite of stress.

A hormone called oxytocin is produced every time we do something kind.  Hamilton calls this the “kindness hormone.”

It  softens artery walls. As  we become softer toward people, we soften on the inside. And when that happens, the heart doesn’t have to push as hard to get the blood through, so blood pressure drops.

You can get that healthy effect by doing nothing more than offering a smile. It’s the consistency of doing small things that matter.

A couple decided to do one small act of kindness every day.  A lot of their friends made fun of them. Hoping to inspire others, they posted their efforts on social media under hashtag #keepAmericakind. They put coins in expired parking meters, sent pizzas to sheriff’s departments, made cookies for strangers, construction workers, crossing guards and UPS drivers.

After 365 days of doing small acts, they found that kindness was like a muscle. If it went unused, it would atrophy, and the urge to be kind would go away. The more you do acts of kindness, the more comfortable you are and the better you’re become at doing it. 

That seems to suggest that the earlier you start being kind, the better at it you will be.

Brian Williams, founder of  Think Kindness, developed a program specifically for schools to teach kids that no kind act is too small. 

His job is to  go into a school, make kindness cool and then teach the benefits of acts of kindness. 

It’s super important that we start kids early, to train them to say, “Every single day,  you have an opportunity to make a difference in the world, but it’s up to you as to whether you’ll take actions.”

He advised doing good deeds, such as writing a note telling a teacher that “you are awesome,” and then delivering the message without anyone noticing.

When people see those acts of kindness, it reinforces the belief that our world is good and awesome, that people are awesome, and we can all band together to make a difference.

One middle school started a “kindness crew” made up of students, who organized a school-wide kindness campaign. 

The students said that it changed their school culture.  Bullying diminished and kindness prospered. Kindness begets kindness. 

It’s contagious in all the right ways. I urge you to add this to your New Year’s resolution, to do some small act of kindness every day this year.

Maya Angelo said, “People will forget what you say; people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Letters to the Editor 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. 

Government

GRF BOD Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m.

Clubhouse 4 and via Livestream 

To view the live GRF Board meeting, go to www.lwsb.com. The livestreaming uses YouTube live and terminates at the close of the meeting.

1) Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance

2) Roll Call

3) President’s Comments

a) Announcements

4) Seal Beach City Council Member’s Update 

5) Health Care Advisory Board Update 

6) Shareholder/Member Comments 

a) Written, submitted prior to meeting

b) Verbal, via live streaming

Note: Foundation Shareholders/Members are permitted to make comments before the meeting business of the Board begins. 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 when there are no more than 15 speakers; three minutes, 16-25 speakers; and two minutes, more than 26 speakers.

7) Consent Calendar

a) Committee/Board meetings for the Month of December 2020  

i) Minutes of the Recreation Committee Board Meeting of Dec. 11, 2020

ii) Minutes of the Executive Committee Board Meeting of Dec. 21, 2020

b) GRF Board of Directors Minutes, Dec. 23, 2020 

c) Special GRF Board of Directors Minutes, Dec. 30, 2020  

d) January GRF Board Report, dated Jan. 26 , 2021 

e) Accept Financial Statements, December 2020, for Audit 

f) Approve Reserve Funds Investment Purchase 

8) Reports

a) AB 3182 Ad Hoc Committee

b) Bulk Cable Services Ad Hoc Committee

c) COVID-19 Ad Hoc Committee

d) Strategic Planning Ad Hoc Committee

e) Website Ad Hoc Committee

9) New Business

a) General

i) Reopening—Amphitheater (for Religious Purposes)

ii) Reopening—Bocce Ball Court

iii) Reopening—Golf Course

iv) Reopening—Multi-Use Court

v) Reopening—Veterans Plaza

vi) Non-budgeted Funding, Fire Protection Service for Trust Property

vii) Emergency Reserve Funding—Sewer Lift Station, Clubhouse 2

viii) Non-budgeted Funding, COVID Vaccinations

b) COVID-19 Ad Hoc Committee 

i) FINAL VOTE: Adopt 70-1448-3R, Emergency Operational Rule—Mission Park, Phase Two 

c) Executive Committee

i) Amend 30-5093-1, Member Rules of Conduct

ii) Adopt 30-3182-1, Member/Owner (M/O) Responsibility for Renter/Lessee (R/L) 

iii) Approve GRF Election Materials

iv) Award Election Provider Contract

e) Recreation

i) Amend 70-1445-1, Mission Park 

f) Security, Bus & Traffic

i) Conceptual approval—Contracted/Off-site Bus Service

6) Board Member Comments

7) Adjournment

The next regular GRF Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Feb. 23 at 10 a.m. in Clubhouse 4.

COMMENTS/QUESTIONS FROM THE MEMBERSHIP

Jan. 26 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 Friday, Jan. 22. 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. 

Carport Cleaning Schedule 2021

Since most of the holidays in 2021 fall on workdays for LWSB’s cleaning contractor, all carports will be cleaned this year on the actual holiday, with the exception of Thanksgiving (Nov. 25). The following carports will be cleaned the morning of Nov. 30:

Mutual 11: Carports 130 -131

Mutual 15: Carports 7-8, 10 and 13

Mutual 16: Carport 9

The following carports will be cleaned that afternoon:

Mutual 15: Carports 3, 6, 11-12

Street Sweeping

GRF trust streets are swept on the fourth Thursday of the month. Parked vehicles must be removed from trust streets before midnight the night before. Contact Mutual directors to find out when your carports are scheduled for sweeping.

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. 

Connecting with the LW Weekly

The Leisure World Weekly office is closed to the public in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. Editors can be reached by phone and email. See page 4 of any edition for editors’ addresses or send emails to rutho_news@lwsb.com. 

People may drop articles and classified ads into the letter slot at the front of the News Building. The editorial deadline is Thursday for the following Thursday’s edition. All classified and display advertising will be accepted by telephone at (562) 430-0534; deadline is Monday at 2:30 p.m.

LW Walking Trails

Regular brisk walking can help people maintain a healthy weight; prevent or manage various conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes; strengthen bones and muscles; and improve mood, balance and coordination. The Recreation Department has a Leisure World Walking Trails brochure featuring seven measured trails throughout the community. Stop by the Downtown Café and pick one up. For more information, contact kathyt@lwsb.com.

Mutual Meetings 

Mutual residents are invited to attend the open meetings of their mutual boards (schedule subject to change). 

Thurs., Jan. 21 Mutual 2

virtual 9 a.m.

Thurs., Jan. 21 Mutual 11

virtual 1:30 p.m.

Fri., Jan. 22 Mutual 6

virtual 9:30 a.m.

Mon., Jan. 25 Mutual 8 (open forum, 9:15 a.m.)

virtual 9:30 a.m.

Wed., Jan. 27 Mutual 10

virtual 9 a.m.

Thurs., Jan. 28 Mutual 1

virtual 9 a.m.

Tues., Feb. 2 Mutual 16

virtual 9:30 a.m.

Tues., Feb. 2 Mutual 17

virtual 1:30 p.m.

Mon., Feb. 8 Mutual 9

virtual 9 a.m.

Wed., Feb. 10 Mutual 4 (open forum, 9:15 a.m.)

virtual 9 a.m.

Thurs., Feb. 11 Mutual 12

virtual 9 a.m.

Fri., Feb. 12 Mutual 3

virtual 9 a.m.

Mon., Feb. 15 Mutual 15

virtual 1 p.m.

Tues., Feb. 16 Mutual 14

virtual 1 p.m.

Wed., Feb. 17 Mutual 5

virtual 9 a.m.

Wed., Feb. 17 Mutual 7

virtual 1 p.m.

Thurs., Feb. 18 Mutual 2

virtual 9 a.m.

Thurs., Feb. 18 Mutual 11

virtual 1:30 p.m.

COMMENTS/QUESTIONS FROM THE MEMBERSHIP

Jan. 29 Special 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 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 26. 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. 

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.

Tues., Jan. 26 GRF Board Monthly Meeting

Clubhouse 4 10 a.m.

Thurs., Jan. 28 Strategic Planning Ad Hoc Committee

Clubhouse 4 1 p.m.

Fri., Jan. 29 GRF Board Special Meeting

Clubhouse 4 1 p.m.

Mon., Feb. 1 Recreation Committee

Clubhouse 4 1 p.m.

Wed., Feb. 3 Governing Document Committee

Clubhouse 4 10 a.m.

Wed., Feb. 3 Physical Property Committee

Clubhouse 4 1 p.m.

Health & Fitness

Answers to your COVID-19 vaccine questions

By CJ Blomquist

OptumCare

Vaccines for COVID-19 are finally available, which is exciting news. But you may be wondering if it’s right for you. As with anything else about your health, you should check with your primary care providers first, as they are your partners in helping to make the best decisions for your needs.

Here are answers to some of the more common questions.

Are the vaccines safe? Yes! There are two vaccines approved by the FDA: one from Pfizer and one from Moderna. Both are recommended by the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC). 

Can I get one today? Vaccines are finally becoming more readily available. Check with your primary care doctor to see when you can receive it, or visit Orange County’s public health site at https://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/covid-19-vaccination-distribution for more information. 

Will the vaccine give me COVID? No. The vaccines aren’t made using the live virus.

I already had COVID. Should I get vaccinated? It’s possible you could get COVID again, even if you have already had it. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• If you’ve been treated for COVID, the CDC recommends waiting at least 90 days before getting the vaccine. This is for both monoclonal antibody treatment and convalescent serum. 

• If you’re still recovering from COVID, you should talk to your doctor about the vaccine. 

I can’t get a vaccine right now. What should I do? Continue to follow all safety guidelines: Keep washing your hands, wearing your mask over your nose and mouth, and practicing social distance guidelines. It isn’t time to let your guard down. 

I saw something about the vaccines being dangerous. Is this true? Some people have reported minor reactions, such as arm pain, some redness, body aches and low-grade fevers. These are common reactions to vaccines and usually go away in a few days. 

There have been more serious reactions, but these are very rare. In December, there were nearly 2 million doses provided—and only 175 people reported a severe reaction, according to the CDC. Such reactions have been reported in people who have allergies to bee stings, shellfish and other foods.

I’ve been vaccinated. Do I need to still wear a face mask? Yes! It takes time for vaccines to be fully effective; for most people, that’s 21-28 days after the second dose. This means you could still get COVID for a few weeks after your vaccine. 

Even after you are fully vaccinated, you can catch and carry the virus—and spread it to people who haven’t been vaccinated yet. This is why it’s important to continue follow all safety guidelines. The more we do our part, the sooner we will get through this pandemic.

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, Jan. 21: Baked ziti with turkey, peas and carrots, and green beans with pimentos; jello with fruit; roast beef-and-cheese sandwich, with lettuce, tomato and pickle, plus confetti slaw. 

Friday, Jan. 22: Rosemary chicken breast with creamy garlic sauce, oven-roasted potatoes, and Brussels sprouts; fruit cocktail; entrée Greek chicken salad, with tomato, olives, cucumber, feta cheese and vinaigrette dressing, plus crackers.

Monday, Jan. 25: Homemade meatloaf with brown gravy, au gratin potatoes, and green beans with pimentos; oatmeal cookies; tuna salad sandwich, with lettuce and tomato, plus creamy coleslaw.

Tuesday, Jan. 26: Barbecue chicken leg and thigh; macaconi and cheese, and mixed vegetables; pears with cinnamon; Chinese chicken salad, with Mandarin oranges, cabbage, carrots, onion and Asian dressing; plus crackers.

Wednesday, Jan. 27: Oven-roasted pork loin with apple berry sauce, barley pilaf, and peas and onions; fresh banana; roast beef-and-cheese sandwich, with lettuce, tomato and pickle, plus homemade macaroni salad.

How to properly dispose of PPE

As we use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and latex gloves to avoid spreading COVID-19, the amount of debris littering our surroundings has increased. Discarded disposable masks and gloves have been spotted around LW property, near trash cans (but not in them) and in parking areas. While experts say the risk of catching coronavirus from used masks and gloves is minimal, the litter is cause for concern.

Casually discarded masks often end up in storm drains, from where they are swept into oceans. Many sources recommend cutting the ear loops and face-covering parts of masks before discarding them. All disposable PPE should be deposited into a trash bin with a liner that can be sealed. This can be your kitchen trash or a community waste can. For those on the go and concerned about safety, it’s recommended to keep a disposable, sealable plastic bag for such items; the sealed PPE bag can then be disposed later.

For households with a suspected or diagnosed COVID-19 case, it is recommended that affected PPE and tissues be placed into a sealed plastic or paper bag before being deposited with general waste. As always, anyone touching the waste should wash their hands immediately afterward.

PPE is never recyclable. 

Leisure World Blood Drive

On Friday, Feb. 12, there will be a blood drive from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Health Care Center. To make an appointment, call Lisa Love at (909) 282-6685.

Arts & Leisure

Cardboard creations given their moment to shine 

The 25 entries in the Cool Creations Cardboard Contest were viewed by LWers on Jan. 15 in a drive-through/walk-up display in the roundabout beside the LW Library.

Sal Herrera of Mutual 4 won first place for his GRF maintenance vehicle, and Sally Fowler of Mutual 8 placed second with her three-paneled farm. Tied for third were Judy Sherratt’s (Mutual 9) “Stairway to Heaven,” Mark Webb’s (Mutual 10) vase of roses and Susie Ralston’s (Mutual 15) picture frame.

Creative residents and some staffers were tasked with repurposing cardboard boxes and scraps; submissions had to be 95 percent cardboard, with additional acceptable materials including fasteners, glue, tape, nontoxic paint and recyclable decorations. 

Projects were judged by Mutual directors based on originality and the use of cardboard.

Grab ’n’ Go Meals

Jan. 21-27 

Clubhouse 6 Parking Lot

• Thursday: Domino’s Pizza—call ahead for special orders, wings and salads offered, 3:30-7 p.m., cash/cards, (562) 493-2212.  

• Friday: 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: To be announced; watch for updates via LW Live.

• Sunday: The Skewer—Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare, shawarma, falafel, fries, hummus, and salads, 2-4 p.m. View all options at https://skewerstruck.com/menu.  

• Monday: Messi Burgers—burgers, sausage, chicken, wings, fries and more, 4-6 p.m., cash/cards. For a full menu, go to messiburgers.com. Preorder online or via text at (714) 793-7369; be sure to indicate you are ordering for LW.

• Tuesday: Taco Tuesday—Mexican favorites, plus hot dogs, burgers and fries, 5-7 p.m., cash/cards, no preorders.

• Wednesday: Cousins Maine Lobster Truck—lobster rolls, seafood chowders and bisques, plus other specialties, 3-7 p.m., cards/cash. Full menu available at 162.243.145.7/menu/?location=orange_county_ca&type=truck.

•••

 All Grab ’n’ Go events take place rain or shine. Masks and 6-foot social distancing required and strictly enforced. For more information or to offer feedback, 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. 

Watch for LW Live! alerts for daily menus. Vendors are subject to change. Sign up for LW Live at https://www.lwsb.com/lw-live-sign-up/. 

Technology Classes by Miryam

Miryam Fernandez’s technology classes are held every other Tuesday at 2 p.m. Topics change each session, all of which are 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. Registration is required 24 hours prior.

Jan. 19: Facebook

Feb. 2: Beginning iPhone

Feb. 16: How to Clean Up Your Gmail Inbox 6

March 2: Beginning Zoom and Closed Captions

March 16: Basic Privacy and Security on the Internet

On Jan. 13, the Leisure Bicyclists rode to Bolsa Chica Beach, and on the return, they stopped across from the water tower at Surf Cafe on PCH in Huntington Beach to enjoy delicious coffee, quiche and pastries. Members included Carl Kennedy, Susanna and Mike Hung, Anita Miller, Dolores Jaunzemis, Martha Valenzuela, and new member Sara Lloyd. On Jan. 10, some members drove to Manhattan Beach and rode down the bike trail to Hermosa Beach, then enjoyed lunch on the strand. Call Mary Romero at (562) 810-4266 for more information.

Men’s Golf League Results for Jan. 4, 8, 11 and 15

After a 10-day break for the Christmas and New Year holidays, 12 men of the Monday Golf League met at Riverview Golf Course in Santa Ana on Jan. 4. A very bright but cold morning greeted golfers on the par-70, 5,800-yard, 18-hole course. The Santa Ana River runs through the middle and has been dry since last March, but after the previous week’s rain, it had plenty of water. This course can be reconfigured when large amounts of rain flood several fairways and access roads to the back nine, making them unreachable. Though that was not the case this week, there had been some fairway flooding and significant riverbed erosion. The conditions led to more over par than under par scores, but there were seven birdies.

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: Sam Choi, 3 under 68, plus 2 birdies, fewest putts and closest to the pin on the 100-yard, par-3 ninth hole; second: tie between Bill McKusky, Larry Hillhouse and John Meyer at even par 71 (Hillhouse also had a birdie); third: tie between Dave LaCascia, Glenn Barry and Fujio Norihiro at 2 over 73 (LaCascia and Barry each had a birdie); sixth: Gary Stivers, plus a birdie; seventh: John Petersen, who was closest to the pin on the 150-yard, par-3 second hole.

B Flight Winners: First place: Bob Munn, 1 under 70, plus fewest putts; second: Gene Vesely, 3 over 74; third: Marv Ballard, 4 over 75.

On Jan. 8, 13 men and one woman of the Friday Golf League teed off at David L. Baker Golf Course after a two-week break. Baker is a par-62, 4,000-yard, 18-hole executive course, meaning it’s shorter than the norm and has no par 5s. There are shorter hole lengths (although you can still hit your driver), so you hit less shots, and the game can be completed more quickly. These courses were once popular with businessmen who liked to do deals while getting in a quick round during their lunch breaks. A traditional course generally requires six to eight hours to complete, but you can shave at least a couple of hours off on an executive round.

An extremely foggy morning greeted the golfers. The fog did not burn off until three-quarters of the way through the round. It was only possible to see the direction shots went and not where they landed until about the 15th hole. The dampness and cold air led to more over par than under par scores but yielded four birdies. The course itself was remarkably busy.

A Flight Winners: First place: Norihiro, 2 under 60; second: Jim Goltra, 1 under 61, plus a birdie and closest to the pin on the 110-yard par-3 third hole; third: Hillhouse, even par 62; fourth: Petersen, 3 over 65, plus closest to the pin on the 120-yard, par-3 15th hole; fifth: tie between Ron Jackson and Stivers; sixth: McKusky, plus fewest putts; seventh: LaCascia, plus 2 birdies; eighth: Barry; ninth: Choi.

B Flight Winners: First place: Tom Ross, 3 under 59, plus fewest putts; second: Meyer, 2 over 64, plus a birdie, third: Munn; fourth: Dale Quinn.

A very bright but cool morning greeted golfers who convened at Willowick Golf Course in Santa Ana on Jan. 11. Willowick is a par-70, 6,000-yard, 18-hole course with two back-to-back par 5s over 520 yards, an exceptionally long par 3 and two par 4s that are barely reachable in regulation.

Once the sun came out, the temperature climbed, and it became a lovely morning to play golf. The conditions led to more over par than under par scores, but there were seven birdies. The course itself was quite full.

A Flight Winners: First place: Hillhouse, 1 over 71; second: Choi, 2 over 72, plus a birdie, fewest putts and closest to the pin on the 140-yard, par-3 12th hole; third: LaCascia, 3 over 73; fourth: tie between Norihiro and Meyer; fifth: McKusky; sixth: Petersen.

B Flight Winners: First place: Munn, 3 over 73; second: Ballard, 5 over 75; third: Ross, plus fewest putts; fourth: Vesely, plus closest to the pin on the 140-yard, par-3 fourth hole; fifth: Meripol.

On Jan. 15, 10 men and two women challenged the Meadowlark Golf Course in Huntington Beach. The par-70, 5,800-yard, 18-hole course has narrow, treelined fairways and many elevation changes; it was in excellent condition and yielded several scores at or under par, as well as two birdies. 

It was sunny at 7 a.m., and by 10 a.m., the temperature had climbed to 80 degrees; it was pushing 90 at the round’s end. 

A Flight Winners: First place: Hillhouse, 2 under 70, plus a birdie; second: tie between Norihiro and Meyer, even par 70; third: LaCascia, 1 over 71, plus a birdie; fourth: McKusky, 2 over 72, plus fewest putts; fifth: Petersen; sixth: Choi; seventh: Goltra. Norihiro had closest to the pins on the 140-yard, par-3 seventh hole and the 150-yard, par-3 16th hole.

B Flight Winners: First place: Munn, 6 over 76, plus tie for fewest putts; second: Ross, plus tie for fewest putts; third: Meripol; fourth: Keiko Sekino.

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, social distancing is observed, and there is no contact with others’ equipment. 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 for more information. 

—Dave LaCascia

Book Review

Honoring strength at sea

“The Admirals: Nimitz, Halsey, Leahy, and King—The 5-Star Admirals Who Won the War at Sea” by Walter R. Borneman

 Nonfiction, May 1, 2012

by Maureen Habel

LW contributor

Who were the men who led the U.S. Navy to victory in World War II, the only men in American history promoted to the five-star rank of admiral of the fleet? Walter R. Borneman’s book “The Admirals” details the lives of Chester Nimitz, William Halsey, William Leahy and Ernest King, who revolutionized naval warfare with submarines and aircraft carriers. Each of them followed a different path to the Naval Academy, graduating within years of one another at the turn of the 20th Century. They became both friends and rivals as they faced the extraordinary challenge of waging war on two fronts in the Atlantic and the Pacific. 

Award-winning historian Borneman writes in a compelling and understandable style, using journals, ship logs and other primary sources to highlight the story of these four extraordinary men. Larger-than-life personalities such as FDR and General Douglas McArthur (whose wife, Jean, even in private referred to her husband as “General”) spar with the admirals over how to turn the tide of war. 

This is a great book for those who are interested in history or who have served in the Navy or Marine Corps. Many of us are proud of our relatives who have served in the armed forces, including two of my sons and my Marine Corps husband—although I am not yet ready to call him “Sergeant” at home. 

All LW residents are invited to submit book reviews for publication in the LW Weekly. Email them to pattym@lwsb.com with your name, mutual and telephone numbers. Reviews are subject to editing and will run as space allows.

Festival of Arts

Terry Steele sings Vandross tunes

Two-time Grammy nominee Terry Steele brings the music of Luther Vandross into homes via the Festival of Arts’ “Concerts on the Screen” series at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 29. 

“Terry Steele is a phenomenal singer and incredible performer,” said Susan Davis, director of special events at the Laguna Beach arts institution. “We are elated to be able to bring a Festival favorite to our virtual stage and continue to offer online experiences that can help our community stay connected, entertained and enriched in the arts.”

The pre-recorded concert, filmed on the Festival of Arts grounds, features Steele performing the music of one of R&B’s most beloved singers. Steele is no stranger to the legendary Vandross, as he starred in the successful 2007 off-Broadway production of “Here and Now: The Legacy of Luther Vandross.” As an award-winning songwriter, Steele has written for and/or collaborated with such artists as Dionne Warwick, Patti Labelle, Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross. He has also recorded three internationally released solo albums, plus six others with world-music band Hiroshima. 

The virtual “Concerts on the Screen” series is presented in partnership with Yamaha. Tickets are $25 per household (or, for Festival members, free) and are available via www.foapom.com/event/virtual-concert-steele. Pre-registration is required.

Where-We-Live Club

Learn about the concept of feng shui. “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 any 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.

Religion pages 9-10

LW Baptist

By Rolland Coburn

Pastor

Jesus’ first recorded words were about doing the father’s business. He was in the temple, the place of sacrifice, where believers meditated on God’s unfailing love. Lambs were washed before sacrifice, because they substituted for sinners, who needed cleansing from sin. Which is why Jesus began his public ministry by being baptized, and the baptizer announces Jesus is God’s lamb, who takes away the sin of the world. Jesus is the priest who offers sacrifice to God for us by being the substitute sacrifice himself.

Jesus consecrated himself by being washed for service as the priests and as the sacrifices were (Luke 3:21-38). Being a true man, he is like us so he can represent us; to pay for our sins and reconcile us to the father.

Jesus does what every priest is to do, he prays, and when he does, amazingly heaven opens. He is the intercessor we need, to whom heaven opens.

With heaven opened, Jesus’ priestly anointing takes place, not with oil, as the Old Testament priests were, but with the Holy Spirit. Jesus is God’s anointed savior-Messiah. The Holy Spirit appeared as a dove, a sacrificial bird of innocence, to anoint Jesus for sacrifice. The dove symbolizes Jesus’ sinlessness, and the Holy Spirit’s descending on him as a dove reminds us he is God’s sacrifice who comes from above.

A voice from heaven says, “You are my beloved son.” The father said, adding “In you I am well-pleased,” confirming Jesus’ spotless purity. He alone is fit to be our redeeming substitute.

Jesus’ family line and true humanity fulfill prophecy. He was legally recognized to be Joseph’s adopted heir with title to David’s throne. Jesus was a descendant of David also through Joseph’s father-in-law Heli, Mary’s father. Jesus’ body was from his virgin mother.  In his body he would carry our sins once for all on the cross

Jesus was the chosen seed promised to David, Judah, Abraham and Eve. The woman’s seed, God promised in the garden (Eden), would crush the serpent’s head by his atoning work. Only God could pay for every human being’s sin-debt; only man could die. 

Jesus became man for us and our salvation. He is both a man and the Son of God, the Lord from heaven. The father sent the son to be the savior of the world, as a hymn celebrates: “God so loved the world that he gave us his son/Who yielded his life an atonement for sin/And opened the life-gate that all may go in.”

First Christian Church

By Bruce Humes

Pastor

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.” (Psalm 1:1 NKJV)It’s also put like this in Proverbs 4:14: “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil.” 

Contrary to what the world would have you think about happiness and the source of it, we see from Scripture that the happy or blessed man is the one who steers clear of the ungodly and seeks the things of God, while he shuns sin and avoids fellowship with scorners, meaning those that scoff at the things of God. 

Verse 2 says, “but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law he meditates day and night.” Happiness, joy and delight are in the law of the Lord and was something the psalmist pondered. Psalm 119:14 says it like this:“I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies, as much as in all riches.” Verse 16: “I will delight myself in you statutes; I will not forget your word,” and verse 35: “Make me walk in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.” 

Happiness, pleasure and joy doesn’t come from worldly or earthly lusts and desires, wealth, and/or power. But from the testimonies,  statutes, and commandments of God which is actually the word of God. 

The Bible contains all the testimonies, statutes and commandmements that God has set before us, but it also reveals to us God’s plan of salvation for mankind through his son Jesus Christ.That is where the greatest of all happiness, pleasure, joy and peace come from. It’s a spiritual happiness that surpasses what we experience in the flesh. We go through times of joy and happiness as we sojourn through our time here in our earthly tent, but true blessedness comes from that which we garner from God’s word.

Jesus put it like this in the “Beatitudes” or supreme blessings in Matthew 5:3-11:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the land.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

“Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when they persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for my namesake.”

Blessed with the promises of the kingdom of heaven, comfort, land, righteousness, mercy, seeing God, being a son of God, the kingdom of heaven again, and oddly persecution, yes, we will see persecution for his name, but we will be blessed in doing it. These are the things that bring true happiness in a person’s life, the promises from the Lord Jesus Christ and his word.

If you want to speak to someone at the church or have a need, call the church office at (562) 431-8810. Leave a message, and someone will return your call as soon as possible. 

Assembly of God

By Sheryl Franco

Co-pastor

As a child, I had the great blessing of belonging to a family who packed up the camper or RV in the summer and took extended road trips, visiting the well-known National Monuments, National Parks, and lesser-known campgrounds along the way. We gathered at the park ranger’s nightly campfire lecture and shouted “Let the fire fall” in Yosemite and rolled down the dunes at White Sands.We visited the “Mystery Spot” and experienced our vehicle rolling uphill and ate our share of pecan logs from Stuckey’s. Our family would always attend the Sunday morning worship service in the campground, conducted outdoors, in the majestic beauty of God’s creation.

Like every family who has spent the night in a California campground, we have our bear stories.  Anyone who has camped with little ones knows that the strongest urges to visit the rest rooms are experienced when the night is the blackest and you have to walk several hundred feet to get there. So, you pick up the flashlight, put on the sweatshirts, take the little one’s hand, pretend you’re not afraid of the dark and the critters, and off you go.  

It was on such an excursion, with the dim circle of illumination from the flashlight pointed at our feet, that my mother and I heard something rustling around off to the left of our path in the clump of pines and trash bins.  

We hurried along toward the light of the building down the path in front of us. Then, we had to return along the same path to the safety of our campsite.  Again, same clump of trees, same shadows, same rustling, bumping and thumping noises. We strained our eyes to see what was in there and could only distinguish vague movement from something large.  We scurried along, keeping that little circle of light from the flashlight just ahead of our feet so we wouldn’t be delayed by tripping and falling or turning down the wrong road. We made it back–a little breathless from the pace we walked–but safe. And we had a little adventure story to tell.

 When you’re walking in the dark, you must keep the light shining on the path just ahead of you. If you point the light way out ahead of you or off to the sides, sweeping the forest for bears, you’re more likely to trip on something right at your feet, missing the danger right in front of you.  If you focus on taking one step at a time, you’ll likely get to your destination safely. 

In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness because you will have the light that leads to life.”  Follow Jesus. Put him right in front of you. His light leads to life. You don’t have to fear what you can’t see. Is it a bear, or is it just a shadow? The big spiritual lesson I’ve learned is that shadows can’t hurt me. And if it is a “bear,” if it is my own sickness, the sickness of a spouse or child, a broken relationship, financial insecurity or whatever I fear most, the best way to survive it is to follow Jesus, one step at a time, in the light of his word that is right in front of me.  

Pastor Chuck Franco continues his series, “The Promises of God” this week with the promise that when we follow Jesus, we never walk in darkness. What a comfort to know we don’t have to navigate the perils around us alone. 

Faith Christian Assembly

Faith Christian Assembly adheres to the Scripture that says we must give honor to whom honor is due.  The women’s ministry, Touch of Love, under the direction of Linda Hernandez celebrated its 25th anniversary. The church recently honored Linda in its last service and presented her with a picture depicting Psalm 68:11: “The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng.”  

Out of an abundance of caution, all who attend services or events at Faith Christian Assembly will have their temperature taken at the door, be required to wear a mask before and after service, and have to sit socially distant from others. Those who are ill should remain at home.  

Due to COVID-19, Faith Christian Assembly is not currently having all of its regular ministries at this time, but will resume as soon as possible. Call the church office for the most updated information on midweek Bible study, which is taught by Pastor Sheri Leming on Wednesdays at 11 a.m., and the weekly Grief Share meeting.  

To receive a free newsletter and for more information on the church, call (562) 598-9010 or visit the website at www.FCAchurch.net. 

Community Church

By Johan Dodge

Reverend

As I write this on Jan.13,  there are days of potential and planned unrest between my writing this and your reading it.  I do not know what will happen within the country in the interceding days, but I do know the Gospel message of Jesus. This week, we will be looking at the Gospel of Mark, specifically at Jesus calling his first disciples. Jesus didn’t go about the normal practice of rabbis in his day.  Normally when a rabbi graduated rabbinical school, they would yoke themselves to a rabbi and then eventually they would start on their own and gather disciples of their own.  Jesus doesn’t go to the rabbinical schools to look for disciples; he goes to the sea and calls fishermen to become his disciples.  Fishermen, would have been rabbinical school dropouts who had gone back to work with their fathers. All boys went to rabbinical school until they either graduated or they flunked out.  There was no shame in flunking  out, it just meant they would go and take ups the trade of their fathers.  What does stand out is Jesus going to this group of young men and inviting them to become his disciples and follow him. 

 It can be helpful for us to know that Jesus can show up in our lives just when we think we have everything figured out.  Jesus can show up and upend everything we thought we knew. At issue in the Gospel this week is the question of authority — who has it and what does having authority mean? 

To join Community Church on Sundays for live worship at 9:50 a.m.Tune into Facebook live @communitychurchleisureworld.  

To join the virtual fellowship, call the church office or email leisurewccsue@yahoo.com. Those who don’t have a computer or Facebook can call (562) 431-2503  and listen to the weekly message beginning Sunday evening. 

As always, if you are in need without another way to address it, you may call the church office to leave a message at (562) 431-2503.

Congregation Sholom

Rabbi Eric Dangott streams services on Friday, Jan. 22 at 6:30  p.m. via Zoom. It will be a joint service between Congregation Sholom and Temple Isaiah. Their cantor will play the guitar.  Rabbi  Dangott will also be on Zoom for Saturday morning on Jan. 23 at 9:30. 

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.

Congregation Sholom will have a Zoom game afternoon hosted by Sany Geffner this Sunday, Jan. 24, at 4 p.m. The goup will play Scattergories, due to popular demand. Jeff Sacks will set up the Zoom session. Those who want to play should email Jeff (jfsacks@gmail.com) AHEAD of time so he can send a Zoom invitation link. Geffner will give the game rules after everyone has logged on at 4. Make sure to have a pencil and piece of paper ready.

 Tu Bishvat, the New Year for Trees, is Jan. 28. It is traditional to plant a tree on this holiday and eat fruit such as dates, grapes and figs.If you want to plant a tree in Israel, contact Michele Vallens. 

Those who want to participate in the livestreamed services on Zoom should call Ron Yaffee at (562) 430-7040. 

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

By Jim Greer

LW contributor

Part of my Sabbath routine includes watching music and the spoken word from the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square. The Jan. 10 message was “Seek Out the True and Trustworthy.” 

The message, written and delivered by Lloyd Newell, gives inspired direction on how we may, during these confusing times, determine truth from falsehood. Brother Newell begins, “In our day, finding answers to questions has never been easier. When we have questions, we simply search the internet—which is now as simple as talking to a handheld device—and we expect immediate responses. And we often get them. But how often do we stop to consider if we are asking the right questions of the right sources—and if we are getting the right answers?”

This is perhaps the most important question we can ask as we have become dependent on the Internet for so much of our pursuit of truth. 

Newell went on to say, “In the information age, our problem isn’t that we have too many unanswered questions; it’s that our questions have too many answers. How can we discern between good and bad information, between truth and error, between fact and fiction? It’s one question that the internet isn’t really equipped to answer—the same question the Roman governor Pilate asked Jesus of Nazareth thousands of years ago: What is truth?” (John 18:38).

Newell explained how Sam Wineburg of Stanford University noted that researching any topic required that we reference numerous books in a well-stocked library in previous generations. We were confident that editors and respected publishers had carefully vetted those books. But now, personal research only requires that we type a phrase and click on the first web page that appears. Unfortunately, many websites may not have been scrutinized, or their data and articles subjected to peer review. 

Just about anyone can create a website or a blog and present themselves as someone with authority or expertise that they don’t necessarily have. Wineburg observes: “What once fell on the shoulders of editors, fact-checkers and subject matter experts now falls on the shoulders of each and every one of us.” 

The internet relieves us of the need to go to a library. Still, it does not relinquish us from the responsibility of evaluating and vetting all information. To determine the truth of what we now find so quickly, we must “check and double-check sources, assess the author’s motive, and consider context.” 

As it says in D&C 88:118, “Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” The Holy Ghost reveals all truth, and the source of all truth is our savior Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth and the light. As he said unto Pilate, “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.” (John 18:37). 

Redeemer Lutheran & St. Theodore’s

By Lisa Rotchford

Reverend

One  Bible verse to remember is:  “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control”  (2 Timothy 1:7).

The words from Scripture help us to remember not to fear, but to trust in the power of God while living uneasily through a pandemic and a period of national unrest. We are called as God’s people to love one another in the midst of community; out of that love, we can come to a place of peace.

The words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ring across time to us especially this week as we honor his birth and we renew our democracy with the inauguration of a president. Below is a quote from the speach titled “The Role of the Church in Facing the Nation’s Chief Moral Dilemma,” at the Conference on Christian Faith and Human Relations on April 25, 1957, in Nashville, Tennessee.

“Our motto must be, ‘Freedom and justice through love.’ Not through violence; not through hate…but through love…the end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the beloved community. It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opposers into friends. …It is an overflowing love which seeks nothing in return. It is the love of God working in the lives of men. This is the love that may well be the salvation of our civilization.”

This week especially, when we remember his legacy of non-violent response, we pray for peace. We know of the difficulty King faced, even among his own followers, as they resisted hatred and physical violence with prayer, song and marches for justice. We are called to not be fear-filled or fearful, but to reach out to one another, embracing loving, peaceful words and actions that are non violent.

In our Christian Baptismal Covenant, we vow to “respect the dignity of every human being.” We remember that each person we meet is someone’s child, someone’s beloved, God’s creation. As the events of the week unfold, may we pause and pray not in fear, but knowing the power of God’s love and ways of peace as we practice mutual respect for one another in our beloved community.

Beit HaLev

Beit HaLev’s Coffee Chavurah on Zoom will celebrate the Sabbath evening, Friday, Jan. 22, at 5:30, followed by the evening service at 6. On Saturday, Jan. 23,  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.

Beit HaLev’s prayerbooks, “Lev L’Lev,” are shared onscreen on both Zoom and Facebook.

The Torah reading, “Bo” in Exodus 11:4-12:28, describes the final plague, the death of the firstborn males of Egypt. After more than 400 years of Egyptian cruelty, the Israelites are set free.  Pesach (Passover) refers specifically to the angel of death’s “passing over” the houses of the Israelites; the regulations regarding the Feast of Matzot (the Feast of Unleavened Bread) begin with the ritual slaughter of a yearling lamb, marking the doorframes of the Israelite houses in order that the angel of death “pass over” them, and then roasting and eating the entire lamb with bitter herbs; they must eat this meal hurriedly, with sandals on their feet and a staff in their hand in preparation of leaving Egypt.

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 toSimShalom.com.

Zoom classes for beginning Hebrew and Pirke Avot will begin in February. Classes have been delayed due to the postponement of Rabbi Galit Shirah’s cataract surgery.  For information, please contact the rabbi at (562) 715-0888 or duets@icloud.com.

Religion Directory

The religion directory is to help LWers find out information about their church during the ongoing coronavirus situation. Pastors and church leaders can email laurieb@lwsb.com to submit contact updates or service livestream website addresses.

Community, page 13-16

safer at home

Golden Age Foundation delivers 10,000 masks throughout Leisure World

By Anna Derby

GAF President

The Golden Age Foundation received a generous donation of 10,000 disposable face masks.    The group worked alongside the Golden Rain Foundation as well as the City of Seal Beach to distribute the face masks to the community, including some of essential workers around Leisure World.   

Some of the recipients include:

 Individuals who distribute/deliver the LW Weekly.

 Shareholders who participate with  Meals On Wheels of Long Beach and/or Meals On Wheels of Orange County.

 Y’s Service Club volunteers who perform small tasks  in LW homes for people who are not able to do it themselves. 

 Leisure World bus drivers and mechanics, building inspectors, security and maintenance staff

The GAF extends its deep gratitude to Frank Teng, representative of  AOK Tooling LTD and Mandarin Baptist Church of Los Angeles, who generously donated the masks.

Sunshine Club

Learn how to reach a healthier you at Friday’s Zoom meeting

Everyone wants to be healthier, but it’s hard to know where to start. It helps to have a plan of action. Join the Sunshine Club on Friday, Jan. 22 at 10 a.m. as Angeline Renfrow discusses how to set goals to help you to reach a healthier you!

To join the Zoom meeting, go to  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82119904568?pwd=dkVmOVowRU1uQXRNb2QveFdFSHp4Zz09. The meeting ID is 821 1990 4568. All shareholders are welcome to join the meeting.

Those who would like to get the Zoom link by email, text your name, Mutual number and email address to (562) 301-5339 by no later than Thursday, Jan. 21, at 5 p.m.

Renfrow is a Health Promotion Representative at Independence at Home.  She delivers educational presentations in LA and Orange County to improve health and promote healthy lifestyles.  

Renfrow graduated with her Master’s of Science in Gerontology from the University of Southern California. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and one-year-old son.

Feel free to bring any questions that you may have for Renfrow for the questions-and-answers portion of the meeting. 

The Sunshine Club often has LW leaders come to meetings to introduce their organizations to the group. It also invites a wide variety of specialists from outside to share their experiences and ideas with club members.

For more information, contact Anna Derby at (562) 301-5339.

Find fresh fruit every week at the Seal Beach Farmers’ Market By Ellen Branningan 

LW contributor

Make sure to go to the Farmers’ Market, located in the Seal Beach Village at Seal Beach and Westminster Boulevards, for good food and camaraderie every Tuesday morning. The market is open from 9 a.m.–1 p.m., rain or shine, according to owner and manager Aldo Flores.

One of the companies you’ll see at the market, T.R. Cairns, whose motto is “We sell what we grow.” The company  has a wonderful variety of healthy and colorful fruit every week.

T.R. Cairns started business in 1894,127 years ago, by raising Lindsay Olives, a brand still popular today.

You can purchase apples, pears, oranges, grapefruit and whatever else is in season from T.R. Cairns. They also sell cherries, peaches, plums or other fruit depending on ripeness.

One of the vendors, Josue Aguilar, drives about 120 miles each way from the Tehachapi/Sanger, California, area to bring fresh produce to the residents of Seal Beach. He has been driving and working  in SB for over 12 years. He accepts cash, credit cards or VENMO.

Get out for some fresh air, safely see  friends and have a cup of coffee while shopping for fresh food every Tuesday at the Farmers’ Market.

SBTV-3 Listings

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, Jan. 21

4 pm A COVID Christmas

4:17 pm Christmas in Quarantine: 

The Pops  

5:01 pm Spider and Snakey 

Save Christmas

5:08 pm Cabaret Music Around

the World

6 pm LW Tree Lighting Ceremony

6:30 pm Dixieland Jazz Band

7:35 pm   Special Delivery

8 pm Terry Otte’s 75th Birthday

8:15 pm Cabaret Variety Show 9/2020

9 pm Ocean Perspectives

10 pm Shakespeare in the Park:

Cymbeline 

Friday, Jan. 22

4 pm LW Menorah Lighting 

Presentation  

4:13 pm A COVID Christmas

4:30 pm Special Delivery

5:15 pm Golf Cart Christmas

Caravan 2020

5:30 pm SB Lions Club Veterans Day

Car Caravan

5:39 pm Fortunado Revilla

Christmas Music

5:50 pm LW Yoga

6 pm LW Tree Lighting Ceremony

6:30 pm Los Al Jazz Band 2018

7 pm Seal Beach Christmas Parade

8 pm Dove Sonza’s 75th Birthday

9 pm Shakespeare in the Park:

Othello

10:30 pm Cerritos Center-

Golden Dragon Acrobats

Saturday, Jan. 22

4 pm Seal Beach Christmas Parade

5 pm Special Delivery

5:30 pm LW Menorah Lighting

5:43 pm A COVID Christmas

6 pm Christmas in Quarantine:

The Pops

6:45 pm Spider and Snakey Save

Christmas

6:53 pm LW Yoga

7 pm LW Tree Lighting Ceremony

7:30 pm Ocean Perspectives

8 pm LAUSD

11 pm Cerritos Center–

Matt Mauser

Sunday, Jan. 24

4 pm Seal Beach City Council 

Meeting 1/19 Replay

5 pm LW 50th Anniversary 2012

5:45 pm Fortunado Revilla 

Christmas Music

6 pm Dixieland Jazz Band 

7 pm Spider and Snakey 

Save Christmas

7:07 pm Dove Sonza’s 75th Birthday

8 pm Life and Times in SB:

Paula Thomas

9 pm Cabaret Music Around 

the World

10:20 pm LW Yoga

10:30 pm LW Menorah Lighting 

10:45 pm Los Al Jazz band

11:30 pm Bob Cole Conservancy

Monday, Jan.25  

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 Seal Beach Christmas 

Car Caravan

8 pm Golf Cart Christmas Caravan

8:15 pm LW Menorah Lighting

8:30 pm  LW Special Delivery

SBTV, page 14

sbtv

from page 13

9 pm Terry Otte’s 75th Birthday

9:30 pm Bob Cole Conservancy

10 pm Shakespeare in the Park:

Taming of the Shrew 

Tuesday, Jan. 26

4 pm Golf Cart Christmas Parade

4:15 pm Christmas Quarantine Show:

The Pops

5 pm Tree Lighting Ceremony

5:30 pm Special Delivery/LW Yoga

6 pm Fortunado Revilla 

Christmas Music

6:15 pm LW 50th Anniversary 2012

7 pm SB Planning Committee

Meeting LIVE

8 pm Ocean Perspectives

8:30 pm Seal Beach Christmas Parade

9:30 pm Bob Cole Conservancy

10 pm Cerritos Center–

Matt Mauser

Wednesday, Jan. 27

4 pm Spider and Snakey 

Save Christmas

4:07 pm LW Yoga

4:15 pm Christmas Quarantine Show:

The Pops

5 pm Dove Sonza’s 75th Birthday

6 pm Christmas Story Song

By Revilla/Williams

6:24 pm Spidey and Snakey

Save Christmas

6:32 pm Fortunado Revilla

Christmas Music

6:45 pm Golf Cart Parade

7 pm Terry Otte’s 75th Birthday

8 pm Shakespeare in the Park:

Merry Wives of Windsor

10 pm Cerritos Center-

The Four Tenors

Gaf

Seal Beach Cornerstone Church donates $1,000

Senior Pastor Peter Kang and committee chair Paul Im from Seal Beach Cornerstone Church donated $1,000 to the Golden Age Foundation to help the LW community. Seal Beach Cornerstone  Church has been a consistent donor since its founding in 2010, and GAF deeply appreciates its contribution especially during the pandemic.

Seal Beach Cornerstone Church normally meets in Clubhouse 2 every Sunday for its service at 9:45 a.m., but due to COVID-19 restrictions, it now holds online services via YouTube at 10 a.m. The services can be found by typing in “Seal Beach Cornerstone Church” on the YouTube homepage. 

The GAF is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to serving the special needs of Leisure World  shareholders and residents

Through the generosity of individuals in the community, the GAF is able to provide various free programs and projects to Leisure World shareholders. The foundation is entirely staffed by resident volunteers. 

For more information, go to www.goldenagefdn.org or call Anna Derby at (562) 301-5339.

Republican Club

By Brian Harmon

LW contributor

The LW Republican Club booth will return to the parking lot next to Building 6 at noon on Monday, Jan. 25. 

One of the Republican Club’s current project is helping to elect state Sen. John Moorlach to the OC Board of Supervisors. He has served as the OC treasurer and county supervisor, as well as a state senator, so he will be able to “hit the ground running.”

Another thing the Republican Club members can do at the booth on Monday is to help gather signatures to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom. The Republican Club will discuss any questions about supporitng the recall at the booth and in detail during its monthly meeting. Visitors can get more information on how to attend the monthly meetings at the booth as well.

The California recall process was initiated in 1911 by members of what was then called the progressive movement.

Unlike the presidential impeachment process, which requires the accused be guilty of “high crimes and misdemeanors,” state office holders can be recalled for any reason the public chooses.

The last governor to be removed from office by the recall process was Gray Davis, in 2005, for his handling of the energy cost problem and his alleged policy of giving billions in government benefits to those groups who contributed millions to his political campaigns. He was defeated by Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger, who served until 2011.

Although Newsom is not being accused of any crime, he has gone along with many of the liberal policies of the legislature, where one party has super-majorities in both the Assembly and the state Senate. 

To many people, his policies regarding COVID-19 have seemed to be inconsistent and arbitrary. Many are also upset with him for supporting a dramatic increase in the gas tax, as well as  the so-called “Bullet Train.”

Another reason why the LW Republican Club and California  Republicans support the recall is the frustration that comes with a government completely dominated by one party leadership representation in California. Replacing Newsom with a Republican could bring some balance to the state government.

For example, compiling and calculating how much money given to political candidates is spent on their behalf, and by whom, is legally the primary job of the state Fair Political Practices 

Commission (FPPC). This commission is non-partisan, but currently all of the members were appointed by Democrats.

Another result of single party control is having to deal with laws like AB5. AB5 requires that most independent contractors be hired as regular employees or laid off.Exemptions can be granted for any industry, business  or job type chosen by the legislature. Having  more equal political representation on both sides would make sure that the excemptions were granted fairly and equally among the companies that qualify for it.

The editorial board of the Los Angeles Times published an article explaining how the recall should not be considered a coup, but rather part of the democratic process.

The editorial concluded with, “Like it or not, California’s system of direct democracy provides a process for recalling sitting governors and other elected officials, and that is what is underway. That’s no ‘coup,’ but it’s no joke either.” 

Those who are interested in reading the article can do so by going to https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2021-01-14/editorial-recall-is-not-a-coup-and-certainly-no-joke. 

Democratic Club

By Mary Larson

LW contributor

Leisure World Democrats and their supporters are reminded that the District 2 election to replace outgoing board member Michelle Steel on the Orange County Board of Supervisors will take place on March 9. Vote-by-mail will begin on Feb. 8, with vote centers opening on Feb. 27. 

On Jan. 9, Democratic supporters, volunteers and friends from around the county participated via Zoom in the official kickoff of the campaign to elect Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley to represent District 2 on this county wide Board. 

The gathering, led by California Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris, featured presentations by California senators Josh Newman and Tom Umberg as well as newly elected Sen. Dave Min, who had unseated Republican John Moorlach in the Nov. 3 election. 

Petrie-Norris pointed out the incredibly high stakes involved in this special election, given what she called the current board’s “deep failure” during the coronavirus pandemic.

During the meeting, Foley described her priorities in office as overseeing COVID-19 vaccine distribution, getting businesses back up and running, and protecting public employees and essential workers, in part, by continuing to support mask wearing in public.  She also said she would side with teachers on education and mental health issues, work with cities to reduce homelessnesss, and focus on creating a climate action plan to reduce greenhouse emissions.

During its Jan. 6 meeting, the Leisure World Democratic Club board unanimously voted to endorse Mayor Foley for election to the Board of Supervisors. She will be the speaker at the club’s next membership meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 27.  All Leisure World Democrats are invited to participate in this meeting. However, non-club members will need to register in advance by calling (562) 296-8521.

For more information about this upcoming special election, readers are invited to email lwsbdemocraticclub@gmail.com.

••••

Democrats are also reminded to vote in the California Democratic Party run election for the state party leadership body known as the California State Central Committee.  All Democrats who had registered with the party for a mail-in ballot before Jan. 11 are eligible to vote in this election. Potential voters are once again invited to email  lwsbdemocraticclub@gmail.com  for more information about candidates running in this election.

••••

If you are a Democrat or a supporter of Democratic principles 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 calling (562) 296-8521. Remember to include your full contact information.  

The Leisure Democratic Club always welcomes new members and friends.  LW voters who are registered as Democrats are eligible for full voting membership.  Those registered as No Preferred Party voters may join as “associate” members. All Club memberships are now calculated on a calendar basis. Join or renew your membership before the end of January if possible. Both new and renewal 2021 membership forms are available by calling (562) 431-7275 or at  https://sblwdems.wordpress.com/democratic-club-membership-2/. 

Humanist Club

By Dave Silvia

LW contributor

The American Humanist Association isn’t a partisan political organization. Humanists believe we should base our actions on evidence, not claims made by leaders and those who support them.  The 2020 Presidential Election result was extremely accurate. There are countries where elections are rigged, but the evidence shows that our election result was fair.  In 1789, the U.S. Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution as a blueprint for a workable democracy. Except for 1860, when Abraham Lincoln was elected while the nation was splitting apart, there has always been an orderly transfer of power in the U.S.,which is a pretty good record for any diverse group of people coexisting together for 200 years.

From a Humanist perspective, social justice has been too long and too slow in coming. Past elections have been marred by voter suppression, racial discrimination, eliminating voting places and legal voters having to wait in lines for hours to vote.  Also, there have been five times when the election went to a candidate who lost the popular vote.  

The America Humanist Association, which advocates for the 22 percent of Americans who are not religious, has an executive director named Roy Speckhardt. Many Humanists in Leisure World and the U.S. may not even know his name because Humanist values are based on science and reason to guide us, not solely the words of a leader. Humanists believe in supporting democracy and resolving social problems without resorting to violence.  

Humanists believe that it’s each individual’s moral obligation to determine whether they should follow a leader and what means are necessary to achieve certian goals. Those goals should be based on human need, not on prejudices or religious abstractions. 

The Humanist Club is not meeting at this time. It hopes to start meeting regularly as soon as it is safe to do so.

obituaries, page 15

•••

Lavon “Bonnie” Pullman

1925- 2021

Our mom, nana, grandma, sister and friend celebrated a wonderful Christmas  before soon passing away. 

Bonnie is survived by her sister, Shirley; children Kelly “Linda,” Kris, Randy and Danica; grandchildren Christian, Tia, Tyler, Travis and Jillian; and great-grandchildren Paige and Kyler. 

Bonnie was preceded in death by her grandson Jabriel; her parents; and siblings Genie, Lester, Bill, Donny and Gary.

Bonnie was born in Spencer, Iowa. She spent many years in Ralston, Nebraska, and moved to Seal Beach, California, in 1996. 

Bonnie was an amazing and supportive mother, grandmother, sister and friend. We are missing her terribly, but we are happy knowing she was not in pain, she passed peacefully and was surrounded by family.

Bonnie has been cremated, and a celebration will be planned at a later date.

To our mom, nana, grandma, sister, friend:  “Love you more.”

-Danica Sorenson, daughter

••••

In Memoriam: 

Martin Snidow JR  76

Eugene Sibley 92

Cara Baker  63

Timothy Drake 66

Deborah Mendoza  58

Dolores Williams  78

Betty Irwin  91

Alejandro Depaz Jr  68

Judith Willis  80

Leonado Sueldo  67

Thomas LaBonge  67

David Johnson  63

Cathy Rand  72

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

———————————————————————–

SHAKLEE

Delivered to your door. 

LW daughter 

Sandy Vander Woudefikse.

(562) 618-8731. 03/04/21

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Additions & Remodeling, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Windows, Tile & Stonework. State Contractor’s License #393071. 

OGAN CONSTRUCTION, INC. 

(562) 596-7757. 03/31/22

———————————————————————-

JR HOME REPAIRS.  Quality work. Perfectionist, honest & reliable. Call JR 562-519-2764. SB Business License #JRH0001. 07/08/2021

————————————-

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

—————————

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. 04/01

———————————–

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 WASHING

WANT CLEAN WINDOWS?

I Clean Inside & Outside Or…

Clean Outside Only and Save $$$.

(562) 600-0014. LW Resident,

Rich Livitsky. Seal Beach

Business License #LIV0004. 01/14

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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Blue Horizon Private Home Care and Assisted Living. A trusted team of experienced homecare providers. Here at Blue Horizon we provide COVID Care, which includes picking up prescriptions, dropping clothes off at the cleaners, housekeeping and grocery shopping. Also we help with special needs, disability injury, assistance medication management and escorting to appointments. We have an affordable hourly rate, or flat fee rate for 24-Hour care.  Contact us today at 323-548-0708 to provide the personal care that’s needed to fit your needs. License #BU22020391. 02/11

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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. 03/25

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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. 07/01

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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 03/25

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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. 02/11

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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

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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. 03/11

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Patricia House Cleaning, weekly or monthly. Excellent referrals in Leisure World. 562-397-4659 Seal Beach License LUC0001. 04/15

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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

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$1,500-$6,500

Cars. Trucks. Vans. SUVs.

Text or Call

714-808-3084

Polite & Generous.

Very Fair Pricing.

OC Since 1987. 04/01

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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Jazzy scooter. Runs great. New battery. Cost $3,500 new; sacrifice for $800. 562-296-8088. 01/21

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

Private Sale by Docia Drake, 13220 St. Andrews Dr #253-C. Thursday, Jan. 21 and Friday, Jan 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Decorator florals, pillows, clocks, artwork, Ladies clothing (size M-XL), Vionic sandals (size 8), designer purses, LOTS of costume jewelry. Lladro, Warterford, Lalique, Coach. Air fryer, Keurig, knife block, flatware. Resin wicker patio chairs, tables. Limited entry, masks required.

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New Wayfair Trundle with mattress. Paid $450. Make offer. Air clean Miele Vacuum + bags. Adult diapers & pads all sizes. 513-490-6250.

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Men’s bicycle. Electra, rat rod. Hand/foot breaks. GT3 tires. Extended frame. $150. 562-386-9496. 01/21

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TEETER Inversion table. One year old perfect condition $225. 

Ron Belben (805) 801-2167

FREE ITEMS

Looking for forever home for a healthy, older, companion cat. Call (562) 443-8262 for picture and more details. Ask for Pamela. 01/21

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Free household items; kitchen, furniture, bathroom items, etc. All items are FREE. Jan 23rd. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. 1382 El Dorado Dr. #10D. Masks are required. Leisure World.

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Hitachi VCR FREE including 15 VHS tapes.  Located in Mutual 6.  

Call 650-704-2947.