SEE PAGE 3 for invasive giant african snails at lax
SEE PAGE 2 for expanded internet access for schools & libraries MONDAY, JULY 21, 2014 - JULY 27, 2014
cypressnewspress.com
VOLUME 1, NO. 12
Radical action against drought: California Dance your approves $500 fine for water wasters way to by Jennifer schlueter fitness at the Cypress Community Festival
Start the morning off with the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast which will be available from 8:00 to 10:30 am. Buy your tickets before the event for $4.00 per person; at the door tickets will be $5.00. Tickets are available at the Reception Desk at the Cypress Senior Center.
Zumba Fitness instructor Lettie Morris will be showing Cypress Community Festival visitors how to dance their way to fitness. Her interactive demonstration will be at Oak Knoll Park in Cypress on Saturday, July 26th. Ms. Morris has been dancing to Latin rhythms ever since she could walk. She took her first Zumba class about ten years ago. When asked about the experience she explained: “I instantly fell in love with the music and dance routines.” Lettie became a Certified Instructor in 2008 and has been teaching at the Cypress Senior Center for several years. Zumba Fitness fuses international rhythms with easyto-follow dance moves. The result is a fun and effective fitness class that feels more like a night out dancing than a workout at the gym. Lettie’s demonstration at the Festival in Cypress will include dancing Latin patterns such as Cumbia, Merenge, Cha Cha Cha and Salsa, as well as other popular rhythms like Belly Dance, Hip Hop and Bhangra. The best part is that everyone is invited to get out on the dance floor and get involved. “Last year I participated in the Festival activities and had the best time ever,” said Lettie. “What was supposed to be a 30 minute demonstration ended up being over an hour of fun.
Please see page 4
Please see page 4
Dry lake -Photo by Terry Miller
In January, Governor Jerry Brown asked Californians to reduce their water use by 20% because, for some parts of California, 2013 had been the driest year ever recorded and no relief seemed in sight. However, a recent state board survey shows that the statewide water use in the month of May has increased by 1% compared to the same month of the three previous years. Whereas the May use declined 13% in the Sacramento River area, it rose 8% in coastal South-
ern California. Felicia Marcus, chairwoman of the State Water Resources Control Board, warned: “People really don’t understand the gravity of the drought, particularly in urban California, where people are hundreds of miles from their water source.” This drought is the thirdworst ever recorded and the worst in decades. Therefore, last Tuesday, the state of California has chosen to impose strict fines of up to $500 for over-watering
grass, hosing down hard surfaces such as sidewalks and driveways, running fountains that do not recirculate water, or wasting too much water on car washes by using a hose without a nozzle. Marcus explained after the vote: “Our goal here is to light a fire under those who aren’t yet taking the drought seriously. We’re all in this together,” she added. “This is our attempt to say ... this is the least that urban Californians can Please see page 2
Community Resource Fair at the Cypress Senior Center Find better ways to be your best at the Cypress Community Resource Fair! The Fair will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2014 from 9:00 am until 12:00 Noon at the Cypress Senior Center. This event offers information, products, and services from Southern California companies, public agencies and businesses. The entire community is invited
to attend. Free admission to the Community Resource Fair. This is a great opportunity to gain information on a wide variety of topics and services including health, image, travel, finance, and much more. Free screenings will be available. There will also be giveaways and door prizes, including a one-night stay at Hyatt House in Cypress.
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FCC votes to expand internet access for schools and libraries State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson applauded a ruling by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Friday that marks a major step toward preparing students for the global economy by expanding Internet access for schools and libraries. The FCC voted today to modernize the E-rate program and boost support for wireless connectivity for schools and libraries. This action is designed to expand wireless access, make E-rate dollars go further, and deliver faster, simpler, and more efficient applications and other processes. Known formally as the federal Schools and Libraries Program, E-rate established a surcharge on long-distance telephone bills in 1997 that provides discounts to assist schools and libraries in obtaining affordable telecommunications and Internet access. “Our schools, society, and economy thrive on interconnectivity,” Torlakson said. “Today’s action will not only help narrow the digital divide among students, but also help us reach and teach every child so they will be prepared for the world that awaits them.” Torlakson has championed efforts to update E-rate. In March 2012, he convened his Education Technology Task Force
-Photo by Terry Miller
to bring 21st century tools into California's classrooms so that no child is left offline. He has also brought together other state superintendents via the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) to work together on this issue. Last September, Torlakson went to Washington, D.C., to push for increased federal assistance to provide broadband access for all students and schools across California. While there, he co-chaired the CCSSO's Digital Learning Task Force to discuss and meet with members of the FCC, the White House, and the U.S. Department of Education. He also met with U.S. Senators
to discuss E-rate. In June of last year, President Barack Obama proposed modernizing the E-rate program as part of his ConnectED initiative, which Torlakson at the time called "a huge step in the right direction." The FCC opened a public comment period soon afterward. Torlakson encouraged local superintendents and other education stakeholders across California to weigh in, and the California Department of Education also submitted its commen ts. Among the state's priorities are expanding the program; making it easier to apply for and receive funding; ensuring the flexibility to take advantage of future technologies; distributing funding according to highestpriority needs; and allowing for adequate bandwidth to support wireless access as schools continue moving toward a one-to-one computer ratio. For more information on today’s vote, visit the Federal Communications Commission’s Web site. For information on how the state uses the Schools and Libraries Program and the California Teleconnect Fund to provide telecommunications discounts to ¬-schools in the state, visit the California Department of Education’s E-rate Web page.
Drought impacts Continued from page 1
do.”
Starting August 1, the new rules, which have been approved on a 4-0 vote by the State Water Resources Control Board will stay in effect for 270 days, and possibly longer, if the drought continues. According to the Desert Sun, “last week Lake Mead, the nation’s largest reservoir, reached its lowest level since it was filled by Colorado River water in the 1930s. As of Tuesday, the lake surface elevation was at 1,081.60 feet, below the previous record low of 1,081.85 set in 2010.” On Tuesday, the day of the ruling, the University of California Davis released a study, which claims that the impacts of the drought will cost California $2.2 billion and 17,100 jobs. National Geographic illustrates: “According to the UC Davis report, the state’s agricultural sector faces a net water shortage of 1.6 million acre-feet this year, which will cause losses of $810 million in crop revenue and $203 million in lost dairy and other livestock value, plus additional groundwater pumping costs of $454 million. These direct costs to agriculture total $1.5 billion. When the job losses are factored in, the total economic impact to the state economy is estimated to be $2.2 billion.” Marcus realized the survey’s reality: “We are facing the worst drought impact that we or our grandparents have ever seen. And, more important, we have no idea when it will end. This drought’s impacts are being felt by communities all over California. Fields are fallowed; communities are running out of water, fish and wildlife will be devastated.” She urges: “The least that urban Californians can do is to not waste water on outdoor uses. It is in their self-interest to conserve more, now, to avoid far more harsh restrictions, if the drought lasts into the future. These regulations are meant to spark awareness of the seriousness of the situation, and could be expanded if the drought wears on and people do not act.”
JULY 21, 2014 - JULY 27, 2014 | 3
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Jennifer Schlueter
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CBP intercepts 67 extremely invasive giant African snails at LAX Live mollusks arriving from Nigeria were destined for Los Angeles area
U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) inspected an air cargo shipment declared as 67 live snails. Accompanying paperwork described them as Achatina Fulica for human consumption. They arrived from Lagos, Nigeria in two plastic basket packages weighing slightly more than 35 pounds in total and were destined for San Dimas, California. After submitting an urgent sample to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Plant Protection and Quarantine entomologists, their acting national mollusk specialist in Washington, D.C., identified them as Giant African Snails - scientifically known as Archachatina (Calachatina) marginata var. ovum (Pfeiffer) (Achatinidae). CBP received notification of this on July 7. Native to Africa, their other commonly known names are Giant African Land Snail, West African Snail, West African Land Snail, Banana Rasp Snail, and Margie. “This significant interception of Giant African Snails is the first time this pest has been encountered in such large quantity and as a consumption entry by CBP in Los Angeles. It exemplifies how CBP agriculture specialists protect our nation’s agriculture from the introduction of threatening foreign pests, plants and diseases,” said Todd C. Owen, CBP director of field operations in Los Angeles. USDA emphasized the importance of safeguarding this shipment of one of the most extremely damaging snail species. Thereafter, CBP transferred the shipment to USDA’s local Plant Inspection Station for final disposition.
These pests are a very serious threat to our agriculture, natural ecosystem, public health and economy. They can consume more than 500 types of plants and, if vegetables or fruits are not available, will even eat the paint and stucco off of houses. They can be carriers of several parasites which are harmful to humans, one of which can lead to meningitis. Being one of the world’s largest land snails, these mollusks can reach up to about eight inches long, about five inches in diameter and may
live up to 10 years. Suggested preventative measures include strict quarantine to prevent introduction and further spread. CBP: U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation’s borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
Long Beach Office 3780 Kilroy Airport Way Suite 360 Long Beach, CA 90806 Ph. (562) 472-0071 Fx. (562) 689-0071 Los Angeles Office 5701 South Eastern Avenue Suite 100 Los Angeles, CA 90040 Ph. (323) 727-1144 Fx. (323) 727-9198 www.heger-industrial.com Lic. #00814086
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Kiwanis Kick Off Cypress Festival with Pancake Breakfast on Saturday July 26 The annual Cypress Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast will be the “kick-off” event for the Cypress Community Festival on Saturday, July 26 at Oak Knoll Park. This is “the” spot to satisfy your man-sized (or woman-sized) appetite. Dozens of volunteers will be on hand to serve you with a smile and get your Festival Day off to a great start. Originally planned as a one-time event, the Cypress Community Festival has taken on a life of its own. Once again in this, its 34th year, the Kiwanis will be preparing their delicious “all-you-can-eat” buttermilk pancakes with sausage, orange juice and coffee, all for a donation of just $5. The Cypress Kiwanis club was chartered in December, 1950 and was a sponsoring member in the formation of the Cypress Community Festival in 1981. As has been true since the club’s formation, proceeds from the Festival breakfast, and all Kiwanis events, go toward funding scholarships for Cypress youth. The motto of Kiwanis International is: “Kiwanis is a
global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time.” If you are interested in being a part of the Kiwanis team, the club meets on the first and third Tuesday evenings of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Cypress Chamber of Commerce office located at the corner of Walker and Cerritos Ave in Cypress. Contact Kiwanis President Jay Sondhi by email for more information at: sondhi.jay@gmail.com. There will be many exiting activities for all ages at the Cypress Festival. Snoopy and Ronald McDonald are expected to be there as well as many arts and crafts vendors and Business Expo exhibitors. All day long from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. there will be entertainment on four separate stages. The Kid’s Fun Zone, Chili and Salsa Contest and Classic Car Show are favorite attractions in addition to the big Cypress 5K and 10K Run/Walk. Complete information about this huge annual free event is available online at:www.cypressfestival.com.
Dance your way to fitness Continued from page 1
Quite a few of the participants, who had never taken Zumba before, ended up dancing with me and subsequently registering for one of my classes. I just love to see how much fun people have while dancing their way to better fitness.” Lettie Morris’s class schedule is available online at: www. lettiemorris.zumba.com. There is also additional information about some of her special events located at: www. lettiezumbakzumba.com. This year’s Cypress Festival will also offer Line Dancing lessons with Janet Karter as well as dance performances by the Country Kickers, A Touch of Polynesia, Miss Ginger’s Dancers and the Strong Dance Studio. There will be country music, rock and roll, blues, a Kid’s Fun Zone, food vendors, arts and crafts, the Chamber Business Expo, a street rod and vintage auto show, a chili
and salsa contest, the Kiwanis pancake breakfast (7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.), face-painting clowns and many more familyfriendly activities. Admission to the Cypress Festival is free due to the support of many businesses and community members. 2014 Platinum Sponsors are: Go Country 105 FM and UnitedHealthcare. Gold Sponsors include: Aleshire & Wynder, LLP, Chick-fil-A, Shops at Rossmoor and Buena Park, Knott’s Berry Farm, Orange County Breeze, Orange County Neighborhood Newspapers and Republic Services. Festival information, including maps and a schedule of events, is available online at: www.cypressfestival.com. The Festival Grounds at Oak Knoll Park, located at 5700 Orange Ave. in Cypress, CA, will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2014.
Discover how to dance your way to fitness with Certified Zumba Instructor Lettie Morris at the Cypress Community Festival on Saturday, July 26th. -Courtesy Photo
Community Resouce Fair Continued from page 1
The Cypress Senior Center is located at 9031 Grindlay Street, just south of Lincoln Av-
enue between Walker Street and Moody Street. For additional information call (714) 229-2005.