SEE PAGE 4 for q&a WITH the DMV
SEE PAGE 2 FOR cross-country charity run MONDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2014 - DECEMBER 28, 2014
cypressnewspress.com
VOLUME 1, NO. 26
Rep. Schiff Announces Federal Funding for Earthquake Early Warning System
Cypress Police Cracking Down During Holidays
By terry miller
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
Berry Farm, Mattel, Club staff, and local community members. Over 200 people attended the holiday party and had a great evening. Santa arrived by fire truck mid-way through the event and took photos with families. Cypress High School
This holiday season, The Cypress Police Department will be out in force cracking down on impaired drivers to keep roads safe for holiday travelers. Unfortunately, the excitement and celebrations of the holiday can lead to terrible decisions and serious legal consequences. Data shows that the holiday season is a particularly deadly time due to the increased number of drunk drivers on the roads, and the Cypress Police Department is giving fair warning to all party goers. Patrol officers and special DUI enforcement units will be out in force during this highly visible enforcement period, and anyone driving while under the influcence will be arrested. Drunk drivers often face jail time, the loss of their driver licenses, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses ranging from attorney fees, court costs, car towing and repairs, and lost wages due to time off from work. Even worse, a drunk driver an cause a traffic crash that claims someone’s life, or their own. Please follow these tips to keep the holidays safe and happy:
Please see page 3
Please see page 2
Congressman Adam Schiff (D¬Burbank) announced that Congress has included $5 million in funds this year towards the Earthquake Early Warning System during a press conference at Caltech Monday morning. – Photo by Terry Miller
On Monday morning Senator Dianne Feinstein (DCA) and Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) announced that Congress has included $5 million in FY 2015 funding bill, also known as the CROmnibus, for a West Coast Earthquake Early Warning System, the first time Congress has ever provided funding specifically for the system. A limited system developed by Caltech, UC-Berkeley
and University of Washington, in conjunction with the United State Geological Survey (USGS), has already been deployed and has proven that the early warning technology is sound. This $5 million in funding will allow those developing the statewide system to begin purchasing and installing additional sensors, build new stations, speed up the ShakeAlert system, and come closer to de-
ploying comprehensive early earthquake warning coverage throughout earthquake prone regions of the West Coast. “An earthquake early-warning system is essential to save lives, reduce property damage and protect critical infrastructure. This five million dollar federal investment is a down payment on building an intePlease see page 4
Cypress Rotary Hosts Holiday Party for Boys & Girls Club of Cypress The Boys & Girls Club of Cypress and Rotary Club of Cypress partnered to host an annual holiday party on Friday, Dec. 12. All members and their families were invited for an evening celebration at the Club that included a free spaghetti and meatball feast, prepared with love by Rotary Club members.
After a delicious meal, Club families enjoyed participating in holiday activities and visting with a special guest from the North Pole. All members and their siblings who attended got to pick out a free toy from the Club’s “Santa Shop” at the conclusion of the event. Toys for the Santa Shop were donated by Rotary, Knott’s
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DUI Crackdown Across State Through Jan.1 In an effort to stem the rise in impaired driving crashes traditionally seen around the holiday period, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) announced the start of the December DUI Crackdown on Dec 12th, which will continue through Jan. 1. The crackdown kickoff coincided with the launch of the agency's designated driver mobile app, DDVIP. "This is a time which should be for families and celebrations, not for tragedies on our roadways," said OTS Director Rhonda Craft. "It is easy to avoid a DUI arrest or crash - don't drive impaired. Designate a sober driver, or be one yourself." During the crackdown period, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and over 200 participating law enforcement agencies throughout California will be conducting increased sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols. These measures are not only meant to keep impaired drivers off the roads, but also to raise public awareness about the dangers of driving while impaired by either alcohol or drugs. All efforts reinforce the Report Drunk Drivers--Call 911 and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over messages, which aim to keep impaired drivers off the road.
During the 2012 Christmas and New Year's holiday weekends alone, 70 lost their lives due to alcohol-related crashes in California. During that entire year, alcohol was responsible for 1,169 deaths and nearly 24,000 injuries in the state. "It is important not to get so swept up in the holiday cheer that you forget the dangers of impaired driving," said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. "Please make smart decisions this holiday season and designate a sober driver to ensure you safely arrive at your destination." To reinforce these efforts and reward those who volunteer to be designated sober drivers, the OTS has created the DDVIP mobile app, which allows designated drivers to locate bars and restaurants near them that offer rewards for designated drivers. Originally created last year as a mobile site, the app is now available for free download in the Apple Store with enhanced functionality, including giving users the ability to receive updates of new DDVIP partners, based on their location. For more information about the DUI Crackdown, DDVIP and other OTS efforts, visit www.ots.ca.gov or www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOTS.
Man Begins Cross-Country Charity Run, Invites Community to Join “100 marathons; 100 days; $100,000 for clean water in Africa.” That’s ultramarathoner and cofounder of the nonprofit organization Active Water (powered by Lifewater International) Daren Wendell’s mission and motto. Called RunDarenRun, the campaign’s goal is not only for Wendell to complete this feat on his own, but to involve as many people nationwide as possible, drawing attention to the global water crisis and its reality that 750 million people do not have access to safe water; 2.5 billion don't have sanitation. In his own words, the RunDarenRun can be described as “a mix between flashmob marathon and Forest Gump.” Wendell’s athletic resume includes: •Cycling 4,400 miles crosscountry (2005) •Walking across the country (3,400 miles) (2008, 2009) •Hiking the Appalachian Trail (2008) •Swimming 50.6 miles across Lake Michigan (2011) •IronMan Louisville (2012) •Marathons (10) •Half Marathons (9)
Following two years of intense training, Wendell’s route – totaling 3,000 miles – begins on January 1st and will take him from Santa Monica Pier, Calif., and across the country to Times Square, New York. The proceeds from the RunDarenRun will fund clean water projects in Ethiopia, Africa, where Wendell recently returned from getting a firsthand look at the need for clean water. To help support Wendell during his training, fundraising, and his upcoming Run Across America, please visit RunDarenRun.com. For media inquiries or to arrange an interview with Wendell, please contact Danielle Wendell at (304) 5533899 or danielle@activewater. org. About ActiveWater ActiveWater is powered by Lifewater International, a nonprofit Christian water development organization dedicated to effectively serving vulnerable children and families by partnering with underserved communities to overcome water poverty. Lifewater serves people of all faiths, focusing on contextually appropriate water sanitation.
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Continued from page 1
• Even one drink can impair your judgment and increase the risk of getting arrested for driving drunk - or worse, the risk of having a crash while driving. • If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving. Plan ahead; designate a sober driver before the party begins. • Be responsible. If some-
one you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. • If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life. Remember, it is never safe to drink and drive: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
DECEMBER 22, 2014 - DECEMBER 28, 2014 | 3
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California Selected for Fruit and Vegetable Pilot Project State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced today that California has been selected to participate in a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) pilot project aimed to provide students more access to fresh fruits and vegetables purchased from local farmers. “This program will give schools more flexibility in how they procure fresh produce directly from local farmers,” said Torlakson. “This is of great benefit to both local economies and local food producers.” California is one of eight states chosen to participate in the USDA’s Pilot Project for Procurement of Unprocessed Fruits and Vegetables. Under this program, participating school districts can use their Food Distribution Program entitlement funds to procure unprocessed fruits and vegetables directly from local farmers and vendors approved for the pilot. Farmers and vendors are then reimbursed by the USDA. California is known as the “world's fruit basket,” producing nearly half of all fruits, nuts, and vegetables consumed in the nation. The state’s agricultural abundance includes more than 400 specialty crops. This program lets students enjoy a large variety of tasty fresh fruits and vegetables including strawberries, peaches, plums, carrots, and avocados. If the USDA deems the project a success, it may expand nationwide. California’s participation in this pilot project furthers Torlakson’s Team California for Healthy Kids initiative designed to encourage children to eat more nutritious food and be more physically active.
Boys & Girls Club Continued from page 1
Interact Club members assisted with food preparation and event set-up. In addition to the holiday party, the Rotary Club of Cypress donated holiday gifts for 50 Club children in need. With over 150 children on scholarship,
the Club is constantly seeking additional support for families who need financial assistance. For more information about how you can help, stop by the Club at 10161 Moody St. in Cypress, call 714-527-2697, or visit www. boysandgirlsclubofcypress.com.
Cypress High School Interact Club members serve a free spaghetti feast for over 200 people. - Courtesy Photo
Boys & Girls Club members Aniyah A., Mahayla V., Kenny M., Albert H., Ethan H., and Logan K. enjoy their spaghetti dinner. - Courtesy Photo
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
4 | DECEMBER 22, 2014 - DECEMBER 28, 2014
Ask DMV - December 2014 Q: When is a person eligible to apply for a driver license under the new AB 60 law? A: Undocumented applicants can begin applying for a California driver license on January 2, 2015. During an the initial visit, applicants will be required to prove their identity and residency, and take a driver knowledge and vision exams. A behind-the-wheel test will be given at another time. Q: Do AB60 customers need to make appointments to apply for a driver license? A: DMV field office to apply for a first time driver license is required to schedule an appointment. However, the DMV has set up four temporary Driver
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grated, state-wide system,” said Senator Feinstein. “These federal dollars are sorely needed, but more funding is still necessary to complete the system. While the state and private sector must contribute their fair share, I will continue to work with West Coast senators and representatives to prioritize federal funds for this life-saving project. We must get it done before the next major earthquake strikes.” “It’s absolutely critical that the West Coast implement and build out an earthquake early warning system to give us a
License Processing Centers in Granada Hills, San Jose, Stanton, and Lompoc, where anyone can drop in without making an appointment. For appointments or other information regarding AB60 visit ab60.dmv.ca.gov. Q: Does the driver license being issued under the AB 60 law have any limitations? A: Yes. A driver license, under AB60, only allows an individual to legally drive a car and cannot be used to verify or provide legal or documented status. The face of the driver license clearly states that “Federal Limits Apply” and on the back disclaimer reads “This card is not acceptable for official federal purposes. It does not establish
eligibility for employment, voter registration, or public benefits.” In other words, a peson cannot use this driver license to board an airplane or enter a federal building. It is important to point out that police officers in California cannot discriminate based on immigration status or the fact the driver holds an AB60 driver license. Visit this direct link ab60. dmv.ca.gov for additional helpful information. Q: I plan to apply for a California driver license under the AB60 program. As an applicant without legal presence, will my information be used for anything other than a driver li-
cense application? A: We are sensitive to the fact that many applicants without legal presence may be fearful of this review process and/or possessing this new driver license. Discrimination against an individual based on possession of an AB60 driver license is a violation of law, including the Unruh Civil Rights Act (Section 51 of the Civil Code). An AB 60 driver license shall not be used to consider an individual’s citizenship or immigration status as a basis for an investigation, arrest, citation or detention. To keep up on the latest information about the AB60 program, visit link: ab60.dmv. ca.gov.
Earthquake Early Warning System heads up before the ‘big one’ hits, so we can save lives and protect infrastructure,” said Congressman Schiff. “This funding will help build out additional stations, speed up the ShakeAlert system, and make it more reliable in our highest priority areas - including Los Angeles and the Bay Area - and those critical few seconds or a minute of warning will allow people to seek cover, automatically slow or stop trains, and pause surgeries. This first phase of funding will allow the work to begin expanding the system, and we will continue to
-Photo by Terry Miller
work to secure future funding along with our other federal, state and local partners.” “We at Caltech applaud Congress for approving the impactful initial funding for an earthquake early warning system,” said Thomas F. Rosenbaum, president of the California Institute of Technology. “This vital step toward implementation wouldn’t be possible without the leadership of the California congressional delegation.” Earlier this year, Schiff led a group of 25 Members from California, Washington and Oregon in organizing a request that the committee fund an early earthquake warning system.
Schiff s letter requested additional funding for the Earthquake Hazards Program in USGS to kickstart the process of building out the early warning system so we can be ready for the next big quake. Senator. Feinstein was critical in securing the language in the Senate -Appropriations bill. The text in the bill reads: Funding for Natural Hazards programs includes $59,503,000 for earthquake hazards, of which $5,000,000 is provided to transition the earthquake early warning demonstration project into an operational capability on the West Coast. A critical component of the earthquake early warning system is maintaining the existing real-time broadband and strong motion seismic networks along with geodetic monitoring networks. As the earthquake early warning system is developed, USGS is directed to collaborate with universities, companies and other Federal agencies with expertise and existing digital seismic observing networks to continue precise observation of critical fault locations.