Since the contracts were terminated Monday, Feb. 5, physicians at Prime have reported prolonged, agonizing wait times for patients, the company’s president and chief medical officer said in a Friday letter to Dr. Mark Ghaly, California secretary of health and human services. In some cases, patients have walked out of emergency rooms in disgust and been refused transfers to other nearby CalOptima hospitals, wrote Dr. Sunny Bhatia.

“On behalf of patients, we ask that Department of Health Care Services hold CalOptima accountable to its responsibility to ensure access, continuity, and care to patients and include the safety net hospitals patients have relied on for decades,” states the letter. “These terminations are already negatively impacting patient safety, quality care, and outcomes for the vulnerable patients dependent on CalOptima, very literally putting their lives at risk.”

Ontario-based Prime operates 44 hospitals nationwide, including Garden Grove Hospital and Medical Center, Huntington Beach Hospital, La Palma Intercommunity Hospital and West Anaheim Medical Center.

In a statement Friday, Feb. 9, DHCS said Medi-Cal managed-care plans like CalOptima have the right to voluntarily terminate their contractual relationships with network providers with a 60-day prior notice.

Following termination of the Prime contract, the DHCS said, “emergency services and post-stabilization care continue to be covered” by the company.

CalOptima, which has 954,000 members and is the largest health insurer in Orange County, provides coverage to its members through three programs, Medi-Cal, OneCare, and the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. Its contract with the four hospitals had been in effect for more than 15 years.

The termination of Prime’s contract has sent shock waves through physicians and patients at the four hospitals, some of whom protested outside CalOptima’s headquarters last week.

“Hundreds of patients, representing the tens of thousands cared for at these hospitals, pleaded with CalOptima to allow them to continue their care at these hospitals,” Bhatia said in the letter to Ghaly. “These were the hospitals they trusted, the care that provided them dignity, the quality that saved their lives, and the access and continuity they need and deserve. Despite their pleas, CalOptima unilaterally decided for them that they do not need these hospitals.”

CalOptima claims misrepresentation

CalOptima Chief Executive Officer Michael Hunn has cited under-utilization of the hospitals as a chief reason for the termination of Prime’s contract.

From Dec. 1, 2022, to Nov. 30, 2023, 15,604 members accounted for 26,290 visits to the four Prime hospitals, with 98.6% being emergency room visits, according to data collected by CalOptima. Many members went to the ER more than once. There were 2,800 CalOptima inpatient admissions and 364 visits for elective care at Prime hospitals during the year.

Additionally, CalOptima delegates the care of approximately 750,000 members to large, managed-care medical groups, but there is no evidence of Prime contracting with any of those providers, Hunn said.

Seven other CalOptima hospitals within five miles of Prime facilities can absorb patients, he told the Southern California News Group, adding that the termination of the contract should have little impact on patients.

“We stand against activities that detract from this focus, especially the misrepresentations related to CalOptima Health’s contract change with Prime hospitals,” CalOptima said in a statement Friday. “Those misrepresentations are not consistent with what is actually occurring with CalOptima Health members who have received care at Prime hospitals since our contract ended on February 5.”

CalOptima said it is providing Prime hospitals a clinical response within 30 minutes for those patients who may need post-stabilization hospital services.

“We are collaborating closely with our state regulators, who are aware of our unwavering commitment to quality care for members, delivered by our strong network that includes 39 acute and rehab hospitals across Orange County,” the company said.

Prime reports delays, angry patients

However, in the letter to Ghaly, Bhatia said Prime’s worst fears about delays and care for patients are being realized.

“Despite CalOptima CEO Michael Hunn’s assurances that he does not need these hospitals for network adequacy and can effectively transfer and care for patients requiring inpatient care, patients are suffering and denied the quality care and continuity they deserve,” Bhatia said.

According to the letter, in just three days following termination of the contract, documented evidence shows insufficient bed capacity at other CalOptima hospitals and the inability of Prime physicians to transfer stable patients. In some cases, Bhatia said, patients have reportedly left Prime hospital emergency departments, against the advice of doctors, with untreated medical conditions due to lengthy transfer wait times.

At least 37 Prime CalOptima patients have required transfers since Monday, with an average wait time in the ER of 30 hours, with some experiencing much longer delays, according to the company.

In one instance, a 57-year-old woman who went to a Prime ER with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea waited 60 hours but could not be transferred to another CalOptima hospital because of a lack of inpatient beds and had to be admitted to the Prime facility’s intensive care unit, the letter says

Fourteen patients had clinical conditions that deteriorated while awaiting transfer, requiring urgent inpatient or ICU admission at Prime hospitals, the letter stated.

“This could have been avoided if these patients were allowed to be admitted promptly while stable and receive the quality, inpatient care that had always been provided,” the letter states. “Patient clinical outcomes have been unnecessarily and negatively impacted, causing irreparable harm as a result.”

A physician reported that a 45-year-old woman who had an acute flare of Crohn’s disease went to a Prime hospital and was denied a transfer to Orange County Global Medical Center.

Orange County Global Medical said Friday it could not comment because of patient privacy regulations and does not speak on behalf of decisions made by physicians who are independent contractors.

Dr. Kevin Truong, an emergency medicine physician at Garden Grove Hospital, said in a phone interview that earlier this week a man came to the ER complaining of shortness of breath and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, after waiting for 31 hours to be transferred to another CalOptima facility, the man angrily stormed out of the ER, describing the lengthy delay as the worst service he had ever experienced.

The man’s frustration is understandable, Truong said, adding the ER is a “loud, noisy environment and is not good for inpatient care.”

Officers and investigators were doing a business check in the 900 block of South Euclid Street around 2 p.m., Sgt. Jon McClintock, spokesman for Anaheim Police, said.

“We received information and complaints it was an illicit marijuana dispensary,” he said.

It was located at the end of the strip mall, he said. Marijuana dispensaries are not allowed in the city.

Two men and a woman inside the dispensary refused to get out. Police called in members of SWAT and tactical negotiators, McClintock said.

Police evacuated one or two nearby businesses, he added.

The trio came out shortly after 5 p.m. They were arrested for various drug offenses, the sergeant said.

MetLife Investment Management is working with DSD Renewables to install the 2.2-megawatt solar project and 510 kWh battery storage system at Intersect, on behalf of property owners PGGM and MetLife.

MetLife and DSD estimate the solar project will generate more than 3.5 million kWh of energy annually, which should provide for 74% of Intersect’s required power. The battery system also will store excess electricity generated, supporting the grid by reducing peak demand.

Also see: Get a sneak peek at Irvine Valley College’s $61 million Arts Village

The project at the campus along Von Karman Avenue near John Wayne Airport should be completed in 2025, MetLife said.

Tenants at Intersect include JLL, Xponential Fitness, Spaces and Hangar 24.

Lido retail center gets a new owner-partner

The harbor-side retail center Lido Marina Village has a new ownership partner after a recapitalization of the 3-acre property.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed by JLL, which represented DJM Capital, Arc Capital Partners and Belay Investment Group.

DJM, recapitalized the center in 2020 with a $46.5 million loan from Prime Finance and an additional $24.5 million of new equity from Arc Capital Partners. That capital was used to pay off an existing loan and complete property renovations, DJM said at the time.

In case you missed it: Taiwanese computer maker signs $265M lease for new Tustin headquarters

The reorganization saw the exit of Arc and Belay and the entrance of Redwood West, a commercial real estate investment firm in Newport Beach.

The 52-year-old retail center was substantially updated in 2022 and 2016. The complex includes 77,922 square feet of retail space, 28,694 square feet of offices and a 47-slip marina deck overlooking the bay.

Tenants include Nobu, Zinque, Malibu Farm, Circle Hook Fish Co., Aesop, Warby Parker, Elyse Walker, Faherty, Curl Fitness, Eberjay and LoveShackFancy.

More retail news: Bristol Marketplace in Santa Ana sells for $16.7 million

MCA buys industrial park in Colorado for $9.2 million

MCA Realty Inc. in Santa Ana recently bought Commerce Center I, a three-building 70,301-square-foot industrial business park in Aurora, Colorado for $9.2 million.

MCA Realty said it’s spending an additional $1.2 million to renovate much of the campus.

“Our business plan is to renovate the asset, consistent with improvements that tenants expect for their businesses, and to create a durable asset once the capital investment is made,” says Tyler Mattox, principal at MCA Realty.  “In the current investment environment, we are focused on acquiring properties where we are able to add value to the underlying real estate by addressing operational, aesthetic, and functional inefficiencies.”

Colliers represented MCA Realty and the seller in the transaction.

Camp Build returns to Anaheim on June 1

Students with an interest in construction and engineering can apply for a one-day camp this summer sponsored by The Rosendin Foundation.

TRF Camp Build returns to Anaheim in June. The program is designed “to ignite the joy of building in middle school students,” according to the nonprofit, which looks to make a positive impact on communities.

The program launched in 2023 and will host its second camp on Saturday, June 1.

The free, co-ed electrical mini-day camp is engineered for current sixth- through eighth-graders. It’s hosted at Rosendin’s local headquarters at 1730 S. Anaheim Way.

Students who are accepted into camp will get hands-on experience such as using hand and power tools, bending conduits, virtually building and estimating using Building Information Modeling and wiring lamps that they will get to take home.

The deadline for registration is March 31.

“This camp is a unique opportunity for us to continue building not only structures but also lasting connections with the young minds of the future workforce,” said Jolsna Thomas, president of The Rosendin Foundation.

TRF Camp Build is also seeking sponsors. For more information about the program and the application process, go to therosendinfoundation.org/camp-build.

Employee-owned and San Jose-based Rosendin is one of the nation’s largest electrical contractors. It has at least 7,000 employees.

On the move

Lee A. McCullough has joined Tidemark Real Estate Services in Costa Mesa as a senior vice president. She brings 50-plus years of industrial commercial real estate to the firm. McCullough got her start as an onsite leasing agent in 1973 and rose to first vice president in Colliers’ Irvine office.

Throughout her 17-year tenure as CEO, Mallari’s exceptional leadership resulted in the organization expanding from one location to its current 18 — encompassing 16 clubhouses and two teen centers.

“During her time with the organization, Anne oversaw substantial growth and expansion,” said Chuck Emanuele, board chair.

The expansion of clubhouses within Anaheim, Cypress, La Palma and Cypress has grown the program from serving 65 kids a day to serving more than 2,600 members. Additionally, more than 2,400 youth are also served through community outreach events.

Through its programs and clubhouse locations, kids have the opportunity to build self-confidence, get academic support, participate in hands-on science and college preparedness programs within a safe after school environment, officials with the organization said.

The board has appointed Erika Gary, the club’s current Chief Operating Officer, as interim CEO during its national search for a permanent CEO.

Canyon Hills Presbyterian plans blood drive

A blood drive, sponsored by the Deacons at Canyon Hills Presbyterian Church and held in conjunction with the American Red Cross, is scheduled from 1 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 19 in the church Fellowship Hall. And the community is encouraged to participate.

This blood drive is an opportunity to help the Red Cross replenish needed blood to help those in need. The Red Cross will also provide free testing of all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies.

Appointments are available at www.RedCross.org, enter sponsor code CanyonHills. Remember, your donation will make a difference. Visit canyonhillspc.org for more information.

Celebrate valentines with the Women’s Club

Join the Anaheim Hills Women’s Club for a Valentine’s Day-themed luncheon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 21 at the Anaheim Hills Golf Course. All women in the community are invited.

Talented entertainer Tony Odell Rogers will provide the afternoon entertainment.

Cost to attend is $35 per person and the reservation deadline is Feb. 12.  Contact Karon Kelleher at gmakelleher@gmail.com or 714-912-4907 (this is a landline, so no texts please).

Screening part of Black History Month plans

In celebration of Black History Month, The Canyon Hills Library is hosting a themed Canyon Cinema from 3 to 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 16.

There will be a special screening of the film “42,” which portrays the story of baseball legend Jackie Robinson. This PG-13 rated film will be shown in the teen area at the branch and includes snacks.

Call the library for additional information at 714-765-6444.

Book sale scheduled

The Friends of Canyon Hills Library will host a flash book sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 21 and 22nd in the branch’s Multipurpose.

A wide variety of books including fiction, nonfiction, children’s, and specialty books will be available – all at bargain prices. There will also be an opportunity to purchase unique boutique item.

All proceeds help the nonprofit group provide numerous programs and services at the branch benefitting the community.

For additional information, contact the library at 714-765-6444.

Have fun at the library

Both the Canyon Hills and East Anaheim branch libraries have some fun activities planned this month.

A Mardi Gras carnival with games, activities and crafts will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 17 at the East Anaheim branch.

At 11 a.m. on Feb. 24, the branch will host a new Parent and Me Program – intended for all care givers – featuring coffee, friendly conversation and a fun craft. Call 714-765-3887 for more information.

All kids are invited to attend the Valentine’s Day-themed crafting fair from 4 to 6 p.m. on Feb. 9 at the Canyon Hills branch. There will be crafts, treats, giveaways and Valentine’s Day Bingo.

There is no charge to attend. Call the branch at 714-765-6444.

Community update is planned

Anaheim’s Community Services Department will host the next District 6 community meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 22 at Canyon Hills Library, where the community can get an update on city issues and happenings.

Staff members will provide information and updates from various departments concerning the Anaheim Hills area and residents will have an opportunity to meet and dialogue with city staff members.

Visit Anaheim.net for additional information.

Mix and mingle with the Assistance League

The Assistance League of Anaheim will host a Mardi Gras themed Mix & Mingle Bunco Night Fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 28 in the activity room at Emerald Court in Anaheim.

The evening will include a happy hour with drinks and appetizers starting at 5:30, followed by bunco at 6:15 with opportunity to win prizes. Cost to attend is $25 per person and proceeds benefit the Assistance League’s signature Operation School Bell project.

Those interested in attending, should call 714-778-5100 by the Feb. 23 reservation deadline. Email Hilary Lacher at hilach2k@gmail.com for additional information.

Sharon Hlapcich writes about events and happenings in the Anaheim Hills area. Reach her by phone (714-998-4604 or e-mail (smhlapcich@sbcglobal.net).

The Walt Disney Company announced plans on Wednesday, Feb. 7 to invest $1.5 billion in Fortnite-maker Epic Games and collaborate on new video games and entertainment universes.

ALSO SEE: Is Taylor Swift going to Disneyland after the Super Bowl? Swifties hope so

Disney CEO Bob Iger discussed during the company’s quarterly earnings call on Wednesday how he sat down with Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney and Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro to brainstorm ways to integrate Disney intellectual property into Fortnite games.

“What if we create a gigantic Disney World à la Fortnite that could live next to Fortnite and be completely interconnected with it?” Iger said on the call with analysts. “A world where people can play games that we create and could create their own games.”

ALSO SEE: Disneyland kicks off Black History Month with food and music festival

Concept art of the Disney-centric video game interface envisioned for the Fortnite partnership looks like a theme park with multiple Disney castles at a gleaming central hub surrounded by at least eight islands populated with visual nods to familiar Marvel, Pixar, Lucasfilm and 20th Century Fox brands, films and shows.

The theme park-like islands are filled with references to “Wreck It Ralph,” “Monsters Inc.” and “Lilo & Stitch” that sit alongside video game copies of the Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge and Cars Land themed lands at the Disneyland resort. A themed land dedicated to “The Nightmare Before Christmas” sits next to Radiator Springs.

Other islands are dedicated solely to recreations of Peter Pan’s Neverland, the Hallelujah Mountains of Avatar’s Pandora and the icy Star Wars planet of Hoth.

ALSO SEE: 5 best things I ate at Disneyland’s Great Maple restaurant

“Our new relationship with Epic Games will create a transformational games and entertainment universe that integrates Disney’s world class storytelling into Epic’s cultural phenomenon Fortnite, enabling consumers to play, watch, create and shop for both digital and physical goods,” Iger said on the call. “This marks Disney’s biggest entry ever into the world of video games and offers significant opportunities for growth and expansion.”

Like Epic Games, Disney uses the Unreal Engine 3D design tool to create content for its portfolio of video games, films and TV shows. Walt Disney Imagineering has also used Unreal Engine to help design more than 15 attractions at Disney theme parks — including Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The shared use of technology will help streamline collaboration between Disney and Epic.

“This will enable us to bring together our incredible collection of stories and experiences from across the company for a broad audience in ways we have only dreamed of before,” D’Amaro said in a statement released by Disney. “Epic Games’ industry-leading technology and Fortnite’s open ecosystem will help us reach consumers where they are so they can engage with Disney in the ways that are most relevant to them.”

Disney’s partnership with the maker of the popular Fortnite video game follows the lead of rival Universal Studios that teamed up with Nintendo to bring Super Mario and Donkey Kong rides to its theme parks in Hollywood and Japan and soon to Florida and Singapore.

A Disney camera crew searches for the Chiefs star of the game through the red and gold confetti raining down on the Super Bowl victory celebration as “When You Wish Upon a Star” plays in the background.

“Travis Kelce,” intones the sports broadcaster narrator. “You and the Kansas City Chiefs just won the Super Bowl. What are you going to do next?”

Pop star Taylor Swift gives Kelce a big victory kiss and the pair turn to the camera.

“We’re going to Disneyland!” Kelce and Swift shout in unison.

Could it happen? Anything is possible when you wish upon a star.

A lot of stars would have to align for the “Swelce” celebrity couple to end up on a Super Bowl LVIII victory float along Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland on Monday, Feb. 12.

ALSO SEE: Disneyland kicks off Black History Month with food and music festival

For starters, the Chiefs would have to beat the San Francisco 49ers, who are two-point favorites to win Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sunday, Feb. 11.

Then Disney would have to choose Kelce as the star of the game to feature in the annual Super Bowl television commercial. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes went to Disneyland last year after Kansas City’s Super Bowl victory.

ALSO SEE: Patrick Mahomes wants Disney to build more parks for his Super Bowl MVP ‘world tour’

Disney arranges in advance for representatives from each team to serve as the in-the-moment spokesperson — so the player selections for both teams have likely already been made. The possibility of a Kelce-Swift visit to the Happiest Place on Earth would be awfully difficult for the Disney brass to resist.

Then there’s the question of whether Swift could actually make it from a Tokyo tour date to the Super Bowl in Vegas — which is not going to be an easy task.

ALSO SEE: Knott’s Berry Farm kicks off Peanuts Celebration with Camp Snoopy under construction

Fortunately, the Associated Press has mapped out what it would take for Swift to make the 6,000-mile Tokyo-to-Vegas trip and settle into her luxury box seat just in time for kick off.

There are no direct flights from Tokyo to Vegas, so Swift would have to fly aboard her private jet — which AP estimates would take 11 to 12 hours.

Accounting for time zones, AP estimates Swift could just make the 3:30 p.m. Super Bowl kickoff in Vegas if she heads for the airport immediately after her show at the 55,000-capacity Tokyo Dome ends at 9:30 p.m. local time.

After that, it’s just a question of whether Swift wants to endure the madness of a Disneyland appearance with her Super Bowl champion boyfriend. She doesn’t have to be anywhere until Feb. 16, when her record-setting Eras Tour resumes in Australia.

ALSO SEE: Disneyland’s Pixar Place Hotel is like walking into an animator’s studio

Social media has been awash with Swifties talking about the possibility of the pop singer and her squeeze taking over Disneyland on Monday, Feb. 12, according to Theme Park Insider.

“It’s all likely a longshot, but that’s enough of a chance for many Swift fans to consider buying a ticket to the park for even the slight opportunity to see their favorite singer in person,” according to Theme Park Insider. “Magic Key reservations for Feb. 12 already are booked out, but reservations for daily ticket holders on that date remain available.”

ALSO SEE: 5 best things I ate at Disneyland’s Great Maple restaurant

San Francisco 49ers fans are hoping quarterback Brock Purdy or running back Christian McCaffrey are on the Disneyland parade float rather than Kelce and Swift. Both 49ers players are engaged — Purdy to his college girlfriend Jenna Brandt and McCaffrey to actress and 2012 Miss Universe winner Olivia Culpo.

The good news for fans of the Super Bowl winning team? Fans of the losing team traditionally cancel their Disneyland Magic Key reservations just after the Super Bowl ends — freeing up more last minute annual pass spots for the winning side.

But Cutspec realized that marketing pet food and then running her own marketing and design company wasn’t going to give her the voice or the fulfillment she wanted in her life. You don’t get back to the other side of the fence plugging pet food or designing websites.

Which is where the Voice comes in. The Voice — her Voice — could get Cutspec back to the field. She’d literally talk her way back to the Santiago Canyon College softball field, back to the other side of the fence.

“I literally got to the point where I realized I needed softball back in my life,” she said. “I realized I do love it more than anything else and kept asking myself, ‘How do I get it back?’ Well, they needed an announcer, so I went back as an announcer. It’s me. Done. I would have gone back as a volunteer coach. I didn’t care how I got back to the field. I needed to be back on the field.”

And that’s how SCC found its next softball coach. Only the second one in school history.

One year after announcing lineups, Cutspec is making out lineups. One year after announcing who’s coming to bat, Cutspec is figuratively — if not literally —back in the batter’s box. She’s back on the field, back on the other side of the fence.

The first-year SCC coach has a big act to follow. She took over from her mentor, former coach and former boss, Lisa Camarco, who built the SCC program from scratch when it began in 2007. Camarco retired as coach after leading SCC to state championship appearances in 2014 and 2016. The 2016 team won SCC’s first state title, becoming the first team since 1996 to lose the first game in the double-elimination tournament and come back to win the title. That team also became the first team since 2005 to mercy-rule its final opponent, when it dismissed Sacramento City College, 8-0, after five innings.

During her initial four-season stint as an assistant coach (2014-17), Cutspec was a part of both teams. In fact, all four of those teams would reach the state Super Regionals and the 2016 team would earn National Fastpitch Coaches Association California Junior College National Coaching Staff of the Year honors.

Before then, Cutspec was an all-conference first baseman for the Hawks, who helped SCC make its first regional appearance in 2011. And before that, she was an all-league first baseman for Ocean View High, who powered the Seahawks to the 2008 CIF Division 4 championship via a fifth-inning grand slam off Bishop Amat’s Amy Lwin — one of the best pitchers in the division.

So yes, the bona-fides now established, Cutspec looks around her new digs and still finds reasons to pinch herself. Her voice now carries louder than the PA system that reopened the door to the other side of the fence.

“Honestly, of all the jobs I had, that was the hardest. I couldn’t be on the other side of the lines. It was tough for me,” she said. “I’ve been the athlete. I’ve been the coach. But when you don’t know what’s going on, and when you’re not on that side of the field, it’s hard. But had I not taken that job and done that, I don’t think I would be in the position I’m in today.”

And yet, even Cutspec’s infectious confidence, outgoing presence and electric personality that pulsates with every word found doubts. She left the sport in 2017 because of that pesky meager paycheck. Cutspec decided it was time to turn her natural curiosity, love of writing and designing everything from websites to brochures loose in the corporate world. After spending nearly every waking moment on a softball field since she was 4, Cutspec felt a different tug, one that included picking up an MBA at Chapman University and starting up her own marketing company.

But after flexing her voice and talking to Camarco, who recruited her out of Ocean View, then brought her into the coaching ranks, could Cutspec reinvent herself again?

“To be honest, I was nervous. Being away from it for a lot of years — five or six years — the game’s the same. But it’s been a while,” she said. “I felt nervous that I’d been away from it for so long that maybe I wouldn’t be as effective as I could be if I stayed in it the whole time. But I trust Lisa so much. She wouldn’t have handed the program she built over to me if she didn’t believe in me. There’s a big confidence factor that she believed in my ability to continue the legacy she built.

“I think I feel more pressure to continue the culture she built and continue what she’s turned Santiago Canyon College softball into. Being an athlete and a coach, I have a strong understanding of it and know how important it is to help the girls who come through our program.”

Cutspec’s outgoing personality helped the transition. So did the journals she’s kept since she was 7. For as long as she can remember, Cutspec embraced writing, using a journal. It provided power, release and growth when she was trying to figure out who she was as a person. Not only did it help Cutspec make sense of the world around her and build her writing voice, but it provided another side gig.

Cutspec sells her Daily Journal templates to “give people an opportunity to be able to do that and to find the same pleasure and growth from it that I’ve had.” These templates are brought to you by Cutspec.

But her journals? They’re more than a sidelight. They’re a guiding light.

“To this day, I haven’t told very many people this, but when I would feel lost in the mix of things, if I felt lonely or I didn’t feel like I belonged, I would take my favorite TV show and write myself my own character, so I could make myself feel like I belonged somewhere,” she said. “I could create myself wherever I wanted to be and throw myself into my favorite TV shows and oh my God, I felt perfectly safe there. That would make other parts of my life feel better.”

Those parts are feeling better these days. Cutspec found the other side of the gate, the side that allows her to mentor young girls, provide them those oft-told life lessons and navigate some of the trickiest, most stressful times of their lives. Her voice has the same passion, the same caring intensity it had before she picked up — and put down — the PA microphone.

“I see myself doing this for the foreseeable future. Right now, I only coach here, but I would love to teach at the college and be a professor,” she said. “I definitely want to grow in my role. And I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon.”

For related news, see: Relentless storm leads to eye-popping rainfall totals in Southern California

The choice whether to close completely, close early or stay open during the heavy rains that have pummeled the Southland since Thursday has been a game-time decision each morning for the area’s weather-dependent theme parks.

Disney California Adventure moved up its closing time on Tuesday, Feb. 6 from 9 p.m. to 8 p.m., according to the Disneyland app.

Disneyland is set to close early at 8 p.m. on Tuesday to empty the Anaheim theme park of daily visitors so the separate admission Sweethearts’ Nite after-hours event can get started. Disney offers no refunds for Disneyland After Dark events due to inclement weather.

Knott’s Berry Farm and SeaWorld San Diego closed on Tuesday due to the rain, according to the parks’ social media accounts.

Knott’s tickets purchased for Tuesday are valid any day through Feb. 25.

SeaWorld’s Weather-or-Not program provides a free return visit when rain, thunder, lightning, hail, winds, heat, snow or a hurricane force the closure of the park.

Universal Studios Hollywood and Legoland California remained open on Tuesday despite the bad weather.

Universal Studios tickets are rain or shine with no complimentary admission to return another day when it rains.

Legoland California offers a “Rainy Day Promise” that allows visitors to return within a year when storms ruin the day.

Six Flags Magic Mountain is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the winter season.

The latest rainfall hammering Southern California is thanks to a Pineapple Express weather system carrying heavy rain from the tropical Pacific – specifically from the Hawaiian islands area.

The worlds of punk rock and hockey will collide as the Ducks take on the Edmonton Oilers at Honda Center at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9 to commemorate The Offspring celebrating the 30th anniversary of its album “Smash” from front to back at the venue on Saturday, June 1.

ALSO SEE: Honda Center turns 30: Here are the biggest acts that played the Anaheim arena

Tickets to the Ducks vs. Oilers game on Feb. 9 are $37-$379 at Ticketmaster.com. And tickets to The Offspring concert on June 1 are $49.50-$430 at Ticketmaster.com.

The Offspring and Ducks have also collaborated on specialty merchandise that will be available only in the Anaheim Ducks Team Store from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 9 that only those with tickets to the game on Feb. 9 will be able to access.

For one day only, the team store will be renamed the Vulcanized Vinyl Record Store featuring themed décor, a photo op and more. A one-of-a-kind vinyl dubbed “Puck Punks: The Offspring Powerplay Hits,” will be available for purchase with limited copies signed by the band while supplies last (limit one record per person and these will not be available online).

ALSO SEE: Honda Center staff share memories upon the Anaheim arena’s 30th anniversary

There’s also a Violent Gentlemen x The Offspring x Ducks collaboration jersey that will be available with customization, too. Again, these will not be available online and are limited to just one per customer.

However, select merchandize will be available online starting Feb. 9 at anaheimteamstore.com.

When the band was hanging at out a Ducks game at the venue back in November, its members joined the Brewery X team in tasting a variety of brews and came up with the Come Out and Playa Mexican Lager. The beer will be sold at the Come Out & Play Night and the band’s concert on June 1 at bars throughout the venue.

Also on Friday, The Offspring will be doing the ceremonial puck drop at the game. There will also be photo ops inspired by the band throughout the Honda Center and the music played during the game was created in partnership with The Offspring.

There’s also a special concert ticket deal to The Offspring’s show at Honda Center for fans attending the game. They’ll be available at the Honda Center Box Office through the end of the second intermission (inside ticket windows will be open) while supplies last. In a press release, Honda Center hinted at several other surprises that will take place throughout the game and encouraged fans to be in their seats by 6:45 p.m.

SANTA ANA — A former Anaheim elementary school teacher and high school wrestling coach was sentenced Monday to two years in federal prison for possessing child pornography.

Richard O’Connor, 45, of Anaheim, pleaded guilty May 15 to a count of possession of child pornography.

O’Connor’s attorney, Josef Sadat, argued for no prison time while prosecutors and probation officials recommended five years behind bars.

U.S. District Judge David O. Carter noted support O’Connor received in letters as well as the defendant’s “virtuous” life outside of the crimes. O’Connor had about two dozen supporters in court Monday.

Sadat detailed O’Connor’s difficult upbringing to explain why the teacher joined a social media group displaying child pornography. Sadat said his client was molested as a 9-year-old and that his mother was at times neglectful and his father would leave pornographic magazines around the house. As a result, O’Connor grew addicted to adult pornography, his attorney said.

Sadat said two experts concluded O’Connor was not a pedophile and was a low risk to re-offend. O’Connor was also “extremely cooperative and forthcoming” with authorities since his arrest, Sadat said.

O’Connor tearfully recounted how his life changed when he and his wife were finally able to conceive a child two years ago.

O’Connor started teaching when he was 23, he said.

“So my whole adult life I was someone else’s parent,” he said. “I liked being a father figure.”

O’Connor said after his arrest he started seeing a therapist who helped him talk about childhood trauma that he had suppressed.

“Since April I’ve been away from my family,” he said, adding he is working in the restaurant industry in the Big Bear area.

“I still want to help people,” even though he now is prohibited from teaching or aiding kids, he said. He also wants to continue to be a presence in his toddler son’s life.

“I know it’s going to be really hard for him growing up, but I really want to be there for him as a dad,” he said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Sedrish Rabbani read a letter into the record from the father of two children who lived with O’Connor, who married the man’s ex-wife. The Orange County Fire Authority firefighter recounted what he characterized were “inappropriate” moments his son had with O’Connor.

The father said O’Connor spent a weekend with the firefighter’s son in Big Bear alone in 2020 when the boy was 11. The father also said he grew concerned when O’Connor would frequently text with the boy about playing online video games together.

On another trip the son had with O’Connor the boy sent his father pictures of pastries shaped like genitalia, the firefighter said. The father also said O’Connor regularly viewed R-rated movies with the boy.

Sadat emphasized that child protective services interviewed all of the students O’Connor interacted with as an educator and he was “cleared” of any wrongdoing with students.

Carter repeatedly emphasized the otherwise “virtuous” life O’Connor has lived.

The judge added that he “finds your remorse has been extraordinary.”

But, Carter said, he could not justify no prison time because of the nature of some of the images found on O’Connor’s device. One of the images was of a boy 7 to 9 years old with hands bound.

“This is a line that cannot be crossed,” Carter said.

Carter gave the defendant until April 19 to report to prison.

O’Connor will be on supervised release when he gets out for up to 20 years. He could have the last five years eliminated if he obeys the terms of release.

Carter ordered the defendant to register as a sex offender.

O’Connor previously worked as a fourth-grade teacher at Crescent Elementary School and was a volunteer boys’ wrestling coach at Canyon High School in Anaheim, according to federal prosecutors.

Investigators found at least 81 videos and 158 images of child pornography, some of which included infants or toddlers as well as violent material, prosecutors said.