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Costco cracking down on non-members eating at food courts

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David Matthews | New York Daily News (TNS)

Costco is cracking down on non-members eating at its wallet-friendly food courts.

The wholesale store has become known for its cheap eats as much as for allowing everyday consumers to buy in bulk, with the $1.50 hot dog combo and cheap pizza slices, or whole pies, becoming favorites.

According to social media reports, diners will be required to show their membership cards when making food court purchases starting early next month.

“Effective April 8, 2024, an active Costco membership card will be required to purchase items from our food court. You can join today. Please see our membership counter for details,” one sign, seen at a store in Orlando, Fla., reads.

Richard Galanti, the club’s chief financial officer, told Axios in March the policy change is aimed at locations with outdoor food courts. Customers already have to show their card to enter the store, and thus access indoor food courts.

Galanti told the outlet that member complaints had risen about people sneaking into food courts and taking advantage of the budget bits like the hot dog combo, which co-founder Jim Sinegal said will stay at the same price it was at in 1985 “forever.”

Galanti said the food court, like its gas stations and optical services, was one of the ancillary parts that drives membership at the wholesaler. The company touts being able to offer those benefits for less because of its membership fees.

Costco had 128 million members at the end of 2023 with fees adding up to $4.6 billion — nearly 75% of its total profit for the year.

©2024 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


Oogie Boogie Bash 2024 – Disneyland Halloween event dates, tickets and details

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It’s never too soon to start looking forward to Halloween and planning ahead for the most popular date on the Disneyland calendar when not-so-scary Disney villains take over Disney California Adventure for Oogie Boogie Bash.

Disneyland has announced Oogie Boogie Bash will return in 2024 without revealing dates for the special event. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have a good sense of when Oogie Boogie Bash will be held in 2024.

ALSO SEE: Disneyland 2024: All of the events, parades, and fireworks happening next year

Halloween Time will run Aug. 23 through Oct. 31 in 2024 at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.

That’s the earliest start ever for Halloween Time that serves an over-aching umbrella for a series of seasonal events that includes Oogie Boogie Bash.

With Halloween Time starting so early, it could push up the first date for Oogie Boogie Bash.

Oogie Boogie Bash ran on 25 nights in 2023 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from Sept. 5 through Oct. 31 in 2023.

Using the same logic, Oogie Boogie Bash could have 28 dates in 2024 with two nights in August, 13 in September and 13 in October.

ALSO SEE: Disneyland resets Oogie Boogie Bash ticket launch after epic tech failure

In 2023, Oogie Boogie Bash started on the first Tuesday after Halloween Time kicked off. If Disney follows the same playbook, Oogie Boogie Bash could run from Tuesday, Aug. 27 through Thursday, Oct. 31.

Here are the expected dates for Oogie Boogie Bash 2024

Tuesday, Aug. 27

Thursday, Aug. 29

Sunday, Sept. 1

Tuesday, Sept. 3

Thursday, Sept. 5

Sunday, Sept. 8

Tuesday, Sept. 10

Thursday, Sept. 12

Sunday, Sept. 15

Tuesday, Sept. 17

Thursday, Sept. 19

Sunday, Sept. 22

Tuesday, Sept. 24

Thursday, Sept. 26

Sunday, Sept. 29

Tuesday, Oct. 1

Thursday, Oct. 3

Sunday, Oct. 6

Tuesday, Oct. 8

Thursday, Oct. 10

Sunday, Oct. 13

Tuesday, Oct. 15

Thursday, Oct. 17

Sunday, Oct. 20

Tuesday, Oct. 22

Thursday, Oct. 24

Sunday, Oct. 27

Tuesday, Oct. 29

Thursday, Oct. 31

Disneyland has not yet announced details about Oogie Boogie Bash 2024 – including dates, when tickets go on sale or the cost to attend. But previous events provide some clues about what to expect.

The Sunday-Tuesday-Thursday calendar has held steady for Oogie Boogie Bash since the after hours, separate admission Halloween event began in 2019. A few additional Saturdays were tossed into the mix in 2021 and 2022 in part because Halloween fell on a Sunday or Monday.

Expect Disneyland to announce the on-sale date this year for Oogie Boogie Bash in late May or early June. Tickets for Oogie Boogie Bash 2023 went on sale starting on the last Tuesday in June. If tradition holds, the last Tuesday of the month in 2024 is June 25.

Expect Oogie Boogie Bash 2024 prices to go up slightly from 2023 – when tickets cost $134 to $189.

Check back here for updates as Disneyland releases more information on Oogie Boogie Bash 2024. We will update this story when official dates are revealed.

Why wouldn’t Disneyland announce dates for Oogie Boogie Bash 2024 while revealing dates for virtually every other special event next year?

Three possibilities come immediately to mind.

1) Disneyland is considering expanding the calendar for the wildly popular Halloween event. Adding dates on Mondays and Wednesdays would make the most sense. The current alternating dates allows out-of-town visitors to schedule a trip to Disney California when it’s open late and hop over to Disneyland on days when Oogie Boogie Bash forces the early closure of DCA to daily visitors.

2) Disneyland doesn’t want to create headaches for its three on-property hotels. Rooms are available through the end of 2024 at the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and the soon-to-be-renamed Pixar Place Hotel. Opening the floodgates now could result in squatters sitting on potential hotel dates in September and October – only to cancel later when preferred Oogie Boogie Bash dates sell out.

The Disneyland resort hotels have a five-day cancellation policy.

3) Disneyland doesn’t want to stoke any further interest in the red hot Oogie Boogie Bash. Announcing dates months in advance for Oogie Boogie Bash 2024 might only add to the madness that enveloped the 2023 ticket launch.

Oogie Boogie Bash fans crashed the ticket system on the first launch date in July 2023 and snapped up tickets for every date in 12 hours about a week later. The 2024 launch promises to be even more insane as fans jockey for tickets and hotel rooms before they sell out.

NCAA Tournament: Men’s basketball scores and updates Thursday, March 28

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The NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 begins Thursday for men’s basketball teams, including West Regional games in Los Angeles:

Here’s the schedule (and TV channels). We’ll update results when they’re in:

Thursday games

(2) Arizona vs. (6) Clemson, 4:09 p.m., (CBS), Crypto.com Arena

(1) UConn vs. (5) San Diego State, 4:39 p.m. (TBS/truTV), TD Garden, Boston

(1) North Carolina vs. (4) Alabama, 6:39 p.m., (CBS) Crypto.com Arena

(2) Iowa State vs. (3) Illinois, 7:09 p.m. (TBS/truTV), TD Garden, Boston

Friday games

(2) Marquette vs. (11) NC State, 4:09 p.m. (CBS)

(1) Purdue vs. (5) Gonzaga, 4:39 p.m. (TBS/truTV)

(1) Houston vs. (4) Duke, 6:39 p.m. (CBS)

(2) Tennessee vs. (3) Creighton, 7:09 p.m. (TBS/truTV)

RELATED:

NCAA West Regional: North Carolina, Clemson look to move ACC past Alabama, Arizona

Caleb Love leads Arizona into Sweet 16 against Clemson with team-first approach

UConn, San Diego State set for title game rematch in Sweet 16

 

All-County boys basketball: JSerra’s Aidan Fowler is the O.C. player of the year

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ALL-COUNTY BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM 2023-24

Aidan Fowler, a senior at JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano, is the Orange County boys basketball player of the year for the 2023-24 season, on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Aidan Fowler, a senior at JSerra High School in San Juan Capistrano, is the Orange County boys basketball player of the year for the 2023-24 season, on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Aidan Fowler, JSerra, Senior

Aidan Fowler was having one of those games that basketball players dream about.

Fowler indeed was in an almost dream-like trance when he and his JSerra teammates beat Mater Dei’s boys basketball team for the first time.

“I was definitely in the zone,” he said. “I was with my girlfriend earlier that day and I was saying to her, ‘Hey, I might have 40 points tonight.’ It was like I spoke it into existence.”

Fowler scored 36 points in the Lions’ 68-62 home win over Mater Dei in a Trinity League game Jan. 24. He made 14 of his 22 shots.

  • Aidan Fowler, a senior at JSerra High School in San...

    Aidan Fowler, a senior at JSerra High School in San Juan Capistrano, is the Orange County boys basketball player of the year for the 2023-24 season, on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • JSerra point guard Aidan Fowler brings the ball up the...

    JSerra point guard Aidan Fowler brings the ball up the court during a 47-39 win over Santa Margarita in a Trinity League game on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

  • Aidan Fowler, a senior at JSerra High School in San...

    Aidan Fowler, a senior at JSerra High School in San Juan Capistrano, is the Orange County boys basketball player of the year for the 2023-24 season, on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • JSerra point guard Aidan Fowler shoots a layup during a...

    JSerra point guard Aidan Fowler shoots a layup during a 47-39 win over Santa Margarita in a Trinity League game on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

  • Aidan Fowler, a senior at JSerra High School in San...

    Aidan Fowler, a senior at JSerra High School in San Juan Capistrano, is the Orange County boys basketball player of the year for the 2023-24 season, on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • JSerra Catholic High School’s Aidan Fowler #15 pushes through Roosevelt...

    JSerra Catholic High School’s Aidan Fowler #15 pushes through Roosevelt High School’s defensive players in the CIF Southern Section Open Division boys basketball pool play game on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in Eastvale. Fowler is a leading candidate for Orange County boys basketball player of the year. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)

  • Aidan Fowler, a senior at JSerra High School in San...

    Aidan Fowler, a senior at JSerra High School in San Juan Capistrano, is the Orange County boys basketball player of the year for the 2023-24 season, on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • JSerra point guard Aidan Fowler makes a pass while driving...

    JSerra point guard Aidan Fowler makes a pass while driving toward the basket during a 47-39 win over Santa Margarita in a Trinity League game on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

  • JSerra point guard Aidan Fowler brings the ball up the...

    JSerra point guard Aidan Fowler brings the ball up the court during a Trinity League game against St. John Bosco on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

  • JSerra’s Aidan Fowler, right, shoots over Mater Dei’s Brandon Benjamin,...

    JSerra’s Aidan Fowler, right, shoots over Mater Dei’s Brandon Benjamin, left, during the game between JSerra vs. Mater Dei in the Open Division of the CIF-SS boys basketball playoffs at Mater Dei on Tuesday Feb. 13, 2024. (Photo by Michael Kitada, Contributing Photographer)

  • JSerra guard Aidan Fowler takes a shot for a basket...

    JSerra guard Aidan Fowler takes a shot for a basket in a Trinity League basketball game against Mater Dei in Santa Ana on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)

  • JSerra Catholic High School’s Aidan Fowler #15 shoots through Roosevelt...

    JSerra Catholic High School’s Aidan Fowler #15 shoots through Roosevelt High School’s players #5 Brayden Burries, #0 Darnez Slaterin, and #4 Jackson Haggins in the CIF Southern Section Open Division boys basketball pool play game on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, in Eastvale. (Photo by Anjali Sharif-Paul, The Sun/SCNG)

  • JSerra point guard Aidan Fowler drives to the basket during...

    JSerra point guard Aidan Fowler drives to the basket during a Trinity League game against St. John Bosco on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

  • JSerra guard Aidan Fowler, scrambling for a loose ball in...

    JSerra guard Aidan Fowler, scrambling for a loose ball in an earlier game against Mater Dei, scored 36 points against the Monarchs in JSerra’s first varsity boys basketball win over Mater Dei last week. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)

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He had plenty of other great games this past season, too, and he has been chosen the Orange County boys basketball player of the year.

Fowler, a 5-11, senior guard, averaged 18 points a game. He could score in multiple ways – 3-point shots, mid-range jumpers and quick, strong drives to the basket. Fowler shot 50 percent on all shots, 44 percent on 3-pointers and was 78 percent at the free-throw line. He led the team in assists (134) and committed only 64 turnovers in 32 games.

He also led JSerra to the No. 1 spot in the season’s final Orange County rankings.

The Lions were one of eight teams selected to the elite Open Division of the CIF Southern Section playoffs.

JSerra coach Keith Wilkinson assigned Fowler to cover the opposing team’s best guard.

“He meant more to our team than any other player,” Wilkinson said.

Fowler, who was All-County first team last season, gave a preview of what this season would be about for him and the Lions when he scored 31 points in a 90-76, double-overtime win over Roosevelt of Eastvale in November. Roosevelt went on to play in the CIF-SS Open Division and CIF Southern California Regional Open Division championship games.

That win over Roosevelt was a signal that this could be a special season for the Lions, who also defeated Mater Dei  67-59 in the Open Division playoffs as Fowler scored 18 points.

“When we played Roosevelt, we were down by 15 points or something  like that,” Fowler said. “We showed that we had the resilience to (fight back), that we could come together like that. I said after that ‘we’re an Open Division team and we belong here’ because our goal was to be an Open Division playoff team this year.”

Fowler was one of only two Orange County players selected to the All-CIF Southern Section Open Division team. Mater Dei’s Brannon Martinsen was the other. Fowler was also on the All-Trinity League first team.

Fowler said what he will remember most about this season is working and winning with his teammates.

“We’d been together for three, four years,” he said. “We had a lot of seniors and we connected well with each other, and not just basketball-wise.”

Head coach Aaron Riekenberg of La Habra celebrates with the championship plaque after defeating St. Bonaventure 76-45 in the CIF-SS Division 3AA boys championship basketball game Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Head coach Aaron Riekenberg of La Habra celebrates with the championship plaque after defeating St. Bonaventure 76-45 in the CIF-SS Division 3AA boys championship basketball game Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)

COACH OF THE YEAR

Aaron Riekenberg, La Habra

Aaron Riekenberg led the Highlanders to their first CIF Southern Section boys basketball championship in his seventh season as La Habra’s coach.

They beat St. Bonaventure 76-45 in the CIF-SS Division 3AA final. La Habra also earned its first win in the CIF Southern California Regional playoffs, a 79-68 victory at Cathedral Catholic of San Diego in Division II.

The Highlanders went 30-5 overall to set a school record for boys basketball wins in a season.

“We had such a special group of guys,” Riekenberg said. “They all played for each other.”

He shared credit for La Habra’s historic season with assistant coaches Evan Barry, Max Jimenez, Patrick Pajam and Scott Sinek.

Mater Dei basketball player Luke Barnett (14) in Santa Ana on Thursday, November 2, 2023. Mater Dei were the CIF champions last season and are the No. 1 team in Orange County going into the 2023-24 season. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Mater Dei basketball player Luke Barnett (14) in Santa Ana on Thursday, November 2, 2023. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

ALL-COUNTY FIRST TEAM

Aidan Fowler, JSerra, Sr., G: Orange County player of the year.

Kaiden Bailey, Crean Lutheran, So., G: He averaged 24 points and four assists a game and was an Empire League MVP.

Luke Barnett, Mater Dei, So., G: Barnett was All-Trinity League first team, made a team-high 113 3-pointers,  averaged 15 points a game.

Isaiah Bernard, Foothill, Sr., F: He averaged 13 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and two steals a game and was named Crestview League MVP.

Collin Haugh, Dana Hills, So., G: Haugh was the Sea View League MVP and led Orange County in scoring at 26 points a game.

Acen Jimenez, La Habra, So., G: The point guard for the CIF-SS Division 3AA champions and was the Freeway League player of the year.

Brannon Martinsen, Mater Dei, So. F: He led Mater Dei in scoring at 17 points a game and was named All-CIF Open Division and All-Trinity League first team.

Sebastian Rancik, JSerra, Sr., F: Rancik (Colorado signee) was All-Trinity League first team.

Barak Simon, Marina, Jr., G: Simon was named CIF-SS Division 2A player of the year after helping the Vikings win the division championship.

Maxwell Scott, Corona del Mar, Fr., G: The Wave League MVP and an All-CIF Southern Section Division 2A selection.

ALL-COUNTY SECOND TEAM

David Abisogun, Fairmont Prep, So., F

Brandon Benjamin, Mater Dei, Jr., F

Liam Gray, Los Alamitos, Jr., G

Malakhi Johnson, Villa Park, Jr., G

Brady Karich, Mater Dei, Sr., G

Grayson Sinek, La Habra, Jr.

EJ Spillman, Pacifica Christian, Jr., G

Wes Trevino, Los Alamitos, Jr., G

Owen Verna, Mater Dei, Jr., G

Michael Wright, Cypress, Sr., F

Michael Wright (12) of Cypress scored 11 points with 15 rebounds in the Centurions 55-52 win over Crean Lutheran last weel. Cypress is No. 6 in this week's Orange County boys basketball rankings. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Michael Wright (12) of Cypress tries to score a basket against Crean Lutheran.  (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

ALL-COUNTY THIRD TEAM

Jaedon Anderson, La Habra, Jr., F

Jack Berry, Newport Harbor, Jr., G

Aaron DeSantiago, Fountain Valley, Jr., G

Dylan Gomez, Marina, Jr., G

Josh Goodall, Canyon, Sr., F

Ryan Gov, Cypress, So., G

Kaz Hampton, Edison, Sr., F

Travis Paleo, Foothill, Jr., G

James Schindler, Woodbridge, Sr., G

Dallas Washington, Santa Margarita, Jr., F

Matt Mowers (5) and Sam Meza-Tallada (3) of Trabuco Hills attempt to block the shot by Porter Hansen (14) of San Clemente in a South Coast League game at San Clemente High School in San Clemente on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)
Matt Mowers (5) and Sam Meza-Tallada (3) of Trabuco Hills attempt to block the shot by Porter Hansen (14) of San Clemente in a South Coast League game at San Clemente High School in San Clemente on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

ALL-COUNTY FOURTH TEAM

Sergio Maggette, Sage Hill, Sr., G

Dylan Galvan, Orangewood Academy, Sr., G

Porter Hansen, San Clemente, Jr. G

Mason Hodges, San Juan Hills, Jr., F

Jaedon Hose-Shea, Estancia, Sr., G

Jacob Majok, Crean Lutheran, So., F

Matt Mowers, Trabuco Hills, Sr., F

Jack Rivera, Santa Ana, Sr., G

Alex Stewart, Pacifica Christian, Sr., G

Zaid Yunis, Northwood, Sr., G

Sleep vacations are the latest dreamy travel trend

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By Ebony Williams, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The benefits of taking a vacation can differ depending on the person. Travelers might want to explore a new world, scope the party scene in a different city, use the time to connect with family and friends, or get some much-needed rest and relaxation.

The latest vacation trend is sleep tourism, which replaces packed itineraries with pillow and relaxation menus. According to HTF Market Intelligence, this industry is estimated to increase by $409.8 billion by 2028.

“We’ve said before that sleep has a public relations problem in this country,” ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton told Good Morning America. “We think of it as a luxury but it’s really a medical necessity.”

Although sleep tourism is somewhat new, hotels around the world are taking advantage of the need for a good night’s rest. The Hotel Figueroa in Los Angeles has launched its Rest and Recovery Suite that features light therapy, Molekule air purifiers, customized Pluto Pillows and more.

Popular hotel chain Hilton has introduced more sleep amenities throughout the years. One of its popular vacation spots, the Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Italy, offers pillow menus, while the Conrad Bali in Indonesia has an additional paid experience called “Sway,” featuring a 60-minute sleep therapy session while suspended in cocoon hammocks.

“Travelers engaging in sleep tourism are taking that extra step and seeking out unique experiences, amenities and environments that help them achieve their sleep and relaxation goals,” Amanda Al-Masri, the vice president of wellness at Hilton, told Fortune Well.

If you’re looking to get the most out of a sleep vacation, here are the top five retreats in the United States, according to Time Out, that offer relaxing suites perfect for a night or for extended stays:

  • Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort in Lanai City, Hawaii
  • Mountain Shadows Resorts in Paradise Valley, Arizona
  • Castle Hot Springs in Morristown, Arizona
  • Smyth Tribeca in New York
  • Carillon Miami Wellness Resort in Miami

“Prioritizing sleep can be challenging in the modern world, but doing so can open up a whole world of benefits, including greater productivity and focus as well as slowing down the aging process,” Dr. Marc Milstein, a leading researcher who recently wrote, “The Age-Proof Brain,” told Well Connected.


©2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Anaheim briefs: Show off West Anaheim resource fair planned

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A first time event is coming to West Anaheim on April 20 at Maxwell Park on Broadway.

The day promises entertainment, kids’ activities and a variety of activities spotlighting the West Anaheim resources.

The Cool Critter Show will be part of the day’s entertainment. The Mobile Zoo of Southern California will be bringing a variety of exotic critters.

There will also be food trucks.

The West Anaheim Organization is looking for event sponsors as well.  Call Bonita at 714-801-4601 for more information and to join the fun.

Learn more about the West Anaheim Organization and its other activities in the neighborhood at Facebook.com/westanaheimorganization.

Camp at the Muzeo

The Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center is offering an Eco Art Camp in April.

The art activities planned will meet science in this weeklong, hands-on camp for kids age 5-12. The camp will be held daily from 9 a.m. to noon from April 1 to 5 in the Muzeo’s Carnegie Building.

For more info visit www.muzeo.org

Golf tourney to benefit St. Catherine’s

St. Catherine’s Academy is hosting its 33rd annual Golf Invitational on May 6.

All proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Mother Pia Boys’ Scholarship, which provides scholarships for boys to attend the academy.

Friendly Hills Country Club is the location of the tournament.  Sponsorships are available too.  For more information and to join the tournament call 714- 772-1363 ext. 156.

More opportunities for art

Everyone is invited on April 10 for the installation and unveiling of the Art Box at Lincoln Park and tours of Higher Ground Youth & Family Services, which partners with the city and local school districts on programs for the community.

The box was designed by Artist Jack Knight and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Orange County Digital.

You can meet the artist and tour the Higher Ground facility. The event starts at 3 p.m. and the park is at 1535 Broadway. Light refreshments will be served. You are welcome to bring a small art kit to complete the box.

RSVP to Virginia Chavez at fcivirginia@gmail.com

Help keep Anaheim Beautiful

Renew your membership or join Anaheim Beautiful for the first time during the organization’s March Madness Membership Blitz.

Anaheim Beautiful has been making a difference in our community for many years. Its programs include the Margie Hilgenfeld Tree Memorial Program, awards for upkept properties and holiday light decorations and the Miss Anaheim Beautiful Scholarship Program.

Follow Anaheim Beautiful on Facebook and Instagram @anaheimbeautiful. The website is currently under construction, so if you have questions email contact@anaheimbeautiful.org.

AnaCon coming to Central Library soon

Comics and sci-fi fans will be taking over the library, with an afternoon of graphic novelists, authors, panels, workshops and more planned for AnaCon.

Special guest Disney Imagineer Bob Gurr will speak about his work at Disneyland and with Walk Disney himself.

Enjoy a superhero storytime, crafts, food and test your sci-fi knowledge the trivia program to win prizes.

Don’t miss AnaCon, happening from 10 a.m. to  4 p.m. on April 27 at Central Library. For more information visit the website, anaheim.net/library or call 714-765-1723.

Mark your calendar for Cinco De Mayo Fiesta

The community is invited to La Palma Park on May 2 through May 5 for Fiesta United’s Anaheim Cinco De Mayo Fiesta.

There will be rides, games, food, music and more family fun for four days.

The fiesta is the nonprofit group’s oldest continual celebration held in Orange County. For more information, visit fiestaunited.org

Founders’ Park has open house tours

Founders’ Park features the historic Mother Colony House and Woelke-Stoffel House and free tours are offered on the first Saturday of each month, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The city park, at 400 N. West St., also offers agricultural history of Anaheim with walkways and trails that lead visitors through recreated 19th century landscapes.

At the Carriage House you can obtain up to six seed packets from the Seed Library. There are California natives, heirloom fruits and vegetables and more.

Backyard gardeners are encouraged to take pictures and to tag them on social media at @AnaheimLibrary and use #PlantwithAPL to show them what you have grown. For more information, visit the Anaheim.net/Library site.

Check out gems and minerals

The Searcher Gem and Mineral Society has its 62nd annual show planned for April 27 and 28.

The show featuring all kinds of gems, minerals and jewelry will be held at the Anaheim Brookhurst Community Center.

There are many activities and lots of fun and learning planned. Organizers said there will be door prizes, gemstones, minerals, silent auctions, exhibits, panning for gold and more.

Hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 27 and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on April 28. Visit searchersrocks.org for more information

Free mulch and compost available

Compost and mulch are available to local residents through OC Waste & Recycling.

Supplies can be picked up from the Bee Canyon Greenery at  the Frank R. Bowerman Landfill in Irvine and the Capistrano Greenery at the Prima Deschecha Landfill in San Juan Capistrano.  Make an appointment at OCLandfills.com/compost to pick some up.

Plan to take a shovel and containers that you can fill on your own.

Andrea Manes shares with her neighbors events and news about the Anaheim community. If you have an event to share, contact her at andreadeemanes@gmail.com or 714-815-3885.

Chargers sign cornerback Kristian Fulton to 1-year deal

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The Chargers signed former Tennessee Titans cornerback Kristian Fulton on Thursday, addressing one of their pressing offseason needs. Fulton, a second-round draft pick from LSU in 2020, started 37 of 42 games in which he was fit to play during his first four seasons in the NFL.

The contract is for one season, per an NFL Network report.

Fulton, 25, had 46 tackles, including 37 solo, in 12 games this past season. Overall, he had 150 tackles, including 116 solo, in his four-season career with the Titans. He also had four interceptions and one fumble recovery in 42 games. He elected to pursue free agency earlier this month.

The Chargers lost one of their top cornerbacks to free agency when Michael Davis signed with the Washington Commanders earlier this month, leaving only Deane Leonard, Asante Samuel Jr. and Ja’Sir Taylor with NFL experience at the position. The addition of Fulton increases their depth.

It’s likely the Chargers will seek additional depth at cornerback in the NFL draft April 25-27 in Detroit. They have the fifth overall pick, but they might trade down in favor of additional picks that could enable them to address additional roster holes, including at cornerback and wide receiver.

The Chargers begin offseason workouts under new coach Jim Harbaugh next week in Costa Mesa.

Judge rules that Gaetz, Greene can sue Anaheim, Riverside for canceled rallies

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A lawsuit from Reps. Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene against Anaheim and Riverside, accusing the cities of wrongfully canceling their rallies in 2021, can move forward, a federal judge has ruled.

The ruling rejects the cities’ attempts to be dismissed from the case. It does allow political advocacy groups that were also sued to be dismissed.

Judge Hernan D. Vera, in his ruling released March 22, rejected the lawsuit’s claim that the nonprofits conspired with the cities to cancel the rallies and wrote that “the effect of Plaintiffs’ unprecedented and stunningly deficient pleading — hauling nine civil rights groups into federal court for speaking out against an event — should shock in equal measure civic members from across the political spectrum.”

Those groups included California LULAC, a Hispanic civil rights group, AntiRacist Riverside, the NAACP, League of Women Voters Riverside, Occupy Democrats, Riverside County Democratic Party and Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Gaetz and Greene, both Republic members of Congress, applauded the ruling, promising to return to California to hold the rallies.

“We will win these important Free Speech cases against California cities Riverside and Anaheim and the insane left,” Greene wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Then we will return to CA and hold America First rallies, inviting everyone in California that hates what the Democrats have done to their state and our country!”

A spokesperson for the city of Riverside said the city does not comment on pending litigation.

Mike Lyster, a spokesperson for Anaheim, said, “While we disagree with the decision, it isn’t unusual to see a claim move forward at this early stage, regardless of the court’s initial thoughts on the strengths of the case. We sought to challenge the allegations being made at the first chance possible and remain confident in the city’s position.”

The two filed the lawsuit last July.

Gaetz and Greene, who are known for their far-right views and championing of former President Donald Trump, had first scheduled a rally at a Laguna Hills venue in July 2021, which was called off when the venue’s general manager learned more about Gaetz and Greene.

The lawmakers then booked the city-owned Riverside Convention Center, but the center, which is managed by a private company, eventually backed out of hosting the duo following outrage from the community and some city leaders.

Plans for Gaetz and Greene to hold their rally at The Grand Theater in Anaheim also fell through and a brief, impromptu “free speech” rally was held July 17, 2021 outside Riverside City Hall.

Mentioned in the ruling is an Anaheim code enforcement officer who allegedly told The Grand Theater owners that their venue’s conditional use permit would be “in jeopardy” if the event occurred.

John Eastman, a former Chapman University law dean who devised ways for President Donald Trump to remain in office after losing the 2020 election, is listed as a lawyer for the plaintiffs.

Vera found that the lawsuit has sufficient elements to make a claim against the cities.

Staff Writer Jeff Horseman contributed to this report.


Angels eye José Soriano as their ‘winning piece’ in hybrid role

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BALTIMORE — José Soriano presented the Angels with an intriguing dilemma.

The 25-year-old right-hander who throws 101 mph was effective as a reliever last season, and he was effective this spring when the Angels gave him a chance as a starter. They didn’t want to displace any of their current five starters though.

The solution? Soriano is starting the season pitching out of the bullpen in something of a hybrid role.

“When we bring him in, he’s going to go three or four innings,” manager Ron Washington said before the Angels’ opener on Thursday. “If our starter gets us into the sixth inning and we bring him in, he can take us from the sixth to the ninth. That’s what our plan is gonna be. Whenever we use him it’s going to be length, to keep him stretched out.”

Washington made it clear that Soriano would not be pitching when they are hopelessly out of a game, which is how many long relievers are used.

“He’s going to be our winning piece,” Washington said. “You can be within a run or two runs. If we’re down by four, we’re not doing it then.”

The Angels are starting the season with Patrick Sandoval, Griffin Canning, Reid Detmers, Chase Silseth and Tyler Anderson in the rotation. Obviously at some point the Angels will need a sixth starter when one of the others is hurt or ineffective, and Soriano currently seems to be No. 6.

The question is whether the Angels will be able to keep him stretched out enough to be a rotation option while working out of the big-league bullpen, as opposed to pitching on a starter schedule in the minors.

“We’ll find out (if it works),” general manager Perry Minasian said. “Our intent is to keep him stretched out. How we use him, when we use him, what type of game we use him, that’s to be seen.”

Minasian said there was also a consideration given to the number of innings he has pitched. Soriano pitched just 13 innings in 2022, his first year back from a second Tommy John surgery, followed by 65 1/3 innings last season. Using him as a traditional starter all season could have led to too much of a jump. This plan allows the Angels to move him gradually into a starting role, if that’s what happens.

FINAL ROSTER DECISIONS

The Angels officially added Miguel Sanó to the roster, bringing him back to the big leagues after he missed all of 2023. Sanó said he lost 58 pounds in the past year.

Sanó was in the Opening Day lineup at DH on Thursday, batting seventh.

“He had a very good spring,” Minasian said. “I think he improved as the spring went along. Obviously, what he did with his body and the commitment he’s made to be as good as he can possibly be. And you know, I think he’s really really excited for this opportunity and brings an element of power to the lineup and it’s a really good at-bat. Every at bat he’s had, for the most part, it’s a grind type at-bat.

“He’s a great person. He’s fit in really well with our group. So he’s earned the right to be on the team. That was one of the more fun conversations to have. As many tough ones you have, you really cherish the fun ones.”

The Angels created a spot on the 40-man roster for Sanó by moving right-hander Sam Bachman to the 60-day injured list.

Bachman, who had shoulder surgery last fall, has not had a setback, Minasian said. Because the Angels want to use him this year as a starter, they were already going to have to limit his innings, so they decided to start him late. Bachman will be able to pitch in the minors in about a month as part of a rehab assignment and he’ll be eligible to pitch in the majors at the end of May.

Right-hander Hunter Strickland, who had 15 strikeouts and no walks in spring training, was one of the final cuts, with right-hander Guillo Zuñiga taking the final bullpen spot. Strickland did not have a contractual out, so he will report to Triple-A.

Outfielder Jake Marisnick, who did have the right to request his release, decided to stay. He’ll also begin the season at Triple-A.

NOTES

Right-hander Robert Stephenson (shoulder inflammation) is in Baltimore. He played catch Thursday. Minasian said he has no timetable for Stephenson to be activated, but “it shouldn’t be long.” …

Anderson pitched Tuesday in Arizona while Silseth started in the Freeway Series at Angel Stadium. Anderson is scheduled to start Tuesday in Miami, the fifth game of the season. …

Washington settled on Anthony Rendon as his leadoff man for the opener, after using Aaron Hicks, Luis Rengifo and Mickey Moniak in the leadoff spot at various times in the spring. “I just wanted someone up there to make a pitcher work and someone up there with some experience that can come back to the dugout and let the other players know what he’d just seen,”  Washington said. “We have a lot of youth that’s been up there leading off, I just wanted to try to change the outlook of the way things go and I’m very happy with Rendon up there.” …

First baseman Nolan Schanuel had been Washington’s choice as the No. 2 hitter, but he missed a week at the end of spring training with a stiff back and then Washington came to like Hicks in that spot. “The way I constructed the lineup when he out, I liked it,” Washington said.

UP NEXT

Angels (RHP Griffin Canning, 7-8, 4.32 ERA in 2023) at Orioles (RHP Grayson Rodriguez, 7-4, 4.35 in 2023) at Oriole Park, 1:05 p.m. PT Saturday, Bally Sports West, 830 AM.

COVID-19 can damage the heart, even without infecting it, study says

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Hunter Boyce | The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (TNS)

COVID-19 can damage your heart, even when the virus doesn’t directly infect cardiac tissue. That’s the latest from a recent study supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Published in the journal Circulation, the study observed the damaged hearts of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with the virus and determined that COVID-19 patients suffering from severe lung infections were at risk of heart damage. The findings may prove to be relevant to organs other than the heart and to viruses other than COVID-19, as well.

COVID-19 increases a person’s risk of heart attack and stroke. In fact, more than 50% of COVID-19 patients experience some inflammation or damage to the heart, according to imaging research.

But does the virus damage the heart because it directly infects heart tissue or because of systemic inflammation? The answer might save lives.

“This was a critical question and finding the answer opens up a whole new understanding of the link between this serious lung injury and the kind of inflammation that can lead to cardiovascular complications,” Michelle Olive, Ph.D., told the NIH. “The research also suggests that suppressing the inflammation through treatments might help minimize these complications.” Olive is associate director of the Basic and Early Translational Research Program at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

To answer the question, researchers studied mice subjected to biological signals that mimicked lung inflammation.

“What this study shows is that after a COVID infection, the immune system can inflict remote damage on other organs by triggering serious inflammation throughout the body — and this is in addition to damage the virus itself has directly inflicted on the lung tissue,” Matthias Nahrendorf, M.D., Ph.D., professor of Radiology at Harvard Medical School and senior author on the study, told the NIH. “These findings can also be applied more generally, as our results suggest that any severe infection can send shockwaves through the whole body.”

©2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.





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