Thoughts from the Publisher

by Neena Strichart

I have been busy as a bee over the last week or so. Opportunities to attend lots of local events have kept me buzzing.
Last Saturday, my hubby Steve and I ran a few errands in the morning and then headed over to Lakewood to the Water Replenishment District of Southern California’s (WRD) 7th Annual “Treasure Beneath Our Feet” Groundwater Festival. The outing was not a new one for us, as we have attended four or more of these events. Enjoying the experience were thousands of other folks who also walked from booth to booth learning about water and the environment from 40 different exhibitors.
Two of the most popular areas were those hosted by Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and Aquarium of the Pacific. Kids and adults alike were practically drawn like moths to a flame with the aquatic visual and sensory experiences offered by the booths’ staff members. Also drawing a crowd was the WRD booth, where children were encouraged to create their own mini-aquifers using small plastic bottles, clay, dirt and gravel topped with water. As the water trickled through the various levels layered in the bottle, the action gave the kids a perfect take-home visual explaining percolation. I loved the interactiveness of that particular hands-on activity, and I swear I would have hung around to make my own tiny aquifer if the tempting smells from the In-N-Out truck hadn’t been so seductive. Yep, every attendee was invited to partake of burgers and chips during the fest. No soda was served. You guessed it!we all drank WATER.
According to information provided in a WRD press release, besides all the fun and games, the festival also provided some rather serious business as well. 
Patrick Healy, longtime reporter for NBC4 Southern California, served as the master of ceremonies for the WRD Groundwater Ambassador Awards presentation. This year WRD’s Board of Directors presented Groundwater Ambassador Awards to Congresswoman Janice Hahn and Assemblyman Anthony Rendon. Both leaders were honored for their attention to local water issues and dedication to ensuring a clean, reliable and affordable source of water for the people of southern California.
If you’d like to learn more about the festival check out wrd.org .

Tuesday afternoon I took a little drive up the hill to the Signal Hill Gateway Center to help celebrate the newest addition to the area— Applebee’s Grill & Bar. Located at 899 E. Spring St., the eatery is the newest dining establishment in Signal Hill. Although the official grand opening was back in October of last year, city dignitaries and Signal Hill Chamber of Commerce members gathered as Signal Hill Petroleum’s staff hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially welcome Applebee’s to the city. Since The Signal Hill Gateway Center is a commercial development owned by Signal Hill Petroleum, it was apropos for them to take the lead on the festivities. After the ceremonial ribbon was sliced, those in attendance went inside to participate in a small reception celebrating the event.
I would like to say that I stuck around for the reception, but instead I high-tailed it back to the office to get some work done before going home to get ready for the Signal Hill City Council meeting and Mayor’s Reception later that evening. You can read all about the meeting and reception on this edition’s front page.
This weekend, I rest!