Fullerton Observer Newspaper

18/12/2025

NEWS RELEASE: California High-Speed Rail Authority Releases Draft Environmental Document for Los Angeles to Anaheim Section

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The Authority has released the draft environmental document for a 30-mile segment in Southern California that clears the way to build from San Francisco to Anaheim. This initiates the final step toward full environmental clearance for Phase 1 of the full 494-mile statewide system. The draft environmental document will be available for public review and comment beginning December 5 and ending on February 3, 2026....

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The Authority has released the draft environmental document for a 30-mile segment in Southern California that clears the way to build from San Francisco to Anaheim. This […]

18/12/2025

Capture the Moment: Join Emerso Little’s Digital Photography Class Before Registration Ends on December 19

Starting January 7, 2026, the Muckenthaler Cultural Center plans to offer a Digital Photography class aimed at individuals of all ages looking to enhance their skills in digital photography. The course will run until February 11, 2026, providing participants with the opportunity to learn and improve their techniques under expert instruction. Interested individuals can find more information and register for the class through the Muckenthaler's arts education website....

The course will run until February 11, 2026, providing participants with the opportunity to learn and improve their techniques under expert instruction.

18/12/2025

Fullerton City Council Faces Backlash After Fred Jung is Selected as Mayor by the Bloc

video starts at 15:11 The Fullerton City Council convened on December 16, 2025, in a meeting marked by discord as Fred Jung was selected as Mayor and Nick Dunlap as Mayor Pro Tem, a decision that many residents viewed as a breach of the Council's established fair rotation policy. This policy had placed Dr. Shana Charles, the current Mayor Pro Tem from District 3, in line for the mayoral position, igniting frustration among constituents who felt their voices were disregarded....

18/12/2025

HITS & MISSES: Blue Moon: Two Hits

Ethan Hawke will almost certainly earn a Best Actor nomination for his fearless portrayal of Lorenz Hart, the brilliant but tormented lyricist who, with Richard Rodgers, helped invent the American songbook. The film unfolds on a pivotal night in musical theater history: the Broadway opening of “Oklahoma!,” the first show in which Rodgers (Andrew Scott) partners with a new lyricist, Oscar Hammerstein (Simon Delaney)....

Ethan Hawke will almost certainly earn a Best Actor nomination for his fearless portrayal of Lorenz Hart, the brilliant but tormented lyricist who, with Richard Rodgers, helped invent the American songbook.

18/12/2025

After Raising $75 Million, West Coyote Hills Acquisition Enters Final Funding Push

After half a century of grassroots activism, the dream of permanently protecting all 510 acres of West Coyote Hills as a nature preserve is finally within reach—but the community's help is needed to cross the finish line. Chevron is in advanced talks with the State of California to execute a Purchase and Sales Agreement for the remaining West Coyote Hills property, marking what could be the final chapter in one of Orange County's longest-running conservation battles....

After half a century of grassroots activism, the dream of permanently protecting all 510 acres of West Coyote Hills as a nature preserve is finally within reach—but the community's help is needed to cross the finish line.

18/12/2025

31st Annual Report of the Conditions of Children in Orange County Now Available

The 31st Annual Report on the Conditions of Children in Orange County is now available. The report details the conditions of health, economic well-being, education and safety of Orange County’s children, giving insight into the ongoing efforts and progress in the conditions of our community’s youth. Two areas of interest in this year’s report are the access to healthcare during pregnancy and the rise in kindergarten readiness....

The Conditions of Children report is a valuable tool for the Orange County community to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing children and families in the county and to develop effective solutions to address these challenges.

17/12/2025

December 16, 2025 City Council Meeting Public Comments

Alternative Pledge of Allegiance Judith Kaluzny: I am here to propose an alternative pledge. I pledge allegiance to the Constitution of the United States of America and to the Republic, which it describes: One nation of laws, indivisible. Aspiring to liberty and justice for all. I propose this alternative pledge because the current Pledge of Allegiance seems to imply that God approves of our actions, such as the bombings in the Caribbean Sea....

Alternative Pledge of Allegiance, Help Fullertonians Impacted by ICE raids, CalPERS fiasco, Disappointed Constituant, Road Safety for Orangethorpe Elementary Students in District 4, Why do Road Safety Meetings Keep Getting Canceled?, Fullerton Needs a Cold Weather Shelter Now, Hot Meals for the Home...

17/12/2025

Statement Applauding Extension of Discussions Regarding Possible Relocation of OLLI-CSUF Community

Cal State Fullerton President Ronald Rochon has accepted his OLLI Advisory Task Force’s initial recommendations, which provide a framework for addressing short-term issues associated with the university’s enrollment increase and the possible relocation of the OLLI lifelong learning program and community to no earlier than August 2027. This supersedes two earlier dates that he previously announced. The relocation controversy began when university leadership informed OLLI-CSUF leaders of Rochon’s intention to end its 46-year residency on campus and relocate the program and its 1,200 members to university-leased office buildings across State College Boulevard, including a basement with only a stairway for emergency egress and insufficient on-site parking requiring mobility-impaired members to cross a seven-lane intersection.....

Cal State Fullerton President Ronald Rochon has accepted his OLLI Advisory Task Force’s initial recommendations, which provide a framework for addressing short-term issues associated with the university’s enrollment increase and the possible relocation of the OLLI lifelong learning program and c...

17/12/2025

Young Observers: mid-December 2025

Finals Week by Olive, 10th Grade Finals week is coming up and it is important to manage your stress and ace your tests. As a high school student, I’ve experienced test anxiety and nights where I couldn’t sleep from the stress of my finals. Over time, though, I’ve learned some tips and tricks that can help you do your best....

Finals Week, A History of Gingerbread, Blue Christmas, and The Controversy of Genetic Engineering

17/12/2025

Fullerton Community Center Hosts a Joyful Senior Club Holiday Celebration

The Fullerton Community Center was the scene of the annual meeting and holiday party hosted by the Fullerton Senior Club on Friday afternoon, December 5th. Seniors sat at tables adorned with white tablecloths and centerpieces of pine branches, pine cones and little red ornaments, which added a festive touch to the event. Elections for officers for the coming year were combined with dancing to the music of DJ Jose Miranda and enjoying a complimentary lunch consisting of chicken, pork, rice, salad and a roll, topped by a dessert of cheesecake, catered by A Touch of Paradise....

The Fullerton Community Center was the scene of the annual meeting and holiday party hosted by the Fullerton Senior Club on Friday afternoon, December 5th.

16/12/2025

Fullerton Residents Urged to Uphold Fair Rotation Policy at City Council Meeting

Fullerton residents are encouraged to attend a crucial city council meeting scheduled for December 16, 2025, at 5:30 PM, where the selection of the 2026 mayor and mayor pro tem will take place. This meeting represents a pivotal moment for the city's governance, as it will test the commitment to the city's fair rotation policy outlined in Policy No. 226 of the Policy and Procedures Manual....

Fullerton residents are encouraged to attend a crucial city council meeting scheduled for December 16, 2025, at 5:30 PM, where the selection of the 2026 mayor and mayor pro tem will take place.

16/12/2025

Fullerton School District and High School District Hold Annual Organizational Meetings

Fullerton School District and Fullerton Joint Union High School District held their annual organizational board meetings on December 9. Organizational meetings determine new board officers, approve upcoming meeting dates, celebrate the past board presidents, and set the tone for the next 12 months. Both school boards follow a December-to-December annual schedule, allowing for steady school year decisions, and Fullerton’s respective school boards honor a fair rotation of positions, so the transitions are orderly and drama-free....

Fullerton School District and Fullerton Joint Union High School District held their annual organizational board meetings on December 9.