Tegan Yoon Named Young Observer Editor, Edyn Mai Transitions to UCI

The Fullerton Observer has appointed Tegan Yoon as the new Young Observer Editor, succeeding Edyn Mai, who is pursuing a Literary Journalism major at University California Irvine (UCI). Tegan Yoon brings nearly six years of writing experience with the Observer and has completed two journalism courses at Fullerton College, which have prepared her for ethical reporting. She is committed to advocating for important issues and aims to convey her passion without bias.

Yoon has also gained editorial experience as a yearbook editor and is recognized for her leadership skills. As Yoon steps into this position, she will build on the foundation laid by founder Francine Vudoti, with a focus on amplifying the voices of youth in the Fullerton community.

Farewell to Edyn Mai

The Fullerton Observer thanks Edyn Mai for her dedication and service as the editor of the Young Observers for the 2024/2025 school year. During her time as the Young Observer editor, Mai launched the “Observing the Future” student magazine, which has published two issues so far.

“Edyn is a lovely and talented person with a can-do spirit and an attitude that matches her aptitude. We wish her all the success,” said Fullerton Observer CEO Saskia Kennedy.

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The Muckenthaler Celebrates a Century

by Tegan, 9th grade

The Muckenthaler Cultural Center welcomed guests on Saturday, August 23, for its annual gala, which this year marking a century since the estate was built. The theme, The Great Gatsby, invited attendees to step into a time machine, briefly transporting the crowd back to the Roaring Twenties.

Guests arrived in a mix of period attire– from ornate dresses and feathered headpieces to tailored suits– while vintage cars and wagons lined the entrance, setting the stage for the evening. The event was seated, with a carefully curated menu from Colette’s Catering served at each table.

Enchanting dance performances by Janet Klein & Her Parlor Boys spread the delights of popular 1920s songs. The audience also danced, competed for best costume and had the chance to bid on auction items supporting the center’s arts programming.

Founded in 1925 and gifted to Fullerton in 1965 by the Muckenthaler family, the center’s mission remains clear: to enrich the community through the arts. CEO Farrell Hirsch maintains the cultural landmark by preserving its history and expanding its role in today’s vibrant arts scene.

The 2025 Great Gatsby Gala celebrated the mansion while raising funds to support its mission for the next 100 years. Alongside the gala, other fundraising efforts have been launched, including the 100 x 100 Centennial Challenge– an initiative aiming to raise $100,000 to sustain the center’s arts and education programs.

As the evening drew to a close, string lights overhead illuminated guests lingering on the lawn. The gala successfully honored the past 100 years to celebrate 100 years today.

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Food Review: Pizza Heaven

by Mateo, 12th grade

Ever in the mood for a good local pizza but want a step up from the Dominos or Little Caesars you tend to rely on? If so, Pizza Heaven is your best bet. Located at 1331 East Chapman Avenue, it’s a small, family-oriented hole-in-the-wall with a unique menu combining traditional dishes and flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Just over a month ago, I took a few friends to try this place, and I’m only writing this now as I struggled to put into words how marvelous my Pizza Heaven experience was. So, let’s dive into what I believe makes Pizza Heaven a standout restaurant, not just here in Fullerton, but in the entirety of Orange County.

First, the food is DELICIOUS. It is genuinely some of the best pizza I’ve ever had in Southern California. As a group of five high school-aged boys, it was only fitting that we ordered as much of the menu as we could. We started with classic appetizers: a Greek salad, mozzarella sticks, and BBQ wings. The massive salad portion instantly caught my eye, especially since it came with complimentary garlic bread. I spoke with the owner, Kevin Choi, who explained his generous portions come from understanding how hard people work for their money. He takes pride in giving customers their money’s worth, which I greatly appreciate. As for the appetizer’s quality, everything was exceptional; the salad was fresh, the sticks had a crunchy layer holding warm, creamy cheese, and the wings were tender and easy to pull apart, pairing perfectly with the sweet and tangy barbecue sauce.

For pizza, we tried four popular offerings. We started with the Meat Lover Special for a more traditional taste, and it did not disappoint. The sausage was some of the best I’ve had, its soft texture balancing the crunch of onion. The Buffalo Chicken Ranch was the most visually appealing; the cool ranch and spicy buffalo sauce spread in a circular pattern created a perfect balance, enhanced by chicken chunks and celery sprinkled throughout. In my friend’s words, this pizza provided him with “a party of flavors in [his] mouth.”

The most unique pie we ordered was definitely the Potato Special. Imagine a cross between a baked potato and a pizza– soft, chewy tater tots topped with thick sour cream, added flavors and textures I never thought would work on pizza. Finally, my personal favorite of Pizza Heaven’s vast roster of pies was their signature Triple H (Hot Honey Heaven) pizza. This one is for heat lovers: jam-packed with jalapeños and drizzled with hot honey, it tastes sweet at first before delivering a late kick of spicy goodness. Overall, the freshness and quality of every ingredient were evident– from fresh dough to high-end Wisconsin cheese.

Pizza Heaven’s homey interior added to the experience. Dim lights, soft music, and sports on TV made Mr. Choi’s focus on family clear. Additionally, the service was exceptional; hand sanitizer and napkins at every table promoted good hygiene, and we were offered a variety of complimentary drinks and treats before we even mentioned our visit.

Is Pizza Heaven the best pizza parlor in Fullerton? It would be a crime not to include it in that conversation. With nearly 10 years of pizza-making experience and a team dedicated to his values, Kevin Choi ensures your Pizza Heaven visit will be one to remember. For more information, visit pizzaheavenoc.com and their Instagram @pizzaheaven_oc.