December 21, the longest night of the year, is National Homeless Persons Memorial Day. Tim Houchen of Hope 4 Restoration organized a candlelight vigil for the 329 people who have died while […]
The Longest Night
Placentia Past Preserved in Historic Water Tower
Driving east down Chapman Avenue past Fullerton’s city limits, it’s hard not to notice the 110-foot-tall water tower that announces Placentia as an “All American City.” The 50,000-gallon water tower, located close […]
An Interview with Newly-Elected District 2 Councilmember Nick Dunlap
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Fullerton Observer (FO): You have received campaign large campaign contributions from property owners groups and persons like California Real Estate PAC, the Apartment […]
An Interview with Newly-Elected District 1 Councilmember Fred Jung
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Fullerton Observer (FO): You stated in your campaign that you were opposed to Measure S, the failed sales tax increase. Given Fullerton’s current […]
The Downtown Report: Mid December Edition
Sparkle Ball Alliteration The famously fun, fantastic Fullerton Sparkle Ball display is finally in full force, and, being invited to check it out via an all-access pass and a street-by-street tour in […]
Film Reviews: “Mank” and “Ammonite”
Looking to something to watch from home? Observer film critic Joyce Mason takes a look at two films currently streaming online, “Mank” and “Ammonite.” Two Hits: Don’t Miss it! A Hit & […]
Local Education Challenges During COVID-19
For over nine months K-12 education has been turned upside down without a consistent plan to resume life with COVID-19. Schools pivoted with changing State guidelines and little federal support. Families, teachers, […]
Recollections of the Wilshire Theater
Since so many theaters are closing because of the pandemic, I thought it would be interesting to write about one of Fullerton’s most beloved movie houses, the Wilshire Theater, which closed roughly […]
Young Observers: Early December Edition
Sunny Hills High School ranked among the top schools in the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). “The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s PISA measures 15-year-olds’ ability to use their […]
The Fox Theatre’s Tea Room Windows Restored
If anyone was wondering lately what is going on in the second story of the Fox Theater’s “Tea Room” as you drove or walked down Harbor Blvd, well…more restoration work. Fox Board […]
The Downtown Report: Early December 2020
Kick 2020 to the Curb We can all finally agree on one thing—the end of this year can’t come early enough. So, that makes an early year in review appropriate just as […]
A New Outdoor Sculpture at the Muck
The Muckenthaler Cultural Center in Fullerton held a socially distant ribbon cutting ceremony on November 12 to celebrate their completed sculpture garden. The sculpture garden was initiated in May to allow for […]
Fundraising Events for the Fullerton Museum Center
Pretty sure you’ve been reading this statement (or a variation of it) everywhere: Thanksgiving is looking very different this year. But even in the bleakest of scenarios the spirit of giving and […]
Universal Children’s Day is Nov. 20
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child May Be on Hold in the US Senate but Supporting Children’s Rights Is Not Do you know that one way to support children is […]
Young Observers: Mid November Edition
Over 6,000 (about 48%) FJUHSD high school students returned to in-person classes two weeks ago, a number that is significantly lower than the 10,236 (75%) students who originally signed up before schools […]
Titan Radio “2Doc Talk” Focuses on Fullerton Community
Back in October, I received an email from Drs. Dallas and Debra Stout, long-time Fullerton residents and faculty members at Cal State Fullerton, who are collaborating with CSUF’s Titan Radio to host […]
Gardening Tips: Chia
Late fall is the time to sow California native wildflowers, just in time for the rains. One of my favorites is Chia (Salvia columbariae). This annual member of the sage genus has […]
Facing the Challenges of Distance Learning
Distance learning is changing education and will impact students far beyond this pandemic. While plenty of discussion focuses on the incredible toll this educational environment is taking on students, it might be […]
Young Observers: Early November Edition
As a freshman in high school, the first things I learned in World History were the reasons that gave rise to democracy. Among them is being able to choose our leaders and […]
The Downtown Report: Early November Edition
Orange is the New Green If you live in Fullerton, you likely know a bit about our history when it comes to Charles Chapman and his extensive range of Valencia orange groves. […]
Looking at a History of Historical Preservation in Fullerton
I was taking an early morning walk one day when I noticed a small brass plaque on a wall outside a Spanish Colonial Revival style house on Fern Drive. I stopped to […]
Film Review: “The Trial of the Chicago 7” Gets Two Hits
Taking place slightly less than 50 years ago, the events of this film resonate with currency. The issues are different but the nation is troubled and divided; demonstrations meant to be peaceful […]
OC Health Care Agency Invites Students to Enter Art, Writing or Video Contest
County offering tech grants to schools for creative entries that help normalize mask-wearing. With many teachers, parents, and students struggling with the changing school re-opening models, the OC Health Care Agency is […]
Young Observers: Back to School
Over 8,000 or about 60% of total enrolled students returned to in-person classes last Tuesday, Oct 13, as the Fullerton School District reopened its schools. Due to the unique circumstances surrounding the […]
Proposition 15 Taxes Industrial and Commercial Properties Worth over $3 mill at Current Market Rate Value
The ballot argument in favor of Proposition 15 says billions that could be used to supplement school funding is given away to wealthy corporations through tax breaks. The opposing ballot argument states, […]
Film Review: “The Glorias” Gets Two Hits
The title refers to the trailblazing feminist leader Gloria Steinem, glamorous, smart, witty, talented and driven. Director Julie Taymor (“The Lion King”) bases her film about this icon on her autobiography, “My […]
A History of Hauntings at the Old FUHS Auditorium
Since Halloween is near, I’ve decided to look into the history of haunts at the Fullerton Union High School Auditorium, one of Southern California’s most famous destinations for paranormal researchers who have […]
Criminal Justice on the Ballot: A Closer Look at Propositions 17, 20, and 25
Californians are voting on a number of propositions that deal with a wide variety of issues this election season. Here’s a closer look at 3 propositions that deal with criminal justice. This […]
Women’s Transitional Living Center Activities for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Because survivors of domestic abuse are one of the most vulnerable groups affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Fullerton nonprofit Women’s Transitional Living Center (WTLC) has announced a list of public activities designed […]
The Downtown Report: Early October 2020
Farewell to Historic Gym Principal Laura Rubio, staff members, former and current students, and curious neighbors came by to take one last look at the historic Fullerton Union High School Gymnasium at […]
Film Review: “The Personal History of David Copperfield” Gets Two Hits
Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel “David Copperfield,” this film is set in the 1800s, yet director Armando Iannucci uses post-modern narrative techniques that reflect 21st Century sensibilities. He is color-blind in […]
Is Fullerton Still a Tree City?
Entering Fullerton from Anaheim, you may have noticed a small green and white sign that reads, “Tree City USA Arbor Day Foundation 38 Years” in the center island of Harbor just north […]
Working Together to Protect Fullerton’s Water
Water is the lifeline of Orange County; we depend on safe, reliable water for our community and our economy to thrive. Orange County Water District (OCWD; the District) and the city of […]
Interactive Outdoor Community Poetry Project at the Muck
Over the summer, The Muckenthaler’s 2020 Artist-in-Residence poet Katharine Zaun started the Found Poetry Project, which invited community members to submit found poetry for a group exhibition. Found poems are created by […]
Rocks and Fossils of Fullerton
Of the three major rock groups in geology, only sedimentary rocks occur within the city limits of Fullerton. Igneous and metamorphic rocks are not found in the Fullerton area. However, these sedimentary […]
