Investigators with Fullerton police were investigating separate bomb threats at four schools and a medical center Thursday.
The schools that were targeted in the threats were Sunny Hill High School, Fullerton Union High School, Troy High School and Fern Drive Elementary School.
The four campuses were placed on lockdown as officers combed through the schools to confirm the validity of the threats. It was not immediately clear whether the threats were credible.
At Fern Drive Elementary, officers were on scene with students and staff while parents were advised to follow the school district’s evacuation procedures.
Police evacuated St. Jude Medical Center’s emergency room around 5:40 p.m. after another reported bomb threat. Patients were allowed back in about 20 minutes later, according to Fullerton PD.
It was not clear if anyone was injured during the investigations.
Students and athletes at California State University Fullerton are preparing to gather on Wednesday for a candlelight vigil to honor the life of a soccer star who was hit by a box truck while traveling on an electric scooter.
Lauren Turner, a 19-year-old sophomore on CSU Fullerton’s soccer team, died Friday after spending weeks under intensive care, according to the university. She and her teammate, Ashlyn Gwynn, were riding electric scooters near campus on Sept. 27 when they were hit by a box truck.
“It has been rough, and I think as best as we can, our program, our athletic department, has leaned on each other to make sure we get through this together,” head coach Demian Brown said.
Turner died six weeks after she was hospitalized and Gwynn is recovering from her injuries and receiving physical therapy in Houston.
“Obviously, we’re thrilled and so excited for Ashlyn and all the recoveries she is making, but heartbroken and saddened that we lost Lauren,” Brown said.
A Tustin native, Turner was described as the “funniest, most charismatic, and loving teammate you could ever ask for,” the soccer team said in a statement.
“She was the first to celebrate other people’s wins. She is the true definition of an amazing person,” the statement continued. “She always carried herself with compassion, kindness, and happiness. The impact she made on the Titans women’s soccer program is immeasurable.”
Brown echoed those sentiments, describing the athlete as “the funniest person you would have ever wanted to be around.”
“Just a great human being, genuine, comfortable in herself, which made you comfortable with yourself,” the coach said.
The teen’s family started an online fundraiser in Turner’s memory.
Newswise — Cal State Fullerton’s Guardian Scholars Program, the first of its kind in the nation, will be recognized on Jan. 30 by the California State University Board of Trustees for 25 years of supporting former foster youth on their path to educational and career success.
The Guardian Scholars Program removes barriers for former foster youth by providing scholarships and a nurturing support system with services that promote belonging and success for students. Since its founding at CSUF in 1998, the Guardian Scholars Program has been replicated at the CSU’s 22 other campuses and 90 colleges and universities nationwide.
Cal State Fullerton’s transfer scholars have a nearly 80% graduation rate, essentially eliminating the gap between them and the general student population at Cal State Fullerton. Many of CSUF’s Guardian Scholars graduates have gone on to earn master’s degrees and pursue careers in social work, counseling, education and international business. In contrast, 3% to 4% of the nation’s former foster youth obtain a four-year college degree, according to the National Foster Youth Initiative.
“A university’s greatest resource is its people. Put the right people in the right place, and you can change lives forever,” says Becky Wells ‘00, of Lakeway, Texas, the first graduate of the CSUF Guardian Scholars Program.
We invite you to view the presentation virtually or in person and learn more about this inspiring and transformational program. We also can assist in scheduling interviews with Wells, current CSUF graduate student Junely Merwin ’19 (B.S. human services), and Felipe Martinez, the director of CSUF’s Center for Scholars.
Here are the presentation details:
What: Recognition for the 25th anniversary of Cal State Fullerton’s Guardian Scholars Program — the first of its kind in the nation to help former foster youth succeed in higher education.
When: Jan. 30, during a 3 p.m. California State University Board of Trustees committee meeting (the presentation is estimated on the agenda at about 3:30 p.m.)
Where: California State University Board of Trustees meeting,
CSU Office of the Chancellor 401 Golden Shore Long Beach, CA 90802 Link to the live broadcast of the meeting Agenda
Data and details:
More than 250 students have graduated from Cal State Fullerton’s Guardian Scholars Program since it began with three students in 1998 and sparked programs supporting former foster youth at universities and colleges throughout the country, including all 23 CSU campuses.
This year, a cohort of 27 — CSUF’s largest group — will graduate in May.
The CSUF program also recently expanded its services to graduate students and nine are participating.
Students in foster care who enroll in universities deal with such barriers as living expenses, housing, access to technology and lack of guidance navigating the complexities of academia.
About Cal State Fullerton: The largest university in the CSU and the only campus in Orange County, Cal State Fullerton offers more than 100 degree programs and Division 1 athletics. Recognized as a national model for supporting student success, CSUF excels with innovative, high-impact educational practices, including faculty-student collaborative research, study abroad and competitive internships. CSUF is a top public university known for its success in supporting first-generation and underrepresented students, and preparing all students to become leaders in the global marketplace. Our vibrant and diverse campus is a primary driver of workforce and economic development in the region. Visit fullerton.edu.
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Photo Caption: Junely Merwin, a Cal State Fullerton graduate student and former foster youth who participated in CSUF’s Guardian Scholars Program
A magnitude 3.5 earthquake was reported Monday at 8:09 p.m. in Fullerton, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The earthquake occurred less than a mile from Anaheim, one mile from Placentia, two miles from Brea and two miles from La Habra.
In the last 10 days, there have been two earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater centered nearby.
An average of five earthquakes with magnitudes between 3.0 and 4.0 occur per year in the Los Angeles area, according to a recent three-year data sample.
The earthquake occurred at a depth of 6.6 miles. Did you feel this earthquake? Consider reporting what you felt to the USGS.
Are you ready for when the Big One hits? Get ready for the next big earthquake by signing up for our Unshaken newsletter, which breaks down emergency preparedness into bite-sized steps over six weeks. Learn more about earthquake kits, which apps you need, Lucy Jones’ most important advice and more at latimes.com/Unshaken.
This story was automatically generated by Quakebot, a computer application that monitors the latest earthquakes detected by the USGS. A Times editor reviewed the post before it was published. If you’re interested in learning more about the system, visit our list of frequently asked questions.
A mother of eight children is accused of abducting her children, taking them from their foster care facilities, and then fleeing across five states until police caught up with her in a small town in northern California.
Trista Fullerton, 36, allegedly violated a court order of custody for the eight children, as well as the terms of her probation for a domestic violence conviction, when she took the kids from the town of Rogers, Ark., and fled across the country while Arkansas police tried to reach her, according to court records.
Her father told police that Fullerton planned on heading to Arizona “to start a new life,” according to a warrant for her arrest. Instead, Fullerton was found in Anderson, Calif. — 150 miles north of Sacramento — where police said they spotted her and six of her children in a pickup truck filled with trash after someone reported that Fullerton was “displaying bizarre behavior.”
According to an arrest warrant affidavit obtained by The Times, police from Rogers began trying to contact Fullerton on Oct. 17, after receiving a report that she had “interfered with court ordered custody of eight children.”
Rogers Police officials declined to provide additional details on the case, including who made the initial report. A spokesperson for the department said the case is still under investigation.
According to the affidavit, police reached out to Fullerton’s father, David Fullerton, on Oct. 18, and he told police that his daughter had told him about taking the children to Arizona. Police learned the following day that she and the children were in California, according to the affidavit.
Police had made contact with her and the children in Redding, about 15 miles north of Anderson, but she and the children were not detained because there was no warrant.
Rogers Police filed an arrest warrant Oct. 20, and the next day, police in Anderson, Calif., spotted her and six of her children in a Dodge pickup with Arkansas plates, according to a statement from the Anderson Police Department.
Two of her other children were located at a nearby home in Cottonwood, according to the statement, and they were taken into custody by Shasta County Children and Family Services.
Fullerton was booked at Shasta County Jail and is being held without bail, according to jail records. She is expected to appear in court Thursday.
Trista Fullerton, 36, allegedly violated a court order of custody for her eight children, as well as the terms of her probation for a domestic violence conviction.
(Anderson Police Department)
David Fullerton, said during a brief call with a reporter that his daughter had made a “mistake” and is “innocent.”
“My daughter stands a chance, you know,” he said. “She made a mistake. She went across the line taking her babies but she didn’t know she wasn’t supposed to.”
Court records indicate that Fullerton was on probation at the time of her arrest in Anderson. Records also show that she had been involved in at least two instances of domestic violence, twice violating court orders to stay away from the victim. In one incident, she was accused of punching the father of one of her children in the face.
Fullerton pleaded guilty to domestic violence on July 12, 2022 in Arkansas, after she “hit the father of her child in the face, causing physical injury” in June 2021.
The victim is only identified in the court documents as a 40-year-old Hispanic male.
In a court record dated Aug. 9, 2021, Fullerton indicated she had seven children at the time, ages 15, 14, 11, 7, 3, 4, and 5 months.
She also pleaded guilty to another case of domestic battery for a Feb. 5, 2020, incident in which she “punched her boyfriend in the head multiple times and scratched his face, causing redness and bleeding on his face,” according to court records.
Fullerton pleaded guilty to both incidents, and was sentenced to two years of probation, court records show. The terms of her probation, however, required that she not drink alcohol, not break the law and not leave the state of Arkansas without the approval of her probation officer.
The agreement stipulated that if she violated the terms of her probation, she could face a sentence of 12 years in jail.
On Wednesday, prosecutors requested her probation be rescinded and a $50,000 warrant was issued for her arrest.
Prosecutors said the case is currently being reviewed and it was unclear what, if any, new charge might be filed.
Newswise — U.S. News & World Report ranks Cal State Fullerton as a No. 2 top performer on social mobility out of more than 400 national universities listed in its 2024 Best Colleges rankings. The university climbed from its No. 7 top performer on social mobility ranking for 2023.
U.S. News’ Top Performers on Social Mobility list assesses the graduation rates of economically disadvantaged students. The ranking factors for its National Universities category were based on the graduation rates of Pell Grant-awarded students and first-generation students.
Out of more than 40,386 enrolled undergraduate students in fall 2022, 16,931 students (41.9%) were eligible for Pell Grants.
U.S. News also recognized Cal State Fullerton and its undergraduate programs in the following categories:
No. 31 in Best Undergraduate Teaching
No. 40 in Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs (non-doctorate)
No. 70 in Top Public Schools
No. 133 in National Universities
No. 135 in Undergraduate Business Programs
No. 154 in Nursing
No. 203 in Undergraduate Psychology Programs
No. 210 in Undergraduate Computer Science Programs
No. 211 in Best Value Schools
About Cal State Fullerton: The largest university in the CSU and the only campus in Orange County, Cal State Fullerton offers 110 degree programs and Division 1 athletics. Recognized as a national model for supporting student success, CSUF excels with innovative, high-impact educational practices, including faculty-student collaborative research, study abroad and competitive internships. Our vibrant and diverse campus is a primary driver of workforce and economic development in the region. CSUF is a top public university known for its success in supporting first-generation and underrepresented students, and preparing all students to become leaders in the global marketplace. Our It Takes a Titan campaign, a five-year $250 million comprehensive fundraising initiative, prioritizes investments in academic innovation, student empowerment, campus transformation and community enrichment. Visit fullerton.edu.
Newswise — Experts anticipate that more than a year’s worth of rain could fall within a couple of days in some areas of Southern California this weekend. The National Hurricane Center on Friday issued the first-ever Tropical Storm Watch for Southern California. The region hasn’t experienced a tropical storm since 1939.
Joe Carlin, associate professor of geological sciences, notes that it is important to think of Hurricane Hilary as an isolated random event or possibly the start of a new trend. However, researchers won’t know the answer to that for many years.
What researchers do know is that these types of storms can create significant changes along the coast, which can be problematic for areas that have coastal development.
Carlin said: “In the case of Hilary, this could cause large waves that will move sand around — erode sand from one area and deposit sand somewhere else — erode cliffs and damage coastal structures. These storms may also cause a storm surge, which is flooding from the ocean that can inundate coastal areas inland from the beaches.
“The storm could bring heavy rains to the area which, in addition to flooding inland areas, could transport significant amounts of sand to the coast where it will be deposited, changing the coastline.
“In terms of episodic events, these create abrupt and significant changes to coastal areas and coastal processes. The stronger the event, like a tropical storm or hurricane, the faster and greater coastal change occurs.
“We cannot say that the storm Hilary on its own is related to climate change as this is a singular weather event and climate is the long-term average of weather. However, if we were to see multiple tropical storms or hurricanes over the next several years and decades, that may be related to climate change.”
About Cal State Fullerton: The largest university in the CSU and the only campus in Orange County, Cal State Fullerton offers 110 degree programs and Division 1 athletics. Recognized as a national model for supporting student success, CSUF excels with innovative, high-impact educational practices, including faculty-student collaborative research, study abroad and competitive internships. Our vibrant and diverse campus is a primary driver of workforce and economic development in the region. CSUF is a top public university known for its success in supporting first-generation and underrepresented students, and preparing all students to become leaders in the global marketplace. Our It Takes a Titan campaign, a five-year $250 million comprehensive fundraising initiative, prioritizes investments in academic innovation, student empowerment, campus transformation and community enrichment. Visit fullerton.edu.
Newswise — For its dedication to increasing mental health support for the Latinx community, Cal State Fullerton’s Ánimo Latinx Counseling Emphasis was recognized as one of 19 Examples of Excelencia Finalists in the nation for 2023.
The award from Excelencia in Education, a national nonprofit organization that champions Latinx success in higher education, highlights programs across the country that have demonstrated a commitment to accelerating Latinx student success. Excelencia in Education previously named Ánimo one of 10 “Programs to Watch” in 2022 for the curriculum’s use of shared culture and language, which fosters a sense of belonging and academic achievement.
The program, launched in 2018, trains aspiring mental health professionals to effectively approach a variety of clinical issues, including those related to the Latinx community, such as intergenerational family conflict, ethnic identity, immigration and intersectionality.
Olga Mejía, associate professor of counseling and program director, says the Latinx community has a high need for culturally responsive bilingual and bicultural clinical skills.
Mejía said: “Ánimo is very close to my heart personally and professionally. Building Ánimo is a way to give back to my own community. I strongly work on infusing Latinx cultural values into all my work within the program.”
About Cal State Fullerton: The largest university in the CSU and the only campus in Orange County, Cal State Fullerton offers 110 degree programs and Division 1 athletics. Recognized as a national model for supporting student success, CSUF excels with innovative, high-impact educational practices, including faculty-student collaborative research, study abroad and competitive internships. Our vibrant and diverse campus is a primary driver of workforce and economic development in the region. CSUF is a top public university known for its success in supporting first-generation and underrepresented students, and preparing all students to become leaders in the global marketplace. Our It Takes a Titan campaign, a five-year $250 million comprehensive fundraising initiative, prioritizes investments in academic innovation, student empowerment, campus transformation and community enrichment. Visit fullerton.edu.
Newswise — As the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to conduct classes online, colleges and universities around the world experienced increases in academic dishonesty.
A new study by Cal State Fullerton faculty members is among the first to explore the outcomes and motivations of passive versus active proctoring on academic honesty. Gerard Beenen, professor of management, and Sinjini Mitra, professor of information systems and decision sciences, are the co-authors of “Deterring Cheating Online: Passive Versus Active Proctoring Through a Social Facilitation Lens.”
The paper was selected for the Academy of Management’s Best Paper in Management Education and Development Award.
The researchers found that academic dishonesty appeared to be less likely in conditions of active (live instructor) versus passive (invisible instructor) proctoring. In addition, the strongest motivational mechanisms for deterring academic dishonesty were self-awareness and evaluation apprehension.
Beenen and Mitra said: “Given the potential for cheating in online exams…it is important to identify strategies to mitigate academic dishonesty for online assessments.
“To our knowledge, this is the first research to examine potential differences in student cheating motivations, intentions and behaviors for a continuum of passively to actively proctored exams.”
About Cal State Fullerton: The largest university in the CSU and the only campus in Orange County, Cal State Fullerton offers 110 degree programs and Division 1 athletics. Recognized as a national model for supporting student success, CSUF excels with innovative, high-impact educational practices, including faculty-student collaborative research, study abroad and competitive internships. Our vibrant and diverse campus is a primary driver of workforce and economic development in the region. CSUF is a top public university known for its success in supporting first-generation and underrepresented students, and preparing all students to become leaders in the global marketplace. Visit fullerton.edu.
Newswise — Brian and Lori Rennie have pledged a planned gift to Cal State Fullerton valued at $4 million to support desert science studies, conservation and climate change research. The couple’s gift to the university includes their Joshua Tree property and 2,500-square-foot Santa Fe pueblo-style home.
Alumnus Brian Rennie ’70 (B.S. biological science) said the property can be used for events and research.
“We were seeking the right organization to respect the land and the desert as much as we do, and to continue to utilize it in a way that supports our intentions,” Rennie said. “We feel confident that this will happen through our gift to the university.”
Marie Johnson, dean of CSUF’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, said this gift will allow faculty to expand their research efforts in desert environments, which will create impactful learning experiences for CSUF students.
“We often say our university aspires to be a steward of place,” Johnson said. “Brian and Lori’s gift will allow us to fulfill that aspiration by creating the conditions for deep, meaningful engagement with desert ecosystems and our arid Southern California environment.”
Read more about Brian and Lori Rennie’s donation at CSUF News.
About Cal State Fullerton: The largest university in the CSU and the only campus in Orange County, Cal State Fullerton offers 110 degree programs and Division 1 athletics. Recognized as a national model for supporting student success, CSUF excels with innovative, high-impact educational practices, including faculty-student collaborative research, study abroad and competitive internships. Our vibrant and diverse campus is a primary driver of workforce and economic development in the region. CSUF is a top public university known for its success in supporting first-generation and underrepresented students, and preparing all students to become leaders in the global marketplace. Our It Takes a Titan campaign, a five-year $250 million comprehensive fundraising initiative, prioritizes investments in academic innovation, student empowerment, campus transformation and community enrichment. Visit fullerton.edu.
FULLERTON, Calif., July 1, 2022 (Newswire.com)
– The City of Fullerton will receive several state earmarks in the upcoming budget cycle. Through the efforts of Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, Fullerton will receive $6 million for the Fullerton Navigation & Recuperative Care Center at 3535 West Commonwealth Avenue. The 150-bed navigation and recuperative care center provides in-house medical workers and case managers to offer wraparound care for those experiencing homelessness. The $6 million secured can be used to ensure longevity in programming, purchase of property, or operational expenses related to homeless and support services.
In addition, Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva has secured $2 million for the Women’s Transitional Living Center in Fullerton for those affected by domestic violence and human trafficking. The Center provides comprehensive services from a residential program, a children’s program, a crisis hotline, and prevention and advocacy education.
The City is also set to benefit from an $8 million earmark, secured through Senator Josh Newman, to sustain and expand the regional North Orange County Public Safety Collaborative. In 2017, Newman secured the original state budget grant of $20 million that created the Collaborative and provided funding for its first four years. The Collaborative originally began with 6 North Orange County cities and was subsequently expanded to 11. Across the region, public safety officials have developed highly effective partnerships with more than 40 community-based organizations, collaborating on strategy, sharing resources, and responding to community needs.
The continued funding included in California’s Budget Act of 2022 will enable the Collaborative to expand programming to address youth violence prevention and intervention in K-12 schools, promote and enhance the successful reentry of offenders into the community, and address homeless outreach and intervention efforts.
“Senator Josh Newman and Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva have been steadfast in their efforts to secure funding for Fullerton,” said Mayor Fred Jung. “Their passion for our community and commitment to tackle tough issues should be commended and is greatly appreciated by this Council and our community as a whole.”
“I am grateful for our partnership with both Senator Newman and Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva in securing much needed funding to address homelessness and domestic violence in our community,” said City Manager Eric Levitt. “I would also like to express gratitude to Mayor Fred Jung, who was instrumental in collaborating with Senator Newman and Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva, and to our Police Department who has been integral in ensuring the continued success of the North Orange County Public Safety Collaborative.”
FULLERTON, Calif., March 16, 2022 (Newswire.com)
– The Fullerton City Council announced its selection of Eric Levitt to serve as the City’s next City Manager. The announcement was made during the regular meeting of the City Council on Tuesday, March 15, 2022.
Levitt, who currently serves as City Manager for the City of Alameda, was selected following an extensive recruitment, application review, and City Council interviews with the most qualified candidates.
Levitt has over 25 years of experience working in local government and more than 20 years of experience as a City Manager. Prior to joining the City of Alameda in April 2019, he served as City Manager in Simi Valley. Levitt has also served as City Manager for Janesville, Wisconsin, and Sedona, Arizona.
Levitt holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Kansas.
“I am excited to welcome Mr. Levitt as our next City Manager of Fullerton after an extensive recruitment process,” said Mayor Fred Jung. “Mr. Levitt brings a breadth of experience to the role that is singular. His extensive knowledge of economic development and experience navigating fiscal challenges to maintain organizational stability were important factors in his selection by the City Council. In addition, he has a proven track record in local government and values dialogue with our community members and our City Council.”
Fullerton’s City Manager is appointed by and directly responsible to the Mayor and City Council. The City Manager is the Chief Executive Officer of the City and provides leadership and organizational direction for the operation and management of all City departments. The City Manager implements City Council policies and ordinances, oversees City operations, and appoints most City department heads.
“I want to thank the Mayor and Council for their confidence in providing me this opportunity to serve the people of Fullerton,” said Levitt. “I consider it an honor and a privilege to contribute to making Fullerton a safer and better place to live, work, and play for all residents, businesses, and visitors.”
Mr. Levitt will begin work on May 10, 2022, earning a base salary of $250,000 per year.
