Decision Fullerton 2026. Here's The 411

THE OFFICIAL  BALLOT DROP OFF BOX in the Fullerton Transportation Center in front of the Amtrak/Metrolink Station 120 E. Santa Fe Ave, Fullerton.  It is one of four Drop off Boxes now open in the city of Fullerton. 24 hours a Day until the Nov. 3 Election. Open until 8 PM on Tues. Nov. 3 (Election Day)

By Allen Bacon, Editor, BOSCO Fullerton

Even though Election day (Tues. Nov. 3) may be two weeks away, there are multiple locations in the city of Fullerton where you can vote early leading up to and on election day. Here's the skinny:

OFFICIAL BALLOT DROP OFF BOXES OPEN NOW. 24 Hours a day until Mon. Nov. 2. Open until 8 PM on Tues. Nov. 3: 

A.R. Mart 1701 W. Orangethorpe Ave, Fullerton

Cal State Fullerton Lot S10 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton

Fullerton College Lot 8 321 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton

Fullerton Transportation Center (Metrolink/Amtrak Station) 120 E. Santa Fe Ave., Fullerton

IN PERSON VOTING:

Fullerton Public Library 353 W. Commonwealth, Fullerton. Opens for Voting Sat. Oct. 24 Hours: 10 AM-6PM,  Election Day: Tues. Nov. 3 7 AM - 8 PM

Seven Additional locations in the city of Fullerton open on Sat. Oct. 31 at 10 AM for early voting. They will be open on Election Day Tues. Nov. 3 7 AM - 8 PM

MAILING OFFICIAL BALLOTS: Must be postmarked by Nov. 3. Postage not required.

RESOURCES FOR VOTERS:

Ballot Guide: VOTE411.org

Ballot Tracking: WheresMyBallot.sos.ca.gov

For corrections or additions to this article, please submit to the editor allenbacon1@gmail.com 

The Last of The Mohicans

Even though the long time Fullerton High School Mascot was changed from the Indians to the Red Hawks, the Iconic Indian Chief Head Center Court will remain in the same place it has been for the past 75 years.  The School Gymnasium.

By Allen Bacon, BOSCO Fullerton

Photo By Allen Bacon

Over the summer, the Fullerton High School campus, was quietly transformed from being "The Home of the Indians" to the "Home of the Red Hawks".

After a long debate, which dated back to the late 1960's, whether a Native American Indian Chief is an appropriate mascot for a school, a California state bill initiated by Governor Gavin Newsome, tipped the decision to the Anti-Indian tribe.

After over one hundred years of being known as the Indians, Fullerton High School is now known as the Red Hawks.

In a poll conducted by BOSCO Fullerton , close to 98% of the Fullerton High School alumni surveyed say they will never adopt the new mascot name.  

The majority of the murals and signage depicting Indian Chiefs, some of which were class gifts painted by former students,  were covered up by large format display signage this past summer.  These new signs feature either an "F"  Logo or the new Red Hawk Logo.  

It's significant to note that the Indian murals were not painted over....they were covered up.  

This is because the school administration learned a valuable lesson from a previous summer a few decades back when a paint crew painted over an iconic and historical mural on the outside of the building formerly known as Plummer Auditorium.  The mural was eventually meticulously restored to it's original state.

The Indian Chief murals could be brought back later for special events or in the event there is a change of heart on the mascot name.  For instance, the FUHS Class of 1976 asked to uncover their class gift, a mural depicting an Indian Chief, painted by a student, in time for their 50th reunion.  The request was denied.

There is also a provision of the State bill that says if Fullerton High School gets approval from a local Indian Tribe the Indian Chief could be re-instituted as the mascot.

There was one exception on the removal or hiding of the Indian imagery on campus.  

It is the original center court Indian Chief Logo that was in the old gymnasium on Pomona Street since the 1940's.  The center court has been in prominent display in the new gymnasium lobby.  The lobby doubles as a museum of Fullerton High School Sports History.

There was discussion over the Summer that the center court would be part of a permanent installation in the Fullerton High School Library highlighting the history of the school.  

The decision was made for the center court to stay exactly where it has been for the past 75 years.  In the FUHS Gymnasium.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

 Books: David Jerome's America

David Jerome

iheartAmerica

An iPhone photographic tour of

the USA on her 250th birthday

Smack Books

Five Scoops of Bosco (out of five)

Reviewed by Allen Bacon, BOSCO Fullerton

One of the marks of a great photo centric "coffee table" book is when you can look through it multiple times and see something new, exciting,  and interesting every trip through.

Life-long Fullerton Resident Humorist, Author, Columnist, Photographer David Jerome has created that book. 

Jerome's second photographic (and seventh overall) book iheartAmerica An iPhone photographic tour of the USA on her 250th birthday was released the week of America's 250th Birthday. 

It's an absolute gem.

Jerome, who among other things, has written the popular newspaper column "Mr. Bucket List" where he experiences America first hand and writes about it has also documented with photos his many stops.  His wonderful photographic instincts are on par with his writing talent.  I declare a tie. 

To quote the prophet Rod Stewart, "Every picture tells a story, don't it?"

It's very hard to pick a favorite but Jerome's view from the stage at the Ryman Theater at the Grand Ole Opery (Nashville),  "Breaking Bad Santas" (Albuquerque),  "On Deck, Miller Park" (Milwaukee), "The Church of Fumigation" (Key West), "International UFO Museum" (Roswell),  "Night Cactus" (Scottsdale) is a snap shot of the wonderful blend of the humorous, quirky, and beautiful contained in the close to 150 photographs in this book.

The best thing you can do is experience America on your own. The next best thing is to flip through this book.

I dare you to look at this book just once.

Jerome's book is available in Fullerton at the Fullerton Museum Center gift store.  If purchased at the Fullerton Museum, all proceeds go to the Museum.

Live Music: Jude Carter at Night Owl

Jude Carter 

Night Owl Acoustic Showcase

Saturday July 25

Five scoops of Bosco 

Reviewed by Allen Bacon, BOSCO Fullerton

One week in front of the much anticipated release of his first album, "Running In Traffic" on July 31, Jude Carter delivered a wonderful set of eleven songs (ten originals and one cover) as part of the Night Owl Saturday Showcase.

It was a warm late July early evening so to the delight of the audience and because the vibe called for it, Carter made the last minute decision to go nearly unplugged.  Nine of the songs were accompanied by his acoustic guitar and the final two he performed on keyboards.

Carter has been establishing himself (to borrow a baseball term) as a five tool player.  He tells very interesting stories with his original lyrics,  accompanied by music that you love right from the first time you hear it.  This Showcase also demonstrated his talent as a singer and musician. In addition, he has a nice, fun, stage presence.

My personal favorites in this show were his originals "Back To You", "Sleeping In This Bed I Made", "'Beca at the Coffee Shop", and "All My Friends are on Drugs". Then half way through he surprised everybody with a wonderful acoustic take of Michael Jackson's PYT.

Can't wait to listen to his "Running In Traffic" album.  Due out this weekend on all the platforms.

Food: Kalaveras Fullerton Is Muy Bueno

Kalaveras

122 E. Commonwealth, Fullerton

Five Scoops of Bosco

Reviewed By Allen Bacon, BOSCO Fullerton

I have to admit, when I first passed the Mexican restaurant Kalaveras, I was a little intimidated by the El Dia De Muerto imagery.  

As a wanna be Graphic Artist, I was intrigued, but a little scared at the same time.  I think it is because when I was growing up, when you saw an image of a skull on anything, that was usually not a good thing.

That slight fear quickly went away the minute I stepped into Kalaveras.  This is because you are suddenly immersed in the festive vibrant colors, music, sights and sounds of celebration of the traditional El Dia De Muerto. 

That is all well and good, but would it pass the taste test?  

My wife and I have a very simple test when we eat at a Mexican Restaurant for the first time. We order a Molcajete and for dessert we order a flan with a coffee.

Don't let the fact that the folks at Kalaveras call their Molcajete a Parrillada and serve it on a flat cast iron skillet as opposed to a cast iron bowl throw you off.

Their take on the Parrillada (Molcajete) is a wonderful mix of marinated steak, chicken breast, shrimp, chorizo, quesso fresco, and Toreado Pepper seasoned to near perfection.

The flan we had for dessert was also very well done.  Great texture with caramel and strawberries, garnished with mint.  The coffee? Folgers Classic.

We can't wait to go back and try the rest of the food on the Kalaveras menu.

FULLERTON ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

MARIACHI GARIBALDI de JAIME CUELLAR performs at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, Wed. Oct. 21,  Show starts at 7:30 PM

BOOKS: Jon Moy and MK Fabila Cornett, will be on hand to sign copies of their book The Robot Who Wanted A Baby Sun. Oct. 25 between 1-3 PM Half Off Books, 141 W. Wilshire, Suite A, Fullerton

Josh Spero, author of the Hall Lore Ween Trilogy will be at Barnes and Nobles Fullerton on Sat. Oct. 24 at 11 AM . Barnes and Nobles Fullerton is at Amerige Heights Town Center 1923 West Malvern Ave., Fullerton 

Fullerton Public Library Main Library Conference Center 353 W. Commonwealth in Fullerton. Open 7 Days a week except for Holidays.

HALLOWEEN:  Josh Spero, author of the Hall Lore Ween Trilogy will be at Barnes and Nobles Fullerton on Sat. Oct. 24 at 5 PM. Barnes and Nobles Fullerton is at Amerige Heights Town Center 1923 West Malvern Ave., Fullerton 

LIVE MUSIC/CONCERTS: 

ACOUSTIC ROCK/FOLK/JAZZ: The Night Owl Saturday Acoustic Showcase features one hour-long sets from four different artists every Saturday night. First performance starts at 5 PM.  Next show is Sat. Oct. 24. Night Owl , 200 N. Harbor Blvd. Admission is free.  Buy a coffee. Tip your Barista.

The Fullerton Museum Center presents Garden Sessions, a free concert series. Every Thursday night through October.  Featuring a different musical artist every week. 4 PM-8:30 PM.  Next show is Thurs. Oct. 22 at 4 PM.  Admission is free. Fullerton Museum Center, 301 N. Pomona Ave., Fullerton

CLASSICAL: Dimitri Illarionov and Nikolai Sivchuk perform at Fullerton First United Methodist Church, 114 N. Pomona Ave, Fullerton Sat. Oct. 24,  3:30 PM as part of the Fullerton Friends of Music Series.  Admission is Free.  More information at fullertonfriendsofmusic.org

MARIACHI: Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuellar is in concert at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center Wed. Oct. 21, 1201 W. Malvern Ave, Fullerton. Show starts at 7:30 PM. Tickets at the Door or through www.themuck.org. 714.738.6595

MOVIES/FILM: 

CLASSIC: The Sting (1973) screens at the Fullerton Public Library Conference Center 353 W. Commonwealth, Fullerton. Wed. Nov. 18. 4 PM.  Admission is Free.

Send upcoming Arts and Entertainment Events in Fullerton for inclusion in this section to allenbacon1@gmail.com

SPORTS

 Football: RedHawks, SH Romp, Troy Falls

The Fullerton Titans 8U Pop Warner Team used a balanced attack to shutout Montebello in a game at Jack Hutcherson Field at Lion's Field. 

By Allen Bacon, BOSCO Fullerton

Photo by Allen Bacon

In a Kappa League Matchup on Fri. Oct. 16 Fullerton High School romped over Portola High School 47-20.

The game was played at Portola High.

The Red Hawks improved to 6-2 Overall and stay undefeated at 3-0 in the Kappa League.

FUHS returns to Fullerton Union Stadium to face traditional cross town and now Kappa League rival Sunny Hills Lancers (4-4 Overall, 2-1 Kappa) Fri. Oct. 23.  Kickoff is 7 PM. 

The Lancers are coming off a romp of their own as they beat up and shut out St. Margaret's 63-0 in a game played at Sunny Hill's longtime home, Spaulding Stadium, in Buena Park.  The game was played on Fri. Oct. 16.

In a game played at Fred Kelly Stadium on Fri. Oct. 16, the Troy Warriors fell to El Modena High School 34-13.

With the loss, Troy High's over all record is 4-4 and are now 1-2 in the Delta League.

Troy stays on the road for the next game, A Delta League matchup, against Huntington Beach High.  Kickoff is 7 PM on Thurs. Oct. 22.

We welcome submissions on all Football happening in the City of Fullerton (College, High School, Flag, recreational, and youth leagues) Please feel free to email all reports, scores, photos, upcoming schedules, fund raising events to the editor at allenbacon1@gmail.com.

Water Polo: FUHS Edged in Empire Tourney

The Fullerton High School Red Hawks were edged by Laguna Hills 9-8 in the first game of the Empire League Tournament on Monday Oct. 19. FUHS Next game will be on Wed. Oct. 21 at home against Santa Ana at 4:30 PM

By Allen Bacon, BOSCO Fullerton

Photo by Allen Bacon

The Fullerton High School Red Hawks lost a close contest to Laguna Hills in their first game of the Empire League Post season tournament.  The final score was 9-8. 

The game was played at the Aquatic Center on the FUHS Campus on Mon. Oct. 19. 

Fullerton High is back in action at home against Santa Ana on Wed. Oct. 21.  Start time is 4:30 PM

The Red Hawks finished the regular season 4-0 (1st in League) and are 10-13 overall.

100 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE. They have been playing Water Polo at Fullerton High School for 100 years.  A photo of one of the best All Time Teams in Fullerton High History: The 1942 Varsity Fullerton High School Indians team led by the legendary Coach James Roy ("Jimmy") Smith. Second Row (L-R): L. Doyle, T. Aoki, L. Grainger, B. Jones, J. Christiansen, E Macdonald, Jimmy Smith (Coach). First Row: (L-R): B. Householder, G. Swoffer, J. Oliver, J. Beeson, B. Bruce, D. Smith, M. Prize. Photo: Fullerton High School 1943 Pleiades Annual. 

We welcome submissions on all Water Polo and Swimming happening in the City of Fullerton (College, High School, recreational, and youth) Please feel free to email all reports, scores, photos, upcoming schedules, fund raising events to the editor at allenbacon1@gmail.com.

OP-ED: Transportation Study was Unnecessary

Op-Ed by Allen Bacon, Editor

BOSCO Fullerton

As a frequent user of the Southern California as well as the National Transportation Systems, I was more than a little concerned about an approval of spending over a Quarter Million Dollars by the Orange County Transit Authority to conduct a study relating to the feasibility of a transportation system from the campus of Cal State Fullerton to Downtown Fullerton.

Our City Council in my hometown of Fullerton, California generously agreed to chip in $30,000 for this study. $30,000 that we really shouldn't be spending when we have other things to worry about like dilapidated water/sewage pipes, bad roads and out of control pensions.

No one asked me, but if they did, I could have saved the Taxpayers over a Quarter Million Dollars.

Here's The Secret.  Are you ready for this?

That transportation system already exists.

It's called OCTA Routes 26 and 24.  And if the Metrolink Placentia Station (The beautiful vacant building in Old Town Placentia) ever opens you will be able to take the Metrolink from Downtown Fullerton to Downtown Placentia and jump on the 26 or 24 there...and go on to nearby CSUF. Or, for the more adventurous or health conscious...Walk or bicycle a mile from the Placentia Metrolink Station to the campus.

OCTA Route 26 runs every 35 minutes or so during peak hours from Cal State Fullerton to the Fullerton Downtown Transportation Center.

So maybe you spend a fraction of the quarter million dollars to promote that route, then as ridership increases and pays for itself, then you add more frequency on that line.

Maybe you have a Route 26A at that time which just goes from the University to Downtown. (Route 26 currently continues on to Yorba Linda to the East and Buena Park to the West).  And maybe you do a nice advertising bus wrap in Cal State Fullerton Titan Orange and Blue that calls Route 26, are you ready for this, the Campus-Downtown Connection.

The point is, that spending over a quarter million dollars of our hard-earned taxpayers money on a study that we already know the answer to, is pointless and a waste of money.

BUSINESS: Keto And Business-Friendly

The Keto Alternative

Fullerton, California

5 Scoops of Bosco

Editors Note:  The Alt Cafe Sit Down Restaurant has closed since this was written.  However, Cody Round's Food Prep Service Club Keto and The Keto Alternative, is alive and well.  Ordering online is available.

Reviewed by Allen Bacon, BOSCO Fullerton

One of the challenges of adopting the Low Carb/low sugar/Keto lifestyle is finding good places to eat that support the lifestyle.  

I personally have adopted the mind-set that I can go in to any restaurant or diner and modify a menu to fit my low carb, low sugar lifestyle.  Over the years, I have gotten pretty darn good at it.  I am kind of proud of myself.

Except bakeries.  It's extremely hard to do Low Carb, low sugar or Keto in a bakery.  And I have always loved bakeries.

When I go to a bakery. I usually end up getting coffee. Black.  All the while taking in the wonderful bakery aroma.

All this menu modification can be mentally exhausting.  I really don't want to work that hard at it.  I have other important things to do.  Like eating.

So, I was thrilled to discover a few weeks back as I was on my walk of a section of the historic and iconic El Camino Real (AKA Harbor Blvd.)  through my hometown of Fullerton a quaint new diner, The Alt Kafe, The Keto Alternative. 

The Alt Kafe is actually a half block west from the El Camino Real (Harbor Blvd) on Chapman Avenue in Fullerton but totally worth the diversion from the walk.  I was already walking anyway.  So an extra half a block wasn't going to kill me.  But I digress.

The first time I went to the Alt Kafe, I was fortunate enough to run into Cody Rounds, the owner and chef.  Cody is originally from South Carolina so he has this infectious Southern Hospitality vibe which spreads to his entire staff.  So I fell instantly in like with Cody and his team.

The food is absolutely delicious.  All the items I have eaten so far are winners.  Cody has been involved with the keto lifestyle for a while and has been doing food prep and catering (and continues to have a thriving food prep service called the Keto Alternative) his Keto-Friendly fare before he opened up the Kafe as a brick and mortar.  He has crafted a wonderful menu to choose from.  He has been tweaking the menu at the Kafe ever since he opened in February so the original menu is evolving weekly.  Check online to see the latest offerings. The website is www.theketoalternative.com/alt-cafe but they are also on all the social media platforms as well.

So far I have tried and enjoyed the following: 

The Ollie Burger. A beef burger with pimento cheese, bacon and pickles usually on a low carb bun although I had this as a lettuce wrap. 

The Western Burger,  which is a beef burger with pepper jack pimento cheese, grilled jalapenos, bacon, spicy comeback sauce on a keto bun. 

Alt Kafe's take on the Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich is my favorite so far.  It is a  chicken breast  breaded in pork rinds and parmesan cheese with Nashville hot sauce topped with slaw and pickles.  Spoiler alert on the Nashville hot sauce.  It is very hot.  I wisely took it on the side.

Other items on the current menu include the Sammy (A crispy seared 6 ounce filet of salmon served over a veggie risotto made from mushrooms, cauliflower and spinach). My server on the return trip told me this along with the Thai Chicken Salad, Nashville Nuggies and Nashville-Cali Mac are the most popular items right now.

I mentioned earlier my love of bakeries and the challenge of eating low carb, low sugar bakery and dessert items in a diner or restaurant.   Alt Kafe comes to the rescue with a wide array of delicious Keto-friendly, low carb dessert and bakery options. My favorite so far are all of the scones, a Red Velvet Cheese cake as well as a German Chocolate cake.

Breakfast is served every Saturday morning and the breakfast menu includes a Western Omelette,  Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, and Bacon, Egg and Cheese Sandwich.

Enjoy.