West Orange County CERT (Community Emergency Response Team for Western Orange County California)

West Orange County CERT serves the Western Orange County CA communities of Seal Beach, Cypress, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, La Palma, Buena Park, and Westminster,

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2018 National Night Out – West County CERT

2018 National Night Out – West County CERT

2018 National Night Out - Seal Beach, Cypress, Los Alamitos, & Rossmoor CA
National Night Out 2018 – Seal Beach, Cypress, Los Alamitos, & Rossmoor CA

West County CERT helped to staff three different 2018 National Night Out events and had a good time doing it. Of course, having a good time while getting the job done (whatever that job entails) is one of the best parts of being a part of West Orange County CERT.

The La Palma event was on Saturday (8/4) to coincide with the city’s  Civic Expo that includes a concert in the park, picnics and just an all around good time for residents. The turn out was great and the CERT booth was busy answering questions and signing people up for the free CERT Academy course that is typically offered twice a year (more details here). The evening was cool and relaxing.  Thanks La Palma for inviting us to be a part of this fun event.

The Westminster 2018 National Night Out event was full of fun activities, food, kids’ games, music and a K-9 demonstration by Officer Hartman and Pako. The evening was quite warm and  contributed to the smaller than normal crowds. Overall it was a good event and the Team was able to answer many community questions about CERT.

The NNO in Seal Beach combined the communities of Seal Beach, Los Alamitos, Rossmoor, and Cypress and was well attended with more community and vendor booths than in any past year. The each of the cities were represented by their police departments, and there were many other city and county agencies represented and ready to answer questions from the public.

2018 National Night Out Photos

Enjoy some photos from the 2018 National Night Out events.

See you next year!

The 2019 National Night Out event will be held on Tuesday, August 6. Plan to join us and have a great evening out with your family, friends, and neighbors.

2018 Cypress Festival – Fun, Sun, and a Good Time

2018 Cypress Festival – Fun, Sun, and a Good Time

2018 Cypress Festival, Oak Knoll Park, West County CERT and Emergency Services
Answering questions at the 2018 Cypress Festival CERT Booth

It was warm and a bit muggy at least for Southern California, yet with the breeze it was one of the nicest days weather wise in a couple of weeks. The crowd seems a bit smaller than past years but the music, food, and fun were terrific. From the bands playing all day, to the salsa and chili cook-off the 2018 Cypress Festival was a great time for the whole family.

The day started early (0500 Briefing) with the Cypress 5K/10K Run. Starting from the Civic Center runners of all ages made there way through the level streets of Cypress to completes their chosen route. Our Team join the other tremendous volunteers to direct traffic, set barricades and assist the participants before, during, and after the event.

2018 Cypress Festival

The Festival itself was a few blocks east of the Civic Center at Oak Knoll Park. The emergency services teams were on the west side of the park and included

  • The Cypress Police (motor officers, VIPS, Explorers, and the Foundation)
  • Orange County Fire Authority
  • West County SWAT (serving Cypress, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, Westminster, and Fountain Valley)
  • West County Command Center
  • Cypress RACES
2018 Cypress Festival, Oak Knoll Park, West County CERT and Emergency Services
Dave Atkins answering questions about the West County CERT Trailer

And of course the SB West County CERT Trailer and Team was there talking with community members and answering their questions. The O’Tooles had a number of their fantastic photo boards on display and the visuals helped bring people to our booth and prompted many questions about CERT and how they could find out more about what we do. Pat and Roberta O’Toole took the early shift and helped with the clean up. Hermie Asido, Robin Fairman, Kris Moskowtiz, and Suzette Ryzner covered the rest of the day while the Trailer Team of Dave Atkins and Ray Vella did a great job with tours of the trailer and answering questions regarding when and where the trailer is used.

The 2018 Cypress Festival was a good event with a lot of sun, fun and great conversations with the community and catching up with the Team.

An a big THANKS to everyone who showed up to help out.

Enjoy some more photos from the 2018 Cypress Festival.

Cypress Police Department Open House 2018 – Wow!

Cypress Police Department Open House 2018 – Wow!

Cypress California Police Department | West Orange County CERT | Cypress Police Department Open HouseCypress Police Department Open House

The Cypress Police Department Open House on Saturday May 19 was a lot of fun. The day started overcast and warmed up nicely by the afternoon. There was a very good turn out of both Cypress and neighboring community residents and a great time was had by all. Free hot dogs, drinks and chips, and all kinds of public safety personnel were there to answer questions and of course show the kids (both young and older) around the equipment. “Donut” the police car was a huge hit with the kids, but don’t get too close you you may just get a squirt.

West County CERT members showed up early and stayed late to help out with setup and take down. And of course, we there to talk with the attendees of the open house about but how they can prepare themselves and their families for the next disaster they may face.

Here are some photos of the Cypress Police Department Open House for you to enjoy.