Ross Byer joined the department in May 2022 and completed his training that August with positive performance evaluations, according to court records. His performance remained satisfactory until he was reassigned that year to a different sergeant.

Byer alleged the sergeant, who is Korean-American, favored a Korean officer on the same shift and routinely gave Byer a heavier workload. During the trial, he acknowledged giving Byer more assignments than Byer’s Korean partner, records show.

Byer reported the treatment to Capt. Jesse Amend in January and February 2023, alleging disparate treatment and remarks about wanting an “all-Korean police force,” Byer’s legal team said. Evidence presented in court showed that two other white officers had previously raised similar concerns about Sgt. Won Koh, including retaliation and negative evaluations. One of them was later terminated.

Attorneys for Byer argued the testimony demonstrated an ongoing pattern of discrimination that city supervisors failed to address.

In May 2023, Koh issued an annual evaluation rating stating that Byer “needs improvement,” which denied him a pay increase, according to court records. Department records introduced at trial showed Byer’s patrol activity closely matched his Korean partner’s. Byer resigned on June 1, 2023, saying he believed he was about to be fired, his attorneys said.

A week later, Byer met with the city’s human resources staff to report discrimination, retaliation and concerns about alleged racial profiling directives, reporting that Koh directed him to target Black drivers for traffic stops, records show. Notes from that meeting were forwarded to senior management, but no investigation followed, according to testimony.

Byer’s lawsuit accused the city of discrimination based on race and national origin, retaliation and failure to prevent discrimination. He waived claims for lost wages and other economic damages before trial, seeking compensation only for emotional distress.

Attorneys for the city argued that Byer’s emotional distress stemmed from earlier personal losses unrelated to his job, including the loss of his father when he was a child and the loss of his daughter in 2020, and urged jurors to award no more than $35,000. The city had offered $75,000 to settle the case before trial, said Christian Petronelli, one of Byer’s lawyers.

Byer’s attorneys sought $14 million.

The jury deliberated for about five hours, Byer said.

On Tuesday, Dec. 9, the jury found La Palma liable for $3.92 million in past and $4.48 million in future non-economic damages, totaling $8.4 million.

Byer’s attorneys, Mitchel Vanderpool and Petronelli, said reverse-discrimination cases are difficult and rare, particularly in Orange County.

“This case is about accountability,” Petronelli said. “Police hold us accountable if we speed or run a red light. This case is about who holds the police accountable when they violate the law.”

Byer is no longer working in law enforcement, and has pivoted to a career in home inspections.

“All I wanted was to be a police officer,” Byer said in a brief interview on Thursday. “But I knew that after suing – and winning – I’d be unhireable.”

The City of La Palma said in a statement that it “takes this matter seriously” and is reviewing the verdict with legal counsel to determine next steps. The city declined to provide further comment.

Morales — only a recent Republican — has launched a 2026 bid for California’s 67th Assembly District. It is represented now by Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva, a Fullerton Democrat who is prevented from running again because of term limits.

Before his time in city government, Morales spent more than two decades working for the Cypress Police Department in various roles, including in patrol operations and on the West Orange County SWAT team, according to his campaign.

He said both jobs — as mayor and in the police force — honed his listening skills, a feature he believes would bode him well if he’s elected to the Assembly.

Morales acknowledged he became a Republican two months ago, but noted that his political transition was “a long time coming.” He said he grew up a Democrat, but felt the party left him.

“Do I sometimes think the government as a whole has an overreach problem in controlling us and telling us what to do? Absolutely,” said Morales. “Republicans are focused on letting that person make the decision.”

California’s 67th Assembly District includes Buena Park, Cypress, Fullerton and La Palma in Orange County as well as Artesia, Cerritos and Hawaiian Gardens in southern Los Angeles County.

Along with Morales, former Orange County Democratic Party chair Ada Briceño, Cerritos Councilmember Mark Pulido and Artesia Mayor Ali Taj are running for the seat. Those three are all Democrats.

Quirk-Silva was first elected to the Assembly in 2012. There, she serves on the lower chamber’s Budget Committee as well as the Housing and Community Development Committee. She’s been largely focused on homelessness issues in the legislature.

Morales’ campaign noted that he’s focused on affordability issues, as well as improving education and public safety, as he vies for the seat.

“Our community deserves a representative who listens, leads with common sense and brings a balanced and pragmatic approach to the legislature,” Morales said. “The most effective ideas come from residents, teachers, business owners and community leaders, not from the partisan agendas that too often drive decisions in Sacramento.”

Registered Democrats make up 41.63% of registered voters in the 67th Assembly District, according to the latest tally from the secretary of state’s office, while Republicans account for 27.86% and 24.8% are no party preference voters.

An Orange County Superior Court jury earlier this year found Gary Blane Bentley guilty of two felony counts of corporal battery on a spouse resulting in a traumatic condition, according to a statement by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. It was the latest in a long string of convictions for acts of violence that included slitting a girlfriend’s throat and stabbing a 5-year-old girl’s eye, the statement added.

On June 24, 2022, Bentley punched his wife repeatedly in the face and then dragged her back into the bedroom of their La Palma apartment before his wife was able to break free, prosecutors said.

Covered in blood and nearly nude, the woman escaped by banging on her neighbor’s door and begging for help, according to the statement. La Palma police officers tracked Bentley to Long Beach and took him into custody.

Prosecutors say the attack was a culmination of years of unreported domestic violence against the woman.

In 1982, Bentley was convicted of attempting to murder his then-girlfriend and maiming her 5-year-old daughter, who was left permanently blind in one eye. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

In 1990, he was convicted of continuously sexually assaulting a child under age 14 in Los Angeles County and ordered to spend 17 years behind bars. He was convicted of another sex-related offense in 2007, but his 25 years-to-life sentence for that crime was overturned several years later.

In 2011, Bentley was convicted of indecent exposure in Los Angeles County and received a six-year prison sentence. He was still on probation for that crime when he attacked his wife.

A third strike means he automatically received a far heavier sentence.

“Gary Bentley and the reign of terror he has inflicted on women and children throughout his entire life is exactly why California’s Three Strikes Law exists,” Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said in a statement. ”There are certain individuals who have inflicted so much pain and violence on other human beings that they cannot continue to live among civilized society. …

“For decades, Gary Bentley has committed crime after crime with callousness, without remorse, and there has not been a single period of time when he has lived a law-abiding life,” Spitzer added. “Society is safer as a result of the incredible advocacy of the La Palma Police Department and Deputy District Attorney Sharlene Mandella to ensure justice for the victim in this case and to prevent future women and children from becoming victimized.”

It was the final nonleague game for both teams.

Irvine improved to 4-1. Kennedy is 3-2.

Saferzadeh completed 10 of 13 passes and carried the ball 19 times. Irvine junior running back Seamus Hoffman rushed for 59 yards and a touchdown.

Kennedy senior running back Isaac Talamantes rushed for 142 yards on 18 carries.

Saferzadeh was pleased with Irvine’s performance in several areas.

“We were physical,” Safterzadeh said. “Our offensive line really put on a show. They were making me comfortable.

“Our receivers were making some great catches and our defense really brings it. And also our special teams were executing.”

Irvine opened the game with a persistent drive.

The Vaqueros took the opening kickoff and covered 93 yards in 17 plays and consumed 11 minutes and 29 seconds. They finished the drive with a 4-yard touchdown pass from Saferzadeh to senior tight end Cole Riedel. A Saferzadeh-to-Riedel pass for two points gave Irvine an 8-0 lead.

Kennedy fumbled the ball away on its first play from scrimmage. Cameron Galatioto recovered it for Irvine at the Kennedy 6-yard line. A 5-yard run by Seamus Hoffman was the final play of the first quarter, and a 1-yard sneak by Saferzadeh was the first play of the second quarter for a 15-0 Vaqueros lead.

The Fighting Irish got a 43-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Derek Almazan to senior receiver Kane Makhlouf. A two-point conversion pass from Almazan to Makhlouf made it Irvine 15, Kennedy 8.

Saferzadeh scored on a 16-yard run to push the Irvine lead to 22-8.

The Fighting Irish lost Almazan and Makhlouf to injury during the second quarter. Almazan suffered a left wrist injury. Makhlouf wound up on the trainer’s table with his left shin wrapped in an ice pack.

Kennedy got a 1-yard touchdown run from second-string quarterback Gabriel Roman to make it 22-15 early in the third quarter.

Saferzadeh’s third touchdown run, another 1-yard sneak, made it 29-15 with 3:37 left in the third quarter. Seamus Hoffman’s 5-yard touchdown run with 1:28 remaining in the game concluded the scoring.

Dylan Nguyen had a first-half interception and was 4 for 4 on extra-point kicks for Irvine. Smith Spivey had a second-half interception for the Vaqueros.

Kennedy already was shorthanded before the game. Starting running back Mahseiah Banks has a broken wrist and is out for a few more weeks. Starting receiver and linebacker Rocco Street is out for the season because of an ACL tear.

Irvine last season finished in a three-way tie for second place in the Iota League. Kenney was a Lambda League co-champion last year.

Both teams do not play next week. Irvine plays its Iota League opener on Oct. 3 against Santa Ana at Irvine High. Kennedy plays its Lambda League opener on Oct. 3 against Valencia at Valencia High.

It is common for football teams in six-team leagues like the Iota and Lambda leagues that teams take their bye week between the end of nonleague play and their league openers.

Orange outlasted Laguna Hills 46-43 in a five overtime thriller Friday at El Modena High.

Isaac Harrison ran for the game-winning touchdown for Orange (1-1) in the fifth overtime. Star Thomas threw for 334 yards with two touchdowns and ran for 196 yards with two touchdowns.

Malahki Allen had 90 yards receiving with a touchdown and Wesley Lundell had a touchdown catch. Adam Maldonado led the Panthers in receiving and added a rushing touchdown.

Jaxson Vanderbeek ran for a touchdown in the fourth quarter for Laguna Hills (1-1). Nathaniel Mammen made a game-tying field goal in the final minute of regulation and made two field goals in overtime.

In other games Friday:

Esperanza 35, Fountain Valley 17: Travis Frazier threw for 344 yards with five touchdowns for Esperanza in a win over Fountain Valley.

Eddie Matthews had 156 yards receiving with three touchdowns and two interceptions on defense. Davian Franco added 109 yards receiving with a touchdown and Jordan Sicard had a touchdown catch for Esperanza (1-0).

Capistrano Valley 26, Campo Verde 16: Capistrano Valley beat Campo Verde of Arizona despite committing four turnovers.

Talon Spencer threw two touchdown passes to Brody Saavedra and one to Colin Hooper. Jolan Gonzalez returned an interception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter for Capo Valley (2-0). Brady Hassett and Hooper also had interceptions for the Cougars.

San Clemente 35, Riverton (UT) 15: Eiler King completed 20 of 25 passes for 234 yards with two touchdowns in San Clemente’s home win over Riverton of Utah.

San Clemente (1-1) led 27-0 at halftime. Carson Sloan, Brooks Harrell and Colin Granite had rushing touchdowns for the Tritons. Jaxson Rex had a touchdown reception and 81 yards receiving.

Jack Weller led San Clemente’s defense with 10 tackles and Dallas Martinez added eight.

Mission Viejo 59, St. Paul 14: Luke Fahey completed 23 of 26 passes for over 350 yards with three touchdowns in a rout of St. Paul.

Jack Junker had two touchdown receptions and a 99-yard kick return for a touchdown. KJ Woodbury had a touchdown reception and Fahey ran for a score in the first half.

Davonte Curtis and Dallas Miller added a rushing touchdown for Mission Viejo (2-0).

El Dorado 31, Redondo Union 6: Hudson Shaddow threw three touchdown passes for El Dorado in a comfortable win over Redondo Union.

Justin Karg had two touchdown receptions and Ty Ayala added a touchdown catch. Cameron Romero had a rushing touchdown for El Dorado (2-0).

El Dorado’s defense did not allow a point by Redondo Union. Nate Larsen and Alonzo Anguiano each had sacks for the Golden Hawks.

Laguna Beach 42, Santa Monica 0: Jack Hooper had a kick return touchdown and a 90-yard interception return for a touchdown for Laguna Beach (2-0).

Jack Hurst threw three touchdown passes and Will Kimball had two touchdown receptions. Charlie Christian had a rushing touchdown for the Breakers and Wyatt Bogdan had a touchdown reception.

Pacifica 28, Garden Grove 21: Ma’kai Brown scored the game-winning touchdown for Pacifica with under three minutes remaining in a win over Garden Grove at SoFi Stadium.

Eli Sandoval had a rushing and receiving touchdown for Pacifica (1-1). Max Salas had a touchdown reception for the Mariners.

Quentin Pacelli had three rushing touchdowns for Garden Grove (0-2).

Anaheim 34, Katella 13: Jacob Campos had two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown for Anaheim in a win over Katella.

Xavier Aviles returned an interception 99 yards for a touchdown. Lloyd Nolasco ran for 120 yards with a touchdown for Anaheim (1-1).

— Michael Huntley

Dana Hills 30, El Modena 14: Radley Geiss rushed for 155 yards and two touchdowns including an 82-yard scoring run on the first play from scrimmage for the Dolphins (2-0).

James Leicester of Dana Hills had eight receptions for 156 yards and a touchdown. Dolphins quarterback Carter Anderson connected with  Aiden Desorniers for a 26-yard touchdown pass and Devin Meyer Zu Drewer added a field goal.

Canyon 26, Ayala 7: Canyon senior quarterback Alex Lundsberg threw for 364 yards and two touchdowns for the victorious Comanches (1-1).

He completed 24 of 37 passes.  Kellen Rommelfanger had eight receptions for 91 yards. Noah McClary made five catches for 100 yards and two touchdowns. Dylan Prochnow had seven receptions for 106 yards an a touchdown, and Bo Booher had four catches for 67 yards and a touchdown.

The Canyon defense came up with two safeties. Blake Hartfelder kicked three field goals.

Lundsberg has 767 passing yards this season.

Kennedy 37, Woodbridge 0: The Fighting Irish improved to 2-0 as quarterback Derek Almazan competed 14 of 20 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns.

Rocco Street had five receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown and ran for a touchdown. Ben Beasley had a touchdown reception and returned a punt 73 yards for a touchdown. Beasley had 129 all-purpose yards.

Steven Aldapa, Mahseiah Banks and Cody Herrera had interceptions and Joey Villaerana contributed a field goal.

Ocean View 16, Bolsa Grande 0: Defense led the Seahawks (1-1) in their shutout victory.

Their defense collected six sacks and four interceptions. Defensive lineman Kelvin Leal returned an interception 10 yards for a touchdown. Chris Vincent had two interceptions and Elijah Armenta had the other.

Vincent also had four receptions for 54 yards and three tackles. Luke Young caught a 19-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Dean Northam.

Estancia 29, Costa Mesa 21: The Eagles (1-0) beat the Mustangs for the fourth time in a row in their intracity football rivalry.

Estancia junior quarterback Kai Bargas threw two touchdown passes, one each to Bennett Molica and Juan Silva. Jeff Brown rushed for 91 yards and a touchdown for the Eagles. Molica also rushed for 65 yards and a touchdown.

Brandon Bettinghausen had seven solo tackles for Estancia.

— Steve Fryer

We figure it’s the same way with fans.

So our reporters, Steve Fryer and Dan Albano, are sharing some valuable information and insights about the Orange County football scene.

Like any good two-minute drill, it’s fast and to the point.

1. Is Mater Dei your pick to win the CIF-SS Division 1 title this season?

Fryer: Yes. The Monarchs seem to have separated themselves from the rest by an even larger margin than usual. Two obstacles: the kids could become complacent from having won everything possible last year; and they could take opponents lightly.

Albano: Yes, the Monarchs will three-peat as the Division 1 champion. The reigning national champion has too many playmakers and powerful linemen to be stopped, even by improved St. John Bosco.

2. Is there a county player you think will dominate this season?

Fryer: Trent Mosley, Santa Margarita receiver. Nobody is unstoppable. This guy is close. He is a first-down and touchdown machine.

Albano: Mission Viejo QB Luke Fahey. He’s the No. 1 player in the Hot 150 for a reason, and looks headed for a huge season. The Ohio State commit has improved individually and has the weapons to take charge.

3. What’s the Week 0 game that has your attention?

Fryer: The obvious answer is Mission Viejo vs. Santa Margarita at Trabuco Hills High on Friday. The game I am at on Friday is San Clemente at Tustin. Tustin has an abundance of All-Orange County candidates. San Clemente has its share of standout players, too, and a longstanding tradition of football excellence.

Albano: Mission Viejo vs. Santa Margarita. The South County rivalry game will mark the coaching debut of former Santa Margarita star Carson Palmer, which is a huge added bonus to the game.

4. Which county team missed the playoffs last year but will be much improved this season?

Fryer: Corona del Mar. The Sea Kings play in the Bravo League, which is a tremendous league with Newport Harbor, San Juan Hills, Tesoro, Villa Park and Yorba Linda, so it’s going to be difficult to leapfrog some of those teams to finish in the top three for a guaranteed playoff berth. Corona del Mar has a bunch of high-quality returnees including playmaker Dorsett Stecker at receiver, quarterback Brady Annett and perhaps an improved offensive line.

Albano: Fullerton will be much improved. After finishing 0-10 last season, the school made one of the best coaching hires of the offseason with Pete Karavedas. The former Orange County coach of the year at Sunny Hills is hungry to coach again and has assembled an all-star coaching staff.

5. Pick an Orange County player that you would want on your team if you were a coach.

Fryer: Andre Scott, Saddleback senior quarterback. At the Zeta League Media Day, he talked about how every player on that team must continue working on being responsible and accountable. “We all have to learn to think before our actions. We have to be more mature. Put your head down and work harder.” It’s said that sports provide life lessons. Andre Scott gets it.

Albano: Mater Dei’s Tomuhini Topui. Defensive tackles like “Tom Tom” are rare so he’d be my pick to anchor the defense with his physical play that demands a double or triple teams. My squad would have fun playing the USC commit some at fullback and build off his energy.

OCVarsity’s complete Orange County football preview 2025

There are previews for every team in the county, including the top players for each team.

There are rankings for every position.

Steve Fryer takes a look at the top games on this season’s schedule.

And, of course, there’s Dan Albano’s Orange County Hot 150, which ranks the players expected to have the biggest impact this season.

It’s a great way to start the season, and there will be a lot more once the games begin.

Now, who’s ready for some football?

TEAM RANKINGS

Orange County football preview: Mater Dei is No. 1 in the preseason Top 25

ORANGE COUNTY HOT 150

OCVarsity Hot 150: Orange County’s top impact football players for 2025

POSITION RANKINGS 

Orange County football preview: Ranking the Top 10 quarterbacks for 2025

OC football preview: Ranking the Top 10 receivers and tight ends for 2025

Orange County football preview: Ranking the Top 10 running backs for 2025

Orange County football preview: Ranking the Top 10 linemen for 2025

Orange County football preview: Ranking the Top 10 linebackers for 2025

Orange County football preview: Ranking the Top 10 defensive backs for 2025

Orange County football preview: Ranking the Top 10 specialists for 2025

LEAGUE PREVIEWS 

Orange County football preview 2025: Trinity League

Orange County football preview 2025: Bravo League

Orange County football preview 2025: Delta League

Orange County football preview 2025: Epsilon League

Orange County football preview 2025: Foxtrot League

Orange County football preview 2025: Iota League

Orange County football preview 2025: Kappa League

Orange County football preview 2025: Lambda League

Orange County football preview 2025: Omicron League

Orange County football preview 2025: Sigma League

Orange County football preview 2025: Tango League

Orange County football preview 2025: Zeta League

OC football preview 2025: Capistrano Valley Christian and Whittier Christian

8-MAN FOOTBALL 

Orange County football preview 2025: Sage Hill and other 8-man teams

TOP GAMES

Great matchups galore for Orange County football in 2025

NEWS & UPDATES

Los Amigos football coach Romel Guess hospitalized after ruptured intestine

Spectrum signs 3-year deal to broadcast CIF-SS sports

Top quarterback competitions to watch in Orange County fall practice

Mitch Olson ready to rejuvenate Fountain Valley football

Loyola running back Sean Morris II transfers to Orange Lutheran

Yorba Linda football to open season at SoFi Stadium against Mayfair

Lambda League preview

BECKMAN

Top players: Noah Nam, QB, Sr.; Makhi Czaykowski, RB/LB, Sr.; Aidan Tran, RB/LB, Sr.; Roy Chaya, OL/DL, Sr.; Rian Silva, OL/DL, Sr.; Nate Garcia DB/WR, Sr.

What to expect: Beckman went 10-2 last season as they captured a share of the league title before ultimately falling to Lancaster in the second round of the playoffs. Senior quarterback Noah Nam is expected to lead the Patriots back to contend for the league championship again. Beckman coach Marcello Giuliano is excited to start a new season and build on last season’s postseason run. Giuliano says the success of the Patriots running game will depend on the production of Makhi Czaykowski and Aidan Tran. Giuliano also mentioned senior Sawyer Nickelson as a player who can be an impact player on both sides of the ball. Beckman opens their season against Aliso Niguel

FULLERTON

Top players: Maeson Washington, OL/DL, Jr.; Wilson Aldana, LB/TE, Sr.; Caden Wise, WR/DB/RB, Sr.; Cyrus Aviles, LB/RB, Jr.; Logan Vasquez, OL/DL, Sr.

What to expect: Fullerton coach Pete Karavedas returns to the sidelines for the first time since he stepped down as the head coach at Sunny Hills in 2021. He described this opportunity as the ideal situation for him. “It was a long process, but the stars aligned.” Karavedas said. “I had the desire (to return) but I didn’t think there would be a situation to match the desire, and this one did.” Maeson Washington (6-5, 285) and Logan Vasquez (6-6, 290) will be a physically imposing duo of bookend tackles for the Indians. Fullerton went winless last season but is hoping players from its talented lower-level teams can fill in and contribute this season. The quarterback competition will come down to the wire as sophomore Ethan Edwards and junior Sergio Andrade have been splitting reps since the spring. Fullerton opens the season against Anaheim on Thursday, Aug. 21.

KENNEDY

Top players: Derek Almazan, QB, Sr.; Rocco Street, WR/OLB, Sr.; Noah Scott, C, Sr.; Brandon Hahm, WR/CB, Sr.; Benjamin Beasley, WR/CB, Sr.; Luke Irons, G, Sr.

What to expect: Toa Siatunu’u takes over the program after a long stint as an assistant coach. Senior quarterback Derek Almazan will lead the offense. Senior wide receiver Rocco Street, senior wide receiver Benjamin Beasley and H-back Brandon Hahm will be Almazan’s top targets. All three players will contribute on the defensive side of the ball as well. Siatunu’u wants his team to compete hard and their goal is to win the league outright, after sharing it with Beckman and Marina last season. “We can’t move forward if we’re not on the same page,” Siatunu’u said. “Whether that be on the offensive side of the ball or on the defensive side of the ball, the most important part we preach is, you have to do your assignment. You know, when we do our assignment, good things happen.”

MARINA

Top players: Brandon Atchison, DL/OL, Sr.; Gunnar Mickelson, WR/LB Sr.; Francis Saporito, RB/QB/S, Sr.; Brayden O’Rourke, LB/TE, Sr.

What to expect: Marina coach Charlie TeGantvoort is optimistic that the strength and continuity on the offensive line will bolster his team’s offensive production. James Sastrawan, Kyle Ledbetter, JJ Merrill, Lucas Ingrao will anchor the offensive line. TeGantvoort believes if the Vikings can get some solid play from Francis Saporito, who will get some snaps under center as well as at running back, and wide receiver Gunnar Mickelson, they should be in the mix to compete for a league title again. Brandon Atchison, an all-league defensive lineman, led the team in sacks last season and is expected to set the tone on defense.

SUNNY HILLS

Top players: George Shelledy, RB, Sr.; Elias Vorathavorn, RB/LB, Sr.; Tate Garcia, OL/DL, Sr.; Zach Castillo, DE/OL, Sr.

What to expect: Fred Gambrell begins his second year at the helm with a group that includes 21 seniors. Two senior running backs, George Shelledy and Elias Vorathavorn, will be featured in the backfield. Senior left tackle Tate Garcia (6-3, 290) and senior right tackle Zach Castillo will be counted on to provide stellar play on the line. Garcia is also on the radar of several college scouts. Gambrell believes his team was a few plays away from a playoff berth last season, referring to a 28-20 loss to Kennedy as a pivotal game. He hopes that his team’s hard work during the offseason can pay dividends, especially during league play.

VALENCIA

Top players: Jackson Dias, DE/WR, Sr.; Jackson Day, LB/RB, Sr.; Louis Galvan, RB/OLB, Sr.; Andrew Mendez, SS/WR, Sr.; Noel Alejandre, OL, Sr.

What to expect: Valencia is hopeful it can improve on what it did a year ago when it went 4-6 overall and 1-4 in league. The Tigers will rely on a physical defense, led by senior defensive end Jackson Dias and senior linebacker Jackson Day. Valencia coach Jason Gray believes the run game will be crucial to his team’s success. The Tigers will depend on senior tackle Noel Alejandre and senior running back Louis Galvan to provide solid play. Gray hopes his senior-laden squad can lean on its experience, especially when league play rolls around.

The girls flag football season opens Saturday with a few new rules that coaches believe will make a “major” impact on the fastest growing sport in California.

The changes most cited by Orange County coaches relate to pass rushing, screen blocking and punting.

“(Pass rushing and screen blocking down field) are major changes that will make things very difficult for coaches and referees alike,” Newport Harbor coach Jason Guyser said.

The new rules arrive as the Southern Section enters its second season with playoffs in girls flag football. The sport made its CIF-SS debut in 2023 without a postseason.

On defense this fall, an unlimited number of pass rushers can start their pursuit from 1 yard off the line of scrimmage, or 6 yards closer than last season.

The change will challenge quarterbacks to make decisions much faster. Quarterbacks, in turn, can run on every play instead of once per series.

“(It) adds a completely different dynamic for both sides of the ball,” Huntington Beach coach Zack Pannell said of the rule change.

On offense, teams will be allowed to screen block, which is obstructing the path of an opponent without the blocker making contact.

High school and college official MaryAnn Menlove shared that definition in a rules review in late May for the Southern Section.

During the review, Menlove showed a video of a legal screen block with a blocker moving in the “same line” as a pass rusher. The screen blocker’s hands were across her chest as she slid to keep the pass rusher away from the quarterback.

“There may be incidental contact but intent is what refs are looking for,” said Fullerton coach Frank Ramirez, who has experience as a flag football official. “Contact will be ruled on by the refs.”

This fall, offenses will also be allowed to punt by kicking the ball. There are no fake punts, and the receiving team can return the ball.

“(Teams) must declare punt to the ref,” Ramirez said. “The ref will then allow substitutions for the defense and offense. Both teams must remain motionless until the ball has been punted. The offense may move down field to cover the punt.”

Last season, teams didn’t kick the ball when punting. If the offense elected to punt, the ball was placed by officials on the other end of the field.

“Punting will be interesting and will have an important impact on field position,” Santa Margarita coach Brad Finneran said.

JSerra coach Brian Ong added, “You can’t just flip the field anymore and put (the ball) on the your opponent’s 20-yard line. You have to punt.”

Screen blocking will be allowed anywhere on the field, including on punts, Menlove said in the rules review.

She cautioned that “right of place” would be a determining factor for screen blocking calls against offensive and defensive players.

“This is a different style of play,” she said. “But it’s still flag football.”

The CIF State recently reported that participation in girls flag football increased 84 percent in the 2024-25 school year with almost 20,000 student-athletes.

Girls flag football ranks as the eighth-most popular girls sport in the state, just behind swimming.

The Southern Section finals are scheduled for Nov. 7-8.

SRS Real Estate Partners said Tesla has a 10-year triple net lease with options to extend at 18011 Mitchell South.

The seller was North Palisade Partners, a Los Angeles-based developer. The buyer, Np Mitchell LLC, was represented by Costa Mesa-based Tidemark Real Estate.

SRS Capital Markets Senior Vice President Pat Weibel said the property offered up a well-known tenant in “an affluent demographic base in the heart of Orange County, on the border of Irvine and Newport Beach” with a high number of Tesla owners.

“We received national and international buyer interest from every active investor class including institutional, private high net worth family offices, 1031 exchange groups, and even non-traditional real estate investors within the automotive and green energy spaces, that were looking at alternative investments,” Weibel said.

The property on 2.4 acres was renovated in 2024.

Anaheim apartment building sells for $2.3M

A seven-unit, two-story apartment complex at 128 East Wakefield Ave. in Anaheim sold May 12 for $2,264,000 or $323,428 per unit.

Marcus & Millichap’s Orange County office marketed the property for the unnamed seller. The unidentified buyer was represented by Coldwell Banker.

The 64-year-old property includes four one-bedroom units and three two-bedroom units. All units were renovated and exterior features also got updated.

San Clemente shopping center swaps owners for $9M

A San Clemente shopping center anchored by DMV sold May 23 for $8.9 million.

Casual Cascade De, LLC sold the 24,933-square-foot retail center at 2727 Via Cascadita to Space Investment Partners, according to Tony Azzi and Rabbie Banafsheha of The Azzi Group of Marcus & Millichap.

The brokerage represented the seller. The buyer paid in cash.

“This was a very complicated transaction due to having to navigate the Coastal Commission, working with the city, and managing multiple moving parts simultaneously,” said Banafsheha, first vice president investments.

The property, anchored by the Department of Motor Vehicles, sits on a 2.81-acre lot next to the Outlets at San Clemente.

Taco Bell property chomps $2.35 million deal

A 2,527-square foot Taco Bell property at 10901 Garden Grove Blvd. in Garden Grove sold recently in a 1031 exchange for $2,350,000 in what the brokerage Marcus & Millichap called “a competitive bidding environment.”

“The property was on the market eight days prior to the Letter of Intent,” shared Sheila Alimadadian, first vice president investments in Marcus & Millichap’s Orange County office. “This was a highly competitive asset with multiple offers.”

Coldwell Banker Realty marketed the listing for the seller, CY Investment LLC. The buyer, The Fouladinejad Family Trust, was represented by Marcus & Millichap.

Office property in La Palma trades for $6M

A 21,216-square-foot office property at 22 Centerpointe Drive in La Palma for $6.025 million.

The buyer, a local owner-user, bought the asset from an unnamed institutional joint venture, according to CBRE.

On the move

Daniel Gehman in February joined the commercial real estate design firm Ware Malcomb in Irvine as director of Multifamily, where he will focus on expanding the firm’s architectural projects on the West Coast. For the past 27 years, Gehman was principal and studio director and senior designer at Danielian Associates Architects + Planners and Humphreys & Partners Architects, among others, focusing on residential infill and multifamily projects.

The real estate roundup is compiled from news releases and written by Business Editor Samantha Gowen. Submit items and high-resolution photos via email to  sgowen@scng.com . Please allow at least a week for publication. All items are subject to editing for clarity and length.