Category: local hero

Steve Lewandowski: Veterans’ ‘Go-To’ Guy

DEL MAR, Calif.—Known as the “go-to guy” for helping veterans in his community, third-generation veteran Steve Lewandowski has made a name for himself after working tirelessly for years to help other vets in his area and local American Legion, the world’s largest wartime veterans organization. A former legion commander for his local post, Lewandowski received…


Local Hero Flies Old Glory for Service Members Before Memorial Day

ORANGE, Calif.—An Orange County man has become a local hero for “painting” his community red, white, and blue in preparation for Memorial Day. Jorge Cortez, a resident of Orange, California, and Loyal Knight Officer of the Orange Elks Lodge—a fraternal order with nearly a million members since its establishment in 1868—has been supporting veteran service…


Police Appreciation Becomes Independence Day Tradition

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.—After Dotty McDonald lost her husband of 51 years, Hank, in 2015, the Newport Beach resident knew she had to keep her mind and body busy. On a suggestion from her Godson, who was then a lieutenant with the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD), McDonald enrolled in the Newport Beach Citizen’s Police Academy….


Southern California Property Manager Helps Tenants in Need

Christopher Reeve, an actor most famous for playing Superman on the big screen, once said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” According to Pamela Riley-DiCarlo, a renter in Rancho Cucamonga, California, her property manager, Crystal Lawless, fits this description to a T….


Teen Brings Happiness to Seniors With Handmade Bears

“Even one small bear can impact someone’s life in wonderful ways,” William Pugmire, 16, told The Epoch Times. He would know. Since March, Pugmire has personally given about 100 bears he made to senior citizens around his home city of Carlsbad, California. “They love them so much,” he said. “They have said it makes them…