Interested in photography?

The Fullerton Arboretum will host a nature photography class on Sunday, June 25 to help amateur to advanced photographers learn how to use space, light and time to take memorable photos.

Nature photographer Steve Kaye will lead the talk and demonstrate techniques to advance attendees’ photography and graphic design skills.

Registration is $25 for members and $30 for non-members.

Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the botanical garden’s educational programs and student scholarships.

– Denisse Salazar

If you go

When: 1 to 4 p.m. June 25

Where: Fullerton Arboretum, 1900 Associate Road, Fullerton

Cost: $25 for members and $30 for non-members.

Information: fullertonarboretum.org or 657-278-3407.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO – At least 1,000 south Orange County and San Diego County residents of the 49th Congressional district converged at San Juan Hills High School for a town hall with Republican Rep. Darrell Issa, Saturday morning, June 3.

About an hour before the 9 a.m. town hall, a raucous group opposing President Donald Trump’s administration and trying to unseat Issa in 2018, chanted, sang songs against congressman and held signs detailing support for everything from women’s reproductive rights to the Paris climate accord.

Issa’s supporters, meanwhile, stood quietly in line to enter the high school’s auditorium.

“He’s more moderate than, say Mimi Walters,” said Thea Dunlevie, 19, a UCLA student and San Juan Capistrano resident, referring to another Orange County representative. “He deserves credit for that.”

About 30 minutes before the town hall, she discussed Issa not supporting Trump’s withdrawal from Paris, and his advocacy for a special prosecutor in the investigation into Russia’s involvement in the Trump campaign.

“He’s not in Trump’s pocket,” she said.

Others, though, were not so sure.

“We’re in a political reality where they (representatives) support the party, not the people,” said Kit Dameron, 71, of San Diego, who wants to unseat Issa.

Issa won his seat again in November, but squeaked by, and Dameron and her daughter, Kristen O’Connor, said they feel confident outrage at Trump and the Republican Party can improve Democrat’s usually tepid performance in midterm elections.

“People are so outraged,” Dameron said, “people are more engaged in civics. It’s encouraging.”

Similar crowds attended a town hall with the congressman in March.

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“We almost had a female president. Almost,” Bibhu Mohapatra began during a walk-through in his studio. “This collection is paying attention to the female youth of this era to inspire them to be the best in their own fields, be leaders and [be] inspiring to others.”
For a designer whose career has been steeped in designing eveningwear, how does this message translate over to a younger generation? To start, Mohapatra isn’t designing for the trend-obsessed; his clients look to him for longevity. So his message was subtle, found physically in the form of a honeycomb embroidery that decorated ballgown skirts and a playful organza blouse with rounded shoulders and drawstring ties; the same geometric shape was found on mosaic tiles adorning skirts and full-length dresses. They were both a metaphor for community — as bees work together to build a honeycomb — and being able to accomplish goals by working with others.
Elsewhere, the designer hoped to inspire confidence and courage through more youthful silhouettes and strong tailoring. A sexy black-and-white cutout dress with Japanese lace was clearly targeted at the body confident, as was a bright red top fashioned with dropped shoulders in a Japanese crepe. But the most youthful pieces

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It’s not clear what we gain as a nation from pulling out of the Paris climate agreement. It is clear we’ve lost something; perhaps some influence as the leader of the free world.

Those who accept climate science see failure to act to reduce human-caused effects on the global climate as a looming disaster that would dwarf most others. But even those who don’t accept or don’t care that human activities might be warming the climate should be taken aback by the United States’ abdication of its world leadership In recent months.

The Paris pullout comes on the heels of President Trump’s decision not to reaffirm explicitly the central tenet of the NATO alliance. On his trip to Brussels, he opted not to voice support for Article 5, the provision that says an attack on one NATO member is an attack on all.

The Paris pullout and the NATO silence are both primarily symbolic. But when it comes to leadership, symbolism and optics are key.

As the U.S pulls back from its traditional leading role, we leave room for China or others to move in. “America first” threatens to leave America second — or worse — in terms of influence and ability to shape diplomacy around the world.

The Paris accord is a nonbinding, non-enforceable agreement. Former President Barack Obama made commitments on behalf of the United States, but they weren’t approved by Congress as a treaty would be. Trump has every right to change them, just as he has been countermanding many of Obama’s climate-related executive orders. He could alter any of the terms, including financial commitments.

Trump could have better thrown U.S. weight around acting as Paris quarterback, or coach, than by taking his ball and going home.

Some of the president’s top economic and diplomatic advisers advocated staying in the deal. Trump kept a campaign promise, sure, but if the purpose is to thumb our nose at Europe, Obama, science and assorted eggheads, we gain little.

The pullout leaves industries wondering where we’re headed on environmental policy and how to invest. That’s not a good way to stimulate the economy or grow confidence at home or abroad.