Rossmoor Community Service District directors, officials light Christmas tree

L-R Dr. Kenneth Huh, MemorialCare, Assembly member Tri Ta, Director Jo Shade, RCSD President Tony DeMarco, Santa Claus, State Sen. Janet Nguyen, RCSD General Manager Joe Mendoza, Jenny and Brad Simon. Photo by David N. Young

The Rossmoor Community Services District and visiting elected officials joined each other on stage during the district’s annual WinterFest event to officially light the neighborhood’s Christmas tree.

“On behalf of the Rossmoor Community Services District Board of Directors, we welcome you to our annual Christmas festival and Tree Lighting Ceremony,” said General Director Joe Mendoza in introducing the event.

“At this time, we’re going to have a little ceremony for the tree lighting, and I would like to introduce our president of the Rossmoor Community Services District Tony DeMarco.

DeMarco was the Master of Ceremonies for the event, and he was joined on stage by Director Jo Shade. Shade introduced Los Al High School student Mesa Valley, who performed the national anthem.

“Good evening, Rossmoor family and friends. What a great crowd we have out here tonight,” she said.

DeMarco thanked State Sen. Janet Nguyen, who also attended the event.

“I’m very excited to be here. I’ve represented Rossmoor since 2014, “ said Nguyen, and I’ve been here at every one of these.”

The state Senator also thanked the staff and volunteers helping to produce the Rossmoor annual WinterFest event.

“Without them, we don’t get to enjoy these kinds of festivities,” she said. “Merry Christmas, Happy holiday. Enjoy, be safe. And if you can help a little bit, let’s help somebody else who might not be able to get that Christmas gift. We would all appreciate it,” said Nguyen.

Assembly member Tri Ta attended the first WinterFest event since being elected to the post. He is the former Mayor of Westminster serving now in the State Assembly in a district which includes the community of Rossmoor.

“So happy to be here,” said Tri Ta. “Rossmoor is in my assembly district. It’s my honor to serve you in Sacramento. I want to thank the leadership of the of the board president and the vice president and the rest of the Rossmoor CSD and the many other nonprofit organizations who

“So Merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah and happy holidays to you and your family,” he said.

Shade also thanked the Hopkinson Elementary School Choir, the Rossmoor Elementary Choir, St. Hedwig Choir, Lee Elementary Choir, Weaver elementary Choir, McAuliffe and Oak Middle School Choirs, the Impact Dance Center and the hula group for all contributing the WinterFest entertainment.

DeMarco thanked title sponsors Dr. Kenneth Huh of MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach along with Brad and Jenny Simon from the Simon Law Group for being the event’s title sponsor.

DeMarco thanked other sponsors, including Friday Night Lights, Rossmoor Homeowners Association, Tomlin Real Estate, Jones & Meyer, CR&R, OCFA, OCSO, Braithwaite Chiropractic and The Youth Center.