Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Monthly Archives: November 2010

Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble’s 4th Annual Milagros fundraiser set for Dec. 4

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Charities, Entertainment, Santa Ana, Women Leave a comment

Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble’s 4th Annual Milagros fundraiser is coming up this SATURDAY December 4th from 1-5pm at the Bistro 400 in downtown Santa Ana, which is located at 400 W 4th Street.

If you want to support the arts–especially the arts here in Santa Ana–and want to support the work of an award-winning grassroots theater organization run (on an all-volunteer basis) by a group of women raised and educated in the public schools right here in Santa Ana, WE NEED YOUR HELP! If you have not already purchased tickets for the fundraiser, please log onto brownpapertickets.com.  To reserve your spot now click here .  Click here to download the event flyer.

The Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble has been going strong for seven years now and remains the ONLY theater company in all of diverse Orange County that strives to reflect the Latino/a experience in America on its stage.

Event Includes:

Food, Music, Dancing, Performances, Door Prizes, Raffle, Silent Auction, and the Launching of the BOFLTE 2011 Season

Performances and Guest Appearances Include:

  • Rock band, ¡Aparato!  http://www.facebook.com/aparatorock.  www.myspace.com/aparatorock
  • The vocal talents of Nancy Sanchez.  www.nancysanchezmusic.com
  • Xicana Comedy Troupe – Las Ramonas.  www.lasramonas.com
  • The art work of Sandy Rodriguez (Currently exhibiting at Skirball Cultural Center of Los Angeles).  www.sandyrodriguez.org

In 2011, we are planning some exciting new collaborations and have plans to host a 5th anniversary production of the sell-out show The “Mexican” OC, based on an oral-history project funded by the California Council for the Humanities Story Fund.

And in case you hadn’t heard, Breath of Fire has recently expanded its role in the community with the launch of a series of free college readiness workshops for Santa Ana high school students at the Eibar Coffee Company. We hope to continue this great work but, of course, need the help from the community in order to do so!

Last year we were able– mostly through the support of local residents and patrons of the arts–to raise $8,000! Our goal this year is to raise a total of $10,000. The tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Best of all, because we are an all-volunteer operation, anything you donate to Breath of Fire goes directly into the production of the art!

Also, this event is scheduled for the afternoon on an Art Walk night, so it is a perfect way to begin the evening in downtown Santa Ana AND to support a local arts organization. We have an exciting line-up of performers ranging from a jazz musician to a Chicana comedy troupe, and a silent auction which includes an amazing list of artwork (one from a Pulitizer-prize winning photographer!). I have attached a flyer with more details about this fundraiser that I encourage you to share with others.

Any and all support is immensely appreciated!

Who will run for the Santa Ana City Council in 2012?

Posted on by Posted in Alfredo Amezcua, Carlos Bustamante, Civic Affairs, Claudia Alvarez, David Benavides, Democratic Party, Elections, Janet Nguyen, Jose Solorio, Michele Martinez, Miguel Pulido, Politics, Sal Tinajero, Santa Ana, Vince Sarmiento 7 Comments

This year’s Santa Ana City Council elections were a mixed bag.  On the one hand, mayoral challenger Alfredo Amezcua proved he could run a serious campaign – but he lost badly to Mayor Miguel Pulido, despite spending a quarter million, from what I hear.

The Council incumbents won handily.  Michele Martinez and David Benavides ran unopposed.  Sal Tinajero was challenged by Nam Pham and Helen Martinez.  They were not competitive.

But 2012 will be a different bag altogether.  Vice Mayor Claudia Alvarez is termed out.  Councilman Carlos Bustamante will be running for his third term – but this time he figures to draw heavy competition, after he was caught campaigning for Republican Assemblyman Van Tran, who challenged Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez.  And Councilman Vince Sarmiento might leave the Council and run for Assemblyman Jose Solorio’s seat in the 69th A.D., creating an open seat on the Council.

Amezcua could run for Mayor again, but he ought to consider challenging Bustamante, who has been in cruise control for a few years.  If Amezcua does that, he might pick up support from folks who support Pullido but want Bustamante, who is the last Republican on the Santa Ana City Council, off the Council.

Who else might challenge Bustamante?  Well, how about past Assembly candidate Armando de la Libertad, who lives in the new CityPlace center?  He is very popular and he is very well connected in the O.C. business community.

Guess who else lives in Bustamante’s ward?  Popular SAUSD Trustee John Palacio, an ally of Amezcua.  Palacio just won a new term on the SAUSD School Board.  He would have a free shot at Bustamante’s seat.

What about Alvarez’ Ward?  The obvious leading candidate would have to be SAUSD Trustee Roman Reyna, who ran for the City Council before.  He works at the new Santa Ana YMCA and previously worked at the Boys and Girls Club.  He knows a lot of families in town, and he is also popular in the faith community.  He would be a formidable challenger, if he could raise enough money.

But it is unlikely that Tinajero, Martinez and Councilman Vince Sarmiento would back Reyna.  The danger for the progressive Council majority would be that Reyna would team up with Benavides, Pulido and Bustamante (if Bustamante won reelection) and form a new conservative Council majority.

Then again, who knows?  It is still very early in the game.  Alvarez’ ward includes the Artesia-Pilar and Washington Square Neighborhood Associations.  Both are full of activists and community leaders, including past SAUSD candidates Gloria Alvarado, Cecilia Aguinaga, Oscar Garza and Irene Ibarra, and past Rancho Santiago CCD candidate Lynette Verino, as well as former Councilman Tom Lutz and his wife Nancy, who lost to Alvarez many years ago.  And I think that Amezcua’s daughter Valerie might live in this Ward too.  She also ran for the SAUSD Board a couple years ago.

If Sarmiento leaves the Council to run for Solorio’s seat he might well end up running against AUHSD Trustee Jordan Brandman – and Solorio may go with Brandman instead of backing Sarmiento.  Of course Solorio will have to be careful as he may end up running against Supervisor Janet Nguyen in 2012.

So who might run for Sarmiento’s seat?  Community leader Jim Walker did pretty well in 2008, when he challenged Sarmiento.  He might run again.  But most likely we will see a number of Commissioners and Neighborhood leaders run for this Ward.

What about Pulido?  He won handily, again, this year.  I doubt anyone will challenge him this time, except for perhaps Amezcua.  Oh, you might see a few underdog candidates arise, but no one is going to defeat Pulido.  And don’t forget that 2012 will be a presidential election year.  Pulido will be helping Obama – and that means Obama will be helping him.  Game over for anyone who wants to take on Pulido…

Santa Ana is OC’s most interesting city

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Economy, Orange County, Redevelopment, Restaurants, Santa Ana 7 Comments

Yesterday on the Orange Juice Blog an anonymous commenter using the nom de plum “Been around a while” made the comment, “I hope you can take this blog beyond dwelling on Santa Ana…Lot’s of OC residents have written Santa Ana off as a lost cause“.  This is the attitude of many around Orange County and even some residents of our city.  Just read the comments on the OC Register website and the ignorance and negativity about Santa Ana flows freely.

Well as someone who was born and raised in Santa Ana and continues to live here to this day I could not disagree with this sentiment more.  Santa Ana is a great place to live and is by far the most interesting city in Orange County.  We are anything but a “lost cause”, our best days lie ahead.  There is no other place in Orange County with the potential of our great city and thanks to the leadership from our Mayor and City Councilmembers we will reach that potential.

No other city in Orange County has the charm and character that Santa Ana does.  Whether you are enjoying a walk along tree lined Victoria Drive in the Floral Park area of the city or having a “home cooked” Mexican meal at La Chiquita in the Logan Barrio there is no other place like it.  This certainly has the masterplanned community of Irvine beat hands down where disputes over whether you can paint your house eggshell or sand are the order of the day.

On any given day you can visit the Discovery Science Center, Bowers Museum or the Heritage Museum of Orange County.   Of course you can always look for historic home tours being put on by residents within our cities historic neighborhoods too.  Santa Ana has a wealth of history for those of you that are history buffs.

Of course we can’t forget the awesome Santa Ana Zoo located within our very own Prentice Park.  You can see monkeys, exotic birds and even an anteater.  Where else in Orange County can you do that? 

If the arts are your thing Santa Ana is the place for you as well.  You can visit the studios and galleries in the Artist Village downtown.  Sure Laguna Beach has the arts but can you enjoy incredible streets tacos and other authentic Latin American cuisine just a short walk away as you can in Santa Ana?

Shopping?  We have that too.  From original little shops like Calacas on Fourth Street, to the small businesses along Calle Cuatro or Nordstroms and Macy’s at the Main Place Mall, Santa Ana is the place for you.

Looking for a great place to eat?  We have those too.  Enjoy Morton’s Steakhouse in south Santa Ana, Antonello’s next door to that, Bistro 400 downtown across from the Federal Courthouse, The Olde Ship British Pub on 17th Street just east of Bristol or the Memphis and Lola Gaspar in the Artists Village.  Yes we have these fine eateries and so many others in Santa Ana.

If you are looking for a little nightlife Santa Ana can accomodate that too.  Mike Harrah’s Original Mike’s Restaurant is always jumping every night of the week.  You can always give Proof Bar or The Crosby a looksee as well.

Yes there are plenty of exciting things to see and do in Santa Ana and our best days are ahead of us.  Does our community have some obstacles to overcome?  You bet.  However we can no longer sit back and allow our city to be defined by the negative stories posted in the OC Register or by the ignorant comments spewed by outsiders and malcontents within in our city.

Much like downtown Los Angeles has experienced a rebirth with projects such as LA Live so too will Santa Ana.  We just need to find the courage and self esteem to see it through.  We can no longer allow our detractors and NIMBY’s stand in the way of our city reaching its full potential.  The time is now and the place is Santa Ana.  Lets all work towards making our community the place to be.

The recent election was a great start.  Keeping the current council majority in tact was a positive move for the future of our city.  However this does not rest soley on the shoulders of Mayor Miguel Pulido and the city council, we must all do our part.  We must become educated about the issues in our city and informed about the projects and instruments of change being proposed.  Don’t let those seeking to undermine Mayor Pulido and the others define what is happening here in Santa Ana.

Art Pedroza and I plan to use this blog as an instrument of change and an educational tool to help move our city forward and to continue to make it Orange County’s most interesting city.

Should the Santa Ana Libraries be open on Sundays?

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Education, Literature, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Most public libraries in the cities surrounding Santa Ana are open on Sundays.  The Santa Ana Public Libraries are closed on Sundays.  Should they be open as well?

The need is great in our city for such services on the weekend as kids often are assigned homework that is due on Monday. Many children in our city lack access to the Internet, sad to say. Our Main Library, in particular, offers a number of computer terminals for use by the public.

We do have budget issues in Santa Ana and cannot simply add another day of wages and benefits, however these is a ready solution.

We currently open at 10 am every day. I think however that we should consider opening later in the day, say perhaps at noon, and using the extra time on Sunday instead. At the very least we need to open up the main library.

We would not need a full complement of library staff on Sundays. No need for any master librarians, for example.

We cannot afford to open more libraries, although the need is great, but this plan would be achievable at no extra cost.

During the summer we could easily roll back to the regular hours, but during the school year we need to make the library available to our young people on Sundays.

The City of Costa Mesa offers library services, for comparison’s sake, on Sundays, at: http://egov.ocgov.com/ocgov/OC%20Public%20Libraries/Library%20Locator/Costa%20Mesa%20-%20Mesa%20Verde

So does the main library in Garden Grove, at: http://egov.ocgov.com/ocgov/OC%20Public%20Libraries/Library%20Locator/Garden%20Grove%20Regional.

As does Tustin, at http://egov.ocgov.com/ocgov/OC%20Public%20Libraries/Library%20Locator/Tustin.

And Irvine, at http://egov.ocgov.com/ocgov/OC%20Public%20Libraries/Library%20Locator/Irvine%20Heritage%20Park.

Those libraries are open at 10 am, during the week, but I don’t see the harm in opening later. We already offer a lot of services online. If an adult resident has some emergency that requires the use of a library in the morning, he or she can always go to a local OC library, such as the one in Orange, on Chapman. Kids don’t have as many options.

In these tough times it makes sense to EXPAND services if we can do so without incurring a hit to our budget, doesn’t it?

The good news is that Santa Ana Parks and Recreation Director Gerardo Mouet has agreed to consider this and we will be meeting in January to discuss my proposal.  Please consider letting him know what you think, by clicking here.

This is a small change but it will send the message that we care about education here in Santa Ana.

LULAC declares a crisis in education that is hurting Latino youth

Posted on by Posted in california, Education, Latino Leaders, Latinos, Santa Ana, Youth Activities 9 Comments

Press Release: Friday, December 3, 2010 Time: 10:30 AM

Contacto: Denis O’Leary: (805) 4071987 and Thomas Gonzalez (562) 397-8118

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Moscone Center
747 Howard Street,
San Francisco, CA 94103

The League of United Latin American Citizens has declared there is a crisis in education and calls for immediate legislative reform to advance the majority Latino population in California’s public education. California legislators and administrators must make changes that will enable Latinos to participate fully in the American Dream. Benny Diaz, LULAC State Director says, “It is high time that students are made a priority and that the curriculum reflect the immediate needs of Latino children for an education that will put a halt to the staggering number of dropouts and incarcerations of Latino youth.” LULAC State and National leaders will call for substantial reform in California’s educational system. Further, LULAC will demand greater legislative and administrative accountability in the furtherance of an equitable educational system for Latinos that includes:

* Economic stability in school districts located in poorer communities.
*Parent training classes: voluntary and mandatory
* Eliminating periods 1-6, to create block learning
* Clear academic objectives for each grade level in elementary school
* Enforce physical education and healthy food requirements in public schools
* Middle School retention classes for failing students;
* Dropout prevention programs beginning in middle school
* Bilingual instruction.
* Equity in educational materials.
* Greater English language learner support.
* Vastly improved counseling services
* Expand vocational training for non-college bound students
* Reform in high stakes testing
* Ed. funding sources: repeal Prop. 13, tax on oil companies

LULAC will announce its concerns at the Annual conference of the California School Board Association in San Francisco, California. This conference attracts School Board Members throughout California’s roughly 1,000 public school districts. Attendees also includes leaders in education and State legislators.

The League of United Latin American Citizens, the oldest and largest Hispanic membership organization in the country, advances the economic conditions, educational attainment, political influence, health, housing and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 800 LULAC councils nationwide.

************************************************************************************************************

PARA DIFUSIÓN INMEDIATA
Viernes Diciembre 3, 2010 10:30 AM

Contacto: Denis O’Leary: (805) 4071987 and Thomas Gonzalez (562) 397-8118

Comunicado de Prensa

The Moscone Center
747 Howard Street,
San Francisco, CA 94103

La Liga de Ciudadanos Latinoamericanos Unidos (LULAC) en California declara que hay una crisis en el sistema educativo y hace un llamado para una reforma legislativa inmediata para transformar la educación pública en California. LULAC dice que los legisladores y los administradores deben realizar cambios que permitan a los latinos participar plenamente en el sueño americano. Benny Díaz, Director Estatal de LULAC, dice, “Ya es hora de que los estudiantes sean una prioridad. Que el nuevo plan educativo refleje las necesidades inmediatas de los niños Latinos por una educación que ponga fin al alto índice de estudiantes que no terminan la secundaria y por ende, terminar con el encarcelamientos de jóvenes latinos en vez de ser educados.. ” LULAC requerirá una reforma sustancial y profunda en el sistema educativo de California. Además, LULAC demanda una mayor responsabilidad legislativa y administrativa en la promulgación de un sistema equitativo de educación para los Latinos que incluya:

* La estabilidad económica en los distritos escolares ubicados en las comunidades más pobres.
* Clases de entrenamiento para padres: voluntarios y obligatorios
* La eliminación de períodos de 1-6, para crear el bloque de aprendizaje
* Claro los objetivos académicos de cada nivel de grado en la escuela primaria
* La re- enfatización de la educación física y las necesidades de alimentos saludables en las escuelas públicas
* Clases de retención para los estudiantes de la escuela media o middle School
* Programas de prevención de abandono de los estudiantes a partir de la escuela media
* La instrucción bilingüe como programa de inmersión.
* Equidad en los materiales educativos.
* Mayor énfasis en apoyar a los estudiantes en el idioma Inglés
* Mejoramiento y expansión los servicios de consejería para los estudiantes
* Expansión de la formación técnica profesional para estudiantes que no irán ser parte del sistema universitario
* Reforma de los examines y pruebas de graduación
* Fuentes de financiamiento para la Educación: derogar la Proposición 13, el impuesto a las compañías petroleras
* Especial impuesto para corporaciones que dicen ser nacionales pero con oficinas corporativas fuera de California o el país

LULAC dará a conocer su preocupación por la conferencia anual de la Asociación de Juntas Escolares de California en San Francisco, California. Esta conferencia atrae a los miembros del Consejo Escolar a lo largo de aproximadamente 1.000 de California distritos de escuelas públicas. Los asistentes también incluye a los líderes de los legisladores la educación y el Estado.

La Liga de Ciudadanos Latinoamericanos Unidos, (LULAC) es la organización más antigua y más grande de membrecía hispana en el país. LULAC lucha por los avances de las condiciones económicas, los logros educativos, influencia política, salud, vivienda y los derechos civiles de los hispanoamericanos a través de programas comunitarios que operan en más de 800 concilios en de todo el país.

How would you like to work for Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez?

Posted on by Posted in Garden Grove, Jobs, Loretta Sanchez, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The Office of Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez is seeking a strategic, proactive, and community-oriented individual for the position of Field Representative. The position will be based in the Garden Grove District Office.

Field Representatives serve as liaisons to constituents, government agencies, businesses, and local community groups. The portfolio for this specific opening includes banking/finance, housing, transportation, business groups, and telecommunications.

Deadline to submit resumes is December 13, 2010. Send, fax, or e-mail cover letter and resume to: Paula Negrete District Director 12397 Lewis St., Suite 101 Garden Grove, CA 92840 paula.negrete@mail.house.gov 714-621-0401 Fax

Essential Duties:

  • Attend meetings of local government and community groups, speak on behalf of the Congresswoman, and report back with recommendations for action on issues of importance to the district.
  • Responsible for tracking district priorities as identified by the Congresswoman, recommending strategies for achieving those priorities, and executing a district plan.
  • Identify, plan, and coordinate events for the Congresswoman’s district trips, including advancing the event site and writing event memorandums, talking points, and preparing background information.
  • Maintain an awareness and involvement in district affairs and issues, reporting to the Congresswoman as appropriate. -Contribute to a strategic weekly report, with updates on the progress of priority district issues.
  • Other related work as assigned. Knowledge of/ Ability to: -Familiarity with communities within the 47th Congressional District. -Establish and maintain cooperative relationships/ verbally communicate effectively with constituent groups, elected officials, government agencies, and business leaders.
  • Strong written communication skills; ability to research and draft memorandums, reports, and talking points.
  • Knowledge of office computer applications. -Event planning experience desirable.
  • Work night and/or weekend hours as necessary to attend meetings, staff the Congresswoman, or perform other essential duties.
  • Work independently in the absence of supervision.
  • Understand and carry out directions, and take the initiative.

Click here to read a full job description.

A Queer Carol opens at Santa Ana’s Theatre Out on Dec. 3

Posted on by Posted in Entertainment, LGBT, music, Santa Ana Leave a comment

December 3 – 18

From the creator of Theatre Out’s hit Clapptrap or the Sound of Musicals, Joe Godfrey, comes A Queer Carol, an outrageously funny and touching version of Charles Dickens’ classic story about discovering the true meaning of Christmas.

A fabulous re-telling of an old favorite!

A reason not to pass up the fruitcake this holiday season!”- Curtain Up

Southern California Premiere!

Featuring: Andrea Dennison-Laufer, Christopher Diehl, Richard DeVicariis Justin Scott Eaton, Andrew Kelley, Lori Kelley, Tito Ortiz, Jeffery G. Rockey and Christopher Peduzzi as Ebenezer Scrooge.

Directed by David C. Carnevale

Purchase tickets today

$18 General Admission, $15 Student Admission. Visit our Box Office to search for the perfect performance night and reserve your seats today, or call 714-826-8700. Special discounted performance available!

Dream Act press conference in Anaheim on Nov. 30

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Arab Americans, Churches and Religion, Civil Rights, Education, Entertainment, immigration, Latinos, mexico, Santa Ana, Working Families, Youth Activities 1 Comment

Orange County DREAM Team’s Banner Holding for the DREAM Act in Santa Ana, CA. 11/28/2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 24, 2010

Contact: Aura Vasquez, 714-931-6045, aura@occcopico.org or Vanessa Martinez, 714-767-9860, vanessa.clue@gmail.com

Top Faith and Community Leaders “March for the DREAM” with Orange County Congregations, Families, and Students

Orange County Congregation Community Organization (OCCCO), in partnership with the Orange County DREAM Team (OCDT) and Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE OC), will hold a “March for the DREAM” in support of the DREAM Act, providing a pathway for citizenship and higher education to college bound immigrants and those serving in the US Military. OCCCO, CLUE, OCDT, and their partners urge Senators to show moral leadership and vision when voting for the DREAM Act.

WHO:

  • Bishop, Dominic Luong, Diocese of Orange
  • Dr. Jose Moreno, School Board President of Anaheim School District
  • DREAM ACT Student Testimonies
  • Community organizations including Los Amigos of Orange County and the League of Women Voters
  • Anaheim Union High School District
  • Other clergy and top religious leaders from Orange County
  • Chaired by: OCCCO Leaders Jan Meslin from Tapestry Unitarian Universalist Congregation and Annan Aboul-Nasr from the Islamic Institute of Orange County

WHAT: “March for the DREAM” – Families, youth, and clergy from Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, and Unitarian congregations throughout Orange County will gather together for a march from St. Boniface to Anaheim High School to hold a press conference in support of our immigrant youth. As communities of faith, the march to the school symbolizes putting our faith into action to stand in solidarity with students and urge Senators to support the DREAM ACT.

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010 – 2:30 pm to 3:15 pm, press conference starts at 2:45 at Anaheim High School.  Click here to RSVP on Facebook.

WHERE: Starts: St. Boniface Catholic Church, 120 N. Janss Street, Anaheim, CA 92805
Ends: Anaheim High School, 811 West Lincoln Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92805

VISUALS: Clergy, students, families marching and standing together, with signs saying “ready to serve”, “we want the American DREAM”, and “I want to be a teacher, lawyer, nurse, doctor, etc.”

MORE INFORMATION

Thousands of hard working young people who were brought to the United States as infants or children can now be locked up in federal detention centers and deported to a country they’ve never known. The DREAM Act could stop the injustice by giving students who have grown up and graduated high school in the United States the opportunity to earn legal status college or military service. For almost 10 years immigrant youth have been fighting for the passage of the DREAM Act. As people of faith, we support the DREAM Act because we believe in protecting the dignity of every human being, especially that of our children.

BACKGROUND ON PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS

Orange County Congregation Community Organization (OCCCO) is an interfaith network of 22 member congregations and civic groups representing 50,000 families in eight cities throughout Orange County. OCCCO was established in 1985 and is a current member federation of the PICO National Network – the largest faith-based organizing network in the nation, representing more than 1 million families across the United States.

Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice of Orange County (CLUE OC) provides spiritual leadership in the movement to achieve economic justice in Orange County. We seek to achieve a California with a moral economy where workers will have just wages and safe working conditions. We also seek the removal of barriers that hinder full participation of low wage workers and immigrant families in society and the workplace, including the reform of our immigration system. CLUE Orange County is one of 13 affiliates of the statewide network CLUE California

The Orange County DREAM Team (OCDT) is an organization composed of students, allies and community members, who advocate for the rights of undocumented students of all nationalities and is also dedicated to the passage of the DREAM Act.

You are invited to the OC Human Relations Wassail on Dec. 9

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Entertainment, music, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Greetings! Every year at this time OC Human Relations invites our friends to join us in a toast to good health or “Wassail”. We hope you will come raise a glass of hot cider with us to wish for peace and justice in our communities.

Come and catch up with old friends, make new ones and help us honor the volunteers that keep OC Human Relations going.

Sincerely,

OC Human Relations Board, Commission and Staff

December 9th, 4-6pm
at OC Human Relations
1300 S. Grand Ave. Bldg. B
Santa Ana CA, 92705

Light refreshments will be served.

RSVP Here:crystal@ochumanrelations.org or 714.567.7470

First Baptist Church of Santa Ana invites you to a potluck and Bible study on Dec. 1

Posted on by Posted in Charities, Churches and Religion, Entertainment, Santa Ana Leave a comment

First Baptist Church of Santa Ana invites you to their Small Growth Groups’ Potluck Dinner and Fellowship, this Wednesday, Dec. 1, at 6 pm, at their Fireside Room.  Come for dinner and remain with friends for fellowship and bible study, starting at 7 pm.  Invite your family and friends!

Please note that if you cannot bring something to the potluck, you should not let that stop you from attending.  There will be plenty of food for everyone!

Thirteen people organized First Baptist Church of Santa Ana on a Saturday in March of 1871.  It is one of Santa Ana’s oldest churches.  Today it is a vibrant church with services offered in English and Spanish.

First Baptist Church of Santa Ana is located at 1010 West 17th St., in Santa Ana. Call 714.547.2557 for more information. Andy Quient is the Senior Pastor.

Sunday Worship Services:

  • Traditional Service @ 9:00 a.m.
  • Adult Sunday School class@ 10:00 a.m.
  • Sunday School for Children @ 11:00 a.m.
  • Contemporary Service @ 11:00 a.m.
  • Hispanic Services: 11:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Children’s Center

First Baptist Church of Santa Ana has openings in Preschool and Kindergarten. If you need childcare, please call them at 714.547.7881.  Receive a FREE gift everytime you refer a new student. Call us for more information.

Radio Program

Every Sunday tune into AM 830 KLAA, from 9:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m and catch up with Pastor Andy.

Habitat restoration training course on Dec. 2, in Tustin

Posted on by Posted in Entertainment, Nature, Orange County, Parks and Recreation, Tustin Leave a comment

Back to Natives Restoration, in a cooperative agreement with the United States Forest Service in the Cleveland National Forest, will lead a hands-on habitat restoration training course. This successful program is now in its fourth year. For more information or to RSVP, call 949-509-4787 or send an email to info@backtonatives.org.

Participants will learn how to remove invasive non-native plant species using tools rather than herbicides. They will learn how to keep themselves and others safe in the field, how to manage restoration volunteers, and how to identify native and non-native plants. Graduates are eligible to lead volunteer groups in the National Forest.

WHO: Volunteers and staff from all land managers, wild land agencies, organizations and non-profits are welcome to participate, and then share their new knowledge and skills with others. Community members who are not yet volunteers, but who have an interest in habitat restoration are also welcome.

WHEN: the series of classes begins on December 2, 2010, from 6 – 8:30PM. There are 12 classes total: 5 Thursdays from 6 – 8:30PM, and 7 Saturdays from 9:00 to 2:00PM, in 2010 & 2011. The series ends on February 12, 2011.

WHY: Nationwide, invasive plants cost us an estimated $33 billion per year. Invasive plants degrade wildlife habitat – they are the second-greatest threat to endangered species, after habitat destruction.

Habitat restoration is a means of sustaining the diversity of life on Earth and reestablishing healthy ecosystems. Successful habitat restoration ensures that native species are protected while non-native species are removed with minimal impact.
WHERE: Lecture classes are at the REI store in Tustin. Field classes occur throughout the Cleveland National Forest in Orange County, and in Mason Regional Park in Irvine.

Holiday Art Party at the Santora on Dec. 4

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Entertainment, music, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The Christmas celebration has become one of our favorite nights in the Artist Village here in Santa Ana. The whole Santora Building will be involved, as well as many other local galleries.

Saturday, December 4 · 5:30pm – 11:30pm.  The Historic Santora Building, located at 207 North Broadway.  Click here to RSVP on Facebook.

This show will feature live entertainment featuring many of Orange County’s up-and-coming musicians:

5:45 Stacy Clark
6:45 Adrian Watkins
7:30 Joni Renee
8:30 Roosterhead
9:15 Donnie Sartoris
10:00 Will Edwards & The Socialists

They will be performing on the second floor.

Here are the artists’ biographies:

Born and raised in the suburbs of Buffalo, NY, Stacy Clark began playing her own acoustic pop music as a teenager. Open-mike performances led to a self-booked tour in 1999, which found the teenaged Clark playing coffee shops, bars, and the Cornerstone Festival. After moving to California in 2004, she began landing songs in various TV shows, including a host of MTV programs. She also released her second EP, Unusual, and made a guest appearance on the second Jack’s Mannequin album. The biggest push came in 2010, though, when Clark signed a deal with Vanguard Records in March and released a full-length album, Connect the Dots, later that summer.

Adrian Watkins is a singer/song writer who is looking to reach many fans with his music. His songs talk about the heart aches of not just love but life as well. With his acoustic guitar in hand, Adrian is a passionate performer, who quiets the loudest of rooms, with his catchy hooks and melodic voice. Adrian is a must see and is sure to be a hit.

Joni is a twenty-year-old singer-songwriter who has recently captured the attention of the thriving So-Cal music community. With an unequaled alto voice, original style and iconic red hair, she has quickly garnered a loyal crowd of fans at local venues such as Waterloo Station, Gypsy Den and the Broadway Theater, where she performs weekly. Her songwriting stands apart in its biting honesty, being hailed by the OC Arts and Culture Magazine as “the breath of razor-sharp brutality that Orange County’s jeans-and-tans girly pop needs.” Joni’s music is most influenced by Norah Jones and Fiona Apple, with a hint of Counting Crows and Regina Spektor. Joni owes more than just her name to the great Joni Mitchell, whom she often covers. Joni is excited to be releasing her debut album, “In the Valley of Secrets,” by Christmas 2010.

Roosterhead is a cosmic crew of two; it’s a pair of psychedelic punks on a sonic journey to create exciting, vibrant tunes and open a lot of minds in the process. Roosterhead’s arsenal of songs includes sunny fuzz rockers, deep space epics, funky junkyard freakouts, and high-octane psychedelia, many of which can be heard on their debut EP, Burst Your Bubble. On stage, their live show is a kaleidoscope of colors and tones–an audio visual circus featuring neon face paints, fluorescent amplifiers, and glowing drum kits.

Donnie is one half of the band The Heroic Charade, which was established in 2009. Donnie has an incredible several-octave range and takes pride in his unique style, which he calls “hip rock”.

Will Edwards will be performing with his band, The Socialists. Listening to Will in any setting automatically transports you to a warm living room with your favorite couch and a nice fire in the hearth. His style of playing and intensely relevant lyrics is as pleasing to the ears as the last school bell before summer break is to a school kid. His crafted brand of story telling sucks you into the moment and never disappoints. A calm demeanor and a sharp wit makes for an incredible evening of music and storytelling.

All artists will be selling their CDs and merch! It’s going to be an amazing party!

Help Mexican orphans at the El Jugueton dinner and toy drive on Dec. 3

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Love to All, Inc. is a non-profit organization committed to ending the cycle of child homelessness in Mexico by assisting orphanages and the children they support.

Join them on Friday, December 3, from 7:00pm – 11:30pm, for the El Jugueton Toy Drive, located at 2035 N. Main St., in Santa Ana.

Ticket are $35 dollars and will include food and entertainment till 12pm for the event.  Entertainment includes a performance by Relampago del Cielo, a non-profit cultural arts organization which supports the study and preservation of traditional Mexican performing arts through our music, folklore and dance.  Also performing is the Rhythmo children’s mariachi band.

Remember, this program is to help the kids!

Also, there are corporate sponsorships available for $250. This includes your business being advertised as a sponsor on the radio, on our website and other promotional items.

Please call for more information on ticket sales at 818-635-3159.  Click here to RSVP on Facebook.  Click here to buy your tickets online.

Family traditions presentation and family history research workshop on Dec. 4

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News Release

Date: November 25, 2010

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Mimi Lozano, mimilozano@aol.com

Cathy Luijt, itsallrelative@charter.net

What: Family Traditions Presentation and Family History Research

When: Saturday, December 4, 2010, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Where: Orange Family History Center, 674 S. Yorba Street, Orange, CA.

Details: Hands on workshop…Everyone welcome…No cost. The presentation by Gloria Cortinas Oliver, Family History Researcher, is sponsored by the Society of Hispanic Historical and Ancestral Research (SHHAR). The presentation will focus on family traditions with particular emphasis on family holiday traditions. Come share your rich family histories and cherished traditions.

The meeting will conclude with a social. Light refreshments will be served.

One-to-one research assistance is provided from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Presentation begins at 10:15 a.m.

For more information on this event, call Mimi Lozano at 714-894-8161.

Next Common Ground Open Mic night on Dec. 2, at the VAALA Center in Santa Ana

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Common Ground is hosting their next Open Mic night on December 2, from 7:00pm – 9:00pm, at the VAALA Cultural Center, located at 1600 North Broadway (closest cross-streets are Broadway & 17th Street), in Santa Ana.

Show up – speak out – invite others! Doors open at 6:00pm. Open Mic sign ups by 6:30pm. If you would like to sign-up, please show up early. The show starts at 7:00pm.

Lineup TBA.

Common ground/sân chơi chung: connecting communities through creative expressions. We are a collective of community members, artists, and activists committed to cultivating positive and safe space for artistic growth and community empowerment.

Click here to RSVP on Facebook.