New Santa Ana | Category Archives: Orange County

Violence Prevention Coalition of O.C. award nominations due by Friday

Posted on March 10, 2010 by Art Pedroza Posted in Charities, Civil Rights, Costa Mesa, Crime, Orange County, Santa Ana, Women, Youth Activities Leave a comment

The Violence Prevention Coalition of Orange County is soliciting nominations for outstanding individuals who are actively engaged in the prevention of violence in our Orange County community. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, March 12, 2010.

Nominees may be adults or youth, and work in any field, including education, public service, social work, community volunteer, business, media, etc. You may also nominate a national leader in the field of violence prevention.

The recipients will be honored at the Violence Prevention Coalition’s annual Ambassador of Peace Awards Recognition. Each awardee will be recognized at the luncheon and given an opportunity to speak. Continue reading→

Special historic tour of Santa Ana this Saturday

Posted on March 10, 2010 by Art Pedroza Posted in Arts and Culture, Charities, Education, Entertainment, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Don’t miss the “Historic Santa Ana Tour” Presented by Assistance League Santa Ana, this Saturday, March 13, from 10 am to 4 pm, to benefit community programs. Click here for additional information.

Come for a guided tour some of the Oldest buildings in Orange County… Madame Modjeska Building, First Presbyterian Church, Episcopal Church of the Messiah, Old Orange County Court House, Dr. Howe-Waffle House, and Santa Ana High School.

Tour price: $20 (if purchased before March 5th) $25 (after March 5th and day of the event) Student & Educator discount available for SAUSD educators and students line tickets available at www.assistkids.org. Continue reading→

Free healthy school environment training in Santa Ana, on March 11-12

Posted on March 10, 2010 by Art Pedroza Posted in Education, Health and Medical, Nature, Orange County, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

This two-day FREE training may be of interest to those involved in building a healthier school system and community.

New Spring Training, March 11 and 12, at the County of Orange Health Care -1729 E Training Trailer, located at 1725 W. 17th St., in Santa Ana. Click here for a map.

Part II of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: A Centerpiece for a Healthy School Environment

This free two-day training is designed for school personnel and community partners. It provides tools to support an increase of fresh fruits and vegetables on school campuses through fun, interactive, and skill-building activities. Register now! Continue reading→

Solorio-backed bill creates 6,000 new Orange County transportation jobs

Posted on March 9, 2010 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Jobs, Jose Solorio, Orange County, Santa Ana, Transportation Leave a comment

For Immediate Release, March 9, 2010

For More Information Contact: Carol Chamberlain – Office: (916) 319-2069, Cell: (916) 804-5355

Governor Signs Bill to Clear the Way for OCTA Shovel-Ready Projects
Solorio-Backed Bill Creates 6,000 New Orange County Transportation Jobs

SACRAMENTO, CA – Yesterday, Governor Schwarzenegger signed Solorio-sponsored legislation (AB 11 X8) allowing the California Transportation Commission to sign agreements with local transportation agencies to advance projects using local funds.

“The Governor understands that nothing should delay funding for transportation projects ready and waiting to get started,” Assemblyman Solorio says. “We appreciate the Governor’s swift action to fast-track this legislation.” Continue reading→

Is this the end for O.C. Treasurer-Tax Collector Chriss Street?

Posted on March 7, 2010 by Art Pedroza Posted in Elections, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

O.C. Supervisor John Moorlach gave us O.C. Treasurer-Tax Collector Chriss Street and appointed Sheriff Sandra Hutchens

I thought it was a bit odd when I got a message yesterday that Chriss Street wanted to talk to me. So I called him and we had a nice chat about the scumbag that is Brett Barbre.

Today Street’s world came crumbling down as a judge ruled that “Orange County Treasurer- Tax Collector Chriss Street breached his fiduciary duty five years ago when he served as a trustee for a bankrupt truck-trailer company,” according to the O.C. Register.

And the news gets worse for Street. “U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Richard M. Neiter ordered Street to pay more than $7 million in damages in the case. Attorneys for Fruehauf’s End of the Road Trust had asked for Street to pay $11.9 million in damages. ”

Click here to read the rest of this post.

Orange County Great Park expands education pilot programs

Posted on March 3, 2010 by Art Pedroza Posted in Education, irvine, Orange County, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 3, 2010
CONTACT: JENN STARNES, 949-724-6574

Great Park Expands Education Pilot Programs

Plans call for launching additional workshops and events to benefit the community

IRVINE – The Orange County Great Park Board of Directors received a presentation Thursday, February 25th, on the six Great Park Education Pilot Programs to be expanded this spring. The education programs include visual and environmental arts, history, ecology, agriculture, and health and wellness through workshops and events.

The programs will teach children about science, instruct people how to grow vegetables and educate Park visitors about the historical significance of the Great Park. The programs will bring people together through learning experiences by building on the success of current programming — hundreds of people have attended the natural history and garden workshops that began last fall. Continue reading→

Olive Crest Safe Families program results in a happy ending at Saddleback Church

Posted on March 2, 2010 by Art Pedroza Posted in Charities, Churches and Religion, homeless, Housing, Orange County, Santa Ana, Women, Working Families 1 Comment

A BRAND-NEW “BLIND SIDE” STORY TAKES PLACE IN THE O.C., AS OLIVE CREST’S SAFE FAMILIES PROGRAM BRINGS TOGETHER
A FAMILY IN NEED WITH A FAMILY WHO CARES

The Sheffield Family of East Orange, Members of Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church, Take in 17-Year-Old “Kyle” During a Time of Temporary Crisis

SANTA ANA – It sounds like a re-creation of “The Blind Side,” the Oscar-nominated Sandra Bullock film about a wealthy Memphis family that takes in a homeless teen (and outstanding athlete) from the wrong side of town. But in this case, the story is unfolding right in Orange County, California—and the teen’s mom is not a drug addict, as in the film, but a devoted single parent who wants the best for her son, even if for the moment she can’t provide it herself.

In the West Coast “Blind Side” story, Chrissy and Peter Sheffield of East Orange fill the roles played by Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw in the film. Before this all began, the Sheffields already had a full life and a full house. They own and run Platinum Container, Inc. in La Habra. They’re busy raising three kids: 18-year-old Tony, who attends Santiago Community College; 11-year-old Mia; and six-year-old Nate. They attend Saddleback Church, and take to heart pastor Rick Warren’s mandate: “You want to see it, then be it.”

So when the Sheffields learned about the Safe Families program coordinated by Olive Crest of Santa Ana, they knew they wanted to “see it” at Saddleback Church—and that they would “be it” by becoming a Safe Family and opening their home to a family in crisis. Continue reading→

County of Orange to conduct a nuclear decon exercise tomorrow at the OC Fairgrounds

Posted on March 2, 2010 by Art Pedroza Posted in Costa Mesa, Orange County, Public Safety Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 2, 2010

Contact: Howard Sutter 714.834.6203 office

ORANGE COUNTY TO CONDUCT RECEPTION AND DECONTAMINATION CENTER EXERCISE AT THE OC FAIR AND EVENTS CENTER

(Santa Ana, CA) — On Wednesday, March 3, 2010, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Emergency Management Bureau, in coordination with the Orange County Health Care Agency and the City of Costa Mesa, will conduct a San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Reception and Decontamination Center Exercise at the OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. The three hour exercise will begin at approximately 9:00 a.m. and is not open to the public.

The exercise will test the County’s ability to manage individuals relocating from the 10 mile radius SONGS Emergency Planning Zone. On-site activities will include registration, monitoring, and simulated decontamination procedures. The exercise is a “dress rehearsal” for a federally graded exercise that will be conducted on Tuesday, March 23, 2010. Continue reading→

Senator Correa introduces measure on teen dating violence prevention education

Posted on February 23, 2010 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, california, Lou Correa, Orange County, Public Safety, Santa Ana, Women, Youth Activities Leave a comment

(Photo from archive: State Senator Lou Correa introducing a bill at the Senate Desk)

NEWS RELEASE

Senator Lou Correa, 34th Senate District

For Immediate Release: February 22, 2010

Contact: Lina Hamilton (916) 651-4034

Senator Correa Introduces Measure on Teen Dating Violence Prevention Education

Correa’s bill would allow teen dating violence prevention education to be taught in California schools

SACRAMENTO, CA — California State Senator Lou Correa (Orange County) has introduced Senate Bill 1300 (SB 1300), that would require the State Department of Education to include teen dating violence education into the current health curriculum framework, and would allow schools to provide teen dating violence prevention education. Continue reading→

Correa jobs package introduced in State Senate

Posted on February 23, 2010 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, california, Democratic Party, Jobs, Lou Correa, Orange County, Santa Ana 1 Comment

(Photo from file: California State Senator Lou Correa presenting legislative measure in the Senate Floor)

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: February 23, 2010

Senator Lou Correa, 34th Senate District

Contact: John Scribner (916) 651-4034

Correa Jobs Package Introduced in State Senate

SACRAMENTO, CA – State Senator Lou Correa (Orange County) today announced a comprehensive bipartisan legislative jobs package that contains bills separately sponsored by the Senate Democratic Caucus, Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and members of the Orange County legislative delegation.

Declaring that “We need to get Californians back to work”, Senator Correa introduced Senate Bill 1010 in the regular session, Senate Bill 967, Senate Bill 42, in the eighth special session, Senate Bill 1 in the sixth special session, and jointly introduced Senate Bills 965 and 968 in the regular session. Continue reading→

Solorio-Backed Bill Will Create 6,000 New Orange County Transportation Jobs

Posted on February 22, 2010 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, california, Jobs, Jose Solorio, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana, Transportation 1 Comment

Assemblyman Jose Solorio

For Immediate Release: February 22, 2010

For More Information Contact:
Carol Chamberlain – Office: (916) 319-2069
Cell: (916) 804-5355

Solorio-Backed Bill Will Create 6,000 New Orange County Transportation Jobs
Bill Passes Legislature and Awaits Governor’s Signature

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Legislature passed Solorio-sponsored legislation (AB 11 X8) that allows the California Transportation Commission to sign $410 million in agreements with local transportation agencies allowing them to seek state reimbursement later for projects they jumpstart today. The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) asked Assemblyman Solorio to work on the bill in the Assembly while senators Bob Huff and Lou Correa advocated for AB 11 X8 in the Senate. The bill passed with broad, bipartisan support. Continue reading→

Graffiti covers a bridge that Supervisor Janet Nguyen promised to keep clean

Posted on February 22, 2010 by Art Pedroza Posted in Garden Grove, Graffiti, Janet Nguyen, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana, Vietnamese Leave a comment

Supervisor Janet Nguyen, who represents the First District (including Santa Ana and much of Little Saigon) bought a sign a few years ago on an overpass on the 22 Freeway, which you can see in the slide show above. These signs are usually purchased by local non-profits and businesses. By purchasing the signs, they are promising to keep that area clean.

There was a lot of debate when Nguyen purchased this sign as to whether it was appropriate to let a politician use this process to advertise herself. She promised to keep the area clean and clear.

Well, it clearly isn’t, as you can see in the pictures above, it is terribly marred with graffiti. The anonymous source who sent me the pictures above says that the graffiti has been there for weeks, without abatement. Continue reading→

Librería Martinez 2010 U.S. Census celebration set for Feb. 27

Posted on February 22, 2010 by Art Pedroza Posted in Federal Government, Latinos, Literature, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

U.S. Census Bus Tour

To respond to uncertainty of the Latino community in Santa Ana as to why participation in Census 2010 survey is vital to all, a local Santa Ana business owner has sought the support of Chapman University Public Relations Student Society of America and the U.S. Census Bureau to develop a campaign to assure fellow residents that the census is easy, important, and confidential.

With the support of Reuben Martinez’s own family and staff, Librería Martinez, the largest seller of books in Spanish in the U.S., will host a FREE Census Celebration; a day of crafts, stories and education for the families of Santa Ana to learn about the census and celebrate the opportunities it presents to the community.

The Librería Martinez Census Celebration will be hosted at Librería Martinez Saturday February 27th, the last Saturday before surveys are distributed. Activities will go from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM and include live entertainment, food, arts, crafts and booths with information about Census 2010. The book store staff will read a special interactive story designed to educate families about the importance of the census. Continue reading→

2010 U.S. Census jobs now available

Posted on February 20, 2010 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, california, Civic Affairs, Federal Government, Literature, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Hundreds of thousands are needed for temporary 2010 Census Jobs

The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting temporary, part-time census takers for the 2010 Census. These short-term jobs offer good pay, flexible hours, paid training, and reimbursement for authorized work-related expenses, such as mileage incurred while conducting census work. Best of all, census takers work right in their own communities.

Census taker jobs are excellent for people who want to work part-time, those who are between jobs, or just about anyone who wants to earn extra money while performing an important service for their community.

Call 1-866-861-2010 now, testing is going on at many locations. The Census forms will be in the mail soon and census day is April 1st. Click here for more info.

Download the practice test, as a good score is important considering the number of applicants. Continue reading→

Democratic Party’s Pre-endorsement Caucus set for March 20, in Orange

Posted on February 17, 2010 by Art Pedroza Posted in california, Democratic Party, Elections, Orange, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The Democratic Party of Orange County (DPOC), which is based in Santa Ana, is conducting a Pre-Endorsement Caucus at the IBEW Hall, in Orange, on March 20. Below are the details:

The 2010 California Democratic Party State Convention will be held in Los Angeles on April 16-17-18. Information about the convention is available at cadem.org. The state party will open a special convention website in mid-February.

Prior to the convention, each of the state party’s 21 regions will hold a pre-endorsement conference to allow local Democrats to recommend candidates for endorsement. These recommendations will then be forwarded to the convention where the actual endorsement takes place. Continue reading→