Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: Sports

Santa Ana receives $7.9 million for new parks, from a state fund

Posted on by Posted in california, Green, Miguel Pulido, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana, SAUSD, Sports, Working Families, Youth Activities 2 Comments

California’s voters created a fund, in 2006, to support water-quality improvements, conservation, pollution-control efforts and parks, according to the O.C. Register.

Yesterday the first grant recipients were announced – and Santa Ana struck gold.

The city of Santa Ana won $4.4 million to replace the grass fields at Willard Intermediate School with tougher synthetic turf and a rubberized track. The project also includes a playground, outdoor exercise equipment and restrooms.

Latino Health Access received more than $3.5 million for a second park project in Santa Ana. It plans to build a community center, playground, open space and half basketball court on an empty lot near downtown, located at 602 E. 4th St.

Kudos to Santa Ana Parks and Recreation Director Gerardo Mouet and to Assemblyman Jose Solorio, State Senator Lou Correa, and Mayor Miguel Pulido and our City Council for making this happen!

Student Veterans Group Annual 5K Veterans Day Run at OCC in Costa Mesa

Posted on by Posted in Charities, Costa Mesa, Education, Entertainment, Patriotism, Santa Ana, Sports, Veterans Leave a comment

Student Veterans Group Annual 5K Veterans Day Run to honor all those who have served.

Start: Thursday, November 11, 2010 @ 8:00 AM

Orange Coast College, at 2701 Fairview Rd. Costa Mesa, CA

Registration Closing Date: Thursday, November 11, 2010 @ 6:00 AM

Click here to register for this run.

Registration is only $15 until Nov. 8.  Thereafter it is $20.  This includes a t-shirt and refreshments.  For more information or to find out about sponsorship opportunities call Eric Ancheta at 562-552-0630 or Sam Day at 310-770-9322.

Here is a map of the course route:

Santa Ana College Homecoming game today

Posted on by Posted in Education, Entertainment, Santa Ana, Sports, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Santa Ana College’s Homecoming 2010 is today, Oct. 16, at 1 pm.

Support the DONS, wear your red Santa Ana College gear and come support the Dons as they take on Golden West College in the East Conference opener and the 2010 Homcoming Game, at the Santa Ana Stadium, located at Civic Center and Flower.  Click here for a map.

Students get in free with I.D.

Refer to the attahed  FLYER for additional information.

Hula Hoop dance fitness class at Santiago Park on Oct. 23

Posted on by Posted in Entertainment, Health and Medical, Santa Ana, Sports, Women, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Pixie Hoop Dance (which was in attendance at this year’s Park Santiago Summer Concert) is holding a Hoop Dance Fitness Class on Saturday, October 23rd at 4pm. The class will be held near the Lawn Bowling Entrance in Santiago Park by the big trees.

Class fee is $10.00 for 1 hour 15 minutes.

Contact Kasey with any questions or to RSVP (to ensure she has a hoop for you) to pixiehoopdance@gmail.com.

The Santa Ana Boxing club show on Saturday was entertaining and inspiring

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Santa Ana, Sports, Youth Activities 1 Comment

The Santa Ana Boxing Club hosted their 4th Annual “Off the Streets and into the Ring” event yesterday.  The show was sponsored by Northgate Gonzalez Markets; Attorney Deborah Vasquez; UFCW 324; and Chicanos Unidos. The boxing show was held at 901 E. 4th St., in Santa Ana.

The crowd was fairly large for such a warm day.  Everyone had a great time.  The event included raffles and there were vendors selling a lot of different items.  My son Jimmy really enjoyed the homemade ice cream.  I had some too and it was terrific.

The boxers varied in age.  I saw one lad get in the ring who was only ten years old.  He was quite good.  His coach said they have trained a lot.  I believe it.  It is great to see this program helping our young people find ways to get fit and stay busy.

On the corner of 4th St. and Garfield in Santa Ana stands the Santa Ana Boxing Club, a place rich in history and full of heart. The gym is located between two known gangs, next to a bar and in a poor part of Santa Ana. It is located in the empowerment zone area of the city.

Here is additional information regarding the Santa Ana Boxing Club:

Back in the 70s, John Ramirez Sr. opened the gym. It was considered a safe haven for the young people in this low-income neighborhood. John Ramirez, Sr. had a way with the youth and when they entered the gym it was neutral ground. For years the City of Santa Ana has supported the gym with Community Development Block Grants.

Services provided:

MONDAY-FRIDAY 3:00PM TO 4:00PM (WIA TUTORING PROGRAM 16-21 YRS.)

MONDAY-FRIDAY 4:00PM TO 7:30PM (BOXING PROGRAM)

COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS FOR YOUTHS ARE AVAILABLE.

For more information call 714-835-6525 or click here.

OC Great Park Hosts Sports Park Kick-Off Ceremony

Posted on by Posted in Entertainment, irvine, Nature, Orange County, Santa Ana, Sports Leave a comment

OC Great Park Hosts Sports Park Kick-Off Ceremony

Marks Launch of the North Lawn Construction Project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 30, 2010
CONTACT: JENN STARNES, 949-724-6574

WHAT: Media is invited to join the Great Park Board of Directors and local sports organizations for a ceremony to kick off construction of the Great Park Sports Park. The first project is the North Lawn, part of the 200-acre Western Sector Park Development Plan, budgeted at nearly $70 million. The North Lawn is a 19.5-acre multi-purpose sports lawn that is suitable for a variety of activities including soccer, football, T-ball, and lacrosse. It will also provide parking spaces for 220 cars and improved bicycle access in the Park.

WHO: Larry Agran, Chair, Orange County Great Park Corporation (OCGPC)
Sukhee Kang, Mayor, City of Irvine and Director OCGPC
Steven Choi, Director, OCGPC
William Kogerman, Director, OCGPC
James “Walkie” Ray, Director, OCGPC
Mike Ellzey, CEO, Orange County Great Park Corporation
Jim Adams, Council Representative, LA/Orange Counties Building & Construction Trade Union Council, AFL-CIO

Ed Croft, Irvine Sports Committee

Rob Ferguson, former North Irvine American Youth Soccer Organization Official

WHEN: Thursday September 30, 2010 at 8:30 a.m.

WHERE: Orange County Great Park
Off the 5 Freeway and Sand Canyon
(949) 724-6574

WHY: In October 2009, the Orange County Great Park Board of Directors approved $65.5 million in construction projects to develop 200 acres of land to enhance the visitor experience at the Great Park. The North Lawn is the first major project of this development. The project recently expanded its budget to nearly $70 million, due in part to cost savings on design.

Hispanic Heritage Fiesta at the Angels Stadium today; free tickets at Northgate Markets

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Culture, Entertainment, Latinos, mexico, Santa Ana, Sports, Working Families Leave a comment

Hey Fans! Hispanic Heritage Fiesta occurs on Saturday, September 25th from 12pm to 4pm in the Angel Stadium parking lot.

Activities for the whole family include carnival-style attractions, live Latin entertainment and a variety of food to choose from. Scheduled to appear are select members of the Angels expanded roster, Angels coaches, broadcasters and the Strike Force.

Upon entry all fans with a Hispanic Heritage Fiesta Ticket will receive an Angels game ticket voucher to redeem at the Angels ticket office window for a ticket to that night’s game, or any future 2010 regular season game. Game tickets based on availability at the time of redemption.

Hispanic Heritage Fiesta 2010 presented by Coors Light and co-presented by Kaiser Permanente, Chevrolet and 1330 ESPN Deportes.

Click here to read about 8th Continent Soymilk, which will be participating in the event.

Pick up your FREE TICKETS at an Orange County Northgate Market Today!

What: Hispanic Heritage Fiesta is a one day celebration of Hispanic Heritage involving Angels players, Angels partners, entertainment & Angels fans!
When: Saturday, September 25, 2010 – 12:00pm-4:00pm – Free Admission, Parking Free until 3:00
Where: Angel Stadium Parking Lot
Who: Presented by Angels Baseball, Coors Light, Kaiser Permanente, Chevrolet & 1330 AM ESPN Deportes

Orange County Northgate Market Locations:

722 N. Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92805
Phone: (714) 774-1178

1150 N. East St.
Anaheim, CA 92805
Phone: (714) 956-7890

720 W. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92801
Phone: (714) 563-0721

6991 Lincoln Ave.
Buena Park, CA 90620
Phone: (714) 252-8022

929 S. Euclid St.
Anaheim, CA 92802
Phone: (714) 991-1950

580 W. La Habra Blvd.
La Habra, CA 90631
Phone: (562) 691-8032

1623 W. 17TH St.
Santa Ana, Ca 92706
Phone: (714) 479-0125

409 E. 4TH St.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone: (714) 647-9310

230 N. Harbor Blvd.
Santa Ana, CA 92703
Phone: (714) 265-9394

1120 S. Bristol
Santa Ana, Ca 92704
Phone: (714) 957-2529

1010 S. Main St.
Santa Ana, Ca 92701
Phone: (714) 542-3322

770 S. Habor Blvd.
Santa Ana, CA 92703
Phone: (714) 775-5555

Free diabetes clinic at First Presbyterian Church of Santa Ana on Sep. 25

Posted on by Posted in Charities, Churches and Religion, Entertainment, Health and Medical, Santa Ana, Sports, Working Families Leave a comment

Your family can learn about how to spot and control diabetes on Saturday, September 25, from 8:30 am 2:00 p.m., at the DIABETES: FROM HEAD TO TOE event that will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Santa Ana, and, for the tenth year, will be sponsored by the American Diabetes Association.

In addition to classes on Nutrition, Physical Activity, Healthy Cooking, Diabetes and Family and Living with Diabetes, you will have the opportunity to participate in a Health Fair which will offer free testing and information about medical services, clinics and hospitals.

This will be a day to help your children and families to prevent Diabetes, and if you already have a family member who has this condition, you will learn how to help your loved ones to have a healthy and happy life.

There will be childcare, raffles, informational handouts, etc.

The event location is First Presbyterian Church, located at 600 Main St., in Santa Ana.  For more information please call (888) 342-2383 ext. 7558.

Lilly Mucarsel

American Diabetes Association

Reserve el día Sábado, 25 de September de 2010 de 8:30 a.m. a 2:00 p.m., para que junto a su familia nos acompañe y comparta un día especial, donde se educará, informará y aprenderá a controlar la Diabetes. El evento LA DIABETES: DE LOS PIES A LA CABEZA tendrá lugar en la iglesia First Presbyterian y que por decimo año se celebra patrocinado por la Asociación Americana de Diabetes.

Además de las Clases sobre Nutrición, Actividad Física, Cocina Saludable, La diabetes y la Familia y Como Vivir con la Diabetes, también tenemos la oportunidad de participar en nuestra Feria de Salud donde se ofrecerán exámenes gratis e información sobre programas, servicios médicos, clínicas y hospitales.

Este será un día para ayudar a nuestros hijos y familiares a prevenir la Diabetes, y si ya tiene algún familiar que tiene esta condición Usted comprenderá como manejarla y ayudará a sus seres queridos a tener una vida sana y feliz.

Tendremos guardería para sus niños, tendremos rifas, ofreceremos materiales informativos, etc. Lo esperamos en First Presbyterian Church localizado en la calle Main # 600 y Santa Ana Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Para más información por favor llame al teléfono (888) 342-2383 ext. 7558.

Venga y acompañenos lo ayudaremos a encontrar apoyo, educación y compañerismo, mientras compartimos y educamos en la comunidad.

Lilly Mucarsel
Asociación Americana de Diabetes

Santa Ana City Championship Golf Tournament at River View on Sep. 25 and 26

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Entertainment, Santa Ana, Sports Leave a comment

The City of Santa Ana Golf Championship Committee in association with River View Golf Club is now accepting entries.  Click here for an entry form.  Tournament to be held on Saturday, September 25th and Sunday, September 26th. Championship Flight – Low index 3.9 or less is an open flight (no age limit) conducted over 35 holes. Net flight open to all players 18 or older with 12 month low handicap index from 4.0 to 24.

For more information go to www.riverviewgolf.com. River View is located at 1800 W. Santa Clara, in Santa Ana.  Click here for directions.

In related news, River View’s famous weekday lunch special is back! 18 holes with cart, GPS, hot dog, and chips for $31. Yes this IS Orange County’s best golfing value. Call for a tee time 714 543-1115 and ask for the weekday lunch special!

Fundraiser for OC Youth Commission, on Sep. 17

Posted on by Posted in Charities, Entertainment, Orange County, Santa Ana, Sports, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Dear Friends of the OC Youth Commission,

We are honored that the Saddleback division of Southern California Edison will have a fundraiser for us on September 17th. They have been raising money during the year and on the 17th will be having a Golf Tournament and an Opportunity Drawing – which the OC Youth Commission will be the beneficiary.

The Opportunity Drawing is for a Beautiful Lithograph Painting done by the famous Wyland ! Attached you will find a photo of the painting and the information on how to buy tickets! This Beautiful Autographed Lithograph is worth $1,000.

The Golf Tournament is going to be held at the beautiful Tijeras Creek Golf Club in Rancho Santa Margarita, starting at 1 pm.  Click here to download the sign up sheet and click here to download the event flyer.

Would you join the Saddleback division of SCE and buy some Opportunity Tickets or play Golf and Support the Orange County Youth Commission?

Thank You for Supporting the OC Youth Commission.

InterAmerican Sports Association health fair made a difference for our community

Posted on by Posted in Charities, Health and Medical, immigration, Latinos, mexico, Santa Ana, Sports, Working Families, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Above: Senator Lou Correa stands with InterAmerican Sports Association Founder Edgar Vazquez and students of Newbridge College, which trains medical assistants.

Seeking to demonstrate its commitment to community health and fitness, the InterAmerican Sports Association hosted its first health fair on Sunday, August 15, 2010.  Click here to see their official newsletter about the event.

The fair at Mile Square Park, titled Soccer+ Salud =Solución, was co-sponsored by health care agency CalOptima. Ten health agencies and five others local companies participated.

“We’ve taken a first step to think of ourselves as more than a mere administrator of athletic games,” said
InterAmerican Sports Association founder Edgar Vazquez. “We are fulfilling our role as a partner in the community. Through our players who compete every day of the week, we have contact with thousands of families in Santa Ana and we want them to know more about how to improve their health.”

Participant Ricardo Sanchez, state coordinator of Por La Salud y Educación del Migrante, an arm of the Mexican government, administered more than forty glucose tests and gave dozens of other exams on Sunday. Among those he tested: a man who learned he likely has diabetes, a new resident of the area who did not know how to get diabetes medications and a woman who mistakenly thought she doesn’t need annual well woman checks because she is no longer married.

“We need to reach people one at a time, face to face,” he said. “It’s an event like this that gives us that chance at improving public health.”

About the InterAmerican Sports Association

The InterAmerican Sports Association is a league comprising 2,000 soccer players who play in 150 teams. The association, founded in 1991, The association estimates it has hosted 25,000 games since. The league leases fields from the city of Santa Ana and works diligently with city officials to maintain them. Soccer is the largest single source of physical activity in Santa Ana. There are 30,000 players in the city: an estimated one in every 17 adults playing the sport and one in four children on a team.

The Eighth Annual Madison Park Community Resource Faire, Walk-A-Thon & Concert

Posted on by Posted in Entertainment, Latinos, music, Neighborhood Associations, Santa Ana, Sports, Working Families, Youth Activities Leave a comment

This event will be sponsored by the Madison Park Neighborhood Association (co-sponsored by The City of Santa Ana, Casas Guanajuato-Santa Ana and UC Irvine-Chicanos/Latinos for Community Medicine) with the participation of the surrounding neighborhoods.

The event will take place on Saturday, August 14, 2010. We will kick off the day with a neighborhood “Walk-A-Thon” from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 am and immediately followed by the Festival & Concert from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Madison Park in Santa Ana, 1528 S. Standard Ave. Over forty participants will offer information on health prevention programs, health screenings, education, job training and placement, youth programs, safety, citizenship, transportation, legal aid and human services.

For more information please contact our secretary Adolfo Sierra at 714-497-8335 at adolfosierra@sbcglobal.net or chelaruvalcaba@yahoo.com. Click here for additional information.

Lighthouse Community Center Sports Field Grand Opening

Posted on by Posted in Charities, Churches and Religion, Entertainment, Santa Ana, Sports, Working Families, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Lighthouse Community Center Sports Field Grand Opening

Join us for this special event as we celebrate the grand opening of our new Lighthouse Community Center Sports Field.

Enjoy food, music, games and more!  Ceremony starts at 10:30 am.

Saturday, July 31, 2010, from 10:00am – 12:00pm, at the Northeast corner of Standard & McFadden, in Santa Ana.

For more information and to RSVP, contact: Allyson McGee, 949.769.8194 or amcgee@marinerschurch.org

Click here for more info.

350 Santa Ana residents attended the Pacific Electric Bike Ride and Festival

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Michele Martinez, Santa Ana, Sports, Working Families, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Safe Bike Helmets for Santa Ana Residents by Sophin Zoe Pruong-McCreery

“Does that fit okay?” Margaret Macias of St. Joseph Heritage Medical Group asked a young Santa Ana resident. “We can put in some padding… See, that’s much better.” Macias alongside Elena Galvan, are just two of the many dedicated community members lending a hand at the Pacific Electric Bike Ride and Festival on Saturday, July 24 from 10 am -2 pm. Approximately 350 people attended and over 150 bicycle helmets were distributed to Santa Ana residents.

The day began early for Vianey Munguia of the Santa Ana Parks & Recreation Agency. The weather cooperated, staying cool and breezy as she and coworkers set up the Registration table at Thornton Park. Council Member Michele Martinez enthusiastically welcomed more than 50 riders at the site which was the starting point for the 7 mile roundtrip bike ride. Other riders began their journey at Monroe Elementary, the starting point for the shorter 2.5 mile trip.

The Bike Festival destination was located at McFadden Ave. and Maple St. where many hope will be the site of a new pocket park for the City of Santa Ana. At present, the land is just an empty, chain-link fenced, dirt lot. If their wishes come true, this parcel of land could be transformed into a grassy park with shaded benches and a playground. The attendees were encouraged to complete a survey to indicate their preferences. Other options include an urban garden and a water fountain.

The City of Santa Ana hosted the event along with co-sponsor, the South Coast Air Quality Management District. REI-Santa Ana donated 2 mountain bikes, helmets, & other sports merchandise for the raffle drawing. Many partner organizations including OCTA and Taller San Jose, provided booths with free information and promotional giveaways. Some of the activities included free bicycle license registration, bicycle safety check, and trail clean-up. The Bicycle Tree, a non-profit group provided educational information on bicycle and pedestrian safety. They also gave quick lessons on basic bike maintenance.

Over 300 lunches served were generously catered by Lee’s Sandwiches located at Bristol Blvd. and Alton Ave. in Santa Ana.

Santa Ana Pacific Electric Bike Ride and Festival on Saturday, July 24

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Entertainment, Michele Martinez, Nature, Santa Ana, Sports, Youth Activities Leave a comment

The City of Santa Ana is hosting the Pacific Electric Bike Ride and Festival, on Saturday, July 24, from 10 am -2 pm, with two bike rides starting at Thornton Park and Monroe School and ending at McFadden and Orange Ave.

For those of you who don’t want to ride, the festival will begin at 11 am on Mcfadden and Orange at the Pacific Electric Bike Trail. The festival will include lunch, entertainment, give aways, booths and much more.

Click here to see the event flyer.

Fetival Highlights:

  • Free bicycle license registration
  • Bicycle safety check
  • Learn basic bike maintenance
  • Community service day
  • Trail clean-up
  • Educational information on bicycle and pedestrian safety and much more!
  • FREE LUNCH and T-SHIRT for the first 300 registered bike-riders

For more information or to RSVP call Pearl Raya at (714) 571-4230.  To pre-register visit www.santa-ana.org/parks/bike.asp (warning, that link was not up tonight but perhaps it will be fixed later).