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Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: Lou Correa

Correa to host a Health and Fitness Fair on Saturday, at Valley High School

Posted on by Posted in Education, Entertainment, Health and Medical, Lou Correa, Orange County, Santa Ana 2 Comments

California in Motion: Health and Fitness Fair Kickoff-Senator Correa and O.C. Community Partner for Childhood Obesity Prevention

Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 6:20 PM

(SANTA ANA, CA) – In an effort to combat childhood obesity, State Senator Lou Correa (Orange County) is partnering with St. Joseph Health System, Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD), the Illumination Foundation, the American Diabetes Foundation, and Kaiser Permanente for California in Motion: Health and Fitness Fair. The event will take place on Saturday, September 24, 2011 from 9:00AM to 1:00pm at Valley High School, located at 1801 South Greenville Street Santa Ana, CA 92704. Continue reading→

9/11 events in Santa Ana

Posted on by Posted in Charities, Entertainment, Historical, Jose Solorio, Lou Correa, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Where were you when the World Trade Towers were attacked ten years ago?  And how will you commemorate the anniversary of the worst terrorist attack on the U.S.?

Here are a few 9/11 events that will be going on in Santa Ana: Continue reading→

Treasurer who worked with Correa, Sanchez and Solorio arrested by the FBI

Posted on by Posted in Courts, Crime, Democratic Party, Jose Solorio, Loretta Sanchez, Lou Correa, Michele Martinez, Politics, Santa Ana 5 Comments

Kindee Durkee photo by Henry V

Kinde Durkee of Burbank-based Durkee and Associates, a prominent Democratic campaign treasurer who works for federal, state and O.C. lawmakers including U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Rep. Loretta Sanchez and state legislators Lou Correa and Jose Solorio, has been arrested by the FBI on suspicion of mail fraud, according to The Orange County Register.

State Sen. Lou Correa of Santa Ana told the Register the FBI notified him late Friday that he was one of many victims. Correa said he believes he has lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign funds. Durkee had been his campaign treasurer since 1995, according to the Huffington Post.

Correa quickly posted a response on Facebook: Continue reading→

Correa and Rackackaus go after massage parlor prostitution with SB 285

Posted on by Posted in california, Civic Affairs, Courts, Lawyers, Lou Correa, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana 5 Comments

Senator Lou Correa’s Office & Orange County District Attorney

Press Release, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 2, 2011

John Scribner, Capitol Director, Senator Lou Correa’s Office, 916-651-4034
Susan Kang Schroeder, Chief of Staff, Orange County District Attorney, 714-347-8408, 714-292-2718
Farrah Emami, Spokesperson, Orange County District Attorney, 714-347-8405, 714-323-4486

CALIFORNIA PASSES ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING LEGISLATION TARGETING SALE OF FRAUDULENT MASSAGE DIPLOMAS AS FRONT FOR FORCED PROSTITUTION Continue reading→

Correa to host a Family Fitness Day in Westminster today

Posted on by Posted in Entertainment, Family, Health and Medical, Lou Correa, Parks and Recreation, Westminster, Working Families, Youth Activities Leave a comment

State Senator Lou Correa in collaboration with the Westminster Family Resource Center invites you and your family to attend a free family fitness day to promote fitness, physical activity and healthy living for children & the whole family,l on Saturday, July 23rd, 2011, from 10 am – 1 pm, at Sigler Park, located at 7200 Plaza St., in Westminster.

Community partners include Huntington Beach Adult School/City of Westminster Parks & Recreation, National Children’s Study, Nhan Hoa Clinic, Orange County Children and Families Commission, Help Me Grow, Kid Healthy, Fighting for Fitness, Nupac, Volunteer Clowns of Orange County, World Class Mixed Martial Arts Gym, and others. Continue reading→

Correa bill prohibits lavish gifts from lobbying groups

Posted on by Posted in california, Lou Correa, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Lou Correa, Senator,­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ 34th Senate District

NEWS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 22, 2011

Contact: Darren Chesin , (916) 651-4106

Correa Bill Prohibits Lavish Gifts from Lobbying Groups

FROM ARCHIVE: California State Senator Lou Correa delivering remarks during Senate Floor session.

SACRAMENTO, CA – Senator Lou Correa, Chair of the Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments, announced today he is authoring legislation to prohibit state officeholders and their families from accepting lavish gifts like vacations, pro sports tickets, and golf outings from lobbyists and their clients.

The measure, Senate Bill 50 (SB 50), would specifically prohibit elected state officers and members of their immediate families from accepting all of the following gifts from lobbyists, lobbying firms, and lobbyist employers:

· Theme park and amusement park tickets.
· Professional sporting event tickets.
· Collegiate or other amateur sporting event tickets with a face value exceeding $25 per ticket.
· Theater, concert, and other entertainment tickets with a face value exceeding $25 per ticket.
· Racetrack tickets.
· Spa treatments and other beauty or cosmetic services.
· Golf, skiing, hunting trips, fishing trips, and other recreational outings or vacations.
· Gift cards.

Correa’s bill, jointly authored by Republican Senator Sam Blakeslee, will be heard in the Assembly Committee on Elections and Redistricting on July 5, 2011. SB 50 builds upon prior concepts explored by Senator Blakeslee in previous legislation.

Senator Lou Correa represents the 34th District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Stanton and Westminster. ###

Lina Hamilton, Legislative Aide
Office of the Honorable Lou Correa
34th Senate District
(916) 651-4034

LULAC welcomes Senator Correa’s support in redistricting efforts

Posted on by Posted in 2012 Elections, Anaheim, Democratic Party, Elections, Lou Correa, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana 2 Comments

League of United Latin American Citizens
Santa Ana LULAC Council #147
Established: National – 1929 | Santa Ana – 1946
Orange County LULAC District #1
PO Box 1810, Santa Ana , CA 92702-1810

June 9, 2011

PRESS RELEASE

Contact Persons: Zeke Hernandez, 714-661-4428 / Arturo Montez, 714-914-3154

Local Civil Rights Organization Welcomes Support of Senator Lou Correa in Redistricting Efforts

The New Santa Ana blog expresses dismay that the California Redistricting Commission “is considering splitting Santa Ana away from Anaheim into two new State Senate Districts. This new district features a 38% Democrat and 37% Republican split of voters and should include Little Saigon, stretching north into Buena Park . This blog entry is provided at end of this press release.

The New Santa Ana blog publisher states that Senator Correa “feels that Santa Ana and Anaheim should remain in one contiguous District.”

Santa Ana LULAC #147 President Zeke Hernandez states, “I thank Senator Correa and feel it is necessary for other elected officials to express their opinions on the plans being drawn by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission, and also by the Orange County Redistricting Committee. I encourage other local elected leaders to step up to the plate as Senator Correa is doing. It is important that our community be united and together as a significant community in all parts of Orange County and that the spirit of the U.S. Constitution, the California Constitution, and the Voting Rights Act be foremost as district lines are drawn and adopted.”

Public participation is crucial as these groups have started to receive input from people of various communities of interest.

The California Citizens Redistricting Commission will hold a public input hearing on Saturday, June 18 (2 pm – 5 pm) at California State University Fullerton – Mackey Auditorium, Ruby Gerontology Center 13, Fullerton . Please arrive early.

Senator Correa and Hernandez are also encouraging community residents to attend two quickly-arranged arranged workshops in Orange County by NALEO and MALDEF. Presenters will review the Citizens Commission’s first and up-to-date latest draft maps, allow for community discussion of the implications resulting from these maps related to the Federal Voting Rights Act, in addition to encouraging public participation at the Commission meeting of June 18.

These meetings are scheduled for Sunday, June 12 (9 am – 10:30 am) and Tuesday, June 14 (6 pm – 8:30 pm) at Delhi Community Center , 505 East Central Ave. , Santa Ana 92707 .

Established in 1946, Santa Ana LULAC Council #147 is the oldest LULAC council in California and is an affiliate of Orange County LULAC District#1 and LULAC National – founded in 1929 with its national office in Washington , D.C.

The mission and objectives of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is to advance the economic development, educational advancement, public policy outcomes, housing opportunities, health awareness, and general civil rights protection of Latinos in the United States and Puerto Rico through community-based programs and services through more than 700 local LULAC councils nationwide.

###

~ Redistricting May Split Santa Ana and Anaheim into 2 Senate districts ~

New Santa Ana Blog
By Admin
June 8, 2011

http://dev.newsantaana.com/2011/06/08/redistricting-may-split-santa-ana-and-anaheim-into-two-senate-districts/

The California Redistricting Commission is considering splitting Santa Ana away from Anaheim , into two new State Senate Districts. Currently, both of these are in the 34th State Senate District, which is represented by State Senator Lou Correa.

If you look at the graphic above, you will see that the new Santa Ana District will include Little Saigon and will stretch up north all the way to Buena Park . The new District will also include Cypress and Stanton . It will feature a close split of the voters, with 38% Democrats and 37% Republicans, putting the seat in play for the OC GOP.

The new Anaheim District will include that city plus Fullerton , Placentia , Yorba Linda , Chino Hills, La Habra and perhaps even Diamond Bar. The seat will favor the Republicans, with a margin of 41% GOP versus 34% Democratic.

Click here for a better view of the proposed Senate Districts.

I met with Correa today and he feels that Santa and Anaheim should remain in one continguous District. I agree. To me this split will disenfranchise Latino voters in particular.

Click here to read about the upcoming California Redistricting Commission meeting that is coming up at CSUF. This will be your last chance to speak up before these Districts become reality!

Correa hosting a “Seniors Making a Difference” awards breakfast on July 15

Posted on by Posted in Entertainment, Garden Grove, Lou Correa, Politics, Santa Ana, Seniors Leave a comment

State Senator Lou Correa is hosting a special “Seniors Making a Difference” Awards Recognition breakfast on Friday, July 15, 2011 • 8:30-10:30am, at the Garden Grove Community Meeting Center, located at 11300 Stanford Avenue, in Garden Grove.

Please join the California Senior Legislature, Acacia Adult Day Health Services, AARP, and fellow senior volunteers for a celebration of community and public service. The program will include awards recognition, legislative updates, music, and tribute.

For more information or to RSVP by Friday, June 3, 2011, please call Julie Nguyen at (714) 558-4400 or email Julie.Nguyen@sen.ca.gov.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 32 honors senior volunteers who serve congregate and home-delivered meals, engage in assisted senior activities, work for the prevention of elder abuse, and provide health care counseling, legal assistance, and transportation. SCR 32 also recognizes volunteer work performed for Alzheimer’s patients, grandchildren, community organizations, schools, churches, hospitals, and many other nonprofit organizations.

Correa to host a higher education and career development program on June 4

Posted on by Posted in Education, Entertainment, Garden Grove, Jobs, Latino Leaders, Lou Correa, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Please join State Senator Lou Correa and the Young Senators program for a Young Senate session on Higher Education and Career Development, on June 4, from 8 am to 1 pm, at Coastline Community College, located at 12901 Euclid, in Garden Grove.

The program will include the following workshop topics:

  • college application process
  • life as a college student
  • career paths: military, vocational
  • training, law, public safety, health, etc.
  • job interviewing & resume building
  • internships & scholarship opportunities

This event is free to all high school students & their parents. Light snacks & refreshments will be provided. space is limited.

For more information or to rsvp, call the District Office at 714.558.4400 or email young.senator@sen.ca.gov.

Senate approves Correa bill to increase real estate accountability

Posted on by Posted in california, Lou Correa, Politics, Real Estate, Santa Ana Leave a comment

NEWS RELEASE

Senator Lou Correa, 34th Senate District

For Immediate Release: May 31, 2011
Contact: Lina Hamilton, (916) 651-4034

Senate Approves Correa Bill to Increase Accountability to Real Estate Industry in California

FROM ARCHIVE: California State Senator Lou Correa presenting a bill during Senate Floor Session.

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, the California State Senate approved Senate Bill 510 (SB 510), introduced by Senator Lou Correa (Orange County). SB 510 will add accountability to the managers of real estate branch offices by ensuring that managers’ licenses can be sanctioned for failure to supervise.

“Consumers buying or selling their homes should expect accountability and responsibility when dealing with real estate agents. Unfortunately, many California homeowners have lost their home due to real estate transactions and wrongful acts done by unlicensed or unsupervised representatives,” said Senator Correa.

According to the California Department of Real Estate, there are approximately 533,000 state-licensed real estate agents and brokers in California. Consumers rely on these licensees to provide sound advice in millions of real estate transactions annually, valued in the billions of dollars.

Existing California law does not require a real estate branch office manager to supervise salespersons that report to him or her. As a result, even though a negligent manager might have to answer to his or her employing broker, the manager’s own license is not at risk for failure to supervise. The bill sets minimum standards for licensees that may be appointed as a branch office manager, and empowers Department of Real Estate to require registration of appointed managers in a form approved by the Department.

SB 510 is one of the legislative recommendations of the Department of Real Estate’s Broker Supervision Task Force. The Task Force was an internal group with industry participation, set up by DRE Commissioner in 2009-2010 that looked at ways to improve the supervision of sales licensees.

In closing, Senator Correa stated: “After the painful lessons we’ve learned from the subprime mortgage crisis, the housing industry and legislators have to make sure that we work together to close any legislative loopholes and keep strengthening consumer’s laws; thus, ensuring California’s economic recovery. SB 510 is a right step on that direction.”

Senator Lou Correa represents the 34th District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Stanton and Westminster. ###

Lina Hamilton, Legislative Aide
Office of the Honorable Lou Correa
34th Senate District
(916) 651-4034

The SAPD’s top employees honored at their 24th Annual Awards Ceremony

Posted on by Posted in Carlos Bustamante, Civic Affairs, Claudia Alvarez, Lou Correa, Public Safety, Santa Ana, Sean Mill, Vince Sarmiento 8 Comments

The Santa Ana Police Department held their 24th Annual Employee Recognition and Awards Ceremony last night, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Santa Ana.

Deputy Chief Carlos Rojas welcomed the attendees as he explained that “Tonight we are recognizing 52 (fifty-two) current and former employees for their exceptional contributions to public safety in Santa Ana during 2010.”

Rojas also thanked the SAPD’s community sponsors such as David Grant of South Coast Plaza Security, the Santa Ana Police Officers Association, Sheffield Limited/Aborn Powers Incorporated, Santa Ana Police Towing Association, Maybelle and Sebastian Paul Musco of Gemini Industries, S&A Property Management, Doubletree Hotel, Original Mike’s Restaurant, Senator Lou Correa, Western Medical Center, Macres Florist, and others who were mentioned in the event program.

Several local elected officials were there, including:

  • State Senator Lou Correa
  • Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez
  • Santa Ana Council Members Vince Sarmiento and Carlos Bustamante
  • SAUSD Board Members Rob Richardson and Jose Hernandez

Other VIPs included:

  • Former O.C. Supervisor Todd Spitzer
  • SAUSD Superintendent Jane Russo
  • SAUSD Deputy Superintendent Cathie Olsky
  • Santa Ana Planning Commissioner Sean Mill
  • Former Santa Ana City Manager Dave Ream
  • Santa Ana Public Works Director Raul Godinez II

Correa paid tribute to the officers who have fallen in the line of duty.  He mentioned that the City of Santa Ana has had the biggest drop in crime in Orange County, according to the latest FBI Uniform Crime Report and he thanked the SAPD officers for that achievement.  He also said that his four kids all go to local SAUSD schools and they all walk home after school and are always safe.

Alvarez was introduced by Rojas as “one of us” because of her work as an Orange County Assistant District Attorney.  She stayed on stage, along with Sarmiento, to personally thank each officer who received an award.  Bustamante left the event early.

The emcee was Michele Gile, a news anchor for both KCAL Channel 9 and CBS Channel 2.

To begin the awards ceremony, two former employees were recognized for their contributions to the department and the community.

First was Retired Commander John Gabelman. John served for many years as a member of the SWAT team eventually rising to the rank of SWAT Commander.Retired Commander Ed Demarco also received the Chief’s Award for his many years in Special Investigations.

The next award of the evening was the Department Commendation.  Formerly known as the Class “A” Commendation, this award recognizes outstanding and exceptional work that is beyond the call of duty and which directly enhances the image and operation of the Police Department.

Department Commendations were awarded to:

  • Sergeant Richard Gatto – Ran the SAPD Narcotics Unit
  • Detective Corporal Oscar Lizardi – Caught a serial robber/rapist
  • Detective Edward Zaragoza – Caught a serial robber/rapist
  • Commander Mark Steen – Bishop Manor Task Force
  • Sergeant Carol Leiva – Bishop Manor Task Force
  • Detective Roland Andrade – Bishop Manor Task Force
  • Detective Jason Garcia – Bishop Manor Task Force
  • Detective Jorge Lopez – Bishop Manor Task Force

A Distinguished Service Medal was awarded to Officer David Jansen – he responded to a report of an armed robber and confronted and engaged one of the subjects.

Lifesaving Medals were presented to three officers who responded to a serious car accident and were able to rescue three of the four passengers, who survived the initial impact, as follows:

  • Officer Sommer Beatley
  • Officer Elizabeth Granados
  • Officer Cameron Price

The SAPD Mounted Unit was also honored.  These officers include:

  • Sergant Jeff Smith
  • Sergeant Jose Gonzalez
  • Corporal Mike Watson
  • Officer Kanan Blake
  • Officer Isidro Galguera
  • Officer Don Kozakowski
  • Officer Ed Mendoza
  • Officer Bill Sweet
  • Officer Phil Ricaud

A Chief’s Award was presented to the SAPD Strike Force, or SWAT Team, which includes:

  • Sergeant Ken Witt
  • Corporal Oscar Lizardi
  • Corporal Gil Hernandez
  • Detective Jason Bruns
  • Detective Luis Galeana
  • Detective J. Gripentrog
  • Detective Ed Gutierrez
  • Detective Jorge Lopez
  • Detective D. Padilla
  • Detective Pete Picone
  • Detective J. Rodriguez

Chief’s Awards were also presented to:

  • School Police Commander David Valentin
  • Corporal Eric Demopoulos, Computer Crimes
  • Homeland Security, Sergeant Henry Esparza
  • Homeland Security, Jocelyn Tingley

Employees of the Year were also recognized, including:

  • Glenn Beach, Non-Sworn Supervisor of the Year
  • Sue Buckle, Records Specialist of the Year
  • Rosemary Lopez, Non-Sworn Employee of the Year
  • Carol Casey, Dispatcher of the Year
  • Mary Castillo, Correctional Supervisor of the Year
  • Pedro Jiron, Senior Correctional Officer of the Year
  • Michelle Montreal, Correctional Officer of the Year
  • Jessica Moreno, Correctional Records Employee of the Year
  • Troy Guidry, Sergeant of the Year
  • Mel Sarabia, Corporal of the Year
  • Dan Aguilar, Detective of the Year
  • Rene Cervantes, Traffic Officer of the Year
  • Robert Pendergraft, Reserve Officer of the Year
  • Jose Mendoza, Officer of the Year

It was a great event and many of the officers were accompanied by their families.  Kudos to Chief Walters for taking the time to honor the fantastic officers in his department.  (His wife even participated as her band, Cheap Date, provided the musical entertainment).

Correa, Martinez and Pulido to speak at health summit at CSUF on May 26

Posted on by Posted in Education, Entertainment, Fullerton, Health and Medical, Lou Correa, Michele Martinez, Miguel Pulido, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Fighting Obesity: ‘Making Connections: Move More, Eat Healthy OC Summit’ May 26

What:

Defeating obesity is the aim of the May 26 “Making Connections: Move More, Eat Healthy OC Summit” at Cal State Fullerton. The program will feature presentations by health care providers, elected officials, and business, education and community leaders.

When:

Thursday, May 26
8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Where:

Portola Pavilion, Titan Student Union
Cal State Fullerton,
 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton 92831

Why:

The summit aims to make connections among education, government, business and community groups to identify best practices in promoting healthy eating and increasing physical activity, and to kick off a campaign aimed at reducing obesity and improving health. Stakeholders and policymakers representing education, government, business and community groups are encouraged to attend.

Highlights:

  • 8:30 a.m. Opening remarks from CSUF President Milton A. Gordon; CSUF alumnus and state Sen. Lou Correa (B.A. economics ’80), chair of the Orange County Nutrition and Physical Activity Collaborative Advisory Council (NuPAC); David Riley (B.A. business administration ’77), director of the Orange County Health Care Agency; CSUF alumna and Santa Ana City Councilwoman Michelle Martinez (B.A. criminal justice ’09), summit chair.
  • 9 a.m. Adam Hurtado, a contestant on season 10 of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” will share his experience.
  • 9:30 a.m. Panel discussion on “Innovative Approaches to Prevention and Intervention,” with Al Zelinka, Fullerton’s director of community development; CSUF alumna Pam Keller (B.S. child development ’86, multiple subject credential ’92), director of the Fullerton Collaborative; CSUF alumnus and Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido (B.S. engineering-mechanical ’80); Cathie Olsky, deputy superintendent of the Santa Ana Unified School District; Soo Kang, Stanton’s program coordinator; and Theresa Wyles, principal of St. Polycarp Elementary School. Amy Buch, health promotion division manager for the Orange County Health Care Agency, will serve as moderator.
  • 11:30 a.m. Keynote address: James F. Sallis, professor of psychology at San Diego State University and soon-to-be vice president of the American College of Sports Medicine who Time Magazine called an “obesity warrior,” will speak on the process of building a healthy environment through policies and best practices in the 21st century.
  • 1:30 p.m. Panel discussion on “Best Practices and Program Evaluation,” with Stanley Bassin, clinical professor at UC Irvine’s School of Medicine; Alberto Geddisman, owner and director of the Wellness Center in Santa Ana; Jie Weiss, CSUF associate professor of health science and associate director of the university’s Center for Healthy Lifestyles and Obesity Prevention; and Dee Eastman, director of Saddleback Church’s Daniel Plan. Jeannie Kim-Han, director of CSUF’s Office of University Research, Initiatives and Partnerships and the Center for Internships and Community Engagement, will moderate.
  • 3 p.m. Closing remarks by Barry Ross, vice president of St. Jude Medical Center’s Healthy Communities and NuPAC chair, and Shari McMahan, acting dean of Cal State Fullerton’s College of Health and Human Development.

Partners:

Cal State Fullerton, Orange County NuPAC, County of Orange and Health Funders Partnership of Orange County

Website:

www.makingconnectionsoc.org

Parking:

$2 per hour or $8 for a daily permit. Details available online.

Media Contacts:

Frances Teves, Government Relations, 657-278-5876 or fteves@fullerton.edu

Mimi Ko Cruz, Public Affairs, 657-278-7586 or mkocruz@fullerton.edu

State Senator Correa to host a Vietnamese Community Health Fair on May 22

Posted on by Posted in Entertainment, Garden Grove, Health and Medical, Lou Correa, Politics, Santa Ana, Vietnamese Leave a comment

Senator Lou Correa, in partnership with Vietnamese Community Health at UCLA & Acacia Adult Day Services invite you to attend a Vietnamese Community Health Fair, on Sunday, May 22, 2011, from 9:00am to 1:00pm, at Acacia Adult Day Services, located at 11391 Acacia Parkway, in Garden Grove.

The program will include legislative updates, health information, screenings for Hepatitis B, vision, cholesterol, glucose, hypertension, dental, bone density, and much more.

For more information, please contact Kelly Nguyen (714) 603-3256 or Julie Nguyen (714) 558-4400.

Any information, materials, or services provided at this event are the sole responsibility of
the provider of the information, materials or services and not the California State Senate.

The SAUSD honors the top 100 students of 2011

Posted on by Posted in Education, Lou Correa, Santa Ana, SAUSD, Youth Activities Leave a comment

The Santa Ana Unified School District’s (SAUSD) Top 100 scholars of the Class of 2011 were honored tonight for their academic achievement during the 52th Annual Top 100 Academic Achievement Recognition.

The ceremony was held at 6 p.m. at Guaranty Chevrolet — a school district partner — located at 711 E. 17th Street in Santa Ana.

State Senator Lou Correa was there, as was SAUSD Superintendent Jane Russo, and School Board Members including Audrey Yamagata-Noji and Rob Richardson.  First District Supervisor Janet Nguyen was notably absent, but there was a representative of the Second Supervisorial District at the event.

Joseph “Joey” Pedroza

My son Joseph “Joey” Pedroza was the top male student at Godinez High School – and he was one of the top male students in the entire district, with a 4.68 GPA.  He will be studying at UCLA in the fall, where he is going to work on a degree in film editing.  He also played in the Godinez Jazz Band tonight.

The event was coordinated by Godinez Fundamental High School this year under the direction of Secondary Education division.  The Top 100 students are identified based on their highest grade point average earned in grades 10 through first semester of grade 12, and the greatest number of units taken from the University of California approved A-G list.

Here is the list of the top 100 SAUSD students for 2011:

Many of these students will be attending top colleges and universities – including a few Ivy League schools.  Congratulations to all of them and thanks to the parents and educators who helped them succeed!

State Senator Correa advocates legalizing and regulating online poker

Posted on by Posted in Business, california, Lou Correa, Politics, Santa Ana 4 Comments

NEWS RELEASE
Senator Lou Correa, 34th Senate District

For Immediate Release: April 19, 2011
Contact:John Scribner (916) 651-4034

Senator Correa Releases Statement on Legalizing Internet Poker in California

SACRAMENTO, CA — Senator Lou Correa (D-Orange County) author of Senate Bill 40, which would legalize internet poker in California, issued the following statement regarding the indictments and $3 billion civil suit filed last week against three of the world’s largest online gaming operators:

“I’m pleased by last week’s enforcement action against these illegal Internet gaming operators who have brazenly ignored our laws to export billions of dollars from our state’s economy while leaving online players across California vulnerable to theft and fraud.

It’s important to note that last week’s action is not an attack on poker players but, in the words of prosecutors, it’s about an elaborate criminal scheme involving massive money laundering and bank fraud by these online gaming operators.

Last week’s actions also underscore exactly why California needs to act quickly and pass Senate Bill 40 to authorize and regulate online poker. Through SB 40, we will:

  • Protect Consumers: More than 2 million Californians are playing poker online. The majority play on offshore web sites where they are vulnerable to fraud and theft. SB 40 ensures that Californians are protected from the practices of illegal operators, including those indicted last week.
  • Generate Much Needed State Revenues: Despite last week’s indictments, Californians will continue to play poker online somewhere. By quickly passing our own state bill to authorize and regulate online poker, we can secure billions of dollars for the state at a time when California desperately needs it.
  • Utilize California’s Gaming Partners: Under SB 40, illegal offshore operators like those indicted last week would be barred from the California market. By authorizing our existing, California based gaming partners to operate online poker, we can create a safe and secure environment in concert with the Department of Justice to protect Californians.

I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Governor to quickly bring safe and regulated online poker to California.”

State Senator Correa represents the 34th District, which includes: Anaheim, Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Westminster, Stanton, Buena Park, and Fullerton.

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