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Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: Youth Activities

Summer Youth Activities

Boo at the Santa Ana Zoo this Oct. 29 and 30

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Coming up on Oct. 29 and 30, is the 2010 Boo at the Zoo! This family-friendly costumed extravaganza will bring FUN, SAFE, trick-or-treating in a “Merry not Scary” Zoo atmosphere, with educational animal presentations, storytelling, and entertainment throughout the evening, with a grand finale costume parade!

For the older kids, the Zoo also offers “Teen Scream,” a haunted house filled with thrills and chills. This ghoulish attraction has a separate entrance, but is included with the price of admission.

The Boo at the Zoo event costs: $12/person (only $6/Member) ages 2 & up, children under 2 free. Join the Zoo as a Member to get the half price by clicking here. Admissions are good for any night! Admissions available at the front entrance on the night of the event.

Latino Health Access Community Center and Park groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 5

Posted on by Posted in Charities, Entertainment, Family, Santa Ana, Working Families, Youth Activities Leave a comment

You’re invited to participate in this historic event as we break ground on the first Community Center and Park in Downtown Santa Ana. The community inspired center and park project aims to create a safe, communal space for low-income Santa Ana families.

Ground Breaking Ceremony: November 5, 2010, at 10:30 AM. Latino Health Access Community Center and Park designed by TAYLOR Architecture | Planning | Interior Design conceptual design and planning company.

Location : 602 E. 4th St., Santa Ana, CA 92701

Contact : Gabriela Gonzalez Communications & Development ggonzalez@latinohealthaccess.org 714-542-7792 ext.3164

For more information or to take a tour of the park site: Ana Carricchi, Director of Policy anac@latinohealthaccess.org 714-542-7792 ext. 3109.  http://latinohealthaccess.net.  Click here to RSVP online.

Flor y Canto before GOTV weekend, tonight in Santa Ana

Posted on by Posted in 2010 Elections, Democratic Party, Elections, Latinos, Politics, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Grueling campaign work deserves a little breather~ join organizers that have been working to get out the Latino vote as they prepare for the FINAL campaign weekend…!ABAJO CON LA MEG WHITMAN/DOWN WITH MEG!

Join us for good music and poetry. Feel free to bring a piece to share…

Wednesday, October 27 · 9:30pm – 11:30pm

Location 1200 N. Main St., Suite 920, Santa Ana, CA 92701

By: Denise E. Velasco

Click here to RSVP on Facebook.

Precinct walk for Art Pedroza and Richard Tran this Sunday!

Posted on by Posted in 2010 Elections, Education, Elections, Latinos, Politics, Santa Ana, SAUSD, Vietnamese, Youth Activities Leave a comment

The Art Pedroza for the SAUSD School Board campaign is joining forces this Sunday, Oct. 24, with Richard Tran, a SAUSD teacher who is running a write-in campaign.  He got so frustrated with the corruption and ineptitude of the SAUSD administration, and SAUSD President Audrey Yamagata-Noji, that he recently resigned.  Click here to learn more about his write-in campaign.  Tran will be at our precinct walk along with his many supporters.

We will be meeting at 10 am at Thornton Park, in the parking lot, at 1801 W. Segerstrom, which is located between S. Raitt and S. Bristol. Click here for a map.

Please feel free to walk flyers for other candidates you are supporting, such as our local legislative and city council candidates.

Click here to read the rest of this post.

17th Annual Apple of Gold Education Awards Dinner this Friday, Oct. 22

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Charities, Education, Entertainment, Latinos, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Manuel N. Gomez, retired UCI vice chancellor for student affairs, pictured with Susan V. Bryant, retired UCI vice chancellor for research and professor of developmental & cell biology

PRESS RELEASE: October 12, 2010

Contacts: Dr. Juan Lara 626-390-0176
John Palacio 714-856-5214
Shelley Hoss 949-553-4202

For immediate release

“APPLE OF GOLD ” AWARDS RECOGNIZE EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

The Orange County Hispanic Education Endowment Fund (HEEF) announces the recipients of the 17th Annual Apple of Gold Awards for excellence in teaching and educational leadership.

Educators who will be recognized at the October 22nd Apple of Gold Gala Awards Dinner at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel include: Lifetime Achievement Recognition, Manuel N. Gomez, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor Emeritus, University of California , Irvine ; Excellence in Teaching: Patricia Rendon-Cardenas, Teacher, Martin Luther King  Elementary School , Santa Ana Unified School District ; Excellence in Teaching: Vivian Bottino, Teacher, Marco Forster, Middle School, Capistrano Unified School District and Excellence in Teaching, Roselinn (Linn) Lee, Teacher, Valley High School, Santa Ana Unified School District. Recipients were nominated by their principal, superintendent or president, and supported by their peers, students, and parents.

In addition to recognizing local teachers and administrators who inspire and encourage students to strive for a university education, with the Apple of Gold Award, HEEF provides scholarships for college students and creates partnerships with the business sector to support higher education and nurture the next generation of community leaders.

Proceeds from the dinner go to the scholarship general fund and to its 30 sub funds targeting majors from the arts to business, engineering, law, medicine and technology. Today, the fruits of this investment are being made evident at graduation ceremonies across the county and the state. HEEF scholarship recipients are completing bachelor’s degrees as well as doctoral programs at prestigious institutions. Of note, one local student graduated from Boalt Law School . She had previously won HEEF scholarships as a graduating high school senior and a community college transfer student. She completed her MSW at Columbia University . This is but one example of students who have come through the K-14 pipeline and transferred to a four-year university and continued their education in graduate and professional schools. They make us proud and reflect Orange County ’s commitment to future generations.

Hispanic leaders and representatives of the greater Orange County community united to establish HEEF, formally launching the campaign in January 1994 with the goal of raising $1 million within five years. In 1998, HEEF celebrated the attainment of its $1 million goal. As of September 30, 2010, HEEF’s endowment stands at more than $2.6 million.

As a resource to academically talented Hispanic youth, HEEF’s goal is to enhance educational opportunities and resources at early ages to reduce school dropout rates and to improve students’ educational expectations and opportunities. Since 1996, HEEF has awarded over $1.5 million in scholarships to over 1,250 deserving individuals.

HEEF is a component fund of the Orange County Community Foundation ( OCCF ), which was founded in 1989 to encourage, support and facilitate philanthropy in Orange County . OCCF ‘s investment guidelines ensure the best return possible while protecting the Fund’s principal.

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About the Orange County Hispanic Education Endowment Fund

Meeting the Needs of Orange County’s Hispanic Youth

The Orange County Hispanic Education Endowment Fund (HEEF) provides community and financial support for students at all levels along the education continuum. An unprecedented initiative for Orange County, HEEF has been established to support scholarships, programs and institutions that respond to the needs of Hispanic youth in order to inspire, enhance and improve educational opportunities.

HEEF’s goal is to enhance educational opportunities and resources at early ages to reduce school dropout rates and to improve students’ educational expectations and opportunities. The Fund is a resource to academically talented Hispanic youth that need to overcome barriers to a college degree.

Since 1996, HEEF has awarded over $1.4 million in scholarships to over 1,150 deserving individuals.

Why HEEF?

HEEF is a sound investment for the future of Orange County. Statistics for educational attainment among ethnic populations in the county illustrate the dramatic need to enhance opportunities within the Hispanic community:

• Hispanics represent 58 percent of the Orange County population under 18 years of age. By the year 2020, the Hispanic community is projected to grow to 50 percent of the total population.

• The percentage of Hispanic adults that obtained four or more years of college in 1990 was 9 percent, compared to 29 percent among adult white non-Hispanics, 22 percent among adult African-American/Blacks, and 38 percent among adult Asian/Pacific Islanders.

Ensuring Stability for the Future

Because the fund has been established as an endowment, only earned income is available for distribution. The principal remains intact as a core investment that will support the Hispanic community forever.

Accountability

HEEF is a component fund of the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF), which was founded in 1989 to serve as a charitable organization for local needs. OCCF’s investment guidelines ensure the best return possible while protecting the Fund’s principal. Each year, Moss Adams LLP independently audits the Orange County Community Foundation.

History

Hispanic leaders and representatives of the greater Orange County community united to establish HEEF, formally launching the campaign in January 1994 with the goal of raising $1 million within five years. In 1998, HEEF celebrated the attainment of its $1 million goal. As of July 31, 2010, HEEF’s endowment stands at nearly $2.4 million. HEEF has awarded over $1.4 million in scholarships since its inception.

An exciting and unprecedented initiative for Orange County, HEEF now represents a broad base of participation – from educators to business leaders, and individual donors to the largest companies in the county and it is governed by volunteers serving on a fifteen member Executive Committee.

HEEF has established an umbrella organization, bringing together similar smaller funds, resulting in a unique structure that allows donors to designate their contributions to specific scholarship funds. These include: Adorno, Yoss, Alvarado & Smith, Architecture & Engineering, Angel & Rosemary Varela Scholarship Fund, The Arts, Association of Hispanic Professionals for Education, Chapman University, De La Libertad Scholarship Fund, The Eisner Foundation, The El Viento Foundation, Fernando & Olga Niebla, Friends of California State University at Fullerton/Richard Bermudez, Friends of the University of California at Irvine, Healthcare Education, Henry T. Nicholas, III Foundation, Hispanic Ba r Association of Orange County/Wally Davis Memorial, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Council of Realtors, Jose Angel Garibay Memorial, The Luévano Foundation, MANA De Orange County (Mexican American National Women’s Association), Mike Carona Foundation, National Hispanic Business Women’s Association, New Century Financial Corporation, Orange County Register/Excelsior, Orange County’s United Way, Sage Hill School, Soka University of America, Southern California College of Optometry, Union Bank of California and Vanguard University.

Great Park Pumpkin Harvest includes Carousel launch, scarecrow contest and petting zoo

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCTOBER 21, 2010
CONTACT: JENN STARNES, 949-724-6574

Great Park Pumpkin Harvest Brings Launch of Carousel
Event will feature scarecrow contest, petting zoo, costume parade and more.

IRVINE – This Saturday, visitors to the Great Park Pumpkin Harvest will get an early Halloween treat. People of all ages will be able to take a ride on the new Great Park Carousel, which will make its official public debut.

The updated 38-foot Carousel, which was formerly located in Fashion Island, features new hand painted panels depicting Orange County’s heritage. The popular annual Pumpkin Harvest event has also expanded to include Scarecrows in the Park, a contest for local businesses to create and display themed scarecrows.

“The new carousel ride will be a fun year round activity for Great Park visitors of all ages to enjoy,” said Larry Agran, Chair of the Orange County Great Park Corporation. “Not only can visitors come fly in the Balloon and play on Kids Rock, now they will be able to take a ride on the Great Park Carousel.”

The Great Park Pumpkin Harvest also serves as a community food drive benefiting the Orange County Food Bank and the Second Harvest Food Bank. Visitors are encouraged to bring canned goods to help those in need and will be entered into a raffle to win one of a several prizes donated by local businesses, including the Irvine Barclay Theatre, PF Chang’s, the Bowers Museum and Pacific Symphony.

While at the Pumpkin Harvest, families will experience the time honored tradition of fall activities, including a pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, petting zoo, horse drawn wagons, train rides, costume parade, candy stations, and mini hay maze. Children will receive a free pumpkin, while supplies last.

Visitors are also invited to vote for their favorite creation for Scarecrows in the Park, which benefits Second Harvest Food Bank and agricultural programs at the Great Park.

“Scarecrows in the Park” is a new way for us to enhance our agricultural programs and to raise funds for local food banks,” said Mike Ellzey, Chief Executive Officer of the Orange County Great Park Corporation. “Many local companies and organizations participated in the contest, raising thousands of dollars for these important programs. We look forward to featuring even more scarecrows next year.”

More than 6,000 visitors are expected to attend the Pumpkin Harvest, which will take place on Saturday, October 23, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Orange County Great Park. Admission is free. Parking is $10.

The Orange County Great Park, with its 1,347-acre master plan, is the focal point of the redevelopment of the 4,700-acre former Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro. The Great Park is currently 27.5 acres and includes an iconic tethered helium balloon that rises 400 feet in the air, providing an aerial view of Park development. A $70 million development plan to expand the Park to 200 acres is currently underway. The plan will build out a core section of the Park for the most immediate and wide-ranging public benefit, including a sports park, agricultural area and an art and culture exhibition space.

The Great Park is located off the 5 Freeway and Sand Canyon in Irvine. For more information, go to www.ocgp.org or telephone (949) 724-7420.

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Amazing teacher quits the SAUSD and runs for the School Board as a write-in candidate

Posted on by Posted in 2010 Elections, Education, Elections, Santa Ana, Vietnamese, Youth Activities 6 Comments

Richard Tran is not just a teacher.  He is one of those teachers that students remember – forever.  Born and raised in Santa Ana, Tran is a product of the Santa Ana Unified School District, attending Taft Elementary, McFadden Intermediate and Saddleback High School. In addition to being an alumni and resident of Santa Ana, Tran began his career in this district, working in several classified positions, serving as an After School Program Coordinator, serving as the District Coordinator of Intermediate Intramural Sports, as well as teaching both middle school and high school.

Tran finally had enough of the corruption at the Santa Ana Unified School District, and he quit.  Now Tran is running for the SAUSD School Board as a write-in candidate, and his story is quite compelling.

I spoke to one of Tran’s former students tonight.  He said that Tran didn’t just do a good job in the classroom.  He also kept in touch with his charges and helped them when he could.  The student in question sometimes would call Tran and explain that his mom didn’t have the money to feed him at the time.  Tran would pick him up and buy him dinner.

You cannot force a teacher to care about his students.  But when teachers do care, it makes a world of difference.  Sadly, Tran did not file his papers in time to make it on the ballot.  But I spoke to him tonight and I like what he had to say.  I am going to have him come on my Orange Juice blog radio show next Wednesday.  It should be a great program.  Now that Tran is no longer working for the SAUSD he can say what is on his mind.  Let’s put it this way – he knows exactly how corrupt and ineffective the SAUSD really is.

You can read more about Tran by visiting his website, at this link.  In particular, please be sure to read his “platform,” at this link.  Here is an excerpt from his “platform:”

1. Focus on the Classroom

A. Class Size Reduction (CSR): As a teacher who had up to 47 students in one class, I feel that we need to think outside the box fiscally, in order to lower class size. Smaller class sizes provide for a more productive teaching environment for the teacher and a more productive learning environment for the students.

B. Curriculum: There appears to be a disconnect between the District Pacing Guide and District Benchmark Tests that has many teachers upset. A much needed evaluation of the two must be made with complete teacher input. Teachers are the ones that provide the curriculum everyday and know what material is able to be covered within the time frame. We must value their expertise and allow them to create the District Benchmarks to give validity to the scores. Otherwise, we would continue to waste money with no benefits to our schools and students.

C. Needs Assessment of Materials: As a former teacher of the District, I know that not all needed materials are available to teach the curriculum. I believe that a needs assessment must be completed at each individual school site in order to ensure that all materials, books and equipment needed are readily available for all teachers to carry out the curriculum.

Tran is clearly thoughtful and experienced and he has a great grasp of the issues.  We are planning to hold a joint precinct walk this weekend.  Details are forthcoming.  Whether he wins or loses we are fortunate to have him here in our community and I know we can all learn a lot from him.  Click here if you would like to friend him on Facebook.

Art Pedroza’s school board campaign signs will be ready by this Friday

Posted on by Posted in 2010 Elections, Education, Politics, Santa Ana, Youth Activities 2 Comments

Thank you to those of you who have been sending in contributions.  We ordered our campaign signs and they will be ready by this Friday.  Our competitors’ signs are already falling apart due to the rain.  We ordered the very best, weatherproof signs.  They will hold up through the election.

Please click here if you would like a lawn sign.  Be sure to let me know your street address.

We are in the home stretch!  Please keep spreading the word.  Everywhere I go in town folks know about our campaign and the feedback has been very positive.  

Thank you all for your support!  On Nov. 2, we just might make history.

Russo and Yamagata-Noji pontificate at Solorio’s Education Forum

Posted on by Posted in 2010 Elections, Education, Jose Solorio, Politics, Santa Ana, SAUSD, Working Families, Youth Activities Leave a comment

I attended the education forum hosted by Assemblyman Jose Solorio last night.  Not much was accomplished.  SAUSD Superintendent Jane Russo and Trustee Audrey Yamagata-Noji tried to spin that all is well, even though the point of the meeting was explaining how we are going to fix the mess that developed after a number of our public schools ended up on the State of California’s persistently low performing list.

I am posting the video I shot of their comments. I had to shoot two videos as they went on for so long. Sorry about the sound quality. The acoustics last night were awful and the microphones kept having feedback issues.

Click here to watch the second video and to read the rest of this post.

Welcome Home Afghanistan & Iraq Soldiers & Presentation on Oct. 23

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AMERICAN GI FORUM OF THE UNITED STATES, RUDY ESCALANTE CHAPTER; VETERANS FIRST OC OC; AND THE UNITED MEXICAN-AMERICAN VETERANS ASSOCIATION

Cordially Invite You to Attend a Presentation

Men and Women of Honor “Welcome Home OEF (Afghanistan)/OIF (Iraq) Soldiers”

A program to improve the ability of War Veterans to develop and maintain healthy and fulfilling partner and family relationships.
For Veterans and their families

Presented by: Jerry Tello, M.A.

A four hour presentation on issues and resources related to:

1) Skills to assist in healing war related and other trauma
2) Developing and maintaining healthy and fulfilling partner and family relationships.
3) Preventing family violence

Saturday, October 23, 2010, from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM
1540 E. Edinger Ave. #A, Santa Ana, CA 92705

Lunch will be served

Registration: http://menandwomenofhonor.eventbrite.com
Pre-registration strongly suggested.

To register by E-mail, send your name, the names of additional persons attending and your contact phone number to our email at recagif@yahoo.com.  To register by Phone, please leave a voice mail message with your name and, names of additional persons attending and your contact number at (657)201-7535.

CLICK HERE FOR EVENT FLYER

.

Alfonso Alvarez, Ed.D.
Commander, Rudy Escalante Chapter
American GI Forum of the United States
5051 E. Orangethorpe Ave. #E209, Anaheim, CA 92807
www.agifrudyescalante.com
(714) 309-4072

Francisco J. Barragan CPA, CIA
Commander, UMAVA
United Mexican-American Veterans Association
http://umava.org/
(714) 605-2544 cell

Why aren’t there any SAUSD School Board candidates debates this year?

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Two years ago, when there were nine candidates running for three seats on the Santa Ana Unified School District’s (SAUSD) School Board, there were numerous debates all over town.  I attended several of them.

This year, there are only four candidates and zero debates.  What happened?

I have never before seen this happen before in the SAUSD.  There have always been at least a few candidates debates.  Not this time.  Even the PTA took a pass!

I seriously doubt that this is happening in any other school district in Orange County.  The voters deserve to see their candidates, and to hear from them in candidates forums.

Click here to read the rest of this post.

Assemblyman Jose Solorio to hold an education forum on Oct. 18, in Santa Ana

Posted on by Posted in Education, Miguel Pulido, Santa Ana, SAUSD, Youth Activities Leave a comment

California State Assemblyman Jose Solorio invites you to an Education Forum

How Can Santa Ana Schools Do Better?  Are They Making Progress?  What Can You Do To Help?

Monday, October 18, 2010 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Rancho Santiago Community College District Board Room
2323 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92706

The Education Forum will include a panel discussion with educators, administrators, parents and community leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities of Santa Ana’s six “Priority” schools. The six schools are Sierra Intermediate, Willard Intermediate, Century High School, Saddleback High School, Santa Ana High School, and Valley High School.

Invited Panelists and Presenters include:

  • Hon. Miguel Pulido, Mayor, City of Santa Ana
  • Hon. Audrey Yamagata-Noji, President, Santa Ana Unified School District Board
  • Jane Russo, Superintendent, Santa Ana Unified School District
  • Santa Ana Unified School District School Police Representative
  • Susan Mercer, President, Santa Ana Educators Association
  • Ken Nguyen, Commissioner, City of Santa Ana
  • Duane Lundquist, Santa Ana President, California School Employee Association
  • Parent Teacher Association Representative
  • Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce Representative

Refreshments and appetizers will be provided by Lee’s Sandwiches.

To RSVP or for more information, please contact Kim Nguyen at (714) 939-8469 or by email at Kim.Nguyen@asm.ca.gov.

Santa Ana residents get in free to the Santa Ana Zoo this Sunday

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Santa Ana residents can enter the Santa Ana Zoo at the Prentice Park, for free this Sunday, Oct. 17.  General admission is normally $8.00, and children 3-12 & seniors are usually $5.00.

The Santa Ana Zoo is located at 1801 E. Chestnut, in Santa Ana.  Over 300 animals from around the world are displayed on 21 acres. The Zoo is open daily from 10am to 4pm, once inside, one can remain until 5pm.

Coming up on Oct. 11-24, 29 and 30, is the 2010 Boo at the Zoo!  This family-friendly costumed extravaganza will bring FUN, SAFE, trick-or-treating in a “Merry not Scary” Zoo atmosphere, with educational animal presentations, storytelling, and entertainment throughout the evening, with a grand finale costume parade!

For the older kids, the Zoo also offers “Teen Scream,” a haunted house filled with thrills and chills. This ghoulish attraction has a separate entrance, but is included with the price of admission.

The Boo at the Zoo event costs: $12/person (only $6/Member) ages 2 & up, children under 2 free. Join the Zoo as a Member to get the half price by clicking here. Admissions are good for any night! Admissions available at the front entrance on the night of the event.

You can buy lunch at the Zoo too, at the La Perla de la Amazona Snack Shop.  They offer terrific Mexican food and all the usual American favorites too.  Zoo members also get a discount on all their offerings!

Phone numbers: Recorded Information (714) 835-7484, Ticket Booth (714) 836-4000, Zoo Office (714) 647-6575, Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo (714) 953-8555, La Perla Snack Shop (714) 543-5991.

Santa Ana College Homecoming game today

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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.