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Tag Archives: Education

L.A. to O.C. Dream Ride today, Feb. 20

Posted on by Posted in Entertainment, immigration, Latinos, Orange County, Santa Ana, Youth Activities 1 Comment

Join us in a 50 mile bike ride to continue raising awareness for Federal Dream Act, California Dream Act (institutional financial aid) and getting drivers licences for all California residents, as well as bringing attention to the rights of all bicyclist in the city of L.A and Orange County. Spokes & Words, The Orange County Dream Team and Dream Team Los Angeles are working together with City of Lights and the Bici Digna program in organizing and funding this event to bring together all these great orgs that fight for social justice for for all.

When: Sunday Feb. 20 (presidents day weekend), from 9 a.m to 11 a.m.

Where: Starting at Corazon del Pueblo 2003 E. 1st. street Boyle Heights 90033 and ending at Centro Cultural de Mexico 310 W. 5th street Santa Ana 92701.

Registration: Registration form and $15 fee (link at bottom of page) will be due on Jan. 28. This will include lunch, dinner, bike maintenance during event and over night stay in Orange County. Form can be downloaded via link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13WcyFiBe45oBXLUIAOkvINgfZAzimUHsIxHlPCWnNOM/edit?hl=en

Route: Approx 50 miles via streets of L.A., San Gabriel River Bike Path and streets of Santa Ana.

Housing: Sleeping over at Centro Cultural de Mexico. Individuals are responsible for bringing their own sleeping bag, pillows, blankets, toiletries, change of clothes etc. and transportation back to L.A. A truck will carry participant’s belongings, sleeping bags etc. to Santa Ana and back to CDP after ride is over.

Food: Lunch, dinner and snacks will be provided for all participants accounted for, for the event.

Bike Safety Work Shops: All participants of event will be required to attend at least one workshop on safety, rules of the road and ridding in a group. No exceptions. First workshop will be at CDP on Jan 23rd. Second will be at Centro Cultural in Santa Ana on Jan 30th and the final workshop will be at CDP on Feb. 5th Riders needing help with their bikes will be encouraged to bring them to the workshop for maintenance and bike tune up. Workshops will be coordinated by City of Lights.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for anyone that wants to donate food, supplies or sponsor riders for the event as well.

Anyone with questions about the event can contact dream.act.riders@gmail.com for more information or concerns.  Click here to RSVP on Facebook.

Event Sponsors:

  • Spokes & Words
  • City of Lights
  • Orange County Dream Team
  • Dream Team Los Angeles
  • Corazon del Pueblo
  • El Centro Cultural de Mexico

Link to pay pal account here: http://justarandomhero.blogspot.com/2011/01/la-to-oc-dream-ride.html

HOPE Coalition of Orange County to host Dream Act Forum tonight, Jan. 28, in Anaheim

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Education, Entertainment, immigration, Latinos, mexico, Santa Ana, Youth Activities 4 Comments

HOPE Coalition of Orange County to Host Forum on “Generations of Lost DREAMS: Finding Solutions”

Friday, January 28 in Anaheim

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Person: Minerva S.G. Stone
714-376-8065 (cell) / E-Mail: gomez_minerva@yahoo.com

The newly formed Hope Coalition of Orange County recognizes that it has been several weeks since the U.S. Senate failed to take decisive steps to vote on the DREAM Act, which was guided in the last days of 2010 by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. These same student leaders also are re-emerging more determined just days after President Obama’s State of the Union speech addressing our nation’s current predicaments and working together to find solutions. The President stated, “They (children of undocumented parents) grew up as Americans and pledge allegiance to our flag, and yet live every day with the threat of deportation. ….. But as soon as they obtain advanced degrees, we send them back home to compete against us. It makes no sense.”

The HOPE Coalition agrees with President Obama, that the coming debates will be difficult, challenging and will take time to address the millions now living in the shadows across America .

College graduate and one of the Coalition leaders Minerva S.G. Stone totally agrees with our President as he reinforced his beliefs that America must “stop expelling talented, responsible young people who can staff our research labs, start new businesses, and further enrich this nation.” Ms. Stone stated, “ Orange County students are getting ready for a new congressional session with high hopes of great changes to come. The first step is to host a forum on Friday, January 28 to address the hopelessness in failed DREAMS.”

Guest speaker Dr. Roberto Gonzales, University of Washington will discuss research studies and results that will assist citizens and non-citizens to understand the multi-generational immigration debates of previous DREAM Act efforts.

FORUM: “Generations of Lost DREAMS: Finding Solutions”
Friday January 28, 2011 (6:00 pm– 8:30 pm)
Betsy Ross Elementary School (Cafeteria), 535 South Walnut Street, Anaheim , CA
Information: 714-376-8065 / E-Mail: gomez_minerva@yahoo.com

Another Coalition leader and college graduate, Antonia Rivera states, “We believe it is our responsibility to prevent the continuing intolerance for under-represented communities. We need to self-empower Orange County communities to step up for America and to also teach leadership skills on civil rights advocacy to young students who will follow in their footsteps.”

The goal of the HOPE Coalition of Orange County is to address the difficult and different issues confronting community residents in Orange County . This Forum is the group’s first efforts to educate communities on the enormous and positive impact the DREAM Act will have for our nation and how it will affect every single person – each one of us.

The HOPE Coalition is committed to a target goal of fund-raising $25,000 for scholarships for students affected by the DREAM Act. Contributions can be sent to California LULAC Foundation, Inc., PO Box 1810 , Santa Ana , CA 92702 .

The HOPE Coalition of Orange County is composed of community organizations and leaders, including Los Amigos of Orange County, Orange County Community Housing Corporation, Santa Ana LULAC #147, and the Orange County DREAM Team.

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Poll: What are the top ten issues in Santa Ana going into 2012?

Posted on by Posted in 2012 Elections, Crime, Economy, Education, Elections, Energy, Fiscal Sustainability, homeless, Housing, Janet Nguyen, Jobs, Labor, Miguel Pulido, Orange County, Paul Walters, Politics, Public Safety, Real Estate, Redevelopment, Santa Ana, Water 1 Comment

As the year 2011 draws to a close it is time to ponder the top ten issues facing the people of the City of Santa Ana, going into the New Year.

You can vote on your top ten issues here (my top ten follow the poll) – and remember that you can vote for up to three issues: Continue reading→

Free classes for adults in Santa Ana, starting on Jan. 10 at SAC SEC

Posted on by Posted in Education, Santa Ana, Working Families Leave a comment

Santa Ana College’s School of Continuing Education is offering free classes for adults, starting on January 10.  The courses include:

  • English as a Second Language (ESL)
  • Short-term vocational training
  • Adult basic education (aBE)
  • Adult High School diploma program/GED preparation
  • Parenting education
  • Citizenship program
  • Health and Safety education
  • Programs for adults with substantial disabilities

HOW TO REGISTER FOR FREE CLASSES

Registration for noncredit courses for adults is ongoing throughout the semester and begins January 3, 2011. Students are registered on a first-come, first-served basis. Offsite registration is done in person at any site location throughout the semester or visit us at CEC:

CENTENNIAL EDUCATION CENTER (CEC)
2900 W. Edinger, Santa Ana, CA 92704
714-241-5700

Registration starts January 3rd, 2011!

Registration Office hours: (January 3rd–January 7th)

Monday–Thursday 8:00am–7:45pm

Friday 8:00am–12:45pm

CEC (A-101) 714-241-5700

Regular Registration Office hours: (January 10th–May 28th)

Monday–Thursday 8:00am–8:45pm

Friday 8:00am–12:45pm

Saturday (Closed) Saturday 8:00am–11:45am

CEC (A-101) 714-241-5700

ESL Placement tests for new students are given at:

  • Centennial Education Center……Monday through Thursday & Saturday morning
  • Santa Ana High School………….Tuesday and Thursday evening
  • El Sol Academy………………….Wednesday evening or Saturday morning

English as a Second Language Program (ESL)

The English as a Second (ESL) program helps non-English or limited-English speaking adults survive in an English-speaking community at over 50 community sites. This program provides instruction on how to get and keep a job, how to get medical help, and how to understand basic government rules, in 7 levels: Literacy, Beginning 1, 2, and 3, Intermediate 1, 2, and 3.

The ESL Program also prepares students with skills for higher education, and offers ESL Family Literacy classes throughout the community.

SCHOOL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION PHONE LISTING

Registration/Admissions………………714-241-5700
Adult High School Diploma Program…714-241-5720
Counseling……………………………714-241-5720
Child Development Center…….…….714-241-5739
Citizenship…………………………… 714-241-5730
Computer Classes…………………… 714-241-5736

SPRING SEMESTER 2011

Registration Begins………………………….. January 3
Instruction Begins………………………….. January 10
King’s Birthday (holiday)…………………… January 17
Lincoln’s Birthday (holiday)…………… February 18–19
President’s Day (holiday)………………….February 21
Cesar Chavez (holiday)………………………March 31
Spring Break………………………………….April 4–9
Commencement………………………………..May 26
Instruction Ends…………………………………May 28
Memorial Day (holiday)…………………………May 30

Click here for more information, including the locations of the classes.

LULAC declares a crisis in education that is hurting Latino youth

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Comunicado de Prensa

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

Education announcement from Assemblyman Jose Solorio

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Education, Garden Grove, Jose Solorio, Santa Ana, SAUSD Leave a comment

Important Education Announcement

Dear Friend,

This email contains important information for you, or someone you know, who cares about a student that is preparing to go to college, or who is underachieving at a Program Improvement School.

Free Academic Tutoring Program

Tutoring is helpful for students struggling in class, but it can also be helpful for students desiring better grades to be more competitive for college admission. The Supplemental Educational Services (SES) program can help a school age child with his or her schoolwork. It provides free tutoring to children attending a school that has been designated as a Program Improvement School. The tutoring takes place outside of school hours and can be held in your home or a community location such as a library.

The school districts listed below provide SES and can explain the program in detail, including schools served by SES and application deadlines. I strongly recommend that you take advantage of this potential opportunity. Tutoring usually results in increased academic performance.

• Anaheim City School District, (714) 517-7521
• Anaheim Unified High School District, (714) 999-5408 (SES information not on website)
• Garden Grove Unified School District, (714) 663-6143
• Santa Ana Unified School District, (714) 558-5668

Solorio Scholars Program

In partnership with the Orange County Leadership Fund, the Solorio Scholars program is now accepting applications for this year’s awards. The Solorio Scholars program was created in 2009 to inspire more high school students in central Orange County to apply for college. Scholars receive personalized help and up to $250 for college application fees. The application is simple, but please note the deadline to apply this year is October 30, 2010. For an application and more information about becoming a Solorio Scholar, please visit www.solorioscholars.com.

If you would like additional information, or would like me or a member of my staff to speak to high school classes or community organizations about how to go to college, please contact Jessica Gutierrez via email at jessica.gutierrez@asm.ca.gov, or call (714) 939-8469.

I know from personal experience how powerful a college education can be, and the importance of planning ahead by getting tutoring help now. I hope this information is useful to you and thank you for forwarding this email to others that may be interested in educating the next generation of college students.

Santa Ana teaches businesses importance of a plan, access to capital

Posted on by Posted in Business, Education, Santa Ana Leave a comment

August 23, 2010, City of Santa Ana – More than a dozen businesses participating in a 13-week seminar sponsored by the City of Santa Ana discovered that having a plan and knowing where to look for capital greatly enhances their chances of survival even in a tough economy.

“The class was the accountability tool I needed to sit down and complete my business plan,” said Carter Dewberry with the YOST Theater in Santa Ana. “With this document in hand, I feel confident in the strength and direction of my business.”

Dewberry, who is helping to refurbish and transform the theater, was one of 15 businesses that took advantage of a 13-week, business improvement course is hosted by the city and OPIS Network that focused on borrowing money, adding income channels and the value of a “fundable” business plan in down economy.

The course, which was free to participant, was the second in a series of Helping 100 Businesses for 100 days offered by the city and OPIS.

“More than 85 percent of our students had no business plan or one that was over a year old,” said Norm Bour, community development manager with OPIS Network. “The numbers prove that the likelihood of having your business last longer than 5 years is 80 percent or better for those with a business plan.”

Helping 100 Businesses for 100 Days was developed by the city and OPIS Network to provide Santa Ana businesses with the strategies and resources needed to remain competitive and succeed.

Graduates of the most recent program are eligible to receive an unsecured loan for up to $2,500 and be the first granted the accreditation of the Business Builder Certification (BBC), the first of its kind in Orange County. Offered by the local Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), this loan can be used to help establish new businesses or rebuild the credit of those businesses whose finances have suffered over the past couple of years.

The training consisted of four live classes and six teleseminars.

“We were pleased with the turnout and participation,” said Santa Ana City Councilmember Michele Martinez. “Judging by the response to our seminar, access to capital and managing money continue to be among the biggest concerns for businesses.”

Underwriting for the program comes from the City of Santa Ana, along with a consortium of banks, including City National, Farmers & Merchants, Partners Bank, Pacific Premier, So. Cal Reinvestment and First Bank.

OPIS Network is a business consulting firm used by cities, chambers of commerce, non-profits and many affinity groups to enhance operational efficiencies and marketing skills. For more information go to: www.opisnetwork.com

Panel to feature Sanchez, Martinez and Alvarez in Santa Ana on Tuesday, Aug. 24

Posted on by Posted in Business, Education, Entertainment, Latinos, Loretta Sanchez, Michele Martinez, Santa Ana, Women Leave a comment

You are invited to a panel discussion on Tuesday, August 24, from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm, that will focus on the economy, business and education, hosted by Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez. This impressive panel will discuss challenges and solutions that many Latinos are facing in Orange County.

The panelists are: Santa Ana Mayor Pro-Tem, Claudia Alvarez; City of Santa Ana, Council Member Michelle Martinez; City of Santa Ana, business owner Teresa Saldivar, Teresa’s Jewelers; Ana Steaffens CEO/President of KidWorks and Erlinda J. Martinez, Ed.D., President of Santa Ana College.

Written questions will be taken from the audience the last 15 minutes of the program. The program will begin promptly at 3:15pm , check-in is at 2:45pm.

Please RSVP to Javiera Catagena at (714) 621-0102.  Click here to RSVP on Facebook.

Location: Rancho Santiago Community College District, in Boardroom 107, located at 2323 N. Broadway St., in Santa Ana.

New federal bill may not end up saving many teacher’s jobs in Santa Ana

Posted on by Posted in california, Education, Jose Solorio, Lou Correa, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The new federal bill that is supposed to save teacher’s jobs may not, in the end, do much for teachers in California.  And I don’t think this funding can be used to save classified jobs either.

The bill could provide up to $70 million to Orange County’s cash-strapped school districts, allowing them to rescind scores of teacher layoffs, county officials said Thursday, according to the O.C. Register.

The problem is that our State Legislature still hasn’t approved a new budget.  We don’t know how much further they might cut the state education budget.

“State lawmakers could use the federal funds to fill in gaps in funding already allocated to districts, or they could count the money against other budget shortfalls, meaning districts could eventually receive far less money than they may expect,” according to County Superintendent Bill Habermehl.

Some district officials are saying that the new funds might help them prevent future layoffs, but this year’s budgets are already set – and they are brutal.

Click here to read the rest of this post.

Gran Baile y Cena to benefit the Orange County DREAM!

Posted on by Posted in Charities, Dream Act, Education, Entertainment, immigration, Latinos, mexico, music, Santa Ana, Working Families, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Gran Baile y Cena to benefit the Orange County DREAM!

August 21 · 6:30pm – 11:30pm, at the Elk’s Lodge, located at 212 South Elk Lane, in Santa Ana.

Do you like to dance?…and better yet, help a great cause at the same time?  H.P.O. Promotions and Veterans Soccer League invite you to…El GRAN BAILE (y cena) to benefit the Orange County DREAM Team’s Scholarship Fund.  Only $20, includes dinner (tickets will be sold in advance and at the door).

Featuring:

  • La Internacional Sonora Dinamita
  • Los Cadetes De Linares
  • El Grupo Mysterio
  • Pepe Reyna ( El hijo de Cornelio Reyna )
  • Y otros grupos sorpresa…

Come and celebrate the beautiful student movement, that is the DREAM movement. Your contribution will benefit the Orange County DREAM Team’s scholarship fund, which awards scholarships to undocumented students pursuing a higher education. The Orange County DREAM Team is proud to advocate for the rights of undocumented students of all nationalities.

Invite your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, classmates, etc! Hope to see you all there!

For more information, please contact Vanessa Castillo: vanessacastillo27@yahoo.com.  Click here to RSVP on Facebook.

Local schools get $1.7 million in federal stimulus funds

Posted on by Posted in Education, Federal Government, Garden Grove, irvine, Orange, Santa Ana, Tustin, Youth Activities 4 Comments

“Orange County public schools will receive $1.7 million in federal stimulus funds, via the Enhancing Education Through Technology grant, this month to improve technology in the classroom, the latest round of grant money to flow to local schools under President Barack Obama’s $787 billion stimulus package,” according to the O.C. Register.

Here is a rundown of the local schools benefiting from these contributions:

  • Nova Academy Early College High $1,129
  • Orange County High School of the Arts $845
  • Orange County Educational Arts Academy $2,829
  • El Sol Santa Ana Science and Arts Academy $3,192
  • Santa Ana Unified $388,583
  • Garden Grove Unified $276,563
  • Orange Unified $86,120
  • Tustin Unified $34,130
  • Irvine Unified $29,231

What a nice way to end the week!

Taller San Jose looking for volunteers for Light up a Life 2010

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Taller San Jose, is an innovative Santa Ana program that walks young people out of poverty by offering the hope of a productive and self-reliant future.

They are presenting their “Light up a Life 2010” fundraiser on September 18, from 2:00pm – 11:00pm, at Mission San Juan Capistrano, located at 26801 Ortega Hwy., in San Juan Capistrano.

Taller San Jose is looking for 100 volunteers to help set up the event, greet guests, sell opportunity drawing tickets, faciliate the auction, and much more.

To join their team of great volunteers, contact Perla Lopez at (714) 543-5105 Ext. 110 or plopez@tallersanjose.org or contact David Saldaña at Ext. 206 or dsaldana@tallersanjose.org.

Do good work in your community, have fun, and make some new friends along the way!  Click here to RSVP on Facebook.

Summer art classes at MC Art Studio, at the Santora in Santa Ana

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Have fun and learn the fundamentals of art at the MC Art Studio, located at 207 N. Broadway, in Santa Ana.  They have art classes for beginners and non beginners every Monday and Wednesday at 6pm through September 15.  You can sign up by clicking here.  Or click here to RSVP on Facebook.

Instructor: Mollie C. Smith.  Email:Mcsmithart@yahoo.com.

Monday 6 pm: the class is focus on students with no previous background on art.  Starts with a few exercises with pencil, charcoal and acrylics to developing the basic skills on drawing and coloring.

Basic subjects:

  • Light and shade
  • Volume
  • Primary colors.

No beginners class: Wednesday 6 pm

Inspired on the theory of a Emotional Intelligence, this class is focus on students with some background on art, we combine the elements of a traditional class with a innovative and dynamics exercises like drawing with left hand and simplifying the shape of a model with geometric forms.

This class request at least 15 years old students.

The class are $20 per student.  Two hours with 10 ms. break.