New Santa Ana | Category Archives: Anaheim

LULAC welcomes Senator Correa’s support in redistricting efforts

Posted on June 9, 2011 by Art Pedroza 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.

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

New Santa Ana Blog
By Admin
June 8, 2011

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!

Redistricting may split Santa Ana and Anaheim into two Senate districts

Posted on June 8, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in 2012 Elections, Anaheim, buena park, california, Democratic Party, Elections, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Latinos, Orange County, Politics, Republican Party, Santa Ana, Stanton, Westminster 3 Comments

The California Redistricting Commission is considering splitting Santa Ana away from Anaheim, into two new State Senate Districts. Currently, both of these cities 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. This 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 Ana and Anaheim should remain in one contiguous 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!

LULAC complains again about the Orange County Redistricting Commission

Posted on June 7, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in 2012 Elections, Anaheim, Elections, Latinos, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana 1 Comment

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 7, 2011

PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

County’s Legal Attorneys Continue to Advise County Committee to Ignore Adopted Procedures

Santa Ana LULAC continues to be concerned that the Orange County Board of Supervisors will be considering and voting on six redistricting map plans submitted by an anonymous person. The plans were accepted by the Orange County Redistricting Committee, even though they had all agreed not to accept any plans without a name and contact information.

Santa Ana LULAC President Zeke Hernandez asserts, “The committee composed of the chiefs of staff for each of the county supervisors has already acknowledged they will disregard their own rules as they provide a façade in the process to cover up the openness and transparency that is necessary. The integrity of the process is at issue here, an average Orange County public resident can easily see that committee members are reviewing and recommending plans – some of these plans were submitted by their bosses and have to be approved by their bosses. Now you have the county’s counsel advising the Redistricting Committee that even though they have decided to recommend one proposal, they alone can change the rules and do as they wish.”

This can be verified by reviewing the committee’s minutes at:
http://egov.ocgov.com/vgnfiles/ocgov/OCGOVPortal/docs/RM5262011.doc

Hernandez continued, “These minutes do not provide sufficient information for the public to be informed, it would be better personally for a person to hear the county’s audio feed of the meeting to understand how the committee is ‘gaming the system’.” The audio can be accessed at:

http://chirb.it/MItcg8

“In addition to the 6 phantom plans, the committee is also reviewing 10 plans submitted by the county supervisors – this is a total of 16 plans that are questionable …. This figures to be 2/3’s of all plans submitted to the committee by the May 18 deadline” stated Hernandez.

Some of these plans submitted by the Chiefs of Staff for board supervisors are not even being advocated by staff personnel. Based on their own statements at the committee meeting, staff has said they are being submitted for either “discussion purposes”, “over-arching philosophy of status quo”, attempts to “clean-up current plan”, keeping “cities whole”, and also to move certain areas from one district to another.

From: Zeke Hernandez
President (Past State Director)
Santa Ana LULAC #147
League of United Latin American Citizens
PO Box 1810, Santa Ana, CA 92702
714-661-4428 (cell)
www.LULACSantaAna.com
www.LULAC.org (National LULAC)

Code Pink to protest Condoleeza Rice in Anaheim on Monday, June 6

Posted on June 5, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Entertainment, Federal Government, Military, Politics, Republican Party, Santa Ana, War 2 Comments

Code Pink is going to be protesting Condoleeza Rice’s appearance in Anaheim on Monday, June 6. Here is what they posted on Facebook:

Please join us for a peaceful protest of Condoleeza Rice, who is at the Anaheim Convention Center speaking at the International Dairy Deli Bakery Seminar & Expo.

Meet at Hotel Way and Convention Way at 8:30. We’ll walk to the Convention Center entrance near the Hilton Hotel located 777 Convention Way, Anaheim, CA.

We will have banners and signs. Wear Pink! Paid parking available in structure /free parking in some nearby residential areas. Bring your cameras!

For more information, call 949-257-8501, or email Sharon Tipton on FB.

We are obligated by conscience to do what our Justice Department won’t – call to account (former) officials to account for war crimes. Only when the Bush Administration’s war crimes are held to light will the current administration think twice about continuing illegal invasions and allowing torture. Please stand with us as we chant and sing songs. Coffee afterward!

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As National Security Adviser, Condoleezza Rice was one of the five administration officials most responsible for providing public information and shaping public opinion on Iraq. She pushed the Bush administration’s false claims that Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq possessed nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and had connections
to al-Qaeda and the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Condoleezza Rice was a principal participant in this campaign of disinformation. A congressional report in March 2004 found that of all the top Bush administration officials, Rice made the highest number of categorically false statements between September 2002 and September 2003.

She is also a prima facie war criminal for her approval of torture. ABC news reported in April 2008, the committee authorized water-boarding of three people in U.S. custody, According to ABC, the role of Condoleezzza Rice “was decisive.” Amidst concerns that the program was harming US image abroad, Rice reportedly told the CIA, “This is your baby. Go do it.”

Perez will battle Sarmiento in the Democratic primary for the 69th A.D.

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in 2012 Elections, Anaheim, Democratic Party, Elections, Labor, Loretta Sanchez, Politics, Santa Ana, Vince Sarmiento 35 Comments

When I first heard that Julio Perez, the Political Director of the Orange County Labor Federation, was interested in running for the 69th Assembly District, I figured he was just testing the waters. But he is holding a fundraiser on June 2, at Santa Ana’s Bistro 400, so I guess he is serious about running.

The 69th Assembly District is currently held by Jose Solorio, but he is terming out, after six years in Sacramento, in 2012. Solorio previously served on the Santa Ana City Council. The man who replaced him on that Council, Vince Sarmiento, is also planning to run for the 69th.

Remember also that the election rules have changed. Candidates have to win by 50% or more, or else they have to face off against their runner-up, regardless of their partisan affiliation. This means that we could end up with two Democrats running against each other in the 2012 general election!

Why is that? Because the Republican Party is basically dead in the 69th A.D. They have no chance of winning in the primary, at all. And I doubt any Republicans would vote for Perez in November, given his obvious ties to labor.

Sarmiento is a known quantity. He is a successful attorney and he has been a quiet leader on the Santa Ana City Council. You can read his bio here. What do we know about Perez?

According to his online bio, Perez is an Orange County native, having been raised in the low income immigrant neighborhood situated literally ‘on the other side of the wall’ from Disneyland.

Here is the rest of his bio:

Perez received a BA in International Studies from UC Irvine and continued his education, obtaining a Masters in Public Policy from the University of Michigan.

Perez began his career in labor as a Policy Analyst with the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE), and helped win organizing campaigns, worker-friendly policies and health care initiatives. He continued this work throughout his career working with SOL (Strengthening Our Lives) PAC, Orange County Communities Organized for Responsible Development (OCCORD) and more recently with SEIU-UHW West.

Rick Eiden, President of the Orange County Labor Federation said “The Orange County Labor Federation has been tirelessly working to improve the lives of working men and women in Orange County. Julio’s policy, research and organizing experience will contribute immensely to our efforts of growing our labor movement in Orange County.

Can Perez, who has never run for office, beat Sarmiento? Well, just look at the map of the 69th A.D. There isn’t much Anaheim in it. It is dominated by the City of Santa Ana.

Has Perez had much of an effect in Orange County? Well, last year labor got behind a Republican, John Leos, for the Anaheim City Council. That didn’t work out so well. Leos lost, although labor spent a small fortune on his campaign. So did the two Democrats in the race, Bill Dalati and John Santoianni. I doubt they will be backing Perez in 2012.

The only victory that Perez can boast about is paying for a recount that put Republican Janet Nguyen on the O.C. Board of Supervisors. Labor spent a ton of money over the past few elections trying to take out Republican Supervisors John Moorlach and Shawn Nelson. That didn’t work out so well.

Perez would be better off running against Republican Supervisor Janet Nguyen, in the First Supervisorial District, even if he had to move into the district. But since Labor funded her recount, they will likely give her a free pass in 2012. Instead they will waste thousands trying to defeat Sarmiento, which of course makes no sense at all. He is a progressive Democrat. Apparently Perez is not aware of that.

Exchange your gas powered mower for an electric mower, on July 23

Posted on May 23, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Entertainment, Environment, Green, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

How would you like to get rid of your gasoline powered lawn mower and exchange it for a new electric lawn mower – that won’t pollute our environment?

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) is hosting a lawnmower exchange program on July 23, in Anaheim.

Residents living within the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s 4-county jurisdiction are eligible to participate in the 2011 Electric Lawn Mower Exchange program. This region includes all of Orange County.

Pre-registration is required to exchange your lawnmower.

Unlike previous years, in order to be eligible to buy a new, cordless electric lawnmower for $100 under this year’s program, you must pre-register on the AQMD web site (www.aqmd.gov), or by calling our toll-free phone number (888) 425-6247. When you pre-register, you will be given a confirmation number, and a ½-hour time slot during which to come to the exchange site of your choice. Pre-registration is first come, first served.

Limit of one mower per residence.

Your old gasoline mower must be in operating condition to qualify for the trade-in.

The purpose of the program is to eliminate the emissions caused by old gasoline-powered mowers that would otherwise continue to be used.

What happens if you don’t appear at the exchange site during your pre-registered time slot?

Your confirmation guaranteeing you a mower is only good for the site and date you selected. We encourage you to arrive at the exchange site during your scheduled ½ hour time slot – not earlier and not later – to reduce traffic backups at the site. If you do not show up by the last time slot for the day you scheduled, your reservation will expire and cannot be used for another event.

Senior toastmasters charter celebration today in Anaheim

Posted on May 15, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Education, Entertainment, Seniors 1 Comment

Golden Seniors-on-the-Move Toastmasters Club

Charter Celebration on Sunday, May 15, from 2:45-5:00 P.M.

Location:

Tyrol Plaza Club House
891S.State College Blvd, Anaheim, Ca 92806

Contact Info: (714)628-9844, p_adelekan@yahoo.com, goldenseniors.freetoasthost.org

Who: Residents of Tyrol Plaza and the Public

What Purpose:

Learn to Speak and Lead — on senior issues; themes; topics; wisdom; knowledge; experiences; concerns, Research, etc.

How:

Speeches
Panel discussions
feedback
Table Topics
Themed meetings
Role Plays
Poems
Songs
Guest Speakers

Uniqueness of club

Mission: to provide a positive and supportive environment in which seniors can develop and/or polish their communication and leadership skills (regarding senior matters), to support one another socially and emotionally; and to help market their products and services suitable to seniors -through communication and leadership skills.

Manic de Mayo Celebration with Manic Hispanic, Old Man Markley and more

Posted on May 5, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Arts and Culture, Entertainment, Latinos, mexico, music, Restaurants Leave a comment

Don’t miss the “Manic de Mayo Celebration” with Manic Hispanic, Old Man Markley and Continental, tonight at the House of Blues Anaheim.

Thursday 05/05/2011
Doors: 07:00 PM
Show: 08:00 PM
Price: $14.50 – General Admission
Ages: all

House of Blues Anaheim
1530 S. Disneyland Dr.
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 778-BLUE (2583)

Solorio’s commitment to fighting gangs continues with passage of AB 220

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Gangs, Jose Solorio, Politics, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

For Immediate Release: April 28, 2011
For More Information Contact: Carol Chamberlain – Office: (916) 319-2069, cell: (916) 804-5355

Solorio’s Commitment to Fight Gangs Continues with Passage of AB 220

Bill Would Prioritize Anti-Gang Programs Proven to be Effective

Sacramento – State Assemblyman Jose Solorio’s (D-Anaheim) effort to curtail gang and youth violence took another step forward today with the passage in the Assembly of AB 220. The bill would require the Governor’s Office of Gang and Youth Violence Policy (OGYVP), with the assistance of a working group, to prepare recommendations to the Governor and Legislature on how to streamline funding and grants for anti-gang and youth violence programs, and to prioritize the programs which are evidence-based. The bill received unanimous support in the Assembly and now heads to the Senate.

“With an eye toward efficiency in government, our statewide strategy to fight gang violence should focus on programs that work,” Solorio said after the Assembly vote. “The California Department of Justice estimates that there could be as many as 300,000 gang members in the state. We need to do everything possible to reduce that number and the violence and harm to communities that it represents,” he added.

In 2007, Assemblyman Solorio joined then Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez, as a co-author of the bill that created the Office of Gang and Youth Violence Policy. He also joined Governor Schwarzenegger in launching the California Gang Reduction, Intervention, and Prevention Program (CalGRIP). OGYVP and CalEMA have distributed $27.6 million to 38 cities and 25 community-based organizations through three rounds of CalGRIP grants, including more than $2 million in grants to Orange County, Anaheim, Garden Grove and Santa Ana, to fight gang activity in their communities.

“ At a time when state resources are dwindling, it is important for the State to ensure that the existing efforts aimed at addressing gang and youth violence are yielding maximum results,” says Solorio. “AB 220 will help in that effort by identifying and rewarding programs with a track record of reducing recidivism, and reducing gang violence.”

State Assemblyman Jose Solorio is the Chair of the Assembly Insurance Committee and also serves on the Assembly Appropriations and Transportation committees. He represents the Sixty-Ninth Assembly District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Garden Grove, and Santa Ana. For more information about Assemblyman Solorio, visit www.assembly.ca.gov/solorio.

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State Assemblyman Jose Solorio represents the cities of Anaheim, Garden Grove and Santa Ana. To learn more about State Assemblyman Solorio and his legislative work, visit his official website. This e-mail communication was authorized and paid for by Jose Solorio Assembly Officeholder Committee, ID 1337257, P.O. Box 26063, Santa Ana, CA, 92799.

Orange County anti-war planning meeting on Tuesday night

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Arab Americans, Entertainment, Orange County, Politics Leave a comment

The Orange County Peace Coalition is having an Anti-War planning meeting on Tuesday, April 26 · 7:00pm – 9:30pm, at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Anaheim, located at 511 South Harbor Boulevard.

Nadia Hassan, the courageous Muslim woman who speaks so eloquently at Villa Park City Council meetings in response to Councilwoman Pauly’s hate speech, was supposed to address the issues concerning the wave of hate speech in Orange County, however she will not be able to attend so the planning and event announcement portion of the meeting will be longer.

Lite refreshments will be available.

The Orange County Dream Team’s Dream-a-Thon is on April 29

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Charities, Education, Entertainment, Fullerton, immigration, Latinos, mexico, Politics, Santa Ana, Working Families, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Support the Orange County Dream Team at their Dream-a-Thon 2011:

Time: Friday, April 29 · 9:00am – 2:00pm
Location: California State University, Fullerton
800 N. State College Blvd.
Fullerton, CA

What is it?!

The DREAM-A-THON is the first walk-a-thon event in support of AB540 students. ALL registration money/donations collected will go to event expenses (ex. give-a-ways, food, t-shirts, entertainment, etc.) and the CSUF AB540 Book Scholarship.

But wait…who are AB540 students?!

Undocumented students who are allowed to pay in-state tuition fees at higher education institutions, but do not qualify for financial aid. These students struggle paying for and receiving a college degree due to a lack of monetary funds. Without a social security number, many are unable to find a quality job to pay for college, let alone acquire one post-grad.

For more information: http://istillhaveadream.org/

How does the DREAM-A-THON work?!

The event is a walk-a-thon, with a twist. This walk is not based on the amount of laps committed by the walker or the distance they walk, it is simply based on the presence of each individual at the event and their dedication/support to help AB540 students receive a quality education.

All registered participants will receive pledge forms to distribute to family/friends for flat-rate donations in support of the walker and this cause. For every $10 donated, an additional ticket for opportunity drawings will be provided for the participant.

So, when, where, and how much is it?!

Date: Friday, April 29, 2011
Time: Registration-9am; Walk-10am-2pm
Location: CSUF Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) Lawn, in front of the Student Health Center
Pre-Registration: $10 (including a t-shirt)

How do I register?!

http://dreamathon.webs.com/ under “Event Registration” tab!

Please, spread the word to your friends and family, this event is open to everyone interested in making a difference in the lives of CSUF AB540 students!

And be sure to attend the Orange County Dream Team’s Spring Pachanga:

Time: Saturday, May 7 · 8:00pm – 11:30pm
Location: Anaheim California

Come join OCDT and all the DREAMERS in the OC for a Spring Panchaga fundraiser.

$5 Donation (Entrance: 1 drink + a snack)

Help the Orange County DREAM Team raise money for Scholarships.
There will be music, dringks and beautiful energy from our OC community!!!!!

Contact: Jesus for address and directions @ 714-267-8234

P.S. THIS IS IS A FUNDRAISER DONATIONS ARE APPRECIATED.

It could be a free-for-all for Solorio’s Assembly seat in 2012

Posted on April 11, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Claudia Alvarez, David Benavides, Elections, Jose Solorio, Michele Martinez, Miguel Pulido, Orange County, Politics, Sal Tinajero, Santa Ana, Vince Sarmiento 4 Comments

It is beginning to look like a free-for-all for Assemblyman Jose Solorio’s 69th Assembly District seat, which includes most of Santa Ana and parts of Anaheim, Garden Grove, Tustin and Orange, in 2012.

I am hearing that Santa Ana City Councilman Vincent Sarmiento is not going to run after all. I cannot blame him. Term limits would limit him to three two-year terms – and having to move to Sacramento would be tough on his family and his law practice. Plus Sarmiento could end up being our next Mayor if Mayor Pulido retires in the near future.

Looking at the rest of the Santa Ana City Council Members, it is tough to figure which one might run for Solorio’s seat. Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez would likely win this time, after losing to Solorio a few years ago, but she has a good job as an Assistant O.C. District Attorney. She will also be a top candidate for Santa Ana Mayor if Mayor Pulido retires.

Councilman Sal Tinajero has a good job as a Fullerton teacher and debate team coach. He too has young kids and while he could move his family up to Sacramento, it would surely be a hardship for them.

That leaves Council Members Michele Martinez and David Benavides, as I don’t expect Mayor Pulido to run for anything other than re-election in 2012.

Of the two, I prefer Martinez. She works for a non-profit involved with childhood obesity, and the move to Sacramento would mean a bigger salary for her. More importantly, she works well with others and is fairly progressive. She might we be more effective than Solorio, who has done a good job but he tends to be overly status quo.

Benavides works in the mortgage industry. He seems like a good guy but his friendship with Minuteman Lupe Moreno is a problem for me. He also has far too many Republican allies for my taste.

Solorio may not back any of these people. He has hired O.C. Clerk-Recorder Tom Daly’s wife, who used to be a county lobbyist. Daly, in turn, has hired AUHSD School Board Trustee Jordan Brandman. Either Daly or Brandman could run, even though they would both be carpetbaggers, from what I am told. They have ample time to move into the district. Neither one has a solid record with regard to Latinos, in my opinion.

Anaheim City Councilwoman Lorri Galloway is terming out in 2012. She too could run for Solorio’s seat.

What about the Republicans? They have no shot at this seat. Nor do they have any viable candidates. The GOP is a non-sequitur in the 69th A.D. Even after redistricting they are not likely to pick up this seat.

One guy who could really toss a monkey-wrench into the works is Alfredo Amezcua, who got blown out by Mayor Pulido last year. Amezcua could win the 69th if he is willing to spend another quarter million of his own money. He would have a better shot at the 69th, ironically enough, than he would running for Mayor again.

UPDATE:

A reader sent me a note today indicating that Julio Perez, the Political Director at the OC Labor Federation, is apparently thinking of running for Solorio’s seat. He has no previous experience running for office, as far as I know.

The OC Labor Federation has an awful record of spending millions on failed candidates, such as Republican John Leos, who lost in a first-time bid for the Anaheim City Council last year. Good luck Julio…

State Senator Correa presents free 2010 income tax preparation

Posted on March 25, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Democratic Party, Entertainment, Lou Correa, Taxes Leave a comment

State Controller John Chiang and State Senator Lou Correa invite you to attend a FREE 2010 INCOME TAX PREPARATION FOR INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES.

Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program for taxpayers with annual incomes of $49,000 or less.
Learn more about how you may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit Program and other constituent services!

Wednesday, March 30, from 4pm to 8pm

At: Anaheim High School, 811 West Lincoln Avenue , Anaheim, CA 92805

Documents to Bring:

 Photo ID
 Social Security Card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number for all family members
 All W-2’s, 1098’s and 1099’s (if any)
 Copy of Prior-Year Tax Return
 Bank Account and Routing Number for Direct Deposit of your refund or Direct Debit of your balance due
 Other income/expense information
 Total Tuition Fees & Expenses
 Total Expenses Paid for Child/Day Care
 Day Care Providers Identifying Number
 Landlord’s name, address and phone number for the CA Renters

Tax Credit

Please note this is a free service for low-to-moderate income taxpayers filing basic 2010 federal and California state tax returns. Taxpayers with complex tax issues or in need of tax advice should consult a professional tax advisor.
Volunteers are certified by the IRS and all information is confidential. Tax preparation is done in a private area. Some
individuals may be eligible for Earned Income Tax Credit.

You must bring the above documents and make an appointment. Please make your appointment for your FREE income tax preparation by calling Senator Lou Correa’s office at (714) 558-4400.

Assemblyman Solorio invites you to the 2011 Cesar Chavez Celebration

Posted on March 23, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Entertainment, Jose Solorio, Labor, Latino Leaders, Latinos, Santa Ana 4 Comments

For Immediate Release: March 22, 2011

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

ASSEMBLYMAN SOLORIO INVITES PUBLIC TO CESAR CHAVEZ CELEBRATION

Wide variety of activities planned in honor of the farm worker labor leader

ANAHEIM – State Assemblyman Jose Solorio invites the community to the 11th Annual Cesar E. Chavez State Holiday and Learning Day on Saturday, March 26, 2011, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will be held at Jerome Park located at 2201 W. McFadden Avenue, Santa Ana. Assemblyman Solorio and Maria Elena Chavez, niece of Cesar Chavez, will be on hand to greet and address the crowd.

Assemblyman Solorio marched with other attendees at last year’s Cesar E. Chavez State Holiday and Learning Day. Publications: click for larger image.

“It is always a privilege and honor to work with the community to host this event,” Solorio says. “Cesar Chavez’s example of hard work and dedication to public service played a critical role in my farm worker upbringing in the Central Valley. This event is a great way to pay tribute to an esteemed leader who exemplified the importance of education and serving the community.”

A “¡Si Se Puede! – Yes We Can!” march and rally will kick off the festivities. State Senator Lou Correa and Santa Ana Councilmember Vince Sarmiento will also join Assemblyman Solorio in a special tribute honoring the members of the United Mexican American Veterans Association who have served our country with great distinction.

There are several activities planned for the entire family. Scheduled entertainment includes performances by the “Cuatlatoa” Aztec Dancers, Ballet Folklorico, and a K-9 Unit demonstration and puppet show by the Santa Ana Police Department.

State Assemblyman Jose Solorio represents the cities of Anaheim, Garden Grove and Santa Ana. To learn more about State Assemblyman Solorio and his legislative work, visit his official website. This e-mail communication was authorized and paid for by Solorio for Assembly, ID 1314073, P.O. Box 26063, Santa Ana, CA, 92799.

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Assemblyman Solorio honors Lucy Santana-Ornelas, Exec. Director of Girls Inc.

Posted on March 21, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Democratic Party, Jose Solorio, Politics, Santa Ana, Women Leave a comment

Assemblyman Solorio Honors Advocate for Girls at Woman of the Year Ceremony

Lucy Santana-Ornelas, Executive Director for Girls Inc., receives award on Assembly floor

SACRAMENTO – State Assemblyman Jose Solorio’s (D-Anaheim) choice for the Sixty-Ninth Assembly District’s Woman of the Year is Executive Director for Girls Inc. Orange County, Lucy Santana-Ornelas. She traveled to Sacramento today to receive the honor at a recognition ceremony held on the Assembly floor.

“Lucy has dedicated her heart, soul, time and talent to the girls and young women in our community,” says Solorio. “She exemplifies the mission of her organization, ‘inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold.’”

Born in Santa Ana, Lucy Santana-Ornelas is a graduate of Santa Ana High School, Santa Ana College and obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). Santana-Ornelas frequently tells her story of overcoming the advice of a high school counselor who told her to not bother pursuing college. Thankfully, she didn’t listen. In 2008, she was highlighted as one of 50 distinguished Latino graduates of CSUF at the university’s 50th Anniversary.

Santana-Ornelas’s entire career and adult life have been spent in public service. She has an extensive awareness of Orange County community issues and needs and is passionate about creating opportunities for underserved youth, especially girls age 4-1/2 to 18.

“We are seeing girls experience low self-esteem and body image issues at a younger age than ever before,” Santana-Ornelas says. “Girls Inc. can help break the barriers to success for those girls by providing girl-focused programs, adult role models and exposure to the world beyond their neighborhoods.”

Santana-Ornelas is particularly proud of integrated projects that increase girls’ interest in science, technology, engineering, and math by involving students in solving authentic problems, working with others, and building real solutions. Last year, Girls Inc. served 4,700 girls in Orange County. In an age of shrinking social services, Girls Inc.’s budget is projected to grow from $1.7 million to $ 2.5 million.

“We are so fortunate that our funding has increased during these tough economic times. Our proven success in helping girls achieve their potential and the recognition of the growing need for our services are huge factors in our growth,” says Santana-Ornelas. The agency is scheduled to serve over 54 outreach program locations this year. Girls Inc. is funded mainly by public/private foundation grants, corporate giving and individual donations.

“This honor is the California Assembly’s way of saying thank you for your dedication,” said Solorio. “And thank you for changing the lives of thousands of Orange County’s young women.”