New Santa Ana | Category Archives: Anaheim

Applications now being accepted for the Disneyland® Resort Scholarship Program

Posted on January 27, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Charities, Education, Orange County, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Disneyland® Resort Scholarship Program

More Than $250,000 in Scholarships Awarded Since 2006

The Disneyland® Resort Scholarship Program awards $5,000 scholarships to ten high school seniors who have demonstrated excellence in volunteerism and leadership and who are committed to making a difference in our community. By granting scholarships to students who strive to improve our community, the Disneyland® Resort aims to make the dream of attending college or a professional trade school a reality.

Please email Community Relations with questions.

Application Period for 2011 Scholarship Program Now Open

The first 200 qualified applicants will receive two 1-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper Tickets.

The Disneyland® Resort Scholarship Program – Celebrating Community Service, will award $5,000 scholarships to ten high school seniors who have demonstrated excellence in volunteerism and leadership and who are committed to making a difference in our community.

By granting scholarships to students who strive to improve our community, the Disneyland® Resort aims to make the dream of attending college or a professional trade school a reality.

Criteria

Resident of Orange County, California
Currently attending an Orange County public or private high school
Graduating high school senior pursuing higher education
Have volunteered 100 hours or more between January 1, 2010 – December 31, 2010 through a charitable nonprofit organization*
Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (most recent transcript required)
Provide verification from the predominant charitable nonprofit organization with which you volunteer

How To Apply

1. Prior to applying, please have the following:
– A working email address for yourself
– Contact information and Tax ID for the nonprofit at which you volunteer
– Your most recent transcript (including electives)
2. Click on the link below and create a New User
3. Enter the information for your nonprofit
4. Complete the application in full. You may save your work and come back to it later.
5. Submit the application upon completion. Once you submit, you can not change it.
6. Your nonprofit must confirm your service before your application will be considered.
7. Application deadline is January 31, 2011.

Scholarship recipients will be announced April 2011

Please note: In order to create a new application, you will be required to enter the Tax ID or EIN and the contact information for the nonprofit at which you volunteer. Please input the information for your primary organization. This is the organization that will correspond to your essay for Question #2 in the application. This cannot be an international organization.

Please email Community Relations with questions.

Proceed to Scholarship Application

El Pollo Norteño’s delicious Family Packs go great with playoff football!

Posted on January 23, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Business, Garden Grove, Restaurants, Santa Ana, Sports Leave a comment

Are you making plans to watch playoff football this weekend? Don’t worry about the food! Let El Pollo Norteño deliver a delicious Family Pack right to your home! Or come by any one of their four locations, in Anaheim, Santa Ana and Garden Grove, and pick one up.

El Pollo Norteño’s Family Packs feature their savory, authentic marinated Mexican grilled chicken, along with homestyle side orders, including our Mexican rice, either whole or refried beans, our freshly made salsa, and warm corn or flour tortillas – plus they add freshly sliced onions and lemon/lime to your order, at no extra cost. The p0rtions are huge!

And if you want more, try any of their Family Packs that feature not only their great pollo but also their carne asada or carnitas. Your family won’t be able to eat all this food!

El Pollo Norteño’s Family Packs start at only $23.99. You can order online or call 1-866-MI-POLLO. Click here for directions and phone numbers for each of their restaurants, in Santa Ana, Anaheim and Garden Grove. Delivery is available at a minimal cost!

Congresswoman Sanchez announces free income tax assistance events

Posted on January 10, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Entertainment, Garden Grove, Loretta Sanchez, Santa Ana, Taxes, Working Families Leave a comment

In collaboration with the Orange County Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez will be hosting a series of free income tax assistance days for residents of California’s 47th Congressional District. Constituents may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) if they earned less than $48,362 in 2010. Eligible individuals and families could receive up to $5,666 in tax credits.

For more information, please visit any of the following EITC sites where free tax assistance will be offered:

January 29, 2011 (10:00am – 3:00pm): Santa Ana Public Library, 26 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana. Languages: English, Spanish

February 2, 2011 (4:00pm – 7:00pm): Anaheim Independencia FRC/CAPOC, 10852 Garza Ave., Anaheim. Languages: English, Spanish

February 5, 2011 (9:00am – 2:00pm): Anaheim Independencia FRC/CAPOC, 10852 Garza Ave., Anaheim. Languages: English, Spanish

February 9, 2011 (4:00pm – 7:00pm): Anaheim Independencia FRC/CAPOC, 10852 Garza Ave., Anaheim. Languages: English, Spanish

February 12, 2011 (9:00am – 2:00pm): Boys & Girls Club of Garden Grove, 10602 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove. Languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean

To schedule an appointment, please call the Legal Aid Society at 1-888-434-8248 or Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez’s District Office at 714-621-0102.

Black Market Record swap today at Radiation Records in Anaheim

Posted on January 9, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Arts and Culture, Entertainment, music Leave a comment

RECORD SWAP AT RADIATION RECORDS January 9th, from 12 noon to 5 pm.

Record Swap featuring: Going Underground, Headline Records, Radiation Records, Burger Records, TKO Records and other vendors!!

Rock n’ Roll, Punk, Surf, Synth, Garage, Hardcore, New Wave, Salsa, Polka, and more!!!

DJ’s spinning and a taco truck slingin’!! Come on down and start 2011 off the right way!!

1501 N. Raymond, Suite P, Anaheim.

Call for more info 714-400-0019.

Poll: would you support Brandman or Sarmiento to replace Assemblyman Solorio?

Posted on January 6, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in 2012 Elections, Anaheim, Democratic Party, Elections, Jose Solorio, Politics, Santa Ana, Vince Sarmiento 10 Comments

[poll id=”4″]

It looks like there is going to be quite a battle for Assemblyman Jose Solorio’s seat in the 69th Assembly District, in 2012. Rumor has it that Jordan Brandman, a Trustee at the Anaheim Union High School District, is going to run for the seat. If so, he will likely face off against attorney Vincent Sarmiento, who replaced Solorio on the Santa Ana City Council a few years ago.

Brandman has steadily drifted to the Republican Party since he first got involved in politics. He says he got involved in politics after taking a political science class at UCI, taught by recently termed out Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle, who once was the Republican Leader in the State Assembly.

Here are a few of Brandman’s gaffes over the years:

I ran into him at the O.C. Labor Day event at the Santa Ana Zoo in 2009. I walked up and asked if I could take his picture. Sure, he said, but first he said he needed to take off his health care reform sticker. As you can see in the picture above, that is precisely what he did.
Conservative Republican Chris Norby decided to run for O.C. Clerk-Recorder, in the Spring of 2009, and before he backed out of that race Brandman endorsed him, over moderate Republican Hugh Nguyen, who lives in Santa Ana. Click here to read about that small fiasco.
This year, Brandman endorsed yet another Republican, John Leos, for the City Council, over two Democrats who were endorsed by their party – John Santoianni, who has been a leader in Orange County’s gay community; and businessman Bill Dalati. Click here to read about the Leos endorsement. It was all for naught as Leos lost.
In 2009, Brandman, voted to reject a $50,000 donation from Anaheim’s After School Fund, even though he served on their board of directors! Click here to read about that.
Brandman appeared at a candidates forum on Sep. 29, that was run by the League of Women voters. He was asked “Do you support State legislation that requires school textbooks to include history and contributions that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons have specifically made towards California’s development?” Brandman turned bright red when he heard the question. Then he said ”this is a non-issue, there is no place for gay rights in our textbooks and schools”. Click here to hear the audio recording of Brandman’s comments.
And to cap all of these fiascos, this year Brandman was endorsed by a slew of Republicans who were big supporters of Prop. 8 – the measure that banned gay marriage. Click here to see that list of GOP haters.

According to his Facebook page, Brandman is the Director of External Affairs for Orange County Clerk-Recorder Tom Daly, who also supported Leos. Daly also opposed the Gigante Supermarket that opened in Anaheim a few years ago and he had a reputation for cracking down on the poor people that live in Anaheim’s seedier hotels.

Brandman appears to be single and there is no mention of any girlfriends on his Facebook page. He has no children.

So what about Sarmiento? Here are a few excerpts from his bio:

Sarmiento’s family has lived in and around Santa Ana since 1965. He attended John Muir Elementary, Sierra Elementary, and Willard Intermediate Schools, back when the landscape was still dominated by orange groves.

Sarmiento is socially progressive but he is a moderate on business and fiscal matters. He has worked hard to attract new business to Santa Ana and to help develop jobs.

Sarmiento serves on several boards and committees. He is a member of the Santa Ana YMCA Board, which is constructing a brand new center on the south part of the City. He also serves on the Annual Cesar Chavez Event Committee that commemorates Cesar Chavez Day every March 31st. In addition, Councilmember Sarmiento is the City’s representative to the Orange County Transportation Authority’s Central Corridor Advisory Committee to evaluate transportation options within the Central Orange County region, which includes Santa Ana. As a business advocate he continues to work closely with the Santa Ana Merchants Association to promote the needs of small businesses along Main Street.

Sarmiento previously served on the Community Redevelopment and Housing Commission and has previous experience on both the Historic Resources and Human Relations Commissions. Vincent is also a member of the Hispanic Bar Association and is a Board Member of the Grain Project.

Sarmiento earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from UC Berkeley and a law degree from UCLA. He is a strong advocate of education and sees a great opportunity to cultivate a desire in our youth to succeed. Prior to owning his own law firm, Sarmiento was an associate attorney at an Irvine based law firm and clerked for the Los Angeles County Superior Court and the Office of the District Attorney in Riverside. Vincent was also a Legislative Fellow for the California Assembly, serving the Assembly Human Resources Committee. He also just completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Certificate Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Sarmiento and his wife, Eva, operate a home office together in the 1920’s home they purchased several years ago and rehabilitated. The home is now considered a historical property with landmark status.

Los Amigos of Anaheim to attack the Santa Ana City Council on Wed., Jan. 5

Posted on January 4, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Alfredo Amezcua, Anaheim, Elections, Entertainment, Jose Solorio, Miguel Pulido, Politics, Santa Ana 15 Comments

Los Amigos?

Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido easily defeated Alfredo Amezcua, back in November. But, for whatever reason, Amezcua’s supporters are still grousing about this – even though everyone else has moved on. This Wednesday, Jan. 5, a group of them are holding a press conference – in Anaheim, at a German restaurant, to complain some more.

Los Amigos of Orange County (which is based in Anaheim) used to be about civil rights and fighting racism. Now they are attacking their fellow Latinos. And what exactly is their beef, you ask? Well, here is what they intend to talk about at the press conference:

They are upset because former City Attorney Joe Fletcher, who resigned recently, is leaving with a huge severance package. Well, Los Amigos is a bit late to this one. The contract with Fletcher was negotiated with the Santa Ana City Council – way back in 2002. Who was on the Council back then? Lisa Bist, Brett Franklin, Alberta Christy, Mike Garcia, Jose Solorio and Claudia Alvarez. Only Alvarez remains today. Maybe Los Amigos can go to Solorio’s Assembly office, which is in Anaheim, and complain about the severance deal he likely voted for?
They are falsely accusing SAPD Chief Paul Walters of breaking the law. What did Walters do? He recorded a robo-call in support of Pulido, during last year’s campaign. That is not illegal. Apparently Los Amigos have an issue with free speech. What, by the way, did Los Amigos do last year to help Latinos get elected to the Anaheim City Council? Nothing. They did absolutely nothing and no Latino candidates won in Anaheim.
The Los Amigos complainers are also upset that Mayor Pulido was going to get a finder’s fee for negotiating the sale of a number of state buildings. Guess what? That was not illegal. Ill-advised? Perhaps – but not illegal. And a Judge overturned the deal, killing the sale. Just this week, Gov. Schwarzenegger re-appointed termed-out Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle to the State’s high speed rail commission. A court earlier established that Pringle had a major conflict of interest in serving on that commission. Did Los Amigos complain about that? No. They let that one slide. There was no press conference…
And lastly, the Los Amigos posse wants to hang the entire Santa Ana City Council because a few of the Council Members accidentally accepted donations from a developer that had business with the city. Guess what? Fletcher approved this! Why do you think he was suddenly retired? He blew it, not the Council!

The real laugher about this press conference is that these guys are making a huge stink two years before the next Santa Ana mayoral election. Will anyone remember any of this two years from now? Of course not! What a giant waste of everyone’s time.

Here is an issue I would like to see Los Amigos look into. Why did Amezcua register to vote at his law office, instead of at his house in the Morrison Park Neighborhood, when he ran for the Rancho Santiago Community College District’s Board of Education? And why, halfway through his term, did he resign that seat? Did he get caught? Why was he not prosecuted for this fraud?

Amezcua worked to recall former SAUSD Trustee Nativo Lopez, who last year was charged with registering to vote at his office in Los Angeles, when he lived here in Orange County. Wow, that is exactly what it appears that Amezcua did! Why did Amezcua get away with it while Lopez is still trying to stay out of jail?

According to Anaheim community activist Duane Roberts, this is not the first time the Los Amigos have looked the other way for a carpetbagger. He told me he personally outed one of them a few years ago, when that guy ran for a school board in Anaheim even though he lived in a mansion in coastal Orange County. Los Amigos didn’t object to that guy’s carpetbagging either – in fact they tried to cover up for him!

I know the Los Amigos members. Many of them are good guys. I am sad that this is the best way they can spend their time – attacking fellow Latinos in Santa Ana. It is ironic that many of the Los Amigos don’t even live in Santa Ana! Their Chairman, Amin David, lives in Anaheim. And they guy they list as being the head of the so-called “Santa Ana Coalition for Better Government,” Dr. Arturo Lomeli, lives in the wealthy Orange Park Acres!

Here is their press release:

PRESS CONFERENCE

WHEN: Wednesday, January 5, 2010
9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: Jagerhaus Restaurant, 2525 E. Ball Road,
Anaheim, CA 92806 (Located near the 57 Freeway at Ball Road)

WHY: Orange County Latino organizations ask the Orange County Grand Jury to investigate abuses by top Santa Ana officials, including Mayor Miguel Pulido

WHO: Amin David, Los Amigos of Orange County,

714-758-8090; Dr. Alfonso Alvarez, Rudy Escalante Chapter of American GI Form of the US, 714-605-2544; Zeke Hernandez, LULAC Santa Ana, 714-661-4428; Nelli Kaniski, MANA de Orange County; Francisco Barragan, United Mexican-American Veterans Association and Dr. Arturo Lomeli, Santa Ana Coalition for Better Government.

OC Fire Authority desperately needs more holiday toys for needy children

Posted on December 13, 2010 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Charities, Entertainment, Working Families, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Toys are desperately needed in Orange County this Holiday Season and all OC Fire Stations are collecting toys. Please help! The toy warehouse, which is staffed by volunteers, is ready to fill orders for toy distribution but is in dire need of new unwrapped toys and gift cards.

With the poor economy and people without jobs, the need for toys this year is up dramatically.

Right now it looks like they just don’t have enough donations. Please do what you can to help!

How to Donate

You can donate online with a credit card through the California Community Foundation (CCF). All proceeds will go to buying toys or sports equipment for the children.

And you can also drop off your new, unwrapped toys or sports equipment at your local Fire Station or CVS/pharmacy.

For 18 years, ABC7 and firefighters from Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties, along with the Los Angeles City Fire Department, have joined forces to run the “Spark of Love Toy Drive”. This campaign collects new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for the under served children in our communities. Toys collected in the respective counties are distributed locally. Last year alone, “Spark of Love” collected over 500,000 toys within all five counties and we want to top that total this year, so please help the firefighter’s ignite a spark of love in a child’s heart.

Join Garth the Elf for Stuff-A-Bus events

This year there will be four Stuff-A-Bus events. On four days in November and December, from 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., you can help ABC7′s Garth Kemp (dressed as a giant elf) stuff a bus full of toys.

On Friday, Dec. 17, Garth the Elf will be at the Honda Center in Anaheim

View an interactive map and get directions to all the Stuff-A-Bus locations

Friday, December 17
ABC7 & Southland Firefighters
“Stuff a Bus”
5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Honda Center
2695 East Katella Ave.
Anaheim, 92806
(818) 863-7220

LULAC reception for president of Coastline Community College, on Dec. 16

Posted on December 13, 2010 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Education, Entertainment, Latino Leaders, Latinos, Youth Activities Leave a comment

The Orange County League of United Latino American Citizens (LULAC) Foundation is hosting a welcoming reception for the president of Coastline Community College, Dr. Lori Adria.

The reception will be held on Thursday, December 16 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Casa Garcia Restaurant located at 531 West Chapman Street, Anaheim, CA 92802

Your attendance to this reception will demonstrate LULAC’s precense in the community and it strong support for the obtainment of higher education for our Latino Youth.

If you need more information call Benny Diaz at (714) 357-4328 or email: bennydiaz@sbcglobal.net. Click here to RSVP on Facebook.

Jose Solorio invites you to his Holiday Open House, on Dec. 9

Posted on December 7, 2010 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Arts and Culture, Democratic Party, Entertainment, Jose Solorio, Santa Ana Leave a comment

For Immediate Release: December 7, 2010
For More Information Contact: Nadia Villafana – Office: (714) 939–8469

Public Invited to Assemblyman Solorio’s 4th Annual Holiday Open House

Come Meet Assemblyman Solorio and His Staff, Contend for Raffle Prizes

SANTA ANA – On Thursday, December 9, State Assemblyman Jose Solorio (D–Anaheim) is welcoming residents and community leaders to his annual holiday open house. Those who stop by to celebrate with the Assemblyman this year are encouraged to bring nonperishable food for local charities. Those that do will be eliglible for raffle prizes. Refreshments and appetizers will be provided, and holiday spirit will be plentiful.

“This is an opportunity to enjoy some holiday cheer and to discuss issues on the minds of my constituents,” says Assemblyman Solorio. “I’m looking forward to mingling with my constituents and hearing their ideas.”

At last year’s holiday party, Santa and Linn Lee (Mrs. Solorio) drew the winners of the raffle drawing.

This year, Assemblyman Solorio’s annual event will take place at his Assembly District Office, 2400 E. Katella Ave., Suite 640, in Anaheim (just west of the Katella exit off the 57 freeway). The open house begins at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 7:00 p.m.

State Assemblyman Jose Solorio is the Chair of the Assembly Insurance Committee and serves on the Assembly Appropriations, Local Government 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.
________________________________________

Capitol Office: State Capitol, P.O. Box 942849 • Sacramento, CA 94249–0069
Phone: (916) 319–2069 • Fax:(916) 319–2169
District Office: 2400 East Katella Avenue, Suite 640 • Anaheim, CA 92806
Phone: (714) 939–8469 • Fax:(714) 939–8986
E-Mail:Assemblymember.Solorio@assembly.ca.gov
Web Site:www.assembly.ca.gov/solorio

Dream Act press conference in Anaheim on Nov. 30

Posted on November 29, 2010 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Arab Americans, Churches and Religion, Civil Rights, Education, Entertainment, immigration, Latinos, mexico, Santa Ana, Working Families, Youth Activities 1 Comment

Orange County DREAM Team’s Banner Holding for the DREAM Act in Santa Ana, CA. 11/28/2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 24, 2010

Contact: Aura Vasquez, 714-931-6045, aura@occcopico.org or Vanessa Martinez, 714-767-9860, vanessa.clue@gmail.com

Top Faith and Community Leaders “March for the DREAM” with Orange County Congregations, Families, and Students

Orange County Congregation Community Organization (OCCCO), in partnership with the Orange County DREAM Team (OCDT) and Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE OC), will hold a “March for the DREAM” in support of the DREAM Act, providing a pathway for citizenship and higher education to college bound immigrants and those serving in the US Military. OCCCO, CLUE, OCDT, and their partners urge Senators to show moral leadership and vision when voting for the DREAM Act.

WHO:

Bishop, Dominic Luong, Diocese of Orange
Dr. Jose Moreno, School Board President of Anaheim School District
DREAM ACT Student Testimonies
Community organizations including Los Amigos of Orange County and the League of Women Voters
Anaheim Union High School District
Other clergy and top religious leaders from Orange County
Chaired by: OCCCO Leaders Jan Meslin from Tapestry Unitarian Universalist Congregation and Annan Aboul-Nasr from the Islamic Institute of Orange County

WHAT: “March for the DREAM” – Families, youth, and clergy from Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, and Unitarian congregations throughout Orange County will gather together for a march from St. Boniface to Anaheim High School to hold a press conference in support of our immigrant youth. As communities of faith, the march to the school symbolizes putting our faith into action to stand in solidarity with students and urge Senators to support the DREAM ACT.

WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010 – 2:30 pm to 3:15 pm, press conference starts at 2:45 at Anaheim High School. Click here to RSVP on Facebook.

WHERE: Starts: St. Boniface Catholic Church, 120 N. Janss Street, Anaheim, CA 92805
Ends: Anaheim High School, 811 West Lincoln Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92805

VISUALS: Clergy, students, families marching and standing together, with signs saying “ready to serve”, “we want the American DREAM”, and “I want to be a teacher, lawyer, nurse, doctor, etc.”

MORE INFORMATION

Thousands of hard working young people who were brought to the United States as infants or children can now be locked up in federal detention centers and deported to a country they’ve never known. The DREAM Act could stop the injustice by giving students who have grown up and graduated high school in the United States the opportunity to earn legal status college or military service. For almost 10 years immigrant youth have been fighting for the passage of the DREAM Act. As people of faith, we support the DREAM Act because we believe in protecting the dignity of every human being, especially that of our children.

BACKGROUND ON PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS

Orange County Congregation Community Organization (OCCCO) is an interfaith network of 22 member congregations and civic groups representing 50,000 families in eight cities throughout Orange County. OCCCO was established in 1985 and is a current member federation of the PICO National Network – the largest faith-based organizing network in the nation, representing more than 1 million families across the United States.

Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice of Orange County (CLUE OC) provides spiritual leadership in the movement to achieve economic justice in Orange County. We seek to achieve a California with a moral economy where workers will have just wages and safe working conditions. We also seek the removal of barriers that hinder full participation of low wage workers and immigrant families in society and the workplace, including the reform of our immigration system. CLUE Orange County is one of 13 affiliates of the statewide network CLUE California

The Orange County DREAM Team (OCDT) is an organization composed of students, allies and community members, who advocate for the rights of undocumented students of all nationalities and is also dedicated to the passage of the DREAM Act.

SAPD partners with ABC7 and Southland Firefighters Spark of Love Toy Drive

Posted on November 23, 2010 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Charities, Entertainment, Santa Ana, Working Families, Youth Activities Leave a comment

SAPD Partners with Spark of Love Toy Drive

For the last eighteen years, ABC7 & Southland Firefighters have come together to bring smiles to children and families in need. The Spark of Love Toy Drive benefits children who have lost their homes to fire, whose parents are unemployed, live in underserved communities, are in the foster care system and/or are hospitalized. With the love and support from sponsors, donors, and volunteers children will be able to enjoy a new toy this holiday season.

This year’s toy drive will run from November 19th thru December 24th. As in previous years, a new unwrapped toy or sports equipment can be dropped off at any local fire station or sponsor location. Firefighters from Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties along with Los Angeles City Fire will collect toys and distribute them to under-served children in their local communities. In the last four years, over 2 million toys have been collected and distributed.

How to Donate

You can donate online with a credit card through the California Community Foundation (CCF). All proceeds will go to buying toys or sports equipment for the children.

And starting Friday, November 19, you can also drop off your new, unwrapped toys or sports equipment at your local Fire Station or CVS/pharmacy.

Join Garth the Elf for Stuff-A-Bus events

This year there will be four Stuff-A-Bus events. On four days in November and December, from 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., you can help ABC7’s Garth Kemp (dressed as a giant elf) stuff a bus full of toys.

On Friday, Dec. 17, Garth the Elf will be at the Honda Center in Anaheim

View an interactive map and get directions to all the Stuff-A-Bus locations

Friday, December 17
ABC7 & Southland Firefighters
“Stuff a Bus”
5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Honda Center
2695 East Katella Ave.
Anaheim, 92806
(818) 863-7220

Thanksgiving and Black Friday specials at El Pollo Norteno

Posted on November 19, 2010 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Business, Garden Grove, Restaurants, Santa Ana Leave a comment

El Pollo Norteño has been in the business of making delicious Mexican food since 1981, with locations in Santa Ana, Anaheim and Garden Grove. We offer great food at a great price!

This Thanksgiving we are offering terrific specials in case your company or organization is planning on celebrating the holiday:

Package “A”: For 50 people, including 100 pcs. of charbroiled chicken, rice, beans, tortillas and salsas. For only $ 225.00 + tax.
Package “B”: For 50 people, including carne asada (grilled steak), carnitas (pork), and charbroiled chicken with two side orders and, onions, limes, cilantro, tortillas and salsas. For only $ 325.00 + tax.

Click here to read the rest of this post.

Meet Assemblyman Jose Solorio and local elected officials, over coffee

Posted on November 16, 2010 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Elections, Entertainment, Jose Solorio, Politics, Santa Ana, Westminster Leave a comment

Upcoming “Capitol in Your Corner” Events

Please accept this opportunity to meet one-on-one with Assemblyman Solorio and other local elected officials to talk about important legislative, city and school issues that are of interest to you by attending a “Capitol in Your Corner” event.

Friday, November 19th
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
La Casa Garcia Restaurant
1201 W. Lincoln Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92801
* Complimentary breakfast and coffee will be provided

Sunday, November 21st
9 a.m to 11 a.m.
Crepe Corner
9329 Bolsa Avenue
Westminster, CA 92683
* Complimentary pastries and coffee will be provided

Saturday, December 4th
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Mill Bakery
312 South Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
* Complimentary pastries and coffee will be provided

About Assemblyman Jose Solorio

State Assemblyman Jose Solorio has as inspiring personal story to share.

The son of migrant farm workers, Assemblyman Solorio has grown from a teenager who labored in the fields alongside his parents, to an outstanding student who earned a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University, to now a respected elected official who represents central Orange County in the California State Assembly.

Assemblyman Solorio focuses his legislative efforts on education, public safety, job creation, and improving California’s water and transportation infrastructure.

In his first year in office, Assemblyman Solorio successfully worked with Governor Schwarzenegger and legislative leaders to author and co-author laws to reform state prisons, create the state’s first gang czar office, and make it easier for cities to file injunctions against gangs.

Assemblyman Solorio also has authored significant education laws. Thanks to his legislation in this area, California now has a new strategy to improve the way we measure student academic growth, new opportunities to train teachers to use data to improve classroom instruction, and a course of action to reduce the high price of college textbooks. He also champions efforts in Sacramento and Orange County to help English Learners learn English more quickly.

As someone who understands the value and the power of a college education, Assemblyman Solorio is dedicated to making college more accessible. As one example of his personal commitment, he has partnered with the Orange County Leadership Fund to launch Solorio Scholars. Solorio Scholars is a new program created to inspire more high school students from central Orange County to apply for college.

Frequently asked why he dedicates so much time and effort to the community, Assemblyman Solorio responds by reciting one of Cesar Chavez’s famous quotations, “The end of all education should surely be service to others.”

Do you have ideas for information that you would like to see in the E-Newsletter? Please contact Carol Chamberlain, E-Newsletter editor, at carol.chamberlain@asm.ca.gov or (916) 319–2069.

El Pollo Norteno introduces online ordering

Posted on October 26, 2010 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Business, Garden Grove, Restaurants, Santa Ana Leave a comment

If you haven’t tried El Pollo Norteno’s delicious Sinaloa-style Mexican food, there is no better time to do so than now, as they have just added online ordering to their website. Now you can order their food online, for delivery right to your home or business, from any of their locations, including their two Santa Ana restaurants or their locations in Garden Grove and Anaheim.

The new service includes all of their menu, including their unbelievable Family Packs, which feature various combinations of chicken, carne asada, carnitas and homemade side-orders, including Spanish rice, refried or whole beans, salsa and warm corn or flour tortillas.

Your order must exceed $25 in order to checkout. There is also a modest $1.99 delivery fee. Be sure to order in advance as delivery may take up from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of your order and your location. Menu hours for online orders are generally from 10 am to 9 pm, depending on the location you are ordering from.

Right now, with the cold weather we have been having, try their Caldo de Pollo (Chicken Soup) or their Menudo (a classic Mexican soup with hominy and beef tripe in a savory broth).

You can order your meal before you leave work, and it will arrive at your home, ready to serve to your family. You can also order their food for delivery to your office, in case you are having a Halloween Party!

Now is also a great time to hire El Pollo Norteno to cater your Election Night Party. They will take care of everything and make sure your guests are full and happy.

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

Posted on October 21, 2010 by Art Pedroza 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.