Jupiter to parade across O.C. skies early tonight - Sciencedude - OCRegister.com: "Jupiter to parade across O.C. skies early tonight"
The brilliance of Jupiter will be on display this evening and, for awhile, our largest planet will flank a first quarter moon. Look for the duo about 8 p.m., roughly 30 degrees above south-southwest. They’ll appear to be fairly close together in the sky, which is just an illusion. The moon is only about 225,000 miles from Earth. But Jupiter will be 436,892,294 miles away at 8 p.m.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Life: Baseball heaven? Nah, just Dad, son and a week in Cooperstown | tournament, coyotes, baseball, one, final
Life: Baseball heaven? Nah, just Dad, son and a week in Cooperstown tournament, coyotes, baseball, one, final - OCRegister.com
ONEONTA, NY On the final day of a baseball tournament in upstate New York, 11 Orange County little leaguers stopped being 12 years old.
They played their last game before rules required them to move to the upper divisions. One final game before facial hair and deeper voices and girls.
One final shot at 12-year-old glory.
One of their dads, Curt Yocam, who works in the medical supply business with its requisite travel and deadlines and pressure, had been saying all week what the other dads had been feeling.
"Look at them," Yocam said more than once – in between the batting practice, shoulder punches, towel snaps, resounding farts and kids meal chicken strips. "Wouldn't it be great to be them?"
On that final Thursday, the Saddleback Coyotes, a travel ball team of kids from the Tijeras Creek and Trabuco Canyon little leagues, played in the semifinals of the Cooperstown All Star Village Tournament. They had made it to the final four among 24 other teams from across the United States.
It had been a week-long tournament, held between the maple trees about 20 miles from the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Baseball heaven.
Before the week was over, one of the Coyotes would accomplish Babe Ruthian feats with his bat, one potential Coyotes superstar would not be able to finish the tournament, and one Coyotes dad, the guy who put the whole trip together, would be coaching his final baseball game.
And the Coyotes' bunkhouse would smell like a mixture of old cheese, Napalm and feet.
Over the first four days of the tournament, the Coyotes won seven of eight games outscoring their opponents 97-26. On that final day, they needed one more victory to play in the championship game for a 6-foot trophy and a level of pride they would never forget.
The Coyotes led the semifinal game, 4-3, in the sixth inning against the Jax Beach Whitecaps, a terrific team from Florida.
On their final day as 12-year-olds, the Coyotes needed two more outs to seal the victory.
• • •
The genius behind this baseball dream was Mike Jenkins of Rancho Santa Margarita. Jenkins is a little league coach who attended the Cooperstown tournament last year. His phone call came in February, asking my son Dylan and me if we wanted to go.
He wanted to win the tournament, no doubt about that. But he said something else in that first phone call.
"You will have the best time you and your son have ever had," he said.
His genius was this: Instead of asking us to turn over our sons to him for a week, Jenkins invited each player's father to become a "coach" and stay in the bunkhouse with the players.
He sold us all on the ultimate father-son roadie. (As it turns out, no other team in the Cooperstown tournament had eight dads/coaches staying in the bunks).
Each father-son tandem paid $1,330 for the accommodations.
• • •
We flew into Kennedy Airport in New York on July 25 and piled into two rental vans for the four-hour drive upstate. We took a wrong turn in the Catskill Mountains and found ourselves in Woodstock.
Yes, that Woodstock.
We had to explain to the kids – most of which had never heard of the place – that history had blossomed just outside the little town during the 1960s when hundreds of thousands of nearly naked people converged for a rock concert. We told them about Jimi Hendrix and Crosby, Stills and Nash.
Suddenly, a scream in the back of the van.
"A HIPPIE."
Standing on the street corner, as if preserved from 1969, was a real, live hippie with a ponytail, tie-dye t-shirt and a beard. The kids looked at him with wonder, like he was Big Foot or a breathing museum exhibit.
Their education had begun
ONEONTA, NY On the final day of a baseball tournament in upstate New York, 11 Orange County little leaguers stopped being 12 years old.
They played their last game before rules required them to move to the upper divisions. One final game before facial hair and deeper voices and girls.
One final shot at 12-year-old glory.
One of their dads, Curt Yocam, who works in the medical supply business with its requisite travel and deadlines and pressure, had been saying all week what the other dads had been feeling.
"Look at them," Yocam said more than once – in between the batting practice, shoulder punches, towel snaps, resounding farts and kids meal chicken strips. "Wouldn't it be great to be them?"
On that final Thursday, the Saddleback Coyotes, a travel ball team of kids from the Tijeras Creek and Trabuco Canyon little leagues, played in the semifinals of the Cooperstown All Star Village Tournament. They had made it to the final four among 24 other teams from across the United States.
It had been a week-long tournament, held between the maple trees about 20 miles from the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Baseball heaven.
Before the week was over, one of the Coyotes would accomplish Babe Ruthian feats with his bat, one potential Coyotes superstar would not be able to finish the tournament, and one Coyotes dad, the guy who put the whole trip together, would be coaching his final baseball game.
And the Coyotes' bunkhouse would smell like a mixture of old cheese, Napalm and feet.
Over the first four days of the tournament, the Coyotes won seven of eight games outscoring their opponents 97-26. On that final day, they needed one more victory to play in the championship game for a 6-foot trophy and a level of pride they would never forget.
The Coyotes led the semifinal game, 4-3, in the sixth inning against the Jax Beach Whitecaps, a terrific team from Florida.
On their final day as 12-year-olds, the Coyotes needed two more outs to seal the victory.
• • •
The genius behind this baseball dream was Mike Jenkins of Rancho Santa Margarita. Jenkins is a little league coach who attended the Cooperstown tournament last year. His phone call came in February, asking my son Dylan and me if we wanted to go.
He wanted to win the tournament, no doubt about that. But he said something else in that first phone call.
"You will have the best time you and your son have ever had," he said.
His genius was this: Instead of asking us to turn over our sons to him for a week, Jenkins invited each player's father to become a "coach" and stay in the bunkhouse with the players.
He sold us all on the ultimate father-son roadie. (As it turns out, no other team in the Cooperstown tournament had eight dads/coaches staying in the bunks).
Each father-son tandem paid $1,330 for the accommodations.
• • •
We flew into Kennedy Airport in New York on July 25 and piled into two rental vans for the four-hour drive upstate. We took a wrong turn in the Catskill Mountains and found ourselves in Woodstock.
Yes, that Woodstock.
We had to explain to the kids – most of which had never heard of the place – that history had blossomed just outside the little town during the 1960s when hundreds of thousands of nearly naked people converged for a rock concert. We told them about Jimi Hendrix and Crosby, Stills and Nash.
Suddenly, a scream in the back of the van.
"A HIPPIE."
Standing on the street corner, as if preserved from 1969, was a real, live hippie with a ponytail, tie-dye t-shirt and a beard. The kids looked at him with wonder, like he was Big Foot or a breathing museum exhibit.
Their education had begun
Friday, August 15, 2008
Labor Day Weekend 2008 Events in Orange County
Labor Day Weekend Events in Orange County
International Street Fair - Orange
Labor Day Weekend
August 29-31, 2008
International foods, crafts, folk dancing and music. Many different ethnic foods and costume. The Street Fair has become known for the variety of food reflecting cuisine from around the world. They provide food, drink, entertainment and crafts to the visitors.
LOCATION:
Street Fair is located in a four-square block area radiating out from the center of the Orange Plaza, which is the intersection of Chapman and Glassell.
Hello Kitty Boardfest - Huntington Beach
Labor Day Weekend
August 30 - September 1, 2008
Hello Kitty BoardfestSM is returning to the Huntington Beach Pier on Labor Day weekend. The surf-inspired festival features a family-oriented beach exposition showcasing free attractions and games, surf clinics, skateboarding demonstrations and live music all set against the backdrop of a top-rated professional women's surfing competition.
Free daily activities include a rock climbing wall, a mechanical surfboard, face painting, an obstacle course, and a moon bounce house and games every hour including sand castle building contests, tug-of-war, hula hoop contests, relay races, and more.
LOCATION:
Huntington Beach Pier
Huntington Beach, CA
INFORMATION:
(714) 375-1132
Pageant of the Masters - Laguna Beach
Now through August 30, 2008
Presented in July and August since the early 1930's, these colorful events have won worldwide recognition. The Festival is a juried exhibit of fine, strictly original works by 160 gifted artists, while the Pageant is a spectacular stage production of living art re-creations.
LOCATION:
650 Laguna Canyon Rd
Laguna Beach
INFO:
949-494-1145
Sawdust Festival - Laguna Beach
Now through August 31, 2008
10 am - 10 pm daily
Outdoor arts and craftes festival. Watch artists create their work and buy directly from the artists while enjoying the wonderful atmosphere.
LOCATION:
935 Laguna Canyon Rd.
Laguna Beach
INFORMATION:
949-494-3030
Discovery Science Center Presents:
Animal Grossology
Now through September 7, 2008
Meet some of the stinkiest, slimiest and downright yuckiest creatures on Earth at Discovery Science Center’s summer 2008 exhibition, Animal Grossology.
Bob the Builder
Now through September 7, 2008
Bob the Builder and his can-do crew invite aspiring builders and their families help to get the job done, as the first-ever hands-on Bob the Builder–Project: Build It traveling museum exhibit visits Taco Bell Discovery Science Center.
LOCATION:
Discovery Science Center
2500 N. Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
INFORMATION:
714-542-2823
International Street Fair - Orange
Labor Day Weekend
August 29-31, 2008
International foods, crafts, folk dancing and music. Many different ethnic foods and costume. The Street Fair has become known for the variety of food reflecting cuisine from around the world. They provide food, drink, entertainment and crafts to the visitors.
LOCATION:
Street Fair is located in a four-square block area radiating out from the center of the Orange Plaza, which is the intersection of Chapman and Glassell.
Directions
Hello Kitty Boardfest - Huntington Beach
Labor Day Weekend
August 30 - September 1, 2008
Hello Kitty BoardfestSM is returning to the Huntington Beach Pier on Labor Day weekend. The surf-inspired festival features a family-oriented beach exposition showcasing free attractions and games, surf clinics, skateboarding demonstrations and live music all set against the backdrop of a top-rated professional women's surfing competition.
Free daily activities include a rock climbing wall, a mechanical surfboard, face painting, an obstacle course, and a moon bounce house and games every hour including sand castle building contests, tug-of-war, hula hoop contests, relay races, and more.
LOCATION:
Huntington Beach Pier
Huntington Beach, CA
INFORMATION:
(714) 375-1132
Annual Festival of Children
Costa Mesa
September 1 - 30, 2008
Beginning early September and continuing every weekend throughout the month. Over two million people attended last year’s celebration of childhood. Showcasing over 50 children’s charities, this year’s Festival of Children brings together even more fun activities for children and families to enjoy together. It will feature more than 100 special events, including celebrity appearances, live performances, character appearances, arts & crafts, special demonstrations and more.
All events are free to the public.
LOCATION:
South Coast Plaza
Costa Mesa
International Street Fair - Orange
Labor Day Weekend
August 29-31, 2008
International foods, crafts, folk dancing and music. Many different ethnic foods and costume. The Street Fair has become known for the variety of food reflecting cuisine from around the world. They provide food, drink, entertainment and crafts to the visitors.
LOCATION:
Street Fair is located in a four-square block area radiating out from the center of the Orange Plaza, which is the intersection of Chapman and Glassell.
Hello Kitty Boardfest - Huntington Beach
Labor Day Weekend
August 30 - September 1, 2008
Hello Kitty BoardfestSM is returning to the Huntington Beach Pier on Labor Day weekend. The surf-inspired festival features a family-oriented beach exposition showcasing free attractions and games, surf clinics, skateboarding demonstrations and live music all set against the backdrop of a top-rated professional women's surfing competition.
Free daily activities include a rock climbing wall, a mechanical surfboard, face painting, an obstacle course, and a moon bounce house and games every hour including sand castle building contests, tug-of-war, hula hoop contests, relay races, and more.
LOCATION:
Huntington Beach Pier
Huntington Beach, CA
INFORMATION:
(714) 375-1132
Pageant of the Masters - Laguna Beach
Now through August 30, 2008
Presented in July and August since the early 1930's, these colorful events have won worldwide recognition. The Festival is a juried exhibit of fine, strictly original works by 160 gifted artists, while the Pageant is a spectacular stage production of living art re-creations.
LOCATION:
650 Laguna Canyon Rd
Laguna Beach
INFO:
949-494-1145
Sawdust Festival - Laguna Beach
Now through August 31, 2008
10 am - 10 pm daily
Outdoor arts and craftes festival. Watch artists create their work and buy directly from the artists while enjoying the wonderful atmosphere.
LOCATION:
935 Laguna Canyon Rd.
Laguna Beach
INFORMATION:
949-494-3030
Discovery Science Center Presents:
Animal Grossology
Now through September 7, 2008
Meet some of the stinkiest, slimiest and downright yuckiest creatures on Earth at Discovery Science Center’s summer 2008 exhibition, Animal Grossology.
Bob the Builder
Now through September 7, 2008
Bob the Builder and his can-do crew invite aspiring builders and their families help to get the job done, as the first-ever hands-on Bob the Builder–Project: Build It traveling museum exhibit visits Taco Bell Discovery Science Center.
LOCATION:
Discovery Science Center
2500 N. Main St.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
INFORMATION:
714-542-2823
International Street Fair - Orange
Labor Day Weekend
August 29-31, 2008
International foods, crafts, folk dancing and music. Many different ethnic foods and costume. The Street Fair has become known for the variety of food reflecting cuisine from around the world. They provide food, drink, entertainment and crafts to the visitors.
LOCATION:
Street Fair is located in a four-square block area radiating out from the center of the Orange Plaza, which is the intersection of Chapman and Glassell.
Directions
Hello Kitty Boardfest - Huntington Beach
Labor Day Weekend
August 30 - September 1, 2008
Hello Kitty BoardfestSM is returning to the Huntington Beach Pier on Labor Day weekend. The surf-inspired festival features a family-oriented beach exposition showcasing free attractions and games, surf clinics, skateboarding demonstrations and live music all set against the backdrop of a top-rated professional women's surfing competition.
Free daily activities include a rock climbing wall, a mechanical surfboard, face painting, an obstacle course, and a moon bounce house and games every hour including sand castle building contests, tug-of-war, hula hoop contests, relay races, and more.
LOCATION:
Huntington Beach Pier
Huntington Beach, CA
INFORMATION:
(714) 375-1132
Annual Festival of Children
Costa Mesa
September 1 - 30, 2008
Beginning early September and continuing every weekend throughout the month. Over two million people attended last year’s celebration of childhood. Showcasing over 50 children’s charities, this year’s Festival of Children brings together even more fun activities for children and families to enjoy together. It will feature more than 100 special events, including celebrity appearances, live performances, character appearances, arts & crafts, special demonstrations and more.
All events are free to the public.
LOCATION:
South Coast Plaza
Costa Mesa
Los Angeles doubles fines for residents who waste water - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles doubles fines for residents who waste water - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa signed an ordinance Thursday that doubles fines for residents who repeatedly violate the city's "drought buster" rules, including a reworked ban on watering lawns between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.The measure bars restaurants from serving water to customers unless it is specifically requested. And the ordinance will quadruple fines for large customers of the Department of Water and Power, mainly businesses, that break the city's water-waster law.
Have you caught the city wasting water?
Waste water
"L.A.'s future depends on our citizens to adopt an ethic of conservation," Villaraigosa said.The anti-drought initiative has coincided with efforts by Villaraigosa to keep his top appointee at the DWP, Commission President Nick Patsaouras, from quitting his post. Perhaps the utility's most aggressive watchdog on spending issues, Patsaouras sent a resignation e-mail Monday, but the mayor refused to accept it.Villaraigosa said his appointee had repeatedly talked about leaving the volunteer post and about being "overworked." Patsaouras serves on a panel overseeing construction of the new $454-million police headquarters.
"He's talked to me about resigning more than a few times. Each time, I get him to realize that we need him," Villaraigosa said.Patsaouras would not discuss his conversation with the mayor but sent a brief text message to The Times saying he would stay put "to fulfill the mayor's vision."Villaraigosa discussed his appointee as he stood near two of the city's 16 "drought busters," inspectors who will issue fines to those caught violating the new rules two or more times. The team will look for various violations, such as washing cars with a hose that lacks a shut-off device.One resident questioned whether the city was being fastidious about its own water usage. West Los Angeles resident Eric Shabsis said he had seen sprinklers running during the day outside the Cheviot Hills Recreation Center and a city facility in Palms. "If residents are being asked not to water their lawns between 9 and 4, shouldn't the city follow the same policy?" asked Shabsis, a onetime aide to former Mayor James K. Hahn.A Times video posted Thursday shows water waste at Venice Beach and at a DWP facility in the San Fernando Valley. DWP spokesman Joe Ramallo said city officials would fix the problems."Clearly, there's work to be done," Ramallo said, adding that the agency switchboard was "flooded with calls about all kinds of potential violations."Under the new rules, DWP customers are prohibited from using hoses to wash down their sidewalks and driveways, unless there is a public safety issue or a pressure washer involved. The law also bars residents from watering their lawns when it rains.Anyone who sees a violation may call (800) DIAL-DWP. The hotline has received 2,400 complaints since last summer, Ramallo said.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa signed an ordinance Thursday that doubles fines for residents who repeatedly violate the city's "drought buster" rules, including a reworked ban on watering lawns between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.The measure bars restaurants from serving water to customers unless it is specifically requested. And the ordinance will quadruple fines for large customers of the Department of Water and Power, mainly businesses, that break the city's water-waster law.
Have you caught the city wasting water?
Waste water
"L.A.'s future depends on our citizens to adopt an ethic of conservation," Villaraigosa said.The anti-drought initiative has coincided with efforts by Villaraigosa to keep his top appointee at the DWP, Commission President Nick Patsaouras, from quitting his post. Perhaps the utility's most aggressive watchdog on spending issues, Patsaouras sent a resignation e-mail Monday, but the mayor refused to accept it.Villaraigosa said his appointee had repeatedly talked about leaving the volunteer post and about being "overworked." Patsaouras serves on a panel overseeing construction of the new $454-million police headquarters.
"He's talked to me about resigning more than a few times. Each time, I get him to realize that we need him," Villaraigosa said.Patsaouras would not discuss his conversation with the mayor but sent a brief text message to The Times saying he would stay put "to fulfill the mayor's vision."Villaraigosa discussed his appointee as he stood near two of the city's 16 "drought busters," inspectors who will issue fines to those caught violating the new rules two or more times. The team will look for various violations, such as washing cars with a hose that lacks a shut-off device.One resident questioned whether the city was being fastidious about its own water usage. West Los Angeles resident Eric Shabsis said he had seen sprinklers running during the day outside the Cheviot Hills Recreation Center and a city facility in Palms. "If residents are being asked not to water their lawns between 9 and 4, shouldn't the city follow the same policy?" asked Shabsis, a onetime aide to former Mayor James K. Hahn.A Times video posted Thursday shows water waste at Venice Beach and at a DWP facility in the San Fernando Valley. DWP spokesman Joe Ramallo said city officials would fix the problems."Clearly, there's work to be done," Ramallo said, adding that the agency switchboard was "flooded with calls about all kinds of potential violations."Under the new rules, DWP customers are prohibited from using hoses to wash down their sidewalks and driveways, unless there is a public safety issue or a pressure washer involved. The law also bars residents from watering their lawns when it rains.Anyone who sees a violation may call (800) DIAL-DWP. The hotline has received 2,400 complaints since last summer, Ramallo said.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Disneyland to close another food joint - Fast Food Maven - OCRegister.com
Disneyland to close another food joint - Fast Food Maven - OCRegister.com: "Disneyland to close another food joint"
A week after disclosing plans to shutter three McDonald’s in its two Anaheim theme parks, Disneyland has now said it will close a fine dining eatery at California Adventure.
The upscale The Vineyard Room at the Golden Vine Winery — which was once sponsored by Robert Mondavi — will close Aug. 31, Disneyland spokeswoman Betsy Sanchez told The Register in an email statement.
Sanchez would not disclose what would replace the high-end restaurant, where a meal can run tourists about $30 per person.
“In the short term, the area will be used as additional seating for the popular Wine Country Trattoria. Long-term plans are still being considered,” she said.
The closure comes as Disney takes a hard look at revamping the struggling California Adventure. Earlier this summer, The Register’s Around Disney blogger Sonya Smith reported several changes planned for the park. Read her full DCA coverage.
Disneyland also announced plans last week to close three McDonald’s eateries located at both parks, including Burger Invasion at DCA.
Final thoughts: I don’t know about you, but I have never liked the idea of fine dining in a theme park. I hope Disney replaces The Vineyard and Burger Invasion with some good, fast eats. How about a Johnny Rockets Express or a pizza joint? Any suggestions? Write in.
A week after disclosing plans to shutter three McDonald’s in its two Anaheim theme parks, Disneyland has now said it will close a fine dining eatery at California Adventure.
The upscale The Vineyard Room at the Golden Vine Winery — which was once sponsored by Robert Mondavi — will close Aug. 31, Disneyland spokeswoman Betsy Sanchez told The Register in an email statement.
Sanchez would not disclose what would replace the high-end restaurant, where a meal can run tourists about $30 per person.
“In the short term, the area will be used as additional seating for the popular Wine Country Trattoria. Long-term plans are still being considered,” she said.
The closure comes as Disney takes a hard look at revamping the struggling California Adventure. Earlier this summer, The Register’s Around Disney blogger Sonya Smith reported several changes planned for the park. Read her full DCA coverage.
Disneyland also announced plans last week to close three McDonald’s eateries located at both parks, including Burger Invasion at DCA.
Final thoughts: I don’t know about you, but I have never liked the idea of fine dining in a theme park. I hope Disney replaces The Vineyard and Burger Invasion with some good, fast eats. How about a Johnny Rockets Express or a pizza joint? Any suggestions? Write in.
OC students take 2007-08 star exam
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/students-percent-passed-2123357-tests-algebra
Orange County’s public school students in 2007-08 made modest gains for the sixth straight year on slew of standardized tests aimed at measuring how well they are learning math, English and other core subjects, according to figures released today.
Between 44 and 63 percent of students in grades two through 11 scored proficient, the passing rate, or better in English on the California Standards Tests. Between 50 and 65 percent of students in math in grades two through seven passed.
On average, that’s an improvement of about 2 percentage points over the previous year in both subjects.
Students were also tested in world history, biology, chemistry, physics and other subjects. Students in grades 8 through 11 were tested in Algebra I, Algebra II, geometry or in the other math courses they were enrolled in.
About 380,000 across the county took the standards tests this spring, while about 4.8 million students statewide were tested. Orange County students outperformed peers statewide – with a passing rate 5 to 10 percentage points higher – in English and math.
In other subjects, the differences were more drastic:
Local eighth-graders passed Algebra I at a 59 percent rate, while about 42 percent of eighth-graders passed statewide.
In chemistry, 50 percent of county students passed, but only 32 percent of state students did. And 66 percent of local students passed physics, while 42 percent passed across the state.
Both state and local figures showed that the passing rates in high school in English, sciences and advanced math decreased in the higher grades. For example, 59 percent of freshman in the county passed in English, but only 47 percent of juniors did.
The results also showed that more students are taking higher math courses like algebra and geometry at an earlier age. The number of students tested in the eighth-grade in Algebra I, 17,000, is nearly double the number from 2003.
Last month, the state board of education approved a plan to require all eighth-graders to be enrolled in Algebra I within the next three years.
The standards tests are the main component used by the state to measure if students are learning grade appropriate skills. The tests are also a key ingredient in a schools Academic Performance Index. API scores will be released Sept. 4.
Also released today were scores for the California Achievement Test, Sixth Edition, which measures how students compare nationally, and tests designed for students with disabilities and those still learning English.
All the tests are part of the state’s Standardized Testing and Reporting system, or STAR.
Orange County’s public school students in 2007-08 made modest gains for the sixth straight year on slew of standardized tests aimed at measuring how well they are learning math, English and other core subjects, according to figures released today.
Between 44 and 63 percent of students in grades two through 11 scored proficient, the passing rate, or better in English on the California Standards Tests. Between 50 and 65 percent of students in math in grades two through seven passed.
On average, that’s an improvement of about 2 percentage points over the previous year in both subjects.
Students were also tested in world history, biology, chemistry, physics and other subjects. Students in grades 8 through 11 were tested in Algebra I, Algebra II, geometry or in the other math courses they were enrolled in.
About 380,000 across the county took the standards tests this spring, while about 4.8 million students statewide were tested. Orange County students outperformed peers statewide – with a passing rate 5 to 10 percentage points higher – in English and math.
In other subjects, the differences were more drastic:
Local eighth-graders passed Algebra I at a 59 percent rate, while about 42 percent of eighth-graders passed statewide.
In chemistry, 50 percent of county students passed, but only 32 percent of state students did. And 66 percent of local students passed physics, while 42 percent passed across the state.
Both state and local figures showed that the passing rates in high school in English, sciences and advanced math decreased in the higher grades. For example, 59 percent of freshman in the county passed in English, but only 47 percent of juniors did.
The results also showed that more students are taking higher math courses like algebra and geometry at an earlier age. The number of students tested in the eighth-grade in Algebra I, 17,000, is nearly double the number from 2003.
Last month, the state board of education approved a plan to require all eighth-graders to be enrolled in Algebra I within the next three years.
The standards tests are the main component used by the state to measure if students are learning grade appropriate skills. The tests are also a key ingredient in a schools Academic Performance Index. API scores will be released Sept. 4.
Also released today were scores for the California Achievement Test, Sixth Edition, which measures how students compare nationally, and tests designed for students with disabilities and those still learning English.
All the tests are part of the state’s Standardized Testing and Reporting system, or STAR.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Vons to cap double coupons — shoppers irked - Fast Food Maven
Vons to cap double coupons — shoppers irked - Fast Food Maven - OCRegister.com
Vons to cap double coupons — shoppers irked
August 12th, 2008, 2:33 pm · 1 Comment · posted by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer and Blogger
Following a similar move made by Ralphs earlier this summer, Vons said Tuesday that it will put a cap on double coupons.
Starting Aug. 20, Vons stores in Southern California will only double coupons up to $1.
“The grocery business is highly competitive and we frequently refine our promotions based on the market,” spokesman Daymond Rice said Tuesday. “To that point, beginning Aug. 20, our double coupon policy will be slightly modified.”
Currently, a $1 off coupon, gets you $2 off .
Starting Aug. 20, if a coupon exceeds 50 cents and is less than a $1, its value will be capped at $1. All coupons more than $1 will be redeemed at their face value, said Safeway-owned Vons.
In other words, a 75-cent coupon, will get you an additional 25 cents off. That’s it. You will no longer get a $1.50 off. Coupons valued at 50 cents or less will still be doubled.
Stores began notifying customers of the change over the last few days, prompting immediate outrage from avid coupon clippers.
“I would just love to know what these pinheads are thinking,” one shopper wrote on HotCouponWorld.com — a chat forum for coupon clippers. “The economy is really tough now and every little bit helps.”
Orange County resident Glenn Marra, who’s been “couponing” since the 1970s, said he’s upset that Ralphs and Vons are decreasing the savings shoppers get from doubling coupons.
“It’s a very sad day and costly one to come for us couponers,” Marra said.
Vons to cap double coupons — shoppers irked
August 12th, 2008, 2:33 pm · 1 Comment · posted by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer and Blogger
Following a similar move made by Ralphs earlier this summer, Vons said Tuesday that it will put a cap on double coupons.
Starting Aug. 20, Vons stores in Southern California will only double coupons up to $1.
“The grocery business is highly competitive and we frequently refine our promotions based on the market,” spokesman Daymond Rice said Tuesday. “To that point, beginning Aug. 20, our double coupon policy will be slightly modified.”
Currently, a $1 off coupon, gets you $2 off .
Starting Aug. 20, if a coupon exceeds 50 cents and is less than a $1, its value will be capped at $1. All coupons more than $1 will be redeemed at their face value, said Safeway-owned Vons.
In other words, a 75-cent coupon, will get you an additional 25 cents off. That’s it. You will no longer get a $1.50 off. Coupons valued at 50 cents or less will still be doubled.
Stores began notifying customers of the change over the last few days, prompting immediate outrage from avid coupon clippers.
“I would just love to know what these pinheads are thinking,” one shopper wrote on HotCouponWorld.com — a chat forum for coupon clippers. “The economy is really tough now and every little bit helps.”
Orange County resident Glenn Marra, who’s been “couponing” since the 1970s, said he’s upset that Ralphs and Vons are decreasing the savings shoppers get from doubling coupons.
“It’s a very sad day and costly one to come for us couponers,” Marra said.
5-year O.C. homeowners 4.1% ahead annually
5-year O.C. homeowners 4.1% ahead annually
August 12th, 2008, 12:05 am · 32 Comments · posted by Mary Ann Milbourn
Zillow estimates O.C. home values dropped 17.8% in the second quarter over the same period last year, but if you’ve held on for five years, the value has increased 4.1% on an annualized basis.
The online real estate service estimates that if you’ve owned the same O.C. place for 10 years, values have increased 8.4% on an annualized basis.
Meanwhile consumer prices for the L.A.-O.C.-Riverside area are up 3.6% on average over the past five years, 3.1% since 1998.
Although low-end homes took the biggest bath in value in the last year — plunging 21.9% — long term owners in this category came out best, seeing their values rise an estimated 9% annualized since 1998.
http://lansner.freedomblogging.com/2008/08/12/5-year-oc-homeowners-41-ahead/
August 12th, 2008, 12:05 am · 32 Comments · posted by Mary Ann Milbourn
Zillow estimates O.C. home values dropped 17.8% in the second quarter over the same period last year, but if you’ve held on for five years, the value has increased 4.1% on an annualized basis.
The online real estate service estimates that if you’ve owned the same O.C. place for 10 years, values have increased 8.4% on an annualized basis.
Meanwhile consumer prices for the L.A.-O.C.-Riverside area are up 3.6% on average over the past five years, 3.1% since 1998.
Although low-end homes took the biggest bath in value in the last year — plunging 21.9% — long term owners in this category came out best, seeing their values rise an estimated 9% annualized since 1998.
http://lansner.freedomblogging.com/2008/08/12/5-year-oc-homeowners-41-ahead/
Friday, August 8, 2008
News: TriDivas train for triathlons in Coto | szufnarowski, women, triathlon, swimming, bodies - OCRegister.com
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/szufnarowski-women-triathlon-2114693-swimming-bodies?slideshow=1: "TriDivas train for triathlons in Coto"
Coto de Caza has become a place where women train for triathlons.
Three evenings a week, a group known as the TriDivas swims in the Olympic-size pool at the Coto Valley Sports Club preparing their bodies for the swimming portion of the endurance race.
Leading the ladies – who range in age from 17 and up – through their regimen is Coach Martha Szufnarowski of Ladera Ranch.
"A triathlon is a great sport and a great way of using all your muscles," Szufnarowski said.
During a recent session, Szufnarowski told the women not to kick their legs while their bodies sliced through the water.
"In a triathlon you want to minimize the use of your legs while swimming and save them for the bike and running," she said.
At one end of the pool, Szufnarowski posted an outline of their training regimen for the day. Laps totaling 1,600 yards were broken out into multiple 100 yard increments, with specified levels ranging from 85 percent to "all out." The coach also specified the length of breaks between laps.
While swimming, Szufnarowski called out things like "I want you to find that stroke that for you is really strong," and "Good form equals good speed."
There are 81 women in the program, including a mother-daughter team from Huntington Beach.
"I did it because of my daughter," said Robin Littrell, 47, of Huntington Beach. "I've been doing it for a year now. I did a triathlon and enjoyed it."
Many of the women are working professionals and include a hiring consultant, a software consultant, a public defender and a court reporter.
Erin Caswell, 29, of Trabuco Canyon, competed in her 10th triathlon last month. "I do it because someone told me I couldn't. I'm addicted to it now."
Coto de Caza has become a place where women train for triathlons.
Three evenings a week, a group known as the TriDivas swims in the Olympic-size pool at the Coto Valley Sports Club preparing their bodies for the swimming portion of the endurance race.
Leading the ladies – who range in age from 17 and up – through their regimen is Coach Martha Szufnarowski of Ladera Ranch.
"A triathlon is a great sport and a great way of using all your muscles," Szufnarowski said.
During a recent session, Szufnarowski told the women not to kick their legs while their bodies sliced through the water.
"In a triathlon you want to minimize the use of your legs while swimming and save them for the bike and running," she said.
At one end of the pool, Szufnarowski posted an outline of their training regimen for the day. Laps totaling 1,600 yards were broken out into multiple 100 yard increments, with specified levels ranging from 85 percent to "all out." The coach also specified the length of breaks between laps.
While swimming, Szufnarowski called out things like "I want you to find that stroke that for you is really strong," and "Good form equals good speed."
There are 81 women in the program, including a mother-daughter team from Huntington Beach.
"I did it because of my daughter," said Robin Littrell, 47, of Huntington Beach. "I've been doing it for a year now. I did a triathlon and enjoyed it."
Many of the women are working professionals and include a hiring consultant, a software consultant, a public defender and a court reporter.
Erin Caswell, 29, of Trabuco Canyon, competed in her 10th triathlon last month. "I do it because someone told me I couldn't. I'm addicted to it now."
News: TriDivas train for triathlons in Coto | szufnarowski, women, triathlon, swimming, bodies - OCRegister.com
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/szufnarowski-women-triathlon-2114693-swimming-bodies?slideshow=1: "TriDivas train for triathlons in Coto"
Coto de Caza has become a place where women train for triathlons.
Three evenings a week, a group known as the TriDivas swims in the Olympic-size pool at the Coto Valley Sports Club preparing their bodies for the swimming portion of the endurance race.
Leading the ladies – who range in age from 17 and up – through their regimen is Coach Martha Szufnarowski of Ladera Ranch.
"A triathlon is a great sport and a great way of using all your muscles," Szufnarowski said.
During a recent session, Szufnarowski told the women not to kick their legs while their bodies sliced through the water.
"In a triathlon you want to minimize the use of your legs while swimming and save them for the bike and running," she said.
At one end of the pool, Szufnarowski posted an outline of their training regimen for the day. Laps totaling 1,600 yards were broken out into multiple 100 yard increments, with specified levels ranging from 85 percent to "all out." The coach also specified the length of breaks between laps.
While swimming, Szufnarowski called out things like "I want you to find that stroke that for you is really strong," and "Good form equals good speed."
There are 81 women in the program, including a mother-daughter team from Huntington Beach.
"I did it because of my daughter," said Robin Littrell, 47, of Huntington Beach. "I've been doing it for a year now. I did a triathlon and enjoyed it."
Many of the women are working professionals and include a hiring consultant, a software consultant, a public defender and a court reporter.
Erin Caswell, 29, of Trabuco Canyon, competed in her 10th triathlon last month. "I do it because someone told me I couldn't. I'm addicted to it now."
Coto de Caza has become a place where women train for triathlons.
Three evenings a week, a group known as the TriDivas swims in the Olympic-size pool at the Coto Valley Sports Club preparing their bodies for the swimming portion of the endurance race.
Leading the ladies – who range in age from 17 and up – through their regimen is Coach Martha Szufnarowski of Ladera Ranch.
"A triathlon is a great sport and a great way of using all your muscles," Szufnarowski said.
During a recent session, Szufnarowski told the women not to kick their legs while their bodies sliced through the water.
"In a triathlon you want to minimize the use of your legs while swimming and save them for the bike and running," she said.
At one end of the pool, Szufnarowski posted an outline of their training regimen for the day. Laps totaling 1,600 yards were broken out into multiple 100 yard increments, with specified levels ranging from 85 percent to "all out." The coach also specified the length of breaks between laps.
While swimming, Szufnarowski called out things like "I want you to find that stroke that for you is really strong," and "Good form equals good speed."
There are 81 women in the program, including a mother-daughter team from Huntington Beach.
"I did it because of my daughter," said Robin Littrell, 47, of Huntington Beach. "I've been doing it for a year now. I did a triathlon and enjoyed it."
Many of the women are working professionals and include a hiring consultant, a software consultant, a public defender and a court reporter.
Erin Caswell, 29, of Trabuco Canyon, competed in her 10th triathlon last month. "I do it because someone told me I couldn't. I'm addicted to it now."
News: Students of dancers throw support party for O.C. dance finalists | dance, henry, really, shean, year - OCRegister.com
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/dance-henry-really-2118192-shean-year?slideshow=1
Students of dancers throw support party for O.C. dance finalists
Two finalists in "So You Think You Can Dance" teach dance in South O.C.
By MARK EADES
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Comments 0 Recommend 0
More than 100 people – dance students and their parents – showed up at Friends Restaurant in Dove Canyon to watch the finale of "So You Think You Can Dance." They were rooting for two of the four finalists in the show; both of them are dance teachers at South County Dance in Rancho Santa Margarita.
As the finale show started there were shouts of support and spontaneous applause as the crowd watched the dance teachers Katee Shean and Stephen "Twitch" Boss perform their final dance numbers.
"Katee's really, really good," said Veronica Gutierrez, 11, of Rancho Santa Margarita. "I think she's got a good chance."
Elisabeth Tracy, a nine-year-old dance student of "Twitch" is from Coto de Caza.
"I really like his hip-hop," Tracy said.
Halfway through the final show Shean was eliminated to a chorus of boos and a few sniffles from the young ladies.
"She's a great dance and it's sad," said Alyssa Henry, 13, of Trabuco Canyon.
Henry thought Shean would return to the show next year, or would find a career in dance at a higher level.
"She's going to go far," Henry said.
At the end of the show the "boos" were heard again when it was announced that "Twitch" came close but lost out in the end to Joshua Allen.
"It's a little bit of a let down," said Stacy Hagen, a dance student parent. "It's disappointing, but I'm they'll be back to teach."
Hagen's 13-year-old daughter Nicole rehearses 20 or more hours a week.
"I was excited they made it that far," said Nicole Hagen. "I think I could tryout for that when I'm older."
Students of dancers throw support party for O.C. dance finalists
Two finalists in "So You Think You Can Dance" teach dance in South O.C.
By MARK EADES
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Comments 0 Recommend 0
More than 100 people – dance students and their parents – showed up at Friends Restaurant in Dove Canyon to watch the finale of "So You Think You Can Dance." They were rooting for two of the four finalists in the show; both of them are dance teachers at South County Dance in Rancho Santa Margarita.
As the finale show started there were shouts of support and spontaneous applause as the crowd watched the dance teachers Katee Shean and Stephen "Twitch" Boss perform their final dance numbers.
"Katee's really, really good," said Veronica Gutierrez, 11, of Rancho Santa Margarita. "I think she's got a good chance."
Elisabeth Tracy, a nine-year-old dance student of "Twitch" is from Coto de Caza.
"I really like his hip-hop," Tracy said.
Halfway through the final show Shean was eliminated to a chorus of boos and a few sniffles from the young ladies.
"She's a great dance and it's sad," said Alyssa Henry, 13, of Trabuco Canyon.
Henry thought Shean would return to the show next year, or would find a career in dance at a higher level.
"She's going to go far," Henry said.
At the end of the show the "boos" were heard again when it was announced that "Twitch" came close but lost out in the end to Joshua Allen.
"It's a little bit of a let down," said Stacy Hagen, a dance student parent. "It's disappointing, but I'm they'll be back to teach."
Hagen's 13-year-old daughter Nicole rehearses 20 or more hours a week.
"I was excited they made it that far," said Nicole Hagen. "I think I could tryout for that when I'm older."
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Te-Moak Indian Diabetes Program Adds New Kid's Fitness Program to Help Fight Childhood Diabetes & Obesity
Te-Moak Indian Diabetes Program Adds New Kid's Fitness Program to Help Fight Childhood Diabetes & Obesity: "Te-Moak Indian Diabetes Program Adds New Kid's Fitness Program to Help Fight Childhood Diabetes & Obesity"
Te-Moak Indian Diabetes Program Adds New Kid's Fitness Program to Help Fight Childhood Diabetes & Obesity
The Te-Moak Diabetes Program in Elko, NV has recently added the Kids PACE Express Circuit Training Program to its Kid Fit program to help combat childhood diabetes and obesity.
Trabuco Canyon, CA (PRWEB) August 7, 2008 -- Pro*Fit Enterprises, manufacturers of PACE and Kids PACE Express hydraulic circuit training programs announces that the Te-Moak Diabetes Program will become the first facility on an Indian reservation in the US with its kid's fitness program.
Rande LaDue, President of Pro*Fit (www.kidspaceexpress.com) says "We are proud that the Te-Moak Diabetes program has agreed to become a National Showcase Club for Kids PACE Express. I applaud Sharon Keams and her staff for their efforts to help fight childhood diabetes and obesity. We are raising a generation of unfit kids; childhood obesity has reached near epidemic levels, especially in Native American populations. Kids PE is designed to introduce kids ages 5-13 into a healthy fitness lifestyle in a safe, fun, non-intimidating program. Unlike scaled down weight stack machines for kids, Kids PE is very safe on growing bones and joints and offers a very high calorie burn in a fun "fitness musical chairs" format without muscle soreness or intimidation.
The two major keys to the success of this program are safety and fun. Obviously, a program for kids must first be safe. Kids PE equipment has been designed by medical, fitness and recreation professionals to ensure a safe effective program. Next, a program must be fun. If it's not fun, the kids will not stick with it; if it is fun, they will keep coming back and they will see results very quickly.
Sharon Keams, Assistant Coordinator of the Te-Moak Diabetes Program, says, "We are very excited about being the first Native American facility in the US to offer this much needed program. This reflects our commitment to our community by offering the highest quality equipment, program and services. This has taken a long time to develop, but we are thrilled that we are finally here to help the kids."
Roberta Sam, Kid Fit Coach, says, "We are looking forward to introducing kids into fitness in a fun way and seeing the results the kids will experience with this new program. With the Kids PACE Express program, there is no intimidation or peer pressure since there are no weight stacks or muscle soreness. The hydraulic machines will match the effort of each child, so everyone will be working at their own pace. We expect to have lots of fun and to see lots of smiles and sweat."
For more information on the Te-Moak Diabetes program, contact Sharon Keams at 775-738-4881. For more information on the Kids PACE Express Circuit Training Program, contact Rande LaDue at 949-888-8045 or visit www.kidspaceexpress.com
Te-Moak Indian Diabetes Program Adds New Kid's Fitness Program to Help Fight Childhood Diabetes & Obesity
The Te-Moak Diabetes Program in Elko, NV has recently added the Kids PACE Express Circuit Training Program to its Kid Fit program to help combat childhood diabetes and obesity.
Trabuco Canyon, CA (PRWEB) August 7, 2008 -- Pro*Fit Enterprises, manufacturers of PACE and Kids PACE Express hydraulic circuit training programs announces that the Te-Moak Diabetes Program will become the first facility on an Indian reservation in the US with its kid's fitness program.
Rande LaDue, President of Pro*Fit (www.kidspaceexpress.com) says "We are proud that the Te-Moak Diabetes program has agreed to become a National Showcase Club for Kids PACE Express. I applaud Sharon Keams and her staff for their efforts to help fight childhood diabetes and obesity. We are raising a generation of unfit kids; childhood obesity has reached near epidemic levels, especially in Native American populations. Kids PE is designed to introduce kids ages 5-13 into a healthy fitness lifestyle in a safe, fun, non-intimidating program. Unlike scaled down weight stack machines for kids, Kids PE is very safe on growing bones and joints and offers a very high calorie burn in a fun "fitness musical chairs" format without muscle soreness or intimidation.
The two major keys to the success of this program are safety and fun. Obviously, a program for kids must first be safe. Kids PE equipment has been designed by medical, fitness and recreation professionals to ensure a safe effective program. Next, a program must be fun. If it's not fun, the kids will not stick with it; if it is fun, they will keep coming back and they will see results very quickly.
Sharon Keams, Assistant Coordinator of the Te-Moak Diabetes Program, says, "We are very excited about being the first Native American facility in the US to offer this much needed program. This reflects our commitment to our community by offering the highest quality equipment, program and services. This has taken a long time to develop, but we are thrilled that we are finally here to help the kids."
Roberta Sam, Kid Fit Coach, says, "We are looking forward to introducing kids into fitness in a fun way and seeing the results the kids will experience with this new program. With the Kids PACE Express program, there is no intimidation or peer pressure since there are no weight stacks or muscle soreness. The hydraulic machines will match the effort of each child, so everyone will be working at their own pace. We expect to have lots of fun and to see lots of smiles and sweat."
For more information on the Te-Moak Diabetes program, contact Sharon Keams at 775-738-4881. For more information on the Kids PACE Express Circuit Training Program, contact Rande LaDue at 949-888-8045 or visit www.kidspaceexpress.com
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
News: Kids launch potatoes at kayaker | kids, police, beach, hit, report - OCRegister.com
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/kids-police-beach-2114972-hit-report
A nearby resident told police the potatoes were aimed at a relative on the ocean.
A nearby resident told police the potatoes were aimed at a relative on the ocean.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
All Sports Trader Announces Online Trading and Information Platform
All Sports Trader Announces Online Trading and Information Platform
All Sports Trader has just launched its website www.allsportstrader.com, becoming the first online platform in Southern California for buying and selling sports equipment and sharing local sports information. As a gathering place for sports lovers from 8 to 80, Founder & CEO Pat Bockenstette believes that this type of online center is long overdue. “I wanted to provide a way to help kids, parents and sports-playing adults get the most of the sporting activities available to them in the local community,” says Mr. Bockenstette.
It all started in a garage, as many companies do. Mr. Bockenstette decided to do something about the vast accumulation of sporting goods in his garage from the multiple sports that he and his family had engaged in over the years. After trying to sell or give away the excess, he decided there had to be an easier way, and so the idea for All Sports Trader was born. He wanted to not only have an auction site where people could buy and sell their used (or new) sports equipment, but he also wanted a community information platform. The site’s community pages have links to tournaments, leagues, coaching, lessons, and ticket sources. “The Locker Room” is a social networking section, with a forum and blogs to discuss sports and current topics such as the Olympics. All Sports Trader constantly adds new content to the site on nearly every sport: baseball, football, basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, and even fishing and camping.
Why Southern California? “The local area is very rich in talented players in all major sports, and the wonderful climate allows all sports to be played year round,” says Mr. Bockenstette. “Entire families seem to be involved in sports here: kids, parents, and multiple generations — everything from Little League to senior leagues. This is the perfect place for an online resource like this.”
All Sports Trader’s mission is to provide new and unique services that will add value to the local sports community and fuel people’s passion for sports–at any age. The company is headquartered in Trabuco Canyon, CA, and is privately held.
All Sports Trader has just launched its website www.allsportstrader.com, becoming the first online platform in Southern California for buying and selling sports equipment and sharing local sports information. As a gathering place for sports lovers from 8 to 80, Founder & CEO Pat Bockenstette believes that this type of online center is long overdue. “I wanted to provide a way to help kids, parents and sports-playing adults get the most of the sporting activities available to them in the local community,” says Mr. Bockenstette.
It all started in a garage, as many companies do. Mr. Bockenstette decided to do something about the vast accumulation of sporting goods in his garage from the multiple sports that he and his family had engaged in over the years. After trying to sell or give away the excess, he decided there had to be an easier way, and so the idea for All Sports Trader was born. He wanted to not only have an auction site where people could buy and sell their used (or new) sports equipment, but he also wanted a community information platform. The site’s community pages have links to tournaments, leagues, coaching, lessons, and ticket sources. “The Locker Room” is a social networking section, with a forum and blogs to discuss sports and current topics such as the Olympics. All Sports Trader constantly adds new content to the site on nearly every sport: baseball, football, basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, and even fishing and camping.
Why Southern California? “The local area is very rich in talented players in all major sports, and the wonderful climate allows all sports to be played year round,” says Mr. Bockenstette. “Entire families seem to be involved in sports here: kids, parents, and multiple generations — everything from Little League to senior leagues. This is the perfect place for an online resource like this.”
All Sports Trader’s mission is to provide new and unique services that will add value to the local sports community and fuel people’s passion for sports–at any age. The company is headquartered in Trabuco Canyon, CA, and is privately held.
News: Fighting for 400 acres of Orange County's coast | company, welsh, people, activists, group - OCRegister.com
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/company-welsh-people-2112896-activists-group: "Fighting for 400 acres of Orange County's coast"
In a rented room at the Costa Mesa Community Center, Terry Welsh is rallying the troops.
Almost 1,500 people, he brags, have joined his group's fight to rescue a big chunk of coastal land slated for homes and shops.
Trouble is, this is the group's big kick-off fundraiser, and only 50 or so people have turned out. "Obviously," Welsh tells the crowd with a smile and a glance at empty seats, "they don't all show up to our meetings."
But that's all right. Welsh's Sierra Club-affiliated task force – formed almost a decade ago – is ready to get serious because, well, a developer is getting serious.
Later this month, a company is expected to submit plans for 1,375 homes, shops and an inn on a portion of Banning Ranch, one of the largest coastal areas in Orange County not covered with homes or explicitly spared from development.
Seeking to win over residents, the company has held two dozen townhalls and blanketed the city in fliers, arguing that housing and nature are compatible.
"We've been very candid about our plans," said Mike Mohler of Newport Banning Ranch LLC, a joint venture of three landowners.
Welsh's group, admittedly, has some catching up to do. That's the point of this community center fundraiser, a frugal affair where guests munch brownie bites and pay $2 for "Save Banning Ranch" bumper stickers.
Seemingly outgunned, Welsh urges optimism. "Rest comfortably that it's been done before," he says, pointing to grass-roots groups that largely blocked housing at Bolsa Chica.
The comparison, though, is a tad faulty. Unlike Bolsa Chica, which residents could always hike to or drive past on Pacific Coast Highway, Banning Ranch is private property encased by fencing and rugged hills. How do you generate excitement about something people can't see?
"This place is kind of out-of-sight for most people," Welsh concedes.
So, as activists fight back, the first step is letting people know Banning Ranch exists. The second step is convincing people it's worth keeping barren – something the company made a bit more difficult recently by mailing 35,000 fliers replete with images of rusty wells and corroded pipelines to hammer home the area's oil-drilling past and present.
Activists mock that portrayal, calling it a curious approach for a company that wants to sell homes on the land. "It's pretty interesting that they show people pictures of degraded land and say, 'You want to live here.'" said group member Margaret Royall.
Jokes aside, activists think they have the facts on their side. For one, there's the project's density – all those homes, shops and hotel rooms on a small part of the property.
Activists say the developer is being clever, perhaps proposing a huge project so it seems generous when things are scaled back. "They'll portray themselves as making a great sacrifice," Welsh said.
It's even possible, activists say, that the company is merely seeking big-time entitlements to boost the land's value before selling the property for preservation.
Mohler denies both suggestions, saying his company has "already made the sacrifices" by preserving more open space than required by Newport Beach, which plans to annex the site eventually.
While willing to sell, company executives say they doubt enough money can be obtained.
The Orange County Assessor values the land at about $41.5 million, but that doesn't account for oil cleanup costs or development potential. Appraisals are under way, and a previous estimate suggested a $225 million price tag, which activists label as vastly inflated.
Sharon Wood, assistant city manager in Newport, doubts the project can advance unless it shrinks. That's not because the city necessarily sees anything wrong with the project, she said, but because of California Coastal Commission prerogatives. "I don't think they will get it through the Coastal Commission with what they've proposed," she said.
Assume, though, the company is serious about the size of its development. Such a project would add 14,000 daily auto trips to local streets, a city estimate says.
Mohler said road improvements would absorb those cars, but activists have vowed to highlight congestion on nearby stretches of Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Boulevard and the 55 freeway.
Who's right in all this? That question awaits numerous studies and public hearings. The developer says it won't break ground for at least five years, and Wood says even that's probably "too optimistic."
In other words, Welsh's group has time. Time to build more support, and time to sell a whole lot more bumper stickers.
In a rented room at the Costa Mesa Community Center, Terry Welsh is rallying the troops.
Almost 1,500 people, he brags, have joined his group's fight to rescue a big chunk of coastal land slated for homes and shops.
Trouble is, this is the group's big kick-off fundraiser, and only 50 or so people have turned out. "Obviously," Welsh tells the crowd with a smile and a glance at empty seats, "they don't all show up to our meetings."
But that's all right. Welsh's Sierra Club-affiliated task force – formed almost a decade ago – is ready to get serious because, well, a developer is getting serious.
Later this month, a company is expected to submit plans for 1,375 homes, shops and an inn on a portion of Banning Ranch, one of the largest coastal areas in Orange County not covered with homes or explicitly spared from development.
Seeking to win over residents, the company has held two dozen townhalls and blanketed the city in fliers, arguing that housing and nature are compatible.
"We've been very candid about our plans," said Mike Mohler of Newport Banning Ranch LLC, a joint venture of three landowners.
Welsh's group, admittedly, has some catching up to do. That's the point of this community center fundraiser, a frugal affair where guests munch brownie bites and pay $2 for "Save Banning Ranch" bumper stickers.
Seemingly outgunned, Welsh urges optimism. "Rest comfortably that it's been done before," he says, pointing to grass-roots groups that largely blocked housing at Bolsa Chica.
The comparison, though, is a tad faulty. Unlike Bolsa Chica, which residents could always hike to or drive past on Pacific Coast Highway, Banning Ranch is private property encased by fencing and rugged hills. How do you generate excitement about something people can't see?
"This place is kind of out-of-sight for most people," Welsh concedes.
So, as activists fight back, the first step is letting people know Banning Ranch exists. The second step is convincing people it's worth keeping barren – something the company made a bit more difficult recently by mailing 35,000 fliers replete with images of rusty wells and corroded pipelines to hammer home the area's oil-drilling past and present.
Activists mock that portrayal, calling it a curious approach for a company that wants to sell homes on the land. "It's pretty interesting that they show people pictures of degraded land and say, 'You want to live here.'" said group member Margaret Royall.
Jokes aside, activists think they have the facts on their side. For one, there's the project's density – all those homes, shops and hotel rooms on a small part of the property.
Activists say the developer is being clever, perhaps proposing a huge project so it seems generous when things are scaled back. "They'll portray themselves as making a great sacrifice," Welsh said.
It's even possible, activists say, that the company is merely seeking big-time entitlements to boost the land's value before selling the property for preservation.
Mohler denies both suggestions, saying his company has "already made the sacrifices" by preserving more open space than required by Newport Beach, which plans to annex the site eventually.
While willing to sell, company executives say they doubt enough money can be obtained.
The Orange County Assessor values the land at about $41.5 million, but that doesn't account for oil cleanup costs or development potential. Appraisals are under way, and a previous estimate suggested a $225 million price tag, which activists label as vastly inflated.
Sharon Wood, assistant city manager in Newport, doubts the project can advance unless it shrinks. That's not because the city necessarily sees anything wrong with the project, she said, but because of California Coastal Commission prerogatives. "I don't think they will get it through the Coastal Commission with what they've proposed," she said.
Assume, though, the company is serious about the size of its development. Such a project would add 14,000 daily auto trips to local streets, a city estimate says.
Mohler said road improvements would absorb those cars, but activists have vowed to highlight congestion on nearby stretches of Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Boulevard and the 55 freeway.
Who's right in all this? That question awaits numerous studies and public hearings. The developer says it won't break ground for at least five years, and Wood says even that's probably "too optimistic."
In other words, Welsh's group has time. Time to build more support, and time to sell a whole lot more bumper stickers.
Friday, August 1, 2008
News: Aliso Viejo Little League advances | aliso, viejo, western, regional, league - OCRegister.com
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/aliso-viejo-western-2110724-regional-league
Bring on the dreams of stardom.
Can it really happen? The Aliso Viejo Little League Majors Division All-Star team is moving a small step forward toward every little-leaguer's fantasy: playing the Little Leauge World Series.
The Aliso Viejo Little League Majors Division All-Star team won the California Division 3 (Southern California) championship Sunday by sweeping Tustin Eastern in a best 2-of-3 series in Murrieta.
The victory advances Aliso Viejo to the Western Regional Tournament at San Bernardino's Al Haughton Stadium, with games beginning today through Aug. 10.
The Western Regional Tournament is the final step in qualifying for the Little League World Series, scheduled for Aug. 15-24, an event that has become a worldwide phenomenon with live television coverage of every game.
This is the farthest any Aliso Viejo team has ever advanced in the postseason.
"This is truly an exciting time for the Aliso Viejo Little League," said AVLL President Tony DeGruccio. "These kids are on a magical mission. We are very proud of these boys and hope they can continue to roll and keep the magic going!"
Aliso Viejo has posted a perfect 13-0 record en route to the Western Regionals. The squad won the District 55 and Section 10 championships to qualify for the regional.
Reporter Chris Caesar will follow all the fans and parents action at the game. Read his reports and view his photos here. Sports reporter Dan Albano will cover all the game action with results and post game highlights
Bring on the dreams of stardom.
Can it really happen? The Aliso Viejo Little League Majors Division All-Star team is moving a small step forward toward every little-leaguer's fantasy: playing the Little Leauge World Series.
The Aliso Viejo Little League Majors Division All-Star team won the California Division 3 (Southern California) championship Sunday by sweeping Tustin Eastern in a best 2-of-3 series in Murrieta.
The victory advances Aliso Viejo to the Western Regional Tournament at San Bernardino's Al Haughton Stadium, with games beginning today through Aug. 10.
The Western Regional Tournament is the final step in qualifying for the Little League World Series, scheduled for Aug. 15-24, an event that has become a worldwide phenomenon with live television coverage of every game.
This is the farthest any Aliso Viejo team has ever advanced in the postseason.
"This is truly an exciting time for the Aliso Viejo Little League," said AVLL President Tony DeGruccio. "These kids are on a magical mission. We are very proud of these boys and hope they can continue to roll and keep the magic going!"
Aliso Viejo has posted a perfect 13-0 record en route to the Western Regionals. The squad won the District 55 and Section 10 championships to qualify for the regional.
Reporter Chris Caesar will follow all the fans and parents action at the game. Read his reports and view his photos here. Sports reporter Dan Albano will cover all the game action with results and post game highlights
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Experts see quake as 'teachable moment' - Los Angeles Times
Experts see quake as 'teachable moment' - Los Angeles Times: "Experts see quake as 'teachable moment'"
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Things happening in the canyons, Rancho and Ladera
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/information-ladera-rancho-2095512-coto-ranch: "Things happening in the canyons, Rancho and Ladera"
Things happening in the canyons, Rancho and Ladera
News and events
By MARK EADES, RASHI KESARWANI & JOHN CRANDALL
STAFF WRITERS
Comments 0 Recommend 2
COTO'S MOVIES IN THE PARKCOTO Coto de Caza's Community Activities Network is screening its second summer movie as part of its "Movies in the Park" series at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 18 at Coto's Sports Park, on Alta Drive west of Coto de Caza Drive in Coto. This month's movie is "Shrek." Food, soft drinks and popcorn will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the network. Information: 949-459-0619.
MOVIES AND CONCERTS
LADERA RANCH The Ladera Ranch Community Services movies and concerts at the Town Green, Sienna Parkway and Mercantile Way, have begun. Concerts are 6:30-8:30 p.m. and movies will begin at dusk (about 8 p.m.) The schedule is as follows: July 18 movie – 1990s remake of "The Little Rascals," July 25 concert – Knight Ryder ('80s rock), Aug. 1 concert – Hi-Fi Quartet (jazz), Aug. 8 movie – newly released version of "Nancy Drew" and Au. 15 concert – Natalie Watts (country).
Orange County Rescue Mission
LADERA RANCH Ladera Ranch Resident Kim Sprague and Mercantile West business Divine Treasures are seeking to collect food items on behalf of the Orange County Rescue Mission. "They are in dire need," said Sprague in an email. The Mission seeks dry goods, including cereals, macaroni and cheese, pasta (all kinds), cup of noodles, peanut butter, jelly, instant mashed potatoes, instant rice, breakfast bars, sugar, coffee and boxed juices. Residents can drop off items on Sprague's porch at 10 Vineyard Drive in Ladera Ranch or at Divine Treasures at the Mercantile West Shopping Center. They will be accepting donations through Tuesday, July 22. Information: Kim Sprague, 949-584-7577.
"FOCUS ON" VIDEO SERIES
LADERA RANCH The newest episode explores the Certified Farmers' Market that takes place at the Town Green Park every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. To watch the video, visit laderalife.com.
STORYTIME
LADERA RANCH The Ladera Ranch Library, 29551 Sienna Parkway, is hosting a lap sit/infant story time including songs, stories, rhymes, fingerplays, bubbles and more for children ages 23 months and under with a caregiver on Tuesdays through Aug. 19 at 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Toddler story time for children ages 24 months through 5 years with a caregiver is scheduled on Wednesdays through August 20 at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
LADIES WHO RIDE
TRABUCO CANYON Ladies Who Ride will hold a breast cancer awareness ride for the Cordelia Knott Wellness Foundation from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, at Cook's Corner, 19152 Santiago Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon. The event includes a ride starting that morning, prizes and information booths. Information: www.cookscorners.com.
RSM BAND TO PERFORM IN ANAHEIM
RANCHO Local band 105 Fuego will perform at Chain Reaction in Anaheim. The five member Rancho Santa Margarita-based band will rock out July 21 at 7:30 p.m. at 1652 W. Lincoln Ave. The show ends at 11:30 p.m. and tickets are $10 at the door. For more information, visit myspace.com/105fuego or www.allages.com.
ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT GROUP
RANCHO A support group for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease meets monthly in the Rancho Santa Margarita Library. The Alzheimer's Caregiver Support group will meet for about 90 minutes starting at 7 p.m., on July 24 at 30902 La Promesa. For more information, call 1-800-272-3900.
ELECTRONICS DROPOFF
RANCHO The city will host a free electronic recycling event July 26. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the City Hall parking lot at 22112 El Paseo. Residents can bring their used electronic waste for disposal and recycling.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the upcoming Relay for Life, an event that raises funds for cancer research. Items permitted include monitors, desktops, servers and batteries. For more information, call 949-364-9200 or visit www.cityofrsm.org.
BUDDHIST DISCUSSION
LADERA RANCH The Ladera Ranch District of Soka Gakkai International is hosting a local Buddhist discussion meeting on July 27 from 2:30-4 p.m. This event is open to the public. Information: 949-306-4793, puckathome@yahoo.com, http://www.sgi-usa.org/.
FREE SOCCER CAMP
RANCHO A free soccer camp for young boys and girls with special needs, ages 5 and up, will meet at 9 a.m. July 28. RSM Storm, a local youth soccer organization, will hold the camp at the Trabuco Mesa Park.
At the camp parents can register their children for the upcoming RSM Storm 2008 soccer season, which runs from Sept. 19 to Dec. 5. While the camp is free, the cost of the 10-week program is $50. For more information visit www.rsmstorm.com.
TESORO HIGH SUMMER HOURS
RANCHO Tesoro High School closed for the summer on Monday and its main office will not reopen until July 31. The summer office hours from July 31 until Aug. 22 will be 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Information: www.tesorohighschool.com.
MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
RANCHO South County Senior Services "Meals on Wheels" program at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center is in need of several regular route drivers who can help deliver meals in Rancho Santa Margarita.
"Meals on Wheels" volunteers deliver meals to homebound seniors and must be able to deliver meals one day a week from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information or to volunteer, contact the Hazel Fenn at 949-216-9700, ext. 271.
RELAY FOR LIFE
RANCHO The American Cancer Society Relay for life of Rancho Santa Margarita will take place Aug. 3. The 24-hour event will start at 10 a.m. Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate School 21931 Alma Aldea. The event raises awareness of cancers and raises funds to fight the disease. For more information call Elizabeth McKibbin at 949-702-3114.
CAMP FOR KIDS
RANCHO The Rainbow Kids Achievement Center is offering a Peer Intervention Program Summer Camp for children ages 2 to 6 who demonstrate developmental delay as well as children demonstrating typical development. The camp will take place 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. from Aug. 11-15 at 30412 Esperanza. Cost is $300 for children with special needs and $200 for typical children. Information: 949-459-1658.
RUN FOR FUN
The Saddleback Running Club will start its inaugural season Aug. 4. Trabuco Hill High School coaches Liam Clemons and Dennis Kelly will oversee the program. It promotes cross country and distance running for kids in grades 3-8. See www.saddlebackrunningclub.com/.
PHOTOGRAPHY FUNDRAISER
LADERA Photographer Paul Gero has launched a fundraiser for the Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). He is seeking to photograph Ladera kids, from birth to 15, for a special edition coffee table book, "The Kids of Ladera Ranch." The photo session fee of $100 and $50 of the $250 book will benefit CHOC. Photographs will be taken through September. Information: 949-388-5588.
LOCAL PIANISTS REPRESENT STATE'S BEST
COTO DE CAZA Seven local piano students won the honor of performing at the 98th Annual Music Teachers Association of California Convention held in Riverside from June 27 to July 1.
They were among the students chosen out of 29,013 statewide to represent the best of California's young pianists. The pianists are all students of the Diane Sears Piano Studio in Coto de Caza.
Only worthy students who demonstrated exceptional skill and received the highest ratings on their performance at the Certificate of Merit evaluations in March were selected to perform at the convention.
The students and their performance pieces were: Lexi Zintel, age 10, from Coto de Caza, performing The Night Rider by M. Bober; Daphne Rantung, age 10, from Lake Forest, Just Jazzin' by M. Bober; Quentin Talley, age 10, from Coto de Caza, Chesapeake Bay by T. Cooper; Nicole Demirbey, age 11, from Coto de Caza, Spanish Dance by C. Miller; Ashley LaBruna, age 13, from Mission Viejo, Going Home by B. Berr; Nicole LaBruna, age 13, from Mission Viejo, Mountain Splendor by M. Rejino; and Elizabeth Grabowski, age 15, from Coto de Caza, who performed the Italian Concerto in F Major, BWV 971, by J. S. Bach.
Contact the writer: Canyonlife@ocregister.com
Things happening in the canyons, Rancho and Ladera
News and events
By MARK EADES, RASHI KESARWANI & JOHN CRANDALL
STAFF WRITERS
Comments 0 Recommend 2
COTO'S MOVIES IN THE PARKCOTO Coto de Caza's Community Activities Network is screening its second summer movie as part of its "Movies in the Park" series at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 18 at Coto's Sports Park, on Alta Drive west of Coto de Caza Drive in Coto. This month's movie is "Shrek." Food, soft drinks and popcorn will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the network. Information: 949-459-0619.
MOVIES AND CONCERTS
LADERA RANCH The Ladera Ranch Community Services movies and concerts at the Town Green, Sienna Parkway and Mercantile Way, have begun. Concerts are 6:30-8:30 p.m. and movies will begin at dusk (about 8 p.m.) The schedule is as follows: July 18 movie – 1990s remake of "The Little Rascals," July 25 concert – Knight Ryder ('80s rock), Aug. 1 concert – Hi-Fi Quartet (jazz), Aug. 8 movie – newly released version of "Nancy Drew" and Au. 15 concert – Natalie Watts (country).
Orange County Rescue Mission
LADERA RANCH Ladera Ranch Resident Kim Sprague and Mercantile West business Divine Treasures are seeking to collect food items on behalf of the Orange County Rescue Mission. "They are in dire need," said Sprague in an email. The Mission seeks dry goods, including cereals, macaroni and cheese, pasta (all kinds), cup of noodles, peanut butter, jelly, instant mashed potatoes, instant rice, breakfast bars, sugar, coffee and boxed juices. Residents can drop off items on Sprague's porch at 10 Vineyard Drive in Ladera Ranch or at Divine Treasures at the Mercantile West Shopping Center. They will be accepting donations through Tuesday, July 22. Information: Kim Sprague, 949-584-7577.
"FOCUS ON" VIDEO SERIES
LADERA RANCH The newest episode explores the Certified Farmers' Market that takes place at the Town Green Park every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. To watch the video, visit laderalife.com.
STORYTIME
LADERA RANCH The Ladera Ranch Library, 29551 Sienna Parkway, is hosting a lap sit/infant story time including songs, stories, rhymes, fingerplays, bubbles and more for children ages 23 months and under with a caregiver on Tuesdays through Aug. 19 at 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Toddler story time for children ages 24 months through 5 years with a caregiver is scheduled on Wednesdays through August 20 at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
LADIES WHO RIDE
TRABUCO CANYON Ladies Who Ride will hold a breast cancer awareness ride for the Cordelia Knott Wellness Foundation from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, at Cook's Corner, 19152 Santiago Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon. The event includes a ride starting that morning, prizes and information booths. Information: www.cookscorners.com.
RSM BAND TO PERFORM IN ANAHEIM
RANCHO Local band 105 Fuego will perform at Chain Reaction in Anaheim. The five member Rancho Santa Margarita-based band will rock out July 21 at 7:30 p.m. at 1652 W. Lincoln Ave. The show ends at 11:30 p.m. and tickets are $10 at the door. For more information, visit myspace.com/105fuego or www.allages.com.
ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT GROUP
RANCHO A support group for caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's disease meets monthly in the Rancho Santa Margarita Library. The Alzheimer's Caregiver Support group will meet for about 90 minutes starting at 7 p.m., on July 24 at 30902 La Promesa. For more information, call 1-800-272-3900.
ELECTRONICS DROPOFF
RANCHO The city will host a free electronic recycling event July 26. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the City Hall parking lot at 22112 El Paseo. Residents can bring their used electronic waste for disposal and recycling.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the upcoming Relay for Life, an event that raises funds for cancer research. Items permitted include monitors, desktops, servers and batteries. For more information, call 949-364-9200 or visit www.cityofrsm.org.
BUDDHIST DISCUSSION
LADERA RANCH The Ladera Ranch District of Soka Gakkai International is hosting a local Buddhist discussion meeting on July 27 from 2:30-4 p.m. This event is open to the public. Information: 949-306-4793, puckathome@yahoo.com, http://www.sgi-usa.org/.
FREE SOCCER CAMP
RANCHO A free soccer camp for young boys and girls with special needs, ages 5 and up, will meet at 9 a.m. July 28. RSM Storm, a local youth soccer organization, will hold the camp at the Trabuco Mesa Park.
At the camp parents can register their children for the upcoming RSM Storm 2008 soccer season, which runs from Sept. 19 to Dec. 5. While the camp is free, the cost of the 10-week program is $50. For more information visit www.rsmstorm.com.
TESORO HIGH SUMMER HOURS
RANCHO Tesoro High School closed for the summer on Monday and its main office will not reopen until July 31. The summer office hours from July 31 until Aug. 22 will be 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Information: www.tesorohighschool.com.
MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
RANCHO South County Senior Services "Meals on Wheels" program at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center is in need of several regular route drivers who can help deliver meals in Rancho Santa Margarita.
"Meals on Wheels" volunteers deliver meals to homebound seniors and must be able to deliver meals one day a week from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information or to volunteer, contact the Hazel Fenn at 949-216-9700, ext. 271.
RELAY FOR LIFE
RANCHO The American Cancer Society Relay for life of Rancho Santa Margarita will take place Aug. 3. The 24-hour event will start at 10 a.m. Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate School 21931 Alma Aldea. The event raises awareness of cancers and raises funds to fight the disease. For more information call Elizabeth McKibbin at 949-702-3114.
CAMP FOR KIDS
RANCHO The Rainbow Kids Achievement Center is offering a Peer Intervention Program Summer Camp for children ages 2 to 6 who demonstrate developmental delay as well as children demonstrating typical development. The camp will take place 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. from Aug. 11-15 at 30412 Esperanza. Cost is $300 for children with special needs and $200 for typical children. Information: 949-459-1658.
RUN FOR FUN
The Saddleback Running Club will start its inaugural season Aug. 4. Trabuco Hill High School coaches Liam Clemons and Dennis Kelly will oversee the program. It promotes cross country and distance running for kids in grades 3-8. See www.saddlebackrunningclub.com/.
PHOTOGRAPHY FUNDRAISER
LADERA Photographer Paul Gero has launched a fundraiser for the Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). He is seeking to photograph Ladera kids, from birth to 15, for a special edition coffee table book, "The Kids of Ladera Ranch." The photo session fee of $100 and $50 of the $250 book will benefit CHOC. Photographs will be taken through September. Information: 949-388-5588.
LOCAL PIANISTS REPRESENT STATE'S BEST
COTO DE CAZA Seven local piano students won the honor of performing at the 98th Annual Music Teachers Association of California Convention held in Riverside from June 27 to July 1.
They were among the students chosen out of 29,013 statewide to represent the best of California's young pianists. The pianists are all students of the Diane Sears Piano Studio in Coto de Caza.
Only worthy students who demonstrated exceptional skill and received the highest ratings on their performance at the Certificate of Merit evaluations in March were selected to perform at the convention.
The students and their performance pieces were: Lexi Zintel, age 10, from Coto de Caza, performing The Night Rider by M. Bober; Daphne Rantung, age 10, from Lake Forest, Just Jazzin' by M. Bober; Quentin Talley, age 10, from Coto de Caza, Chesapeake Bay by T. Cooper; Nicole Demirbey, age 11, from Coto de Caza, Spanish Dance by C. Miller; Ashley LaBruna, age 13, from Mission Viejo, Going Home by B. Berr; Nicole LaBruna, age 13, from Mission Viejo, Mountain Splendor by M. Rejino; and Elizabeth Grabowski, age 15, from Coto de Caza, who performed the Italian Concerto in F Major, BWV 971, by J. S. Bach.
Contact the writer: Canyonlife@ocregister.com
When Disaster Strikes: A Survival Guide
Outstanding O.C. businesswomen ‘08 named
Jan Norman on Small Business - OCRegister.com
Outstanding O.C. businesswomen ‘08 namedJuly 30th, 2008, 11:00 am by Jan Norman
Three Orange County businesswomen have been named as the top honorees for the 13th Annual Remarkable Women Awards Luncheon presented by the Orange County chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners.
The event, which typically draws 700 to 900 people, has become the largest event honoring local women in business. Approximately 30 Orange County organizations also honor their outstanding member of the year. This year’s even will be Oct. 10 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Irvine.
NAWBO’s top honors will be given to:
Lifetime Achievement: Tammy Taylor, founder of Tammy Taylor Nails
Pioneering Award, Sue Ellen Cooper, founder of the Red Hat Society
Entrepreneur to Watch, Gina Kay, founder of inHome Care Solutions
Outstanding O.C. businesswomen ‘08 namedJuly 30th, 2008, 11:00 am by Jan Norman
Three Orange County businesswomen have been named as the top honorees for the 13th Annual Remarkable Women Awards Luncheon presented by the Orange County chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners.
The event, which typically draws 700 to 900 people, has become the largest event honoring local women in business. Approximately 30 Orange County organizations also honor their outstanding member of the year. This year’s even will be Oct. 10 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Irvine.
NAWBO’s top honors will be given to:
Lifetime Achievement: Tammy Taylor, founder of Tammy Taylor Nails
Pioneering Award, Sue Ellen Cooper, founder of the Red Hat Society
Entrepreneur to Watch, Gina Kay, founder of inHome Care Solutions
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
City Beaches Tested Highest For Fecal Pollution In All Of California
cbs2.com - City Beaches Tested Highest For Fecal Pollution In All Of California
The National Resources Defense Council has tested for the bacteria found in human and animal waste at 75 percent of the state's public beaches from April through October 2007. The non-profit organization found unhealthful bacteria levels 7 percent of the time. That's better than last year, when 12 percent of tests turned up bacteria like coliform or enterococcus. The state's worst offender is Avalon on Santa Catalina Island, and on the mainland, Santa Monica beach is filthiest. Orange County's Doheny State Beach was also fouled by bacteria. Clean beaches were found in Laguna Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach and Huntington Beach.
www.visli.com
The National Resources Defense Council has tested for the bacteria found in human and animal waste at 75 percent of the state's public beaches from April through October 2007. The non-profit organization found unhealthful bacteria levels 7 percent of the time. That's better than last year, when 12 percent of tests turned up bacteria like coliform or enterococcus. The state's worst offender is Avalon on Santa Catalina Island, and on the mainland, Santa Monica beach is filthiest. Orange County's Doheny State Beach was also fouled by bacteria. Clean beaches were found in Laguna Beach, Bolsa Chica State Beach and Huntington Beach.
www.visli.com
Monday, July 28, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Renovated Jurupa parks feature water-saving systems | Inland News | PE.com | Southern California News | News for Inland Southern California
Renovated Jurupa parks feature water-saving systems Inland News PE.com Southern California News News for Inland Southern California
Three renovated parks in the Jurupa Valley will reopen to the public within a month, displaying technology that will save water and help district staff keep up with maintenance.
With $4.2 million from the Riverside County Economic Development Agency and part of the $125,000 in grants from the Metropolitan Water District for new irrigation technology, the Jurupa Area Recreation and Park District has fully upgraded Agate Park, Harvey Field and Knowles Field.
Eventually, all of the district's parks, some of which are more than 30 years old, will be updated.
Three renovated parks in the Jurupa Valley will reopen to the public within a month, displaying technology that will save water and help district staff keep up with maintenance.
With $4.2 million from the Riverside County Economic Development Agency and part of the $125,000 in grants from the Metropolitan Water District for new irrigation technology, the Jurupa Area Recreation and Park District has fully upgraded Agate Park, Harvey Field and Knowles Field.
Eventually, all of the district's parks, some of which are more than 30 years old, will be updated.
Friday, July 25, 2008
News: The Frank-O-Pedia | strong, font, one, size, former - OCRegister.com
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/strong-font-one-939203-size-former: "The Mickipedia! ... Updated for 2008"
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Portola Hills, California - Community Guide
Portola Hills, California - Community Guide
THE HISTORY
Portola Hills is located between Foothill Ranch and Rancho Santa Margarita in South Orange County. Next to the Saddleback Mountains and a close drive to it's neighboring Silverado Canyon and Trabuco Canyon, make this community an inviting place to be if you want to be close to nature, but not too far away from all the conveniences of our modern world.
Historical Monuments (3-5 miles from Portola Hills):
MODJESKA'S HOME - Famous as the home of Madame Modjeska, one of the world's greatest actresses, the house was designed by Stanford White in 1888 and built on property called the 'Forest of Arden.' Sold soon after her retirement, it remains a monument to the woman who contributed immeasurably to the cultural life of Orange County. Location: Modjeska Canyon, 500 ft E of intersection of Modjeska Canyon Rd and Harding Canyon Rd
SILVERADO - Located in Cañada de la Madera (Timber Canyon) was a mining boomtown founded in 1878 when silver was discovered nearby. During the colorful life of its boom, 1878-1881, miners flocking to the area established a thriving community, served daily by stage from Los Angeles and Santa Ana. Location: Next to Silverado Fire Station #2, end of Silverado Canyon Rd, 3.4 mi E of Silverado post office, Silverado.
THE HISTORY
Portola Hills is located between Foothill Ranch and Rancho Santa Margarita in South Orange County. Next to the Saddleback Mountains and a close drive to it's neighboring Silverado Canyon and Trabuco Canyon, make this community an inviting place to be if you want to be close to nature, but not too far away from all the conveniences of our modern world.
Historical Monuments (3-5 miles from Portola Hills):
MODJESKA'S HOME - Famous as the home of Madame Modjeska, one of the world's greatest actresses, the house was designed by Stanford White in 1888 and built on property called the 'Forest of Arden.' Sold soon after her retirement, it remains a monument to the woman who contributed immeasurably to the cultural life of Orange County. Location: Modjeska Canyon, 500 ft E of intersection of Modjeska Canyon Rd and Harding Canyon Rd
SILVERADO - Located in Cañada de la Madera (Timber Canyon) was a mining boomtown founded in 1878 when silver was discovered nearby. During the colorful life of its boom, 1878-1881, miners flocking to the area established a thriving community, served daily by stage from Los Angeles and Santa Ana. Location: Next to Silverado Fire Station #2, end of Silverado Canyon Rd, 3.4 mi E of Silverado post office, Silverado.
Monday, July 14, 2008
News: Olympic water polo squad practices at Irvine school | team, irvine, olympic, bailey, players - OCRegister.com
Olympic water polo squad practices at Irvine school
The U.S. team used the Northwood High School pool this afternoon.
http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_2093801.php
The U.S. team used the Northwood High School pool this afternoon.
http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_2093801.php
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Motorcross star lands record-breaking jump - LA Daily News
Motorcross star lands record-breaking jump - LA Daily News: "Motorcross star lands record-breaking jump"
Upcoming Great Park Events OC
http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_2092362.php
Upcoming Great Park Events
Saturday Night Concerts (beginning at 8 p.m.)
•Aug. 2: Honk - a classic Orange County rock band from the '70s.
•Aug. 9: Jaipur Kawa Brass Band- a Bollywood wedding band.
•Aug. 16: Vagabond Opera- new sounds from Portland, cribbing from Marlene Dietrich, Edieth Piaf, cabaret and Klezmer.
•Aug. 23: Hapa – Contemporary Hawaiian sounds.
•Sept. 6: Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul– Celtic fiddle in the new world.
•Sept. 13: Quetzal – Chicano folk-rock.
•Sept. 20: Yaelisa & Caminos Flamencos– Classic Spanish flamenco music and dance.
•Sept. 27: Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile– Bluegrass and classical crossover.
Friday Night Dance Parties (beginning at 8 p.m.)
Aug. 8: Derek Bordeaux– R&B covers of Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke and all the greats.
Aug. 15: Mike McCaffrey– Piano trio does Sinatra, Nat King Cole and other smooth and styling hits.
Aug. 22: Johnny Polanco y Conjuncto Armistad– L.A.'s best-loved salsa band.
Aug. 29: Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys– Roots, rockabilly and Western Swing.
Sept. 5: Eve Selis– Queen of roadhouse rockers.
Sept. 12: Los Pinguos– Contemporary pan-Latin band from Buenos Aires.
Sept. 26: Pete Jacobs Wartime Radio Revue– The sounds of WWII, from Benny Goodman to the Andrews Sisters.
Other Great Park events
Oct. 2: Veteran's Homecoming.
Oct. 25: Big Orange Pumpkin.
Upcoming Great Park Events
Saturday Night Concerts (beginning at 8 p.m.)
•Aug. 2: Honk - a classic Orange County rock band from the '70s.
•Aug. 9: Jaipur Kawa Brass Band- a Bollywood wedding band.
•Aug. 16: Vagabond Opera- new sounds from Portland, cribbing from Marlene Dietrich, Edieth Piaf, cabaret and Klezmer.
•Aug. 23: Hapa – Contemporary Hawaiian sounds.
•Sept. 6: Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul– Celtic fiddle in the new world.
•Sept. 13: Quetzal – Chicano folk-rock.
•Sept. 20: Yaelisa & Caminos Flamencos– Classic Spanish flamenco music and dance.
•Sept. 27: Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile– Bluegrass and classical crossover.
Friday Night Dance Parties (beginning at 8 p.m.)
Aug. 8: Derek Bordeaux– R&B covers of Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke and all the greats.
Aug. 15: Mike McCaffrey– Piano trio does Sinatra, Nat King Cole and other smooth and styling hits.
Aug. 22: Johnny Polanco y Conjuncto Armistad– L.A.'s best-loved salsa band.
Aug. 29: Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys– Roots, rockabilly and Western Swing.
Sept. 5: Eve Selis– Queen of roadhouse rockers.
Sept. 12: Los Pinguos– Contemporary pan-Latin band from Buenos Aires.
Sept. 26: Pete Jacobs Wartime Radio Revue– The sounds of WWII, from Benny Goodman to the Andrews Sisters.
Other Great Park events
Oct. 2: Veteran's Homecoming.
Oct. 25: Big Orange Pumpkin.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Students Aim High - The Daily Breeze
Students Aim High - The Daily Breeze
Children participating in the Science Adventures Summer Camps got a chance to launch model rockets Friday at Stevenson Park in Carson. Students learned about space and rockets during the week that culminated with the launch at the park. Camp instructor David Morrissey, above, helps Michael Loebig glue a fin on his rocket. Ian Baker, at right, wires his rocket for liftoff. At left, rockets that were individually triggered head skyward.
Children participating in the Science Adventures Summer Camps got a chance to launch model rockets Friday at Stevenson Park in Carson. Students learned about space and rockets during the week that culminated with the launch at the park. Camp instructor David Morrissey, above, helps Michael Loebig glue a fin on his rocket. Ian Baker, at right, wires his rocket for liftoff. At left, rockets that were individually triggered head skyward.
Friday, July 11, 2008
'American Idol' finalist performs in Lake Forest
Entertainment: American Idol finalist performs in Lake Forest idol, bennett, music, life, different - OCRegister.com: "'American Idol' finalist performs in Lake Forest"
Life: Free and frugal fun in Orange County
Life: Free and frugal fun in O.C. free, admission, see, tuesdays, kids - OCRegister.com: "Free and frugal fun in O.C."
Free and frugal fun in O.C.
A list of "Kids Eat Free" nights, free admissions, and other frugal fun.
By CYNTHIA RUPE
The Orange County Register
Comments 0 Recommend 1
Times are tough, and families are pinching pennies now more than ever. No need to cut all the fun "extras" out this summer, though. Believe it or not, there is lots of "free and frugal" fun to be had in Orange County.
To help make your search easier, we drafted this list of local "frugals and freebies" – from "Kids Eat Free" nights at local restaurants to free admission at local museums (great for mom's night out).
This isn't an exhaustive listing by any means, and we'll be adding items as we find them. We'd also love your help, so if you know of a "frugal or freebie" find in your area, please e-mail us at or add it to the comments below.
Food
Ruby's– Kids eat free on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult entrée.
IHOP – Kids eat free with purchase of an adult entrée. Offer and night vary by location.
Denny's– Kids eat free on Tuesdays from 4-10 p.m. with the purchase of an adult entrée. Some locations also offer Saturdays.
Norm's– Kids eat free Mondays and Tuesdays from 2-10 p.m. (Santa Ana); Mondays from 2-10 p.m. (Orange, Anaheim, Costa Mesa); Tuesdays from 2-10 p.m. (Huntington Beach).
Go Roma, The District in Tustin – Kids ages 10 and under eat free after 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday with an adult meal purchase of a minimum of $6.
Fun
Orange County Museum of Art, Newport Beach – Free admission on the third Thursday of the month. (Regular price: $10 adults).
The Irvine Museum, Irvine – Free admission and parking.
Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach – Free admission from 5-9 p.m. the first Thursday of the month.
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton – Free admission.
Bowers Museum, Santa Ana – Free admission on Friday nights for up to 100 visitors on the hour at 4, 5, 6, and 7 p.m. Museum closes at 8 p.m. Free admission for Santa Ana residents (with valid ID) on the first Sunday and third Tuesday of the month.
Picture Show at MainPlace, Santa Ana (Westfield MainPlace Mall) – Discount movie theater. $1.75 admission, $1 on Tuesdays.
Starplex Woodbridge 5, Irvine – Discount movie theater. Matinee $1.50 (before 6 p.m.), Evening Shows $2 (after 6 p.m.), Tuesdays $1 (all day). Cash only.
Starplex Movies 7, La Mirada – Discount movie theater. Matinee $1.50 (before 6 p.m.), Evening Shows $2 (after 6 p.m.), Tuesdays $1 (all day). Cash only.
Adventure City, Anaheim – Discount theme park. $13.95 adult or child admission, includes all rides, shows and attractions.
Hobby City, Anaheim – Toy museum and shops. Adjacent to Adventure City. Free admission.
Free and frugal fun in O.C.
A list of "Kids Eat Free" nights, free admissions, and other frugal fun.
By CYNTHIA RUPE
The Orange County Register
Comments 0 Recommend 1
Times are tough, and families are pinching pennies now more than ever. No need to cut all the fun "extras" out this summer, though. Believe it or not, there is lots of "free and frugal" fun to be had in Orange County.
To help make your search easier, we drafted this list of local "frugals and freebies" – from "Kids Eat Free" nights at local restaurants to free admission at local museums (great for mom's night out).
This isn't an exhaustive listing by any means, and we'll be adding items as we find them. We'd also love your help, so if you know of a "frugal or freebie" find in your area, please e-mail us at or add it to the comments below.
Food
Ruby's– Kids eat free on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult entrée.
IHOP – Kids eat free with purchase of an adult entrée. Offer and night vary by location.
Denny's– Kids eat free on Tuesdays from 4-10 p.m. with the purchase of an adult entrée. Some locations also offer Saturdays.
Norm's– Kids eat free Mondays and Tuesdays from 2-10 p.m. (Santa Ana); Mondays from 2-10 p.m. (Orange, Anaheim, Costa Mesa); Tuesdays from 2-10 p.m. (Huntington Beach).
Go Roma, The District in Tustin – Kids ages 10 and under eat free after 5 p.m. Sunday through Thursday with an adult meal purchase of a minimum of $6.
Fun
Orange County Museum of Art, Newport Beach – Free admission on the third Thursday of the month. (Regular price: $10 adults).
The Irvine Museum, Irvine – Free admission and parking.
Laguna Art Museum, Laguna Beach – Free admission from 5-9 p.m. the first Thursday of the month.
Fullerton Arboretum, Fullerton – Free admission.
Bowers Museum, Santa Ana – Free admission on Friday nights for up to 100 visitors on the hour at 4, 5, 6, and 7 p.m. Museum closes at 8 p.m. Free admission for Santa Ana residents (with valid ID) on the first Sunday and third Tuesday of the month.
Picture Show at MainPlace, Santa Ana (Westfield MainPlace Mall) – Discount movie theater. $1.75 admission, $1 on Tuesdays.
Starplex Woodbridge 5, Irvine – Discount movie theater. Matinee $1.50 (before 6 p.m.), Evening Shows $2 (after 6 p.m.), Tuesdays $1 (all day). Cash only.
Starplex Movies 7, La Mirada – Discount movie theater. Matinee $1.50 (before 6 p.m.), Evening Shows $2 (after 6 p.m.), Tuesdays $1 (all day). Cash only.
Adventure City, Anaheim – Discount theme park. $13.95 adult or child admission, includes all rides, shows and attractions.
Hobby City, Anaheim – Toy museum and shops. Adjacent to Adventure City. Free admission.
Beautiful Sunset at Portola Hills
Beautiful Sunset at Portola Hills from Concourse park portola hills . Date taken 07/10/2008.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Find a place to see free outdoor movies in O.C. | aug, park, movie, movies, information
http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_2087993.php: "Find a place to see free outdoor movies in O.C."
From one end of Orange County to the other, several cities have developed an outdoor movie showing schedule for our under-the-stars viewing pleasure. Throughout this summer, several parks and other locations are waiting for you and your friends and family to come, take a seat on a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a film on a warm summer night
Each venue begins the movie showing at dark (approximately 8 p.m.); however, early arrival is strongly recommended for good seating!
BREA
Movies will be shown at the Arovista Park Amphitheatre
July 11: "ET: the Extraterrestrial"
July 18: "The Water Horse"
July 25: "Babe: the Gallant Pig"
Aug. 1: "Bee Movie"
Aug. 8: Audience choice (Moviegoers will vote on July 18 for the film to be shown)
For more information: CLICK HERE
COSTA MESAThe Orange County Performing Artscenter is not only showing movies, but each is complete with a contest scheduled to take place before the start of the movie. The center encourages viewers to bring packed dinner and snacks; however barbecuing or any similar food preparation is prohibited.
July 14: "Easter Parade", Contest: Best Easter Bonnet
July 21:"Grease", Contest: Coolest "Grease"-inspired costume
July 28: "The Muppet Movie", Contest: Best Vocal Impersonations of Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy
Aug. 4: "Hairspray", Contest: Wildest Teased Hairdo
For more information: CLICK HERE
LADERA RANCHMovies will be shown at the Ladera Ranch Town Green
July 18: "The Little Rascals"
Aug. 8: "Nancy Drew"
For more information: CLICK HERE
LAKE FOREST
July 11:"Charlotte's Web" at Rimgate Park
Aug. 8:"Bee Movie" at El Toro Park
For more information:CLICK HERE
NEWPORT BEACHMovies will be shown at Newport Dunes
July 11: "How to Eat Fried Worms"
July 12: "Monster House"
July 18: "Master of Disguise"
July 19: "Madagascar"
July 25: "Mulan"
July 26: "Surf's up"
For more information:See a complete list of movies through August HERE
PLACENTIAMovies will be shown at Champions Sports Complex
July 11: "Over the Hedge"
July 18: "Surf's Up"
July 25: "Happy Feet"
Aug. 1: "Bee Movie"
Aug. 8: "Flushed Away"
Aug. 15: "Shrek the 3rd"
Aug. 22: "Water Horse, Legend of the Deep"
For more information:CLICK HERE
TUSTIN
July 31: "Over The Hedge" at Heritage Park
Aug. 7: "Bee Movie" at Frontier Park
Aug. 14: "Shrek the 3rd" at Magnolia Tree Park
Aug. 21: "Open Season" at Cedar Grove Park
Aug. 28: "Ratatouille" at Centennial Park
For more information:CLICK HERE
YORBA LINDA
Movies will be shown at the Eastside Community Park
July 11: "Surf's Up"
July 18: "Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story"
July 25: "Monster's Inc."
Aug. 1: "Night at the Museum"
Aug. 8: "Astronaut Farmer"
For more information:CLICK ON A MOVIE TITLE
OUTSIDE O.C.
The Long Beach Sea Festival is hosting the Moonlight Movie Series. Through Aug. 27, there will be a movie showing every Tuesday at Granada Beach and every Wednesday at Cherry Beach. For more information, CLICK HERE
http://www.visli.com/
From one end of Orange County to the other, several cities have developed an outdoor movie showing schedule for our under-the-stars viewing pleasure. Throughout this summer, several parks and other locations are waiting for you and your friends and family to come, take a seat on a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a film on a warm summer night
Each venue begins the movie showing at dark (approximately 8 p.m.); however, early arrival is strongly recommended for good seating!
BREA
Movies will be shown at the Arovista Park Amphitheatre
July 11: "ET: the Extraterrestrial"
July 18: "The Water Horse"
July 25: "Babe: the Gallant Pig"
Aug. 1: "Bee Movie"
Aug. 8: Audience choice (Moviegoers will vote on July 18 for the film to be shown)
For more information: CLICK HERE
COSTA MESAThe Orange County Performing Artscenter is not only showing movies, but each is complete with a contest scheduled to take place before the start of the movie. The center encourages viewers to bring packed dinner and snacks; however barbecuing or any similar food preparation is prohibited.
July 14: "Easter Parade", Contest: Best Easter Bonnet
July 21:"Grease", Contest: Coolest "Grease"-inspired costume
July 28: "The Muppet Movie", Contest: Best Vocal Impersonations of Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy
Aug. 4: "Hairspray", Contest: Wildest Teased Hairdo
For more information: CLICK HERE
LADERA RANCHMovies will be shown at the Ladera Ranch Town Green
July 18: "The Little Rascals"
Aug. 8: "Nancy Drew"
For more information: CLICK HERE
LAKE FOREST
July 11:"Charlotte's Web" at Rimgate Park
Aug. 8:"Bee Movie" at El Toro Park
For more information:CLICK HERE
NEWPORT BEACHMovies will be shown at Newport Dunes
July 11: "How to Eat Fried Worms"
July 12: "Monster House"
July 18: "Master of Disguise"
July 19: "Madagascar"
July 25: "Mulan"
July 26: "Surf's up"
For more information:See a complete list of movies through August HERE
PLACENTIAMovies will be shown at Champions Sports Complex
July 11: "Over the Hedge"
July 18: "Surf's Up"
July 25: "Happy Feet"
Aug. 1: "Bee Movie"
Aug. 8: "Flushed Away"
Aug. 15: "Shrek the 3rd"
Aug. 22: "Water Horse, Legend of the Deep"
For more information:CLICK HERE
TUSTIN
July 31: "Over The Hedge" at Heritage Park
Aug. 7: "Bee Movie" at Frontier Park
Aug. 14: "Shrek the 3rd" at Magnolia Tree Park
Aug. 21: "Open Season" at Cedar Grove Park
Aug. 28: "Ratatouille" at Centennial Park
For more information:CLICK HERE
YORBA LINDA
Movies will be shown at the Eastside Community Park
July 11: "Surf's Up"
July 18: "Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story"
July 25: "Monster's Inc."
Aug. 1: "Night at the Museum"
Aug. 8: "Astronaut Farmer"
For more information:CLICK ON A MOVIE TITLE
OUTSIDE O.C.
The Long Beach Sea Festival is hosting the Moonlight Movie Series. Through Aug. 27, there will be a movie showing every Tuesday at Granada Beach and every Wednesday at Cherry Beach. For more information, CLICK HERE
http://www.visli.com/
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Whiting Ranch is reborn after fires
http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_2086855.php: "Photo report: Whiting Ranch is reborn after fires"
At times, nature's power to destroy and its power to create seems mystical, infinite and out of our grasp.
But then there are times when we can actually touch the opposing forces of the natural world, bear witness to a flower, a deer, a splash of green in a charred landscape.
Such is the experience at Limestone Canyon and Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, an area of 4,300 acres that just eight months ago was a raging inferno, endangering lives and destroying homes.
Now, the same land offers us the privilege to see – simultaneously – both the destructive fury and the gentle healing of the natural world.
It's a misty morning in late June. The marine layer is just beginning to burn off. I'm running slow, peaceful and totally alone in the park.
It's my first time here in a few years. It's also the first time, in theory anyway, a civilian has moved through the park unescorted since the firestorm swept through, burning 90 percent and forcing the park's closure. With the reopening of the area to the public on Saturday, officials have been kind enough to allow me a special preview.
To be honest, the park never has been at the top of my list. Too many ridgeline views of homes. In fact, I've only mountain biked Whiting, which coincidentally carries my family name. But today, I'm going slower than biking would allow. And therein lays the secret to discovering the mysteries here.
Rather than focusing on the tiny bit of trail just ahead of my front tire, my gaze wanders. Red Indian paintbrush, yellow mustard plant flowers, white morning glories stretch before me. Ancient oaks that were left black in the wake of the flames now boast small bunches of green leaves, promising shade and recovery to the land.
The contrast between the charred wood and the new plants is stark, even jarring. But after a bit, this new world left by the fires seems in harmony, something Lion King Simba would call "the circle of life."
Nitrogen-rich ash is food for the new plants. For the first time in decades, sunlight is finding its way to what were shaded forest floors, allowing photosynthesis to more quickly heal the wounds.
I usually run with my iPod blasting. For some reason, I don't turn it on as I roam this sacred ground, running the same trails that were soaked with the blood of both Mark Reynolds and the mountain lion that killed him Jan. 8, 2004.
A gentle rustle prompts me to look down and left. A snake? Just the wind making its way through golden mustard stalks that already have grown and died since the fires.
Birds around Upper Pond sing from bushes, some of which will never recover, others already ablaze with new leaves.
A trio of deer, including a young buck, makes their way up Dreaded Hill. Near the crest is a bench dedicated to Reynolds. It sits miraculously untouched, still watching over the trails the dedicated mountain biker loved to ride.
An old song drifts into my head, but the words are a bit different. "We've seen fire and we've seen rain…"
I make my way to Sleepy Hollow, fearing the worst. It was just weeks ago that I visited the closed burn area in the Santa Ana Mountains, a stone's throw from the northern border of Whiting Ranch. There, many oaks were either destroyed or severely burned. Thousands of acres of the steep hillsides were bare, save for patches of wildflowers.
But here, in Sleepy Hollow, the story is far different. Most of the oaks appear untouched, as if shielded from the flames by an otherworldly force.
This scene of survival plays out again and again as I run Cactus, Edison, Santiago Ranch, Vulture View roads.
Topography and those same homes that bugged me on earlier visits played critical roles in leaving Whiting a combination of old growth, new growth and blackened ground.
Compared to the steep escarpments on Saddleback Mountain, Whiting Ranch's hills are relatively mild, allowing water to soak in. Additionally, firefighters fought relentlessly to save the park and the adjacent homes.
Standing high on Dreaded Hill or Mustard Road, the swath of the fire is frighteningly clear: right up to backyards in Portolla Hills, right up to homes in Foothill Ranch.
It's humbling and inspiring.
Coming to Vista Lookout, however, is simply mysterious.
Acres of blackened ground surround the hilltop at 1,500 feet.
But the little site is an oasis. Small green oaks shade an old picnic bench. A large doe roots at the base of the largest tree, disappearing in a flash as I approach.
There is an even higher summit nearby. But there are no trails in the steep, rocky area.
Only a cross, at the top.
At times, nature's power to destroy and its power to create seems mystical, infinite and out of our grasp.
But then there are times when we can actually touch the opposing forces of the natural world, bear witness to a flower, a deer, a splash of green in a charred landscape.
Such is the experience at Limestone Canyon and Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, an area of 4,300 acres that just eight months ago was a raging inferno, endangering lives and destroying homes.
Now, the same land offers us the privilege to see – simultaneously – both the destructive fury and the gentle healing of the natural world.
It's a misty morning in late June. The marine layer is just beginning to burn off. I'm running slow, peaceful and totally alone in the park.
It's my first time here in a few years. It's also the first time, in theory anyway, a civilian has moved through the park unescorted since the firestorm swept through, burning 90 percent and forcing the park's closure. With the reopening of the area to the public on Saturday, officials have been kind enough to allow me a special preview.
To be honest, the park never has been at the top of my list. Too many ridgeline views of homes. In fact, I've only mountain biked Whiting, which coincidentally carries my family name. But today, I'm going slower than biking would allow. And therein lays the secret to discovering the mysteries here.
Rather than focusing on the tiny bit of trail just ahead of my front tire, my gaze wanders. Red Indian paintbrush, yellow mustard plant flowers, white morning glories stretch before me. Ancient oaks that were left black in the wake of the flames now boast small bunches of green leaves, promising shade and recovery to the land.
The contrast between the charred wood and the new plants is stark, even jarring. But after a bit, this new world left by the fires seems in harmony, something Lion King Simba would call "the circle of life."
Nitrogen-rich ash is food for the new plants. For the first time in decades, sunlight is finding its way to what were shaded forest floors, allowing photosynthesis to more quickly heal the wounds.
I usually run with my iPod blasting. For some reason, I don't turn it on as I roam this sacred ground, running the same trails that were soaked with the blood of both Mark Reynolds and the mountain lion that killed him Jan. 8, 2004.
A gentle rustle prompts me to look down and left. A snake? Just the wind making its way through golden mustard stalks that already have grown and died since the fires.
Birds around Upper Pond sing from bushes, some of which will never recover, others already ablaze with new leaves.
A trio of deer, including a young buck, makes their way up Dreaded Hill. Near the crest is a bench dedicated to Reynolds. It sits miraculously untouched, still watching over the trails the dedicated mountain biker loved to ride.
An old song drifts into my head, but the words are a bit different. "We've seen fire and we've seen rain…"
I make my way to Sleepy Hollow, fearing the worst. It was just weeks ago that I visited the closed burn area in the Santa Ana Mountains, a stone's throw from the northern border of Whiting Ranch. There, many oaks were either destroyed or severely burned. Thousands of acres of the steep hillsides were bare, save for patches of wildflowers.
But here, in Sleepy Hollow, the story is far different. Most of the oaks appear untouched, as if shielded from the flames by an otherworldly force.
This scene of survival plays out again and again as I run Cactus, Edison, Santiago Ranch, Vulture View roads.
Topography and those same homes that bugged me on earlier visits played critical roles in leaving Whiting a combination of old growth, new growth and blackened ground.
Compared to the steep escarpments on Saddleback Mountain, Whiting Ranch's hills are relatively mild, allowing water to soak in. Additionally, firefighters fought relentlessly to save the park and the adjacent homes.
Standing high on Dreaded Hill or Mustard Road, the swath of the fire is frighteningly clear: right up to backyards in Portolla Hills, right up to homes in Foothill Ranch.
It's humbling and inspiring.
Coming to Vista Lookout, however, is simply mysterious.
Acres of blackened ground surround the hilltop at 1,500 feet.
But the little site is an oasis. Small green oaks shade an old picnic bench. A large doe roots at the base of the largest tree, disappearing in a flash as I approach.
There is an even higher summit nearby. But there are no trails in the steep, rocky area.
Only a cross, at the top.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Portola Hills Elementary School
19422 Saddleback Ranch Road
Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679
(949) 459-9370
FAX (949) 459-9376
24 Hour Attendance Line Web Site
(949) 459-9374
A Saddleback Valley Unified School District elementary school.
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