Arts in California Could See a Renaissance Thanks to Huge Influx of State Funding
The devastation wrought by the pandemic has paved the way for a once-in-a-lifetime windfall for the arts in Orange County and throughout California, thanks to a fiscal year state budget for 2021-22 which allocates some $615 million in funds, including more than $120 million in funding for the state’s designated arts agency, the California Arts Council (CAC).
New Housing Bills Allowing for Denser Neighborhoods Sharply Divide OC’s State Legislators
A pair of housing bills just approved by the state Legislature are prompting warnings that single-family zoning will be destroyed in local neighborhoods, while others say such concerns are wildly overblown and that the bills are a modest step to make housing more affordable.
It remains to be seen who’s right, if Gov. Gavin Newsom signs the bills into law. Newsom is currently facing a recall election.
Seniors protected after Gov. Newsom signs mobile home rent stabilization bill
In 2019, residents living at Rancho La Paz Mobile Home Park, a retirement community, were told they'd have 90 days to prepare for a rent increase. Until Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva stepped in.
ANAHEIM, Calif. — California Assembly Bill No. 978 took two years of Lupe Ramirez’s life, but it was a risk she was willing take to keep her home.
“I couldn’t give up because I just felt like some place, somebody has to be hearing that this just isn’t right,” said Ramirez.
Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva Secures $15 million in State Budget for Computer Science Access Initiative
SACRAMENTO, CA –Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D – Fullerton), a teacher for over 30 years, successfully secured $15 million in this year’s budget to increase the number of teachers trained and authorized to provide computer science instruction to California students.
"The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for teachers th
OC Mobile Home Park Seniors Win Rent Relief After Two Years of Activism
Rancho La Paz senior mobile home residents now have a state law to shield them against rent spikes throughout the park — which straddles Anaheim and Fullerton — after more than two years of activism on the issue.
Park resident Lupe Ramirez spearheaded the fight, which began in early 2019, to get Anaheim and Fullerton city councils to enact a rent control ordinance. She and other seniors from Rancho La Paz became regulars at city council meetings in Anaheim and Fullerton throughout most of 2019 and early 2020 — until the pandemic hit.
Sophia Chicas named “Viking of the Year” at Walker Jr. High School
The La Palma-Cerritos Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) recently sent four outstanding young girls to Virtual STEM Tech Trek Camps sponsored by AAUW California this past July. Sophia Chicas was one of 640 girls throughout California who were selected to attend one of three camps in June and July
of 2021.
She was honored by Principal Jennifer Brown at Walker Jr. High School’s Eighth Grade Graduation on Zoom on May19, 2021, by being selected as “Viking of the Year” for “superior academic achievement and a strong commitment towards excellence.”
OC Residents Receive COVID-19 Vaccine At Joint Vaccination Clinic
Orange County elected officials raised awareness about the Clinic, held last Thursday, in Anaheim neighborhoods with low vaccination rates.
ANAHEIM, CA — Nearly 100 Orange County residents received their first or second COVID-19 vaccine dose at a free clinic last Thursday organized by elected officials and community stakeholders across Orange County.
The clinic, held at Ponderosa Park in Anaheim, was held amid a growing number of COVID-19 cases across the county, with 4,000 new positive cases being seen in the past two weeks and a cumulative positive rate of 267,908 cases total.
65th Assembly District Recognition Awards
Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D – Fullerton) proudly hosted the first annual 65th Assembly District Recognition Awards, to honor individuals who have provided services and exemplified characteristics valued in the 65th Assembly District.
The event was hosted in the City of Buena Park at Elher’s Senior Center to honor local businesses, nonprofits, veterans, gentleman, women, and holocaust survivors. Due to the pandemic, many events and celebrations honoring the community members in the 65th Assembly District were prevented or cancelled. The fantastic work done by all of the recipients this past year, was a true display of perseverance and commitment.
“I have been inspired and moved by the wonderful stories that all the honorees have shared with our office,” said Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva. “Sadly, the pandemic has not allowed many of us to have a cause for celebration, but the following honorees have provided us a great reason to gather together and celebrate their great service and accomplishments in the community!”
The 65th Assembly District Recognition Event was coordinated by the office of Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva and honored individuals who have excelled in their contributions to the community. The event recognized honorees in several categories and all were presented with State Assembly Resolutions.
Senate passed... State of California enacts 'Taekwondo Day' on September 4
Senate passed... State of California enacts 'Taekwondo Day' on September 4
By Hong Hee-jung