KillerOrange!

According to MSNBC, the California Supreme Court has just overturned the ban on gay marriage!

Have we finally evolved as a society to the point where we are willing to repudiate our discrimination and bigotry against gay men and women?

Everyone needs to stand together on this. There is a drive to change the California Constitution to renew the legalized discrimination against our gay brothers and sisters. Those of us who are straight need to stand up for what is right and moral, even though it does not affect us directly. We need to raise consciousness and prevent California from backsliding.

Read the Supreme Court Ruling here.

Please talk to everyone you know about this. Civil rights are hard-won. We must stand shoulder to shoulder to end bigotry, once and for all!

Join The Tamburitzans of Duquesne University for a night of vibrant song, instrumental music and dance Eastern Europe & the Balkans!

When: Saturday, May 17, 2008
Where: The Servite Theatre,
1952 W. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA 92801
Time: 7:00PM
Tickets: $28 adult, reserved seats, $20 general admission
Group rates available
To Purchase: Call 714-832-7470
or visit annunciationbyzantine.org and click on "events"
Tickets are on sale now ! Buy tickets early. They are selling fast!
Parking is free.

The Tamburitzans perform the music and dance of the Balkans and Eastern Europe. The troop is composed of dancers from across the globe, representing the best folk dancers performing today! This high energy show is a feast for the eyes and ears. This is truly a must see performance.

**Homemade kolachki and gift items will be sold!**
(Cash, or checks, for food and gifts, please.)

· Santa Margarita Water District’s annual Fiesta de Agua Family Fun Day draws hundreds of local families to celebrate Water Awareness Month

· District partners with Boy Scouts of America to host event at Oso Reservoir in Rancho Santa Margarita

Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. (May 6, 2008) – Many local residents don’t even know the Oso Reservoir exists, hidden in the hills of Rancho Santa Margarita. But they knew it on Saturday, when the reservoir and its surroundings came to life, with 1,000 residents and volunteers at Santa Margarita Water District’s annual Fiesta de Agua Family Fun Day water conservation festival.

Fiesta de Agua kicked off SMWD’s celebration of California Water Awareness Month and focused on teaching families the need for and benefits of water conservation. Visitors learned about practical ways to conserve water in and around the home through simple solutions like installing water-saving sprinkler systems and planting drought-tolerant landscaping.

This year’s event venue also provided an educational environment so families could learn the importance of vital water infrastructure facilities like Oso Reservoir. Guided nature hikes around the 125-acre man-made lake offered insights into how recycled water is used to conserve domestic (drinking) water supplies, while also highlighting the diverse natural environment of South Orange County.

This marked the first year the annual event was held at the Oso Lake Boy Scout Camp at Oso Reservoir, which is leased and maintained by the Boy Scouts.

“This year we decided to host the event here to showcase our beautiful reservoir, highlight its importance for regional supply reliability and celebrate our partnership with the Boy Scouts of America,” SMWD Board of Directors president Roger Faubel explained.

Kids at the event also kept busy, creating giant bubbles at the Girls Scouts’ bubble booth and planting California-native flower seeds in self-painted pots. At a live reptile display, children got up close and personal with all sorts of creepy-crawlers, holding and petting lizards, snakes and a tarantula from Prehistoric Pets. Participants also enjoyed hotdogs, popcorn, snow cones, and drinks provided by SMWD.

About Oso Reservoir

Oso Reservoir is one of the largest recycled water reservoirs in South Orange County and is located in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita. The man-made lake is capable of storing more than 1.3 billion gallons of recycled water for the region’s irrigation supply needs and is a critical component to the region’s supply reliability infrastructure.

About SMWD

SMWD is Orange County’s second-largest water district, serving a customer base of more than 150,000 residents and businesses in Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Las Flores and inland southern Orange County, including the communities of Ladera Ranch and Talega.

According to FEMA, "California has more than a 99% chance of having a magnitude 6.7 or larger earthquake within the next 30 years, according to scientists using a new model to determine the probability of big quakes."

Click here for a summary of the report

Click here for the full report

What to Do Before an Earthquake

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling, and following local seismic building standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes.

Six Ways to Plan Ahead

1. Check for Hazards in the Home
   • Fasten shelves securely to walls.
   • Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
   • Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
   • Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
   • Brace overhead light fixtures.
   • Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
   • Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
   • Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
   • Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.
     
     
2. Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors
   • Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
   • Against an inside wall.
   • Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
   • In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.
     
     
3. Educate Yourself and Family Members
   • Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes. Also read the "How-To Series" for information on how to protect your property from earthquakes.
   • Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
   • Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.
     
     
4. Have Disaster Supplies on Hand
   • Flashlight and extra batteries.
   • Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
   • First aid kit and manual.
   • Emergency food and water.
   • Nonelectric can opener.
   • Essential medicines.
   • Cash and credit cards.
   • Sturdy shoes.
     
     
5. Develop an Emergency Communication Plan
   • In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
   • Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.
     
     
6. Help Your Community Get Ready
   • Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency information on earthquakes. Localize the information by printing the phone numbers of local emergency services offices, the American Red Cross, and hospitals.
   • Conduct a week-long series on locating hazards in the home.
   • Work with local emergency services and American Red Cross officials to prepare special reports for people with mobility impairments on what to do during an earthquake.
   • Provide tips on conducting earthquake drills in the home.
   • Interview representatives of the gas, electric, and water companies about shutting off utilities.
   • Work together in your community to apply your knowledge to building codes, retrofitting programs, hazard hunts, and neighborhood and family emergency plans.

Source: FEMA website

The Orange County Veterans Employment Committee and the Employment Development Department are proud to announce its Honor a Hero Hire a Vet” Job and Resource Fair. The fair will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Angels Stadium, 2000 East Gene Autry Way in Anaheim, CA.

The “Honor a Hero Hire a Vet” job fair will offer job seekers the opportunity to interview with approximately 80 employers and meet with educational and training providers representing a myriad of industries throughout Orange County. The job fair is free of charge for all job seekers and there is ample free parking available for all attendees. All Job seekers are welcome and encouraged to attend.

For additional information, please call (714) 518-2345

About OCVEC
The Orange County Veterans Employment Committee (OCVEC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping veterans obtain gainful employment. The OCVEC works in partnership with the Employment Development Department Veterans Employment Services and the Orange County Veterans Service Office (OCVSO) to help veterans overcome barriers to employment and achieve their educational and career goals.

IRVINE, CA (April 25, 2008): The Irvine Animal Care Center is hosting its second annual Bunnies Galore Adoption Event on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come by the Center to find a new furry friend, or bring your current bunny companion for a free nail trimming and advice on caring for rabbits. The Center has more than 40 rabbits of all sizes and colors ready to hop their way into your heart.

The Bunny Bunch, a non-profit rabbit rescue dedicated to finding safe and loving homes for rescued rabbits, will also be on site selling fun and practical items for your gentle friend at their Bunny Boutique.

All rabbits adopted from the Irvine Animal Care Center are spayed or neutered, micro chipped, and come with a copy of the House Rabbit Handbook, a bag of hay, and one free basic health examination within 5 days of adoption from an IACC approved veterinarian.

For more information or to view pictures of rabbits available for adoption, visit www.irvineshelter.org or call 949-724-7740.

The City of Irvine has a population of more than 200,000, spans 65 square miles and is recognized as one of America’s safest and most successful master-planned urban communities. Top-rated educational institutions, an enterprising business atmosphere, sound environmental stewardship, and respect for diversity all contribute to Irvine’s enviable quality of life. This family-friendly city features more than 16,000 acres of parks, sports fields and dedicated open space and is the future home of the Orange County Great Park – the first great metropolitan park of the 21^st century. For more information, please visit www.cityofirvine.org.

Labels: Animal Care Center, Bunnies, Bunny Bunch, House Rabbit Handbook, Irvine

· Free water awareness event for all local residents

· Location along banks of Oso Reservoir to provide conservation education in the natural environment

Las Flores, Calif. (April 28, 2008) – Families across South Orange County are invited to join the Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) for its annual Fiesta de Agua Family Fun Day water conservation festival on Saturday, May 3^rd. New this year, SMWD will host the free event along the shores of its Oso Reservoir in Rancho Santa Margarita. The family-oriented festival is held by SMWD each May to kick off its celebration of National Water Awareness Month.

Fiesta de Agua’s new location will provide a beautiful natural backdrop for participants to learn about water conservation and the local environment. Activities, which include water education games, a live reptile show and nature hikes, will be centered at the Boy Scout camp on the banks of the reservoir.

What: SMWD Fiesta de Agua

When: Saturday, May 3^rd 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: SMWD’s Oso Reservoir

(Directions and map below)

Activities for this year’s Fiesta de Agua are scheduled to include:

• Water conservation education
• Nature hikes
• Live reptile show
• Marksmanship demonstrations
• Fossil displays
• Bird watching
• Face painting
• Scout demonstrations
• S’mores and campfire songs
• Kids’ crafts
• Community exhibitors
• Firefighters and fire engines

Free food and beverages will be provided by the District. Other participating sponsors include The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scout Council of Orange County, City of Mission Viejo and City of Rancho Santa Margarita.

For more information on Fiesta de Agua, please visit www.smwd.com.

About Oso Reservoir

Oso Reservoir is the largest recycled water reservoir in South Orange County and is located in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita. The man-made lake is capable of storing more than one billion gallons of recycled water for the region’s irrigation needs and is a critical component to the region’s water supply reliability infrastructure.

Directions to Oso Reservoir:

From Mission Viejo: Head north on Los Alisos Blvd. After crossing the 241 Toll Road, take an immediate left to “Oso Lake.” Follow the dirt road about half a mile to the parking area.

From Ranch Santa Margarita: Drive west on Santa Margarita Pkwy. Turn right onto Melinda Rd. and follow to just before the 241 Toll Road. Turn right to “Oso Lake.”

From the 241 Toll Road: Take the Los Alisos exit and drive north. Take an immediate left to “Oso Lake.”

Labels: awareness, Fiesta de Agua, Santa Margarita Water District, SMWD, Water, water conservation