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Anaheim Magazine.qxp_Anaheim Magazine 1/7/20 5:56 PM Page C1 anaheimWINTER 2020

Counts!Anaheim Census 2020 is here Anaheim Magazine.qxp_Anaheim Magazine 1/7/20 5:56 PM Page C2 Anaheim Magazine.qxp_Anaheim Magazine 1/7/20 5:56 PM Page 1

WINTER anaheim c o n t e n t s 2020

Mayor Harry S. Sidhu

Mayor Pro Tem Stephen Faessel Council Member x District 5

Council Member x District 1 Denise Barnes Council Member x District 2 Jordan Brandman Council Member x District 3 Jose F. Moreno Council Member x District 4 Lucille Kring Council Member x District 6 Trevor O’Neil

City Manager Chris Zapata on the cover Editor Lauren Gold This year we’ll be working with Census 2020 to make sure 12 everyone in Anaheim gets counted

Contributors: Mike Lyster n Anaheim magazine is published quarterly by the city of Anaheim. f e a t u r e s Address all correspondence to Anaheim magazine, c/o Editor, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, CA 92805. Please visit Anaheim.net/magazine for an online version of Anaheim magazine. 12 anaheim counts The city of Anaheim is a city council/city manager form of government. Census 2020 has a big impact for Anaheim residents The City Council makes policy decisions at City Council meetings, Tuesdays at 5 p.m.,while the city manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the city. If you have any concerns regarding the city of 14 beyond beauty Anaheim, simply dial 3-1-1 from any landline phone or (714) 765-4311. Miss Anaheim Beautiful is not your typical pageant queen Anaheim Anytime representatives are available 7a.m.– 5:30p.m. Monday through Friday. Recorded information is also available.

About Anaheim: Anaheim is a full-service city supporting more than 357,000 residents, 20,000 businesses and 25 million annual visitors. The city provides public safety through the Anaheim Police Department n d e p a r t m e n t s and Anaheim Fire & Rescue, water and power service through Anaheim Public Utilities, parks, community centers, family services and libraries through Anaheim Community Services, neighborhood and transportation improvements through Anaheim Public Works and community revitaliza- 2 community tion through Community & Economic Development. Anaheim is a modern, • Chrysalis helps find dignity in work diverse city with a proud history dating back to its 1857 founding. Anaheim is known worldwide as the home of the Disneyland Resort, • 40 years of celebrating black history including Walt Disney’s original Disneyland Park, as well as Angel Stadium of Anaheim and Angels Baseball, Honda Center and the Anaheim Ducks, and the Anaheim Convention Center, the largest on the West Coast. 4 service Anaheim’s thriving visitor industry and business community help support the city’s neighborhoods and make Anaheim a great place to live, work • FRAN’s free rides are getting even better and play. For more, please visit Anaheim.net. • An update on water from Anaheim Public Utilities

8 economic vitality find us! • New lands, attractions coming to Disneyland Resort View the online version of Anaheim magazine • What’s next for the Big A Anaheim.net/magazine 18 around anaheim Read about upcoming events happening in your neighborhood To request this magazine in an alternative format, please call (714) 765-5162, or TTY (714) 765-5125. The city prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs, services and activities. 19 calendar of events

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40 years of celebrating black history

Party time (top, left): n the first weekend of February 1980, This year, we’re celebrating the event’s 40th parade Feb. 1 Othe Orange County Black History 40th anniversary. The Orange County Black Parade founder Parade was born. History Parade & Cultural Faire returns (top, middle): Helen Shipp, with family and friends The first parade had just eight entries, to downtown Anaheim on Saturday, Feb. 1. and traveled down a neighborhood street The parade runs from near Pearson Park, Community (top, right): more than 50 entries in Santa Ana. at Anaheim Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue, featured Started by community matriarch Helen down Anaheim Boulevard to Vermont Shipp, the parade was a way to bring the Avenue before looping around back up to neighborhood together and celebrate African Center Street Promenade, where a street American history and culture. fair with food, boutique booths, music and The yearly event Special guests and grand marshals over the festivities is held. years include Yolanda King, Garry Temple- The parade begins at 10 a.m. and the cul- now brings some ton, Robin Harris and Mickey Mouse. tural faire goes from noon to 4 p.m., with 8,000 people together Since its start, the parade has grown expo- early bird shopping at 9 a.m. nentially in size and popularity. The cultural This year to celebrate the event’s 40th to watch more than faire was added as a way to continue the anniversary, there will be an exhibit at 50 marching bands, celebration after the parade. Muzeo Museum & Cultural Center called The parade moved to Anaheim in 2011, “Celebrating Our Heritage, Embracing parade vehicles, because Anaheim has the largest African Our Past and Building Our Future.” It will American population in Orange County. feature photos, videos and artifacts from horseback riders, Anaheim is home to about 11,000 African the parade throughout the years. churches, sororities American residents, or about 20 percent of Can’t make it to the parade or missed the Orange County’s black population, accord- date this year? You can still see the exhibit and youth and social ing to numbers from the Census. through Feb. 29. More at Muzeo.org. groups march down The yearly event now brings some 8,000 There will be a special blessing ceremony people together to watch more than 50 at 8 a.m. to open the exhibit and give com- Anaheim Boulevard marching bands, parade vehicles, horse- munity members a chance to see it before back riders, churches, sororities and youth the parade starts. and social groups march down Anaheim For more, visit the Orange County Heri- Boulevard. tage Council at Oc-hc.org. l

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the power of work

ometimes the answer to homelessness Chrysalis client LeDonna is a success story. New life: Chrysalis gave LeDonna Sis simply a job. After years of homelessness and drug a fresh start As part of Anaheim’s comprehensive issues, LeDonna worked with an employ- effort to address homelessness, we recently ment specialist at Chrysalis in Anaheim to marked a milestone. turn around her life. It’s been a year since we brought Chrysalis She recently started work at Thermal- — a Los Angeles-based employment and job Vac, which is located just over the city line Chrysalis works training nonprofit — to Orange County. in Orange. with those who In the past year, from an office next to LeDonna is Thermal-Vac’s first female Anaheim City Hall, Chrysalis has worked plating operator in the company’s 35-year face challenges with more than 500 people and placed history. to getting a job. nearly 200 of them into jobs. She’s now reunited with her two children Chrysalis works with those who face chal- and has the support of her family. Clients can include lenges to getting a job. Clients can include Chrysalis is one part of Anaheim’s approach people recovering from homelessness or to addressing homelessness, which also in- people recovering drug abuse. cludes daily outreach by social workers and from homelessness Employers working with Chrysalis in- Anaheim Police, access to drug and other clude Disneyland Resort, Honda Center, health services as well as shelters and afford- or drug abuse. California Department of Transportation able housing. and aerospace products company Thermal- You can learn more at Anaheim.net/ Vac Technology Inc. homeless. l

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Free ride: FRAN gets you around downtown

FRAN-tastic

ou’ve probably noticed her in down- In honor of the occasion, we’re expand- Ytown Anaheim. ing service to make FRAN even more Her trademark flash of orange, a friendly convenient for residents, businesses and smile and a wave as she whizzes by. visitors. It’s FRAN! The easiest way to get around You can now catch a ride to and from Center City. several nearby parks and libraries: Central FRAN, which stands for Free Rides Around Library, Washington Park, Pearson Park, the Neighborhood, is Anaheim’s on-demand Founder’s Park, Colony Park and Citrus fleet of electric vehicles that offers free rides Park. And coming soon, we’ll be adding throughout the downtown area. FRAN stops in various neighborhoods FRAN: named after The service’s name also comes from around downtown. Francisca Avila Rimpau Anaheim history. Francisca Avila Rimpau, The idea? Ditch the car and still enjoy FRAN’s namesake, was a founding pioneer all the fun restaurants, shopping and en- in our city. Each vehicle has the name of tertainment in our hip downtown, also one of Francisca’s daughters and grand- known as Center City. daughters. Even if you’re driving to downtown, This year, we’re celebrating FRAN’s first FRAN makes it easy to park in any of our birthday. In just one year, the service has structures without having to worry about served more than 40,000 riders. walking too far to your destination. Plus, And year two looks even brighter. it pairs perfectly with our new parking

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guidance system, which helps you find open Want to get parking spots throughout Center City. Want to get in on the fun? Just download in on the fun? the Center City Anaheim app on your Just download the phone. You can use it to hail a free FRAN ride at one of our stops. You can also ex- Center City Anaheim plore points of interest and find promotions app on your phone. from local businesses on the app as well. Soon, the app will also have real-time You can use it to hail parking information, once we get it linked a free FRAN ride up with our parking guidance system. FRAN, a partnership between Anaheim at one of our stops. and Anaheim Transportation Network, or ATN, is funded through two state grants: FRAN Service s You can also explore Mobile Source Air Reduction Review Com- • Monday —Thursday: More to love: points of interest mittee Grant and Transit and Intercity expanded 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. service Rail Capital Program Grant. We continue and find promotions • Friday & Saturday: to stop at to seek additional grant funding to ensure Colony Park 11 a.m. to Midnight from local businesses the program’s future. Also, the FRAN vehicles are made right here in Anaheim • Sunday: on the app as well. by Polaris Industries. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Learn more at RideFRAN.com. l

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your water

Highest quality (top, left): e often take for granted the basic We now know that long-term exposure lab technicians test Anaheim water Wservices we rely on in our daily lives. to these chemicals can cause health issues. Water is one of those services. We don’t That’s why we, and others, have begun Linda Vista Complex closely monitoring them. (top, right): groundwater often pay attention to it, but when we turn for Anaheim on the faucet we expect it to be there for us. The levels detected in water in Anaheim At Anaheim Public Utilities, we work and other communities served by the region’s hard to meet that expectation. groundwater supply are very small, equiva- For more than 100 years, we’ve served lent to grains of sugar in an Olympic-size Anaheim residents and businesses with swimming pool. some of the most affordable and reliable Anaheim has already taken some of our water in the county. groundwater wells offline to ensure the For more And we take pride in providing high- safety of our drinking water, and we have quality, safe water to customers. That’s brought in more imported water that has than 100 years, why we continually and rigorously test not been found to contain these chemicals. we’ve served our water to meet or exceed stringent But imported water is more expensive — state and federal standards. about double the cost of our own ground- Anaheim residents There are new regulations for drinking water. water, implemented to address manufac- We’re taking several actions to cover these and businesses tured chemicals from past decades that added costs. with some of the have been found in groundwater. We are using some of our financial re- These chemicals are known as PFOA serves that are usually held for emergencies, most affordable and PFOS, sometimes referred to collec- reprioritizing capital projects and working and reliable water tively as PFAS. to buy lower-cost imported water that we They were used from the 1940s to the treat ourselves. in the county early 2000s in a variety of consumer prod- And we are proposing an increase in ucts ranging from cookware, stain-resistant customer water rates. It comes to about clothing and carpet as well as firefighting $7 per month for the average household. foam and in industrial applications. We never want to raise rates. So when These chemicals are no longer used in we have to consider doing so, we take it the United States, but they are persistent very seriously. and have made their way into groundwater High quality, safe and reliable water is after decades of use. our No. 1 priority.

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We’re doing everything we can to find We are launching a 10 percent water With continued long-term solutions to address the issue discount for seniors, veterans and those of PFOA and PFOS in groundwater so with disabilities who qualify. This program investment in that we can avoid additional costs to our is similar to one we already offer for elec- our water system customers. tric service. We’re leading the way, partnering with In addition, there’s a new program set to and innovation the Orange County Water District, in launch this spring to help keep your bill level researching ways to treat groundwater so all year long. Rather than paying more in in water treatment, we can remove PFOA and PFOS and bring the summer months and less in the winter, we’re working to our own groundwater wells back online, we’ll average out your bill so you have a with reimbursements to help reduce steady payment that’s easier to manage. be able to have Anaheim’s costs. These programs add to the already long a sustainable We are planning to make investments to list of helpful rebates and discounts we offer treat groundwater and avoid having to rely to make things easier for Anaheim residents supply of water on more expensive imported water. and businesses. Part of that is commissioning our own With continued investment in our water and keep offering studies to identify the right technology. system and innovation in water treatment, lower rates in We plan to begin construction in the we’re working to be able to have a sustain- coming years. able supply of water and keep offering lower the long run In the meantime, we’re doing what we rates in the long run. can to help those who may struggle to pay For more, visit Anaheim.net/waterquality the increased water rates. or call us at (714) 765-4311. l Be in the Know with Anaheim Alert Whether it’s the “big one,” winter weather or a road closure, get the latest updates from the city by phone, text or email. Get alerts about: Road Closures Emergencies Police Activity City Updates

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economic vitality

what’s next for the Big A

fter a historic vote in December, we Community Benefits Ahave a path forward for the future of The city could require that any develop- baseball in Anaheim. ment includes affordable housing and parks The City Council approved a purchase and public spaces beyond what is required and sale agreement for 153 acres of land or typically seen. Anaheim could seek union including and around Angel Stadium construction jobs with priority hiring for of Anaheim. Anaheim residents. It’s part of a three-step proposal we’re calling Big A: 2050. Here’s a summary: Adjustment The proposal includes a potential adjust- 2050 ment to the final cash payment for land The Angels would commit to play in and the stadium. The adjustment would Anaheim for the next 30 years with options reflect the fair market value impact for Angel Stadium of Anaheim for an additional 25 years. affordable housing, added parks and public spaces and a workforce agreement, $325 Million if requested by the city and included in There’s a lot of good SRB Management Co., which Angels community benefits. Baseball owner Arte Moreno leads and in the proposal for controls, would buy 153 acres of city land, With the first step taken in December, Anaheim. Proceeds including the 45,483-seat Angel Stadium the city will sit down in early 2020 with the of Anaheim. At $2.1 million an acre, the Angels to talk about potential development, from a sale would sale’s value would be at market rate. It’s at community benefits and details of the team’s the high end of Anaheim’s commissioned long-term commitment to play in Anaheim. be available for appraisal for the site with baseball, 12,500 That would be followed by the submission, investment in our parking spots and potential development. city review and approval of development plans by the team’s ownership, potentially neighborhoods. And Stadium by 2023 to 2025. potential development SRB Management would finance any All three steps have to take place to wrap renovation of Angel Stadium of Anaheim up the agreement. around the stadium or the building of a new stadium. There’s a lot of good in the proposal for Anaheim. Proceeds from a sale would be could bring ongoing Development available for investment in our neighbor- revenue for years Land around the stadium could see homes, hoods. And potential development around hotels and entertainment uses in the next the stadium could bring ongoing revenue to come. 30 years as part of Anaheim’s planning for for years to come. the area known as the Platinum Triangle. While Anaheim is proud to have built As land gives way to new uses, conservative and owned Orange County’s only Major estimates project $10 million to $20 million League Baseball stadium since the 1960s, in yearly city revenue from hotel, property the proposal would get the city out of the and sales taxes. stadium business.

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economic vitality

It reflects a trend toward private owner- The city could see a savings of more than ship, as with Dodger Stadium, SoFi $10 million through 2038, the end date of Stadium in Inglewood and Chase Center the current lease with the team. in San Francisco, the new home of the Anaheim also saves annual administrative Golden State Warriors. costs to oversee a stadium lease and agree- Selling the Big A, as the stadium is known, ments with neighboring businesses. relieves the city of yearly payments toward You can learn more and stay tuned for improvements, currently at $700,000. updates at Anaheim.net/BigA. l

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economic vitality Artist Concept Only ©Disney

Avengers Campus: new land coming to Disney California Adventure Park

to the galaxy and beyond

Disney’s continued ixty-five years after Walt Disney And next door in Toon Town, construc- Sbuilt his original theme park from tion is underway on the first-ever Mickey- investment in Walt’s dirt and orange groves, we’re seeing what themed ride. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway original theme park seems like unprecedented investment at Railway will open in 2022, offering visitors the Disneyland Resort. a chance to journey into a cartoon world right here in Anaheim Walt said his park would never be described as “an immersive multi-dimen- finished, and we’re seeing that with new sional experience.” means more than new expansions at Disneyland Park and Disney Across the way at Disney California Ad- thrills and attractions California Adventure Park set to open venture, big things are coming in 2020. At this year. D23, Disney’s biennial fan gathering at the for park visitors Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened in Anaheim Convention Center last summer, Spring 2019, aweing fans with a Star Wars the company announced the opening of playground complete with Ronto Wraps, Avengers Campus, a land dedicated to all blue milk and a chance to fly the famed things Marvel. Millennium Falcon. Avengers Campus will feature the first- In January, the first new land built since ever Spider-Man attraction, in which riders the park opened finishes with the opening will gain super powers and sling webs just of the second attraction, Star Wars: Rise like Spidey himself. The new land will also of the Resistance. The ride is like nothing feature appearances and themes from park attendees have ever seen, lasting 15 Ant-Man, The Wasp, Doctor Strange, minutes and boasting high-tech features the Guardians of the Galaxy, Iron Man, in four separate scenes. Wakanda, Asgard and more.

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Rise of the Resistance: second Star Wars attraction opens

Another attraction will open in the For Anaheim, new attractions mean new We’re looking second phase of the land, featuring an in- visitors to our city, and that means new rev- novative experience that takes you on an enue that pays for the things that matter most forward to a bright adventure with the Avengers to Wakanda to residents: parks, public safety, libraries, future for residents, and beyond. roads and city programs. Disney’s continued investment in Walt’s With a completed Star Wars: Galaxy’s businesses original theme park right here in Anaheim Edge and the new Avengers Campus, we’re means more than new thrills and attractions looking forward to a bright future for resi- and visitors for park visitors. dents, businesses and visitors. l

Sider-Man attraction: become web-slinging super heroes

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CENSUS 2020: ANAHEIMCOUNTS!

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Census2020 is here. For some in Anaheim, it will be their first time tak- What we’re doing ing part in our nation’s every-10-years count of the Anaheim has a Complete Count Committee made American population. up of representatives from schools, community, cul- Others may have two, three, four or more Census tural and faith groups, residents and representatives experiences under their belt. of elected officials. The important thing is that you be counted. There’s Together, they’re helping us spread the word (in a lot at stake for Anaheim. multiple languages) about the Census and why you Each year, we receive more than $100 million in should take part to better Anaheim. federal funding to help people here in Anaheim. The amount of money we get is tied directly to How the Census works the Census. Between now and Census Day on April 1, every A big chunk of that funding goes to housing vouch- home in Anaheim will receive an invitation to take ers that let families afford to live in Anaheim. part in the Census. We help more than 6,000 households in Anaheim You’ll be able to respond online, by phone, by mail, pay rent, drawing on some $70 million in yearly or at one of our community centers or libraries. federal rent assistance. What you’ll be asked And we know there is more need out there. The goal of the Census is to better understand the Other federal funding goes toward community nation’s — and Anaheim’s — population. improvements, roads and public safety. You’ll see questions about how many people live Right now, we’re creating an outdoor space at in your household, whether you rent or own your Central Library with the help of a federal Com- home, gender, age, race and ethnicity information munity Development Block Grant. and other questions. The $740,000 project will add a performance stage, science demonstration area, sandbox, trike track, Security, privacy seating and landscaping. We know some may have concerns about filling At the Brookhurst Community Center, a federal out the Census. But no one in Anaheim should grant is helping us add a teen center room that will worry about participating. offer homework help, service projects, recreation, arts The 2020 Census does not include a question about and other activities for youths. citizenship. And answers cannot be used for any law To help keep residents, businesses and visitors enforcement purpose or to determine eligibility for safe, the Anaheim Police Department receives government benefits. annual funding under the Urban Areas Security The Census Bureau, which collects the data, is Initiative Program for planning and training to bound by law to protect the privacy of your answers. prevent acts of terrorism and to prepare for nat- It is illegal to release any identifiable information ural disasters. about you, your home or your business, even to law Beyond our city government, federal funding enforcement agencies or courts. also supports hospitals, other healthcare and schools Known as Title 13 of the U.S. Code, the law is in Anaheim. one of the strongest confidentiality guarantees in These are just some of the good reasons why you our federal government, with punishment of up to should take part in the Census for Anaheim. five years in prison and fines up to $250,000. We know there have been a lot of news stories and talk in Washington about the Census. But what it Make it count really comes down to is funding for neighborhoods There’s a lot at stake for Anaheim. Whether you’ve right here in Anaheim. lived here for decades or are new to our city, we need We’re proud to be the most populous city in you to be counted. Orange County, and with that comes federal fund- Help Anaheim count by filling out your Census ing reflecting Anaheim’s size. form online, in person, by phone or mail. l

YOU CAN LEARN MORE AT ANAHEIM.NET/CENSUS

13 Winter 2020 Anaheim Anaheim Magazine.qxp_Anaheim Magazine 1/7/20 5:56 PM Page 14 b bebebeayondyondyondy Anaheimee eBeautiful Scholarship Program eenriches lives, communityut hey wear the crown and the sash, but these young The Miss Anaheim Beautiful Scholarship Program, women are not your standard beauty queens. formerly known as Miss Anaheim Fall Festival, is in tMiss Anaheim Beautiful and her court are much its sixth year and has grown from a few girls posing more than that. in the Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade “I wanted it to be something more meaningful,” to a full-blown program focused on personal growth said Program Director Debbie Herman, who has and strengthening the Anaheim community. dedicated much of her life to helping empower young Herman, a lifelong Anaheim resident, said she was women through various community programs. approached to start the program in 2012 as a way to “No bathing suits, no talent competition or surprise represent the city of Anaheim at community events on-stage questions. It was meant to be a personal such as ribbon cuttings and the Fall Festival. growth and enrichment program so the girls could She crowned her first court of three girls in learn what Anaheim has to offer.” spring 2013. The first few years were slow, she said, with a handful of applicants and a court that only attended scattered events during the year. Later, it began to grow. Last year, Herman decided to take the program in a new direction that reflected its evolution and grow- ing popularity in the community. She partnered with nonprofit Anaheim Beautiful and renamed the con- test the Miss Anaheim Beautiful Scholarship Program. “This program has really grown into something that is out of control — in a good way,” said Herman, who still serves as vice president of the Fall Festival board. “We outgrew it.” Last year, she had 35 applicants and eight finalists, from whom the court of four was selected. This year’s court consists of Miss Anaheim Beauti- ful Priscilla Oropeza, Teen Ambassadors Victoria Santana and Guadalupe Alvarado, and Junior Ambassador Miranda Alvarez.

Anaheim Winter 2020 14

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Mentor: Fall Festival: Miss Anaheim program Beautiful began Court with at annual Program Director t event Debbie Herman

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So how do you become Miss Anaheim Beautiful? all about public appearances,” Herman said. It’s quite an involved process. “We go out in jeans and T-shirts.” Hopefuls submit a personal essay, attend a one-on- In addition, Herman also provides the court one interview, decorate a T-shirt with the theme of with etiquette training, public speaking and writ- “What makes Anaheim Beautiful?” and, on pageant ing classes and other educational opportunities day, introduce themselves to a panel and show off based on each girl’s interest. their poise in formal wear on stage. For Oropeza, 17, a senior at Cypress High And once you’re selected, it’s just the start. School and lifelong west Anaheim resident, the The court did more than 300 hours of community program has helped her become a new person. service last year and is on track to exceed that this year. She first served as a teen ambassador and Community service includes attending city events then came back a few years later to become Miss such as the Veterans Day Ceremony, fundraisers Anaheim Beautiful. She said the program and its with the Boys and Girls Club and other nonprofits, opportunities have allowed her to come out of community events including the WAND Barbecue her shell and gain confidence. and Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting and “It definitely helps empower me, it gives me much more. the strength I really needed, it pushes me to do But they’re not just there for photo ops. Miss Ana- better not only within my community but for heim Beautiful and her court get involved, helping myself and for others,” Oropeza said. with event planning, organizing kids’ activities, hand- The biggest thing she’s improved on? Public ing out cake and more. speaking — she even introduced herself and her court before the City Council in October. She said her family and friends have noticed her growth and that makes her proud. “Before they would take me to restaurants and I wouldn’t even order my own food,” she said. “Now I will order for the whole table.” Being Miss Anaheim Beautiful also comes with a $2,000 educational scholarship. That will

From left: help when Oropeza heads to college to study Miranda Alvarez, criminology and psychology. Priscilla Oropeza, Guadalupe She wants to become a behavior analyst in Alvarado, Victoria Santana law enforcement, eventually hoping to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. That’s another thing the program helped her with. She said getting the chance to meet people from Anaheim Police solidified her career path. “What I really like about it is it’s not just per- “I wasn’t completely sure if that was something sonal appearances and waving and pictures, they I wanted to do because I didn’t think I would fit actually do some fun things that are kind of what was necessary to be a police officer,” Oropeza unique,” Herman said. said. “But when I was able to meet these people Unlike more traditional pageants, the girls and they told me about their experiences in law aren’t required to have expensive clothes or enforcement, that really helped me decide this is look a certain way. Herman said she even buys what I want to do.” clothes or shoes for them when needed, so fin- Oropeza said even in just the first few months of ances don’t get in the way of anyone’s ability being Miss Anaheim Beautiful, she’s learned so much to participate. about her community. “Some of those events it is really nice because “We get to see different parts of Anaheim, different they don’t go out in a crown and a sash, it’s not perspectives,” Oropeza said.

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Oropeza said she hopes to give that knowledge and perspective back to her city. “I see myself as a resource in the sense,” she said. “Of course all of this helps me grow as an individual by learning about the community and going to events. But I also feel like because I go to these things I’m able to tell the community about these events that are being offered to them.” And that’s what makes Anaheim beautiful, said Oropeza, whose mom is from Mexico and whose whole family speaks Spanish. “I really love living in Anaheim because of the

Priscilla diversity,” she said. “Anaheim does a really good job Oropeza, of recognizing different cultures and hosting events Miss Anaheim Beautiful that are open to the whole community so we can 2019-2020 all learn about each other. That makes Anaheim even stronger.”

It definitely helps empower me, it gives me the strength I really needed, it pushes me to do better ‘‘not only within my community but for myself and for others.

Priscilla Oropeza Miss Anaheim Beautiful 2019–20

For more on the Miss Anaheim Beautiful Scholar-

’’l ship Program, visit AnaheimBeautiful.org. get involved

The Miss Anaheim Beautiful Scholarship Program relies on donations to help support the pageant and programs and keep it going. You can attend the group’s annual “Quartermania” fundraiser on March 27 at Brookhurst Community Center. For information on the program and how you can help support it, email Crowning moment: Miss Anaheim Beautiful Scholarship Pageant [email protected].

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a r o u n d a n a h e i m

ts AnaCon April 18 • 11 a.m.– 4 p.m. • Central Library Let out your inner comic geek at the fourth annual AnaCon at Central Library. Science fiction and comics will be taking over Anaheim Central Library with dozens of science fiction authors, graphic novel illustrators and fun at the event. Last year, more than 1,400 attendees visited AnaCon and this year we are expecting more! Bring the whole family for a day ﬁlled with science fiction fun at Central Library. Anaheim.net/Library

Proud to be ME Art Crawl Experience April 18 May 9 • 6 –10 p.m. Center Street Promenade Center Street Promenade Join us on Center Street Take a stroll down Center Street Promenade for a celebration Promenade and experience art, of Chicano culture. The street artisanal food, craft vendors festival features food, car clubs, and performance by local zoot suits, mariachis, dancers, entertainers. Free admission. fashion and more. Free admission. DowntownAnaheim.com/ DowntownAnaheim.com Events/Ace

t Cinco de Mayo Fiesta s Orange County April 30 – May 3 La Palma Park Black History Parade Enjoy games, live music, & Cultural Faire performances, dancing, Feb. 1 • 10a.m.– 4p.m. carnival rides, food booths, s Anaheim soccer tournament and more Join us for the 40th annual Children’s Festival Orange County Black History at the annual Cinco de Mayo Parade & Cultural Faire on Feb.1. Fiesta. Admission is free. May 16 • 10 a.m.– 3p.m. This fun yearly event, organized FiestaUnited.org Pearson Park by the Orange County Heritage Enjoy free arts and crafts Council, brings together some projects, entertainment and 8,000 people of all backgrounds fun for the whole family at the to mark the contributions of 29th annual Anaheim Children’s African Americans to Anaheim Festival, brought to you Muzeo and the county. Free admission. and the city. Free admission. Oc-Hc.org Muzeo.org

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c a l e n d a r

Honda Center Anaheim Convention Center City National Grove 2695 E. Katella Ave. & Arena of Anaheim (714) 704-2500 800 W. Katella Ave. 2200 E. Katella Ave. Hondacenter.com (714) 765-8950 (714) 712-2700 AnaheimConventionCenter.com Citynationalgroveofanaheim.com

Feb. 20 Feb. 21–23 Feb. 22 Miranda Lambert DreamHack Tyler Henry: Anaheim 2020 Hollywood Medium Feb. 22 t Harlem Globetrotters March 4–7 March 20 t Natural Products The Fab Four: Expo West The Ultimate Tribute

April 2 The Office! March 21 A Musical Parody t André Rieu

April 3–5 OC Spring Home and Garden Show May 2 April 4 An Evening with April 10–12 s Patton Oswalt: Michael Bublé WonderCon I Love Everything

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STATE COLLEGE SEWER PROJECT

You have probably noticed that there’s still Construction in the neighborhood is never a lot of construction taking place on State easy for those who live, work or commute in College Boulevard. the area. Replacing sewers is not convenient but the alternative can be much more of The Orange County Sanitation District, the a pain. regional sewer provider for cities including Anaheim, is replacing four miles of sewer To date more than three miles of sewer pipe along State College Boulevard from the pipe have been installed. Riverside (91) Freeway to Angel Stadium. Construction between Cerritos and The project is for one of life’s necessities— Orangewood is expected to conclude by it’s updating the sewer system that flushes the spring. The stretch from the Riverside away waste and water from showers, laundry (91) Freeway to Vermont is scheduled to and dishwashers. be finished by the end of 2020. OCSD.com/StateCollege Construction Hotline: (657)208-7900 • Email: [email protected]