City Council recognizes veterans Wednesday for their service, sacrifice to the country

Several U.S. veterans were honored by the City Council on Wednesday – as part of a new city program designed to pay homage to the men and women affiliated with Aliso Viejo who have bravely served our country.

“Tonight is a night when the courage and patriotism of the men and women who have served and continue to serve in the Armed Forces is honored,” said Mayor Bill Phillips before a packed council chamber.

“As you know, since 9/11, patriotism in this country has elevated, evident by the many flags that adorn our homes and the patriotic symbols emblazoned upon T-shirts, hats and bumper stickers. Patriotism is evident in our attitudes of showing more goodwill to mankind.”

Goodwill and patriotism flowed through a red, white and blue-decorated City Hall, as veterans representing various military branches received city certificates, and loved ones of those who have passed and are currently serving overseas represented their family members and friends in a heartwarming ceremony.

The special program included music by the Soka University Orchestra Club and delectable food by VITAS Innovative Hospice Care. Representatives from Saddleback College Foundation presented a special model of the Veterans Memorial to the City in honor of the special program, and veterans’ organizations participated in the tribute to their fellow veterans.

Mayor Pro Tem Donald Garcia, who served in the US Army 101st Airborne Division, ended the special tribute with some poignant words in honor of all service men and women. He also thanked the orchestra club; the U.S. Library of Congress Veterans History Project: and VITAS Innovative Hospice Care for their individual, outstanding contributions to the first-time City program.

The names of the veterans recognized Wednesday will be added to the City’s online Walk of Fame to help memorialize their bravery and dedication to protecting our nation’s freedom.

The City’s online Walk of Fame, Photo Gallery and more can be viewed at www.cityofalisoviejo.com.

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ANHS Community

ANHS is looking for parents to chaperone the Homecoming dance on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Aliso Niguel High School. There will be a complimentary dinner provided to chaperones in the staff lounge beginning at 5:30 p.m.

It is the goal of the school to have a safe, appropriate and fun dance for the students. We achieve this goal by making sure there is proper supervision of the event. Parents are a key part of making the dance a success.

Chaperone duties include checking students in as they arrive to the dance, supervising the photography and food eating areas, running the coat check room and watching the dance floor. The students are mostly very well behaved; a rotation is created so that chaperones have the opportunity to see all aspects of the dance.

Parents who are interested in assisting with chaperone duties may contact the PTSA president, EvaMarie Morris, at ptsahelp@aol.com.

Eric Paulsen

Activities Director

Aliso Niguel High School

ANHS Community

Aliso Niguel High School would like to make you aware of some important information related to the Homecoming season. Please take some time to read the announcements below.

* Parents should consult carefully the dress code for the Homecoming dance that is given in this email. Students not meeting dress code standards will not be allowed entry into the dance.

* Parents should remind their ANHS student that a current 2008 – 2009 Aliso Niguel picture I.D. card is the only form of I.D. that will be accepted for entry into the dance. Students who have lost their I.D. cards should obtain one through Ms. Nakazawa in the ASB clerk’s office in the food court.

Schedule of Homecoming Events

11/7 Homecoming Pep Rally during third period

11/7 Homecoming Nominees Announced

11/7 Homecoming Court Voting

11/12 – 11/14 Homecoming Spirit Week

Wednesday: Shades Day (wear sunglasses)

Thursday: College Sweatshirt Day

Friday: Wolverine Spirit Day

11/14 Homecoming Game w/ ASB Halftime Show: ANHS vs. San Clemente, 7:00 PM

11/15 Homecoming Dance, “Aliso’s Premiere,” 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Homecoming Dance Information

It is the goal of the school to have an enjoyable and safe homecoming dance. Please take note of some of the policies that will be enforced at the dance below. There is a copy of the dance contract that must be read, signed and understood by students attending the dance and their parents available at alisoniguel.com in the activities section.

Please note: students who are unsure if their attire meets dress code standards should check the pictures on the school website at alisoniguel.com or see their assistant principal prior to the day of the event. Students not meeting dress code standards will not be admitted into the event.

Dress Code for Homecoming:

Ladies:

* Strapless / spaghetti straps are allowed

* Dress / skirts must be at least fingertip length

* Slits no higher than fingertip length

* Backless to waist is permitted – below waist is not permitted (opposite your belly button)

* No garters or other exposed lingerie/undergarments

* No sheer / see-through dresses and no see-through sides or bare sides

* No excessively low cut dresses or tops

* No bare midriffs

Gentlemen:

* Collared shirt

* Shirts must have sleeves

* Shirts must remain on

* Dress pants or slacks; no jeans

* No hats, bandanas, chains, or canes

Once students are admitted into the dance, if they alter their attire in such a way as to make it violate the specified dress code standards, they will be removed from the dance, parents will be notified to pick up their child, and they will not be permitted to attend all remaining dances for the school year.

Dancing Guidelines (applies on and off the dance floor): Lewd and lascivious dancing such as “freaking” will result in a student being asked to leave the event and will make him or her ineligible to attend all future dances for the remainder of the school year. Parents will be notified.

* No straddling legs
* No bending over
* No front to back touching / grinding
* No “making out” (no overt and/or prolonged public displays of affection)
* Both feet on the floor
* Hands on waists or shoulders only

The dance is a school-related event, and all school rules apply. Students must agree to abide by the dance behavior rules set forth in the dance contract including the school dress code and dance rules. All students will be checked for illegal, unauthorized or controlled substances prior to entry to the dance area. Security will conduct “pat downs” and purse searches. Any student who refuses to comply with searching will be denied entry.

STUDENTS WHO ATTEND THE DANCE AGREE TO REMAIN TOBACCO, DRUG, AND ALCOHOL FREE FOR THIS EVENT. THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEIR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE RULES WILL RESULT IN THEIR INELIGIBILITY FOR ALL CO-CURRICULAR AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES INCLUDING ATHLETICS, SENIOR ACTIVITIES, AND POSSIBLY COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES, AS WELL AS SUSPENSION AND POSSIBLE EXPULSION.

STUDENTS SUSPECTED OF BEING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS AND/OR ALCOHOL WILL BE SUBJECT TO EVALUATION AND/OR A FIELD SOBRIETY TEST, WHICH CAN INCLUDE A BREATHALYZER TEST.

ANY vehicle in the parking area can be searched at any time. DANCE ATTENDEES WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE AND GIVEN CONSEQUENCES FOR ANY ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE IN THE VEHICLE.

All students must present their current ANHS student ID card at the registration table. No other form of ID will be accepted for entry into the dance. Only current ANHS students will be admitted to the dance.

Students removed or denied entry will not be given refunds. If a student is not picked up within 30 minutes of the end of the dance, he or she will not be allowed to attend the next dance. NO STUDENTS WILL BE ADMITTED AFTER 8:30 P.M. UNLESS PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE WITH THE ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR, MR. PAULSEN.

Dance Pricing Information

October 24 & 27 (Senior Black Card Sales Only):

$20

October 28 – 30 (All Students):

$20 w/ ASB; $30 w/o ASB

November 3 – 7 (All Students):

$25 w/ ASB; $35 w/o ASB

November 12 – 13 (All Students):

$30 w/ ASB; $40 w/o ASB

November 14 (All Students; for sale during lunch only):

$50 w/ASB; $60 w/o ASB

Eric Paulsen

Activities Director

Snow Fest 2008 – Tickets Go Fast
Snow Fest 2008 expected to be grandest event yet

Excitement is drifting through town like the snow flurries that will cover Grand Park on Nov. 22 for the city’s Snow Fest 2008.
Pre-registration for the event is going strong with people signing up to take part in the fun-filled winter event that is geared toward children, teens and adults alike. Snow Fest includes three sessions: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. The morning session is filling up quick, so folks are also encouraged to take advantage of the two other sessions and signup early because space is limited.
Snow Fest 2008 is expected to be the grandest yet, with several local groups and organizations taking part in the event that will include a Polar Slide, Bunny Slope and Snow Lot (for kids 5 and under). The city’s first hotel, Renaissance ClubSport, will provide scrumptious cookies and rich hot cocoa, and the Aliso Viejo Boys & Girls Club will serve up refreshments for a nominal fee. Along with sliding down snow-covered slopes and playing in the snow, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about Mission Viejo Animal Services, the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce, Aliso Viejo Library and the City’s Environmental Services.
Participants should dress for snow and bring boots, mittens and scarves. The city will provide sleds. No pets are allowed at the event, which will take place at Grand Park near Aliso Viejo Town Center.
There is a $5 entrance fee per person and pre-registration is available Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Nov. 21 at City Hall, 12 Journey, Suite 100.
For more information, visit the city’s Web site at www.cityofalisoviejo.com or call 949-425-2550. Information is also available by e-mailing Linda Groscost at lgroscost@cityofalisoviejo.org.

Turkey Trot Kick Off – Nov 17th
Public invited to ‘Run with the Stars’ celebration of 31st annual Turkey Trot

DANA POINT, Calif. – The public is invited on Nov. 17 to help kick off the 31st annual Dana Point Turkey Trot in style at the “Run with the Stars” party at the Ocean Institute.

More than 150 city and business leaders, community members and event sponsors are expected to flock to the Dana Point Harbor-based Ocean Institute to celebrate the 31st anniversary of the Dana Point Turkey Trot, which benefits the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.
California’s Thanksgiving Day run – the Dana Point Turkey Trot 5K and 10K run/walk – is one of the largest events in the nation, attracting nearly 11,000 participants from around the country and beyond for a scenic coastal run along the Dana Point Harbor.
The Nov. 17 “Run with the Stars” event will feature fabulous food catered by Creative Cuisine and Two Guys Grilling and will offer attendees a great place to network and learn more about this year’s annual trot that takes place Nov. 27. Attendees will receive a brief presentation about the food bank, and event sponsors will be recognized.
The mixer is at 5:30 p.m. in the Samueli Lecture Hall and Conference Center at the Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive.
Cost is $10 for chamber members; $20 general admission. Reservations are recommended and available by calling 949-496-1555. For more information about the 31st annual Dana Point Turkey Trot, presented by Irvine-based Golden State Foods, visit www.turkeytrot.com.

New Ocean Institute Weekend Exhibition: Our Ocean, Their Future

Dana Point, CALIF., November 5, 2008 – The Ocean Institute has begun Our Ocean, Their Future, a new weekend exhibition, which will run through Sunday, March 1, 2009. The exhibition is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays only, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., and is designed to educate and inspire visitors to participate in their communities and learn how they can become involved in the Marine Life Protected Act Initiative.
The exhibition includes collaborative presentations on marine protected areas with the Birch Aquarium, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and the Aquarium of the Pacific; hands-on exhibitions for children to experience and explore local marine ecosystems; guided family tide pool hikes through the Dana Point Marine Protected Area with Ocean Institute naturalists; and educational cruises and investigations aboard the R/V Sea Explorer through our local marine ecosystems.
For a complete schedule of events for Our Ocean, Their Future, visit www.ocean-institute.org. Cost is $6.50 adults, $4.50 children (ages 4-12), Ocean Institute members free. Or, with the purchase of a membership, a family can enjoy year-round free admission, benefit from member-only events and receive discounts on all other programs.
The Institute also offers many exciting programs for children. For information, visit www.ocean-institute.org or call (949) 496-2274.

Founded in 1977, the Ocean Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to ocean preservation through education, setting the standard for educational excellence and serving as a leading resource for universities, museums, teachers and all others seeking to increase their knowledge of the ocean. The Ocean Institute is open to the general public on weekends, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost: $6.50 adults, $4.50 children (ages 4-12), Ocean Institute members free. Unique maritime and ocean-themed items are available in the Chambers Gallery everyday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Institute address: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. Website: www.ocean-institute.org.

2008 Business of the Year – The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce has selected the Ocean Institute as Dana Point’s “Business of the Year.” The award recognizes the positive contribution the Ocean Institute has made to the Dana Point community.
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Snow Fest 2008 expected to be grandest event yet

Excitement is drifting through town like the snow flurries that will cover Grand Park on Nov. 22 for the city’s Snow Fest 2008.
Pre-registration for the event is going strong with people signing up to take part in the fun-filled winter event that is geared toward children, teens and adults alike. Snow Fest includes three sessions: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. The morning session is filling up quick, so folks are also encouraged to take advantage of the two other sessions and signup early because space is limited.
Snow Fest 2008 is expected to be the grandest yet, with several local groups and organizations taking part in the event that will include a Polar Slide, Bunny Slope and Snow Lot (for kids 5 and under). The city’s first hotel, Renaissance ClubSport, will provide scrumptious cookies and rich hot cocoa, and the Aliso Viejo Boys & Girls Club will serve up refreshments for a nominal fee. Along with sliding down snow-covered slopes and playing in the snow, attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about Mission Viejo Animal Services, the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce, Aliso Viejo Library and the City’s Environmental Services.
Participants should dress for snow and bring boots, mittens and scarves. The city will provide sleds. No pets are allowed at the event, which will take place at Grand Park near Aliso Viejo Town Center.
There is a $5 entrance fee per person and pre-registration is available Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Nov. 21 at City Hall, 12 Journey, Suite 100.
For more information, visit the city’s Web site at www.cityofalisoviejo.com or call 949-425-2550. Information is also available by e-mailing Linda Groscost at lgroscost@cityofalisoviejo.org.

Nov 7 Faculty Recital: Pianist Dr. Wan-Chin Chang with special guest Double Bassist Chris Honung, Founders Hall 3rd Fl, 8 pm, Free. Dr. Chang has been a faculty member at Soka since 2006 and is active as a soloist and chamber musician. Chris Hornung is a versatile musician, active in classical, jazz, rock, pop, and folk venues. He is currently principal double bass of the Orange County Symphony. The program will feature Schumann/Liszt – Widmung; Handel – Sonata; Rachmaninoff – Vocalise; Haydn – Piano Sonata; Luening – Sonata for Solo Double Bass; Schumann – Carnival; and Paganini – Variations on One String.

Nov 11 Lecture: Critical Lessons for Critical Thinking by Dr. Nell Noddings, Lee Jack Professor of Education Emerita at Stanford University, Pauling Hall 216, 5 pm. Free. Dr. Noddings is the author of 15 books and more than 200 articles. Her work has included Caring: A Feminine Approach to Ethics and Moral Education – 1984, Women and Evil – 1989, The Challenge to Care in Schools – 1992; Educating Moral People – 2002; and Happiness and Education – 2003. Don’t miss the insights of this eminent educator! Presented by Soka University’s Distinguished Visiting Scholar Program. Sponsored by the Luis and Linda Nieves Family Foundation.

Nov 15 America Recycles Mulch Event – sponsored by the Cities of Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and CR&R Waste & Recycling Services. Parking Lot A, 7:30 am – 10 am. Two free bags of mulch may be picked up by residents of those cities. See flyer.

Nov 17 Lecture: A Vision of UN Reform: A Global Challenge to Governments and Citizens by Dr. Richard Falk, Professor Emeritus of International Law and Practice at Princeton University and Distinguished Visiting Professor at UC Santa Barbara, Pauling Hall 216, 5 pm. Free. What is the agenda of UN reform that wuld make the world more secure and just, and allow the UN to better serve the interests of the peoples of the world? Presented by the Pacific Basic Research Center at Soka University.

Nov 21 Jazz Monsters Concert with New York jazz greats Grant Stewart (tenor sax) and Tardo Hammer (piano). Founders Hall 1st Fl, 7 pm, $15, free for under 18. Tickets sold at the door. Come early and have dinner at the Soka Bistro — $10 for all you can eat including dessert and beverages. Dinner served 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. info@soka.edu, 949.480.4081

Nov 22 Lions Roar Student Campus Day for High School and Middle School Students and Families, 9 am – 2pm. Enjoy a guided tour, workshops, lunch at the Soka Bistro and Talent Blast!

Soka Bistro
Dining Services
SUA understands the importance of dining as part of the total experience of living on campus. Partnering with Bon Appétit, the premier name in university dining, SUA’s dining service is dedicated to the creation of a custom restaurant experience.

Without losing sight of the mission of dining services to offer the kinds of foods students genuinely like, Soka Bistro serves a variety of foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner: pastas tossed with basil pesto, freshly rolled sushi with shaved ginger and wasabi, cilantro-seasoned grilled chicken topped with a dash of fire roasted Anaheim chili salsa…just for starters!

To ensure satisfaction, a comment/suggestion box is maintained. Either the Resident Dining Manager or the Executive Chef will respond to every comment card within 24 hours. Students may also send in requests, suggestions or personal recipes.

Café Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday: Saturday-Sunday:
Breakfast 7:30am – 9:30am Brunch 10:30am – 12:30pm
Lunch 11:30am – 1:30pm Dinner 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Dinner 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Pricing
Guest Adults Children (8 and under)
Breakfast $7.00 $3.50
Brunch/Lunch $9.00 $4.50
Dinner $10.00 $5.50

Food and beverages are not served between scheduled meals.

Guest Reservations
The Soka Bistro is open to the community for dining. For groups of four or more, please give us 24-hour notice that you are coming by contacting SokaBistro@soka.edu so we can adjust our food count.

Directions to Soka Bistro
Enter campus on University Drive. Stay right at the intersection and drive past the Recreation Center up to the Library parking lot (Parking Lot C). Park as close to the entrance of the library as possible and go up the stairs (or elevators located to the right of the stairs) to the 2nd floor plaza. The Bistro will be directly in front of you where you see all of the outside dining tables.

Numerous Faith Leaders Condemn No on 8 Ad
November 04, 2008
Contact: Chip White, 916-446-2956
SACRAMENTO, Nov. 4 – A growing number of faith leaders denounce a new “No on Prop. 8” ad running on television stations today.

The ad, produced by a group called ‘Courage Campaign Issues Committee’ and viewable at
http://www.kutv.com/content/news/topnews/story.aspx?content_id=e1f83189-843f-41d7-84c4-2029fbd9a2ce
depicts supposed missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints committing a home invasion robbery of a same sex couple’s home to steal their wedding rings and rip up their marriage license.

Larry Pegram, Values Advocacy Council

“The Values Advocacy Council strongly condemns the ad being promulgated showing two young LDS missionaries perpetrating a ‘Home Invasion.’ The ad is unscrupulous, misleading, and maligns a group of very dedicated, hard working individuals exercising their constitutional rights to free speech in their support of Prop. 8,” said Larry Pegram with the Values Advocacy Council. “I urge all thinking individuals and organizations to condemn this ad as hateful, bigoted, and intolerant,” Pegram added.

Pastor Miles McPherson, the Rock Church

“As the Prop. 8 battle comes to a head, the smear tactics from the ‘No on 8’ campaign have become shameful,” said Pastor Miles McPherson of the Rock Church in San Diego. “While the opposition to Prop. 8 claims to be tolerant, this ad is a prime example of the great lengths to which they will go to deceive the public. This is an alarming offense to the Mormon church,” McPherson added.

Rev. Rohn J. Ritzema, Association of Christian Schools International

“I take strong offense to the despicable ad portraying members of the Mormon church as some type of ‘storm trooper’ that invades the privacy of people’s homes. This type of ad is totally unacceptable. People of faith, any faith, have the right to express their views without being vilified,” said the Reverend Rohn J. Ritzema, Regional Director of Association of Christian Schools International. “This ‘Home Invasion’ ad should be removed from the airwaves,” Ritzema added.

These faith leaders joined the president of Cornerstone Christian School in Roseville, the California Catholic Conference, the pastor of Calvary Chapel Church of Thousand Oaks, and the Yes on 8 campaign in criticizing the ad.

Although the Yes on 8 campaign called on the No on 8 campaign yesterday to denounce the ad, the No campaign still has not denounced it.

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Catholic Conference Criticizes Outrageous No on 8 TV Commercial
November 03, 2008
Contact: Chip White, 916-446-2956
SACRAMENTO, Nov. 3 — The California Catholic Conference today criticizes as “bigoted and intolerant” a new ‘No on Proposition 8’ television commercial scheduled to run on TV stations tomorrow.

The ad, produced by a group called ‘Courage Campaign Issues Committee and viewable here, depicts supposed missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints conducting a home invasion of a lesbian couple’s home to steal their wedding rings and rip up their marriage license.

Bishop Stephen Blaire, the President of the California Catholic Conference decried the new advertisement from opponents of Proposition 8 as “a blatant display of religious bigotry and intolerance.” He expressed dismay that any public media outlet would give it an airing. “The YES on 8 campaign is not about discrimination and intolerance; it is about restoring the traditional definition of marriage for the good of society and children,” said Bishop Blaire. “All individuals and groups, whether religious or not, have both a right and a responsibility to participate in a civil debate about this important issue. From the beginning of this campaign the Catholic Conference has stressed the importance of mutual respect and denounces this type of religious bigotry.”

“Morning Breeze Cruise” Features Music, Opportunity to View Ocean Wildlife

Dana Point, CALIF., November 3, 2008 – The Ocean Institute joins with Jazz! FM 88.5 KSBR radio each month to present a “Morning Breeze Cruise.” Visitors enjoy a two and one-half hour marine mammal cruise off the coast of Dana Point while listening to an eclectic blend of relaxing music mixed live to enhance your voyage.
Upcoming cruise dates: Sunday, November 16, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Cost $35 adults, $22 for children ages 4-12 (Ocean Institute members $22 adult, $19 child). Includes weekend admission to the Ocean Education Center. Cruise information and reservations: (949) 496-2274, dial “0” for the operator.

Founded in 1977, the Ocean Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to ocean preservation through education, setting the standard for educational excellence and serving as a leading resource for universities, museums, teachers and all others seeking to increase their knowledge of the ocean. The Ocean Institute is open to the general public on weekends, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost: $6.50 adults, $4.50 children (ages 4-12), Ocean Institute members free. Unique maritime and ocean-themed items are available in the Chambers Gallery everyday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Institute address: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. Website: www.ocean-institute.org. Phone number: (949) 496-2274.
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