OC NEWS

Camp Pendleton soldier, 20 year-old Lance Cpl. Donald J. Hogan, died in an Afghanistan roadside blast after finding the trip wire and getting his fellow soldiers out of the way. Donald’s parents say he always wanted to be a soldier and was happiest as a Marine. WHOLE STORY

Newly restored Gibbs Park in Huntington Beach fell victim to tree vandals this weekend.  Several trees had branches snapped off and remains were left littering the small park. Gibbs is known as a stop on the winter migration path of the Monarch Butterflies. WHOLE STORY

Cal State Fullerton club, Society for Advancement of Management (SAM) joined thousands on the coast to clean-up trash and debris on “Global Coastal Cleanup Day.”  SAM brought in 20 pounds of trash from their work. WHOLE STORY

OC BUSINESS NEWS

Ed Asner “reads” the news of the unveiling of “NewsCentral,” a new look for CBS2/KCAL 9.  New technology includes live, internet streamed live shots on the way to breaking news, as well as expanded coverage of areas outside of Los Angeles. WHOLE STORY (VIDEO)

Congress considers a 13-week extension for unemployment benefits in highly affected areas such as California.  Orange County’s 9.6% unemployment rate is at it’s highest since 1990.  Critics argue that an extension could mean job hunters will wait to take new job until their benefits run out. WHOLE STORY

NEWS FOLLOW-UP:  Preliminary toxicology screening of Danny Pang, financier accused of Ponzi scheme, show barbiturates and THC (the main ingredient in Marijana) in his system; report will not be conclusive on cause of death for at least two months. WHOLE STORY

OC EDUCATION

Hope University in Fullerton will provide students unable to afford access to general education a more reasonable, on-line opportunity through their Gateway Program. Students can take individual, three unit general classes online towards an associate’s degree.  WHOLE STORY

For families with children just returning to school, there is concern about the flu season and spread of this year’s swine flu (H1N1).  Several districts, including the Irvine Unified School District, are providing information and resources to families looking to become educated about the flu.  Every district has it’s own website, the information is generally similar, but the following link is comprehensive.  IUSD’s SWINE FLU INFO

California students who begin their education in the Community College system can participate in a guaranteed transfer program into many of the University of California schools following successful completion of the program.  Irvine Valley College will offer a workshop on this program Monday, September 28. WHOLE STORY

OC OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE AND BE SERVED

Salon Dion in Huntington Beach celebrated it’s Grand Opening by providing free hair cuts and eyebrow and lip waxing for those looking for work.  Owner, Mark Steadman believes that giving back as he begins his new business is a great way to start.  WHOLE STORY

State and County budget cuts have hit local libraries hard.  Every local library can use an hour of resident’s time to help keep libraries open and in working order.  Some libraries, such as Heritage Park Library in Irvine, also run used bookstores where proceeds go back into the library.  WHOLE STORY

Don’t have time to run to the grocery store but want a more tangible way to give to a food bank than sending money?  Second Harvest Food Banks offer a “Virtual Food Bank” where you can “order food” online to be distributed to those in need.  FOR MORE INFORMATION