Hands Across California: A Few of Our Supporters...

Coastline students around Orange County rejoice: spring break is almost upon us! Time to break out the bathing suits, 'stunnah' shades (that's right...I typed 'stunnah') and suntan lotion. Or, if you're like me, time to catch up on sleep, recorded television shows and enjoy some quality time with a boyfriend who has been somewhat neglected these past few weeks as school packs on the heat. Whichever type of Spring Breaker you are, I hope you all have a wonderful week of freedom from school and come back in one piece with enough recollection of the partying you did to know you had a great time with your friends.

I'll be reminding you again upon our return (just in case, for some reason, you suffer alcohol-induced short-term memory loss during Spring Break), but I wanted to remind you that Hands Across California is fast approaching. April 17 is when we will all meet to join hands in a symbolic, unified protest against the tuition hikes we're sure to face due to the budget crisis up in Sacramento.

I'm not sure if you know this, but we're being supported by some well-known and influential people. Actor and comedian George Lopez will be in line with us somewhere in California. Time Magazine named him one of the 25 Most Influential Hispanics in America and he is coming out to support our cause on what will hopefully be a warm, sunny Sunday in April.

You don't have to be a music buff to recognize the name Quincy Jones and know what a major impact he has had in the music industry throughout his musical career. Among the multiple achievements, awards and honors that have been bestowed upon Jones are 27 Grammy awards and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. A participant of "Hands Across America", Jones sent in a letter of endorsement to Hands Across California, extending his support. In his letter, Jones wrote:

"I was extremely proud to be part of [Hands Across America], which showed

clearly what we can do when we stand together as one. I am just as proud
this year to join an equally important effort to shine a light on another serious
need with an event called 'Hands Across California'."

On the political end of the spectrum, HAC has garnered support from Karen Bass. For those of you who are not politically-inclined, Bass was the first African American woman elected Speaker of the California Assembly. While pursuing her college education, Bass attended several California community colleges and eventually earned her degree from Cal-State Dominguez Hills. She is currently a United States Congresswoman representing California's 33rd Congressional District. And she started out where we are right now: at a California community college!

Another person from the political arena who has endorsed HAC initially attended East Los Angeles College before transferring to UCLA and obtaining his Law Degree. He is a former State Assembly Member and Speaker. And his is a name we're all very familiar with. He is the Mayor of the City of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa.

For a full list of celebrity supporters and political endorsements for Hands Across California, click on the "Who's On Board" tab at the Hands Across California homepage.

Also, check out HAC's Facebook page for pictures, updates, and more info about the organization. They posted something today that I thought was pretty cool. AT&T has set up a number for supporters to text and donate $10 to the cause. That number is 27722. California Community College students thank you, AT&T, along with anyone who donates their time, money, or support to our cause!

Sources:
Hands Across California (http://www.handsacrossca.org/)
HAC's Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Hands-Across-California/162349360471292)