PLACENTIA : Grand Opening Will Be Held for Center

The grand opening of the long-awaited learning center in Placita Santa Fe will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The center, a goal of Police Chief Manuel Ortega since he took over the force three years ago, will house a small police substation as well as a community meeting room.

By combining an office for routine police work with a facility for recreational and other community classes, Ortega hopes residents and police officers can meet in a less-threatening environment.

“It has been my dream to bring the Police Department and the Hispanic community closer together,” Ortega said. “It can be intimidating to come to the police station (at City Hall). I wanted to bring the same services we offer here to that area, closer to . . . where they live, where they are more comfortable.”

Some of the classes to be offered at the center include sewing and English as a second language, as well as classes on naturalization, safety and computers.

Betty Escobosa, director of human services, said she is looking for volunteers to teach classes and offer homework assistance, and community groups that are interested in using the facility.

Tuesday’s ceremony will include a mariachi band and a visit from Santa Claus. County Supervisor William G. Steiner, who helped expedite the grant for the center, will also participate.

The center is at 149 Santa Fe Ave.