FLOAT MUSIC: Students at Lutheran High School...

FLOAT MUSIC: Students at Lutheran High School in Orange had a special reason to learn the song “Jesus Loves the Little Children” in eight languages--including Arabic and Russian. The student group, called Unlimited Warranty, recorded the music, to be played from the Lutheran Hour float in Monday’s Rose Parade in Pasadena. . . . A spokesman says languages were chosen that would best represent the half-billion people who would be watching.

‘40S VINTAGE: Renowned Rose Parade float designer Raul Rodriguez has designed 16 floats this year, including the only entrant from an Orange County-based company, Ruby’s Restaurant Group of Newport Beach (E1). The Ruby’s Diner float is titled “Malt Shop Memories.” Says president Doug Cavanaugh: “We decided to have a float because the theme of the Parade is ‘Kids’ Laughter & Dreams’ and this fits perfectly into what we are trying to do at Ruby’s Diners.”

DREAM CHASING: The Anaheim-based Spanish-language magazine Condorcito provides recipes for tamales, explains legal rights and gives medical advice. But every monthly issue includes a piece about how to become a citizen--and get voting rights. . . . Publisher Olga Lumsden, who emigrated from Paraguay, says that’s by reader demand: It’s what they have the most questions about. . . . Says Lumsden: “Hispanics want to vote and become a part of American life. The only way we can attain the American dream is to vote.”

FAMILY PARTY: Downtown Fullerton becomes a family fun center with fireworks tonight for New Year’s Eve celebrating. Its annual First Night Fullerton party along Harbor Boulevard has added a new dimension this year--the all-woman Mariachi Rena de Los Angeles. Other headliners include Harmonica Fats and Bonnie Pearl. Admission is $10, food is extra.