March 10, 2006

News from the Villages

Singer Manuel Romero to appear in concert at the Villages March 18

Sixteen-year-old singer Manuel Romero will appear in concert at the Villages Cribari Auditorium on March 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Romero sang for Pope John Paul II during one of his visits to Mexico and has performed at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. He has performed with the Silicon Valley Symphony and Diablo Symphony Orchestra and in Mariachi Festivals throughout the country as well as “Despierta America” and “Furia Musical” and the “Jenny Jones Show.”

Romero is a favorite to open sports events by singing the National Anthem. The Oakland A’s, Oakland Raiders, San Francisco Giants, San Francisco 49er’s, San Jose Sharks and the Golden State Warriors have all had him as their invited artist. Romero has released two albums, receiving the International Trebby Award for best popular album and song of the year.

He is presently working on his third album with Jon Cain, songwriter, vocalist and keyboardist for Journey. The new album will include songs that Romero wrote himself, as he has added songwriting to his list of talents. Romero also plays the guitar and piano. In 2002, Manuel received Grammy nominations for Best Album and Best New Artist. Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante has commended him for his exceptional musical talent.

For more information about Romero’s appearance at the Villages Cribari Auditorium, please visit www.manuelromero.com.

Mercury News Executive Editor visits the Villages Republican Club

With Stephen Wright (center) are Lu Ryden (left), program co-chair and Shirley Ritzheimer, President (right). Photo by Gary Hill

Stephen Wright, executive editor of the San Jose Mercury News, was enthusiastically received as a guest speaker by 90 members and guests at the February meeting of the Republican Club at the Villages.

Wright spoke on the views of the San Jose Mercury News – liberal or conservative, how the Mercury News selects subjects for the opinion page, how the newspaper views its role as an interpreter of what is happening in Santa Clara County as well as the possible sale of the Mercury News to a media group. Wright’s talking points were followed by a lively and informative question-and-answer session.

In addition to Wright’s appearance, the Republican Club also celebrated the three February birthdays of Presidents George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan with quotations and décor.

Professor Terry Christensen, Ph.D. Photo by Tom Harney

SJSU Professor Terry Christensen speaks to Evergreen Democratic Club

Professor Terry Christensen, Ph.D., a San Jose State University political science professor, was the featured guest speaker at the Evergreen Democratic Club meeting, held at the Foothill Center at the Villages on Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Christensen, a specialist on state and local politics, has authored seven books, including his latest two, “Recall! California’s Political Earthquake” (2004) and “California Government and Politics” (Eighth Edition, 2005); both books are also co-authored by Larry N. Gerston.