BRIEFLY IN THE NEWS

It’s tax free because it’s free -- income tax assistance.

OCC accounting students are offering free income tax preparation

services this tax season to low-income, disabled, non-English speaking

and elderly folks.

These services will be offered every Saturday afternoon through the

April 14 deadline.

Anyone wishing to have their taxes done by OCC students may stop by

the college’s computing center any Saturday afternoon without appointment

as long as they have in hand: this year’s tax package, forms, their W-2

and 1099s, information for other income, information for all deductions

and credits and a copy of last year’s tax forms.

For more information, call (714) 432-0202, Ext. 26105.

Celebrating diversity and cultures at OCC

Students at OCC have planned a celebration that will highlight the

wonders of the many cultures on campus. OCC’s Associated Students will

host “Flavors of the World Day” on Tuesday, April 17. The event will run

from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the quad. It is free to the public and

celebrates the different cultures of the more than 1,100 students

enrolled there who represent 74 countries throughout the world. The day

will include entertainment, art and music. Students and staff will wear

traditional costumes, bring culinary dishes and display crafts.

For more information, call (714) 432-0202, Ext. 26449.

Several students win writing scholarships

Four students who have won Orange Coast College’s writing contest will

receive scholarship awards during a presentation May 9.

Winning students include Mariah Henry and Shannon Moore of Costa Mesa;

Alan Lovegreen of Laguna Niguel and Teresa Snyder of Fountain Valley. The

writing contest was conducted by the college’s English department.

The scholarships amount to a total of more than $2,000, officials

said.