Three Newport-Mesa humanitarians honored

June Casagrande

Newport-Mesa residents were honored at a countywide human relations

gala last Thursday.

The Orange County Human Relations Commission marked its 30th

anniversary with a gala honoring three community members who have helped

promote tolerance and understanding between groups in Orange County.

Corona del Mar entrepreneur Isabelle Villasenor was honored as a

founder of the Hispanic Education Endowment Fund. Andy Youngquist,

president of Costa Mesa-based Andrew L. Youngquist Construction, was

recognized for his work with the county’s Immigrant Rights Coalition and

other organizations. Leigh Steinberg was honored for his Leigh Steinberg

Leadership Institute, a 4-year-old organization that created a summer

camp where students learn about diversity and tolerance. The institute

also trains young professionals to combat racism in the workplace and in

the community.

“Orange County has become the new Ellis Island with an incredible

amount of racial and ethnic diversity,” Steinberg said. “Given that, I

thought it was appropriate to set up a program that would allow middle

and high school students of different backgrounds an opportunity to spend

time together and experience their commonalities.”

The glitzy $250-a-plate event was held in Anaheim and marked the 30th

anniversary of the commission’s work to create harmony among all people

of Orange County.

“Given the events of last week, tolerance and understanding and

appreciation for differences has never been more relevant,” Steinberg

said.