Jose Aponte

When architect Michael Graves made his first sketches of the San Juan Capistrano Regional Library, he saw the future structure as more than just a warehouse for books--he envisioned a living institution of learning for the entire community. Today, 10 years after the library opened its doors, "it's a living monument to that idea," said Library Director Jose Aponte, relaxing in a plush reading couch on the eve of the facility's 10th anniversary celebration.

The story of how Agustin Lira became an award-winning playwright and civil-rights activist has a dramatic plot, but it is not the path he originally envisioned. "All I wanted was to go to college and earn enough money to buy my mother a house," said Lira, the son of migrant laborers. Instead, Lira's interest in theater and his love of reading enabled him to answer a higher calling.

In John Hammond's hands, a mess of blues is certainly good news. Though the songs he voices are nearly all unremittingly sad, there is such a richness of detail and depth of feeling expressed in his voice and playing that it makes woe seem worthwhile. And it pretty much took artistry of that magnitude to eclipse the good news that preceded his two shows Saturday night at the San Juan Capistrano Regional Library.

American relief efforts for Mexican earthquake victims went into full swing Saturday, with government aid consisting largely of hardware and rescue experts. Volunteer agencies urged cash donations rather than food or clothing. M. Peter McPherson, administrator of the Agency for International Development, said in Washington that the Mexican government's list of needed items seemed modest in view of the scope of the catastrophe.

The proving ground for jazz--the place where styles develop, fresh statements are struck and innovations are made--has traditionally been the nightclub. But if current trends persist, there'll be little of that in Orange County during 1994. Sure, there'll be plenty of concerts featuring respected names in wide and wonderful settings. But as good as many of these performances promise to be, you can bet they will chronicle history rather than make it.

There recently were roofers singing on the roof of the house next to mine. What a wonderful tradition it would be, don't you think, if, like gondoliers, it was a professional trait of roofers to sing as they slung the shingle? When the big Dumpster arrived, word would spread down the block that the Joneses were getting re-roofed. Then the roofers would arrive, begrimed but noble tradesmen, with a warm sparkle in their eyes from seeing the world from a lofty vantage.

County nightclubs would have to start lending out a lot of mighty fine books to offset the musical competition they're being given lately by the San Juan Capistrano Regional Library. For several seasons the library's Performing and Visual Arts series has brought a diverse range of performers to its stage, but this summer organizers seem to have turned up the heat.

Forty-two candidates were graduated from the 39th Fullerton College Reserve Police Academy in colorful ceremonies that featured Placentia Police Chief Manual E. Ortega as the commencement speaker. The five outstanding award recipients were John M. Townsend of Pomona for weaponry; Daniel M. Binyon of Rancho Cucamonga, physical training/self-defense; Michael R. Bredimus, Brea, academics; Kevin J. Shea, Buena Park, top recruit, and Albert Miranda, Yorba Linda, valedictorian.

After years of unsuccessful attempts, a private, nonprofit countywide arts council was launched on Monday , starting out with a shared office and just one staff member. Arts Orange County, created by local arts, education and community leaders and supported by private donations, initially will have modest goals. All are meant to foster greater unity within the area's arts community and communication with the general public, council officials say.