Western Youth Services

Three agencies have teamed up to offer a series of talks about the challenges of raising teens. The free series, "Parents of Teens Support Group," was designed by the Brea PTA Council, Western Youth Services and the Youth & Family Resource Center and begins with "Ask the Experts Night" on Jan. 27 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Brea Community Center, 695 E. Madison Way. Information: (714) 990-7150.

A counselor will offer free advice to parents next month on how to cope with tears, tantrums and other aggravations without getting angry. The seminar, sponsored by the Fullerton-based nonprofit Western Youth Services, also will cover how parents can avoid letting their adult issues affect how they respond to their children. Registration is required for the class, which runs from 7 to 9 p.m. May 10 at the Community Center, 695 E. Madison Way. Reservations and information: (714) 990-7159.

The Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to replace a longtime county mental health provider--a move that officials of the ousted firm say could interrupt the therapy of hundreds of emotionally disturbed Orange County youngsters. Costa Mesa-based Child Guidance Center of Orange County, which had worked with the county 22 years, was outbid by about $190,000 on a contract worth about $1 million, officials said.

The Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to replace a longtime county mental health provider--a move that officials of the ousted firm say could interrupt the therapy of hundreds of emotionally disturbed Orange County youngsters. Costa Mesa-based Child Guidance Center of Orange County, which had worked with the county 22 years, was outbid by about $190,000 on a contract worth about $1 million, officials said.

* Event: 39th Orange County North-South prep all-star football game. * Where: Orange Coast College. * When: 7:15 p.m. Friday. * Admission: $7 in advance, $8 at game. People donating eyeglasses will get in for $7. Call (714) 792-0325. * Noteworthy: Proceeds benefit such local charities as PADRE Foundation, Western Youth Services, Orange County Special Olympics, Orange County Youth Foundation and high school and youth groups.

City officials on Tuesday approved funding for a gang violence suppression program, ACT II (A Community Together), in its third year of operation. The city obtained $147,000 in funds for the program from the state Office of Criminal Justice Planning. The grant partners include the Orange County Probation Department, the Orange County district attorney's office, La Habra City School District, Western Youth Services and the La Habra Police Department.

The Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit earlier this week for a 20-bed shelter for women who are both mentally ill and homeless, Bob Linnell, assistant city planner, said Thursday. The shelter will be funded with county money and staffed by Western Youth Services, the nonprofit, social service agency that sought the permit, Linnell said. The commission's decision on Wednesday night may be appealed to the City Council within 10 days.

Orange County has been awarded $900,000 in state money to combat gang activity in La Habra and Fullerton, a county official said Wednesday. The money, to be distributed by the office of criminal justice planning in July, will go toward a variety of gang prevention programs in the two cities, said Karen Davis, director of administrative services for the county.

Two coaches, one with a program on the rise and the other who thought he had coached for the last time, have been named to direct the teams for the 37th Orange County North-South Prep All-Star football game. Western's Jim Howell, who retired after 32 years of coaching--the last 17 with the Pioneers--will coach the North team in the July 12 game at Orange Coast College.

Disneyland honored 63 county organizations with $250,000 in awards Wednesday during its annual Community Service Awards luncheon. The county Performing Arts Center captured the top award of $50,000 for the success of its 2,500 volunteers in raising $8 million toward construction of the Center in Costa Mesa. St. Joseph's Ballet of Orange and Orangewood, the county facility in Orange for abused and neglected children, each won $12,500 for service to the community. St.