“This is the 5th year we’ve taken part in the Balboa Park December Nights event,” advised Ray Hondl, San Diego Job Corps’ Homeland Security instructor.  “This year 20 of our cadets contributed over 400 hours of community service during their four days helping with security.” 

Balboa Park December Nights, held on December 2nd and 3rd, has become one of the country’s premier holiday festivals since it began 34 years ago.  This year more than 300,000 visited and took part in the celebration, which has become San Diego’s largest free community festival.  The event offered a wide range of multicultural activities, along with food, music, and entertainment from around the world. 

“Besides helping the community, this event is a good learning experience for our cadets,” Mr. Hondl continued.  “They work alongside security professionals, and hopefully they will have the opportunity to obtain a job with one of these companies.” 

On the same weekend, other Job Corps students were helping the community in Imperial Beach.  “We appreciate Job Corps’ help in making our 8th annual Christmas Comes to I.B. celebration a success,” advised Olivia Pickering, President of the Imperial Beach Chamber of Commerce.  “One of their staff members, Frank Buttino, serves on the Chamber’s Board of Directors, and coordinated Job Corps’ participation in the event.” 

Hundreds of people took part in the free event which featured entertainment, refreshments, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, free massages, and pony rides.  Each family member, including children, were given raffle tickets, and food, gift certificates, toys, and bikes were raffled off during the afternoon.  Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Grinch warmly greeted everyone, and visited with all in attendance.

“Job Corps students and staff worked with Mar Vista High students and community volunteers throughout the day,” Mrs. Pickering stated. “Dozens of businesses and individuals donated money, gifts, and toys for the event.  Job Corps’ Culinary Arts students also baked over a thousand cookies, and we had plenty of refreshments for everyone. We could not have done this without the community’s support,” she added.