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SADD Students have been busy with their events.

“May and June has always been busy months for SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Chapters at Beckman, Foothill, and Tustin High Schools sponsored by DCH Tustin Acura.” Stated Rochelle Shirkhanbaigi, Community Coordinator at the dealership, “With everything from sports to prom and AP tests, and all that these students have to do in their everyday lives, it gives us great pride to see these students putting in so much effort to making an impact to save lives in our community.”

These past few weeks truly have been busy for these students, in school as well as in the community. Students have immersed themselves in strongly promoting teen safe driving awareness and making good decisions, hosting Safe Driving  Awareness Rally’s a with more than 700 Senior and Junior students present at Beckman High on May 17th, the May 18th Parent and Teen Driving Seminars that DCH Tustin Acura hosted, school athletic team Acura seatbelt races at Tustin High on June 6th as well as Foothill’s Prom Promises and Pledges, and of course the Chili-Cook Off Awareness Events on June 2nd, and even an ice cream party for awarded to THS for winning a SADD challenge put up by DCH Tustin Acura.

DCH Auto Group also recently held a special appreciation dinner on June 5th for Graduates in 5 schools of those DCH sponsored SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Chapters of DCH Gardena Honda, DCH Torrance Toyota and DCH Tustin Acura (which sponsors 3 schools). The Grad Dinner was held at Bucca Di Beppo where students were appreciated by DCH Vice Chairman Susan Scarola and DCH President George Liang who both flew in from New Jersey for the dinner and for DCH Teen Safe Driving Foundation Golf Fundraiser held on June 6th at Tustin Ranch Golf Course.

Michelle Gao Junior at Beckman High, Stephanie De Haro Senior at Tustin High, and Jennifer Barbour Senior at Foothill High, Student Presidents of SADD Chapters in the 3 Tustin High Schools were among the guest speakers at the DCH Golf Outing. Each thanked DCH for their sponsorship and ongoing support to their clubs.

Now, as the 2013 school year comes to a close and the end of June nears, 10 students, the Schools Representative and Advisor Melissa Carlile, along with Rochelle Shirkhanbaigi of DCH Tustin Acura, will head to the SADD Leadership Conference. Held in Florida this year, students will meet with student leaders from around the nation as they attend educational skill building classes, workshops, and seminars to gain useful tools that will help them to be successful SADD leaders this fall.

It’s been a wonderful year and we look forward to sponsoring them again next fall Great Job SADD Chapters!

For more information on club activities, visit:
http://www.dchtustinacura.com/community/sadd-and-dch-teen-safe-driving-foundation.htm

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Safe Driving Awareness Events Held at the Tustin Chili Cook Off

June 2, 2013 in Tustin, CA was a beautiful day for the Street Fair with a sea of visitors numbering well over 35,000 enjoying the Tustin Chili Cook Off, Street Fair, and activities. It was also perfect timing for spreading awareness for safe driving and making good decisions by students from 3 local high schools with SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) at Beckman, Foothill, and Tustin High Schools sponsored by DCH Tustin Acura. Students worked at several booths volunteering their time; by assisting at the main tent, serving Chili at the Doctor’s Ambulance Booth, selling drawing tickets or water, and passing out fliers.

One of the highlights of the day included introducing random people in the crowd to test their reflexes with the “Drunk Goggles test”. Mr. Kelly, at first a skeptic, stated after taking on the test, “I never realized just how much a few drinks throw off your reflexes. I will definitely not be a driver after drinking, Thank you! “Mrs. Kelly agreed as they thanked the students for sharing and appreciated the work they were doing.

On the Community Stage in Pepper Tree Park, students held moment of silence for those affected by auto injuries, and then entertained visitors as each talented group of students from Beckman, Foothill, and Tustin High School SADD Chapters, each performed 8 minute funny, enlightening, and well thought out skits to promote safe driving.

Later that afternoon, students raced around two Acura’s as they held exciting Seat Belt Races. In two teams, they rushed to get seat belts buckled to beat the clock and and each other to prove that it only takes a few seconds to Buckle-Up. Cars for the race were sponsored by DCH Tustin Acura. Participants received Burger Certificates donated by Carl’s Jr of Tustin, and race winners received an Auto Safety Kit donated by Tustin Community Foundation.

Students ended the afternoon with a drawing for several prizes. All funds raised from the ticket sales will be used to support their club activities and ongoing efforts. Donated prizes and their donators are listed below. Thank you to everyone who joined in and supported the event, and we hope everyone makes the choice to drive safe.

Drawing Winners received: Teen Road to Safety donated Driver’s Education Class  ($350 value certificates), Acura donated Nike FuelBand Calorie Counter & Watch ($140 Value), a BackPack ($65 value), and Cross Pen ($35 value), Anthony Wang Photography donated Photo Shoot ($100 value), Crab Cooker Donated $50 Certificate, Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill Donated Dinner for 2, and JT Schmids Restaurant Donated $25 Certificate

For more information on club activities, visit:
http://www.dchtustinacura.com/community/sadd-and-dch-teen-safe-driving-foundation.htm

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DCH Tustin Acura would like to take a moment and thank the many local business supporters who have contributed to make a huge difference in helping to keep the efforts of these student awareness activities continuing in the Tustin Community!

A Big Thank You to the following Businesses for your on going support of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and DCH Teen Safe Driving Foundation :

• High Schools of the Tustin Unified School District: Beckman, Foothill, and Tustin
• Acura,
• Anthony Wang Photography ,
• Black Gold Golf Club,
• Carl’s Jr , 
• Foothill Community Association,
• Independence Bank,
• Jt Schmids Restaurant & Brewery,
• Lazy Dog Cafe,
• Lyon Studios ,
• Meadows Messenger Partners , 
• Nieuport 17,
• Oggi’s,
• PacTrust Bank ,
• Red Robin,
• Reynolds & Reynolds ,
• RPA  ,
• Saddleback Flower Shop,
• Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill,
• SportsCare Center   Dr. Duddey Chiropractic,
• The Crab Cooker,
• The Crossings at Carlsbad ,
• Teen Road to Safety ,
• Trader Joe’s  ,
• Tustin Body Works , 
• Tustin Community Bank ,
• Tustin Community Foundation, 
• Tustin Ranch Golf Club ,
• Tustin Road House ,
• Zitos Bar & Grill ,
• Zov’s Bistro
• Also On Going support from California Highway Patrol, Tustin Police Department, Irvine Police Department, Impact Teen Drivers, SADD, DCH Teen Safe Driving Foundation, NOYS, and Teen Safe Driving Coalitions

If you would like additional information, or would like to join in and show your support; either with funding or donations for events, please email our Community Coordinator:

Rochelle Shirkhanbaigi at rochelles@dchtustinacura.com or call 714-669-9900.

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Stay up to date on events by visiting:

http://www.dchtustinacura.com/community/sadd-and-dch-teen-safe-driving-foundation.htm

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Join SADD in the Fun at the Tustin Street Fair & Chili Cook Off!
June 2, 2013 -Skits, Raffle, and Seat Belt Races at the Tustin Street Fair & Chili Cook Off!

• At 12:45 to 1:15 ~Watch them perform Funny, Enlightening, and well thought out!  Watch these talented SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) of Beckman High, Foothill High, and Tustin High Schools, as they appear on the Community Stage, each group will present their individual 8 minute skits to promote safe driving awareness.
• Then at 3:45 to 4:10 ~SADD Students will host exciting Seat Belt Races. Racing around two Acura’s as they rush to get seat belts buckled to beat the clock. -Sponsored by DCH Tustin Acura
• 4:10 ~Drawing will be held for several prize items so make sure to get your drawing ticket at the DCH Tustin Acura Booth where the students will be selling tickets $2 each or 3 for $5 and water (donated by Smart & Final) to support their ongoing efforts.  (Prizes listed below valued from $350 to $25)

Prizes to be Awarded: A Special Thank you to those who donated we appreciate your support!

• Teen Road to Safety donated Driver’s Education Class  ($350 value certificates)
• Acura donated Nike FuelBand Calorie & Watch ($140 Value),
• Acura donated BackPack ($65 value)
• Acura donated Cross Pen ($35 value)
• Anthony Wang Photography donated Photo Shoot ($100 value)
• Crab Cooker Donated $50 Certificate
• Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill Donated Dinner for 2
• JT Schmids Restaurant Donated $25 Certificate

For additional information and Safe Driving news visit our webpage at:
http://www.dchtustinacura.com/community/sadd-and-dch-teen-safe-driving-foundation.htm

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On May 18, 2013, DCH Tustin Acura hosted a workshop to increase awareness for teen safe driving, in cooperation with Impact Teen Driver (ITD), California Highway Patrol (CHP) and DCH Teen Safe Driving Foundation (DCH TSDF). Students from local high schools attended with their parents from Beckman, Foothill, and Tustin High Schools.

Martha Tessmer of ITD told the audience of her personal poignant tragedy of losing her son in a fatal car accident, as she showed a video of the danger of distracted driving with her son and several other young men and women in it. Todd Kovaletz Officer of CHP added his personal experiences in dealing with many traffic accidents and helped to educate the attendees about dos and don’ts of driving and the graduated drivers licensing program. Roy Bavaro of DCH TDSF explained the role and mission of the DCH Foundation and how DCH Tustin Acura provides resources, brochures, and other materials through local SADD clubs that would help further expand the message to all the local students. He particularly stressed the importance of parental involvement in teen safe driving.

Additional to the presentation, Steve MacInnes, DCH Tustin Acura’s Used Vehicle Manager, enilghtened students and parents about the fundamental safety features of a vehicle. MacInnes took students and parents to a parked vehicle by allowing them to touch and identify certain safety aspects of a vehicle and shared valuable insight into what to look for when purchasing a used vehicle for best safety, performance, and value.

Dick Hsu, General Manager of DCH Tustin Acura paid special tribute to the parents in attendance for their farsight and willingness in bringing their youngsters for this event on a Saturday. He broadly thanked ITD, CHP, DCH TDSF and his Assistant Community Coordinator Samantha Lopez for contributing to this successful event.

For more information contact DCH Tustin Acura at (888) 791-9777 or customerrelations@tustinacura.com

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Beckman High School SADD Club Rally’s Peers

In support of Global Youth Traffic Safety Month, Beckman High School SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) held a rally themed “DNT DRV INTXTICATED”. Overseen by their Advisor Melissa Carlile and the BHS Administration, the event was organized and directed by BHS SADD Co-Presidents Michelle Gao and Milonee Desai on Friday May 17th 2013 during their 2nd Period (8:46 am to 9:47 am) in Beckman’s gymnasium, on the day before the Junior-Senior Prom.

With a full house of student peers and faculty members watching, more than 30 students including the Beckman High Cheerleaders, put on a presentation to raise awareness for the importance of safe driving habits, particularly focusing on driving while texting and the effects even the smallest amount of alcohol has on a driver.

The event began with pumping up the crowd by the Beckman High Cheerleaders who didn’t miss a beat in an outstanding performance with “Act Out Loud Signs”, sending a message that actions speak louder than words. Michelle Gao and Milonee Desai, Co-Presidents of Beckman SADD Club then started off event explaining statistics and Video Presentation about SADD & SADD National with a Quiz and Raffle. Officer M. Bergstrom of Irvine Police Department provided a presentation and explanation of what the rules really are for drivers on provisional licenses, how it affects those riding in the vehicle as well as the driver.

Rochelle Shirkhanbaigi,  (left photo) Coordinator for DCH Tustin Acura which sponsors the SADD Club at Beckman, praised the students for their continuing effort to spread the word throughout the campus and in the community their commitment to making good decisions in their lives.

Guest Speaker Raquel Cail Gonzalez of Donate Life, (right photo) shared her touching personal tragedy with the audience. Revealing a single mother’s loss of her only child, Brittany Cail. Age 19, a  teen full of life, love, and caring, who was killed during a rain storm, driving the speed limit  but too fast for road conditions. Her story stressed that accidents could happen to anyone at any time, and her daughter may still be here today had she been more cautious.

The Relay then began with 3 students lined up and ready to challenge each other demonstrating the effects of alcohol on reflexes by the use of “Drunk Goggles”. The three students were required to get through circling a baseball bat, running through cones, using a hula hoop, stepping over small hurdles, jumping rope, and then shooting a basketball until making a basket. Kristen Mize, who was wearing no goggles zoomed through the course with little effort, as Kaitlin Fong, wearing the “Below the limit” goggles had several stumbles. In the meanwhile, Justin Aminian, BHS Athlete, wearing the strongest “Above the Limit Goggles” had a very difficult time getting through the course loosing balance, tripping, and finally running out of time as he missed shot after shot at the basket. Afterwards Justin stated “I never realized how much it changes your perception. I’d hate to ride with someone in that condition.”

The event ended with a video presentation called “The Last Text” which that reveals the extensive impact texting while driving can have on the lives of peers, communities, families and one’s self. The overall event was very impactful, and well received by over 750 students and faculty members.

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A SPECIAL ‘THANK YOU’

by Tustin High School Boy’s Volleyball Team, Tustin, CA

Dear Mr. Hsu and the team at DCH Tustin Acura,

The 2013 Tustin High Boys Volleyball team would like to thank DCH Tustin Acura for your continued support of our volleyball program by hanging a digitalized banner in our brand new state-of-the–art gym during the season. We compete in a tough Empire League and the players and coaches are working hard to continuously improve and upgrade the program. With your help and the donation of the time, space, and water for the car wash, we can add to this program what the boys have worked so hard to achieve. The car washes have been a tremendous support for our program and we couldn’t do it without your help.

Our new gym is equipped with the technology to run digitalized banners during matches.
In addition to the digitalized banner, recognition of your donation will also be mentioned at our end of the season banquet. 

Thank you for your support and we look forward to working with you in the future!

Sincerely, 

THS Boys Volleyball Team & Booster Program
Joanna Johnson, Head Coach

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DCH Tustin Acura Sponsors 9 Students to the SADD National Conference 

 A group of dedicated students from Beckman, Tustin and Foothill High Schools’ SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) clubs participated in the fundraising event at Tustin Acura. They learned first hand on social interactions with adults in a formal function as well as showcased their commitment in spreading the message of safe driving. Under the sponsorship of DCH Tustin Acura, a group of the chosen 9 students will join the representatives from the rest of the country in attending the SADD national conference this year in Orlando in June. They will learn many leadership and organization skills which will help them to grow their clubs and become an influential force in promoting good behaviors with their peers.

• DCH Tustin Acura’s 2013 Sponsored Students attending this year’s conference from Beckman High, Foothill High and Tustin High are: Lauren Barnes, Karina Benitez, Jonathan Camarena, Milonee Desai, Brandon Fine, Kristen Fong, Michelle Gao, Jonathan Mendez, and Olivia Lee
• Sponsored Student Advisor of Beckman High:  Melissa Carlile
• DCH Representative: Rochelle Shirkhanbaigi

Click here to read more articles

For more information about SADD or how you can get involved contact:

Rochelle at customerrelations@tustinacura.com or call 714-669-9900

Premiere of Acura Flagship RLX and Charity Event

A fundraiser for SADD ( Students Against Destructive Decisions) clubs and première of the Acura Flagship RLX in Orange County drew a crowd of 150  local dignitaries, business leaders, school officials and the public on April 4 at the Acura dealership in Tustin.  Mayor of Tustin Al Murray led the delegation of 5 city council members, along with the State Assemblyman Don Wagner and representatives from Congressman John Campbell and Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, all on hand to present the certificates of appreciation for the 27 year of dedicated services and contributions to the community by DCH Tustin Acura.

In addition, the event honored the achievement by DC Tustin Acura with an award presented by the Vice President and General Manger of Acura Division Jeff Conrad. “The Dealership of Distinction is the highest award given by the Acura to recognize the excellent level of customer services provided by the dealership” said Jeff, “only a select group of dealerships can win this award, due to the high standards and stringent requirements.For DCH Tustin Acura to win 10 times is truly a testament of their dedication to excellence in serving their customers.”

DCH Tustin Acura is a sponsor for the SADD chapters in all three public high schools – Beckman, Foothill and Tustin – and started the Teen Safe Driving initiative 5 years ago to send the message out to the teenagers not to drive while being distracted by phone, loud music and noisy passengers, etc. Each school now has over 100 members in the club that meets regularly and has planned events throughout the year to spread the word. They also participated in many community events, like Tustin Tiller Days and Chili Cook-off to further send their voices out into the community. DCH Corporation – the parent company of Tustin Acura – also provides the scholarship funding to send many interested students to attend the SADD national conference each year.

In the event, the board member Bill Blanning for the American Red Cross Orange County also presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Tustin Acura for leading the students to raise funds for the Hurricane Sandy Relief. The students were called on stage to share this recognition for their charitable contribution.

Many businesses in the community and associated partners of Tustin Acura have donated gift items for raffle drawing and silent auction at the event, including Angels and Clippers games, golf games, travel bags, wine sets, etc. , plus cash donations. Over $4,000 were raised. All will be used to reward future scholarships for SADD clubs by the DCH Teen Safe Driving Foundation.

Miss Tustin, Shea Marie Frates in a red dress and princess Natalia Reyes in a matching blue dress rode in with the brand new 2014 RLX, when this newly redesigned Acura Flagship was revealed to the audience. The vehicle is not only equipped with the many industry leading technologies, but also has the advanced styling and powerful but energy-efficient engine. This is the most sophisticated, best safety-equipped, technological advanced and fuel economical full-sized luxury sedan that Acura has ever produced. To learn more about the vehicle, here is the link: 2014 RLX.

Contact DCH Tustin Acura for more information at 714-669-9900 or email customerrelations@tustinacura.com or at www.dchtustinacura.com

Click here to View More Photos of the event, compliments of Anthony Wang Photography

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SUPPORTERS: DCH Tustin Acura would like to thank our supporters who have made a huge difference in helping to keep the efforts of these student activities on going in our community!

A Big Thank You to the following Businesses for your on going support: Acura, Anthony Wang Photography , Black Gold Golf Club, Foothill Community Association ,Independence Bank, Jt Schmids Restarurant & Brewery, Lazy Dog Cafe, Lyon Studios, Nieuport 17, Oggi’s, PacTrust Bank , Red Robin, Reynolds & Reynolds , RPA  , Saddleback Flower Shop, Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill, SportsCare Center   Dr. Duddey Chiropractic, The Crab Cooker, The Crossings at Carlsbad , Trader Joe’s  , Tustin Body Works,  Tustin Community Bank , Tustin Community Foundation,  Tustin Ranch Golf Club , Tustin Road House , Zitos Bar & Grill , Zov’s Bistro

If you would like additional information, or would like to join in and show your support; either with funding or donations for events, please email our Coordinator: Rochelle Shirkhanbaigi at rochelles@dchtustinacura.com or call 714-669-9900.

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Acura Zone Manger Matt Walsh presented the Dealership of Distinction Award to Dick Hsu, General Manager of DCH Tustin Acura.

“The Dealership of Distinction Award is the highest honor given by Acura to a select group of the dealers which met a set of stringent criteria” said Matt Walsh, “ To win this award even once is not an easy task; for a dealership to win it 9 times in a roll and 10 times total is truly a remarkable achievement. It is a testament of the outstanding achievement in customer services by DCH Tustin Acura’.

This award was presented to the entire team of the employees of DCH Tustin Acura in a luncheon catered by Acura on Friday, March 29. Dick Hsu , the general manger, in accepting the award on behalf of dealership responded, “ We cannot stop there now. We must get ready for the 10th time in a row. We are fortunate to have this group of dedicated employees working for us and I’m sure we will make it again”.

Contact information:
DCH Tustin Acura,
9 Auto Center Drive, Tustin, CA 92782
714-669-9900
http://www.dchtustinacura.com