A long-time Anaheim resident whose parents are both Anaheim High Class of 1937 graduates, Monica Ortez has been involved with the Mexican American Baseball book series since 2012, when her father was featured in Mexican American Baseball in Orange County.
A star athlete while at Anaheim High, Ray Ortez also is featured in three additional books in the Arcadia Publisher’s seven-book series, including the book Monica co-authored, Mexican American Baseball in San Fernando Valley.
Ray Ortez – Class of 1937
She also writes for the Orange Countiana, a historical publication produced by the Orange County Historical Society.
Monica was born in Fullerton, raised in and currently resides in Anaheim. Her family, on her father’s side, has resided in Anaheim since the 1880s. Her mother was Florence Edith Spencer.
In 2013, Monica retired as an educator of 33 years, who managed a district-wide academic cultural-based American Indian Education Program for the Ocean View School District in Huntington Beach. She currently works for an educational enrichment program that teaches children academic and recreational activities after school at various school sites in north Orange County.
A board member of the Orange County Historical Society and former board member of the Anaheim Historical Society, Monica also volunteers her time as a docent at the Woelke-Stoffel House at Founder’s Park in Anaheim.
