January 29, 2009 |
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Welcome to this issue of Janet’s Journal, a First District Report designed to keep you updated on issues and events concerning our communities in Orange County especially in the First District.
I am proud and honored to represent over 600,000 people within the First District covering the cities of Garden Grove, Santa Ana, Westminster and the unincorporated community of Midway City.
I hope you will find this journal informative. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.
Respectfully,
Supervisor Janet Nguyen
Janet.Nguyen@ocgov.com
IN THIS ISSUE...
1. Board of Supervisors
2. Janet Around the First District
3. Local Issues
4. Requests for Proposals
5. Community Events
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| Board of Supervisors |
Happy Lunar New Year!
I would like to wish everyone a Happy Lunar New Year. May the year of the Ox bring you and your family happiness and prosperity.
Oath of Office and Election of Officers I want to take this opportunity to thank all of my supporters throughout the years. On Tuesday, January 13, 2009, it was with great pride and honor that I accepted the oath of office to serve the residents of the First District in what will be my first full term.
Elections come and go, but it's the trust and confidence of the people that is the fuel that drives my commitment to serve everyday. To the people of the First District and the residents of Orange County, I look forward to being your advocate every step of the way.
I also want to thank my fellow Board Members for electing Supervisor Patricia Bates and me to serve as Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively, for 2009. This marks the first time two women serve in the leadership positions on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, and it is truly an honor to be a part of history.
OCTA Swears in Directors Last week, it was with great pleasure that I was also sworn in to continue to serve as a Director to the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). In this challenging time where public transportation plays an increasingly bigger role in our county, I look forward to the challenges we face as work to improve our transportation system. State Controller Announces Payment Delays In order to preserve cash flow and ensure our ability to fund education and repay outstanding debts, State Controller John Chiang has announced there will be a delay in critical payments if the Governor and the Legislature are unable to provide sufficient solutions to solve the cash crisis in California. These delays will begin as early as February if a solution is not found by the end of January. Chiang states, "For months, I have warned State leaders that our cash flow will be in serious danger this spring. Without corrective action from the Governor and Legislature, there is no way to make it through February unscathed."
The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) has been monitoring this proposed deferral of payments closely and believes the impact this would have on California counties would be devastating. "California counties will simply not be able to provide vital services such as CalWORKS, mental health programs and alcohol and drug abuse treatment to our residents at a time when demand for services has drastically increased," said CSAC President and Imperial County Supervisor Gary Wyatt. "Delaying payments would only pass the state's cash crisis onto counties, and we're already dealing with our own budget crises."
To see a list of the payments that will be delayed, click here.
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| Other Boards & Commissions |
Governor's Committee Releases Important Water Plan On January 5, 2009, a committee of cabinet officials presented Governor Schwarzenegger with an important plan critical to Orange County's water resources. This plan would ensure that Californians have continued access to safe and reliable drinking water from the State's largest resource: the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta; known simply as "the Delta." The plan is the culmination of a multi-year effort, which began in 2006 when Governor Schwarzenegger created an independent Delta Vision Task Force to create a new vision for sustainable management of the Delta.
One key component of the plan is a proposal to build new infrastructure to convey water around the Delta. This project would restore a more natural flow pattern through the Delta and prevent fish from being pulled into pumps located at the south end of the Delta. The environmental work on this project is already underway and construction could begin as soon as 2011, possibly without the need for legislative or voter approval.
The finished plan is now in the hands of state officials who are busy dealing with the State's budget crisis. However, it is important that this document doesn't end up being overlooked. The Delta might be hundreds of miles away, but for us living in Southern California, our way of life is dependent on a healthy delta ecosystem. We need to protect this resource for generations to come.
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| JANET AROUND THE FIRST DISTRICT |
Supervisor Janet Nguyen is joined by Senator Mimi Walters before her swearing in ceremony.
With husband, Tom Bonikowski, Supervisor Janet Nguyen takes the Oath of Office administered by Senator Mimi Walters.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen and Supervisor Bill Campbell, both of whom were sworn into office on January 13th, with Senator Mimi Walters.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors with Supervisor John M.W. Moorlach (center) who served as Chair in 2008. Supervisor Patricia Bates was voted to be the Chair for 2009 and Supervisor Janet Nguyen was voted Vice Chair.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen and the newly sworn members of the OCTA Board of Directors.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Garden Grove Councilman Andrew Do, and her Special Assistant Nick LeCong join Mr. Thien Vo (pictured on left) and Mr. Pho Huynh at the TTVHVN Cultural School for a Tet Lunar New Year Celebration.
Garden Grove Councilman Andrew Do and Supervisor Janet Nguyen join the children to celebrate the Tet Lunar New Year.
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| LOCAL ISSUES |
* The following articles are for informational purposes only and are not necessarily intended to imply endorsement or support.
Orange County
New State Laws for 2009
In 2008, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed 771 bills into law, most of which took effect on January 1, 2009. One law that many motorists are aware of is the no text-messaging while driving, but others, such as where you are allowed to mount a GPS devise in your car are a little less known. To read the full article by Patrick McGreevy of the Los Angeles Times, including a list of all of the new laws, click here.
U.S. Census Now Hiring
On Tuesday, January 20, 2009, Supervisor Janet Nguyen's Chief of Staff and Garden Grove Councilman Andrew Do spoke at the Santa Ana Census Office Open House. The office will serve all of Orange County until additional county offices open in the near future. He stated, "In 2010, we as a people, through the U.S. census, will again further define who we are as a nation. Taken every 10 years, the census affects political representation and directs the allocation of billions of dollars in government funding. By becoming a 2010 census partner, you can help ensure that everyone in your community is counted so that you community receives its fair share of important services and resources."
With the ability to help shape the future of your community, I strongly encourage everyone to fill out their Census questionnaire. Also, thousands of census takers are needed to update address lists and conduct interviews with community residents. Being a census tracker is an excellent opportunity to earn good pay in a temporary, part-time job, while also helping your community and country. To learn more, click here.
Garden Grove
Garden Grove Continues to Have High Hopes for Resort Area
Garden Grove officials say the current economic climate will not slow the city's plans to encourage development of the InternationalWEST resort area. The City plans to put itself in a position to continue to attract business from visitors to the Disney Theme Parks, especially once the California Adventure expansion is completed in three years.
In November, Oggi's Pizzeria opened a new restaurant location in the resort area, and a 285-room Sheraton Hotel opened last July. Officials are not only focusing on bringing new business to the area, but also hope to help current small businesses by offering workshops in the coming year so business owners will be have the tools and the information necessary to aid them through these rough financial times. To read the full story by Deepa Bharath published in the Orange County Register, click here.
Project GO, Graffiti Off
In the January 2009 issue of the Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce's Commerce Communicator, Garden Grove Police Chief Joseph Polisar discusses the Project GO, Graffiti Off project. Graffiti, as defined by the law, means any unauthorized inscription, word, figure, mark or design written, marked, etched, scratched, drawn or painted on real or personal property. (PC 594(e)) With graffiti being a very common and costly problem in Garden Grove, Garden Grove Public Works began Project GO, Graffiti Off, which enables citizens to assist in the community and build pride in their beautiful neighborhoods. With volunteers being the strength of Project GO, residents are encouraged to:
- REPORT graffiti as soon as you see it.
- DONATE time, labor, funds, or paint.
- ORGANIZE employees and community work groups to assist in the removal of graffiti around your area.
For more information on this program, contact the Public Works Graffiti Hot Line at (714)741-5381, or click here.
Teen "Wreck Hall" Returns
Back by popular demand, the Teen "Wreck Hall," located in Eastgate Park at 12001 St. Mark Street reopened on January 20, 2009. The "Wreck Hall" will serve as a positive alternative during the most challenging and vulnerable time of the day by providing access to teen-related services and social activities. The spring hours will be from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and beginning in March, special events will be held on Fridays. All teens in the area are welcome. For more information, contact the "Wreck Hall" staff at (714)412-2130 or the Community Services Department at (714)741-5200, or click here.
Santa Ana
TeenSpace to Open at Santa Ana Public Library
On Saturday, January 24th, the Santa Ana Public Library celebrates the grand opening of TeenSpace, which is a fun, educational and interactive area dedicated to Santa Ana's teens. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the TeenSpace Grand Opening will include a Teen Music, Arts, and Dance Showcase, games, movie screening, and other activities to help welcome more teens to the Library. TeenSpace will be open to junior high and high school aged teen Monday through Thursday form 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Santa Ana Public Library is located at 26 Civic Center Plaza, on the corner of Civic Center Drive and Ross Street. For more information, call (714)647-5250, or click here.
English Works: Free English Classes
English Works enables Spanish-speaking employees, students and residents to learn English by attending FREE ESL (English as a Second Language) classes at various locations throughout Santa Ana. For class locations, call (714)241-5703. For those unable to attend classes, take-home learning kits called "Sed de Saber" are available from many SAUSD schools and some employers. Take advantage of this great program and improve the quality of life for you and your family! For more information about English Works, call (714)541-5353 ext. 118 or click here. For the Spanish website, click here.
Westminster
Little Saigon Affected by Current Economy
Small businesses in Westminster's Little Saigon have been hit hard by the economic downturn. Many smaller restaurants and, in particular, many nail salons have been forced to close their doors. In the current climate, shopping, dining out and getting your nails done are seen as luxuries. Despite these difficulties, people are trying to remain optimistic, believing that if they continue to provide good quality services the customers keep coming back. To read the full story by Deep Bharath published in the Orange County Register, click here.
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| REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS |
County of Orange
There are currently many new bids to contract with the County of Orange.
For more information, please click here.
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| Community Events |
City of Garden Grove
January 30th through February 1, 2009 - Tet Festival 2009 "Spring of Hope"
The Union of Vietnamese Student Associations (UVSA) of Southern California will be hosting the annual Tet Festival that celebrates the cultural traditions of the Vietnamese community. Come see, hear and taste the Vietnamese culture at Garden Grove Park, located at 9301 Westminster Ave. The festivities begin on Friday, January 30th and last until Sunday, February 1st. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for kids. For more information, call (714)890-1418, or click here.
City of Santa Ana
January 31, 2009 - Mach One Pro Wrestling
On Saturday, January 31st at 2 p.m., Santa Ana High School will host Mach One Pro Wrestling, a fundraising event for the Santa Ana High School Athletics Department. Come see "Magnum" Joey Ryan, "The Harkore Kidd" Aaron Aguilera, "The Professional" Scott Lost and many others compete. Santa Ana High School is located at 520 W. Walnut St., Santa Ana, CA 92701. For more information, click here.
City of Westminster
February 5, 2009 - Business Networking Mixer
The Westminster Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Business Networking Mixer on Thursday, February 5, 2009, at the Midway City Sanitary District Office at 14451 Cedarwood Ave., Westminster, CA 92683. Both members and non-members are encouraged to attend. There is no cost to attend this event, you are just asked to bring your business card. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and last until 7:30 p.m. and hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be served. For more information, click here.
City of Westminster
February 23, 2009 - 4-Week Interactive Diabetes Workshop
Beginning Monday, February 23rd from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the Westminster Senior Center will host a 4-week Interactive Diabetes Workshop. The workshop will continue on March 2nd, 9th and 23rd. Presented by Jane Jannah, R.N. P.H.N., a Certified Diabetes Instructor, the workshop will cover everything from a Diabetes overview to how to monitor you blood glucose. The event is sponsored by Preventative Health Care for Adults, Orange County Health Care Agency. For more information, click here.
To contact Supervisor Janet Nguyen, please call 714-834-3110 or email Janet.Nguyen@ocgov.com. |
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