July 24, 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 |
New Health Care Agency Director
I would like to congratulate David L. Riley on his appointment as the new Director of the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA). Mr. Riley has been serving as Interim Agency Director since March of this year and was the Deputy Director for over 8 years. He brings with him more than 30 years of experience. Since he began his career with the County of Orange in 1976, he has worked for the County Administrative Office, Probation Department and Human Services Agency. He joined HCA in 1986 and has since held a number of administrative positions within the Agency. I hope you will join me in wishing him continued success.
County Commissioners Appointed
I would like to take this opportunity to announce the reappointment of Westminster Mayor Margie Rice to the Housing and Community Development Commission and Vivian Kirkpatrick-Pilger to the Regional Recreational Trails Advisory Committee. I am confident that they will represent the First District well and will meet the challenges of these committees with the same level of quality and excellence we have seen thus far. I thank them for their service to the County and I look forward to working with them.
Orange County's Share of Economic Stimulus Funds Tops $200 Million
Orange County's share of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is now estimated at more than $200 million, the largest economic benefit being the elimination of the Alternative Minimum Tax on Private Activity Bonds for the John Wayne Airport Improvement Project. This will reduce the bond expenses by up to $122.8 million.
Other advantages include the more than $12 million allotted to OC Community Resources for job training and employment services. Reductions in required matching amounts for services provided through the Social Services Agency will save the County more than $14 million.
Perhaps the largest amount of funding comes from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps will spend more than $50 million in Orange County on projects selected because of their anticipated economic and environmental returns.
Projects include the Santa Ana River Mainstem, which will receive $26.5 million for river bank improvements and $5.2 million for maintenance of the Santa Ana River, Carbon Canyon, Prado Dam and Fullerton Dam, including the removal of sediment, vegetation and graffiti. Other projects include $17.3 million to complete the environmental restoration of Upper Newport Bay. This project will complete the dredging of sediment basins, resulting in a 20-year maintenance cycle.
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| Other Boards & Commissions |
OCTA
OCTA to Install Fall Protection System
With the addition of 299 compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles into the Orange County Transportation Authority's (OCTA) fleet, OCTA has approved the installation of a new fall protection system at the Garden Grove and Santa Ana bus bases to ensure safe working conditions are available to service the CNG tanks located on the roof of these vehicles. Fall protection is used by the Authority's maintenance staff whenever they are working on equipment or structures at a distance of six feet or more off the ground.
The system will prevent serious injury to bus mechanics that may accidentally fall from the bus roof. The project includes installation of a horizontal cable supported and secured at each end by a steel support frame, which is fastened to the maintenance building's structural steel frame. A bus service mechanic wearing a full body harness, with a self retracting lifeline connected to the cable will be able to work safety and unrestricted along the entire roof. In the event of an accidental fall, the self retracting lifeline will automatically lock and arrest the falling worker.
Lewis Storm Channel Improvements
In 2007, the Garden Grove Freeway (22) was widened and, in the process of this renovation, a number of drainage channels transporting freeway run-off were affected. The major channel affected by the renovation was the Lewis Storm Channel that conveys run-off flow westward to the East Garden Grove-Wintersburg Channel. This Channel was not included in the original plan for the freeway renovation contract.
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) will partner with Orange County Flood Control and the State of California to complete improvements to the Lewis Storm Channel. The approved agreement will obligate the OCTA to finance the cost of design and construction and deal with long-term maintenance of the Channel. The construction is planned to start this summer and should be completed later this year.
OCTA Approves Bus Vehicle Lift Replacement
In the effort to reduce maintenance costs and aid in vehicle inspections, OCTA approved the replacement of bus vehicle lifts in the steam clean areas at the Garden Grove bus base. These bus lifts are utilized to assist in the cleaning of the bus engine, battery, and undercarriage areas with high-pressure water. The replacement consists of removing the existing bus vehicle lifts and installing new lifts, including the electrical, mechanical, plumbing and control systems.
Four Fixes for Congestion on the 22 Freeway
Caltrans presented the OCTA Board with four alternatives to address congestion on the Garden Grove Freeway (SR-22), where three freeway connectors (SR-22, I-5, SR-57) converge and remains a challenge for eastbound commuters at rush hours. The congestion is caused by a collector distributor road installed as a transportation control measure to limit unsafe lane changes by drivers transitioning from the eastbound SR-22 to Interstate 5 during the freeway's widening.
The best fix will reduce the congestion time from 19 to 5 minutes, but the agency currently does not have the necessary funding. The project will be made part of the Central County Corridor Major Investment Study that addresses several issues in central Orange County, and is expected to be completed early next year. Meanwhile, subsequent projects planned for the Garden Grove Freeway will include completing carpool connector lanes where it merges into the San Diego and San Gabriel River (I-605) freeways. Not only will these improvements help with alleviating congestion, they will also provide significant safety improvements as well.
To view the presentation, click here.
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| JANET AROUND THE FIRST DISTRICT |
Supervisor Janet Nguyen welcomes families to the Discovery Science Center, July 12, 2009. Supervisor Nguyen and Garden Grove Councilman Andrew Do partnered with DSC and Westminster/Midway City Head Start to host an educational field trip, creating the opportunity for many first time visitors to experience the Center's approximately 120 interactive science exhibits.
Garden Grove Councilman Andrew Do greets families at the Discovery Science Center. "This is a great opportunity for these young children to see how math and science can be used to explain and understand things that exist around us," said Garden Grove Councilman Andrew Do. "The Discovery Science Center does a wonderful job of making science and math fun and accessible to children of all ages. It's important to get kids curious and excited about learning at an early age."
Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Garden Grove Councilman Andrew Do, Garden Grove Planning Commissioner Tom Bonikowski and Huntington Beach Union High School Trustee Matthew Harper join families in thanking the Discovery Science Center for hosting the educational event. The interactive nature of the exhibits piqued the children's and their parents' interest. Thanks to the financial support of Townsend Public Affairs, the participants were able to stay at the Center longer and enjoy lunch at the in-museum dining hall.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen gives updates on County projects around the city at the annual Central Garden Grove Neighborhood Meeting. Several elected officials were on hand to speak to residents, including Garden Grove Councilman Andrew Do, Planning Commissioner Tom Bonikowski, Traffic Commissioner Kathryn Feather and former Planning Commissioner Nick Lecong. Garden Grove Police Chief Joe Polisar and Fire Chief Dave Bertka were also on hand to update residents.
Huntington Beach Union High School Trustee Matthew Harper with teacher Dave Eusantos and students of the Westminster High School agriculture program and the reserve grand champion goat they raised. Westminster High School students also entered steer, chickens, and hogs into competition at the Orange County Fair this 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
Boy Scouts of America Outdoor Education Center
On July 28, 2009, the Orange County Council of the Boy Scouts of America will hold a dedication and grand opening ceremony for their new Outdoor Education Center (OEC). A one-of-a-kind facility in the heart of Orange County, the OEC will allow young adventurists to explore the outdoors and Orange County's native terrain. The facility is being built on 52 acres that are part of a 210-acre parcel of undeveloped land donated by The Irvine Company.
This is the largest capital project completed by the Boy Scouts of America in their 100 year history; $33 million dollars has been raised in an effort to provide this facility to the community. The Board of Supervisors congratulates and commends the OC Council, Boy Scouts of America for their dedication to providing quality outdoor educational programs for the young people in our communities.
Supervisor Nguyen Honors Oakland Police
The Orange County Traffic Officers Association partnered with Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Police Departments and Officer's Associations, as well as Deputies with the OC Sheriffs Department in what is believed to be the largest law enforcement tribute for the four Oakland Police Officers who died on March 21, 2009. The OCTOA "Cigar Night Classic," honored these heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Fighting Homelessness
Eight Orange County cities, including the First District cities of Santa Ana, Garden Grove and Westminster, will receive approximately $10.3 million to help homeless families find housing. The money also can be used to prevent homelessness. The funding comes from a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant worth more than $1.2 billion and offered to more than 450 communities across the nation.
The grant is part of the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program, which helps people in financial crisis so they don't fall into homelessness. According to HUD, approximately $8.7 million will go to the cities of Huntington Beach, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Westminster and Orange. The County will receive approximately $1.6 million from the grant and plans to use the money for cities that did not receive any funding.
According to HUD, the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program provides rental assistance for up to 18 months and also will help with security deposits, utility deposits, utility payments, moving cost assistance and hotel vouchers. Payments will only be made to third parties such as landlords or utility companies. The Program also can provide assistance to re-house people who are homeless and are likely to remain housed in a stable situation. The grants are not intended to provide long-term financial support for people and will not be given for mortgage assistance to homeowners facing foreclosure.
For more information, visit here.
Fire-season Forecast: Four Large Fires in OC Region
The U.S. Forest Service fire-season forecast predicts four large fires between August and October in the OC Region - the current average and the highest number in Southern California. The county's native landscape is well adapted to summer dryness, surviving on minimal moisture until rains return in fall and winter; but already the plants are dried out and ready to burn.
By the end of this month, the forecasters might have a better idea of how the winds could shape up in the fall. El Nino, a periodic warming of water in the Pacific, might be stirring, but it is too soon to tell whether its influence will bring more moisture to the area.
Midway City
Roof Replacement Grants Available
Supervisor Janet Nguyen is encouraging Midway City residents who qualify to take advantage of a County Roof Replacement Grant. This program is available to those who live in the County's unincorporated areas, including Midway City.
The Roof Replacement Grant is for low-income homeowners of detached single-family residences who require replacement or improvements to their roofs and are unable to obtain adequate financial assistance from commercial lenders. Home values must not exceed 120 percent of the area sales average. Applicants must own and reside in the residence and have a gross annual household income that does not exceed 80 percent of the Orange County area median income, adjusted for family size.
Eligible improvements include replacement of wood shake, shingle roofs; replacement of older, dilapidated composite shingle roof beyond the manufacturer's warranty; and replacement of rolled roofing or hot mop and rock roofing material. Replacement is limited to 3-tab composite shingles with a minimum warranty of 30 years or, if flat roofed or low pitch, with appropriate built-up roofing.
During the first, second and third year following completion of improvements, any sale, transfer or property or if property is no longer occupied by the owner, will require a 100 percent repayment of the County grant. At the end of the third year, the grant is reduced by 50 percent and after the fourth year, no repayment of the grant is required.
For more information about the specific qualifications, contact Margie Anguiano at (714) 480-2807.
Santa Ana
Web Site Map of City Crimes
The city of Santa Ana has contracted with The Omega Group to provide a Web site that maps crime within the area. The website, www.crimemapping.com, presents viewers with a map of recent crimes that have been reported including details pertaining to each particular case. The site will report the time frames of when a crime has been committed, featuring the case numbers and icons that represent 15 different types of crime.
City officials hope this will encourage more communications between residents, City Hall and the Police Department. Santa Ana joins approximately 40 communities throughout the United States who have signed up thus far, and is the first in Orange County to be using the system.
Westminster
Westminster Water Conservation
The Westminster City Council recently adopted a new water conservation ordinance No. 2449, which places restrictions on residents by reducing landscape watering hours and duration, regulating the washing of vehicles and hard surfaces and mandating the obligation to fix leaks, breaks and malfunctions in a timely manner. In June, Gov. Schwarzenegger declared a drought across the State of California. The City's goal is to conserve water during times of drought and to help residents lower water bills where the cost of imported water to the City continues to rise.
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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
July 25, 2009 - OC Public Libraries Hosting Kid Events
The Regional Branch and the Chapman Branch of the OC Libraries system are hosting several events for children and teens in July this summer.
The Garden Grove Regional Library, located at 11200 Stanford Ave. in Garden Grove, is hosting several free events for beginning at 4 p.m.
July 25 - "Flights of Fantasy" for the whole family
July 27 - "Book Making Class" for Teens
August 8 - "Family Storytime"
The Chapman Branch of the OC Public Libraries system is located at 9182 Chapman Ave. in Garden Grove and has several events scheduled for children at 2 p.m. on the dates below.
July 30 - "Children's Concert" by musician Willie Sterba
August 6 - "Reading with Fido"
August 13 - "Mr. Twister Balloon Twisting Show & Workshop!"
July 30, 2009 - Free Summer Concerts at Eastgate Park
Every Thursday night, at 6:30 p.m., from July 9 through August 27, concertgoers can enjoy the sights and sounds of evening concerts in the park brought to you by the Garden Grove Community Foundation.
Below is the line-up for the 2009 free Summer Concert Series held at Eastgate Park, 12001 St Mark St Garden Grove, CA 92845.
| July 30 |
The Fenians |
Irish Rock |
| August 6 |
Neon Nation |
80's Rock |
| August 20 |
Barry Holdship Four |
50'S/60'S Rock |
| August 27 |
The Answer |
Classic Rock |
To view the flyer, click here.
City of Westminster
July 30, 2009 - Free Summer Concerts at Civic Center Sunken Gardens
Starting July 6, the community will be entertained from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. by a variety of free concerts brought by local non profit service organizations at Civic Center Sunken Gardens, 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster, CA, 92685. Donations of personal care items for all ages, baby food, diapers, formula, paper goods or cleaning supplies will be collected to benefit Human Services Programs of Carroll County Inc.
| July 30 |
The Mids |
Rock & Blues |
| August 6 |
Gospel Night |
Community Group Choir |
| August 13 |
Stone Soul |
60's Soul & Motown |
| August 20 |
Doo Wah Riders |
Country |
| August 27 |
Westminster Chorus |
Barbershop |
For more information, please visit here.
City of Santa Ana
July 25, 2009 - Free Summer Concert at Wilshire Square
The Wilshire Square Neighborhood Association is holding its free 2009 Summer Concert on Saturday, July 25 at the intersection of South Ross and West Russell in Santa Ana. The Full Spectrum Band will play from 7 to 11 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic dinners, or reserve tables.
Table set up is at 6 p.m.; prizes go to the best decorated. To get one at the early bird price, send a check for $25 by June 30 to Wilshire Square N.A., P.O. Box 2441, Santa Ana, 92707-0441.
To visit the event website, click here.
August 4, 2009 - "National Night Out" at El Salvador
This is a National event and the sole message is "America's Night out against Crime". The event features crime prevention programs focusing on neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.
Location: El Salvador Park-1825 W. Civic Center. Hours: 4pm - 7pm. For more information, please refer to the attached flyer.
To contact Supervisor Janet Nguyen, please call 714-834-3110 or email Janet.Nguyen@ocgov.com. |
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