Header Image of Supervisor Janet Nguyen
June 15, 2010

First District Map


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. Agenda Items

3. Youth Connection

4. Janet Around the First District

5. Local Issues

6. Requests for Proposals

7. Community Events


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Volume 4 Issue 11
 
Janet's Journal
 Board of Supervisors

While the official arrival of summer is still a week away, there are several events throughout the First District to mark the summer season. From July 4th celebrations, swim classes and concerts in the park, there is something for everyone. See our calendar listings below to book your summer fun now!

Yesterday, June 14th, we celebrated Flag Day, a sometimes overlooked holiday. The Stars and Stripes represent the ideals of democracy, equality and justice the United States was founded on. I hope that each of you will pause today to recognize the symbol of our great nation and remember the men and women who have sacrificed for democracy and freedom.

Agenda Items

Budget Brief

The Board of Supervisors will begin its budget hearings on June 15th and 16th in the Board Hearing Room of the Hall of Administration at 9:30 a.m. and the public is welcome to attend.

While the economic climate is still somewhat bleak, we as a Board have continued to be proactive and strategic in dealing with the continued economic downturn and its effects on the County. We have made difficult but cohesive decisions to protect the financial integrity of the County and we make these decisions mindful of the impacts on the residents of Orange County. We are fully committed to the continued safety and welfare of our citizens. Our goal is to insure Orange County remains a premier County in California.

Health Bulletin

Environmental Health Received Golden Can Award

Environmental Health (EH) staff recently received recognition for their volunteer contributions during the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County's annual volunteer's luncheon held on April 10 in Irvine. Staff received the Golden Can Award for volunteering their time and skills to help ensure the success of Second Harvest's Food Rescue Program which brings food to those in the county who are most in need.

Estimates show that more than 456,000 people are at-risk of going hungry sometime every month in Orange County. Those at risk include children, seniors on fixed incomes, single parents, the working poor, the disabled, temporarily unemployed and the homeless.

The Food Rescue Program arranges for the pick-up of excess prepared food from restaurants, caterers, hotels and amusement parks and delivers it to member charities in specially equipped vehicles. For the last 19 years, EH staff has been providing valuable safe food handling training to these member charities to help ensure the safety of these foods being distributed to the County's most vulnerable populations. Today's volunteer health educators being honored are working under the banner of the recently formed organization known as Community HealthComm. The organization is made up of professional health educators and health communicators who partner with community organizations such as the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County by volunteering their expertise to worthwhile programs such as Food Rescue. More information about the organization can be obtained by sending an e-mail to communityhealthcomm@gmail.com.

Refugee Awareness Month

During the month of June, Refugee Awareness month will be recognized throughout California. The purpose of this campaign is to celebrate and recognize the achievements and contributions of the refugee communities in the state and to promote statewide awareness of refugee programs and resettlement efforts.

The Health Care Agency's Refugee Preventive Health Services (RPHS) program provides required health assessments to newly arriving refugees, parolees, those seeking asylum, and victims of trafficking at the Westminster Clinic located at 14120 Beach Boulevard, Suite 104 in the City of Westminster. As part of the health assessment, a nurse evaluates and a physician screens clients for tuberculosis, hepatitis, parasitic infections, and other health conditions. Clients are referred to appropriate care in the community and the linkages are confirmed by a Public Health Nurse. For additional information about HCA RPHS, please call (714) 896-7390.

Youth Connection

The Power of an Untapped Resource: A Guide for Youth

"WE CANNOT ALWAYS BUILD THE FUTURE FOR OUR YOUTH, BUT WE CAN BUILD OUR YOUTH FOR THE FUTURE." - FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT

EMPLOYMENT

Workforce Investment Act

This program emphasizes long-term development of 16-21 year olds who are deficient in basic skills or have barriers to employment. Through a network of regional providers, the WIA Youth Program focuses on academic skills improvement; alternative education services; summer employment opportunities; career exploration and preparation; comprehensive guidance counseling; paid/unpaid work experience; occupational skills training; leadership skills development and opportunities; supportive services such as assistance with transportation, child care, school supplies and follow up services.

Youth Employment Opportunities Program

The Employment Development Department provides a youth program for ages 15 through 21 at risk of not achieving their educational goals, such as potential dropouts or high school dropouts. The program is to assist youth in achieving their educational and vocational goals with an emphasis on education, assessment and peer advising. For additional information, please call (714) 241-4951.

CAREER-HELP WANTED

California CareerZone

Information about 900 California occupations; including day-in-the-life videos for 300 of the occupations.

Who Do U Want 2 B

Information on California high school and community college courses, career options, and financial assistance.

Roadtrip Nation

Video interviews created by college students traveling the country in green RVs, from bakers to technology gurus.

Career Clues

Activities designed to help students gather and interpret important information about themselves and what they want from their lives.

EDUCATION

California Colleges.edu

Information about more than 200 colleges (public and private) in California.

College Navigator

Information about nearly 7,000 postsecondary institutions in the United States.

INTERNSHIP

County of Orange

Internships with the County of Orange offer high school students, college students and recent graduates an opportunity to partner with one of the premier employers in the region as they explore career options and apply their academic skills and knowledge to the workplace. Please keep in mind that the internships are unpaid positions that do not automatically lead to employment. For additional information and inquires, please contact Jane Dawson at (714) 834-7440 or jane.dawson@ocgov.com.

VOLUNTEERING

Volunteer Center Orange County

Looking for volunteer opportunities? "I Can Volunteer" is a guide to youth volunteer opportunities throughout the county compiled by Volunteer Center Orange County. These agency projects are ideal for you to volunteer on your own, with your friends, or with family members. Click here to view or print the guide.

 JANET AROUND THE FIRST DISTRICT



Supervisor Janet Nguyen joins members of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association at their meeting on June 10, 2010. Joining her, from left to right, are Dr. Barry Baum, Dr. Abdul Qadeer, Dr. Lawrence Kosmin, Dr. John Kuttel and Dr. Peter Weinstein.


Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors and the OCTA Transit Committee, joins OCTA CEO Will Kempton at the West County Connectors Project groundbreaking ceremony.


Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, is joined by fellow members of the OCTA Board of Directors and OCTA staff at the West County Connectors groundbreaking ceremony. The project will connect carpool lanes for the 22, 605 and 405 freeways.


Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, joins her fellow judges at the 2nd Annual Celebrity Chef OC competition benefiting Community SeniorServ.


Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, is joined by Orange County Register Columnist Frank Mickadeit, Anaheim White House Executive Chef Eddie Meza and Doug Coleman, owner and chef at Doug's Downtown Grill in Garden Grove.

 LOCAL ISSUES


* The following articles are for informational purposes only and are not necessarily intended to imply endorsement or support.

Orange County

Census 2010
Census 2010

Make A Splash - READ!
The OC Public Libraries is conducting their 2010 summer reading program. The first event will be on June 30th or July 1st, depending on which library you attend. Visit www.ocpl.org for information on OC Public Libraries activities. Below is a list of events and activities in the First District:

Chapman Branch Library
9182 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove
(714) 539-2115

Storytimes - fun stories, fingerplays & songs, followed by a 30 minute "Play & Learn" session:
Toddler (ages 18 months to 2 years) - Tuesday at 11:15 a.m.
Preschool (3 to 5 years) - Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Special Events - Thursdays at 3 p.m.
July 1: Bubble Mania - bubbles in all shapes and sizes
July 8: Kid's Craft Day - decorate a rubber duckie
July 15: Magic Show with magician Dave Skale - audience participation and lots of comedy
July 22: Children's Concert by musician Craig Newton - lots of instruments and singing with the audience
July 29: Pirate Treasure Puppet Show by puppeteer Richard Woloski

Garden Grove Regional Library
11200 Stanford Ave., Garden Grove
(714) 530-0711

Family Storytime - Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

Special Events for Kids - Wednesday at 3 p.m.
June 30: Garden Grove Police Officer Kris Backouris presents Water Safety
July 7: OC Parks Resource Specialist Susan Stoffel shares Aquatic Creatures
July 14: Volunteers from the Garden Grove PD: Fun in the Sun Beach Safety
July 21: Children and Parents learn about Bike Safety
July 28: Comedy singing duo Heebie & Jeebie rock the library!

Family Game Days - Thursday at July 13 and 27 from 2-4 p.m.
Come join the fun! Traditional board games will be available, as well as Wii games and Rock Band!

Teen Programs - Thursday at 4 p.m. - Get Crafty at Your Library!

Westminster Branch Library
8180 13th Street, Westminster
(714) 893-5057

Storytimes - every Wednesday
Toddler - 11 a.m.
Preschool - 10:30 a.m.

Family Storytime - Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.

Special Events for Kids - Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m.

June 30: Wildlife Company presents Wetlands Animals
July 7: Special Craft Day
July 14: Mad Science demonstrates fun science experiments
July 21: Music with Hullabaloo Band
July 28: Ice Cream Party
Aug. 11: Learn about Ocean Animals with Science on the Go

Special Events for Teens - Thursdays at 3 p.m.
July 15: Paula Sassi's "Handwriting Analysis for Teens"
Aug. 5: Cartoon Drawing with Dave Boatman

Summer Swim Lessons & Pool Safety
The American Red Cross Orange County Chapter urges everyone to pay close attention to the safety of our children. Summer is a season where many accidents occur to young children, and therefore knowing swimming pool safety is essential to mitigate this problem. Free safety brochures are available at your local fire station. CPR and First Aid Classes are available at the American Red Cross Orange County Chapter. For more information call Steve Pham (714)481-5391, or email Steve at spham@oc-redcross.org.

The following is a list of phone and email contacts for summer swim classes by city and organization:

Garden Grove (714) 741-5200 www.ci.garden-grove.ca.us
Santa Ana (714) 571-4256 www.ci.santa-ana.ca.us
Westminster (714) 895-2860 Ext 585
Anaheim (714) 765-5130 www.anaheim.net
Brea (714) 990-7100 or (714) 529-6233
Costa Mesa (714) 327-7564
Fountain Valley (714) 593-4446
Huntington Beach (714) 536-5486 or (714) 960-8884
Irvine (949) 724-6717 www.ci.irvine.ca.us
Laguna Beach (949) 497-0716 Ext 6
Laguna Niguel (949) 425-5100 www.ci.laguna-niguel.ca.us
Newport Beach (949) 644-3151
Orange (714) 744-7274 www.cityoforange.org
Orange Coast College (714) 437-5880 Ext 1
Orange Regional Competitive Aquatics (714) 648-2111 www.orca-aquatics.com
Placentia (714) 993-8232

Southern California Edison
Southern California Edison offers qualified customers programs to help reduce their monthly energy costs. Some features of these programs include, discounts on monthly electric bills, free energy-saving appliances, financial assistance with monthly payments, energy allowances for medical equipment usage, and payment arrangements and extensions. Funding for these programs is provided on a first-com, first-served basis, so contact Edison as soon as possible. Visit www.sce.com/highbillhelper for information and the SCE Resource Guide. This will have the direct number for each program. You can also call the general assistance number at 1-800-655-4555. For power outages and downed power lines call 1-800-611-1911.

Pacific Electric Corridor Meetings
The Pacific Railroad Right-of-Way/West Santa Ana Brach Corridor is a railroad right-of-way, which extends approximately 20 miles between Pomona and Santa Ana. A transit analysis will be conducted exploring potential transportation solutions for the corridor that could increase travel choices between the two counties. For more information, contact Philip Law at (213) 236-1841 or visit www.scag.ca.gov/perow. Within the first district, a meeting will be held on Tuesday June 15, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Garden Grove Community Center.

  • June 15: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Garden Grove Community Center, 11300 Stanford Ave, Garden Grove, CA.
  • June 16: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Huntington Park Community Center, 6925 Salt Lake Ave, Huntington Park, CA.
  • June 17: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Cypress Community Center, 5700 Orange Ave, Cypress, CA.
  • June 19: 1:00-3:00 p.m. Cerritos Park East Community Center, 13234 East 166th St, Cerritos, CA.
  • June 22: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Progress Park Plaza, West Auditorium, 15500 Downey Ave, Paramount, CA.
  • June 23: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Stanton Council Chambers, 7800 Katell Ave, Stanton, CA.
Garden Grove

Summer Concerts Series
Every Thursday night, between July 8th and August 19, concertgoers can enjoy great music at Eastgate Park, brought to you by the Garden Grove Community Foundation.

The 2010 Schedule is:

July 8: Jumping Jack Flash - a Rolling Stones tribute
July 15: Hollywood U2 - a U2 tribute
July 22: Elton, the Early Years - an Elton John tribute
July 29: The Answer - top 40
August 5: No Duh - a No Doubt tribute
August 12: Springsteen - a Bruce Springsteen tribute
August 19: - Don't Stop Believin' - a Journey tribute

Santa Ana

Grand Opening of new Libreria Martinez Location
Libreria Martinez Books and Art Gallery held a grand opening celebration of the new location in Santa Ana at 216 N. Broadway Street on June 5th. The celebration was full of activities from 8:30 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., featuring authors Judith Brito, Reuben Martinez, Colleen Corbett, Priscilla Buris and Don Jose Ruiz. There was also a magic show and ribbon cutting to mark the daylong festivities.

Westminster

Summer Concerts in the Park
On Thursday nights in the summer, the Civic Center Sunken Gardens is the place to be. The community can enjoy a variety of free concerts held from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. and be entertained by swing, classical, rock-n-roll, country, and Westminster's own Nicholson Pipes & Drums. Concertgoers may bring a picnic dinner or enjoy the delicious food items available through non-profit organizations.

The 2010 Schedule is:

July 8 - Doo Wah Riders (Country)
July 15 - Stardust Sounds (Big Band)
July 22 - Old School Westminster All Stars (Rock and Blues)
July 29 - Rosewood (Acoustic Harmonies)
August 5 - Mama Hagglin (Rock and Roll)
August 12 - Gospel Night (Community Choir Group)
August 19 - Nicholson Pipes and Drums (Bagpipe Band and Celtic Sky Dancers)
August 26 - The Music Factor (Jazz/Funk)

The Civic Center Sunken Gardens is located at 8200 Westminster Blvd. For more information, please call (714) 895-2860.

 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.

 Community Events

City of Garden Grove
June 17, 2010 - Atlantis Family Campout
Bring the whole family out to the famous Atlantis Play Center for a night under the stars. In addition to all the normal fun at Atlantis, they will have a campfire, games and crafts for the kids. The cost is $15 per person for ages three and up. The event will begin at 5 p.m. Friday and will end at 9 a.m. Saturday. Space is limited to the first 110 participants.

For more information call (714) 741-5200.

Location: Atlantis Play Center, 13630 Atlantis Way, Garden Grove, CA.

June 19, 2010 - Fill the Boot
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday June 19th, Garden Grove fire fighters will be lining up along Harbor Blvd holding their boots out to drivers asking for donations. Funds raised during this annual "Fill the Boot" fundraiser supports the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) known as "Jerry's Kids." This year marks the 55th year of the partnership between the MDA and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).

Location: Intersection of Harbor Blvd and Chapman Avenue in the InternationalWEST resort area.

City of Santa Ana
June 22, 2010 - Newscast Auditions
SAC-TV News will be hosting tryouts for news, sports and entertainment anchors and reporters on the Around and About Orange County and Noticiero Latino del Condado de Orange news casts on Tuesday, June 22nd from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Digital Media Center in Santa Ana.

No previous experience necessary. Alumni of SAC-TV News include comedian Will Ferrell, KTLA weather anchor Vera Jimenez, Fox Sports International producers Joe Rodriguez and Luis Sanchez, PBS host Elizabeth Sanchez, and TMZ.com reporter Dax Holt.

For additional information, please call 714-241-5778.

Location: Digital Media Center, 1300 S. Bristol St. Santa Ana, CA 92702.

June 22, 2010 - AltaMed Mobile Health Clinic
On Tuesday June 22nd, AltaMed Health Services will be holding a Mobile Health Clinic Session at Memorial Park from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Physicals and immunizations will be available for attendees.

Location: Memorial Park, 2102 S. Flower St., Santa Ana, CA 92707.

June 23, 2010 - Future Business Owners Program Orientation
Open Enrollment for Small Business Development Classes are Starting NOW! Goodwill of Orange County is excited to announce that The Future Business Owners Program will be conducting 15 workshops which will cover how to plan for, launch, and operate a small business. This course will be offered for FREE for individuals meeting income or social qualifications. Interested participants must meet certain criteria. A 1 hour special orientation will be held at Santa Ana W/O/R/K Center on June 23rd at 10 a.m. in English and at 11 a.m. in Spanish.

For more information visit http://www.ci.santa-ana.ca.us/cda/communitycalendar.asp

To RSVP contact J.T. Nelson at jtn@ocgoodwill.org or call (714) 754-7808 ext. 102.

Location: Santa Ana W/O/R/K Center, 1000 E. Santa Ana Blvd Suite 220, Santa Ana, Ca 92701.

June 27, 2010 - T.K.O. Boxing Club Silent Auction and Scholarship Fundraiser
K.O. Boxing club presents its 5th Annual Silent Auction and Scholarship Fundraiser. This event will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Original Mikes Restaurant. At this event, the "Deputy Chief Bruce Carlson Scholarship" award will be presented by Santa Ana Police Chief Paul Walters.

For more information visit http://newsantaana.com/2010/06/03/tko-boxing-club-to-hold-scholarship-fundraiser-on-june-27 or call Mary Lara at (714) 336-3361.

Location: Original Mikes Restaurant, 100 South Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701.

City of Westminster
Summer 2010 - Summer Aquatics Program
This summer swim classes will be offered at La Quinta High School for $45 per session. Each session runs 35 minutes per day, Monday through Thursday for two weeks.

  • Session A: June 28 - July 8
  • Session B: July 12 - July 22
  • Session C: July 26 - August 5
  • Session D: August 9 - August 19
Registration for Session A and B have already begun, however please visit www.activenet.active.com/westminster, or go to the Community Services Building at 8200 Westminster Blvd, for up to date information. Sessions C and D will be open for registration beginning July 16th at the sites listed above.

Recreation swim is available at La Quinta High School for free Monday through Thursdays between June 28th and August 19th, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. For additional information please call (714) 895-2860. After June 28th, call the pool deck at (714) 715-0111. For descriptions of lessons visit www.westminster-ca.gov/depts/cs/aquatics. Location: La Quinta High School Pool, 10372 McFadden Ave., Westminster, CA 92683.

Summer 2010 - Summer Parks & Playgrounds Program
This summer the city of Westminster's Community Services and Recreation Department will offer an array of programs and events for eight weeks. Some programs may require a pre-registration fee. The parks noted below will be open Monday through Friday beginning Monday, June 28 for eight weeks. This "drop-in" summer supervised recreation program is designed for elementary school aged youngsters and will offer a quality recreation experience. Children under the age of six must be accompanied by a parent/adult. Programs are FREE, supervised and offered on a drop-in basis. As a drop-in program, participants DO NOT sign-in or out and may come and go freely.

Participants will enjoy a summer full of games, arts and crafts, sports, excursions and organized recreational activities.

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

  • Bolsa Chica Park, 13660 University, Phone (714) 897-5911
  • Liberty Park, 13900 Monroe, Phone (714) 412-2617
  • Park West Park, 8301 McFadden, Phone (714) 898-7896
  • Sigler Park, 7200 Plaza, Phone (714) 715-0262
12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

  • Bowling Green Park, 14700 Bowling Green
  • Gillespie Park, 9801 McFadden
  • Goldenwest Park, 13200 Siskiyou
For more information please call the Community Services Department at (714) 895-2860.

July 21, 2010 - Public Awareness Safety Day
The City of Westminster's Community Services and Recreation Department will be hosting the annual Public Awareness Safety Day on Wednesday, July 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This educational event will provide children and their families an opportunity to become familiar with the City's safety staff and services.

The Westminster Explorer Scouts will be providing services including bicycle licensing and fingerprinting. In addition, there will be displays and demonstration by the Westminster Police Department and the Orange County Fire Authority.

For more information, please call the department at (714) 895-2860.

Location: Sigler Park, 7200 Plaza St, Westminster, CA.

July 24, 2010 - 3rd Annual Vietnamese Family Fun Day
Get ready for a fun, family event on Saturday July 24th at Sigler Park. The 3rd Annual Vietnamese Family Fun Day: Health and Resource Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The theme this year is "Building a Brighter, Healthier Future." The focus of the Family Fun Day is to help improve the well being of each individual. Free health screenings and health related information will be available, along with entertainment from local youth groups and educational activities that promote health and fitness among children.

For more information, visit the City of Westminster's website at www.westminster-ca.gov.

Location: Sigler Park, 7200 Plaza St., Westminster, CA 92683.

To contact Supervisor Janet Nguyen, please call 714-834-3110 or email Janet.Nguyen@ocgov.com.