Header Image of Supervisor Janet Nguyen
August 8, 2011

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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. ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (OCTA)

3. ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY (OCFA)

4. ORANGE COUNTY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (OCCOG)

5. HEALTH BULLETIN

6. YOUTH CONNECTION

7. BUSINESS NEWS

8. SAVE THE DATE

9. JANET AROUND THE FIRST DISTRICT

10. LOCAL ISSUES

11. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

12. COMMUNITY EVENTS


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Volume 5 Issue 10
 
Janet's Journal


I trust you are enjoying your summer and having fun spending time with your loved ones. With the warm weather, please remember to stay hydrated and be conscious of water safety and fire safety.

I would like to draw your attention to an event coming up in the First District. The 2nd Annual Central Orange County Senior & Caregiver Expo will be held on August 20th from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This year’s event is in partnership with the Orange County Office on Aging and will be hosted at the same location as last year; the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove. The event is free for seniors and caregivers and will feature workshops, health screenings and informational booths, along with continental breakfast for seniors. Read further for more information.

As your First District Supervisor, I am committed to continually searching for opportunities to serve you better. Hosting an event like the Senior & Caregiver Expo is just one example of my dedication to you, as I am always grateful for the opportunity to serve you.

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS


Senior Community Service Employment Program Will Continue to Thrive


For low-income persons 55+ years of age, the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) provides opportunities for part-time community service employment and helps individuals make the transition to employment. The OC Community Resources Office on Aging received $720,136 for the SCSEP from the California Department of Aging. A midyear allocation of additional one-time-only funds to provide additional services has been given to the Office on Aging.

More One-Way Trips from SNEMT

The Senior Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (SNEMT) is available to all persons 60+, including all OCTA ACCESS eligible clients. Amendments to the SNEMT Scope of Work increased the trip limit from 8 one-way trips per client, per month (with specific exceptions for medical need) to 16 one-way trips per client, per month (documentation required if client’s new trip limit is to be exceeded). To keep the expenditure of funds in pace with client demand, the amendments also allow payments to the service providers to exceed 1/12 of the monthly obligation.


ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (OCTA)


OCTA and Metrolink Offering Summer Discounts to Riders


OCTA and Metrolink are now offering discounts throughout the summer. On weekdays, you can go anywhere in Orange County for $7 ($6 for seniors and people with disabilities) on an all-day pass, good on OCTA buses and Metrolink trains. Additionally, on weekends from 7 p.m. Friday to midnight Sunday, an all-weekend Metrolink pass can be purchased for only $10. Visit www.octa.net and www.metrolinktrains.com for more information.


ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY (OCFA)

New Law Requiring Carbon Monoxide Alarms

The new carbon monoxide alarm law went into effect July 1, 2011 for single family homes. OCFA will incorporate the information into its existing smoke alarm outreach and educational program, which is designed to ensure the presence of working smoke alarms to protect residents while they sleep.

There is a provision in the State building code that requires installation of carbon monoxide alarms when existing homes undergo alterations requiring a permit. The provision will be enforced by building department staff during the inspection(s) to ensure permitted work is done properly.

For more information on the new state law, visit www.ocfa.org.


ORANGE COUNTY COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS (OCCOG)


Sustainable Communities Strategy


With the help of OCCOG, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) will be holding public outreach workshops prior to developing its 2012 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS). OCCOG recently approved the Orange County Community Sustainable Communities (OC SCS) Strategy, with information available at http://www.oc-scs.org.

SCAG develops a Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) every four years, which provides a vision for transportation goals and investments throughout the region. As required by State law, SCAG is also tasked with developing a Sustainable Communities Strategy with emissions reduction targets as part of that transportation strategy.

The RTP/SCS development process benefits from community involvement. The following are upcoming workshops hosted by SCAG in Orange County:

August 10, 2011 - Orange

  • OCTA Headquarters, Conference Room 103/104
    600 South Main Street, 92863
  • 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
August 15, 2011 - Mission Viejo
  • City of Mission Viejo, Saddleback Room
    200 Civic Center, 92691
  • 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
For more information, please call SCAG Rep. Matthew Horton at (213) 236-1980, or visit http://www.scag.ca.gov/rtp2012/index.htm.


HEALTH BULLETIN

New School Immunization Law for 2011-2012 School Year

AB 354 has passed the state legislature and requires all students entering 7th – 12th grades in the 2011-2012 school year to be immunized with a pertussis booster vaccine (Tdap) before the start of school.

Tdap stands for Tetanus, Diptheria and Pertussis and is recommended for individuals 7 years and older who are not fully vaccinated, women of childbearing age (including before, during and after pregnancy), and those who have contact with pregnant women and infants.


YOUTH CONNECTION

Volunteer Opportunity

If you would like to help out in your community or need to fulfill volunteer hours for a school requirement, sign up to volunteer for the 2nd Annual Central County Senior Expo.

The event will begin at 7:30 a.m. and end at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 20th at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove. To sign up to volunteer, please email first.district@ocgov.com.


Teen "Wreck"-reation Hall Summer Time

Come and join us at the Wreck Hall at Eastgate park! It's a place for teens to hang out and enjoy socializing with other teens. Activities include interactive Wii games, sports and a snack bar. Wreck Hall hours are as follows:
  • Wednesdays: 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. (1st & 3rd Wednesdays from 1p.m. – 4 p.m.)
  • Fridays: 3:30-6:30 p.m.
  • Saturdays: (1st & 3rd Saturdays from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.)
Location: 12001 Saint Mark Street, Garden Grove (in Eastgate Park)

For more information, please call (714) 741-5200.


BUSINESS NEWS

USPS Business Mailing Center in Santa Ana

Recently the United States Postal Service opened its remodeled and expanded Business Mailing Center in Santa Ana. The Mailing Center offers improved service and accessibility, including improved parking, a new customer lobby, mailing and shipping supply center and enhanced loading dock.

Hours of operation for bulk business mail acceptance are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and hours for Express Mail/Priority Mail drop off are Monday through Friday 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Santa Ana Business Mailing Center is located at 3101 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana.


SAVE THE DATE

Central County Senior & Caregiver Expo – August 20, 2011

This year’s Central Orange County Senior & Caregiver Expo, hosted by Supervisor Janet Nguyen and the Orange County Office on Aging, will be held at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove. The event is free for seniors and caregivers and will feature workshops, health screenings and informational booths, along with continental breakfast for seniors.

This year’s expo takes place on Saturday, August 20, 2011, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. If you know anyone who would like to volunteer during this event, please email first.district@ocgov.com. For information on attending, please call 1-800-510-2020. Transportation will be provided upon request to individuals age 60 and over, but you must RSVP by August 12th for the service.



 JANET AROUND THE FIRST DISTRICT



Supervisor Janet Nguyen, U.S. Congressman Ed Royce and staff meet to discuss issues facing Orange County.


Supervisor Janet Nguyen and staff meet with Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, Kurt Campbell during her visit to Washington, D.C. to lobby on behalf of Orange County and First District residents.


Supervisor Janet Nguyen meets with a member of the White House staff during her visit to Washington, D.C. to lobby on behalf of Orange County and First District residents.


Supervisor Janet Nguyen is interviewed by a reporter from the Viet Herald of Westminster on the issues of redistricting and her role in the community.


Philip Norton, District Representative to Supervisor Janet Nguyen, presents a certificate to Westminster Mayor Pro Tem and Police Chief Ron Coopman during the dedication ceremony of the new Westminster Police Facility.

 LOCAL ISSUES


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


Orange County

ECO Challenge at Discovery Science Center
Orange County Waste and Recycling is partnering with the Discovery Science Center to bring a new permanent, environmentally themed exhibit called ECO Challenge. The exhibit includes the Race to Recycle, where guests identify e-waste, recyclables and yard waste; an Eco Garage used for identifying household hazardous waste; and the Discovery Market, which is an interactive game that allows guests to shop at a grocery market while learning about product packaging and recycling.

The Eco Challenge Grand Opening is on Thursday, September 1, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. The Discovery Science Center is located at 2500 N. Main Street in Santa Ana. For more information, please call (714) 542-2823, or visit www.discoverycube.org.


Team in Training Late Fall Season Information
“Team in Training” (TNT) is the world’s largest endurance sports training program. Teams will be formed for marathons, half marathons, triathlons and bike rides throughout California as well as Zion National Park, Utah and Honolulu, Hawaii between October and December. This unique program provides you with the coaching, training and motivation to make your athletic goals a reality! On top of this, you will be directly supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

To learn more about TNT visit www.teamintraining.org, or contact Florence Weinstein at (714) 481-5605, or via email at Florence.weinstein@lls.org. There will also be several informational meetings throughout Orange County held in the coming weeks. Visit the website or contact Ms. Weinstein to learn more. Below are some of the upcoming events teams, in which teams are currently being formed:

  • Oct. 9th: Day at the Beach Triathlon (Hermosa Beach, CA)
  • Oct. 16th: Nike Women’s Half Marathon (San Francisco, CA)
  • Oct. 23rd: Kring & Chung Newport Beach Triathlon (Newport Beach, CA)
  • Oct. 29th: Hike Zion National Park (Zion National Park, UT)
  • Nov. 12th: Santa Barbara International Marathon and Half Marathon (Santa Barbara, CA)
  • Dec 11th: Honolulu Marathon (Honolulu, HI)
Garden Grove

2011 Summer Concert Series
The Garden Grove Community Foundation hosts the 2011 Free Summer Concert Series at Eastgate Park, 12001 St. Mark Street in Garden Grove. Join your friends and neighbors each Thursday from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. for an evening filled with great music!
  • August 11th: Abbey Road (Beatles tribute band)
  • August 18: Knyght Ryder (80’s and 90’s)
The last two shows in the series will take place at Village Green on the corner of Euclid and Main Street.
  • August 25th: Don’t Stop Believin’ (Journey tribute band)
  • September 1st: Salsa Caliente (Latin Salsa)
Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. No EZ-Ups or golf carts, please. If you would like more information or make a donation, please call (714) 741-5280, or visit www.ggcf.com.

Boys & Girls Club of Garden Grove Fundraising Opportunity
The Orange County Register is offering a fundraising subscription that will benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Garden Grove. Signing up for 1-year of Sunday delivery for only 2 cents and the Boys & Girls Club of Garden Grove will receive $10.

For more information and to register, please call (714) 796-6716 or visit www.ocregister.com/fundraising.


Cooling Center
The H. Lake Louis Senior Center, located at 11300 Stanford Ave. in Garden Grove, will act as a public cooling center through September on days when the temperature is forecasted at 95 degrees and above. The center will be open from noon to 5 p.m. on these days. For information on this program, please call (714) 741-5253.


Vietnam War exhibit: The Moving Wall
The Vietnam War era exhibit, The Moving Wall, will be at Garden Grove Park from October 6 through October 10, 2011. The City of Garden Grove is seeking Vietnam War memorabilia from the community to display its temporary educational center when the exhibit is in town. These items include videos, uniforms, medals, maps, letters and music.

A special section will be dedicated to the 40 men from Garden Grove who made the ultimate sacrifice. Between 1965 and 1973, 40 brave young men from Garden Grove, ages 18 to 26, gave their lives for the freedom of neighbors half way around the world. A complete list of Garden Grove’s 40 heroes with brief biographies is available on the City’s website, www.ci.garden-grove.ca.us by clicking on “the Moving Wall” link.

If you have contact information for family or friends, please call the City of Garden Grove at (714) 741-5187, or email movingwall@garden-grove.org.


Santa Ana

Santa Ana College Summer Classes for All Ages
This summer the Santa Ana College Community Services Program is offering fun, exciting and educational workshops for everyone. There are several August classes that are still open for enrollment. Visit the following website for more information: http://sac.edu/community/services, or call (714) 564-6594.


SAUSD Welcomes New Superintendent
The Santa Ana Unified School Board has appointed Thelma Melendez as Superintendent of Orange County’s largest school district. Melendez, who previously served as Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education, officially becomes superintendent of the Santa Ana Unified School District on August 8, 2011. Melendez assumes the position previously held by Jane Russo, who in late June retired after a five-year tenure as head of Santa Ana Unified.


Reading Programs for Young Children
In an effort to promote reading among young children, the Santa Ana Central Library and the Newhope Branch Library are offering programs to help your child start reading at an earlier age. There are weekly baby, preschool and family story times for you and your child to enjoy. For a schedule of story times and activities for children, please visit www.santa-ana.org/library or call (714) 647-5258.


Westminster

2011 Concerts in the Park

Just a couple more shows are left in Westminster’s annual Concert in the Park summer series. Each show starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 7:30 p.m. These evenings of great music are held at the Civic Center Sunken Gardens in Westminster. Here are the bands that will be performing:

  • August 11th: The Silverado’s (country rock)
  • August 18th: Gospel Night (community group choir)
New Income Threshold for Home Repair Loans
The City of Westminster has increased the income threshold for homeowners interested in participating in the Westminster Improving Neighborhoods program. This program offers financial assistance to homeowners for home repairs and other specified improvements. With this change, a family of three with an annual income of $75,690 and a family of four with an income of $84,100 will be eligible to receive the home rehabilitation grant. For more information, visit www.westminster-ca.gov.com.


Westminster Police Department Encourages Residents to Report Prior to Home Fumigations
Officials at the Westminster Police Department are warning residents regarding a recent crime trend. Thieves have been targeting homes tented for termite fumigation to commit burglaries. In the last two months, police have received five reports of burglaries occurring at tented homes.

While investigators do not see a trend involving specific pest control companies or particular areas of the city, they are concerned due to the number of recent incidents. It appears that the burglars have been entering the tented homes during the “ventilation stage” when the poisonous fumes are being released from the homes.

Residents are encouraged to notify WPD when their home is going to be tented for fumigation and to request extra patrol-checks for the duration. Residents are also asked to provide the name and phone number for the pest control company in charge of the fumigation. Residents who are having their home tented for fumigation are asked to call WPD Detective Dispatch Center at (714) 548-3212. Anyone wishing to report suspicious activity at a tented home is encouraged to call 9-1-1.


ABRAZAR Summer Camps
ABRAZAR Inc. will host summer camps this summer through September 2, 2011 at Schmitt Elementary School and the Midway City Community Center. Camps are offered to children (K-8) and include weekly field trips, arts and crafts and sports programs.

Locations: Schmitt Elementary School, 7200 Trask Ave., Westminster; Midway City Community Center, 14900 Park Lane, Midway City.

For more information, please call (714) 893-3581, ext. 119.


Splash Pad
Summer is here, and when it’s hot, the Sigler Park Splash Pad is there to cool you off! The Splash Pad is now open daily through Labor Day. Come out, have fun with friends, and enjoy the summer! Sigler Park is located at 7200 Plaza St. in Westminster.

Summer Classes/Camp
Registration for the City of Westminster’s summer classes has begun. There are a variety of academic classes available, along with special themed classes, such as “Glee” and “Star Wars.”

An SNL Kid’s Edition Summer Camp is scheduled for the week of August 8, 2011. Camp lasts from 9 a.m. to noon each day and is for children ages 6 to 12. The cost for registration is $139 per child.

Those interested may sign up at www.activenet.active.com/westminster or stop in at the Community Services Recreation building at 8200 Westminster Blvd. For more information, please call (714) 895-2860.

Summer Aquatics Program/Jobs
Registration for the 2011 Summer Aquatics program is underway. Visit www.activenet.active.com/westminster. You can also register your children at the Community Services Department, 8200 Westminster Blvd. Each session runs Monday through Thursday for 2 weeks and 30 minutes a day. For more information, please call (714) 895-2860.

The City of Westminster is hiring for the summer aquatics program. Open positions include pool manager, lifeguards and water safety instructors. Potential applicants must have the appropriate certification to be considered for the position. Applications for these positions are available at the Community Services and Recreation Department at 8200 Westminster Blvd. For more information, please call (714) 548-3667.

 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
August 11, 2011 – Free Summer Concert Series
“Beatlemania” hit the U.S. with full force in 1964. The single, I Want to Hold Your Hand sold over 2 million copies in two weeks and an estimated 74 million people watched The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. With songs from A Hard Day’s Night, to Help!, to The White Album, The Beatles changed rock n’ roll forever. Enjoy the sounds of this legendary rock band with Abbey Road, a Beatles tribute band. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. and lasts until 8:30 p.m. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. No EZ-Ups or golf carts.

Location: Eastgate Park, 12001 St. Mark Street, Garden Grove.

For more information, call (714) 741-5280 or visit www.ggcf.com.

August 18, 2011 – Free Summer Concert Series
On Thursday, August 18th, Knyght Ryder takes you back to the legwarmer and sweatband era of the 80’s. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. and lasts until 8:30 p.m. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. No EZ-Ups or golf carts.

Location: Eastgate Park, 12001 St. Mark Street, Garden Grove.

For more information, call (714) 741-5280 or visit www.ggcf.com.

August 27, 2011 – 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
Crosby Youth Athletic Association is holding a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament on Saturday, August 27th at the Garden Grove Sports and Recreation Center. Online registration is available at www.cyaa-basketball.com as well as the recreation center. Entry is $100 per team, with a maximum of 16 teams with players ages 13 – 17.

Location: Garden Grove Sports and Recreation Center, 13641 Deodora Drive, Garden Grove.

For more information, please call (562) 646-7790 or email crosbyyouthathletics@gmail.com.

City of Santa Ana
August 12, 2011 – Discovery Science Center “Eco Challenge”
A new exhibit is coming to the Discovery Science Center. The environmentally-themed exhibit, “Eco Challenge” includes the Race to Recycle, where guests identify e-waste, recyclables and yard waste; an Eco Garage used for identifying household hazardous waste; and the Discovery Market, which is an interactive game that allows guests to shop at a grocery market while learning about product packaging and recycling. The exhibit runs from August 12th through December 31st.

Location: Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana.

For more information, please call (714) 542-2823, or visit www.discoverycube.org.

August 13, 2011 – Free Kidney Screening
If you or a family member has diabetes or high blood pressure, or an immediate family member has kidney disease, then you may be at risk for developing kidney disease. The National Kidney Foundation of Southern California will be offering free kidney screenings on Saturday, August 13th. Space is limited, so make your appointment today.

Location: Southwest Senior Center, 2201 West McFadden Ave., Santa Ana.

For reservations, please call (800) 747-5527.

September 3-4, 2011 – Garage Sale Weekend
Santa Ana’s Community Preservation Division is organizing a garage sale weekend for September 3rd and 4th. Residents of Santa Ana may only have yard sales on certain days throughout the year.

For additional information and if you’d like to participate, please call Community Preservation at (714) 667-2780.

City of Westminster
August 11, 2011 – 3rd Annual Green Expo
The City of Westminster is bringing hosting its Green Expo for the third year. Join residents on Thursday, August 11th from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and learn how to save energy, reduce waste and cut utility costs. Admission is free, and there will be free giveaways throughout the event.

Location: 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster.

For more information, please call (714) 548-3240.

August 11, 2011 – Concert in the Park
Nod your head and pick up your feet for the country and classic rock band, The Silverados. This fun, high energy band won’t let you keep still with their mix of country and Top-40 songs. The event takes place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Join your friends and neighbors for an evening of great music!

Location: Civic Center Sunken Gardens, 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster.

For more information, please call (714) 895-2860, or visit http://www.westminster-ca.gov/civica/inc
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.

August 16, 2011 – Salute to Seniors Luncheon
The Westminster Chamber of Commerce and Westminster Chamber Foundation will host the Salute to Seniors Luncheon on August 16th at 12 p.m. The event will feature great food, entertainment and awards. The cost to attend is $18 for Seniors (65+), $20 for members and $25 for non-members.

Location: Westminster Rose Center, Crystal Ballroom 14140 All American Way, Westminster.

For more information, please call (714) 898-9648.

August 18, 2011 – Concert in the Park
Thursday, August 18th is Gospel Night. The Community Group Choir will play classic and contemporary gospel music for you and your family to enjoy. Music starts at 6 p.m.

Location: Civic Center Sunken Gardens, 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster.

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

September 17, 2011 – Trails 4 All Clean-Up
The 15th Annual Inner-Coastal and Watershed Clean-Up event will happen on Saturday, September 17th. The City of Westminster is looking for volunteers to help with this year’s clean-up of the storm drain and flood control channel around the city. Sign-up is at 8:30 a.m. Anyone can volunteer, but there is a limit of 150 individuals. Items to bring are: reusable bag/bucket, water, gloves, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, hat/sunglasses.

Meeting location: 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster.

For more information, please call (714) 548-3692, email tmiller@westminster-ca.gov, or visit http://trails4all.org.

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