Header Image of Supervisor Janet Nguyen
September 30, 2011

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. ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (OCTA)

3. ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY (OCFA)

4. HEALTH BULLETIN

5. YOUTH CONNECTION

6. BUSINESS NEWS

7. SAVE THE DATE

8. JANET AROUND THE FIRST DISTRICT

9. LOCAL ISSUES

10. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

11. COMMUNITY EVENTS


Click here to subscribe.

Click here to unsubscribe


Volume 5 Issue 11
 
Janet's Journal


Summer has unfortunately come to an end. While you may not get to play in the water as much, there are certainly many activities to engage in with your family this fall. Look in the events section of this newsletter for a list of local events.

On another note, every ten years after the census the various federal, state and local governments redraw their boundaries. Recently the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved the new boundaries for the County districts, and because the First District had low population growth compared to some of the other districts, it had to expand in size. Along with Santa Ana, Westminster, part of Garden Grove and Midway City, I will now be representing all of Garden Grove and Fountain Valley (north of Warner Avenue). The new district boundaries go into effect October 6, 2011.

I am proud to serve all constituents in the First District and look forward to meeting new people and attending events in the new areas of the district.

 Board of Supervisors

John Wayne Airport to Offer Service to Mammoth

John Wayne Airport has announced a new seasonal destination from Orange County. United Airlines will begin offering service to Mammoth Yosemite Airport December 16, 2011, extending through April 15, 2012. Flights will depart JWA at 2:30 p.m. and arrive at Mammoth at 3:49 p.m. Return flights will depart Mammoth at 12:15 p.m. and arrive in Orange County at 1:36 p.m. These flights will be available Fridays through Mondays. For information, call John Wayne Airport at (949) 252-5171.

Child Abuse Treatment Program Funds Accepted

The Board of Supervisors renewed their commitment to child victims of abuse and neglect residing in the City of Santa Ana.

The Board accepted a grant from the Governor's California Emergency Management Agency for the Child Abuse Treatment program. The County of Orange has successfully secured these funds since 2004 and has provided enhanced services to child victims of abuse and neglect through the Corbin Family Resource Center located at 2215 W. McFadden Avenue in Santa Ana.

Services are provided by an agreement with Community Service Programs, Inc., Child Guidance Centers and Olive Crest which provide therapy, advocacy and support to victims. It is projected that over 1000 unduplicated child victims will be served through this grant over the next three year period.

ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (OCTA)

Traffic Signal Synchronization Has Aided Flow

A traffic signal synchronization project in three major corridors has improved flow during peak commuting hours. In June, more than 250 intersections in nine cities along Bristol Street, State College Blvd., Harbor Blvd., Westminster Avenue and 17th Street were synchronized by OCTA. The project was funded through federal transit and air quality revenue funds. The signal synchronization project has led to a 13 percent reduction in exhaust emissions overall and is expected to lead to a 2.5 million gallon reduction in fuel consumption over three years.

ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY (OCFA)

OCFA Open House

OCFA is hosting their annual Open House on Saturday, October 8, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Get your family together to participate in fun activities, enjoy free food, visit safety booths, watch live fire demonstrations and meet some of the firefighters who protect us everyday.

The Open House will take place at the Regional Fire Operations & Training Center, located at 1 Fire Authority Rd., Irvine.

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.

HEALTH BULLETIN

Medicare Information for Seniors

On Thursday, October 20, 2011 the Office on Aging will host a free seminar explaining Medicare. The event will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Westminster Public Library and specifically targets Vietnamese speakers. For more information, please call (714) 893-5057.

Location: Westminster Public Library, 8180 13th St. Westminster.

YOUTH CONNECTION

Teen Advisory Board

The Westminster Public Library's Teen Advisory Board is looking for teens to help make decisions about teen services offered at the library. Volunteer hours can be earned for you work. For information, call (714) 893-5057.

Volunteers Needed During Moving Wall Visit

The success of the Moving Wall's visit to Garden Grove will depend greatly on the participation of community volunteers. The Moving WallT, an original half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, will be on exhibit in Garden Grove Park October 6 through October 10, 2011.

Volunteers will be helping to assemble, care for, secure, and disassemble the temporary Moving WallT and to serve as docents, escorts, and assisting participants in locating names listed on the wall. Shifts are available in four-hour increments. Individuals as well as service groups or organizations are encouraged to participate in this first-time arrival of The Wall to Garden Grove.

To sign up, please visit http://www.signupgenius.com/go/themoving. For more information on volunteer shifts and responsibilities, please call (714) 741-5243.

BUSINESS NEWS

New Santa Ana Business Guide

The City of Santa Ana has produced a new guide for businesses. The Guide to Doing Business in Santa Ana is designed to assist businesses in their establishment and growth, outlines ways to find city incentives and loans and provides some important contacts. You can access the guide here: http://www.ci.santa-ana.ca.us/documents/santa_ana_business_booklet.pdf.

The Inc. 500

Inc. Magazine recently released its list of top 500 fastest growing firms in the United States. Among this group, 99 are from California and 19 from Orange County. Additionally, #84 is based in Santa Ana - Local Splash - which specializes in online local ranking and search engine marketing. Congratulations to Local Splash and all the companies that made it on this list!

Culinary Showcase and Tri-City Business Expo

The Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce has joined with the Costa Mesa and Tustin Chambers of Commerce for a Culinary Showcase and Tri-City Business Expo on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at the Costa Mesa Hilton. The event will feature live entertainment, free samples of tasty Orange County foods and displays of products and services. Space is limited, so hurry and register at the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce's website at www.santaanachamber.com.

SAVE THE DATE

Flu Vaccine Shot

The Orange County Health Care Agency and the Office of Supervisor Janet Nguyen will be hosting a free flu vaccine clinic at the County Community Service Center on Friday, November 4, 2011. Additional information will be posted on the newsletter as it becomes available. In the meantime, call (714) 889-4105 if you have questions. The County Community Service Center is located at 15460 Magnolia St. (corner of Magnolia and McFadden), Westminster.

 JANET AROUND THE FIRST DISTRICT



Supervisor Janet Nguyen welcomes attendees to the 2011 Central County Senior & Caregiver Expo at the Crystal Cathedral.


Registration at the 2011 Central County Senior & Caregiver Expo - Attendees began arriving as early as 6 a.m. to benefit from the free resources, workshops and health screening services available from the various county agencies and non-profit organizations.


Supervisor Janet Nguyen meets with constituents at the 2011 Central County Senior & Caregiver Expo to discuss issues facing older adults in Orange County. Approximately 1000 seniors and caregivers attended the free event where they received information, resources and screenings.


A participant has her blood pressure read by a volunteer at the 2011 Central County Senior & Caregiver Expo.


Supervisor Janet Nguyen presents a resolution to Dr. Eddie Hernandez, former Chancellor of Rancho Santiago Community College District during the reception for the grand opening of "A Class Action: The Grassroots Struggle for School Desegregation in California." The event marked the commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month.


Supervisor Janet Nguyen presents a proclamation to Marla Noel commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary in Santa Ana.

 LOCAL ISSUES


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

Orange County

Orange County 2-1-1
Orange County's annual State of the Agency meeting will be held on October 27th for opportunities for collaboration and updates on Orange County's 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness. The meeting will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Delhi Center, located on 505 E. Central Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92707. For more information, please email getconnected@211oc.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. Informational meetings are held periodically throughout Orange County held in the coming weeks. Visit the website or contact Ms. Weinstein to learn more. Teams are currently being formed for the following events:

  • 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

Instrument Drive
The Garden Grove Unified School District is seeking instrument donations to benefit its school bands and orchestras. If you have gently used brass, woodwind, percussion or string musical instruments you no longer play, drop them off at any of GGUSD's 47 elementary schools. Call (714) 883-6363 for more information.

Garden Grove/Westminster Facebook Page
A new Facebook page has been launched by the Orange County Register for the cities of Garden Grove and Westminster. Visit www.facebook.com/ggwnews for news, events and other information about these communities.

Garden Grove Welcomes New Businesses to Town
Shoppers are in store for added convenience, more attractive surroundings, and better economic outlook for Garden Grove with the latest arrival of businesses to the community.

The City's Garden Grove Promenade, located at Chapman and Brookhurst streets is adding two new stores to its shopping plaza. Anchoring the plaza is Regal Cinemas Garden Grove 16 offering $5 movies every Sunday.

These new additions coincide with major landscaping improvements that will update, renew, and beautify the look of the center. The landscaping changes are almost complete and leasing activities are up considerably. Along with beautifying the Garden Grove Promenade, the McDonald's restaurant on Harbor Boulevard is planning an extensive remodeling. The grand re-opening will happen sometime in April 2012.

For more information on business activities, please contact the City's Economic Development Department at (714) 741-5130 or visit www.ci.garden-grove.ca.us.

Vietnam War exhibit: The Moving Wall
The Vietnam War era exhibit, The Moving Wall, will 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

Spooky Science at the Discovery Science Center
From October 1st through the 31st, the "Spooky Science: Bug Invasion 2" exhibit at the Discovery Science Center is featuring giant bug animatronics, a world-class insect collection, and interactive educational stations. Visitors can even venture through a 4-D maze and embark on a scavenger hunt. For more information, please contact the Discovery Science Center at (714) 542-2823.

Santa Ana Negotiating with Chivas USA
The City of Santa Ana has entered into a negotiating rights agreement with Chivas USA Enterprises LLC for a possible move to Santa Ana. Chivas USA is the sister team of Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas), and currently shares a stadium with the LA Galaxy at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA.

Chivas USA's potential move to Santa Ana would also include its reserve division, youth teams, and their non-profit foundation, which focuses on community service projects and programs.

Westminster

Police Volunteers Sought
The Westminster Police Department is looking to expand its volunteer citizen base to help with non-enforcing duties. For more information or to volunteer, please call Officer Jim Bodine at (714) 548-3752.

Groups and Organizations Needed for Founder's Day Parade
The City of Westminster is looking for service organizations interested in participating in the Founder's Day Parade on October 22, 2011. Applications can be downloaded at www.westminster-ca.gov or obtained at the Community Services office at 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster. For more information, please call (714) 895-2860.

Garden Grove/Westminster Facebook Page
A new Facebook page has been launched by the Orange County Register for the cities of Garden Grove and Westminster. Visit www.facebook.com/ggwnews for news, events and other information about these communities.

 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
October 14-16, 2011 - Korean Festival
This annual family-oriented event is a celebration of Korean history, tradition, and culture. The event includes a parade, games, carnival rides, and entertainment at no cost.

Location: Village Green Park at 12732 Main St., Garden Grove

For information, call the Korean Festival Foundation of Orange County at (714) 539-3002, email kffoc@yahoo.com, or visit www.ockoreanfestival.com.

October 21, 2011 - Mayor's Business Breakfast
Garden Grove Mayor Bill Dalton will host this year's event, designed to welcome new and existing businesses to the city on October 2nd from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Guest speaker Tony Calderone will present the benefits of SCORE and the free assistance the organization provides to businesses. The hosted breakfast is an opportunity for attendees to network with other members of the business community.

Location: Marriott Suites, 12015 Harbor Boulevard, Garden Grove.

For more information, contact the Economic Development Department at (714) 741-5120.

October 22, 2011- Jack O' Lantern Jamboree
The City of Garden Grove Community Services Department presents the Tenth Annual Jack O' Lantern Jamboree on October 22nd from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event will include games, crafts, a costume parade, a bounce house, goodies and more! Cost is $6.00 per person (Children 2 and under are free). Location: Atlantis Play Center, 13630 Atlantis Way, Garden Grove. Fore more information, contact the Garden Grove Community Services Department at (714) 741- 5200.

October 22, 2011 - Boys & Girls Club Dinner and Auction
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Garden Grove is pleased to present a fun-filled evening of delicious food, performances from Club members, live and silent auctions, and more importantly, the opportunity to get to know the Club. This worthwhile event will take place on October 22, at 4:00 p.m.

Location: 9840 Larson Street, Garden Grove.

For additional information, call Tricia Mathis at (714) 530-0430 x966 or email tricia@bgcgg.org.

City of Santa Ana
October 1, 2011 - Shred & eWaste Day
The Orange County Credit Union will be hosting a Shred & eWaste Day on October 1st from 9 a.m. to 1pm. Drive-thru services for paper and electronics recycling by Cintas and California Recycles will be provided Free of Charge.

Location: Orange County Credit Union, 1701 E. St. Andrew Place, Santa Ana.

For more information or identity theft workshops, please contact Leticia Mata, Community Education and Development at 1 (888) 354-6228 ext. 7440.

October 16, 2011 - Resident's Day at the Santa Ana Zoo
On October 16th, entrance to the Santa Ana Zoo is free for all Santa Ana residents. The Santa Ana Zoo is located at Prentice Park and displays over 300 animals from all around the world. The zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information, please contact (714) 647-6575.

Location: Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana.

City of Westminster
October 21-23, 2011 - Founder's Day Parade and Festival
From October 21st through the 23rd, the City of Westminster is proud to host the Founder's Day Festival, featuring rides, carnival games, great food, and arts and crafts. Admission is free.

Additionally, the Founder's Day Parade will take place on Saturday, October 22nd beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Westminster Blvd. between Locust and Hoover Streets.

For more information, or for a parade application, please contact (714) 895-2860 or visit www.westminster-ca.gov.

October 31, 2011 - Halloween Happening
The Westminster Mall and the City of Westminster Community Services and Recreation Department will host the Halloween Happening event at the Westminster Mall on Monday, October 31st from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event will take place in the lower level Macy's Court. Everyone is welcome and kids can win goodies and prizes at the game booths.

For more information, please contact the Westminster Community Services and Recreation Department at (714) 895-2860.

Location: 1025 Westminster Mall, Westminster.

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