Header Image of Supervisor Janet Nguyen
October 18, 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. HEALTH BULLETIN

4. YOUTH CONNECTION

5. BUSINESS NEWS

6. SAVE THE DATE

7. JANET AROUND THE FIRST DISTRICT

8. LOCAL ISSUES

9. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

10. COMMUNITY EVENTS


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Volume 5 Issue 12
 
Janet's Journal


Fall is officially here along with the dreaded flu season. To avoid the dreaded flu this season, it is recommended that you and your family members get vaccinated.

On Friday, November 4th,I will be joining the OC Health Care Agency to host a Free Flu Vaccination Clinic at the County Community Service Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Limited vaccination will be available on a first come, first served basis.

Fall has also ushered in a series of exciting changes for the First District. As I shared with you last time, as of October 6th our boundaries have expanded to include all of the City of Garden Grove and Fountain Valley (north of Warner Avenue).

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the residents of these areas into the First District. I am honored to have the opportunity to represent you and am confident that together we will be able to make Orange County a better place to live.

 Board of Supervisors

Savings to Orange County Residents

The Board of Supervisors has authorized a fee reduction to various Clerk-Recorder services. The decrease in fees is due to an increase in efficiency and increase in accessibility services online. The fee for a Regular Marriage License has gone down $.50 to $61.00 and the fee for a Confidential Marriage License has decreased $0.25 to $66.00. The filing fee for a Notary Public Registration has been decreased by $0.25 to $28.00. Additionally, the fee for a Certificate of Filing/Non-Filing for a Fictitious Business Name/registrant has decreased by $0.25 to $9.00.

ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (OCTA)

Great Progress for OCTA's 10 Strategic Initiatives for 2011

As Chair of the OCTA Board of Directors, Supervisor Pat Bates developed a ten point plan to address transportation issues throughout Orange County. I am pleased to say that OCTA has made great progress in carrying out these plans and improving infrastructure countywide. We have seen steps taken to mitigate environmental impact while continuing to develop freeways and roads, improve traffic light synchronization, expand freeway capacity, strengthen connections in order to promote inter-county transit and improve the effectiveness of OCTA organizationally. The progression of these initiatives has been tremendous and I am proud of the improvements being made, especially within the First District.

Metrolink Has Introduced the 'Quiet Car'

Metrolink has designated one 'quiet passenger car' on every weekday trip. Cellphones, smart phones and other electronic devices that can be heard by others will not be allowed on these cars. The change allows those who prefer quiet during their train ride an opportunity for little disturbance, while those who prefer to socialize and do business may do so on the other cars. For more information, visit www.metrolinktrains.com.

First District Leadership Forum



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.

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
Heart Disease Update

Deaths related to heart disease in Orange County have been on the decline the past decade. The Orange County death rate from heart disease is 119.8, per 100,000 down from 129.1 per 100,000 in 2010, and down nearly 48% from 2001 according to the State Department of Health.

However, heart attacks and strokes remain a persistent public health concern. In Orange County, only cancer kills more people than heart disease. Be sure to exercise, eat healthy and ask your doctor about how to better your chances to defend against heart disease.

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.

BUSINESS NEWS

OCTA Small Business Conference 2011

The Orange County Transportation Authority is hosting a small business conference on Friday, October 28, 2011 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be held at the Double Tree Hotel, 100 The City Drive, Orange. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with private and public business leaders, procurement officers and decision makers. If you have an interest in contract and partnership opportunities with OCTA and other leading agencies, this conference is right for you. Admission is free, but early and online registration is encouraged.

The program includes:
7 a.m. - 8 a.m.: Registration and continental breakfast
8:15 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.: Welcome and Opening Remarks
8:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Exhibit and Network Hall

Seminars include:
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.: Doing business and partnering with government and public agencies
11 a.m. - 12 noon: Certification programs, financing, bonding and insurance

To register, visit www.octa.net/sbcon, or contact Bekele Demissie of OCTA at (714) 560-5657, or bdemissie@octa.net.

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.

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. The hours of the clinic are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The County Community Service Center is located at 15460 Magnolia St. (corner of Magnolia and McFadden), Westminster. For more information, please call (714) 889-4105.

 JANET AROUND THE FIRST DISTRICT



Supervisor Janet Nguyen and Baby Tommy join (l-r) President of Discovery Science Center Joe Adams, Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Campbell, Discovery Science Center Board Chairman Dan Bolar, OC Waste & Recycling Director Mike Giancola and four excited 5th graders for the ribbon cutting of the new Eco Challenge Exhibit at Discovery Science Center. This ten-year exhibit focuses on teaching kids the benefits of recycling, and is sponsored by OC Waste & Recycling and the Discovery Science Center.


Supervisor Janet Nguyen and Westminster Mayor Margie Rice join 5th graders at Discovery Science Center for the grand opening of the Eco Challenge exhibit, which teaches children and adults how to divert waste from our County landfills and understand the importance of recycling.


Supervisor Janet Nguyen tours Mile Square Park with (l-r) Park Ranger Jeff Hentzen, Supervising Park Ranger Thomas Martinez and OC Parks Director Mark Denny. Due to the recent redistricting of the county supervisorial boundaries, Supervisor Nguyen as the First District Supervisor now represents Fountain Valley north of Warner Avenue, which includes Mile Square Park.


Supervisor Janet Nguyen presents a certificate to AYSO Region 517 Commissioner Rick Niedermayer during the Parade of Champions at Eddie West Field in Santa Ana.


Supervisor Janet Nguyen speaks during the Loan Modification Scam Prevention Workshop at the Assistance League of Santa Ana.

 LOCAL ISSUES


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

Orange County

Grand Jury


Non-Profit with Local Operations Ranks Fifth in Nation
Girls Inc., a national Non-Profit with local operations was ranked as the 5th best Non-Profit assisting at risk youth in the US by "Philanthropedia" this year. Girls Inc. was started during the Industrial Revolution in New England in order to teach girls important life skills to deal with their emerging role in working society. Today Girls Inc. serves approximately 150,000 girls aged 6-18 nationwide with over 1,400 sites in 350 different U.S. cities. Skills are taught to equip girls to succeed in academia, the work place and their personal lives. In Orange County the organization is based in Costa Mesa and offers many programs in Santa Ana as well.

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.

Fountain Valley

Community Development Funds Available
The City of Fountain Valley Public Service Agency Grant Program is currently accepting applications from non-profit organizations that provide assistance to low-income families. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development is expected to make funds available to the city around July 1, 2012 however applications for the Block Grant Program must be submitted to the city by November 5, 2011.

For more information about this program and how to apply visit: http://www.fountainvalley.org/government/departments/
housingdevelopment/FOUNTAINVALLEYAGENCY
FORCOMMUNITYDEVELOPMENT.php
.

Garden Grove

Farmers' Markets in Garden Grove
Head out to the Farmers' Market every Friday and Sunday where you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, delicious baked goods and other items to suit your fancy.

Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Farmers' Market is located at the southwest parking lot of Kaiser Permanente at 12100 S. Euclid Street. For more information, please email honescko@pacbell.net.

Additionally, on Sundays the Farmers' Market is located on Main Street between Garden Grove Blvd. and Acacia Parkway, and held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, please call (562) 498-6048 or (562) 449-9299.

Garden Grove Facebook Pages
Garden Grove news, events and other information can now be found on Facebook. Visit the city's page at www.facebook.com/cityofgardengrove and the newly launched Orange County Register joint Garden Grove-Westminster page at www.facebook.com/ggwnews.

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.

Westminster

Volunteer Drivers Sought
The Westminster Senior Center is looking for volunteers. The center provides lunch and dinner to seniors unable to prepare their own food, but need volunteers to deliver the meals to seniors. For more information, please call Maribel Avilez at (714) 895-2878.

Westminster Facebook Pages
Westminster news, events and other information can now be found on Facebook. Visit the city's page at www.facebook.com/cityofwestminster and the newly launched Orange County Register joint Garden Grove-Westminster page at www.facebook.com/ggwnews.

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.

 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 Fountain Valley
October 22, 2011 - Electronic Recycling Event
The Fountain Valley Community Foundation will be hosting an electronic waste collection event for local citizens to drop-off their unwanted electronic items. The event will take place in the parking lot behind Fountain Valley City Hall from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Items accepted include computers, televisions, cell phones and more.

Location: City Hall, 10200 Slater Ave., Fountain Valley.

For more information, visit www.monitorheaven.com or call Orange Coast Computers & Recycling at 800-574-5944.

October 28, 2011 - Fright Night
Come out to the Fountain Valley Recreation Center and Sports Park on Friday, October 28th at 5:30 p.m. for "Trunk or Treat". Businesses and Organizations will be handing out "treats" from decorated car trunks. The best design will win seats at the catered dinner for the 2012 Concerts in the Park. Afterwards stay for a free showing of the movie, Gremlins, part of the Fall Movie Series, starting at 7 p.m.

Location: 16400 Brookhurst, Fountain Valley.

For additional information, please call (714) 839-8611.

City of Garden Grove
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 - Public Works Open House
The City of Garden Grove Public Works Department will hold an Open House at the Municipal Service Center on Saturday, October 18th. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Municipal Service Center, 13802 Newhope Street, Garden Grove.

For more information, please call (714) 741-5524.

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.

October 26, 2011 - OCTA First District Leadership Forum
The Orange County Transportation Authority is making every effort to keep up with the needs of community members and businesses by providing safer, faster and more efficient transportation solutions. On Wednesday, October 26th at 7:30 a.m. head to Garden Grove to hear Supervisor Janet Nguyen, the CEO of OCTA Will Kempton and Garden Grove Mayor Bill Dalton discuss future transportation planning efforts.

Location: Garden Grove Courtyard Center, 12732 Main Street, Garden Grove.

For more information and to RSVP, please call Maureen Figueredo at (714) 560-5677 or email mfigueredo@octa.net.

City of Santa Ana
October 19, 2011 - Old Orange County Courthouse Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of the Old Courthouse Museum Society will be held on Wednesday, October 19th at 11:45 a.m. The meeting will feature the segment, "Ask a Barber" with Bob and Raul Benitez, and an introduction by Dr. Greta Nagel.

Location: Old Orange County Courthouse, 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana.

October 22, 2011 - Historical Cemetery Tour
On Saturday, October 22nd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. join the Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society for their 14th Annual Historical Cemetery Tour at the Fairhaven Memorial Park and Santa Ana Cemetery. Join tour guides as they lead guests to the final resting places of historic local figures, while costumed actors play out scenes from personal stories and interesting moments of Orange County history. Space is limited, so sign up as soon as possible.

For more information, please call (714) 953-1876.

Location: 1702 Fairhaven, Santa Ana, CA.

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.