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As we start to see the early signs of spring, it is difficult to believe we are already almost a third of the way through 2011. As the weather begins to warm up, please take a look at the events calendar and see what is going on throughout the First District. There are some wonderful events just around the corner so stay informed!
If your organization has an event you would like listed in the newsletter, please send the information to first.district@ocgov.com at least one month prior to the event.
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| Board of Supervisors |
Redistricting Meetings
Regular meetings will be held April 14th, May 12th and June 9th at 2 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room in the County Hall of Administration.
A schedule of additional meetings will be developed and approved by the Redistricting Committee in order to facilitate public input. Those meetings will be announced in upcoming issues of this newsletter. Should the Committee require additional time to complete its work, another meeting will be held in July 2011.
Appointments to the Alcohol & Drug Advisory Board
I would like to congratulate Johnnie Harris, Milton Mucker, Michael Kelley, Mark Yokoyama, Kathy Stills for their reappointment to the Alcohol & Drug Advisory Board, and for the new appointment of Shelly Lummus. The Alcohol & Drug Advisory Board (ADAB) serves as an advisory panel for the Board of Supervisors, providing them with inside knowledge on adequate drug prevention and rehabilitation programs. I wish the new and returning members much success.
Appointments to the Well Standards Advisory Board
I would also like to congratulate John M. Gregg, Roy L. Herndon, Bruce M. Moore and Nabil B. Saba for their reappointments, along with Robert R. McVicker for his appointment to the Well Standards Advisory Board (WASB). The Well Standards Advisory Board is comprised of industry experts and convenes once a year to counsel the Heath Officer concerning the county's principles for well construction and abandonment. I wish the new and returning members much success in their commitment to the preservation of public safety.
Partnership Between OC Animal Care and Angels Baseball Foundation
OC Animal Care received a monetary donation of $12,000 from the Angels Baseball Foundation. On August 14, 2010, OC Animal Care staff and volunteers participated in the Angels Baseball Foundation's third annual "Angels for Animals" event. During the event, staff and volunteers set up a booth in front of the stadium's main entrance with shelter literature and giveaways. Staff and volunteers also featured 12 dogs during the event that were later available for adoption.
The event raised money for local animal shelters and organizations, as well as promoted shelter adoption and responsible pet ownership. The donation is a result of OC Animal Care's participation in this event.
This donation will assist OC Animal Care in feeding, sheltering and caring for more than 30,000 animals rescued by the shelter each year. It will also assist OC Animal Care in its spay/neuter promotion efforts. Donations such as this, as well as other donations from the public, are also used to help animals adjust to their stay at the shelter by providing much needed "creature comfort" items such as beds, blankets, kennel-sturdy toys, enhanced animal sheltering, and other related supplies, in addition to enhancing the County's adoption efforts. These comforts help the animals settle in more easily, thereby allowing them to present their friendly and outgoing personalities to potential adopters.
Conflict of Interest Codes
The Orange County Board of Supervisors is the code reviewing authority for CalOptima, Metro Cities Fire Authority, OC Department of Education, Laguna Beach Unified School District, Rossmoor Community Services District, Anaheim Union High School District, and Mesa Consolidated Water District. These authorities previously adopted the State's Model Code and the Board of Supervisors approved the proposed amendments to the Codes for these agencies.
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| ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (OCTA) |
Amendment to the Master Plan of Arterial Highways
Based on a recent decision by the Board of Directors, highway SR 90 from Yorba Linda Boulevard to the City of Yorba Linda's southern city limits will be reclassified as a four-lane arterial. Currently, the road is classified as a freeway. However, it was never completed as a freeway as there was never enough support to do so. Recognizing this, the California Department of Transportation relinquished the road to the city. As a result, the city will be eligible to receive additional Measure M2 funds to assist in maintaining it.
Beach Boulevard Traffic Light Synchronization Program Results
I am pleased to announce that the Beach Boulevard traffic signal synchronization project has resulted in significant improvements for travelers. A before-and-after comparison shows an improvement of travel time between 10% and 16% depending on direction and time of day. The following are additional improvements that were found to have occurred:
- Number of stops reduced anywhere between 20% and 38%
- Average speeds traveled along the entire corridor increased between 11% and 19%
- Greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 3% to 6%
- 2.2 million gallons of fuel savings, which translates into a $7 million, over a three-year period
Magnolia Street Traffic Signal Synchronization Project
Based on such positive improvements on Beach Boulevard as a result of a traffic signal synchronization project, the Board of Directors has authorized moving forward on a similar project on Magnolia Street. The project will span the entire length of Magnolia, from Fullerton to Huntington Beach, a total distance of 16 miles. The goals of the project are to optimize traffic signal timings based on existing traffic patterns with the intent to:
- reduce stops and delays
- reduce travel times
- lower fuel consumption
- increase average speeds
- improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gases
The project is expected to start in fall 2011 and be completed by fall 2012.
Business Job Opportunities
Landscape Maintenance Services
The Orange County Transportation Authority seeks bids from qualified contractors to provide landscape maintenance services for a five year period on the Pacific Electric Right-of-Way in Orange County. A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. on March 15, 2011, at one of the project sites on the southwest corner of Newhope Street and Trask Avenue in the City of Garden Grove. For more information, please contact procurement manager Grant Gager at ggager@octa.net or (714) 560-5743.
Seal Coat and Striping Services
OCTA invites bids from qualified contractors to seal coat and stripe the parking lot at the Goldenwest Transportation Center in Huntington Beach, CA. A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for 11a.m. on March 17, 2011, at the Authority's Administrative Building (600 S. Main Street, Orange CA 92863). For more information, please contact procurement manager Grant Gager at ggager@octa.net or (714) 560-5743.
Painting Services
OCTA is seeking the services of a painting contractor to perform various painting projects at its five maintenance and operations bases and eight transportation centers across Orange County. The winning bidder shall provide all labor and materials for miscellaneous small jobs with no guaranteed use. For more information, please contact procurement manager Ben Mendoza at bmendoza@octa.net or (714) 560-5562.
Sales Tax Audit and Recovery Services
OCTA invites proposals from qualified consultants to conduct transaction and use tax audits to ensure correct and appropriate collection and allocation of revenue on behalf of Authority. For more information, please contact procurement manager Pia Veesapen at pveesapen@octa.net or (714) 560-5619.
2011 Strategic Plan
Following a comprehensive planning process, a five-year Strategic Plan for the Orange County Transportation Authority has been developed and was approved by the Board of Directors on February 28, 2011. The plan documents the agency's vision, mission, and values, and establishes goals, objectives, and strategies. Metrics have been created to ensure there is a performance-based approach to achieving goals. To view the Orange County Transportation Authority 2011 Strategic Plan please visit http://atb.octa.net/AgendaPDF/9762.pdf.
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| CALOPTIMA |
Open Enrollment Option to Begin in January of 2012
At its recent meeting, the CalOptima Board voted to eliminate the open enrollment lock-in policy beginning in January of 2012. This change in policy eliminates the 12 month lock-in period where members are prohibited from changing their primary care physician.
Originally, the open enrollment lock-in policy was established to ensure that members stayed with their primary care physicians long enough to establish a relationship and stabilize their movement among CalOptima's health networks. Currently, members are given a three month "grace period" where they can switch primary care physicians, followed by a 12-month lock-in period where patients must remain until open enrollment begins again.
The Board determined that eliminating this program will save $180,000 in annual administrative costs to operate the enrollment lock-in policy. This policy change will also encourage existing health networks to competitively vie to keep patients who will be allowed greater mobility in choosing their health provider across CalOptima's networks. Members that are dissatisfied with their primary care physician would be permitted to select a different provider at time during the year without having to wait for a specific window of time.
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| ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY (OCFA) |
Adult and Child CPR Classes
Become empowered and prepared when the unexpected happens; learn CPR from Orange County Fire Authority and Orange County Red Cross, who are teaming up to provide adult and child CPR classes to communities throughout Orange County. There will be a class offered in Westminster on Sunday, April 3, 2010 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Classes are $45 per person. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Call the OC Red Cross Health & Safety Department at (714) 481-5355 for more information and to sign up.
Location: OCFA Station #64, 7351 Westminster Blvd, Westminster. For dates and times of additional CPR classes in Orange County, please visit the OCFA website at www.ocfa.org.
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| Health Bulletin |
CHOC Receives $30 Million Gift
Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) has received a record $30 million gift from a Garden Grove businessman to help fund a major expansion that will open in 2013. This is the largest donation in the hospital's history and comes from the estate of Robert Tidwell, a retired investment banker. The money will be split equally between construction and clinical programs, including recruiting doctors.
A seven-story, 425,000-square-foot patient tower, under construction since 2009, will open in two years with seven operating rooms, 28 private rooms and a pediatric emergency department. The surgery center will be named for Tidwell and will eliminate the need to operate at neighboring St. Joseph Hospital.
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| YOUTH CONNECTION |
College Scholarship Opportunity
The deadline to submit applications for Keith L. Concannon Scholarship from the Retired Employee Association of Orange County (REAOC) is fast approaching. Applications must be accompanied with official transcripts and postmarked no later than April 1st. Eligible applicants must be related to an active REAOC member and have earned at least a 3.0 GPA. They include high school seniors entering college this fall and students already attending an accredited educational or vocational institution. Applications are available online at www.reaoc.org and by calling the REAOC office at (714) 840-3995. Completed applications can be mailed to:
REAOC
P.O. Box 11787
Santa Ana, CA 92711
All candidates will be notified in May, with successful candidates receiving their scholarship awards in a presentation ceremony at the May 2011 luncheon.
Youth Expo Festival
A youth expo will be held at Westminster Mall on Sunday, March 20th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The festival is put on by Amigo Sound Promotions and De Corazon a Corazon (From Heart to Heart). Bring your family and friends for the fun and excitement!
This not for profit festival features live music, folkloric dances, sports and info on after school activities. There will also be a Kid Zone, Juvenile Mariachi and the Ribbon of Lifeline.
OC Parks Children's Programs
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| JANET AROUND THE FIRST DISTRICT |
(l-r) Orange County Parks Director, Mark Denny; Nick Lecong, Deputy Chief of Staff to Supervisor Nguyen; Orange County Parks Commissioner Bert Ashland; and Supervisor Janet Nguyen hold up a trophy Trout that will be a part of the annual Orange County Kid's Fishing Derby.
(l-r) Nick Lecong, Deputy Chief of Staff to Supervisor Nguyen; Orange County Parks Commissioner Bert Ashland; Supervisor Janet Nguyen; and Orange County Parks Director Mark Denny watch fish stocking at Mile Square Park for the annual Kid's Fishing Derby.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen joins Santa Ana City Councilman Carlos Bustamante in wishing the Santa Ana Northwest Little League a fun and successful baseball season.
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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
7th Annual Super CPR Day
The American Red Cross of Orange County is holding its 7th Annual Super CPR Day on Saturday, April 16, 2011 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. Below are the classes offered and their respective times.
Adult/Child CPR Training and Certification
- English: 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 noon
- Vietnamese: 9:30 a.m.
- Spanish: 12:30 p.m.
- Each Session will last approximately 2 hours
First Aid Training and Certification
- English only: 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.
- Each session will last approximately one hour
Space is limited, so sign up now at www.oc-redcross.org. Pre-registration is $10 for each class. On-site registration is $15. Angel Stadium is located at Exhibition Center, 2000 East Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, CA 92806. For more information, call (714) 481-5351.
Tax Filing Deadline
The IRS has announced that taxpayers will have until Monday, April 18th to file their 2010 tax returns and pay any tax due because Emancipation Day, a holiday observed in the District of Columbia, falls this year on Friday, April 15th. By law, District of Columbia holidays impact tax deadlines in the same way that federal holidays do; therefore, all taxpayers will have three extra days to file this year. Taxpayers requesting an extension will have until October 17th to file their 2010 tax returns.
This is also the first filing season that tax packages will not be mailed to individuals or businesses. There are still many options for taxpayers to get paper forms and instructions if they need them. In recent years, fewer and fewer taxpayers received these mailings. Last year, only 8 percent of individuals who filed tax returns received tax packages in the mail. Taxpayers can still get any forms and instructions they need online at IRS.gov, or they can visit local IRS offices or participating libraries and post offices. The IRS is also continuing to focus on taxpayer service and can answer their questions.
Garden Grove
Buena Clinton Facility
Designed to serve families living in what was once Orange County's most troubled neighborhood, the new $2.45 million Buena Clinton Youth & Family Center recently received honors for its exterior design.
The California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS) presented the City of Garden Grove with the organization's 2010 Award of Excellence in Facility Design.
The Buena Clinton Youth & Family Center has become the neighborhood's centerpiece. The two-story, 6,600 square-foot facility was completed in June 2010 and features a multi-purpose room for homework clubs and day camps; teen center with large screen televisions, ping-pong table, and computers; classroom for counseling, case management, workshops, and training; and an outdoor full-court basketball/sport area.
The Buena Clinton Youth & Family Center is located at 12661 Sunswept Avenue. For more information, call (714) 741-5200.
New Police Program, Good Samaritans
The Garden Grove Police Department is beginning a new community outreach program designed to award members of the community who display acts of kindness to others. Police officers will award those individuals with a special "Chief's Coin of Merit" for going out of their way to help their fellow man.
Each recipient will later be invited to a luncheon recognizing all recipients of the commemorative coin. For information on this program, please call the Garden Grove Police Department at (714) 741-5704.
Santa Ana
New Traffic Signals in Santa Ana
Santa Ana recently had seven new traffic signals built through federal grants. The city has a relatively high number of pedestrians and tends to score well on applications for safety-related grants. Intersection locations of these new signals are as follows:
- Sullivan Street and Willits Street
- McFadden Avenue and Newhope Street
- Flower Street and Santa Ana Boulevard
- Raitt Street and Glenwood Place
- Hazard Avenue and Rosita Street
- Hazard Avenue east of Gates Street
- Harbor Blvd and Kent Avenue
Free Days for Santa Ana Residents
Santa Ana residents can receive free admission to various museums and other educational establishments around Santa Ana. Proof of residency is required for free admission. California Driver's License, California Identification Card, or a utility bill with picture ID are valid proofs of residency. Take this opportunity to have a fun-filled day with the whole family!
The Bowers Museum
- Free admission first Sunday and third Tuesday of every month
- 2002 N. Main St., (714) 567-3600
- www.bowers.org
Heritage Museum
Discovery Science Center
Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park
- Free admission third Sunday of the month, max 4 per household
- 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., (714) 835-7484
- www.santaanazoo.org
Cal State Fullerton Grand Central Art Center in the Artist Village
Westminster
Improving Neighborhoods Program
The Westminster Housing Division is now offering grants to assist low-income Westminster homeowners correct physical deficiencies with their homes. The goal of his program is to maintain the City's affordable housing stock by improving existing single-family homes. The program will provide up to 25% of grant assistance for pre-approved work done by a licensed contractor.
Grants are available to homeowners whose income does not exceed 80% of the County's adjusted median income (AMI), with most grants being reserved for those families with incomes near 60% AMI. For more information on the program, please visit the Housing Division link under Community Development from the City's website at www.westminster-ca.gov. If you have any additional questions, call (714) 548-3495.
Hand deliver applications to the Housing Division offices at the Westminster Mall in the Macy's Wing, or mail to:
City of Westminster Housing Division
8200 Westminster Blvd
Westminster, CA 92683
Westminster Chorale Seeking New Members
The Westminster Chorale is looking for new members. The chorale welcomes new members from February 7th to March 25th. The group meets Monday evenings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Westminster Senior Center at 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster. For more information, please call (714) 893-8746.
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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
March 18, 2011 - Free Income Preparation for Seniors
Tax season is upon us and if you are a senior (55 years and over) and need tax assistance, AARP volunteer tax counselors have made themselves available at the H. Louis Senior Center. Appointments can be made every Friday until April 8th, from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Location: H. Louis Senior Center, 11300 Stanford Ave., Garden Grove.
For more information, please call (714) 741-5253.
March 19, 2011 - Free Job Workshops
JAS4YOU Development Foundation is hosting a series of job workshops helping you to learn resume preparation, interview techniques, and more. The series of workshops continues on March 19th and 26th. Space is limited, so sign up now.
Location: Garden Grove Church, 12702 9th St., Garden Grove.
For more information, please call Paula Hollman at (714) 534-1987, or email rtrk328@sbcglobal.net.
March 19, 2011 - Chamber of Commerce Gala
The annual Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce Gala honors members of the community for their achievements. This year, Victor Gomez, owner of Los Sanchez Mexican Restaurant and Tam Nguyen, owner of Advance Beauty College will be honored. The event costs $150 per person and includes a cocktail hour, dinner, silent auction and entertainment.
Location: Marriott, Suites Hotel, 12015 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove.
For more information, please call Connie Margolin at (714) 638-7950, or email connie.margolin@gardengrovechamber.org.
March 24, 2011 - Thai Dance and Drama Troupe Performance
Straight from Payap University in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the Thai Dance and Drama Troupe will perform in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church. The program includes traditional and modern dance, drama, and music, and will feature a number of dances from the various regions of Thailand.
The performance is free, however, free will offerings will be accepted to contribute to the Troupe's expenses for their US tour.
Location: First Presbyterian Church, 11832 Euclid St., Garden Grove.
For further information, please call (714)534-2269 or visit the church website at www.fpcgg.org.
City of Santa Ana
March 18, 2011 - Violence Prevention Coalition Nominations
The 15th Annual Ambassador of Peace Award Ceremony for the Violence Prevention Coalition of Orange County (VPCOC) will be held on June 3, 2011. The event will honor individuals who work in the fields of education, public service, social work, community volunteer, business and media to prevent violence and promote peace.
Nominations for these awards are now being accepted and must be accepted by Friday, March 18th. Forms can be found at http://www.vpcoc.org/nomination.shtml, and must be submitted electronically at nomination@vpcoc.org.
For more information, please contact Christine Laehle at (714) 966-4439, or email Christine@vpcoc.org.
March 21, 2011 - AltaMed Mobile Clinic at El Salvador
The AltaMed Mobile Health Clinic will be visiting El Salvador Park on Monday, March 21st. The following services will be available: child and school physicals, immunization updates, health insurance enrollment assistance for healthy families and Medi-Cal. It is important that you remember to bring your yellow Immunization Card. Appointments are required.
Location: El Salvador Park, 1825 W. Civic Center Dr., Santa Ana.
For more information and to make an appointment, please call Daphne Contreras at (714) 943-4849.
March 27, 2011 - Music and History of Ancient Mexico at Bowers Museum
Martin Espino, professional musician and educator, presents his upbeat, interactive performance on the music, tradition, history and culture of his ancestors in Mexico at Bowers Museum. This special event takes place on Sunday, March 27th from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Mr. Espino will use authentic native percussion instruments during his performance. The event is free to members, free with paid admission and $8 for a single ticket.
While you are here at the museum, visit the Pre-Columbian Gallery before or after the show to enrich your cultural understanding of the ancient Aztecs and Mayas.
Location: Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana.
For more information, please call (714) 567-3677 or email education@bowers.org.
April 3, 2011 - Feria de Salud
The American Diabetes Association will be hosting a health fair in Downtown Santa Ana on Sunday, April 3rd from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Featured at the health fair are free screenings for diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, foot & vision, dental, bone density and more. The event will have an assortment of music, prizes, and entertainment. Bring the family and take advantage of these free screenings.
Location: French Street between 4th and 5th Downtown Santa Ana
For more information, please call (714) 662-7940, ext. 7558.
April 16, 2011 - Santa Ana Earth & Health Fest 2011
On Saturday, April 16th the City of Santa Ana will be hosting an Earth & Health Fest at Centennial Park from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year's festival features a bike ride, resource fair, music, great food, VIP Basketball game and much more! There will also be a Community Pavilion for educational, social and city services; a Health Pavilion for fitness, medical and dental resources; and an Earth Pavilion for water and energy conservation, recycling and ecological landscaping.
Location: Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave., Santa Ana.
For more information, please contact the Community Services Supervisor, Jose Perez at (714) 571-4254 or email Jperez2@santa-ana.org.
City of Westminster
March 20, 2011 - Youth Expo Festival
A youth expo will be held at Westminster Mall on Sunday, March 20th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The festival is put on by Amigo Sound Promotions and De Corazon a Corazon (From Heart to Heart). Bring your family and friends for the fun and excitement! The festival features live music, folkloric dances, sports and info on after school activities.
Location: Westminster Mall, 1025 Westminster Mall, Westminster.
March 25, 2011 - Casino Night
The Westminster Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Casino Night on Friday, March 25th from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event will include a Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament, other casino games and a beer and wine bar.
Location: Huntington Westminster Senior Apartment Homes, 13920 Hoover Street, Westminster.
For more information, please call (714) 898-9648.
April 23, 2011 - Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
The City of Westminster is hosting a Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Saturday April 23rd from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Bring the whole family for a pancake breakfast, crafts, egg hunt, and of course, the Easter Bunny! The cost is $7 per person 2 years old and up, and parents are encouraged to bring the cameras.
Location: Westminster Community Services and Recreation Building East/West Room, 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster.
For information and to register, please call (714) 895-2860, or go online at www.activenet.active.com/westminster. Space is limited, so sign up today!
To contact Supervisor Janet Nguyen, please call 714-834-3110 or email Janet.Nguyen@ocgov.com. |
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