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Over the Memorial Day weekend we honored the men and women in our armed services who have paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our country. We remembered those who have and are fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and all over the world who are serving to protect us every single day. Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day and was enacted following the Civil War to honor fallen soldiers on both sides of the fight. As we commemorate our heroes, we salute them, and thank them for their dedication to the United States.
I would also like to announce that the 2nd Central County Health Expo was a great success! My office teamed up with the Illumination Foundation to offer free health services and information to individuals and families on May 14th.
Thousands of people assembled at Coastline Community College and Concorde Career College to receive free eye exams, glasses, medical services, cholesterol and bone density tests, and information on housing, children and social services among other things.
I would like to thank our volunteers, site hosts and organizations that made this event possible. The entire Orange County community truly appreciates it!
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| ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (OCTA) |
Bicycling Resources
Bicycling to work and other destinations is a healthy alternative to driving. Orange County has over 1000 miles of on and off road biking opportunities. OCTA has a page on their website devoted to informing you of these opportunities as well as providing bike resources and safety tips. Visit www.octa.net/bike.aspx and get out of your car, save money and enjoy the beauty of Orange County!
Opportunities to Contract with OCTA
OCTA is in need of firms who can provide the following:
- On-call consultants to supplement Internal Audit Department staff in carrying out price reviews and Buy America review services. For information, please contact Yvette Crowder at ycrowder@octa.net or (714) 560-5616.
- Marketing Services for Share the Ride Programs. For information, please contact Yvette Crowder at ycrowder@octa.net or (714) 560-5616.
- Radiator Repair/Recore Services. For information, please contact Susan M. Rosenkranz at srosenkranz@octa.net or call (714) 560-5610.
- Temporary staffing services. Proposals are due on June 1, 2011 no later than 2 p.m. For information, please contact Sue Ding at sding@octa.net or (714) 560-5631. The Pre-Proposal Conference will be held on May 10, 2011, at 9:30 a.m. at OCTA's Administrative Office, located at 600 South Main Street, Orange, CA 92863, in Conference Room 103/104. All prospective firms are encouraged to attend the Pre-Proposal Conference.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive and multimedia community outreach plan for the State Route 91 (SR-91) improvement project. For information, please contact Pia Veesapen at pveesapen@octa.net or (714) 560-5619.
New Lanes Being Added to 405 Freeway
The 405 freeway is one of the most congested freeways in Orange County and traffic volumes are expected to increase substantially by 2030. Measure M2 (M2) includes a project to add new lanes to the I-405 from the vicinity of the Santa Ana Freeway (Interstate 5) to the Costa Mesa Freeway (State Route 55) in Irvine.
The proposed project will increase mainline capacity and reduce congestion and will be designed for traffic volumes 20 years after construction. The OCTA Board of Directors recently approved consultant services to prepare a project study report/project development support document (PSR/PDS) which analyzes alternatives and determines project feasibility and preliminary costs.
SR-57 Northbound Widening Project
Crews have worked on pavement grinding, lane restriping and clearing trees and shrubs to get ready for on-site construction activities.
Construction on the Orangethorpe to Lambert Segment will last through 2014, while the Katella to Lincoln Segment will begin later this summer and last through 2014 as well. Once completed, the improvements will improve mobility on the Northbound 57, while stimulating the local economy by bringing thousands of jobs to Orange County during construction.
If you would like information on these projects, visit www.octa.net/sr57 to view regularly posted updates.
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| ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY (OCFA) |
Community Events
Orange County Fire Authority conducted several educational programs for Orange County communities recently, including in the First District. OCFA personnel presented a water safety class to students at Midway City Head Start, and H.B. Anderson Elementary School in Westminster. Education Specialist Christy Romero staffed a fire safety booth at Johnson Middle School in Westminster, and a crew from E64 presented a safety talk at Webber Elementary School in Westminster.
OCFA operates 4 stations in the First District; station #25 in Midway City and #’s 64, 65 and 66 in Westminster.
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| Health Bulletin |
Orange County Scored High with Healthy Beaches
According to a report by Heal the Bay, Orange County ranked above the statewide average for state beaches with an A or B grade based on bacterial measurements.
Orange County has a 97% rating compared to the statewide average of 90%. High levels of bacteria can lead to stomach flu, respiratory infections or skin rashes. Several beaches even saw zero readings above the bacterial standards year-round, including Balboa Beach, Crescent Bay, Aliso Creek and three locations along the San Clemente coast.
Vacinations Lead to Decrease in Disease
A report recently brought before the Board of Supervisors on May 10, 2011 by Orange County Health Officer Eric Handler MD, reveals that on the contrary, vaccinations significantly diminish disease. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that 2 million child deaths were prevented in 2006 due to immunizations worldwide.
In the U.S., children are vaccinated against 16 diseases through immunizations that have been thoroughly tested and deemed safe. The State of California in conjunction with the County of Orange trust that the Center of Disease Control’s (CDC) assessment of the required vaccinations is accurate and exhorts citizens to comply with AB 345, which requires all children entering the 7th grade to provide proof of receiving the Tdap Booster, which provides defense against pertussis.
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| 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 take 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.
9/11 Youth Service-Learning Project
Youth Service America’s (YSA) Youth Council is partnering with State Farm to support youth across the United States as they learn about, remember and honor the 10th anniversary of 9/11 through a service learning project. Participants will lead projects that address important community needs while helping youth understand and honor the 9/11 victims and their families.
YSA will award 10-20 $500 or $1,000 grants to youth between the ages of 5 and 25, and teachers/educators who work with this age group. Projects will need to address one of YSA’s 9 lessons for 9/11, which can be downloaded at http://tools.ysa.org/downloads/ysa/9for911.pdf.
Applications are due by Friday, June 17, 2011, with notifications disseminated in early July. For more information, visit www.ysa.org/grants/911.
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| SAVE THE DATE |
Central County Senior Expo - August 20, 2011
This year’s Central Orange County Senior Expo will be held at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove. The event will feature seminars and informational booths and breakfast for seniors. This year’s expo will take place on Saturday, August 20, 2011, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. If you know of anyone who would like to volunteer during this event, please email first.district@ocgov.com.
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| JANET AROUND THE FIRST DISTRICT |
Attendees at the 2nd Central County Health Expo, held on May 14th visit the many booths offering resources on the topics of housing, health, children and social services. A few thousand people attended the event in Garden Grove.
A patient has his eyes examined at the free eye clinic during the 2nd Central County Health Expo. Attendees lined up as early as 3:00 a.m. for the event.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen joins Mayor Jerry Amante of Tustin in honoring our nation’s fallen soldiers during the Annual Tri-City (Santa Ana, Orange, Tustin) Memorial Day Observance.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen, her son, Tommy and Mayor William Dalton of Garden Grove gather for the cake cutting ceremony to kick-off Garden Grove’s annual weekend long Strawberry Festival.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen, her husband, Tom Bonikowski and son, Tommy pause for a quick photo before the start of the Strawberry Festival parade.
Janet Nguyen waives to the crowd as her husband, Tom Bonikowski and son, Tommy join along the Strawberry Festival parade route.
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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
OC Animal Care Pet Fair 2011
On Saturday, June 25, 2011, OC Animal Care will proudly present Pet Fair 2011. Under the Big Top at 561 The City Drive in Orange, you will find pet friendly vendors, demonstrations, a costume contest and great food. It’s sure to be a fun event for the whole family!
Pet Fair 2011 begins at 10 a.m. and lasts through 2 p.m. There will be free admission for everyone. Remember, personal pets are restricted to the exhibit area only. For more information, please call (714) 935-6848, or visit www.ocpetinfo.com.
Garden Grove
2011 Summer Concert Series
The annual Concert in the Park summer series is happening again! Every Thursday evening from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., between July 14th and August 18th, join local residents and music enthusiasts for a fun filled evening! This great endeavor held at Civic Center Sunken Gardens in Westminster. Here are the bands that will be performing this summer:
- July 14th: Air National Guard Band of the Southwest
- July 21st: Old School Westminster All Stars (rock, blues, jazz)
- July 28th: Nicolson Pipes & Drums featuring The Celtic Skye Dancers
- August 4th: De Nada (60’s and 70’s, Latin, rock & roll)
- August 11th: The Silverado’s (country rock)
- August 18th: Gospel Night (community group choir)
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.
Day Camp
The Garden Grove Day Camp (GGDC) provides a fun and exciting experience for children ages 5-12. Staff provides a safe environment that helps a child develop social skills and appreciation for our local parks. The GGDC provides recreational activities including arts and crafts, field games, and cookouts.
For more information, please call (714) 741-5200.
Garden Grove City Council Welcomes New Member
The Garden Grove City Council officially swore in Kris Beard as its new member. Beard, 55, has served as a City Planning Commissioner since 2007 until his appointment to the City Council. He has also served as commissioner for the Neighborhood Improvement and Conservation Commission, and the Administrative Board of Appeals, as well as a volunteer for the City.
Councilmember Beard holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Cruz, along with completing graduate studies in Public Administration at California State University, Long Beach. He currently works as an Administrative Manager for the County of Orange in the OC Community Resources Agency. He is married to a lifelong Garden Grove resident and schoolteacher, and has three sons. Congratulations again to Councilmember Beard!
Information Sought for Local Vietnamese Heros to be Honored
Gone but not forgotten. Between 1965 and 1973, 40 brave young men from Garden Grove, ages 18 to 26, paid the ultimate sacrifice 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.
Major Street Improvements
Four major arterial streets in Garden Grove are currently undergoing significant renovations beginning March 21, 2011, and continuing through June 2011. The nearly $2.2 million project is included in the City’s Capital Improvement Budget and funded by Measure M and gas taxes. These funds will pay for the resurfacing of asphalt streets, removal and replacement of curbs, gutters, bus pads, driveways, sidewalks and ramps, along with new traffic striping and signing. The street repairs are as follows:
- Chapman Avenue: construction from Valley View Street to Springdale Street, and from Western Avenue to the City of Stanton boundary
- Garden Grove Boulevard: construction from Beach Boulevard to Fern Street
- Trask Avenue: construction from Euclid Street to Harbor Boulevard
- Western Avenue: construction from Garden Grove Boulevard to Simmons Place
Vendor Opportunities Available for 2011 Concert Series
The Garden Grove Community Foundation is anticipating another year of record crowds coming out to enjoy the free Thursday night concerts in the park. The 2011 Summer Concert series runs for eight Thursdays, July 14 through September 1, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at both Eastgate and Village Green parks. In preparation, the GGFC is accepting applications for vendor booth space. The last day to submit applications is Thursday, March 31, 2011.
Vendor Information and applications are available on the GGCF Website at www.ggcf.com. For additional information, contact Stacy Margolin, Garden Grove Community Foundation, at (714) 741-5168.
Santa Ana
SAUSD Seeks Bond Oversight Committee Members
The Board of Education for the Santa Ana Unified School District is seeking to fill five vacant seats on its Bond Oversight Committee. The deadline for applications is Thursday, June 30, 2011. This nine-member committee was formed in 2008 and is responsible for overseeing the expenditure of school bond funds. Members participate in quarterly meetings, review projects and present an annual report to the Board of Education.
The five groups an applicant will be chosen from are:
- Parent or guardian of a child enrolled in SAUSD
- Parent or guardian of a child enrolled in SAUSD and active in a parent-teacher organization
- Active in a senior citizen organization
- Representative of the Santa Ana business community
General Member
All applicants must be at least 18 years of age, a resident of California, and reside within SAUSD boundaries. Applicants cannot be an employee of SAUSD who is directly related to the construction of school facilities within the school district, nor an official of SAUSD. For more information or to apply, please call (714) 558-5555 or email pioinfo@sausd.us. Applications can also be downloaded at www.sausd.us.
Members of the Santa Ana Gang Task Force Recognized
The Santa Ana Police Department Career Criminal Unit Detectives were honored along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms were recognized for integrity, commitment and outstanding service.
The Santa Ana Gang Task Force comprised of these three organizations targeted the Bishop Manor area of Santa Ana in 2008 to eliminate the problems of gang activity and narcotics trafficking. As a result of the investigation, 22 defendants were charged with narcotics trafficking and firearms violations. The defendants received significant sentences with only two awaiting trial.
The investigation is credited with significantly decreasing crime in the area. Residents should feel more at ease knowing Bishop Manor is a safer place to live and play. Thank you to all the agents who took part in this effort. Your dedication to this community is exceptional and does not go unnoticed.
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.
Basement Bookstore
The Friends of the Santa Ana Public Library open their Basement Bookstore every Wednesday evening from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the library at 26 Civic Center Plaza. A variety of books, magazines, and media are available for purchase, typically for 25 and 50 cents.
Summer Camp Registration
Do you have a curious young explorer in your home? Do you have a future veterinarian or aspiring zoologist who seeks out the wilder side of science? Well, register your child today for this year’s Science Camp at the Discovery Science Center. Registration is now open.
Discovery Science Center offers a variety of hands-on, highly interactive summer science camps for children ages 5-10. Camps are offered on-site at Discovery Science Center and off-site at the Santa Ana Zoo and San Joaquin Marsh in Irvine. The Science Camp is a combination of fun and education. Your child will never forget this experience. For more information, please call (714) 913-5030.
Locations:
- Discovery Science Center, 2500 North Main St., Santa Ana.
- Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 East Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana.
- San Joaquin Marsh, 5 Riparian View, Irvine.
Westminster
Splash Pad
It’s starting to get hot out there, but lucky for us, the Sigler Park Splash Pad is now open! The Splash Pad will be open the first three weekends of June from noon to 5 p.m., and after June 19th, will open daily through Labor Day. Come out, have fun with friends, and enjoy the summer! Sigler Park is at 7200 Plaza St. in Westminster.
2011 Concerts in the Park
The annual Concert in the Park summer series is happening again! Every Thursday evening from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., between July 14th and August 18th, join local residents and music enthusiasts for a fun filled evening! This great endeavor held at Civic Center Sunken Gardens in Westminster. Here are the bands that will be performing this summer:
- July 14th: Air National Guard Band of the Southwest
- July 21st: Old School Westminster All Stars (rock, blues, jazz)
- July 28th: Nicolson Pipes & Drums featuring The Celtic Skye Dancers
- August 4th: De Nada (60’s and 70’s, Latin, rock & roll)
- August 11th: The Silverado’s (country rock)
City Sports Programs/Camps
Registration is now open for the City of Westminster’s sports programs for children ages 5 – 12. All programs begin the week of July 5 and will be held at local parks.
Additionally, one-week cheerleading and basketball camps will be offered from June 20th through the 24th from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The fee is $15 per participant.
For more information on the city sports programs and/or camps, call (714) 895-2860 or visit www.activenet.active.com/westminster.
Summer Aquatics Program
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.
Summer Jobs Available
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.
Summer Classes
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.” 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.
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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
June 11, 2011 – All-Class High School Reunion
Garden Grove High School will host an all-class alumni reunion on Saturday, June 11th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the school. Join the fun with old and new friends alike.
Location: Garden Grove High, 11271 Stanford Ave., Garden Grove.
For more information, please call (714) 537-5706.
July 14, 2011 – Free Summer Concert Series
Join your Garden Grove neighbors for the melodic sounds of U2 tribute band, Hollywood U2. 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, please.
Location: Eastgate Park, 12001 St. Mark Street, Garden Grove.
For more information, call (714) 741-5280 or visit www.ggcf.com.
July 16, 2011 – Garden Grove High School Reunion Class of ‘71
Garden Grove High’s Class of 1971 will have its 40th reunion Saturday, July 16th at the Historic Balboa Pavilion. The event begins with a reception at 6 p.m. followed by dinner.
Location: Historic Balboa Pavilion, 400 Main Street, Newport Beach.
For more information, please call (714) 549-7852 or email Frank and Anna Richards at annabanr@aol.com.
July 18-22, 2011 – Youth Basketball Camp
Jump Start your child's basketball skills at the Crosby Youth Athletic Association’s Youth Basketball Camp this summer break. Four weekly sessions are offered for youths ages six through 13. Participants will learn drills and skill building techniques, play in full 5 on 5 games and the daily contest, and receive free give-a-ways. Camp will be held Monday through Friday the week of July 18th through the 22nd. To register, visit www.crosbyyouthathletics.blogspot.com.
Location: Garden Grove Sports and Recreation Center, 13641 Deodora Drive, Garden Grove.
For further information, please call Jerrit Crosby at (562) 646-7790 or email crosbyyouthathletics@gmail.com.
August 20, 2011 – Garden Grove High School Reunion Classes ’81, ’82 and ‘83
Garden Grove High’s Classes of ‘81, ‘82 and ‘83 will hold its 30th reunion Saturday, August 20th at the Hilton in Irvine. The event begins 7 p.m. with several retired faculty members and coaches expected to attend.
Location: Irvine Hilton, 18800 MacArthur Blvd., Irvine.
For more information, please call (800) 655-7971, or visit www.greatreunions.com.
City of Santa Ana
June 12, 2011 – Blues in the Zoo
Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo present “Blues at the Zoo” on Sunday, June 12th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This is the first concert of the 2011 summer concert series, featuring Dano Forte and the Juke Joint Freak Show. Bring your family and friends and experience the authentic sounds of Vintage and Americana Folk and Blues!
Location: The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana.
For more information, please visit www.santaanazoo.org or call (714) 836-4000.
City of Westminster
June 14, 2011 – Flag Day
The annual Flag Day celebration will be held on Tuesday, June 14th at noon in Westminster’s Civic Center. Join Gold and Blue Star Mothers, military veterans and families of military personnel for a special celebration honoring America’s Flag. The event is free, and refreshments will be provided.
Location: Civic Center, 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster.
July 14, 2011 – Concert in the Park
The Air National Guard Band of the Southwest will be bringing tunes from the Big Band days from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Air National Guard Band performs all over Southern California, Arizona and Colorado, representing the State of California, the Air National Guard and the United States Air Force.
Location: Civic Center Sunken Gardens, 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster.
For more information, please call (714) 895-2860.
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.
To contact Supervisor Janet Nguyen, please call 714-834-3110 or email Janet.Nguyen@ocgov.com. |
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