Header Image of Supervisor Janet Nguyen
July 15, 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 9
 
Janet's Journal


The anniversary of our nation’s birth has just passed. I hope you had the opportunity amidst all the fun and excitement to reflect on the past and the sacrifice our founding fathers and heroes in the armed forces have made toward the independence and freedoms we enjoy.

Summer is in full swing. It is important to get outside and enjoy what our county has to offer this summer. However, while you and your family are having fun, safety must be a top priority.

In these hot summer days, be sure to stay cool and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. The summer is also a very dry season, and it’s up to all of us to prevent fires from starting. Pay extra attention to potential fire hazards while camping and hiking. We must all work together to prevent the devastating and costly fires of recent years.

Finally, water safety is an important aspect to keep in mind during the summer months. We have already seen more than 15 deaths by drowning in Orange County this year. Please make sure to monitor kids in the pool and ocean.

Remember to stay hydrated, and be conscious of water safety and fire safety. By taking these steps, we can all have a fun and safe summer!

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS


Early Childhood System of Care Services


The County of Orange has continued its support for the Early Childhood System of Care Services, which provides an early psychological and developmental health screening for children who are entering the Child Welfare System, from birth through five years of age. The Board of Supervisors approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the County of Orange and the Children and Families Commission of Orange County which will support Public Health Nurses who will screen and coordinate activities that will ensure that children are linked to and receiving specialized services that will enhance a child’s cognitive and physical growth. Each year, over 700 children receive support through this collaborative.

Orange County Partners with Cities to Suppress Gang Violence

The California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention (CalGRIP) Grant has been an integral part of the County’s effort to prevent youth from joining criminal gangs. Several cities throughout the County have partnered with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the Orange County District Attorney’s office in order to implement the CalGRIP program. CalGRIP provides services related to gang reduction, gang suppression and intervention, facilitates parent and educator presentations, and collaborates in incentive programs for youth as part of a mentoring program.

Santa Ana Helicopter Services and Air Support

The Orange County Sheriff's Department/Air Support Unit has entered into an agreement with the City of Santa Ana to provide vital airborne surveillance and patrol support. Since 1999, helicopter patrol service for Santa Ana was provided by Airborne Law Enforcement (ABLE), a joint powers authority between the cities of Costa Mesa and Newport Beach that owns and operates law enforcement helicopters. Due to the dissolution of ABLE, the City of Santa Ana solicited proposals from various local law enforcement agencies with helicopter programs, and ultimately chose to contract with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department/Air Support Unit.

Garden Grove Police Department Crime Scene Services

The Orange County Sheriff's Department will continue to provide the Garden Grove Police Department with enhanced crime scene services. These services include crime scene investigation for major crimes such as homicide, aggravated assault, and rape, as well as evidence processing for latent prints, latent/inked print comparisons and searches, and the photo lab.

Law Enforcement City Contracts

The Board of Supervisors recently renewed contracts for the Orange County Sheriff's Department to provide law enforcement services to the Cities of Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, Stanton, Villa Park, and Rancho Santa Margarita. The Sheriff's Department also renewed their contract with the Orange County Transportation Authority.

Regional Recreational Trails Advisory Committee Welcomes New Member

Connie Margolin was appointed as a member to the Regional Recreational Trails Advisory Committee. Ms. Margolin was named President/CEO of the Bellflower Chamber in 1990, and in 1997 was named President/CEO of the Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce. She has served on the Garden Grove Hospital Board, The Water Project, and the Garden Grove Historical Society, to name just a few. She has received countless awards over the years, including Garden Grove’s Woman of the Year, the Cypress Americana Award and a Woman of Distinction Award. Please join me in welcoming Connie Margolin to the Regional Recreational Trails Advisory Committee.

County Retirement

The County of Orange was saddened to see Steve Dunivent retire from the county, but thankful for his term of service to the residents of Orange County in the County Executive Office. Steve retired from the County as Deputy CEO for Government and Public Services. Congratulations on your retirement Steve!

Juvenile Programs

The Board of Supervisors recently approved agreements with the Orange County Superintendent of Schools and the County Probation Department for programs that address early intervention strategies for youth and juvenile justice prevention. The Probation Department will provide support services at the Probation’s Youth Guidance Center, Youth Leadership Academy and Juvenile Hall. The department will also provide reentry educational and vocational services, employment readiness programs and substance abuse treatment to juvenile defenders. These services are intended to provide a vehicle for juvenile offenders to enter the work force and adulthood as a productive member of Orange County.

Renewal of CSI Services for Garden Grove

The County Sheriff Coroner has renewed its agreement with the City of Garden Grove for the provision of enhanced crime scene investigation services through 2016. Services will include crime scene investigation for major crimes such as homicide, aggravated assault, and rape, as well as evidence processing for latent prints, latent/inked print comparisons and searches, and the photo lab.

Performance Audit of CEO/Risk Management

The Board of Supervisors recently approved the scope for a performance audit of CEO/Risk Management. This audit will examine the efficiency and effectiveness of various programs including: Insurance and Financial Management, Liability Claims Management, Worker’s Compensation, Safety and Loss Prevention, American with Disabilities Act and Return to Work Transitional Duty. After its completion, the Board expects to receive recommendations for a new work plan of proposed audit actions.

ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (OCTA)


OCTA Board of Directors Passes Balanced Budget


OCTA’s Fiscal Year 2011-12 Budget presents a balanced plan of sources and uses of funds while providing for the current and future transportation requirements of Orange County. On a year-over-year comparison, the FY 2011-12 budget is 4.3 percent or $49.9 million less than the FY 2010-11 budget. The three guiding principles for the budget were 1) preserve existing service levels; 2) contract additional bus service commensurate with coach operator attrition; and 3) continue implementation of the capital action plan.

OCTA remains committed to controlling expenses. In addition to requiring each division to meet strict budget targets, no wage increases for administrative employees and bargaining units are included in the budget, and a five percent growth cap has been put on the OCTA contribution towards administrative and employee healthcare costs for calendar year 2012. A combination of estimated revenues and reserves brings the level of available funding to $1.1 billion, while proposed expenditures and designations yield the same level of use of funds.


OCTA and Metrolink Offering Summer Discounts to Riders

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


OCTA Supports Senior Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

OCTA entered into agreements with St. Anselm's Cross-Cultural Community Center, Age Well Senior Services, Inc., and Abrazar, Inc. in order to support expansion of Senior Non-Emergency Medical Transportation services to older adults in Orange County. OCTA's Renewed Measure M (M2) indicates that the County is entitled to one percent (1%) of the net revenues to augment existing Senior Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (SNEMT) services currently funded with Tobacco Settlement Revenue (TSR). These programs will receive up to 1% of the net M2 revenue. It is estimated that the funding will provide a total of 55,400 one-way non-emergency medical transportation trips for older adults in FY 2011-12.

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!

ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY (OCFA)

9/11 Steel Beam Comes to Orange County

A remnant from Tower 1 of the World Trade Center in New York City was recently delivered to OCFA Headquarters in Irvine. The steel beam weighs 1,358 pounds and measures 6 feet by 30 inches by 15 inches. After the attacks on 9/11 OCFA sent two officials to New York to assist operations and around 20 firefighters volunteered their time there. OCFA officials are working on a plan to have the steel beam publicly displayed.

Smoke Alarms Donated to OCFA

OCFA has received a donation of smoke alarms as a result of a recent grant competition. These smoke alarms will be used during the upcoming Smoke Alarm Community Awareness initiative. OCFA’s message of install, inspect, protect is intended to provide awareness and education to the Orange County community, encouraging the proper use of smoke alarms in homes.

HEALTH BULLETIN

Orange County Scores 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.


YOUTH CONNECTION

Volunteer Opportunity

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

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


Teen "Wreck"-reation Hall Summer Time

Come and join us at the Wreck Hall at Eastgate park! It's a place for teens to hang out and enjoy socializing with other teens. Activities include interactive Wii games, sports and a snack bar. Wreck Hall hours are as follows:

  • Wednesdays: 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. (1st & 3rd Wednesdays from 1p.m. – 4 p.m.)
  • Fridays: 3:30-6:30 p.m.
  • Saturdays: (1st & 3rd Saturdays from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.)
Location: 12001 Saint Mark Street, Garden Grove (in Eastgate Park)

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


BUSINESS NEWS

Business Forum

The City of Santa Ana is hosting a Business Forum July 19th at the Delphi Community Center at 505 E. Central Ave., Santa Ana from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business are invited to attend the event, “Navigating Your Business to Succeed in Santa Ana.” Government officials and business experts will highlight the process of pulling permits and licenses, and speak of using city services to your advantage.

Lunch will be provided, but space is limited, so RSVP as soon as possible at (714) 647-6974.

USPS Business Mailing Center in Santa Ana

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

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

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

SAVE THE DATE

Central County Senior 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.

 JANET AROUND THE FIRST DISTRICT



Supervisor Janet Nguyen visits with KaBOOM! Playground Build Day volunteers. The finished playground in the background was built from the ground up in one day at Village Meadows Apartments in Santa Ana.


KaBOOM! Project Manager Ariel Fortune accepts a certificate from Supervisor Janet Nguyen in honor of KaBOOM!’s efforts of providing kids with a safe and enjoyable place to play.


Supervisor Janet Nguyen and Assistant CEO Rob Richardson present Diane Nguyen, Senior Policy Advisor to Supervisor Nguyen, with a certificate of completion upon her graduation from the Orange County Leadership Academy in June 2011.


Supervisor Janet Nguyen and Assistant CEO Rob Richardson present Kathryn Feather, Policy Advisor to Supervisor Nguyen, with a certificate of completion upon her graduation from the Orange County Leadership Academy in June 2011.

 LOCAL ISSUES


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


Orange County

JWA Launches Additional Service to Canada
John Wayne Airport recently added its second Canadian destination to the list of flights leaving JWA. Calgary, Alberta joins Vancouver, British Columbia as the second destination from Orange County. Services to Calgary are run by WestJet. Calgary is WestJet’s main hub and is the gateway to the popular Banff-Lake Louise-Jasper area of the Canadian Rockies. Passengers returning from Canada clear U.S. immigration and customs at Calgary so as to disembark in Orange County as if they were arriving on a domestic flight. For more information, please visit JWA’s website at www.ocair.com.


2011 NACo Achievement Awards
The County’s Probation Department, OC Parks, OC Animal Care, OC Dana Point Harbor, the Registrar of Voters, OC Public Libraries, Social Services Agency, Health Care Agency and the County Executive Office all received National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards. A total of 17 NACo awards were given to County programs that have become operational after January 1, 2006.

The County Community Service Center (CCSC) was also recognized for exceptional service to residents of Orange County. The CCSC is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at 15460 Magnolia Ave., Westminster, and can be reached via telephone at (714) 889-4105 and on the internet at www.ochealthinfo.com/ccsc.


Orange County High School of the Arts named top ten charter schools
A USC report has named Orange County High School of the Arts as one of the 10 best charter schools in California. It is ranked the seventh best charter school out of more than 800 statewide. The top charter schools were chosen based on academic ratings and school productivity indicators that rate a school’s academic success based on its per-student spending. Congratulations to the Orange County High School of the Arts. Keep up the great work!


Garden Grove

2011 Summer Concert Series
The Garden Grove Community Foundation hosts the 2011 Free Summer Concert Series at Eastgate Park, 12001 St. Mark Street in Garden Grove. Join your friends and neighbors each Thursday from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. for an evening filled with great music!

  • July 14th: Hollywood U2 (U2 tribute band)
  • July 21st: Surfin’ Safari (Beach Boys tribute band)
  • July 28th: Stone Soul (Motown)
  • August 4th: Neil Morrow (Country/Rock)
  • August 11th: Abbey Road (Beatles tribute band)
  • August 18: Knyght Ryder (80’s and 90’s)
The last two shows in the series will take place at Village Green on the corner of Euclid and Main Street.
  • August 25th: Don’t Stop Believin’ (Journey tribute band)
  • September 1st: Salsa Caliente (Latin Salsa)
Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. No EZ-Ups or golf carts, please. If you would like more information or make a donation, please call (714) 741-5280, or visit www.ggcf.com.

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


Street Construction
Construction has begun at Euclid Street and Garden Grove Boulevard, and will last through August. The construction hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. with traffic being reduced to one lane in both directions. The $1.08 million project will be funded by Measure M transportation funds, and pay for new curbs, gutters, sidewalks, crosswalks and traffic-signal modification. For more information, please call (714) 741-5180.


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.

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

Old County Courthouse Silent Film Exhibit
The Old County Courthouse has recently opened a silent film exhibit entitled “On Location: Silent Films in Orange County,” which will run until August 5th. Between 1910 and 1928, Orange County was home to the production of hundreds of comic shorts, newsreels and silent full length movies. The exhibit will feature photographs, artifacts, props and posters. Exhibit hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. The Old County Courthouse is located in Santa Ana at 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., #201.

Reading Programs for Young Children/Summer Reading
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.

This summer the Santa Ana Public Library is offering reading programs for children, teens and adults. Themes for the programs this summer are “One World, Many Stories” (children), “You Are Here” (teens) and “Novel Destinations” (adults). Programs have begun and will continue through July 30, 2011. The library is located at 26 Civic Center Plaza. For more information, please call (714) 647-5264.


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

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)
  • August 18th: Gospel Night (community group choir)
ABRAZAR Summer Camps
ABRAZAR Inc. will host summer camps this summer through September 2, 2011 at Schmitt Elementary School and the Midway City Community Center. Camps are offered to children (K-8) and include weekly field trips, arts and crafts and sports programs.

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

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


Community Volunteers Sought for Police Department Activities
The Westminster Police Department is seeking community volunteers to participate in its support services and operations. Positions in areas in which volunteers will fill are community events, fleet maintenance, data entry, patrol, detectives and crime-scene investigators. Training will be provided to volunteers. For more information, please call (714) 548-3732.


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


Parks Program
The City of Westminster is offering weekday programs and events for elementary school-age children through August 12, 2011. The drop-in, supervised program will feature play days, arts and crafts, and excursions. Programs and events are offered at Chica, Liberty, Park West and Sigler parks from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and at Bowling Green and Gillespie parks from noon to 4 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

 REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS


County of Orange
There are currently many new bids to contract with the County of Orange. For more information, please click here.

 COMMUNITY EVENTS

City of Garden Grove
July 15-16, 2011 – Family Campout
The Atlantis Play Center is hosting a family campout from 5 p.m. Friday July 15th to 9 a.m. Saturday July 16th. The event will feature crafts, games and of course, a campfire. The cost is $15 per person ages 3 and up, and participants are required to bring their own tent and sleeping bag.

Location: Atlantis Play Center, 13630 Atlantis Way, Garden Grove.

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

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.

July 21, 2011 – Free Summer Concert Series
Join your Garden Grove neighbors for the melodic and soulful sounds of Surfin’ Safari, a Beach Boys tribute band. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. and lasts until 8:30 p.m. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. No EZ-Ups or golf carts, please.

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

For more information, call (714) 741-5280 or visit www.ggcf.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
July 17, 2011 – Blues in the Zoo
Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo present “Blues at the Zoo” on Sunday, July 17th from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This is the first concert of the 2011 summer concert series, featuring The Mighty Mojo Prophets. Bring your family and friends for a night of great 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.

July 30, 2011 – Summer Concert
The Wilshire Square Neighborhood Association is hosting the Wilshire Square Summer Concert on Saturday, July 30th from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The theme of the concert is “Tropical Night” and features Latin Pop music of the Eddie Banuelos Orchestra. You can reserve a table for $30 or bring a picnic basket to dine alfresco. There are prizes for the best decorated “Tropical Nights” themed tables. Blanket and lawn chair seating is free.

Location: Wilshire Square’s 1100 Block at S. Ross and W. Russell Streets.

For more information, please call (714) 380-2210.

City of Westminster
July 21, 2011 – Concert in the Park
The Old School Westminster All Stars will be filling your ears with the groovin’ sounds of rock, blues and jazz music from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Join your friends and neighbors for an evening of great music!

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

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

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.