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Spring is here!
Daylight Savings has brought us longer days and the pleasant scents from flowers and trees will soon envelop our surroundings. With springtime comes many opportunities to enjoy the countless pleasures Orange County has to offer. Take a look below for events in your community. Movie Nights and Art Walks are some great options to explore.
I also want to inform you of the launch of the new OC Public Works iPhone App, which makes it easier for residents of Unincorporated Orange County to report damages directly to the OC Public Works Department. Visit the department's website to download the app and report service needs that can help to beautify your neighborhood.
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| Board of Supervisors |
Supervisor Nguyen's New Appointments to Orange County Commissions
Supervisor Nguyen appointed Fountain Valley resident Dr. Chan Lee Nguyen, MD to the Emergency Medical Care Committee, and appointed Westminster resident Miguel A. Vazquez to the Orange County Veterans Advisory Council. Additionally, Xuan-Nhi Van Ho, also from Westminster, was re-appointed by Supervisor Nguyen to the Waste Management Commission.
The Emergency Medical Care Committee advises the Board of Supervisors on all matters relating to emergency medical services in Orange County. The Orange County Veterans Advisory Council advises the Board on importance issues relating to veterans and their dependents based on input from the veteran community. The Waste Management Commission advises the Board on matters relating to municipal solid waste and hazardous waste management, operation and maintenance of the County's landfills, and other facilities related to the County's solid waste disposal system.
New Appointments to the Children and Families Commission
The Board of Supervisors unanimously appointed Dr. Maria Minon, Dr. Katherine Ahn and Sandra Pierce to the Children and Families Commission. The Children and Families Commission of Orange County acts as an advocate for all young children in Orange County, serving roles as convener, planner and program sponsor. Specifically, the Commission provides leadership, funding and support for programs that achieve the vision that all children are healthy and ready to succeed when they enter school. Congratulations to all three members and thank you for your devotion to the children of Orange County!
Week of the Young Child
Per Supervisor Nguyen's request, the Orange County Board of Supervisors has designated the week of April 22-28 as the "Week of the Young Child." The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The purpose of the "Week of the Young Child" is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. Visit www.naeyc.org/woyc to learn more.
Contracts for Public Works Projects Now Out for Bid
The Orange County Public Works Department was authorized to advertise for bid several contracts involving road and flood control needs throughout the Orange County. The contracts include Slurry Seals for Various Streets in Orange County, General Engineering-Road Projects, Earthwork & Paving-Road Projects and General Engineering-Flood Projects. Improvements will be made in the unincorporated and County-owned land/facilities.
On-Call Environmental Clean-up Services Approved
The Board of Supervisors recently approved a contract with several firms for on-call environmental cleanup services including: responding on an emergency basis to spills, releases and discharges of waste materials in the Orange County Flood Control right-of-way. These services are intended to mitigate any potential hazards caused by run-off.
The firms being contracted with are American Integrated Services Inc., Double Barrel Environmental Services Inc., O.C. Vacuum Inc., Ocean Blue Environmental Services Inc. and United Pumping Services. This new program will decrease costs incurred by the County during emergency clean-up situations.
County Accepts Federal Grant to Increase Housing Opportunities for Veterans
A grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was awarded to the County in an amount of $888,200 for Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing. With this grant, the OC Housing Authority (OCHA) will obtain 75 Housing Choice Vouchers for the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program (VASH), expanding the total number of U.S. Veterans OCHA assists through this tenant-based rental assistance program to 370. This grant is extremely useful in providing assistance to struggling veterans and their families.
OC Housing Authority Annual Public Housing Agency Plan Approved
In a continued commitment to address the housing needs of low and very low-income households, the Board of Supervisors approved the Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA) Annual Public Housing Agency (PHA) Plan for Fiscal Year 2012-13. The plan covers policies and procedures of the agency.
The PHA Plan can be viewed on OCHA's website at the following address: www.ochousing.org.
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| ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (OCTA) |
OCTA Seeks Applicant for Measure M Taxpayers Oversight Committee
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is seeking qualified volunteers to serve on the Measure M Taxpayers Oversight Committee (TOC).
The eleven-member committee monitors OCTA's use of Measure M funds and ensures that all revenue collected from both Measure M1 (M1) and the Renewed Measure M2 (M2) is spent on voter-approved transportation projects. The independent committee was formed after the passage in 1990 of Measure M, a half-cent sales tax to fund transportation improvements in Orange County.
Applications for the 2012-2015 term will be accepted through April 23, 2012 to fill four positions; one each in the First, Second, Fourth and Fifth Supervisorial Districts. Orange County residents residing in these areas are eligible to apply. Candidates must be 18 years of age, reside in one of the districts named above and be willing to participate for a three-year term. Potential committee members should also demonstrate a history of participating in community activities and knowledge of public transportation.
The Grand Jurors Association of Orange County is conducting the recruitment program and will recommend qualified candidates for membership. For additional information or to request an application, call the selection panel at (714) 970-9329 or visit OCTA's Web site at www.octa.net/toc.
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| Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) |
OCSD Debuts New Website
OCSD has announced its new home on the internet. The new website, www.ocsewers.com, is live and streamlined with easy navigation and information readily available. When you have some time, check out the new site. The website is easier to navigate and provides residents with valuable information on the collection, treatment and recycling of wastewater in Orange County.
OCSD Public Service Announcement Video Contest
OCSD has launched a video contest for students in grades 9-12 attending a high school within its service area. The contest asks students to create a 30 second video on either the "What 2 Flush" campaign or "A Day Without a Toilet". Winning videos will be awarded a prize at the June 27th Board of Directors meeting and will be featured throughout OCSD's service area as a public service announcement.
Deadline for submissions is May 18, 2012. Click here for more information on the contest.
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| YOUTH CONNECTION |
Project Go (Graffiti Off)
Project GO is a volunteer-based graffiti removal program committed to removing unsightly graffiti in Garden Grove. Take a few hours out of your day to help keep Garden Grove beautiful. For more information, please call Garden Grove Public Works at (714) 741-5375.
Hispanic Education Endowment Fund Scholarships
The Hispanic Education Endowment Fund (HEEF) is now accepting online applications for scholarships. HEEF gives out scholarships based on financial restraints, academic performance, involvement in extra-curricular activities, community volunteer work, church service or work employment. All applicants must be Orange County residents as well as meet several other requirements which are listed on the website at www.oc-cf.org/Page.aspx?pid=978.
For more information visit the website or Juan Francisco Lara at lara@uci.edu or lara@heef.org or call (626) 390-0176.
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| BUSINESS NEWS |
Business Networking Mixer
On Tuesday, April 19, 2012, the Westminster Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a networking mixer at Michael's Sports Pub & Grill from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Come enjoy a complimentary buffet. Remember to bring plenty of business cards for networking!
Members get in free by bringing 2 business cards to the event. Non-members can partake by paying a $5 admission fee and supplying 2 business cards. Michael's Sports Pub & Grill is located at 15192 Goldenwest Street, Westminster, CA 92683. For more information, please call (714) 898-9648 or email events@westminsterchamber.org.
Creating Your Roadmap to Success: The Art & Science of Creating a Successful Business Plan
On Wednesday, April 25, 2012, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Orange County Small Business Development Center (OCSBDC), in partnership with the Black Chamber of Orange County, will offer a workshop that will help participants build a solid business from the very beginning. Those in attendance will learn how to break apart components of the business plan into manageable steps, how to develop the best operating and marketing plans, as well as other important lessons that can help grow an existing enterprise.
Admission is $25. The workshop will be held at Rancho Santiago Community College District located at 2323 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92706. For more information, please call (714) 564-5200.
Tri-City Round-Up Mixer
On Thursday, April 26, 2012, the Anaheim, Orange, and Santa Ana Chambers of Commerce will come together for a central Orange County special tri-city mixer sponsored by Ford & Mazda of Orange. The event is from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will feature a live band, hors d'oeuvres, and refreshments.
Admission is $10 for members and $15 for guests. Registration is not required. The event will be held at Ford & Mazda of Orange located at 1350 West Katella Avenue, Orange, CA 92867. For more information, please call (714) 541-5353.
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| JANET AROUND THE FIRST DISTRICT |
In this photo, Supervisor Nguyen discusses the 3rd Annual Central County Health Expo on-site with a local news outlet. Approximately 3,000 individuals attended the Health Expo in Garden Grove., where free dental, vision and medical services were available.
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A volunteer Dentist provides free dental service during the 3rd Annual Central County Health Expo.
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A volunteer provides free vision screening to an attendee during the 3rd Annual Central County Health Expo.
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A volunteer Pediatrician examines a youngster in the kids area at the 3rd Annual Central County Health Expo.
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Approximately 3,000 individuals attended the 3rd Annual Central County Health Expo in Garden Grove, where they received free dental, vision and medical services and information to valuable county resources.
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At the Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce State of County Address, Supervisor Janet Nguyen joins (l-r) Southern California Edison Regional Manager Eddie Marquez, Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce Chairwoman Sandy Thomas and Chamber President/CEO Jeremy Harris.
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Supervisor Janet Nguyen presents a certificate to the King Hung Oversea Foundation in honor of the King Hung Vuong Commemorative Day.
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Supervisor Janet Nguyen celebrates the Grand Opening of AR Mart in Fullerton along with members of the city council and the community.
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| LOCAL ISSUES |
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* The following articles are for informational purposes only and are not necessarily intended to imply endorsement or support.
Orange County
Literary Orange
Orange County's 6th Annual Literary Orange will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at the UC Irvine Student Center. The event begins with breakfast and a welcome, and then moves into the panel sessions, with topics ranging from fantasy and fiction to law and mystery. The keynote speakers for this year's event are Paula McLain and Lisa See.
Tickets are $60 per person. Students and Active Duty Military Personnel with valid I.D. can register for $25. Visit the website for more information and registration, or call (949) 824-4651. Space is limited to 500 participants, so register today.
New Public Works iPhone App
A new iPhone application has recently been unveiled to assist smartphone users in contacting County government. This makes it easier for residents of Unincorporated Orange County to report damages directly to the OC Public Works Department. The app was developed in-house by OC Public Works staff, and allows residents to report potholes, graffiti, illegal dumping, water pollution, etc. with the option to include photos. Visit the OC Public Works website to download the iPhone app.
OC Green Fair
The annual OC Green Fair, which aims to educate the public about environmental concerns, is scheduled for May 17, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Orange County Civic Center. The event will feature vendor giveaways, door prizes, networking, food and much more. Eco-friendly businesses interested in becoming sponsors or exhibitors can do so at www.ocgreenfair.com.
Traffic Ticket Amnesty
Now through June 30, 2012, anyone with overdue traffic fines are eligible to receive a fifty-percent discount from the Administrative Office of the Courts. The overdue traffic fines exclude DUI, reckless driving and parking violations, for tickets that were supposed to have been paid on or before January 1, 2009.
For information, contact the Superior Court in the county where the violation occurred. To find the appropriate court, visit www.courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm.
OC Parks Volunteer Opportunity
OC Parks welcomes individuals interested in the Adopt-A-Park Volunteer Program to sign up to help maintain and improve Orange County's Parks. Sign up as a one-time volunteer or general volunteer and get involved with a variety of events including planting, watering, and other restoration projects. To fill out a volunteer application go online to www.ocparks.com.
Water Pollution Prevention Hotline
Water pollution prevention is an important issue, and it's the responsibility for us all to protect Orange County's water. To report a spill, call the Orange County 24-hour Water Pollution Prevention Hotline at 1-877-89-Spill (1-877-897-7455).
Fountain Valley
Water Pollution Mitigation Program
Recently the City of Fountain Valley has moved to further mitigate water pollution by adding specialized filters inside storm drains. These filters are designed to prevent trash that accumulates in storm water catch basins from being washed out to the ocean, which can happen with large amounts of rain. The City is installing 63 of these filters using $99,645 in grant money from OCTA. The Public Works Department in Fountain Valley will clear out the filters on a regular basis.
For additional information about the program and water pollution you can visit the City of Fountain Valley's website.
Garden Grove
New Traffic Monitoring Camera System Goes on Display in City Hall
Garden Grove City Hall is now home to the new $3.5 million, large multi-screen, George L. Allen Traffic Management Center. The Center replaces the City's former 12-camera, analog, traffic monitoring system with a new 37-camera, fiber-optic-based system, that employs cutting-edge software capable of monitoring interconnected traffic signals in real time. A $6 million grant fund was obtained to finance the project thus preserving the City's General Funds.
The Center was officially dedicated on March 13, 2012, and rightfully named after the City's former traffic engineer, George L. Allen. Allen was considered the driving force of the original Traffic Management Center and also played significant roles in its finance and creation. Allen passed away in September 2007 from Pulmonary Fibrosis.
For more information, please contact the City's Traffic Engineering Division at (714) 741-5185.
Daily Hot Lunches for Seniors
Community SeniorServ serves hot lunches daily at H. Louis Lake Senior Center in Garden Grove for seniors 60 and older for a suggested donation of $2.50. For those younger than 60, lunch costs $3.50. Bus services are also available to seniors living in Garden Grove who participate in the lunch program.
For more information, please call Community SeniorServ at (714) 226-0550.
Santa Ana
Bubblefest XVI at Discovery Science Center
Orange County's most refreshing spring break bubble spectacular, Bubblefest XVI, is back! Come visit the Discovery Science Center (DSC) through April 22, 2012 to participate in the festivity. The event will feature an inflatable play zone, water spheres, and interactive science activities. Access is free with paid general admission to DSC.
However, tickets are required for the featured Mega Bubblefest Laser Show presented by New York City's very own Deni Yang. These can be purchased online and at the door. The show features a bubble carousel, bubbles within bubbles, smoking bubbles, spinning bubbles, bouncing bubbles, and bubbles in all different sizes and shapes for your entertainment. Bubblefest XVI and the Mega Bubblefest Laser Show will both end April 22nd so don't miss out on the biggest and most impressive outdoor festival in the Center's history.
The Discovery Science Center is located at 2500 North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705. For more information, please call (714) 542-2823 or visit www.discoverycube.org.
Volunteers Sought for Old Orange County Courthouse Exhibit
The Museum of Teaching and Learning is currently looking for volunteers. Docents are needed to interact with visitors at the Old Orange County for the exhibit, "A Class Action: The Grassroots Struggle for School Desegregation in California." They are requesting a commitment of two to five hours for one day a week.
All volunteers will receive training on the history of the exhibit and successfully engage visitors. The exhibit will run through June 2012. For more information, please contact Carolina Zatary at (909) 287-9509 or email czata001@csu.fullerton.edu.
No Smoking Ordinance Now In Place in Santa Ana
On March 7, 2012, a no smoking ordinance went into effect and aims at improving the outdoor environments within the City of Santa Ana. The ordinance bans smoking in a number of public places, including City parks, recreation and playground areas, City recreation facilities, the Eddie West Field at the Santa Ana Stadium, and the Santa Ana Zoo. The ordinance demonstrates the City's commitment to protecting the health and well-being of its residents and visitors. Citations for those who violate however won't be given out until July 1, 2012 which will provide the City with enough time for the completion of a public education program and the posting of signs in designated areas.
Westminster
2012 Spring Brochure Available Now
Westminster's 2012 Spring Brochure is now available online. Browse through the many classes and activities available to the community and register now. Click here to view the brochure online. There is something for everyone!
Volunteer Drivers Needed
The City of Westminster is seeking drivers to deliver meals to homebound seniors. Those interested should contact Maribel Avilez of the Westminster Senior Center at (714) 895-2878, ext. 3678.
Marriage Enrichment Program
The Cambodian Association of America (CAA) is offering free marriage enrichment classes in English and Spanish. Topics include effective communication and listening skills, conflict resolution and financial management. Dates for classes are on the following Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; April 4th, 11th, and 18th, 2012.
Classes will be held at the Westminster Family Resource Center at Sigler Park, 7200 Plaza Street, Westminster, CA 92683. To sign up, please call (714) 903-1331. To view the flyer, click here.
OC United Way Offering Free Financial Workshops
Orange County United Way is offering free help with budgeting, tax preparation and financial education via the new program, called Spark Point OC. To be referred for the services, please call ABRAZAR at (714) 893-3581. Workshops will be held at 7101 Wyoming Street, Westminster, CA 92683.
Food Truck Tuesdays at Westminster High School
Support Westminster High School's academic incentives program while dining on delicious food. Westminster High School will be hosting the Food Truck every Tuesday from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 14325 Goldenwest St. For more information, please call (714) 893-1381 or email info@whslions.com.
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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 Fountain Valley
April 13, 2012 - Disabled Dance
The City of Fountain Valley will be hosting a dance for individuals with disabilities on Friday, April 13th at the Fountain Valley Recreation Center and Sports Park. The dance will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Fountain Valley Community Foundation and presented by the Advisory Committee for the Disabled.
Location: Fountain Valley Recreation Center, 16400 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708.
For more information, please contact Nora Webb at (714) 593-4446.
April 21, 2012 - FREE Electronic Recycling Event
Drop off your old or damaged electronic items at the Fountain Valley Sports Park for free on Saturday, April 21st from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Fountain Valley Sports Park, 16400 Brookhurst Street, Fountain Valley, CA 92708.
For more information, please call (714) 593-4400.
City of Garden Grove
April 13, 2012 - FREE Family Movie Night, True Grit PG-13
Each month the First Presbyterian Church of Garden Grove shows a movie on their big screen in the sanctuary of the church. True Grit, a tale of vengeance in Old West Oklahoma, around the end of the 19th Century, is the featured movie for the month of April. Bring the family and join your neighbors in this free motion picture experience. Parents should note the movie's PG-13 rating which may be inappropriate for younger viewers. Refreshments will be provided after the movie screening in the Lounge.
Location: First Presbyterian Church (in the Sanctuary), 11832 Euclid Street, Garden Grove, CA 92840.
For more information, please call (714) 534-2269, or email denise@fpcgg.org.
April 14-15, 2012 - FREE Workshops at Home Depot
Home Depot will be offering the following three free workshops at their Garden Grove location through the weekend of April 14th and 15th:
Workshop: How to Build a Raised Garden Bed
When: Saturday, April 14th
Time: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Workshop: Install Entry Door Locks and Accessories
When: Saturday, April 14th
Time: 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Workshop: The Right Outdoor Power Tools for the Job
When: Sunday, April 15th
Time: 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: The Home Depot, 10801 Garden Grove Boulevard, Garden Grove, CA 92840.
For more information, please contact Debbie Bovshow at (714) 539-0319 ext. 440, or email debbie.bovshow@yahoo.com.
April 15, 2012 - Garden Grove Farmers' Market
Every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. the City of Garden Grove hosts a Farmers' Market on Main St between Garden Grove Blvd and Acacia Parkway. The vendors will be selling fresh produce and other food items.
For more information, call Lee at (562) 498-6048 or (562) 449-9299.
City of Santa Ana
April 14, 2012 - OCHOPC's Homebuyer Orientation Workshop
Orange County Home Ownership Preservation Collaborative (OCHOPC) is offering a free homebuyer workshop on Saturday, April 14th from 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. The orientation is for those interested in purchasing their first home but don't know where to start. The workshop will provide an overview of the home buying process as well as an overview of the available resources and programs to better prepare consumers toward homeownership. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
Location: Consumer Credit Counseling Service of OC, 1920 Old Tustin Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705.
Seating is limited so RSVP is highly recommended. To RSVP, call Connie Der Torossian at (714) 599-1014, or email her at ConnieDT@housingcollaborative.org.
May 5, 2012 - Art Walk
The first Saturday of every month is Art Walk night in downtown Santa Ana. Between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. stroll down the streets of downtown Santa Ana, view working lofts owned by local artists, purchase art work and dine in a local eatery.
Location: 2nd Street Promenade, from Broadway Ave. to Spurgeon St., Santa Ana, CA 92701.
For more information, please visit http://santaanaartwalk.com.
City of Westminster
April 9 - 12, 2012 - After School Parks Program
The After School Parks Program will be extending its hours during spring break at Bolsa Chica, Sigler and Liberty Parks. Park hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, April 9th through Friday, April 13th.
For more information, please call the Westminster Community Services and Recreation Department at (714) 895-2860.
To contact Supervisor Janet Nguyen, please call 714-834-3110 or email Janet.Nguyen@ocgov.com. |
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