Header Image of Supervisor Janet Nguyen
April 30, 2012

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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 SANITATION DISTRICT (OCSD)

4. Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)

5. HEALTH BULLETIN

6. YOUTH CONNECTION

7. BUSINESS NEWS

8. JANET AROUND THE FIRST DISTRICT

9. LOCAL ISSUES

10. REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

11. COMMUNITY EVENTS


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Volume 6 Issue 3
 
Janet's Journal


Welcome to the First District Newsletter!

On April 11, 2012 the Central County Job Fair was held with much success! The Fountain Valley Recreation Center was the site host and the event was organized by the Orange County Workforce Investment Board, the City of Fountain Valley and my office. Over 1,500 job seekers attended the event with over 30 registered companies accepting applications. To those who attended, I wish you all the best in your job search.

It has been great meeting many of you at various events within the First District over the last few weeks. The Fish Derby at Mile Square Park, King Hung Commemorative Day in Midway City and Grand Openings in Garden Grove are just a few examples of many to highlight.

An important upcoming event to bring to your attention is the 3rd Annual Central County Senior and Caregiver Expo. The Expo has been a huge success each year, and I expect nothing less this time around. Scroll down below to view the Save the Date flyer.

 Board of Supervisors

Orange County California Citizen Corps Council

The Board of Supervisors approved a resolution recognizing the Orange County Citizen Corps Council as the body that will ensure collaboration, communication and cooperation from emergency preparedness activities through disaster response and recovery.

Nationally, Citizen Corps is coordinated by FEMA and locally, by the Orange County Sheriff's Department Emergency Management Bureau. The Orange County Citizen Corps Council has been established to bring together many Citizen Corps programs, including: CERT, Fire Corps, OneOC, the Medical Reserve Corps among others. Its mission is to harness the power of individuals through education, training, and volunteer service to make communities stronger and better prepared to respond during any type of disaster.

John Wayne Airport Joins as Member of OC Emergency Management Council

John Wayne Airport has been added as a voting member of the OC Emergency Management Council. This council serves as the County's disaster Council and includes the Board of Supervisors, the Sheriff-Coroner Department, OCFA, OCTA, and OC Public Works among others. The addition of John Wayne Airport as a voting member will allow for enhanced communication, collaboration, resource management, response capability and recovery operations during all phases of emergency management.

OC Public Libraries to Filter Children's Internet Content

OC Public Libraries Internet Usage Policy now allows for the filtering of Internet content on all branch library computers and devices connected to the library's Wi-Fi. Unfiltered access will continue to be available on OC Public Libraries' computers upon request by adults ages 18 and older and to parents or legal guardians who are 18 or older and present with their children who are under 18 years of age. The implementation of content control filtering software looks to prevent visual depictions of material deemed to be harmful to minors.

Law Enforcement Overtime Services

As part of an implementation plan for public safety realignment and post-release community supervision, the Orange County Board of Supervisors has approved a Master Memorandum of Understanding for enhanced law enforcement with cities, from October 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. These additional services are necessary due to the state mandated realignment of state prisoners to local jails; as a consequence law enforcement from various cities may be requested to accompany Probation peace officers as needed to accomplish specific law enforcement objectives.

New Online Voter Registration System

The Orange County Board of Supervisors voted to receive funds from the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) and Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) for the creation of a user-friendly, secure, and accessible online voter registration. The new online voter registration system will be up in time for the November 2012 statewide general election and allows eligible Californians with a valid California Driver's License or California ID to submit a voter registration application online. Please visit www.ocvote.com for more information.

ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (OCTA)

Citizens Advisory Committee Now Accepting Applications

The OCTA Citizens Advisory Committee is seeking Orange County residents to serve on its volunteer Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). The role of the committee is to supply community perspectives on transportation projects, studies, and outreach activities. Qualified individuals should display strong community involvement, demonstrate interest in community activities and transportation issues, and be able to dedicate a minimum of 20 hours per year to OCTA meetings and other activities. Applications must be submitted by April 30, 2012. For more information, visit the OCTA website.

Construction Projects Approved for Transportation Improvements

The OCTA Board of Directors recently approved a variety of projects throughout Orange County that will serve to enhance transportation. Specifically, several Grade Separations were approved for planning and construction. These infrastructure improvement projects create a means to bypass an existing road or railway, either by bridge or overpass. This allows for a more efficient and convenient flow of traffic.

Also approved by the Board were apportionments from the Local Transportation Fund. This fund, which is derived from ¼ of a cent of the local sales tax, is designated for local transportation projects. Of the projects receiving money from this fund, Public Transit accounts for the majority of the apportionments.

Lastly, the Board, through several items approved fund transfers from the Federal and State Governments to OCTA to assist with several other projects. These include the continuation of the Freeway Service Patrol Program, funding the construction of a parking structure at the Orange Transportation Center and several rail projects.

Adult Day Care Para-Transit Services

The OCTA Transit Committee voted to renew several contracts with Adult Day Care service providers. The contracts allow for cost-sharing of transportation provided to these sites. The services providers include Acacia Adult Day Services, Alzheimer's Family Services Center, Community SeniorServ, the Orange County Adult Achievement Center and South County Senior Services. Since many individuals require specialized transportation services beyond what OCTA ACCESS vehicles can provide, these agreements ensure that these individuals receive the quality services they need.

Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD)

OCSD Declared Tsunami Ready

The Orange County Sanitation District has been recognized as TsunamiReady®, a merit granted to them by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) National Weather Service. To achieve this distinction OCSD met rigorous criteria, which included developing a tsunami safety plan and communications infrastructure, installing dozens of tsunami hazard zone and evacuation signs, as well as actively promoting tsunami safety through public awareness activities and training. The TsunamiReady® preparedness program helps communities develop tsunami response plans with NOAA's National Weather Service and local emergency managers. Congratulations and thank you for making the safety a priority!

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.

OCSD Debits 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.

Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)

City Logos to be Displayed on OCFA Vehicles

In an effort to highlight the partnership with cities that utilize OCFA fire protection services, the corresponding city logo or seal will be displayed on OCFA's engines, trucks and medic vehicles. This is an opportunity for OCFA to show the pride it has within the cities it serves.

HEALTH BULLETIN

Orange County Ranked Among Top 10 Healthiest Counties in California

According to the 2012 County Health Rankings, Orange County is the sixth healthiest county in the State of California. This is the third consecutive year that Orange County ranks among the top 10 and is the only Southern California County to receive top-10 honors.

The 2012 County Health Ranking is a collaborative study published by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. It considers health outcomes like mortality and morbidity, health factors like physical environment, health behaviors, and clinical care as well as social and economic factors. The study also shows that Orange County residents are less likely to smoke, become obese, and more likely to have better access to healthy foods.

Visit www.countyhealthrankings.org/california to view the full report.

Two Orange County Hospitals Make Top 100 List

Thomson Reuters, a company that provides intelligent information for businesses and professionals, named two of Orange County's hospitals, Garden Grove Hospital Medical Center and West Anaheim Medical Center, on its 2012 Top 100 US Hospitals List. The ranking is based on overall organizational performance, specifically calculated on 10 key criteria: mortality, medical complications, patient safety, average patient stay, expenses, profitability, patient satisfaction, adherence to clinical standards of care, post-discharge mortality, and readmission rates for heart attack, heart failure and pneumonia. Public information is evaluated to develop an independent and objective assessment. The selection was Garden Grove's first time making the list, with West Anaheim doing so three times. The study has been conducted annually since 1993.

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.

BUSINESS NEWS

Networking Luncheon

On Tuesday, May 8, 2012, the Westminster Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a networking luncheon at Hotel Huntington Beach from 12 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. Arrive early at 11:30 a.m. for registration and to start off the networking session. Featured activity "Business Spotlights" will commence at noon where attendees will have the opportunity to talk about their business or organization.

Admission for members is $15 along with two business cards. Prospective members can attend by paying $20 and supplying two business cards as well. RSVP is required and must be done so by May 4th or a $5 Late Fee will be assessed. Hotel Huntington Beach is located at 7667 Center Avenue, Huntington Beach, CA 92647. For more information, please check out the flyer or contact Chamber Staff at (714) 898-9648.

Santa Ana Helps Local Businesses through New Ordinance

A new ordinance has been established in Santa Ana, which aims to help local businesses in Orange County succeed, by giving them preference on qualifying City contracts. Orange County based businesses will be given a 4% preference and Santa Ana based businesses will be given a 7% preference over non-local companies. The Local Preference Ordinance applies to all contracts up to $100,000.

SAVE THE DATE

3rd Annual Central County Senior & Caregiver Expo

August 25, 2012 - 3rd Annual Central County Senior & Caregiver Expo

 JANET AROUND THE FIRST DISTRICT



Supervisor Janet Nguyen joins (l-r) Fountain Valley City Manager Ray Kromer, OC WIB Member Alan Woo, Fountain Valley City Councilmember Steve Nagel, Fountain Valley Mayor John Collins and Administrative Manager, Community Division, OC Community Services Andrew Munoz during the Central County Job Fair in Fountain Valley.



Over 1,500 job seekers assembled at the Fountain Valley Recreation Center searching for employment with one of over thirty companies accepting applications.



Supervisor Janet Nguyen actively assists an applicant register for the Central County Job Fair.



Supervisor Janet Nguyen presents a certificate to Pat Halberstadt, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Garden Grove, upon the occasion of the grand opening of the organization's Learning Center.



Supervisor Janet Nguyen pauses for a photo with (l-r) OC Waste & Recycling's Deputy Director of Government & Community Relations Chip Monaco, Director Mike Giancola, Recycling and Environmental Programs Manager Isabel Rios, and Jim Ambroso, President of Republic Services during a tour of the Republic Services facility in Anaheim.



Supervisor Janet Nguyen helps stock the Mile Square Park North Lake with over 1,600 pounds worth of trout prior to the launch of the Fishing Derby. She is joined by Park Ranger Joshua Goldsmith, Deputy Chief of Staff/Special Assistant Nick Lecong, and several spectators.



Supervisor Janet Nguyen and her family enjoy the day at the Mile Square Park Fishing Derby.



Kids ages 15 and under and their parents patiently await the fish to bite during the annual Fishing Derby at Mile Square Park in Fountain Valley. Twice as many fish were caught at this year's event compared with last year.

 LOCAL ISSUES


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

Orange County

Eleven Orange County Schools Awarded Academic Achievement Honor
Despite having large populations of low-income students, eleven Orange County schools have been recognized for exceeding expectations in meeting state and federal standards and awarded Title 1 Academic Achievement Awards. Schools qualify for the award if they receive federal Title 1 funds as part of the No Child Left Behind Act. To win the award, schools must demonstrate significant progress on state tests and students must double achievement marks for two consecutive years. Three schools within Garden Grove received the honors, as well as seven in Santa Ana and one in Fullerton.

Schools honored were: A.J. Cook Elementary, John Murdy Elementary, and Thomas Paine Elementary from Garden Grove Unified School District; Carl Harvey Elementary, El Sol Santa Ana Science and Arts Academy, Jim Thorpe Fundamental, John Muir Fundamental Elementary, Lydia Romero-Cruz Elementary, Middle College High, and Monroe Elementary from Santa Ana Unified School District; and Valencia Park Elementary of Fullerton City School District. Congratulations to the all of these schools!

Super Senior May - Pet Adoption Month
OC Animal Care in conjunction with the Office on Aging will be providing seniors with pet adoption discounts and specials for mature cats and dogs from May 1 - 31, 2012. If you are 55 years of age or older, you are eligible for these specials on pets ages 3 and older.

Additionally, on May 5th only, for the very first time, adopters ages 55 and older will be able to receive a FREE adoption on pets 3 years old and older. Check your local shelters for details on promotions or visit www.ocpetinfo.com. For more information, please call (714) 935-6848.

New Public Works iPhone App
A new iPhone application has recently been unveiled to assist smartphone users in contacting County government. The app 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 is 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.

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

Historic Landmarks & Pioneers of Southern California Class for Seniors
The Center at Founders Village will be hosting a seven-week course beginning on Wednesday, April 25, 2012. Join others from your community as you learn about the pioneers who helped shape our great state along with the beautiful landmarks sprinkled throughout the region. Classes are for adults ages 55 and over and will be held on Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Location: The Center at Founders Village Senior and Community Center, 17967 Bushard Street, Fountain Valley, CA.

For pricing and more information, please call the Huntington Beach Adult School at (714) 842-4227, ext. 4405.

Garden Grove

City Seeking Neighborhood Preservation Volunteers
Looking to pronounce your neighborhood pride while making an impact on your community? Consider volunteering for the Garden Grove Neighborhood Preservation Volunteer Program. By documenting maintenance violations throughout the City, volunteers help ensure residential Municipal Code standards are followed. A selection process is involved. Those chosen will receive thorough training, a uniform, and access to a city vehicle. For more information, please call (714) 741-5354.

Results in the Best-Looking Business Winners of Garden Grove
The winners of the 5th Annual Business Beautification Awards have been chosen. Marriott Suites won the awards for best-kept business in the large business category. Limbach, a construction firm, won the award in the medium business category and Battery Systems, a battery manufacturing company, won the award in the small business category.

Each winner will be featured on Channel 3's "This Week in Garden Grove" news show, as well as highlighted in City publications and on the City's website. The winners will also be honored at the Garden Grove Pride Awards ceremony on May 21, 2012 at the Community Meeting Center, located at 11300 Stanford Avenue.

The Business Beautification program is run by the Economic Development Department and recognizes local businesses that strive to maintain and elevate the attractiveness of the City's business establishments. For more information on the program, please call the Economic Development Department at (714) 741-5051.

Santa Ana

New Online Resource for Event Planning
Planning a special event in Santa Ana? A new online resource is now available on the City of Santa Ana's webpage that will assist event organizers with this process.

Santa Ana College Automotive Technology Program Earns National Accreditation
The Automotive Technology Program at Santa Ana College recently received accreditation by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation, Inc. (NATEF) and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Specifically, the following training areas received accreditation: automatic transmission, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, engine performance, engine repair, heating and air conditioning, manual drive train, and suspension and steering.

The program offers certificates and associates degrees. For more information, please contact program chairman Glen Hammonds at hammonds_glen@sac.edu or call (714) 564-6664.

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.

 REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS


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

 Community Events

City of Fountain Valley
May 18, 2012 - Mr. Fountain Valley Pageant
The Fountain Valley Community Foundation and the Fountain Valley Educational Foundation is coordinating the first ever Mr. Fountain Valley Pageant. 100% of the proceeds go towards the non-profits the contestants represent. Tickets are $30 pre-sale or $50 at the door (while tickets are available), and includes dinner and entertainment. Must be 21 and over to attend.

Location: Fountain Valley Recreation Center, 16400 Brookhurst St. Fountain Valley, CA 92708.

For more information, visit www.fvcommunityfoundation.org.

June 7-10, 2012 - Fountain Valley Summerfest
Join your friends and neighbors for Fountain Valley's Summerfest from Thursday, June 7th through Sunday, the 12th. The Fountain Valley Summerfest Committee, in partnership with the City of Fountain Valley is working hard to bring you the 4th annual community celebration called Fountain Valley Summerfest.

This 4-day event will be held at the Fountain Valley Sports Park and will feature carnival rides, games, live entertainment, exhibitors, a sports tent, and great food each day. The Classic Car & Truck Show will take place on Saturday, with a Battle of the Bands and Dog Day Afternoon happening on Sunday. Admission is FREE! The Summerfest flyer is available here, with additional information to be found on the website.

Location: Fountain Valley Sports Park at Brookurst St. and Heil Ave, Fountain Valley, CA 92708.

City of Garden Grove
May 16, 2012 - Clinton Corner Family Campus Family Resource Fair
Come check out a Family Resource Fair at the Clinton Corner Family Campus on Wednesday, May 16th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Location: Clinton Corner Family Campus, 13581 Clinton Street, Garden Grove, CA 92843.

For more information, please call (714) 663-6298.

May 19-20, 2012 - FREE Electronic Recycling Event
Drop off your old or damaged electronic items at George S. Patton Elementary School for free on Sunday, May 20th at 9 a.m.

Location: George S. Patton Elementary School, 6861 Santa Rita Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92845.

For more information, please call (562) 912-2855.

May 21, 2012 - Garden Grove Pride
Come see the City honor the best-kept homes in Garden Grove at the Annual Garden Grove Pride Home Beautification Awards Ceremony on Monday, May 21st from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Location: Community Meeting Center, 11300 Stanford Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92840.

For more information, please call (714) 741-5280.

May 25-28, 2012 - 54th Annual Strawberry Festival
The Garden Grove Strawberry Festival Association is hosting their Annual Strawberry Festival dedicated to raising funds for the community. It is the largest and oldest community festival in the Western U.S. Charities will be selling food at this event to raise money for their organizations. The festival will have rides and food available for children and families. There will also be local school bands participating in a parade. Admission is FREE! Visit http://strawberryfestival.org/ for a complete schedule of the event.

Location: Downtown Garden Grove between Euclid Street and Main Street Garden Grove, CA 92840.

For more information, please call (714) 638-0981, or email info@strawberryfestival.org.

City of Santa Ana
May 6, 2012 - Latin American Family Festival
Come visit the Bowers Museum for an afternoon of fun and entertainment. The Latin American Family Festival takes place on Sunday May 6th from 12 noon to 3:30 p.m. and features exciting food, music and art. Admission is free!

Location: Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706.

For more information, please visit the Bowers Museum website, or email education@bowers.org.

May 26 & 28, 2012 - Tri-City Memorial Day Weekend Events
CCome join residents and volunteers from Orange, Santa Ana, and Tustin at Santa Ana Cemetery during Memorial Day Weekend for a special event honoring our fallen veterans and co-sponsored by the Orange County Cemetery District.

On Saturday, May 26th at 8 a.m., "Old Glory Flags" will be placed on respective veteran gravesites. Meet at the Cemetery Office located on the eastside of Santa Ana Cemetery.

On Monday, May 28th at 10 a.m., an observance organized by various veteran and community service organizations is scheduled. The ceremony will include speeches, a parade of flags, memorial wreaths, music, and salutes by Civil War cannons.

Location: Santa Ana Cemetery, 1919 Santa Clara Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92701.

For more information, please contact (714) 953-2959.

City of Westminster
May 7, 2012 - Senior Center Classes
Mondays are great days to head down to the Westminster Senior Center. A plethora of classes are available to Seniors, including:
  • Longevity Stick (a Vietnamese form of exercise involving slow movements and stretching) - 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
  • Needlework Class - 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
  • Yarn Spinners (knitting and crochet techniques) - 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Westminster Senior Center, 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster, CA 92683.

For more information, please call (714) 895-2878.

June 2, 2012 - CPR for Adults, Infants and Children
Learn simple rescue CPR for adults, children and infants. The City of Westminster is organizing a CPR class on Saturday June 2nd at noon designed to teach individuals about initial response to cardiac or respiratory arrest. A $20 materials fee is required.

Location: Westminster Community Services and Recreation Department, 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster, CA.

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

To contact Supervisor Janet Nguyen, please call 714-834-3110 or email Janet.Nguyen@ocgov.com.