|
|
I would like to thank you for your continuous support and especially the recent vote of confidence in the June election to continue to represent you and the residents of the First District on the Orange County Board of Supervisors. I received 74.2% of the total ballots cast.
It is my honor to represent the First District and I look forward to continue working with you to address your concerns and to make Orange County a better place to live.
With summer here, I want to draw your attention to a few items:
First, Independence Day on July 4th is right around the corner. Be sure to join your community and family on this patriotic day in celebration, while keeping in mind the sacrifices that our armed forces and founding fathers have made for freedom. As a reminder, Garden Grove, Santa Ana and Westminster allow the use of legal fireworks, however there is a large fine for any illegal fireworks. Please make sure you protect yourself, family and neighbors this Fourth of July by using fireworks in a safe and sane manner.
In addition, you will find Concerts in the Park in several cities throughout Orange County, especially in the First District and including the County's Regional Parks, such as Mile Square Regional Park in Fountain Valley.
On another note, the Board of Supervisors recently discussed and is in the process of finalizing the County's budget for FY 2012-13. Though the year has been challenging, we are committed to providing the same quality of services to all residents of Orange County through a fiscally responsible approach.
|
 | BOARD OF SUPERVISORS |
|
OC Public Works Contract with California Conservation Corps Renewed
The California Conservation Corps (CCC) will continue to provide the County with work crews to support the removal of Arundo and vegetation; removal of debris and clearing of flood control channels; erosion control; storm clean-up; and sand bag preparation.
CCC is a State agency that provides young men and women with the opportunity to learn valuable skills while working to improve the environment and assist in emergency response. This agreement provides a cost-effective means of supplementing OC Public Works resources.
WIA Youth Employment and Training Sessions
The Orange County Board of Supervisors approved the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth Master Cost Reimbursement Agreements to fund WIA Youth employment and training services with various vendors for $3.2 million dollars through June 2013.
Vendors will offer access to eligible In-School and Out-of-School Youth ages 14 to 21 for the following ten service components: a) career exploration and preparation; b) paid and unpaid work experience; c) occupational skills training; d) academic skills improvement; e) alternative secondary education services; f) summer employment opportunities; g) leadership skills development; h) supportive services; i) comprehensive guidance counseling; and j) follow-up services. Please call the Orange County Workforce Investment Board at (714) 480-6500 for program details.
|
 | ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (OCTA) |
|
OCTA Passes FY 2012-13 Budget
The OCTA Board of Directors recently passed a balanced budget for the FY 2012-13. The $1.075 billion budget includes hundreds of millions of dollars for transportation operations and capital projects to improve infrastructure countywide. Some of the budget highlights include 23,000 additional bus service hours, expansion of Metrolink Services, improvements to streets and roads and environmental mitigation.
Under the positive leadership of OCTA staff and the Board of Directors, Orange County residents can continue to expect a fiscally responsible approach to the transit and infrastructure improvements.
|
 | ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY (OCFA) |
|
OCFA Passes Budget
The OCFA Board of Directors recently passed the 2nd year update of the FY 2011-13 budget. The $317.6 million budget includes capital projects and systems upgrades and replacements. The budget is balanced and maintains staffing levels. Additionally, it incorporates new employees from the Santa Ana Fire Department and continues the handcrew (brushfire, fire clean-up and related activities) program through December 2012.
|
| HEALTH BULLETIN |
Free Nurse Services for Seniors in Garden Grove
The H. Louis Lake Senior Center features free nurse services for seniors every third Thursday of the month. For more information, please call (714) 741-5253. The Senior Center is located at 11300 Stanford Avenue in Garden Grove.
Discounted Acupuncture Clinic
Acupuncture of America offers chiropractic and acupunctural services for the low income and uninsured every Saturday. Costs are based on patient's ability to pay. The clinic is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 12792 Valley View St. Suite E, Garden Grove, CA. For more information, please call (714) 898-2580 or email at DrPeterHahn@yahoo.com.
|
| 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.
|
| BUSINESS NEWS |
"Honor A Hero, Hire A Vet" - Job and Resource Fair
On Thursday August 2, 2012, the Orange County Veterans Employment Committee, in collaboration with Employment Development Department (EDD) and the California Department of Veteran Affairs, will host a Job and Resource Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, located on 212 Elks Lane in Santa Ana.
This annual event, currently in its 27th year, will feature a wide selection of employers, resources, and beneficial services for all attendees. The fair is Veteran focused, but open to all job seekers. Parking and attendance is free.
Multi-Chamber Mixer
The Fountain Valley, Westminster, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Seal Beach and Stanton Chambers of Commerce will be holding a Multi-Chamber Mixer. The event will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on June 28, 2012 at the Old World Festival Hall, 7561 Center Ave. Huntington Beach, 92647. There will be vendor display tables available. For more information, please call Pam Alagata at (714) 240-7083 or email her at pam@worldworld.ws.
Westminster Networking Mixer
The Westminster Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a networking mixer on July 10, 2012 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30p.m. at Outback Steakhouse in the Westminster Mall at 549 Westminster Mall Way, Westminster, CA 92683. For more information, please contact Barbra Eames at (714) 898-0130 or email events@westminsterchamber.org.
|
| SAVE THE DATE |
3rd Annual Central County Senior & Caregiver Expo
|
| JANET AROUND THE DISTRICT |
During the Garden Grove Downtown Business Association's Car Show and Awards Ceremony on Main Street in Garden Grove, Supervisor Janet Nguyen presents local car owners with awards of excellence.
|
Supervisor Janet Nguyen joins Scott McKee, Commander of the Santa Ana VFW Post 10694, during the annual Tri-City Memorial Day Observance at the Santa Ana Cemetery.
|
|
Supervisor Janet Nguyen joins Community Action Partnership of Orange County Board Member Alberta Christy, Executive Director Clarence "Buddy" Ray, and Board Member Jacqueline Johnson for the National Community Action Month Ribbon Cutting at the Orange County Food Bank.
|
|
| 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 2012
OC Parks Free Summer Concert Series 2012
OC Parks annual summer concert series is off to a great start! Free concerts at Mile Square Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Craig Regional Park and Irvine Regional Park will present local musical artists performing live in the outdoors from June through September. All concert events are free and run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Mile Square Regional Park
16801 Euclid Street, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 973-6600
- Wednesday, June 27: Hip Street
- Wednesday, July 4: Barela
Mason Regional Park
18712 University Drive, Irvine, CA 92612
(949) 923-2220
- Wednesday, July 11: Stone Soul
- Wednesday, July 18: The Derek Bordeaux Group
- Wednesday, July 25: Soto
Craig Regional Park
3300 State College Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92835
(714) 973-3180
- Thursday, August 2: The Clay Davis Trio
- Thursday, August 9: Flashback Heart Attack
- Thursday, August 16: Swing Cats Big Band
Irvine Regional Park
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
(714) 973-6835
- Wednesday, August 22: Gold Rush Country
- Wednesday, August 29: Cold Duck
- Wednesday, September 5: Phat Cat Swinger
Fountain Valley
July 5 - 26, 2012- Concerts in the Park
The Fountain Valley Recreation and Community Services Division will be holding a concert series this summer every Thursday from July 5th through the 26th. Concerts and parking are free, so be sure to bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy your summer nights with games, food booths and some great outdoor music! The concert in the park series will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Fountain Valley Sports Park, 16400 Brookhurst in Fountain Valley.
- July 5: The Answer (Classic Rock)
- July 14: The Silverados (Country with a Twist)
- July 21: Joshua Tree (U2 Tribute)
- July 28: Proud Mary Revue
For more information, visit the City of Fountain Valley's website, or call (714) 839-8611.
2012 Summer Fountain Pen Now Available
Fountain Valley's 2012 Summer Fountain Pen is now available online. Browse through the many classes, summer camps, and activities for toddlers, youth, teens, adults and seniors and register now. Click here to view the brochure online. There is something for everyone!
Garden Grove
Free Summer Concerts in the Park
Color Guards Needed
The City of Garden Grove Park Control invites Boy and Girl Scouts, veteran troops, and charitable and patriotic organizations to join Flag Patrol, its new program to fly U.S flags over city parks. Participants will receive certificates and patches of recognition at the end of summer. Brief training will be provided if necessary.
For more information or to offer the services of your color guard unit with dates of availability, email the Park Patrol at recreation@ci.garden-grove.ca.us.
Slow for Construction Zones
This summer, there will be several major road improvement projects by the City of Garden Grove Public Works Department. Be sure to take caution and slow for the cone zone at these locations:
- Brookhurst Street, between Hazard Street and Westminster Avenue
- Chapman Avenue, between Ninth Street and Westminster Avenue
- Westminster Avenue, between Bushard Street and Brookhurst Street
- Trask Avenue, from Harbor Blvd. to the Garden Grove 22 Fwy On-Ramp
- Lampson Avenue median construction from Manley to Knott:
- Harbor Blvd. median modification between Westminster Avenue and Trask Avenue
Santa Ana
2012 Brings a 40% Reduction in Gang Related Crimes
Despite many documented gang members, Santa Ana has seen a significant decrease in gang related crimes in the last decade. Santa Ana City Manager, Paul Walters created Orange County's only Gang Homicide Unit while serving the community as Santa Ana Police Chief. This unit collaborates with the FBI, an in-house firearms expert, a SWAT team, and the District Attorney's office. The squad has solved 66% of its homicide cases, higher than the FBI standard. Though witness cooperation has been challenging for the team, the Gang Homicide Unit has made Santa Ana a safer place.
New Engineering Program Available at Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College is now offering the Bridge 2 Engineering Program designed to help intended community college students pursue a career in engineering. One goal of the program is to increase participation from underrepresented minorities, women, and veterans in engineering fields. Another purpose is to provide academic and peer support to students as they work towards an engineering degree. After participating, students will be ready to transfer to a four year engineering program.
The program offers academic counseling, tutoring, intensive math preparation, and paid engineering internships. For more information, please contact the Student Support Specialist Norma Salazar at (714) 878-7742, or email her at norma@growthsector.org. Additional information is available at the Bridge 2 Engineering website.
Discounted Music and Dance Classes
The Performing Arts Guild of Orange County will provide free violin, voice and dance lessons as well as discounted musical theater, guitar and piano classes for kids K-5th grade. Classes will be held through July and August one hour a week and applications are open until June 30th.
This nonprofit organization is located at 1505 E. 17th St. #122, Santa Ana. For more information or registration, email admin@performingartsguild.org, visit performingartsguild.org, or call (714) 604-6851.
Westminster
2012 Summer Brochure Available Now
Westminster's 2012 Summer 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 in here for everyone!
Summer Concerts in the Park
The City of Westminster Community Services & Recreation Department will host free concerts in the park each Thursday night, starting July 12th through August 2nd, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Non-profit groups will sell refreshments each week during the event. The following schedule lists the performances for each night:
- July 12 - De Nada (Classic Rock & Latin)
- July 19 - Grand Junction (Country)
- July 26 - Nicholson Pipes & Drums (Bagpipes)
- August 2 - Gospel Night (Community Choir)
Location: Civic Center Sunken Gardens, 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster, CA.
For more information, please call (714) 895-2860 or click on the event flyer.
2012 Summer Aquatics Program
The City of Westminster Summer Aquatics program is back! Registration for Sessions A & B has begun and registration for Sessions C & D will begin on July 12th. The following are the lengths for each session.
- Session A: June 25 - July 5
- Session B: July 9 - July 19
- Session C: July 23 - August 2
- Session D: August 6 - August 16
All lessons are held at LaQuinta High School, 10372 McFadden Ave., Westminster, Monday through Thursday for 30 minutes (no lessons on July 4th). Each session is $45 ($40 for Session A). Additionally, free recreation swim will be available June 25th - August 15th, Mondays & Wednesdays, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
For questions prior to June 25th, please call the Community Services & Recreation Department at (714) 895-2860. For information on June 25th and after, please call the pool deck at (714) 715-0111.
|
| 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
July 5, 2012 - Concerts in the Park
The Classic Rock cover band, The Answer, will be performing as part of Fountain Valley's Concerts in the Park Summer Series. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the summer nights with great outdoor music! Parking is free.
Location: Fountain Valley Sports Park, 16400 Brookhurst, Fountain Valley, CA 92708.
For more information, visit the City's website, or call (714) 839-8611.
July 28, 2012 - Free Electronic (E-Waste) Recycling Event
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 28th recycle your unwanted electronics such as computers, televisions, music players, ink cartridges, printers, microwaves, cell phones, and cables and wires for free. Proceeds benefit the Fountain Valley Community Foundation.
Location: Fountain Valley Sports Park, 16400 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708.
For more information, visit www.fvcommunityfoundation.org, or contact Orange Coast Computers and Recycling at 1 (800) 574-5944, or www.monitorheaven.com.
August 7, 2012 - Movie Night During National Night Out
The City of Fountain Valley will be hosting a Movie Night during National Night Out on Tuesday, August 7th. The event will take place at the Fountain Valley Recreation and Sports Park. Activities will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the movie "Rango" will begin at dusk.
Location: Fountain Valley Recreation and Sports Park, 16400 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708.
For more information, visit the City of Fountain Valley website or call (714) 839-8611.
City of Garden Grove
July 4, 2012 - Shakespeare Orange County Fourth of July Celebration
Celebrate our nation's anniversary with Shakespeare Orange County's oration of the Declaration of Independence. An ensemble of actors and dedicated patriots will be reciting the words famously penned by our founding fathers. Come to the Festival Amphitheater at 10 a.m. and join Shakespeare Orange County in a tribute to freedom.
Location: 12762 Main St. Garden Grove, CA 92840.
For more information, please call (714) 590-1575.
July 12, 2012 - Free Summer Concert Series
On Tuesday, July 12th join your friends and neighbors and bring your blankets and lawn chairs for an evening of rock with The Answer. The concert starts at 6:30 p.m. No EZ-Ups and golf carts allowed.
Additionally, a pre-event starting at 5:30 p.m. will take place. This show is titled "The Voice of Garden Grove" and will feature talented high school singers in a competition for a scholarship and donation to their school's choral program.
Location: Eastgate Park 12001 St. Mark Street, Garden Grove.
For more information, call (714) 741-5280 or visit www.ggcf.com.
City of Santa Ana
June 25 - 30, 2012 - Santa Ana Public Library Special Summer Programs
The Santa Ana Public Library has been hosting events all month long to encourage reading and illustrate the services provided at the library. There will be family, baby, and bilingual storytelling, laser shows, computer workshops, a math learning program and a summer reading program. Join other families and bring along your children to one of these special events!
Location: Main Library - 26 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA
Newhope Library 122 North Newhope St., Santa Ana, CA.
For a calendar of events, visit the library's website.
July 1, 2012 - Independence Day Celebration
The Santa Ana Park, Recreation and Community Service Agency will be holding an Independence Day Celebration for the entire family from 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. There will be a Kids Play Zone, History Walk, recognition of armed forces and great food! There will also be a spectacular fireworks show overlooking Centennial Lake. Be sure to come early and bring your blankets and lawn chairs for this fun filled event with live music! Parking and admission is free.
Location: Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave., Santa Ana, CA.
For more information, call the Community Services Supervisor Jose Perez at (714) 571-4254 or email him at Jperez2@santa-ana.org.
City of Westminster
July 12, 2012 - FREE Concert in the Park
The first night of the City of Westminster's Recreation Department will host free concerts in the park each Thursday night, starting July 12 through August 2, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Non-profit groups will sell refreshments each week during the event.
Location: Civic Center Sunken Gardens, 8200 Westminster Blvd.
For more information, please call (714) 895-2860 or click on the event flyer.
July 25, 2012 - Public Safety Awareness Day
The City of Westminster Community Services and Recreation Department will host a free educational event from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to familiarize residents with Westminster's safety services and staff members. This event will include fingerprinting and bicycle licensing as well as demonstrations by the Westminster Police Department and the Orange County Fire Authority.
Location: Sigler Park, 7200 Plaza Street, 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. |
|
