Header Image of Supervisor Janet Nguyen
October 16, 2009

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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. Janet Around the First District

3. Local Issues

4. Requests for Proposals

5. Community Events

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Volume 3 Issue 16
 
Janet's Journal

Be Safe on Halloween

Halloween is an exciting night for children and often a busy time for their parents. With last minute decorations to do and candies to pass out, people sometimes overlook basic safety rules and forget to review these safety rules with their children who will be going Trick or Treating

As that holiday approaches, I would like to remind parents and caregivers of the potential hidden dangers associated with costumes, treats, and decorations. These risks can be minimized by raising safety awareness with your family before the festivities begin. A few tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics include:

DRESS UP:

  • Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
  • Because masks can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic makeup and decorative hats as safer alternatives. Hats should fit properly to prevent them from sliding over eyes.
  • If a sword, cane, or stick is a part of your child's costume, make sure it is not sharp or too long. A child may be easily hurt by these accessories if they stumble or trip.
  • Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries.
  • Teach children how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency or if they become lost.
HOME SAFE HOME:
  • To keep homes safe for visiting trick-or-treaters, parents should remove from the porch and front yard anything a child could trip over such as garden hoses, toys, bikes and lawn decorations.
  • Parents should check outdoor lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
  • Wet leaves should be swept from sidewalks and steps.
  • Restrain pets so they do not inadvertently jump on or bite a trick-or-treater.
ON THE TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIL:
  • A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
  • If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home.
  • Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat.
Because pedestrian injuries are the most common injuries to children on Halloween, remind Trick-or-Treaters to:
  • Stay in a group and communicate where they will be going.
  • Carry a cell phone for quick communication.
  • Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
  • Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters.
  • Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.
HEALTHY HALLOWEEN:
  • A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
  • Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
Have a safe and happy Halloween!
 Board of Supervisors

Orange County Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act Progress Report

The Board of Supervisors has received and filed the Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act (JJCPA) progress report compiled by the Probation Department for FY 2008-09.

In 2000, JJCPA was enacted to reduce juvenile crime and delinquency in the State of California. A progress report outlining program outcome and expenditure data must be submitted by local Juvenile Justice Coordinating Councils to the State Corrections Standards Authority (formerly known as the State Board of Corrections) by October 15th of each year. The information is incorporated into the annual report to the Legislature on the JJCPA Program.

Together, JJCPA programs provided services to 3,600 participants during the 2008-09 fiscal year. One-year outcomes that underscore the success of the JJCPA-funded programs include the following:

  • Participants at the West County Youth and Family Resource Center had lower new law violation (NLV) rates when compared with similar reference groups (1.25 avg NLV v. 1.97 avg NLV). Of the 98 juveniles in the program, 61% completed probation by the program exit point compared to the 38% of their reference group.

  • The Juvenile Drug Court demonstrated success at breaking the escalating patterns of drug and alcohol use among the at-risk population. Of the 71 juveniles in the program, the percent of participants receiving sanctions for substance use during their last three program months dropped by 63% compared with their first three months. One year after entry, the participants had a lower re-arrest rate for probation violations compared with their reference group (27% v. 100%).

  • Decentralized Intake provides immediate counseling and diversion services for youth in unincorporated areas and cities served by the Sheriff, and expedited handling of cases referred to Probation. Between 2008 and 2009, 1,607 juveniles were referred to PRYDE Diversion or Probation. One year after referral, 84% of participants had no new law violation arrests.

  • The Truancy Response Program aims to reduce truancies by targeting chronic truants who have not responded to traditional approaches. The program showed a 36% reduction in the average truancy rate of the 769 juveniles referred to Probation in the six months following referral compared with the six months prior to program placement (29% truant v. 45 %). Participants satisfactorily completing the program had a lower re-arrest rate six months after program exit than youth exiting the program unsatisfactorily (6% v. 20%).
The results documented in the Progress Report underscore the success of the JJCPA-funded programs, including the following: (1) Participants in 7 out of 10 programs had lower new law violation rates when compared with non-participants; (2) Improvements in school indicators were observed for participants in 7 out of 10 programs measuring educational outcomes; and (3) All 3 prevention and early intervention programs demonstrated significant success in diverting youth from the formal criminal justice system.

To view the full JJCPA progress report including result highlights of programs targeting juvenile offenders and at-risk populations, click here.
Other Boards & Commissions

OCTA

California Supreme Court Denies State Bid to Take Transit Funding

The California Supreme Court recently denied a petition by the State of California to override a Third District Court of Appeals decision protecting transit funding from being diverted by the State to cover other budget shortfalls.

This action by the Court could restore $3.4 billion to transit agencies that had been previously diverted by the state. The Orange County Transportation Authority will be working closely with the California Transit Association (CTA) to negotiate with the Legislature on how to bring back these much needed transit funds.

In Shaw v. Chiang, the Third District Court of Appeals ruled that the diversion of state transit funding from fiscal year 2007-2008 in the amount of $1.189 billion, and subsequent diversions in later years (totaling $3.4 billion) violated state law.

The suit was originally filed in October 2007 and argued that the diversion of funds by the State Legislature from the Public Transportation Account (PTA) violated a series of statutory and constitutional amendments enacted by the voters via four statewide initiatives dating back to 1990. The suit also argued that these actions defied the intent of the voters to create PTA as a trust fund for the sole purpose of advancing transportation planning and mass transportation.

While this ruling goes a long way in achieving the restoration of state transit funding, caution is still urged regarding the potential diversion of other funding sources. This ruling only prohibits the state from diverting funds from the PTA. The ruling does not prohibit the state from attempting new diversions and does not require that funds be returned to transit operations specifically.
 JANET AROUND THE FIRST DISTRICT



Supervisor Janet Nguyen and Chief of Staff Andrew Do with new CalOptima Board appointees Dr. Margarita Pereyda and Dr. Chung Bui.


Supervisor Janet Nguyen joined Santa Ana City Councilwoman Michelle Martinez, Santa Ana Unified School Board Member Roman Reyna and students for International Walk to School Day on October 7, 2009.


Supervisor Janet Nguyen joins Patricia Gomez, Parent Family and Community/Migrant Education Coordinator for the Santa Ana Unified School District in welcoming parents to the 16th Annual Parent Conference in Santa Ana.


Supervisor Janet Nguyen was awarded an Honorary Membership in the Kiwanis Club of Santa Ana for her contributions to the city. She is pictured with (l-r) Alfredo Amezcua, Kiwanis President Rocio Brooks, John Acosta and Past President Mary Ellen Lohnes after speaking to the Santa Ana Kiwanis Club at its Oct. 14, 2009 luncheon.
 LOCAL ISSUES


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

Orange County

Award-Winning Cemetery Tour Reveals History Behind Orange County Place Names
"What's In a Name? The Hidden History Behind Orange County Place Names" will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2009. The historical tour of Fairhaven Memorial Park and Santa Ana Cemetery features costumed actors portraying historic figures who share touching, inspirational, and sometimes amusing personal stories of the people behind the place names of Orange County.

Docents will guide visitors through scenes that played important roles in the history of the county, culminating in a presentation in Fairhaven's beautiful 1916 mausoleum. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the hour-and-a-half long walking tour.

The event is presented by the Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society and will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Fairhaven Memorial Park, 1702 Fairhaven Ave., Santa Ana. Tickets are $20 for adults, $16 for seniors and Members, and $14 for students and children 10 and over. (Children 9 and under are free.)

The unique "cemetery" tour has won a prestigious California State Governor's Award for Historic Preservation. This is the Society's 12th annual Living History tour, with proceeds benefiting the organization's museum and educational programs.

Orange County Residents Can Benefit From Federal Home Energy Assistance Program
Supervisor Janet Nguyen congratulates Orange County's Community Action Partnership for receiving more than $2.6 million to help low-income families "weatherize" their homes and save money on energy costs.

The funding comes from the federal government's stimulus program, which sent $68 million in weatherization money to the state. To qualify, residents must earn 75 percent of the state median income or less. This federal funding is intended to help 50,000 households weatherize, thus boosting energy efficiency and cutting utility bills.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps low-income households pay their energy bill and provides one payment per program year. Local Community Service Providers are responsible for processing applications for HEAP participation. Residents qualify when their household's total gross monthly income does not exceed the income guidelines listed below.

For a single person, their income must be less than $29, 172 annually. For a couple, their income must be less than $38,148 annually. A family of four must earn less than $56,101 and a family of six must earn less than $74,053 annually.

For more information about the Community Action Partnership or the Home Energy Assistance Program, visit the Community Action Partnership website at www.capoc.org.

County Community Services Center Marks 2nd Anniversary, Offers New Services
The County Community Services Center recently marked its second anniversary and has welcomed additional departments and organizations to its roster of services. The Orange County Office on Aging now offers consultations regarding information and referrals for seniors and caregivers. The Legal Aid Society explains self-help services, offers referrals and gives basic legal advice.

Other departments and services available for consultation include:

  • CalOptima: OneCare, Healthy Families, Healthy Kids and Medi-Cal
  • Health Care Agency: Mental Health Services, Public Health Nurse, Older Adult Services, Well and Sick Child Services, Immunization Referral and Prenatal Care Referral
  • Social Services Agency: Food Stamps and Medi-Cal
  • Orange County Department of Housing
The CCSC can also assist residents in obtaining information about city housing programs such as:
  • Disbursement of Mobil Home Grants
  • Mobile Home and House Repair Programs
  • Roof Replacement Grants
  • Single Family Residence Loans
The CCSC is located at 15460 Magnolia Street in Westminster (the corner of Magnolia St. and McFadden Ave.). It is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and residents are urged to call (714) 889-4105 for department staff availability. The CCSC is directly along OCTA Route 33 (Magnolia St.) and Route 66 (McFadden Ave.).

Garden Grove

Garden Grove Honored by Sister City with Park Dedication
Garden Grove's Sister City of Anyang, Republic of Korea, will dedicate a portion of Anyang Central Park to the City of Garden Grove, naming it the "Garden of Garden Grove" in honor of the 22-year relationship between the cities.

Anyang Central Park featured amenities include fountains, sculptures, various sports facilities, and an outdoor theater. The "Garden of Garden Grove" will be located along a promenade with roses, boxwood trees, ground cover, and accompanied by more than 1,200 plants and flowers.

At the September 22nd Garden Grove City Council meeting, a bronzed plaque acknowledging the "Garden of Garden Grove" was unveiled. The plaque will be sent to Anyang for placement in the garden. In addition to the bronzed plaque, Mayor Bill Dalton presented a resolution commemorating the creation of the "Garden of Garden Grove."

In 1987, the cities of Garden Grove and Anyang formed a Sister City relationship promoting cultural appreciation and goodwill. The relationship spurred a yearly tradition of welcoming students for a week of educational exchange. Garden Grove students describe the trip to Korea, and their stay with Anyang families, as a defining moment in their high school experience.

The exchange program is coordinated by the Sister City Association of Garden Grove. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to building cultural, educational, and economic bridges between the City of Garden Grove and Anyang, Republic of Korea. For more information about the Sister City Association, please call (714) 741-5284 or visit www.ggsistercity.org.

Santa Ana

Proud Sponsor of the First Bishop Manor Health & Resource Fair
Supervisor Janet Nguyen is a proud sponsor of this year's Bishop Manor Community Health and Resource Fair on October 17, 2009. This Fair is hosted by the Bishop Manor Homeowners Association and a Santa Ana Inter Agency Task Force.

The goal of the Fair is to increase awareness of available social services in the community. The focus of the event is to celebrate progress that has been recently achieved in the community and provide information about community organizations and the programs and services they offer. The residents of Bishop Manor have been actively involved in helping reshape their neighborhood to improve public safety and increase their quality of life.

What: Bishop Manor Community Health and Resource Fair
When: Saturday, October 17, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Bishop Manor Condo Complex 1000 E. Bishop in Santa Ana

There will be informational booths, free health screenings for glucose and blood pressure, food, raffles, entertainment and games. Participants must register by 11 a.m. to receive a raffle ticket.

Sponsoring partners include Bishop Manor Homeowners Association, Supervisor Janet Nguyen, the Santa Ana Police Department, the City of Santa Ana, The Cambodian Family, Orange County on Track, the Starbright Foundation, Latino Health Access, Walker Elementary School and Team Property Management.

Citizen Alert Network Implemented
The Santa Ana Police Department recently introduced its new Citizen Alert Network which allows free, secure, two-way communication with the public. The alert system now allows the police department to send and receive text messages and e-mail alerts directly from residents.

This system is free and will contain Citizen Alert bulletins dealing with important information about public safety. The alerts can be sent our city-wide, to specific neighborhoods, or to zip codes and business groups. The police department has divided the alerts into three categories:
  • Citizen Alerts: to quickly inform the entire community of missing persons, suspects or vehicles used in crimes.
  • Business Alerts: used to target specific types of businesses, providing them with information or crime trends pertinent to their type of business.
  • Watch Group Alerts: used to target specific areas of the city by sending alert messages about crimes occurring in a specific neighborhood. Many neighborhoods are already registered on the SAPD's Citizen Alert Network Watch Group page.
This new system also allows the department to embed photographs, maps or Internet webpage links in the e-mail alerts. Residents concerned about anonymity can rest assured that all personal information about those who sign up for the alerts will remain secure and confidential, as it is encrypted and protected. And, because this is a two-way system, residents can text message and e-mail secure and anonymous crime tips directly to the police department.

To sign up for the Santa Ana Police Citizen Alert Network, visit the City's home page at www.ci.santa-ana.ca.us and click on the Police Department's link. Once on the Department's web page, click on the "Introducing E-Services" link toward the bottom of the page. Users will then be prompted to sign up and can choose to receive citywide alerts, alerts based on their zip code or neighborhood association, business alerts or all four options.

Santa Ana Students Participates in the International Walk to School Day
Supervisor Janet Nguyen joined Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education Trustee Roman Reyna, Santa Ana City Councilwoman Michelle Martinez, school staff, parents and dozens of Santa Ana students from Villa Fundamental Intermediate School in International Walk to School Day.

Santa Ana Unified School District and its Healthy Eating Active Communities partnered with the Orange County Health Care Agency, Latino Health Access, the School Police and the Santa Ana Police Department in participating in this annual and international event.

The goal of the Walk to School event is to bring awareness to the importance of practicing safe walking, biking and traffic skills. Another goal was to review ways to maintain secure routes before, during and after school hours throughout the city of Santa Ana, while at the same time, promoting effective physical activity in the process.

The students at Villa Fundamental Intermediate presented their "Walkability Checklist" to School Police Chief David Valentin and Joe Gonzales from the City of Santa Ana Traffic Engineering. The checklist showed several areas needing improvement along the school route. The City of Santa Ana can utilize this checklist in addressing these areas of concern.

 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 Santa Ana
October 17, 2009 -Spooky Science: Skeletons!
Mixing science, art and culture, this exhibition will showcase the science under your skin! Spooky Science: Skeletons will highlight "Dia de los Muertos" art and activities, while incorporating hands-on science lessons. Special events will be held on weekends throughout the exhibition. It's is a SPOOKtacular good time! The exhibit will be on display at the Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main St., from October 17th through November.

October 17-18, 24-25, 30, 2009 - BOO at the Zoo
This family-friendly costumed extravaganza from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. will bring FUN, SAFE, trick-or-treating in a "Merry not Scary" Zoo atmosphere, with educational programs throughout the evening, and a costume parade. The Santa Ana Zoo is located at 1801 E. Chestnut Ave. For additional information regarding the event, call the Zoo at (714) 953-8555.

October 25, 2009 - Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off
Free family event at the Heritage Museum of Orange County, 3101 W. Harvard St. Watch giant pumpkins compete to outweigh each other and try to surpass last year's record-setting mark of 1,110 pounds. New this year will be a classic 1930s "fairground organ," beautifully restored by Lloyd and Brook Osmundson, which will provide musical entertainment during the event. For additional information call (714) 540-0404.

City of Westminster
October 23-25, 2009 - Founder's Day Festival
The City of Westminster will hold its Founder's Day Festival October 23rd through the 25rd at Sigler Park (7200 Plaza St.). This year's special event includes: Battle of the Bands, a dog show, carnival games, arts & crafts booths, live entertainment, and an international food court. There will also be a parade through the Sigler Park neighborhood on Saturday, October 24th at 9:30 a.m. To view the event flyer, please click here.

City of Garden Grove
October 23, 2009 -Jack O'Lantern Jamboree
Ghosts, goblins, witches, and wizards invade Atlantis Play Center for the 8th annual Jack O'Lantern Jamboree. The family-fun spookfest takes place on Friday, October 23, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Atlantis Play Centerr, 13630 Atlantis Way. The evening festivities include a maze, treats, games, crafts, a puppet show, bounce houses, and a costume parade. Admission to the event is $6 per person; children two years and under are free. The event is limited to the first 300 children. Pre-sale tickets will be available October 19 through October 22. To purchase tickets, visit the Recreation counter, located on the first floor of Garden Grove City Hall, at 11222 Acacia Parkway, or call (714) 741-5200.

October 24, 2009 - Public Works Open House
The City of Garden Grove Public Works Department invites the community to attend the annual free Open House on Saturday, October 24,2 009, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the City's Municipal Service Center, 13802 Newhope St, between Trask Ave and Westminster Blvd. Families can enjoy a fun-filled day of games, opportunity drawings, exhibits, equipment displays, prizes, food, and entertainment. Meet the men and women of the Public Works Department and learn first-hand about the vital services they provide such as water services, building maintenance, graffiti eradication, and street maintenance. For more information, please call (714) 741-5375.

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