December 18, 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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This week, I was selected by my colleagues to serve as Chair of the Board of Supervisors for 2010. I am honored to have their trust and confidence, and I look forward to working closely with them in the months ahead to address the many challenges we face as a County.
As 2009 draws to a close, I want to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your support, encouragement and contributions to all we have accomplished together for the County, especially in the First District. It has been my honor to serve as your Supervisor and I look forward to the many new milestones we will achieve in 2010.
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| Board of Supervisors |
Statement of Qualifications Issued for Building 16
The Request for Statement of Qualifications for the development of the Building 16 site was published to the Open Bids web page for the Orange County Procurement Office on Tuesday, December 15, 2009, based on action adopted by the Orange County Board of Supervisors on December 8, 2009.
The County is interested in utilizing a public-private partnership for development of a portion of the Orange County Civic Center through a lease-lease back structure. The County, through OC Public Works, is soliciting Statements of Qualifications through a competitive process from interested and qualified teams of developer/contractors.
Building 16 was constructed in the 1950's, has been unoccupied since the mid 1980's and was used for light storage between 1987 and 2002. Unfortunately, this County asset right in the heart of the Civic Center has been wasted as an unused structure for the last several years. Demolition and development will allow the County to return some of the staff from departments spread out across Santa Ana and the County to the Civic Center area. At this time, the County spends money on renting office space for several County departments outside the Civic Center. Furthermore, a replacement building will allow for the County to increase organizational efficiency and take advantage of the reduced energy costs of modern construction.
The site is located on Ross Street just north of Santa Ana Blvd, and includes both Building 16 and the adjacent parking lot, located downtown in the City of Santa Ana. The site has room for construction of a new office building for County departments, of which there may be a commercial component, as well as a parking structure.
According to the request, Statements of Qualification must be received by or prior to 4 p.m. on or before February 23, 2010. This is the first component in the process of moving forward on this project.
The second component is to prepare a master plan for the area occupied by Building 16 and adjacent County facilities based on the private partners' concept plan. This plan would require interested parties to prepare a detailed financing plan to implement the master plan based on the private partners' financial concept; enter into a long-term ground lease with the County for the Building 16 site and additional site, if necessary, to implement the master plan; demolish Building 16 and other sites as needed and construct a new building and/or structures per the master plan; and finally, enter into a competitive long-term lease with the County for the new building and/or structures.
Details are included in the request for Statement of Qualifications. Questions and requests for clarification should be addressed to OC Public Works as outlined in the request.
This is an exciting opportunity to make a positive change in the Orange County Civic Center for development of the Building 16 site. This is a critical step in moving forward with the County Facilities Master Plan to allow the County to maximize its resources over the long term.
OC Workforce Investment Board Appointments
Supervisor Nguyen would like to congratulate J. Adalberto Quijada of Santa Ana and Clarence "Buddy" Ray of Garden Grove for their reappointment to the Orange County Workforce Investment Board.
J. Adalberto Quijada is the District Director of the Santa Ana District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). As District Director, Mr. Quijada is responsible for the delivery of SBA programs and services to approximately six million people in the tri-county area. Mr. Quijada is also responsible for the management and oversight of SBA Resource Partners including four Women's Business Centers, three Service Corps of Retired Executive (SCORE) chapters, and a Regional Lead Center with a network of three Small Business Development Centers and three satellite locations. He holds a Bachelor and Masters Degree from the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University, respectively. Mr. Quijada was appointed to the OCWIB on March 3, 2007.
Clarence "Buddy" Ray is the Executive Director of Community Action Partnership of Orange County. The Partnership provides services and programs to assist Orange County's low-income families to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. In 2009, the agency had an operating budget of approximately $20 million, about 120 fulltime staff, and provides services and programs that help more than 180,000 low income persons each month. Mr. Ray currently serves on all three Workforce Investment Boards in Orange County. He is also a member of the Orange County Child Care and Development Planning Council; Orange County Emergency Food and Shelter Board; and is a volunteer trustee of the Sisters of Saint Joseph Healthcare Foundation. He graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. Mr. Ray was appointed to the OCWIB on December 16, 2003.
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| OCTA |
OCTA Launches New Text Messaging Program
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) recently launched its "Text 4 Next" program which allows transit riders the ability to use their cell phones to get the next three scheduled times a bus will arrive at their stop by sending a text message to the OCTA.
Transit riders can receive this personalized information by following these easy steps:
- Riders send a text message to OCTAgo (628246).
- Riders type "Bus," the bus stop number and then the bus route number.
For example, a text message from a rider would read: "Bus 3563 71." Users should be aware that standard text messaging and data rates do apply.
Transit riders will then receive a text message in return which states the next three scheduled arrival times for that bus stop. For example, the return text would appear as:
- 4:26p route 071
- 5:01p route 071
- 5:36p route 071
The "Text 4 Next" program is the latest move by OCTA to use online communication to help reduce costs and provide more direct information to riders. OCTA is one of the first transit agencies to offer this cost-effective service.
For more information about this system or for help in utilizing it, please visit www.octa.net/OCTAgo or call (714) 560-5900.
Funding for Urbanized Area Formula Program
The OCTA has prepared a program of projects to secure $59.78 million in federal fiscal year 2009-2010 Section 5307 Urbanized Area Formula Program funds. There is a 20 percent match required from OCTA to receive these funds, so OCTA will provide $51.14 million for these projects.
Key projects include non-fixed-route operating assistance and preventative maintenance; contracting capital costs; commuter rail station improvements; replacement and expansion of paratransit vans; transit service support vehicles; rail rolling stock acquisition and bike and pedestrian enhancements.
I405 Freeway Signage Change
The OCTA Board of Directors received a request from the City of Irvine and has requested that the California Department of Transportation change the destination signage for the southbound San Diego Freeway (I405) to indicate "Irvine/San Diego."
The signage change process involves the California Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. The signs will be changed as a part of routine signage maintenance.
Freeway Service Patrol Agreements
The OCTA recently reached agreements with several companies to continue to provide freeway patrol services. The Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) is a traffic congestion management program designed for the rapid removal of disabled motorists' vehicles from traffic lanes and shoulders, as well as timely response to accidents and other incidents that require removal of debris on the freeways.
Customer Information Center Update
The Customer Information Center (CIC) provides transit information to an increasing number of callers. Customers receive bus schedules, route information and general bus information by calling (714) 636-7433 or (800) 636-RIDE.
The CIC is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Holiday hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. With the November implementation of the text messaging option, it is anticipated that call volumes to the CIC will decrease. The CIC also hopes to implement a Regional 511 Integrated Voice Response (IVR) system in January 2010 that also may divert calls from the CIC.
Renewed Measure M Action Plan Review
Originally approved in 2007, the Measure M Early Action Plan is at the half-way point in its implementation. The plan is a blueprint for early action in making nine defined objectives in transportation investment for Orange County.
Objectives include: Award up to $200 million in competitive funding for transit projects; complete an agreement between OCTA and resource agencies detailing environmental mitigation of freeway improvements and commitments for project permitting; complete program development for road runoff and water quality improvements; start construction on five major Measure M 2 (M2) freeway projects valued at $445 million; enable every city in Orange County, as well as the County itself, to meet eligibility requirements for Measure M 2 (M2) funds, including new pavement management and signal synchronization programs; award up to $165 million to cities and the County for signal synchronization and road upgrades; implement high frequency Metrolink train service within Orange County with associated railroad crossing safety and quiet zone improvements completed or under construction; complete conceptual engineering for every major freeway project in the Early Action Plan; and complete development work and allocate funds for transit fare discounts and improved services for seniors and persons with disabilities.
The first three objectives have been completed and the final two are under review - the remainder are in progress at this point in the program. M2 revenue projections have decreased by 40 percent causing and adjustment in some objectives. Additionally, the financing of some objectives have been modified.
Railroad Grade Separation Projects
The OCTA Board of Directors voted to move forward and release a request for proposals to initiate a competitive procurement process for program management consulting services for construction of railroad grade separation projects. The five projects are each in Placentia at Placentia Ave, Kraemer Blvd, Orangethorpe Ave, Tustin Ave/Rose Dr, and Lakeview Ave. The proposed draft RFP 9-0809 can be found at http://www.octa.net/pdf/agenda121409_item22.pdf.
Highway Projects Status Report
The OCTA Board of Directors received a report on the status of highway projects on December 14th. Central Orange County projects include retrofit of sound walls on the 22 Freeway and improvements on the 55 Freeway from MacArthur to Dyer - construction on these projects will take place in 2010 and 2011.
One of the larger planned projects includes major improvements to Interstate 405 from the 55 Freeway to the Orange County border with Los Angeles County. Improvements to the Interstate 405 as a part of the West County Connectors project will be to the section that connects the Garden Grove Freeway with the Interstate 605, providing direct carpool lane access across these major freeway intersections.
The West County Connectors project is in the final design phase with construction expected to begin in 2010. The widening of Interstate 405 south of the 22 Freeway is in the early environmental planning phase with construction not anticipated until 2014 or later. The report included various projects in other parts of Orange County as well.
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| JANET AROUND THE FIRST DISTRICT |
Supervisor Janet Nguyen is joined by (l-r) Special Assistant Nick Lecong, Westminster City Councilman Frank Fry, Garden Grove City Councilman Andrew Do, Westminster Mayor Pro Tem Tri Ta and Huntington Beach Union High School District Trustee Matthew Harper at the ribbon cutting for the senior fitness equipment at the Westminster Senior Center on December 7, 2009. Supervisor Nguyen allocated $45,000 for the purchase and installation of this equipment.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen participates in the badge pinning ceremony at the Santa Ana High School Navy ROTC Annual Pass-in-Review ceremony on December 9, 2009.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen is joined by CDR Tom Osseck of the Santa Ana Navy Jr. ROTC Unit, Santa Ana Unified School District Board Member John Palacio, Cadet Robert Macias (who received the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross), and CDR Kenneth Liles, Naval Service Training Command, Area 11, at the Santa Ana High School Navy ROTC Annual Pass-in-Review ceremony.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen presents a proclamation to Major General William Lyon at the Grand Opening of the Lyon Air Museum at John Wayne Airport. William Lyon made is fortune in homebuilding but he also has a passion for vintage airplanes. Major General Lyon flew combat missions over Korea and founded the Air Museum to give visitors a close-up look into vintage bombers.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen joins Gary Rocheleau,Vice President of Retail Marketing for Vons, a Safeway Company, in presenting a check to Santa Ana-based Olive Crest. Olive Crest is a non profit organization and received the $15,000 grant from The Vons Foundation to support its family resource center which provides food vouchers, bus passes and other essential services to foster children and their families.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen congratulates the Buena Park Police Department at the Dedication and Grand Opening Ceremony of their new building on December 3, 2009.
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| LOCAL ISSUES |
* The following articles are for informational purposes only and are not necessarily intended to imply endorsement or support.
Orange County
Serve on the Grand Jury
The Orange County Superior Court encourages qualified citizens to apply for the 2010-11 Orange County Grand Jury. Nineteen Orange County residents will be selected to serve as grand jurors. Service as a grand juror requires a full-time commitment for one year, from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011.
The work of the Grand Jury has a significant impact on the lives of Orange County residents. Grand jurors review and evaluate the work of government agencies, schools and special districts within the County of Orange.
A grand juror must be 18 years of age or older, a United States citizen, and a resident of Orange County for a least one year. Before being nominated, each qualifying applicant is interviewed by a panel of Superior Court judges. Background investigations are conducted by the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
Applications and further information may be obtained on the Internet at www.ocgrandjury.org, or by calling the Grand Jury Hotline at (714) 834-6747. Applications also are available at the Jury Commissioner's Office located in the Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West in Santa Ana. Applications will be accepted until January 8, 2010.
Join the Season of Giving
The holidays present a daunting challenge to many families who already struggle to meet their basic expenses. Many of us have experienced the hardship of the economy this year and we wouldn't be where we are today without the help of others. Over the past 16 months, 39,720 individuals donated their time, energy and expertise to County of Orange volunteer programs and contributed more than 839,125 hours of service.
This holiday, we invite you to make volunteering part of your household's tradition by bringing cheer to families in need through local nonprofit organizations.
Adopt-a-Family: "Giving from the Heart" is a holiday program offered through the Probation Community Action Association (PCAA). PCAA is considered the "Heart" of Probation in serving at-risk and victim families and in helping to reduce youth crime and violence. Community members and local organizations are invited to "adopt-a-family" by purchasing items or making a monetary donation so that parents can select gifts for their families. Last year, 44 families were provided with clothing, food, toys, gifts and Christmas trees through the PCAA Adopt-a-Family "Giving from the Heart" program. Please contact Lois McKoon at 714-569-2153 or Lois.mckoon@ocprob.com for more details. To view the program's flyer, click here.
Holiday Hope - Holiday Hope is a Health Care Agency (HCA) holiday assistance program that began in 1985 to provide food for the agency's neediest clients during the holiday season. Each year, staff refers their most impoverished clients to Holiday Hope. The program is designed to provide these families with a holiday meal. To learn how you can help, please contact HCA/Volunteer Services at 714-834-4144. To view the program's flyer, click here.
Operation Santa Claus - Operation Santa Claus collects and distributes gifts and toys to needy children who have experienced abuse or neglect or who are physically or mentally challenged or homeless. To learn how you can contribute to the gift drive, please click here.
Senior Santa and Friends - The Senior Santa and Friends Program provides holiday gifts (including some durable medical equipment and small appliances) and gift certificates (for food and other essential items) to elderly and disabled clients of the Orange County Social Services and Health Care Agencies. For more information, please contact Kim Pham at (714) 825-3111 or view the program's flyer here.
Orangewood Children's Home Holiday Wish List - Orangewood Children's Home (OCH) is an Emergency Shelter Care, 24-hour facility operated by the Orange County Social Services Agency with Juvenile Court authority. The children range in age from 2 days old to 18 years of age. Each holiday, OCH generates a Wish List asking the community to play a part in making it a special day for the children. To view the Wish List, please click here.
Orange County Toy Collaborative - The Orange County Toy Collaborative distributes more than 250,000 toys to needy children in Orange County during the holiday season. The toy distribution is coordinated through 350 local non-profit organizations. To view the program's flyer, please click here.
Orange County Public Library Holiday Hours
Orange County Public Libraries will be closing at 5 p.m. on December 24, 2009, and December 31, 2009, due to the Christmas and New Year holidays. Please visit www.ocpl.org for more information about holiday activities taking place at your local branch library and for additional information about adjusted hours or other special events.
Pet Photo with Santa at OC Animal Care
Bring your pet to OC Animal Care on Saturday, December 19th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a photo with Santa. All participants will receive a festive holiday frame with your pet's photo. OC Animal Care will also email you a digital copy to share with your friends and family. All donations will benefit the animals of OC Animal Care.
OC Animal Care is located at 561 The City Drive, Orange, CA 92868.
For more information, please visit the website at ocpetinfo.com or call
(714) 935-6301.
"Give a Day, Get a Disney Day"
In 2010, Disney wants to inspire one million people to volunteer a day of service to a participating organization in their communities. The "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" program celebrates the spirit of volunteerism by providing certified volunteers with a one-day admission to a theme park at Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World.
Beginning January 1, Guests can go to www.disneyparks.com to search for volunteer opportunities made available through HandsOn Network and sign up for a day of volunteer service. As the nation's largest volunteer network, HandsOn Network has 250 on-the-ground volunteer action centers across the country and connects volunteers to more than 70,000 nonprofit agencies that need their help. Many of the opportunities will be projects that entire families can participate in together.
To view the program terms and conditions, please click here.
Garden Grove
Garden Grove Public High Schools Medal Winners
Seven of the 10 public high schools serving the Garden Grove-Stanton-Westminster area have been named among "The Best in the Nation" by U.S. News & World Report. Five of the local schools were given silver medal status and two bronze.
Silver winners were (in alphabetical order) Bolsa Grande High School, Garden Grove High School, La Quinta High School, Los Amigos High School and Santiago High School. Honored with bronze medal status were Rancho Alamitos High School and Western High School.
Six of the seven comprehensive high schools in the Garden Grove Unified School District made the list, the best performance of any district in Orange County.
Ratings are based on a variety of factors, with the heaviest weight going to "college readiness," referring to the number of students who take and pass classes in Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate subjects. Scores on statewide performance tests are also factored in. Adjustments are made based on the typical performance gap among disadvantaged students and those living in poverty.
Fire Department Ignites "Spark of Love" Toy Drive
Every year, thousands of children experience a Christmas morning with no gifts to open. To help tackle this problem, Garden Grove firefighters will again collect toys for disadvantaged children in the community through the annual Spark of Love Toy Drive. The campaign runs from Saturday, November 21st through Tuesday, December 22nd.
The Spark of Love Toy Drive is sponsored by KABC-TV Channel 7 and fire departments in Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Garden Grove joins southland firefighters in asking local communities to help brighten the Christmas mornings of the less fortunate during the holidays by donating new, unwrapped toys. The gifts will be distributed to underprivileged children in Garden Grove and Orange County.
Toys may be dropped off at all seven Garden Grove Fire Stations:
- 11301 Acacia Parkway
- 11805 Gilbert Street
- 12132 Trask Avenue
- 12191 Valley View Street
- 12751 Western Avenue
- 12111 Chapman Avenue
- 14162 Forsyth Lane
For more information about the Spark of Love Toy Drive, please call the Garden Grove Fire Department at (714) 741-5600.
Acacia Adult Day Care Introduces Sensory Spa
In a continued effort to improve and enhance the lives of participants who become anxious in the afternoons, the social work team at Acacia Adult Day Care has begun offering sensory spa sessions to help them relax while awaiting their ride home.
This anxiety is sometimes referred to as Sundowner's syndrome, where individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia become confused, agitated and paranoid during the afternoon hours. It is believed that this occurs because they are overwhelmed by constantly analyzing and mentally processing ideas and tasks. Throughout the day, these individuals feel anxious from not understanding specific tasks or questions, and as a result, their body experiences a shot of adrenaline.
The "Sensory Spa" is a result of social work staff exploring ideas to help reduce the discomfort that participants endure. In May 2009, they revealed a warm, inviting room illuminated by soft lighting and filled with sensory equipment. In this relaxing environment, participants use the equipment to evoke and heighten different senses as soft music plays in the background. Hand and shoulder massages are also available to combat physical and mental tension.
To learn more about Acacia, please visit www.acacia-services.org.
Westminster
City of Westminster Holiday Home Decorating Contest Addresses
This year's Holiday Home Decorating Contest had 29 entries. The City Council began this contest over a decade ago to recognize the time and effort that so many Westminster residents and business put into decorating their homes during the holidays. The list of decorators grows each year as more and more residents delight the community with their festive décor. Categories include Best Use of Lights, Best Animated Display and Best Total Display. Attached are the addresses of the homes entered in this year's contest. To view the 2009 list, please click here.
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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 Santa Ana
December 19, 26, 2009 - Holiday with the Critters
Escape the holiday frenzy and enjoy family-friendly activities at the Santa Ana Zoo. On December 19 and 26 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Zoo farm area will be transformed into a winter wonderland, with lighted displays, enchanting animals, seasonal music, arts and crafts tables, train rides, and storytelling. For more information, go to the event's site here.
December 26, 2009 - Kwanzaa Celebration
Come experience Kwanzaa at the Bowers Museum, 2002 North Main St., Santa Ana at 1 p.m. on December 26. Kwanza, derived from Swahili, means "first" and comes from the saying mantunda ya Kwanzaa, or "first fruits." The celebration honors seven days in which seven basic principles are recognized. For additional information, please call 714.567.3679.
December 31, 2009 - Noon Year's Eve
Ring in the New Year early during Noon Year's Eve at Taco Bell Discovery Science Center. We'll celebrate at noon with a countdown, balloon drop, ginger ale toast, music, activities and more. Free with paid admission and open to all ages. The Discovery Science Center is located 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana. For additional information, please call 714.542.2823.
January 3, 2010 - Los Tres Reyes Celebration
El Centro Cultural de Mexico and Fiesta Marketplace are organizing in Downtown Santa Ana to celebrate the traditional Dia de Reyes, when children in Latin America and some European countries receive their winter holiday presents. Last year, we had a great turnout and gave away more than 1,000 toys. To view the event's flyer, click here.
City of Westminster
December 20, 2009 - Christmas Concert at the Rose Center
Join the Huntington Beach Concert Band as they present a beautiful array of holiday music, including Sacred and Secular Songs of the Season. Sunday, December 20th at 2:30 p.m. General Admission is $15, Students and Seniors pay $10.
January 9, 2010 -Rose Pruning Demonstration
The Orange County Rose Society will be hosting a free workshop on Saturday, January 9, 2010, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the east/west room located at 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster, 92683. You will learn the ABC's of Rose Pruning and Rose Care. For more information visit their website at www.orangecountyrs.org
To contact Supervisor Janet Nguyen, please call 714-834-3110 or email Janet.Nguyen@ocgov.com. |
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