May 28, 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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| Board of Supervisors |
Honoring Our Veterans I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. While the weather could not have been better for family get-togethers, Memorial Day was a time of recognition and remembrance. It is a time that we, as a nation, have reserved to honor those who have fought to protect our way of life and for freedom around the world.
My brother served in Iraq with the U.S. Marines, and I am grateful for his safe return from service and proud for his service to our country. The freedom we enjoy here everyday should not be taken for granted; it was paid for by the sacrifice and heroism of countless brave men and women.
Please take a minute to thank someone you know who currently serves in or is a veteran of the armed forces. Their sacrifice, and the sacrifice made by their families, should never be forgotten. Agreement for Indigent Care Approved At the May 19, 2009 regular meeting, the Board of Supervisors voted to approve a master agreement with various providers for indigent and trauma care. Each year, thousands of people in our county receive trauma and emergency medical care. Annually, the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) receives state funds for the purpose of reimbursing hospitals for these uncompensated services, including the California Healthcare for Indigents Program.
Hospitals entering into this agreement and receiving funds include: Coastal Communities Hospital (Santa Ana), Garden Grove Hospital and Medical Center and Western Medical Center in Santa Ana. The funding for these agreements comes from a variety of sources including SB 12 SB 612, and the California Healthcare for Indigents Program (CHIP). OC Animal Care Announces Pet Adoption Discounts Supervisor Janet Nguyen is encouraging seniors to take advantage of OC Animal Care's Senior for Senior Pet Adoption Program. This program allows senior citizens age 65 or older a discount rate when they adopt animals 5 years of age or older (one adoption per household).
According to OC Animal Care, there are many advantages to adopting from your local animal shelter. Often, adopting an older pet may prove to be less demanding and more rewarding because many endure the stress of a shelter environment much better than their younger counterparts. Many of these adult animals have also received some obedience and potty training and are generally more calm and affectionate. Despite that fact, homeless animals over 5 years of age that come to OC Animal Care are usually more difficult to place.
There are proven benefits to pet ownership. Studies have shown that owning pets can lower blood pressure and anxiety levels, alleviate depression and help their owners cope with stress.
"The Senior for Senior Program is another way for OC Animal Care to promote shelter adoption and provide excellent programs and services for our senior communities," said Ryan Drabek, OC Animal Care's Community Outreach Manager. "Our dedicated staff is always available to speak with shelter visitors about the benefits of owning an adult animal and offer recommendations on how to be a responsible pet owner."
OC Animal Care is located at 561 City Dr. South, in the City of Orange. The shelter is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. For more information on this and other OC Animal Care programs and for a current list of all animals available for adoption, visit the OC Animal Care web site at www.ocpetinfo.com. Westminster Flood Channel Improvement Projects Acting as the Board of Supervisors of the Orange County Flood Control District, Supervisor Janet Nguyen and her colleagues recently voted to approve two agreements with the City of Westminster for various improvements to the Westminster Flood Channel. These improvements will cost approximately $1.4 million.
The City of Westminster donated the easement rights over its property to the Orange County Flood Control District so improvements could be made to the Westminster Channel to enhance the public's protection by preventing flooding.
As part of OC Public Works' plans to construct improvements to the Westminster Channel and increase protection against flooding, the project will include, among others, increasing the Channel's capacity, relocating the bottom access ramp and constructing reinforced concrete boxes. The boxes will provide for water flow from the Channel to areas beneath city streets.
The easement from the City of Westminster was needed for the relocation of the bottom access ramp. One of the concrete boxes will be constructed in the current location of this bottom access ramp. The area required for the easement is approximately 2,450 square feet.
Other Westminster Flood Channel projects include improving the existing open channel between Hoover Ave. and Beach Blvd. and adding a 10-foot wide by 9.5-foot high reinforced concrete box downstream of Hoover Ave and two 12-feet wide by 6-feet high reinforced concrete boxes beneath Hazard Ave. between Hoover Ave. and Beach Blvd. Construction is anticipated to begin in May 2010.
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| Other Boards & Commissions |
Orange County Fire Authority Summary of the Freeway Fires The Freeway Complex Fire was the largest fire in Orange County since the Green River Fire of 1948. Several years of drought had increased the amount of dead vegetation and lowered moisture in living plants. Then, on November 15, 2008, high speed Santa Ana winds and low humidity provided the perfect conditions for wild fires. On that day, two separate fires started in areas north of Brea and Yorba Linda within two hours of each other.
The Freeway Fire began near the 91 Freeway at Green River Road and was driven by high, westerly winds through the Green River Homes Community, then north into Chino Hills State Park and southwest toward Anaheim. Another fire, which would be referred to later as the Landfill Fire started near the Olinda Alpha Landfill near Valencia and Carbon Canyon Road. The decision was soon made to merge the two fires into one, The Freeway Complex Fire, thus allowing the fire fighting agencies to pool their resources and more efficiently contain the fire.
The Freeway Complex Fire was contained on November 19, 2009, in the early morning hours. In four days, the fire burned 30,305 acres and damaged or destroyed 381 structures. As many as 40,000 people were displaced from their homes and more than 3,800 personnel from more than 260 fire agencies were assigned to the help. Thankfully, no loss of life or serious injuries have been attributed to this fire.
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| JANET AROUND THE FIRST DISTRICT |
Supervisor Janet Nguyen passes out strawberry shortcake to the crowd at the 51st Annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen and Ed Arnold, host of KOCE-TV Real Orange show at the 51st Annual Garden Grove Strawberry Festival.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen addresses conference participants at the University of Phoenix National Diversity Conference.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen presents a resolution to Chief Paul Sorrell of the Fountain Valley Police Department on behalf of Chair Pat Bates and the Board of Supervisors, marking May 20,2009 as Peace Officers' Memorial Day to honor the sacrifice of those who have died in the line of duty.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen joins the City of Garden Grove to honor Garden Grove police officers. In this photo, a Garden Grove Police Officer presents a wreath to the family of one of the "Fallen Five" Garden Grove officers who died in the line of duty. Also at this ceremony, a section of the 22 Freeway was dedicated as the Garden Grove Police Officers Memorial Highway.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen speaks to residents and the media at the Latino Health Access Kermes Community Carnival.
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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
OC Animal Care
OC Animal Care is to host its annual Pet Fair adoption event on June 27, 2009. The department has high hopes for a repeat of the success of its first "Angels for Animals, Forever Friends" adoption event on Saturday, March 28, 2009, sponsored by the Angels Baseball Foundation.
During the event, adopters were treated to discounted adoption fees, paying only for a microchip and license. Several hundred potential adopters showed up looking for a forever friend, and 127 dogs, cats, and rabbits from the shelter found new homes by the end of the day, making it one of the most successful adoption events in OC Animal Care's history!
For further information about the upcoming event, please contact Ryan Drabek at 714-935-6427.
Westminster
Westminster Library Closed for Renovations
To better serve the community of Westminster, the Westminster Library will undergo ADA restroom upgrades. The library will be closed for renovation from May 18,2009 to August 17, 2009. For the convenience of the library users, locations of libraries nearby will be posted and telephone reference service will be diverted to open libraries so library users will still have access to library information.
Library users are welcome to use any of the other 33 libraries in the County to check and return materials. Locations and addresses of these libraries can be found at the library Web site, www.ocpl.org. Branches close to the Westminster branch include Fountain Valley Library, Garden Grove Regional Library, Garden Grove West Library and the Stanton Library.
Santa Ana
Supervisor Honors Saddleback High School Soccer Heroes
Supervisor Janet Nguyen once again partnered with the Spernak Parents Foundation in honoring the Saddleback High School Boys Soccer team with Certificates of Accomplishment at their May Awards Banquet.
The Supervisor honored the team for their 2009 Goldenwest league Championship and 23rd appearance in CIF divisional championship playoffs. Special recognition was given to David Paniagua for Most Valuable Player, as he played every minute of the 2009 season and guided his team in defense to a county-leading 17 shutouts. Erick Zuniga was recognized as the team's Most Inspirational Player for his playing at the varsity level for four years, being team captain for three years and being League and CIF defensive Most Valuable Player for two years.
The tradition of honoring outstanding student athletes in the First District is a cornerstone of the Supervisor's "Education First" efforts to encourage sportsmanship, leadership, ethics, team work, peer role models and advancement through education; each of which are essential elements for academic and life success.
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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 Garden Grove
June 6, 2009 - Foreclosure Prevention Seminar
The Vietnamese Network of Homeownership Advocates encourages you to learn directly from foreclosure prevention specialists how foreclosure affects you and your home and information about preventing foreclosure, avoiding scams, and finding resources.
The free seminar will be held at the Coastline Community College,12901 Euclid St. (corner of Euclid and Garden Grove Blvd.) For more information, visit www.v-nha.org or call (714) 621-0102.
City of Westminster
May 30, 2009 - Registration for Summer Aquatics Program
The City of Westminster is now offering online registration for its upcoming Summer Aquatics Program. Online registration began Tuesday, May 26, 2009, for sessions A and B.
You can still register in person for sessions A and B this Saturday, May 30, 2009, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community Services Building located at 8200 Westminster Blvd.
If you have questions or need additional assistance, please call the Community Services and Recreation Department at (714) 895-2860 or visit www.westminster-ca.gov.
City of Santa Ana
Summer 2009 - Free Days for Santa Ana Residents
Free admission is offered on designated days of the month to various museums and the Zoo. A California Driver's License, California Identification Card, or utility bill with picture ID are required as proof of residency.
The Bowers Museum (2002 N. Main St. - 714.567.3600) - free admission on the first Sunday and third Tuesday of every month. www.bowers.org
Heritage Museum (3101 West Harvard - 714.540.0404) - free admission on the first Sunday of each month. www.heritagemuseumoc.org
Discovery Science Center (2500 N. Main St. - 714.542.2823) - free admission on the first Monday of every month. www.discoverycube.org
Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park (1801 E. Chestnut Ave. - 714.835.7484) - free admission on the second Tuesday of the month for up to 4 per household. www.santaanazoo.org
Cal State Fullerton Grand Central Art Center (125 N. Broadway - 714.567.7233) in the Santa Ana Artist Village is always free to the general public. www.grandcentralartcenter.com
To contact Supervisor Janet Nguyen, please call 714-834-3110 or email Janet.Nguyen@ocgov.com. |
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