July 13, 2010 |
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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. Agenda Items
3. Youth Connection
4. Janet Around the First District
5. Local Issues
6. Requests for Proposals
7. Community Events
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| Board of Supervisors |
I hope you've enjoyed the festivities during Independence Day. With all the fun and excitement that have past, it is important to remember those who have fought for our country and remind ourselves of the significance of this important holiday. We are forever grateful for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so the rest of us can enjoy the freedom our country was founded upon.
Among the many fun events coming up throughout the First District, I would like to point out two in particular:
- Central County Senior & Caregiver Summit will take place on August 7, 2010 @ the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove. It will feature wellness workshops, health screenings and giveaways among other activities. Review the flyer below for more information.
- Third Annual Vietnamese Family Fun Day on July 24, 2010 in Westminster. It will include health screenings, entertainment, and activities to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Scroll down to the Community Events section for more information on this event.
I hope all of you continue to be safe and enjoy spending time with your friends and family this summer.
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| Agenda Items |
Approval of the County Budget for Fiscal Year 2010-2011
On Tuesday June 29, 2010, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve the adoption of the budget for the new fiscal year (2010-2011). Facing the continued economic downturn, the Board cut spending for fewer positions as well as extending the 5% pay reductions for County executive management. In addition to making difficult cuts within County departments, the Board of Supervisors also approved the one-time usage of $45.9 million in reserves to ensure the continuing stability and effectiveness of County services and programs.
With a budget totaling nearly $5.4 billion, the Board of Supervisors and County staff worked diligently to carefully analyze the budget situation and continue to act as good stewards of your tax dollars. The Board directed the CEO to work with the Office of Independent Review (OIR) to develop performance criteria and standards that the OIR must meet by the end of the next fiscal year.
The new budget for the County took effect on July 1, 2010. As we keep a watchful eye on how the budget changes pan out, we are carefully tracking the ongoing budget agreements in discussion on the State level, as these can have an impact at the County level.
Orange County Receives Gift of 20,000 Acres from the Irvine Company
The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Irvine Ranch Open Space Gift from the Irvine Company, which adds over 20,000 acres of protected open space to the land currently managed by OC Parks. The land was donated with protections that its natural, ecological, scenic, open space, recreational, and educational values will be preserved for the benefit of the residents and visitors of Orange County.
The Irvine Ranch Open Space includes some of the most spectacular natural features in Orange County, and brings the total land operated by OC Parks to around 60,000 acres. The land is near or adjacent to six existing County Parks: Laguna Coast Wilderness, Limestone Canyon and Whiting Ranch Wilderness, Peters Canyon Regional, Irvine Regional, Santiago Oaks Regional, and Featherly Regional.
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| Health Bulletin |
Potential Whooping Cough Outbreak
There seems to be a surge in pertussis, or whooping cough, cases every three to five years in Orange County and 2010 has shown a rise in reported cases. Thirty-one cases were reported through the first 20 weeks of the year, compared to five reported cases for the same time period in 2009.
According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), pertussis, or whooping cough, is a contagious disease that is easily passed from person to person. Babies and small children can cough so much that they are unable to breathe. Also according to the CSPH, studies have shown that half of infants with pertussis are infected by their parents, particularly their mothers.
The CDPH urges vaccinating parents and caregivers for pertussis before or at the birth of the child as the most important way to protect infants. In addition to the five doses of pertussis vaccine recommended before kindergarten, a booster dose of the vaccine is recommended for all adolescents between 11 and 18 years of age, and for all persons who will have close contact with young infants.
For additional information about pertussis vaccinations as well as symptoms and frequently asked questions, visit the CDPH website at www.GetImmunizedCa.org or visit the Orange County Health Care Agency website at www.ochealthinfo.com.
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| Youth Connection |
The Power of an Untapped Resource: A Guide for Youth
"WE CANNOT ALWAYS BUILD THE FUTURE FOR OUR YOUTH, BUT WE CAN BUILD OUR YOUTH FOR THE FUTURE." - FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT
EMPLOYMENT
Workforce Investment Act
This program emphasizes long-term development of 16-21 year olds who are deficient in basic skills or have barriers to employment. Through a network of regional providers, the WIA Youth Program focuses on academic skills improvement; alternative education services; summer employment opportunities; career exploration and preparation; comprehensive guidance counseling; paid/unpaid work experience; occupational skills training; leadership skills development and opportunities; supportive services such as assistance with transportation, child care, school supplies and follow up services.
Youth Employment Opportunities Program
The Employment Development Department provides a youth program for ages 15 through 21 at risk of not achieving their educational goals, such as potential dropouts or high school dropouts. The program is to assist youth in achieving their educational and vocational goals with an emphasis on education, assessment and peer advising. For additional information, please call (714) 241-4951.
CAREER-HELP WANTED
California CareerZone
Information about 900 California occupations; including day-in-the-life videos for 300 of the occupations.
Who Do U Want 2 B
Information on California high school and community college courses, career options, and financial assistance.
Roadtrip Nation
Video interviews created by college students traveling the country in green RVs, from bakers to technology gurus.
Career Clues
Activities designed to help students gather and interpret important information about themselves and what they want from their lives.
EDUCATION
California Colleges.edu
Information about more than 200 colleges (public and private) in California.
College Navigator
Information about nearly 7,000 postsecondary institutions in the United States.
INTERNSHIP
County of Orange
Internships with the County of Orange offer high school students, college students and recent graduates an opportunity to partner with one of the premier employers in the region as they explore career options and apply their academic skills and knowledge to the workplace. Please keep in mind that the internships are unpaid positions that do not automatically lead to employment. For additional information and inquires, please contact Jane Dawson at (714) 834-7440 or jane.dawson@ocgov.com.
VOLUNTEERING
Volunteer Center Orange County
Looking for volunteer opportunities? "I Can Volunteer" is a guide to youth volunteer opportunities throughout the county compiled by Volunteer Center Orange County. These agency projects are ideal for you to volunteer on your own, with your friends, or with family members. Click here to view or print the guide.
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| JANET AROUND THE FIRST DISTRICT |
Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, visits the "Bear In Mind: The Story of the California Grizzly" exhibit, which runs from June 7, 2010 until October 8, 2010 at the Old Orange County Courthouse.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, meets with some of the event organizers at Anaheim Family Fun Day, June 26, 2010. Pictured (l-r): Ailene Ly, MOMS Orange County; Quynh Nguyen, CalOptima; Annie Tran-Luong, Health Care Agency; Supervisor Janet Nguyen; Steven Pham, Red Cross Orange County; and Red Cross Volunteers Tran and Thu.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, during Anaheim Family Fun Day with Stanley V. Perdue, CEO Red Cross Orange County.
Trustee Matthew Harper, Deputy Chief of Staff to Supervisor Janet Nguyen, accepts the graduating Class of 2010 at Westminster High School on behalf of the Board of Trustees for the Huntington Beach Union High School District.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors approves the budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2010-2011 during the June 29, 2010 Board meeting. Pictured (upper l-r): Supervisor John M.W. Moorlach; Supervisor Patricia C. Bates; Chair Janet Nguyen; Vice Chairman Bill Campbell; and Supervisor Shawn Nelson. Pictured (bottom l-r): Nick Chrisos, County Counsel; Susan Novak, Chief Deputy Clerk of the Board; and Tom Mauk, County Executive Officer.
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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
Make A Splash - READ!
The OC Public Libraries is conducting their 2010 summer reading program. The first event will be on June 30th or July 1st, depending on which library you attend. Visit www.ocpl.org for information on OC Public Libraries activities. Below is a list of events and activities in the First District:
Chapman Branch Library
9182 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove
(714) 539-2115
Storytimes - fun stories, fingerplays & songs, followed by a 30 minute "Play & Learn" session:
Toddler (ages 18 months to 2 years) - Tuesday at 11:15 a.m.
Preschool (3 to 5 years) - Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Special Events - Thursdays at 3 p.m.
| July 15: |
Magic Show with magician Dave Skale - audience participation and lots of comedy |
| July 22: |
Children's Concert by musician Craig Newton - lots of instruments and singing with the audience |
| July 29: |
Pirate Treasure Puppet Show by puppeteer Richard Woloski |
Garden Grove Regional Library
11200 Stanford Ave., Garden Grove
(714) 530-0711
Family Storytime - Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
Special Events for Kids - Wednesday at 3 p.m.
| July 14: |
Volunteers from the Garden Grove PD: Fun in the Sun Beach Safety |
| July 21: |
Children and Parents learn about Bike Safety |
| July 28: |
Comedy singing duo Heebie & Jeebie rock the library! |
Family Game Days - Thursday at July 13 and 27 from 2-4 p.m.
Come join the fun! Traditional board games will be available, as well as Wii games and Rock Band!
Teen Programs - Thursday at 4 p.m. - Get Crafty at Your Library!
Westminster Branch Library
8180 13th Street, Westminster
(714) 893-5057
Storytimes - every Wednesday
Toddler - 11 a.m.
Preschool - 10:30 a.m.
Family Storytime - Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.
Special Events for Kids - Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m.
| July 14: |
Mad Science demonstrates fun science experiments |
| July 21: |
Music with Hullabaloo Band |
| July 28: |
Ice Cream Party |
| Aug. 11: |
Learn about Ocean Animals with Science on the Go |
Special Events for Teens - Thursdays at 3 p.m.
July 15: Paula Sassi's "Handwriting Analysis for Teens"
Aug. 5: Cartoon Drawing with Dave Boatman
Summer Swim Lessons & Pool Safety
The American Red Cross Orange County Chapter urges everyone to pay close attention to the safety of our children. Summer is a season where many accidents occur to young children, and therefore knowing swimming pool safety is essential to mitigate this problem. Free safety brochures are available at your local fire station. CPR and First Aid Classes are available at the American Red Cross Orange County Chapter. For more information call Steve Pham (714)481-5391 or email him at spham@oc-redcross.org.
The following is a list of phone and email contacts for summer swim classes by city and organization:
Southern California Edison
Southern California Edison offers qualified customers programs to help reduce their monthly energy costs. Some features of these programs include, discounts on monthly electric bills, free energy-saving appliances, financial assistance with monthly payments, energy allowances for medical equipment usage, and payment arrangements and extensions. Funding for these programs is provided on a first-come, first-served basis, so contact Edison as soon as possible. Visit www.sce.com/highbillhelper for information and the SCE Resource Guide. This will have the direct number for each program. You can also call the general assistance number at 1-800-655-4555. For power outages and downed power lines call 1-800-611-1911.
Summer Family Film Series
OC Parks and Downtown Inc. have partnered to provide residents with a Summer Family Film Series at the Old Orange County Courthouse located at 211 W. Santa Ana Boulevard.
On Saturday, August 7th features "Hey There, It's Yogi Bear" and Saturday September 4th features "Brother Bear." Each film is free and will be shown at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Everyone is invited to enjoy free tours of the Old Courthouse as well as gourmet food vendors.
For more information, visit www.ocparks.com/oldcourthouse or www.downtown-santaana.com.
Acacia Adult Day Services
A Magical Evening Under the Stars will take place at the Los Coyotes Country Club on Saturday, July 17th to benefit Acacia Adult Day Services. This event is from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., and will feature a reception and auction at 6:00 p.m. with the dinner, program and entertainment scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $125 each, or $200 per couple. For more information, call Judy Dickinson or Paul Doty at (714) 530-1566. Los Coyotes County Club is located at 8888 Los Coyotes Drive, Buena Park, CA 90621.
Shakespeare in Orange County
Shakespeare Orange County is marking its 19th anniversary season with the play, "Two Gentlemen of Verona," a story of two best friends falling in love with the same girl. Shows start at 8:15 p.m. with the pre-show beginning at 7:30 p.m. The play runs July 15-17, 22-24 and 29-31. For tickets, visit www.shakespeareoc.org or call (714) 744-7106. Performances will be held at the Festival Amphitheatre, 12740 Main Street, Garden Grove.
Orange County Mental Health Board Vacancies
The Orange County Mental Health Board now has four vacancies. The OC Mental Health Board reviews, evaluates and makes recommendations regarding the County's mental health planning process, and makes recommendations to the behavioral Health Director and the Board of Supervisors.
Qualified board members must work or reside within Orange County, may not work for Orange County or a contracted agency/provider, and must attend two meetings per month in Santa Ana. Members must also be direct consumers of mental health services, a professional in the mental health field, or have public interest in mental health. For more information please contact Danielle Daniels at Behavioral Health Services, at (714) 834-5481, or email at ddaniels@ochca.com.
Garden Grove
Home Improvement Grants Available
Beginning July 1st, the City of Garden Grove made funding available for the senior Rehabilitation Grant Program and the Mobile Home Rehabilitation Grant Program. The grant programs help qualified low to moderate-income residents receive up to $5,000 to make affordable home improvements. Some home repairs include but are not limited to window replacement, exterior painting, roof replacement, tree removal, and handicap accessibility modifications.
Funds are limited and will be distributed on a first come, first-served basis. Eligible residents must meet all income and application requirements. Information and applications are now available on the City's website, www.ci.garden-grove.ca.us, and at the Community Development Department on the third floor of City Hall, 11222 Acacia Parkway. For more information call (714) 741-5533, or (714) 741-5330.
Summer Concerts Series
Every Thursday night, between July 8th and August 19th, concertgoers can enjoy great music at Eastgate Park, brought to you by the Garden Grove Community Foundation.
The 2010 Schedule is:
| July 15: |
Hollywood U2 - a U2 tribute |
| July 22: |
Elton, the Early Years - an Elton John tribute |
| July 29: |
The Answer - top 40 |
| August 5: |
No Duh - a No Doubt tribute |
| August 12: |
Springsteen - a Bruce Springsteen tribute |
| August 19: |
Don't Stop Believin' - a Journey tribute |
Parks and Recreation Month
The City of Garden Grove is celebrating Parks and Recreation Month on Friday, July 30th with open houses at six different locations. The locations and times are as follows:
Atlantis Play Center
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
13630 Atlantis Way
Gary Hall Pool (Eastgate Park)
Free Swim 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
12001 St. Mark Street
Woodbury Park Pool
Free Swim 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
13800 Rosita Place
Magnolia Park Pool
Free Swim 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
11402 Magnolia Street
H. Louis Senior Center
Free Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
11300 Stanford Avenue
Please call (714) 741-5250 for reservations
Sports and Recreation Center
Open Gym 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
13641 Deodara Drive
Santa Ana
Summer Day Camp
The City of Santa Ana's Vacation Recreation Program (Summer Day Camp) offers a wide variety of activities for children ages 5 to 12, Monday through Friday this summer. The program is offered at the City's seven recreation centers and varies by site. Activities include health and fitness, wacky Olympics, cooking, science projects, nutrition curriculum, water games, arts and crafts, reading, skits, movies, and board games. The end of the summer is capped with a city-wide talent show. Contact your local recreation center for specific activities, and program times and fees.
Here is the contact info for the seven sites:
Jerome Center, 726 S. Center Street, (714) 647-6559
El Salvador Center, 1825 W. Civic Center Drive, (714) 647-6558
Memorial Center, 2102 S. Flower Street, (714) 571-4242
Salgado Center, 706 N. Newhope Street (714) 571-4267
Logan Center, 1009 N. Custer Street, (714) 571-4263
Sandpointe Center, 3700 S. Birch Street, (714) 647-5307
Santa Anita Center, 300 S. Figueroa Street, (714) 647-6552
Westminster
Summer Concerts in the Park
On Thursday nights in the summer, the Civic Center Sunken Gardens is the place to be. The community can enjoy a variety of free concerts held from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. and be entertained by swing, classical, rock-n-roll, country, and Westminster's own Nicholson Pipes & Drums. Concertgoers may bring a picnic dinner or enjoy the delicious food items available through non-profit organizations.
The 2010 Schedule is:
July 15 - Stardust Sounds (Big Band)
July 22 - Old School Westminster All Stars (Rock and Blues)
July 29 - Rosewood (Acoustic Harmonies)
August 5 - Mama Hagglin (Rock and Roll)
August 12 - Gospel Night (Community Choir Group)
August 19 - Nicholson Pipes and Drums (Bagpipe Band and Celtic Sky Dancers)
August 26 - The Music Factor (Jazz/Funk)
The Civic Center Sunken Gardens is located at 8200 Westminster Blvd. For more information, please call (714) 895-2860.
Water Conservation Garden
Westminster's newly planted Water Conservation Garden is host to nearly 20 species of drought tolerant California friendly and native plants. Plants and signs were supplied by local nurseries, and the garden is now on display for the public to enjoy. Some of the species included are the Fox Tail Agave, Feather Reed Grass, Rock Rose, Lion's Tail, Coast Life Oak, and Mexican Sage. Visit the garden often to watch the plants mature and enjoy the plants flower with vibrant colors in the upcoming seasons.
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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
July 16-17, 2010 - Atlantis Family Campout
Bring the whole family out to the famous Atlantis Play Center for a night under the stars. In addition to all the normal fun at Atlantis, they will have a campfire, games and crafts for the kids. The cost is $15 per person for ages three and up. The event will begin at 5 p.m. Friday and will end at 9 a.m. Saturday. Space is limited to the first 110 participants.
For more information call (714) 741-5200.
Location: Atlantis Play Center, 13630 Atlantis Way, Garden Grove, CA.
City of Santa Ana
July 18, 2010 - Blues at the Zoo
The Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo are wrapping up their summer concert series on July 18th with a performance by Big Son, Mighty Mitch & Friends. The show is included with the purchase of regular Zoo admission; $8 for adults, $5 for children, and Zoo members and kids under 3 are free. This fun clues evening runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
For more information visit www.santaanazoo.org, or call (714) 836-4000.
Location: Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92701.
July 24, 2010 - Foreclosure Workshop
Learn how to avoid foreclosure at this free event on Saturday July 24, sponsored by the Orange County Home Ownership Preservation Collaborative (OCHOPC). Session 1 will be conducted in English from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. Session 2 will be conducted in Spanish from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with registration starting at 12:30 p.m.
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies, lenders and nonprofit legal counselors will be on hand to assist you. Please bring copies of your recent mortgage statement, two most current pay stubs, the two most recent W2's, the past two tax returns, and a list of your monthly expenses.
Location: Mater Dei High School, LeVecke Center, 1202 W. Edinger Ave., Santa Ana.
RSVP is recommended. Visit http://oc.myhousingforall.org or email myhousingforall@aol.com. If you need immediate assistance call CCCS-OC at (866) 685-2227, Fair Housing Council at (800) 689-FAIR, or NHS OC at (714) 490-1250.
City of Westminster
Summer 2010 - Summer Aquatics Program
This summer swim classes will be offered at La Quinta High School for $45 per session. Each session runs 35 minutes per day, Monday through Thursday for two weeks.
- Session C: July 26 - August 5
- Session D: August 9 - August 19
Registration for Session A and B have already begun, however please visit www.activenet.active.com/westminster, or go to the Community Services Building at 8200 Westminster Blvd, for up to date information. Sessions C and D will be open for registration beginning July 16th at the website listed above.
Recreation swim is available at La Quinta High School for free Monday through Thursdays between June 28th and August 19th, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. For additional information please call (714) 895-2860. After June 28th, call the pool deck at (714) 715-0111. For descriptions of lessons visit www.westminster-ca.gov/depts/cs/aquatics.
Location: La Quinta High School Pool, 10372 McFadden Ave., Westminster, CA 92683.
Summer 2010 - Summer Parks & Playgrounds Program
This summer the city of Westminster's Community Services and Recreation Department will offer an array of programs and events for eight weeks. Some programs may require a pre-registration fee. The parks noted below will be open Monday through Friday beginning Monday, June 28 for eight weeks. This "drop-in" summer supervised recreation program is designed for elementary school aged youngsters and will offer a quality recreation experience. Children under the age of six must be accompanied by a parent/adult. Programs are FREE, supervised and offered on a drop-in basis. As a drop-in program, participants DO NOT sign-in or out and may come and go freely.
Participants will enjoy a summer full of games, arts and crafts, sports, excursions and organized recreational activities.
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Bolsa Chica Park, 13660 University, Phone (714) 897-5911
- Liberty Park, 13900 Monroe, Phone (714) 412-2617
- Park West Park, 8301 McFadden, Phone (714) 898-7896
- Sigler Park, 7200 Plaza, Phone (714) 715-0262
12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
- Bowling Green Park, 14700 Bowling Green
- Gillespie Park, 9801 McFadden
- Goldenwest Park, 13200 Siskiyou
For more information please call the Community Services Department at (714) 895-2860.
July 21, 2010 - Public Awareness Safety Day
The City of Westminster's Community Services and Recreation Department will be hosting the annual Public Awareness Safety Day on Wednesday, July 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This educational event will provide children and their families an opportunity to become familiar with the City's safety staff and services.
The Westminster Explorer Scouts will be providing services including bicycle licensing and fingerprinting. In addition, there will be displays and demonstration by the Westminster Police Department and the Orange County Fire Authority.
For more information, please call the department at (714) 895-2860.
Location: Sigler Park, 7200 Plaza St, Westminster, CA.
July 24, 2010 - 3rd Annual Vietnamese Family Fun Day
Get ready for a fun, family event on Saturday July 24th at Sigler Park. The 3rd Annual Vietnamese Family Fun Day: Health and Resource Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The theme this year is "Building a Brighter, Healthier Future." The focus of the Family Fun Day is to help improve the well being of each individual. Free health screenings and health related information will be available, along with entertainment from local youth groups and educational activities that promote health and fitness among children.
For more information, visit the City of Westminster's website at www.westminster-ca.gov.
Location: Sigler Park, 7200 Plaza St., Westminster, CA 92683.
To contact Supervisor Janet Nguyen, please call 714-834-3110 or email Janet.Nguyen@ocgov.com. |
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