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| Board of Supervisors |
It's that time again when children enjoy dressing up and roaming the neighborhoods in search of some of their favorite candy. You can find these suggestions and others on several different web sites, but here are some things we can do to help make this Halloween safer for everyone:
- Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
- Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
- Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
- Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them. Limit the amount of treats you eat.
- Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you see and others see you.
- Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime to prevent skin and eye irritation.
- Look both ways before crossing the street. Use established crosswalks wherever possible.
- Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
- Only walk on sidewalks or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
- Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
- Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats unless you know the cook well.
- Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Otherwise, stay outside.
- Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.
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| Agenda Items |
Additional Park Space in Santa Ana
Acting as the Orange County Flood Control District, the Board of Supervisors recently approved two 25-year leases with the City of Santa Ana for park and recreational space that is along the Orange County Flood Control Channel.
On February 6, 1973, the Board approved an agreement with the City of Santa Ana for their use of an Orange County Flood Control District owned 2.29 acre parcel situated along the westerly border of the Santa Ana River Channel and south of Edna Drive within the City's jurisdiction. The agreement gave the City the right to develop a public park facility on the property with the condition that the improvements not interfere with the operation and maintenance of the adjacent flood control channel. The City continues to use and maintain the parcel, now commonly known as Edna Park, under the terms of the agreement.
The City wanted to enter into a new lease for the Edna Park property to include an adjacent Flood Control District-owned parcel of approximately 1.64 acres. This parcel is currently part of a landscaping project with the Army Corps of Engineers and is expected to be available to the City sometime after May 2011.
The City also asked to lease a District-owned parcel of approximately 28,000 square feet, referred to as the 17th Street Triangle parcel, on the easterly side of the Santa Ana River near Edna Park. This second lease would allow for landscape enhancements and public access to the Santa Ana River Trail.
Both of the proposed 25-year leases are rent free; preclude any revenue-generating activities on the properties by the City; and make the City responsible for any improvements, maintenance, and utility expenses related to the parcels. In addition to the benefit to the District derived from the elimination of maintenance and utility costs for the properties, these parcels will provide park and recreational space to County residents and visitors and allow the District full use of the properties should they be required for flood control purposes.
10-Year Plan to End Homelessness
The Board of Supervisors recently established the Ending Homelessness 2020 Board to oversee the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness in Orange County.
An advisory board was authorized by the Board of Supervisors at its September 28, 2010 Board of Supervisors meeting. This board will 1) provide oversight and accountability for the implementation of the goals and strategies as defined in The Ten-Year Plan; 2) Receive reports from implementing groups from each of the goals areas to be filed with the Orange County Grand Jurors Association, County of Orange, and the appointing bodies: presented to the Board of Supervisors at a regularly scheduled meeting; and make available for public comments; 3) Promote and support plan strategies with each of their appointing agencies/entities and professional affiliates.
The Ten-Year Plan which was also formally approved at the September 28, 2010, Board of Supervisors meeting, is the product of integrated community collaboration and provides a roadmap of how to effectively end homelessness in Orange County. Working group members charged with developing the plan represented various community stakeholders including the business community, non-profit homeless shelter and service providers, technical consultants, cities, philanthropic foundations, education, mental health, housing and County agencies.
To view a copy of the plan, please visit
http://egov.ocgov.com/ocgov/Info%20OC/
Departments%20&%20Agencies/OC%20Community%20Services and select "Homeless Prevention."
For information about the County's efforts to address homelessness, please contact Kelly Lupro, Homeless Coordinator at (714) 480-2744.
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| OCTA |
First District Receives Grants for Transportation Enhancement Projects
In June, the Orange County Transportation Authority received 52 applications from 25 agencies throughout Orange County to receive grant funding for transportation enhancement projects. The grants are a combination of Federal Highway and Federal Transit funds. The applications that were submitted to OCTA were reviewed and prioritized by an advisory panel based on project readiness, local match contributions, cost-benefit ratio, as well as compliance with state and federal laws and requirements. I, along with my colleagues on the OCTA Board of Directors, recently approved a list of 28 projects that were chosen to receive a total of $12.4 million.
I am pleased to announce that projects right here in the First District are included in that funding list. The projects are divided into two categories: 1) Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities and, 2) Landscaping and Scenic Beautification. The bicycle and pedestrian facility projects will close gaps in the current bicycle system, enhance connectivity with major employment centers and transportation facilities, help coordinate and develop projects on the Orange County Master Plan of Trails, enhance safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, and provide amenities such as lighting, public art, and bicycle racks. In the First District, the Flower Street Bike Trail Gap Closure and the Maple Street Bike Trail/Landscaping Enhancement in Santa Ana were approved and will receive grant funding.
The landscaping and scenic beautification projects provide aesthetic benefits to transportation projects throughout Orange County. These projects include the construction of landscaped roadway medians, city monuments, public art, and upgrades to irrigation systems that improve efficiency and reduce runoff. The Brookhurst Street Median Rehabilitation Project in Garden Grove was approved and will receive grant funding.
A number of projects in our District were chosen as Tier 2 projects, or standby projects. To the extent that any Tier 1 project is not delivered according to the approved schedule, OCTA will cancel the project funding and apply the funds to substitute replacement projects from the standby list based on ranking and readiness. The projects in our District that are on the standby list are: the Harbor Blvd. Median Rehabilitation Project Phases I, II & III in Garden Grove, the Valley View Street Median Rehabilitation Project in Garden Grove, and the Flower Street Bike Trail Gap Closure in Santa Ana.
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| Health Bulletin |
Vaccinations at the County Community Service Center
In partnership with the Orange County Health Care Agency, I would like to invite you and your family to attend a free Pneumococcal Vaccine clinic day at the Orange County Community Service Center on Friday, October 22, 2010, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Treatment of pneumococcal infections with penicillin and other drugs used to be more effective; however, some strains of the disease have become resistant to these drugs. This makes prevention of the disease, through vaccination, even more important.
Those who qualify for the vaccine include adults 50 years of age or older; anyone 2 through 64 years of age who has a long term health problem, a disease or condition that lowers the body's resistance to infection, is a smoker or has asthma.
Some people should not get the vaccine as there are certain risk factors. Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction to the vaccine should not get another dose. Anyone who has a severe allergy to any component of a vaccine should not get that vaccine. Anyone moderately or severely ill when the shot is scheduled may be asked to wait until they recover before getting the vaccine. Approximately half of people who get the vaccine have mild side effects such as redness or pain where the shot is given.
Also on October 22, we will be offering the Tdap vaccine which can protect adolescents and adults against three serious diseases. Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through cuts, scratches or wounds. Pertussis, also commonly known as "whooping cough" has been on the rise throughout California over the past few months and has resulted in death in some severe cases.
Those who qualify for the Tdap vaccine include anyone 7 years of age or older who is not fully immunized; women of childbearing age, before, during or immediately after pregnancy; and those who have close contact with pregnant women or infants.
Some people should not get the vaccine as there are certain risk factors. Anyone who has had a life-threatening or severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine should not get Tdap. Some Tdap vaccines should not be given to people with a severe latex allergy.
Anyone interested in getting the vaccine should talk to their doctor first if they have epilepsy or another nervous system problem, have severe swelling or severe pain after a previous dose of any vaccine containing tetanus, diphtheria or pertussis or if they have Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS).
Anyone with a moderate or severe illness on the day the shot is scheduled should usually wait until they recover before getting the vaccine. Those with a mild illness or low fever can usually be vaccinated.
Each of these vaccines will be offered at the:
County Community Service Center
Friday, October 22, 2010
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
15460 Magnolia Street in the City of Westminster
Thousands of OC Physicians to Transition to Electronic Health Records
CalOptima recently received a $4.6 million federal grant to serve as Orange County's Regional Extension Center (REC) and provide educational and technical assistance to primary care physicians as they make the move to electronic health records (HER).
The REC will enable CalOptima to connect providers with consultants who will evaluate their offices and make recommendations on how to implement HER systems. The REC will also help physicians purchase equipment and connect them with vendors who will provide significant discounts.
The grant is funded through the federal stimulus package and will allow CalOptima to assist at least 1,000 physicians in the first two years of the program. The program will focus on individual and small physician practices, as well as community clinics and those who provide service to the underserved.
Physicians interested in participating in the program should contact CalOptima at corec@caloptima.org.
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| Youth Connection |
College Application Calendar
There's a lot to keep track of when you're applying to college. This calendar from www.collegeboard.com is a useful tool to get an overview of the college application process and its important deadlines.
It is only a general guide and does not apply to all colleges. Consult application materials, admission offices and institution websites for the specific requirements and deadlines for each college.
Junior Year
- Visit colleges that interest you. Get the campus tour schedule. Arrange an on-campus interview with an admission representative.
- Create a resume - a list of your accomplishments, activities and work experiences. Your resume can help you complete your applications and essays.
- Keep a college calendar of all admission deadlines.
- If you plan on competing in Division I or Division II college sports and want to be eligible to be recruited by colleges, register with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse.
- If you took AP® Exams in May, look for your AP score reports in July.
- Register early for fall test dates for the SAT® and SAT Subject TestsT.
September/October
- Contact your school counselor - your counselor plays a big role in helping you get into college. Meet to talk about your college plans and review your transcript.
- Finalize your list of colleges. Be sure you list "safety" colleges, as well as "probable" and "reach" colleges. Review college applications and informational materials. Organize materials into separate files by college.
- If you plan to apply through an early decision or early action program, get started on your applications right away. Deadlines for early applications tend to be in November.
- Begin working on your college essays. Think of topics that focus on your experiences and make you stand out from the crowd.
- Ask your counselor, teachers or employers for letters of recommendation. Give them plenty of time to meet your deadlines and be sure to provide them with stamped and addressed envelopes.
- If you take the SAT or SAT Subject Tests this month, make sure your scores are sent to each of your colleges.
November/December
- Submit early decision and early action applications on time.
- Work hard at completing your college essays. Proofread them rigorously for mistakes.
- Follow up to ensure that letters of recommendation are sent on time to meet your deadlines.
- Send applications as early as possible for colleges with rolling deadlines (that is, admission decisions are made as applications are received).
- If you take the SAT or SAT Subject Tests this month, make sure your scores are sent to each of your colleges.
- Try to wrap up college applications before winter break. Make copies of each application before you send it.
- If you take the SAT or SAT Subject Tests this month, make sure your scores are sent to each of your colleges.
- Contact the financial aid office at the colleges on your list to see what financial aid forms they require.
January/February
- Have your counselor send your first-semester grades to colleges that require a midyear grade report.
- Contact your colleges and confirm that all necessary application materials have been received.
- Continue to perform well in school and don't get senioritis; colleges want to see strong second-semester grades.
- Register for AP Exams you want to take in May.
March/ April
- Read carefully any admission decisions that arrive this month; some may require action on your part.
- Read carefully any admission decisions and compare the financial aid award letters that arrive this month; some may require action on your part.
- Make a final decision, and mail the enrollment form and deposit check to the college you select before the May 1 enrollment deadline (for most colleges).
- Notify each of the colleges that accepted you but that you will not attend of your decision, so that your spot can be freed up for another student.
- If you're on a waiting list, contact the admission office and let them know of your continued interest in the college; update them on your spring semester grades and activities.
May/June
- If you take any AP Exams, make sure your AP score report is sent to your college.
- Study hard for final exams. Most admission offers are contingent on your final grades.
- Thank your counselor, teachers, employers and anyone else who wrote letters of recommendation for you or otherwise helped with your college applications.
- Have your counselor send your final transcript to your chosen college.
- If you plan on competing in Division I or Division II college sports, have your counselor send your final transcript to the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse.
Summer
- Make travel plans; book early for the best prices.
- Shop for items you need for college.
- Make sure to sign up for first-year orientation.
- Plan your first-semester courses. Choose subjects that interest you and may become your college major.
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| JANET AROUND THE FIRST DISTRICT |
Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, is joined by (pictured from left to right) Orange County Auditor-Controller & Chairman of Measure M Committee David Sundstrom; Orange County Transportation Authority CEO Will Kempton; OCTA Board Chairman and Tustin Mayor Jerry Amante; and OCTA Board Member and Garden Grove Mayor Bill Dalton at the OCTA Leadership Forum in Garden Grove on October 7, 2010.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, joins fellow OCTA Board Member and Garden Grove Mayor Bill Dalton at the OCTA Leadership Forum in Garden Grove on October 7, 2010.
Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, and Karen Roper, Director of Orange County Community Services, joined several County agencies, as well as various non-profit organizations such as the Orange County Rescue Mission and Mercy House, at the Central Orange County Homeless Resource Fair.
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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
Great California ShakeOut
The Great California ShakeOut, the largest earthquake drill in the United States, is happening once again. This drill is intended to inspire Southern Californians to be prepared for a big earthquake and to prevent disasters from becoming catastrophes. This year the ShakeOut will occur in houses, businesses, and public spaces throughout California at 10:21 a.m. on October 21, 2010.
Visit www.shakeout.org for information on the Great California ShakeOut and to see how you can participate. Last year, there were over 3 million participants in Orange and Los Angeles Counties. Let's make this year even better, and I encourage all of you to research what you can do to become more prepared in the event of a major earthquake.
Join the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team in Training
Opportunities to join the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Teams in Training are just around the corner! Team in Training is a fundraising program to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. They train people to complete endurance events such as marathons, half marathons, 100 mile bike rides and triathlons of different distances.
Whey they are in training, each of the athletes is also raising money to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Participants are paired with a training and a fundraising coach. Each athlete will be trained with a team of people each Saturday morning for four to five months prior to the event.
Team in Training informational meetings last about 40 minutes and there is no cost to attend the meetings and no obligation to sign up at this meeting, although materials will be available for those interested.
The following endurance events are preparing teams and will be discussed at these informational meetings: Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach; Los Angeles Marathon; Palm Springs Century Ride; San Diego Triathlon; Lavaman Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii; and the Avia Wildflower Triathlon at Lake San Antonio.
Informational meetings are at the following locations:
- Aliso Viejo Library: Monday, October 18, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.
- Huntington Beach Library: Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.
- Irvine Woodbridge Community Center: Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.
- Newport Coast Community Center: Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at 6:30 p.m.
- The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Orange: Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 10:30 a.m.
For additional information, please contact Florence Weinstein at Florence.Weinstein@lls.org.
Be Prepared for an Emergency with ReadyOC
More than 90% of Orange County residents are aware that emergency preparedness is important, yet more than 93% have made little or no preparations.
The ReadyOC emergency preparedness campaign is challenging individuals who live, work, or go to school in Orange County to Promise to Prepare in 2010. You can take the first step by making a promise to get an emergency kit, make a plan or volunteer. Go to ReadyOC.org, click on Promise to Prepare and follow the instructions. It's fast, easy and you can see your promise being counted in real time. And when you promise, you can enter for a change to win a prize.
Emergency preparedness resources and tools are available at ReadyOC.org to help you fulfill your promise. The site also provides you with the latest information, insights and events on OC disaster preparedness activities as well as real-time emergency news.
Garden Grove
"Diner of the Dead" Haunted Maze
The abandoned Black Angus restaurant building has been brought to life in the form of a haunted maze, and is open this month only for the Halloween season. The "Diner of the Dead" haunted maze is a collaboration between Jeff Schiefelbein's Imagination and Design Studios and Abracadaver Productions, both known for Halloween themed ventures, and is intended for teenage to adult audiences.
The maze is open every weekend through October 31st. The hours of horror are 7 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays. The maze will also be open on Thursday October 21st and 28th and Wednesday October 27th. Tickets are available at the door and at Garden Grove City Hall for $13, with a $3 discount if you bring in a "Diner of the Dead" official flyer.
Santa Ana
Free Lunchtime Trolley Rides
Downtown, Inc hosts the free Lunch Express Trolley Bus on Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Trolleys run every 20 minutes and will stop at your favorite restaurants, with many featuring lunchtime specials. Discover the great food of downtown Santa Ana and take advantage of the unique shopping opportunities.
Santa Ana Unified School District Energy Program
The Santa Ana Unified School District's (SAUSD) first Energy Efficiency and Solar Project is already under way at Saddleback High School. The "Flip the Switch" ceremony will take place on October 30th (see the Event section below for more details). The project is intended to lower the District's more than $7.5 million in utility bills per year. The project at Saddleback High was funded by several sources including State funds, Measure G funds, and federal Stimulus funds.
SAUSD expects to save over $250,000 a year in utility expenses, and combined with incentives, the District will save over $640,000 per year for the first five years. Some of the notable improvements include a roof-mounted solar photovoltaic electrical generation system, solar shade trees, a solar thermal heating system, and an extensive HVAC system replacement. Aside from reducing utility costs, these structural improvements cut utility-generated greenhouse gas emissions and other contaminants.
Westminster
Westminster Founder's Day Festival & Parade
Save the date for the 2010 Founder's Day Festival and Parade, which will take place October 22nd through the 24th at Sigler Park in Westminster. To participate in the parade on Saturday, October 23rd, fill out an application and turn it in no later than October 6th. For more information, please call the Community Services Center & Recreation Department at (714) 895-2860.
2010 Fall Classes/Westminster Parks Program
Need something to do this fall? Would like to learn a new skill or sport? The City of Westminster will be offering recreation classes, beginning the week of September 13th. Some of the exciting classes include, Spanish, Arts & Crafts, Dance, Music, Fitness, Tennis and much more.
Registration is already underway, and those interested can sign up online at www.westminster-ca.gov, or at the Community Services and Recreation Office, 8200 Westminster Blvd, Westminster. Information by phone is available at (714) 895-2860.
The Westminster Parks Program begins on September 13th as well. This free program features crafts, sports and games Monday through Friday, from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. The park locations for the program are:
Bolsa Chica Park
13660 University St.
(714) 897-5911
Liberty Park
13900 Monroe St.
(714) 412-2617
Sigler Park
7200 Plaza St.
(714) 715-0262
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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
October 23, 2010 - First-Time Homebuyer Workshops
To help take the worry out of first-time home buying, the City of Garden Grove is offering a Home Buyer Education Workshop on Thursday October 23rd in two four-hour sessions; 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Potential Garden Grove homebuyers will learn all the aspects of the home buying process, including how to qualify for a mortgage, and the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), which offers down payment assistance to qualified buyers. The workshops are presented in English, but information and assistance will be provided in Spanish and Vietnamese.
Location: Garden Grove Courtyard Center, in the Village Green, 12732 Main Street, Garden Grove.
For more information, please visit the City of Garden Grove's website at www.ci.garden-grove.ca.us.
City of Santa Ana
October 23, 2010 - Fairhaven Cemetery Historical/Ghost Tour
The Fairhaven Cemetery, in conjunction with the Orange County High School of the Arts, is hosting its 13th Cemetery Tour on October 23rd. The title this year is "Strangers in a Strange Land: Immigrants Who Shaped Orange County." This living history tour highlights the variety of people who settled Orange County between the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Settlers came to the Santa Ana Valley from far and wide, and set the foundation the diverse community we now have today.
The first tour begins at 10 a.m., are led at regular intervals throughout the day, with the last one embarking at 3 p.m. Presale tickets are available at the following prices until October 20th:
$18 - adults
$14 - seniors
$13 - SAHPS members
$12 - students (ages 10-18)
Free - children under 10
Please call (714) 953-1876 for more information and to purchase tickets. Tour times re available at www.santaanahistory.com.
Location: Fairhaven Memorial Park and Mortuary, 1702 Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705.
October 30, 2010 - "Flip the Switch" at Saddleback High School
Saddleback High School will be hosting Santa Ana Unified School District's "Flip the Switch" celebration and Environmental Expo on Saturday October 30th. The switch on the largest operating solar project in Orange County will be flipped for the first time. Come join staff, students and supporters fro a historic occasion!
For more information contact Santa Ana Unified School District at (714) 480-5373.
Location: Saddleback High School, 2802 South Flower Street, Santa Ana, CA 92707.
November 3, 2010 - Veteran's Day Recognition & Job Fair
To commemorate this year's Veteran's Day, a special Veteran's Day Celebration will be held to recognize the service and contributions to our community and country made by our U.S. Military veterans. The event is hosted by the Employment Development Department, the Orange County Veteran's Employment Committee, Orange County One-Stop Centers, and the Santa Ana W/O/R/K Center.
The celebration will feature a flag raising ceremony and job fair from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center. The ceremony and job fair is open to the public, with the key note address given by Brigadier General Keith D. Jones, Assistant Division Commander of the 40th Infantry Division, California Army National Guard. Veterans are encouraged to attend, and will have the opportunity to get information about veteran benefits, network with veterans service organizations, and register with the V.A. Hospital, Long Beach.
For more information, please call John Cook at (714) 241-4955, or Daniel McHenry at (949) 341-8067.
Location: Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center, Casa Santa Fe Room, 1000 E. Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
City of Westminster
October 22, 2010 - Whooping Cough and Pneumonia Vaccine Clinic at the County Community Service Center
The Orange County Health Care Agency and our office are sponsoring a free clinic at the County Community Service Center on Friday October 22nd. At this clinic the Pneumococcal vaccine will be available for older adults and Pertussis shots for those who spend time around pregnant women and/or infants.
For more information, please call the County Community Service Center at (714) 889-4105.
Location: County Community Service Center, 15460 Magnolia Ave, Westminster, CA 92683 (Magnolia/McFadden).
October 23, 2010 - Founder's Day Parade
The City of Westminster is hosting the 2010 Founder's Day Parade at Sigler Park on Saturday, October 23rd at 9:30 a.m. Join many of your fellow Westminster residents for a fun-filled, family-oriented day!
For more information, please call the Community Services & Recreation Department at (714) 895-2860.
Location: Sigler Park, 7200 Plaza Street, Westminster.
November 10, 2010 - Youth Committee Meeting
The City of Westminster's Youth Committee will meet on Wednesday November 11th at 3:30 p.m. in room A/B at the Community Services Building. The Youth Committee works under the Community Services and Recreation Department, and acts as an advisory group to the City Council in matters concerning the youth of our community.
For more information and to apply, please call (714) 895-2860 or visit the Youth Committee section of the City's website at www.westminster-ca.gov/officials/comms/youth_committee.asp.
To contact Supervisor Janet Nguyen, please call 714-834-3110 or email Janet.Nguyen@ocgov.com. |
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