January 29, 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. Janet Around the First District
3. Local Issues
4. Requests for Proposals
5. Community Events
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| Board of Supervisors |
At the January 26, 2010 Board meeting, my colleagues and I had the chance to say good bye to Supervisor, and soon to be Assemblyman, Chris Norby. I enjoyed working with Supervisor Norby during my time here on the Board and I wish him well as he prepares to tackle the many challenges awaiting him in Sacramento.
As we are quickly through the first month of 2010, I hope you will find the information in this newsletter helpful and informative. We will continue to keep you updated as to the activities of the Board that affect you the most.
I hope you will also attend some of the events listed in the events calendar. One of the things that makes this district unique is the variety of events held each month throughout our cities. Whether it's educational or entertainment, be a part of the community and enjoy!
Congratulations to Appointees
On Tuesday, January 26, 2010, my colleagues and I approved the appointment of Mr. Alin Hamade of Westminster, to the Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board. His new term will end on December 3, 2012.
Congratulations to Mr. Hamade and thank you for your service to the County. I look forward to your contributions.
Memorandum of Understanding for Veteran Services
The Board of Supervisors voted to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Rancho Santiago Community College District for the provision of Veterans Services at the January 26th Board meeting.
Over the last several years, there has been an increased focus on veterans returning to college and the significant challenges they face in reintegrating with their peers. The challenges range from debilitating stress, feelings of isolation, anger and frustration, physical and psychological disabilities, to loss of motivation.
A Veteran's Task Force was created at Santa Ana College (SAC) in summer 2008, and has been seeking resources to provide additional support to veterans attending Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD). RSCCD along with the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) is proposing the creation of a Veteran's Student Center to be referred to as "The Drop Zone," where veterans who are students can connect, participate in workshops and academic support, and have access to both on-campus and off-campus resources. A key component to the project will be a Peer Mentor Training Program for veterans to serve other veterans. The program complements SAC's current Veteran's Affairs Office which provides veterans with the help they need to access G.I. benefits, but is unable to provide additional counseling or support services.
Grant for Fraud Investigations and Program Accepted
At the January 26th meeting, the Board of Supervisors authorized the Office of the District Attorney's request to accept Federal and State funds in the amount not to exceed $728,133 for fraud investigations and program integrity efforts related to the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program pursuant to the California State Budget Act of 2009.
On November 10, 2009, the Board authorized the DA, in collaboration with the Social Services Agency, to submit a plan to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) to request funding for fraud investigations and program integrity efforts related to the IHSS program.
The plan was approved by CDSS in December, with a $140,829 county match requirement. CDSS has authorized the Office to use its indirect cost as an in-kind match. The DA will coordinate with the CEO Budget Management Section to include additional appropriations and revenues in the FY 2009-10 Third Quarter Budget Report to the Board. To view Orange County's Fraud Plan for fiscal year 2009-10, please click here.
Garden Grove Chapman and West Branch Library Leases
The Board of Supervisors approved the leases between the City of Garden Grove and the County of Orange for the Garden Grove Chapman Branch Library and Garden Grove West Branch Library for a multi-year term ending on July 31, 2018.
Since April 9, 1974, the County of Orange and the City of Garden Grove have entered into 10-year leases for premises located at 9182 Chapman Avenue and 11962 Bailey Street in Garden Grove to provide branch library services. The current leases expired on March 31, 2009, and the County has been occupying the premises since that time on a month-to-month holdover as provided for in the leases.
The same premises will continue to be rent-free for the term of the leases through July 31, 2018, with OC Public Libraries responsible for operations. To view the lease summary for Garden Grove Chapman, please click here. To view the lease summary for Garden Grove West Branch, please click here.
Contract with UCI Extension for Project Management Training Approved
On Tuesday, January 26, 2010, the Board authorized the execution of the contract with the University of California, Irvine (UCI) Extension for project management training that will enable OC Parks to more effectively complete its projects and provide improved facilities for the public.
Through individual one-year contracts, OC Parks has utilized the UCI Extension to provide project management training for eligible OC Parks employees. The training is offered at the UCI Extension Learning Center in Orange and is tailored specifically to the needs of OC Parks. A specific instructor, Jan Birkelbach, has been dedicated exclusively tp OC Parks training over the past two years. To date, 50 OC Parks employees have attended one or more classes.
To continue training into 2010, OC Parks has negotiated a new contract with UCI Extension that would increase the number of courses offered from six to eight and would enable an additional 25 OC Parks employees to participate.
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| OCTA |
Special Recognition and Appreciation
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) acknowledged the following men and women for their dedicated commitment to OCTA and our community in a special presentation at the January 25th Board meeting.
Coach Operator Jan Wagner was presented with an award for 30 years of safe driving and declared Coach Operator of the Month for January 2010. Resolutions of Appreciation were presented to January 2010 Employees of the Month: Lloyd Dao, Maintenance; and Charles Oliver, Administration.
Join me in thanking these individuals for their service to our county.
State Legislative Status Report
On January 8, 2010, the Governor released the fiscal year 2010-11 state budget proposal. The proposal attempts to resolve an estimated $19.9 billion General Fund deficit over the next 18 months. Deficit in the General Fund encompasses a $6.6 billion shortfall for the current fiscal year, a $12.3 billion shortfall for FY 2010-11, and maintenance of a $1 billion reserve. To view the proposal and learn of its impact on Orange County, click here.
2010 State Transportation Improvement Program
At the January 25th meeting, OCTA Board members approved the 2010 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) covering fiscal years 2010-11 through 2014-15 for a total of $298.3 million. Due to the state budget, there is no new funding in 2010 for highway or transit projects. Agencies are being held to 2008 funding levels and previously approved projects may be delayed.
Previously approved projects encompassed in the program include:
- Highway - $184.3 million
- Transit - $92.3 million
- Transportation enhancement call for projects - $20.7 million
Divided into two major funding categories, the Regional Improvement Program (RIP) and the Interregional Improvement Program (IIP), STIP is a major source of funding for transportation improvements throughout California.
Every two years, state and federal transportation revenues are forecasted and programmed for the subsequent five-year period. OCTA is responsible for the development and programming of the RIP portion of the STIP revenues, which is submitted to the California Transportation Commission (CTC) for approval and adoption.
Transportation Appropriations and Grant Application Project List
Funding requests totaling $52 million to support nine projects for submittal to the Orange County United States Congressional Delegation were adopted at the January 25th Board meeting.
FY 2011 Appropriations Project List includes:
- Riverside Freeway Congestion Relief Project
- San Diego Freeway Widening Project
- San Diego Freeway Segment Improvements
- Bristol Street Multimodal Corridor Widening
- Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center
- Grade Separations in North Orange County
- Go Local - Anaheim Fixed Guideway
- Go Local - Santa Ana-Garden Grove Fixed Guideway
- Positive Train Control for Metrolink
Each year, in preparation for its annual appropriations process, the U.S. House and Senate Appropriations Committees request that congressional members submit a list of projects for consideration and possible inclusion in the legislation authorizing discretionary spending for federal programs. OCTA's requests are to be submitted for consideration in the federal fiscal year 2011 Transportation Appropriations Bill and as federal grant opportunities become available throughout the year.
Rideshare Program Update
The OCTA's Rideshare Program is designed to create awareness and the use of alternatives to single occupant vehicle travel, such as carpooling, vanpooling, biking and transit. The goal is to reduce vehicle miles and emissions through the decrease in single occupant vehicle travel.
The OCTA offers an array of services to employers and employees, including information about alternative modes of transportation, surveys on average vehicle ridership, transportation subsidies, employer classes and training, ride-matching services and even reduced fares (for Epass, Upass, and the vanpool programs).
In addition to these, OCTA participates in several countywide promotions, such as Bike to Work, Dump the Pump and Rideshare Week, which produced nearly 10,000 rideshare trips during the week of October 5-9, 2009. In July 2007, the OCTA vanpool program was launched, and since has reduced the number of cars used by commuters. There are currently 2,300 people commuting to more than 50 worksites in Orange County. This program also generates federal funding allocations for transit capital programs.
Santa Ana Second Main Track Project Closeout
The Santa Ana Second Main Track construction project was completed by the Southern California Regional Rail Authority in February 2008. Several follow up items have been approved by the Board of Directors amounting to $3.3 million to fulfill the remaining obligations to the City of Santa Ana.
Some of these funds will be used for the design and construction modifications to the grade crossings at Fairhaven and Santa Clara avenues in Santa Ana. This will make the crossings safer and allow train engineers to not blow their horns as often. The east side of Fairhaven Avenue will subsequently be constructed as a cul-de-sac allowing vehicles to turn around at this location. Additionally, 132 windows that open toward the railroad track will be replaced with double-paned glass.
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| John Wayne Airport |
2009 Passenger Survey
Every two years John Wayne Airport conducts a passenger survey to measure traveler preferences and satisfaction among both visitors and Orange County residents. The 2009 survey demonstrated the Airport's continued success at improving customer satisfaction. In fact, more than 95% of those surveyed, graded overall satisfaction with the Airport either an "A" or "B."
As illustrated in Figure 7, 96% of Orange County residents surveyed by telephone feel that "John Wayne Airport provides excellent travel services and is a great asset to Orange County," or that "John Wayne Airport facilities and services are good and meet my travel needs."
In addition, the John Wayne Airport Terminal also continued to receive high marks for cleanliness and for instilling a feeling of safety and security.
More survey data is available at www.ocair.com/2009JWAPassengerSurvey.pdf.
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| Health Bulletin |
Free H1N1 Flu Vaccine Clinic at County Community Services Center
The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) expects H1N1 activity to continue throughout the influenza season and is recommending that all individuals, especially those on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention target list, get vaccinated as another increase in H1N1 illness could occur later this season.
Due to an increase in the availability of the vaccine in Orange County, the Health Care Agency has lifted all restrictions on the use of H1N1 vaccine and is now making it available to all interested individuals.
There will be a free H1N1 flu vaccine clinic at the County Community Services Center (CCSC) on Friday, February 5, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The CCSC is located at:
County Community Service Center
15460 Magnolia Avenue (Magnolia & McFadden)
Westminster, CA 92683
(714) 889-4105
Now that the restrictions have been lifted, Supervisor Janet Nguyen encourages everyone to get the H1N1 vaccination. This has been a particularly severe flu season, so it is important that people get vaccinated and take all proper precautions.
If you are unable to attend this clinic, you can also receive a vaccination from the Health Care Agency. Call the Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448 for additional information. A list of additional community clinics offering the H1N1 vaccine can be found by visiting the HCA web site at www.ochealthinfo.com.
In addition to getting vaccinated, it is important to remember that you can do simple things every day to reduce your chance of getting sick. One of the most effective measures to protect yourself is washing your hands with soap and water. If you cannot wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer. Also, remember to cover your cough and stay home if you are sick.
The most current local information about H1N1, including target groups of individuals at highest risk for complications of H1N1 influenza, can be found at www.flu.gov or on the HCA web site at www.healthinfo.com.
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| JANET AROUND THE FIRST DISTRICT |
Chair Janet Nguyen honors retiring sheriff's sergeant William "Bill" Riddle at the January 26, 2010 Board of Supervisors meeting for his years of service to the County. In his 30 years with the Sheriff's Department, Sergeant Riddle worked in investigations, patrol, corrections and court operations.
Nick Lecong, Deputy Chief of Staff to Supervisor Janet Nguyen, monitors the storm's progress at the County's Emergency Operations Center during last week's heavy rains.
Chair Janet Nguyen joins Supervisor John Moorlach and Vice-Chair Bill Campbell, in congratulating Assemblyman-Elect Chris Norby at the January 26, 2010 Board of Supervisors meeting.
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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
Cemetery District Introduces New Web Page
The Orange County Cemetery District has recently unveiled its new web page at www.occemeterydistrict.com. Families can learn about the three cemeteries that the District operate and find the interment location of a loved one or friend with the site's new interactive features. Working closely with Commpro LLC on the layout and design, the site provides information on the services the District provides to the residents of Orange County, rules and regulations, prices and fees, daily services, holiday flower schedules and community events hosted at each cemetery.
The District is an independent, special district governed by an appointed Board of Trustees who serve four-year terms. The three cemeteries owned and operated by the District are among the County's oldest and most established, with each having recorded burials prior to 1900.
Privately owned in the beginning, the cemeteries were formed into separate independent districts in 1926. In 1985, the districts were consolidated under one governing board to create the Orange County Cemetery District.
The District's boundaries encompass the entire county of Orange and include cemetery locations in Anaheim, Lake Forest and Santa Ana. In the past year, more than 900 spaces were sold and more than 900 burial services performed.
17 OC Teachers Earn National Certification
Congratulations to the 17 Orange County educators designated as 2009 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT), one of the most elite honors of the profession. They are joining more than 82,000 teachers nationwide who have achieved the recognition.
Honorees from the First District include:
Ms. Stacy Kline - Santa Ana Unified
Career and Technical Education/Early Adolescence - Young Adult
MS. Allison Maynard - Garden Grove Unified
English Language Arts/ Adolescence and Young Adulthood
The application process for NBCT typically takes one to three years, including a request for a detailed portfolio, a video footage and self-reflective commentary, and a three-hour computer exam. Applicants must request certification in one of 25 specialty areas. Once chosen, the certification is valid for ten years. The program is administered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
OC Public Libraries Closed Dates
All branches of OC Public Libraries will be closed on Friday, February 12 in observance of Lincoln's Birthday and on Monday, February 15 in observance of Washington's Birthday.
Please take the opportunity to explore the Libraries' featured online services:
Orange County Digital Stories: View online videos of Californians sharing their personal memories of life in the golden state, here.
eAudio & eBooks: Download best selling audio books 24/7 to your PC at home, in the office or from anywhere in the world, here.
Historical Images Collection: View and download high quality historical images of Orange County, here.
For additional information, please visit the OC Public Libraries homepage, here.
Garden Grove
Community Needs Meeting
Community members interested in participating in the City's five-year consolidated plan to address housing and community needs are invited to attend a meeting on Monday, February 1, 2010. Hosted by the City of Garden Grove Community Development Department, the meeting will be held at the Community Meeting Center, 11300 Stanford Avenue, at 6:30 p.m.
Input from the meeting will assist the City in creating a consolidated plan that will address the needs of low- to moderate-income participants of the Housing and Urban Development programs. A draft of the plan may be available as early as April 2010. Surveys will be available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese at various city locations including libraries and City Hall. Input can also be provided online by completing a Community Needs Survey available in English and Spanish. To complete the survey, please go to www.ci.garden-grove.ca.us, and click on Community Needs Survey.
For additional information, please call the City's Community Development Department at (714) 741-5144, or visit the Neighborhood Improvement Division on the City web site at www.ci.garden-grove.org.
Santa Ana
Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration
In celebration of our 16th President, a special traveling exhibit called "Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America", from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Illinois, will visit the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana from February 1 - 26.
The Orange County Archives, in conjunction with OC Parks and the Old Courthouse Museum will host the month-long exhibition and lecture series commemorating President Lincoln's life and achievements. The features span Lincoln's childhood, self-education, family life, and his careers as a surveyor and lawyer. It will also include many important events in our nation's history, such as the Lincoln-Douglas debates, the 1860 Presidential election, the Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln. Special features include Lincoln photos and memorabilia.
Special lectures will take place throughout the month, with different guest speakers:
Wednesday, Feb. 3, 6 pm:
Dr. Don McCue - "Lincoln and California"
Saturday, Feb. 6, 10 am:
Kids Day at "Abraham Lincoln: Self-Made in America." Civil War-era crafts, games and snacks.
Thur. Feb. 11, 6 pm:
William Peck - "Lincoln and the Law" (RSVP required)
Wednesday, Feb. 17, 11:45 am:
Dr. Larry Burgess - "Bicentennial's End: Where does that leave Lincoln?" (RSVP required)
Thursday, Feb. 25, 6pm:
Dr. Ron Rietveld - "The Last Photograph"
Contact Jennifer Lowe at (714) 834-3012 or e-mail Jennifer.lowe@ocgov.com to RSVP
Location: Old County Courthouse, 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA
For more information please visit www.PresidentLincoln.org, or contact the OC County Clerk-Recorder at (714) 834-2500.
Tax Break for Low Income Working Families
Do you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)? One of the largest federal credits available, EITC is a refundable tax credit for eligible working families with low to moderate income. Congress originally approved the tax credit legislation in 1975, in part to offset the burden of social security taxes and to provide an incentive to work. When the EITC exceeds the amount of taxes owed, it results in a tax refund to those who claim and qualify for the credit.
The City of Santa Ana is offering free tax preparation assistance to help families find out their qualification status.
Please call (888) 434-8248 (English) or (866) 921-3890 (Spanish) to schedule an appointment for free tax preparation assistance.
EITC Super Saturday - Santa Ana Public Library, 26 Civic Center Plaza
• January 30, 2010 from 10 am - 2 pm
Boys & Girls Club, 950 West Highland Street
• February 13, 2010 from 9 am - 1 pm
• February 27, 2010 from 9 am- 1 pm
• March 13, 2010 from 9 am - 1 pm
• March 17, 2010 from 3 pm- 7 pm
• March 27, 2010 from 9 am - 1 pm
• March 31, 2010 from 3 pm - 7 pm
• April 3, 2010 from 9 am - 1 pm
• April 10, 2010 from 9 am - 1pm
Delhi Community Center, 505 East Central Avenue
• February 27, 2010 from 9 am - 3 pm
El Sol Science and Arts Academy, 1010 North Broadway Avenue
• February 6, 2010 from 8 am - 1 pm
• February 27, 2010 from 8 am - 12 pm
Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1100 South Center Street
• March 6, 2010 from 9 am - 2 pm
• March 20, 2010 from 9 am - 2 pm
In addition, the I-CAN! T E-File computer module at www.icanefile.org will help you do your taxes for free in English, Spanish, or Vietnamese and is available to residents from any computer with internet access. Please refer to the attached flyer for additional information.
Westminster
Tet Celebrations Ring in the Year of the Tiger
Showcasing Vietnam's rich and colorful legacy, the Union of Vietnamese Student Associations (UVSA) is hosting the 29th Annual Tet Festival of Southern California from Friday, February 12 through Sunday, February 14 at Garden Grove Park, 9301 Westminster Avenue. Tet Nguyen Dan, the Vietnamese celebration of the Lunar New Year, gives Vietnamese Americans the opportunity to celebrate their cultural heritage. The name Tet Nguyen Dan is Sino-Vietnamese for Feast of the First Morning, derived from the Han nom characters.
Entertainment includes traditional dances and songs, demonstration of martial arts, a folk musical, contests, a beauty pageant and the Westminster Tet Parade. The parade will be held Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 9:30 a.m., on Bolsa Ave. between Magnolia and Bushard, in Little Saigon. A copy of the parade route is available, here.
Admission for adults is $5 at the door; $4 for children 4 feet and under. For additional information, please go to the event's web site at tetfestival.org or call (714) 890-1418.
First Time Homebuyer Program
The City of Westminster is hosting a series of seminars for residents interested in a first time homebuyer loan. Seating is limited to 75 people at each seminar and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The seminars will be held in the Council Chamber, 8200 Westminster Boulevard in the Civic Center, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dates:
• Saturday, February 13, 2010
• Saturday, March 20, 2010
• Saturday, April 10, 2010
• Saturday, May 08, 2010
• Saturday, June 12, 2010
Additional information including program details can be found under the Community Development Department, Housing Division tab at www.comehometowestminster.org.
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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
February 6, 2010 - OC Black History Cultural Fair
The OC Black History Cultural Fair is celebrating its 30th year and will be held on Saturday February 6th. Attendees will have the opportunity to shop, eat good food, enjoy great entertainment and have an all around fun time. African Americans have and will continue to be productive contributors in Orange County, and the Black History Cultural Fair reinforces this. The fun will take place at the Santa Ana Civic Center, rain or shine, and on-site parking is available.
February 7, 2010 - One Day in the Community
Un Día en la Comunidad (One Day in the Community) 2010 is an exciting and information-filled event that will serve the local neighborhood of Casa Bonita. Come join the festivities on Sunday, February 7th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Taquerias Guadalajara,1904 W. 1st St (corner of Daisy & 1st St.) For additional information, please contact Luis Aguilar at laguilar@kermesce.com or at (714)954-0286.
February 11, 2010 - Foreclosure Prevention Workshop
This free workshop will be offered in both English and Spanish and will be held at Calvary Church, 1010 N. Tustin Ave. in Santa Ana. HUD-approved housing counseling agencies, lenders and nonprofit legal counselors will be on-site to assist attendees. The English session is from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the Spanish session is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. RSVP at oc.myhousingforall.org or e-mail myhousingforall@aol.com.
City of Westminster
February 12, 2010 - Orchid Show and Sale at Westminster Mall
On Friday, February 12th from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. the Newport Harbor Orchid Society will present an International Orchid Show and Sale at 1025 Westminster Mall, Westminster. Orchid and orchid supply vendors from around the world will be showcased. Activities include free lectures on orchid growing and related subjects.
To contact Supervisor Janet Nguyen, please call 714-834-3110 or email Janet.Nguyen@ocgov.com. |
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