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Focus On Fullerton - July 2010

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Focus on Fullerton

New Library hours announced

Due to budget reductions for the 2010-11 fiscal year, the Fullerton Public Library will be closing its Main and Hunt Branch facilities on specific days to save on staff and operational costs.

The Main Library will be closed Fridays and Saturdays, and the Hunt Branch will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays only, as of July 1. The Bookmobile will also be taken out of service.

Library Director Maureen Gebelein said the decision to reduce hours was made by the City Council as it struggled to close an approximate $6 million gap in the 2010-11 budget caused by the economic downturn. Cuts were made across the board, affecting all city departments and operations.

Gebelein said in addition to the reduction in hours, the Library took a 98 percent cut in its materials acquisition budget.

New hours for the Main Library, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

New hours for the Hunt Branch, 201 S. Basque Ave., are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday, and noon-8 p.m. Thursday.

“With fewer staff and shorter hours Library patrons may experience longer waits,” Gebelein said. “However, we are still committed to providing the best service possible to our customers.”

Further information about the new schedules may be obtained by calling the Fullerton Public Library at (714) 738-6380.


July 4th Celebration See you there!

Community Fireworks
Show and Festival

5-9:30 p.m. July 4

                          Fullerton High
School Stadium

Berkeley and Lemon

FREE admission!

Information:
(714) 738-6575


'Google Fiber for Fullerton's Future!'

Say farewell to the days when you could hear the internet dial up tones as you signed on to check email and say hello to downloading a full DVD in approximately 10 seconds.

Although the technology is not new, its distribution is. Because of that fact, in March the City of Fullerton responded to a nationwide Request for Information (RFI) for communities to participate in Google Inc.’s “Google Fiber for Communities” program which will test ultrahigh speed broadband, deliver Internet speeds of 1 gigabit per second, and provide fiber-to-the-home connections at a competitive price.

Fiber for Fullerton's FutureThis experiment in fiber networks seeks to reach up to 500,000 people. Approximately 1,100 cities across the United States applied for the program but only a few will be selected as test sites for the Google experiment.

Fullerton has been preparing for this opportunity and hopes to be selected as a test site. In 2000 the City undertook policy measures to stay ahead of the technology curve in order to counter the declining manufacturing economic base of the 1990s. At that time, Fullerton was already built out, therefore limiting traditional economic expansion efforts.

Expanding Fullerton’s economic sector has been a growing priority of the City over the last 10 years. This foresight resulted in the creation of the Technological Infrastructure Task Force by the City Council to inventory Fullerton’s existing technological infrastructure and provide recommendations that would increase technological awareness and infrastructure in the City.

In 2003 the Technology Working Group (TWG) became an official City advisory group tasked with implementing the recommendations of the Technological Infrastructure Task Force. The TWG is designed to assist the City with the development of a Telecommunications Master Plan that incorporates wireless, fiber optic and new hybrid-fiber-coax (HFC) technologies. The TWG’s efforts over the last eight years were immensely helpful in the City’s response to the Google RFI.

A fiber network investment by Google Inc. in Fullerton would support existing efforts to attract new technology companies, as well as help expand the City’s economic base. Cities chosen as finalists will be contacted for facility investigations, further clarification of application answers and possible interviews. Google’s goal is to collect data and share with the global community best practices for delivering high speed internet. Final candidates will be announced by the end of the year. Until then, the TWG is planning to launch “Google Season” to capitalize on the enthusiasm generated for broadband in Fullerton by the Google RFI.

The City of Fullerton would like to thank every person, business and community group that “mapped” their support for Fullerton on the City’s website and those who submitted You Tube videos on behalf of the “Google Fiber for Fullerton’s Future!” initiative. Special thanks to the Fullerton Joint Union High School District and California State University, Fullerton for being collaborators in raising support. Other institutions and community groups are encouraged to show their support by sending letters or statements of endorsement to Nicole Coats, redevelopment project manager for the City at NicoleC@ci.fullerton.ca.us, or at Fullerton City Hall, 303 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA, 92832.

To learn more about “Google Fiber for Fullerton’s Future!” log on to the City’s website at www.cityoffullerton.com/depts/admin_serv/technology/fullerton_fiber.

To become involved in “Google Fiber for Fullerton’s Future,” e-mail Roger Burtner, TWG chairman, at rlburtner@gmail.com.


Chris Meyer to retire; Felz named acting city manager

Joe Felz, a 25-year veteran of the City of Fullerton, has been named acting city manager to replace City Manager Chris Meyer, who will retire Dec. 30.

Felz’ promotion becomes effective on a six-month trial basis Dec. 31. The decision was made at the June 15 Fullerton City Council meeting.

“In making the appointment, the council noted the city has been experiencing unsettling times due to financial concerns facing most California cities,” Meyer explained.

“The council felt it would be good to have stability in the transition of the leadership of the organization when I retire, and they believe Joe, with his long tenure with the city, would provide that stability.”

Joe Felz and Chris MeyerMeyer joined the city in 1976 as an administrative intern in the City Manager’s Office. In 1983 he was named assistant to the city manager.

In 1995, Meyer became director of administrative services – a post he held until 2001 when he was named acting city manager to replace Jim Armstrong, who accepted the Santa Barbara city manager job.

In March 2002, the council appointed Meyer to the permanent city manager’s post.

Meyer and his wife, Janny, plan to remain in Fullerton. They have one son - Brandon, a Fullerton police officer.

Felz, a California native, holds both bachelor and master degrees in sociology from Cal State Fullerton.

Felz came to work for the city in 1984 as a recreation coordinator. In 1987, he was made a community services supervisor for the Parks and Recreation Department’s Cultural and Events Division. In that capacity, he oversaw development of the Fullerton Museum Center.

In his term as museum director, the facility garnered recognition and numerous awards for its exhibits and educational programs, including being named “Outstanding Arts Organization” by Arts Orange County, a nonprofit county-wide arts council.

Felz was also responsible for organizing and presenting city-wide events such as the annual “First Night Fullerton” New Year’s Eve celebration, and the “Community Fireworks Show and Festival” for the Fourth of July.

In 2005 Felz was named assistant to the city manager, and to the post of parks and recreation director in 2007.

Felz and his wife, Kathleen, live in Fullerton. They have two daughters.


Tha AnswerOutdoor summer concerts return!

Things will get rocking at the Fullerton Sports Complex July 14 when the Parks and Recreation Department’s popular summer concert series returns!

All concerts will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. While food will be available for purchase, concert-goers can bring a picnic supper, as well as lawn chairs or blankets for seating.

There will also be free arts and crafts for children.

Kicking off the series July 14 will be the group “The Answer,” which performs the classic rock sounds of such legends as Jim Morrison and Creedence Clearwater.

Other concerts are: “Bubba and the Big Bad Blues” July 21; “Deke Dickerson and the Eccofonics” July 28; Southbound Aug. 4; “Help!” a Beatles tribute band Aug. 11; and the “Jann Browne Band” Aug. 18.

The Sports Complex is at 560 E. Silver Pine St. For more information call (714) 738-3333.


New career and job help available at Fullerton Public Library!

People looking for a new career can now get on-line help through “Career Transitions,” a new database offered by the Fullerton Public Library.

Career Transitions“Career Transitions” is a web-based service that walks potential job-seekers through the entire process of finding and getting a job.

Kyle Samudio, adult services librarian, explained “each user sets up a personal account and follows along at their own pace, saving their work as they go. After landing a new position, ‘Career Transitions’ serves as a life-long companion for professional development.”

Library patrons can set up a personal account using the Library’s public access computer. Once the account is set up, the patron can return to his/her profile to update information either at the Library or from their own computer.

Samudio said once a user sets up a profile, “Career Transitions” will offer a number of options. “For example, the ‘Discover My Interests’ option lets the user explore 180 different work activities, helping them to narrow down their occupational interests and find the career path right for them,” Samudio said.

Other options include:

  • Explore Careers - Takes the interests and careers the user identified in the “Discover My Interests” section, and uses them to find job opportunities based on state, career and industry.
  • Improve My Chances – Offers users advice on how to improve their chances of getting hired, including information on networking, applying and interviewing.
  • Find Jobs - Lets the user search many of the major job sites such as Monster and CareerBuilder, as well as “hidden” sources like company, government, and association job sites.

Samudio added job seekers will be especially interested in the “Prepare Resume” option which “shows how job seekers can create a great resume and list of references in just six steps.”

If you need help accessing or using “Career Transitions,” ask for assistance at the Library Information Desk.

Samudio noted that patrons will need a free library card to access “Career Transitions” from home, “so make sure you stop by either the Main or Hunt Branch libraries and get a card if you are interested in the remote option.”

“Career Transitions,” which is offered to libraries at no cost, is supported by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act administered in California by the State Librarian.”


VoteNomination period to open for council race

The nomination period for persons interested in running for a seat on the Fullerton City Council in the Nov. 2 general municipal election opens July 12.

Two seats will be vacant in the election, both for four-year terms. It is possible a third seat - the unexpired term of Councilman Shawn Nelson, who was recently elected to the county Board of Supervisors - will also be up for election. The Council will decide that this month.

Deadline for filing nomination papers for the four-year terms is 5 p.m. Aug. 6. If either incumbent holding a four-year seat fails to return papers by the Aug. 6 deadline, the filing period will be extended through 5 p.m. Aug. 11.

Nomination papers may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office at City Hall, 303 W. Commonwealth Ave. The completed papers must be returned to the office.

For further information call the City Clerk’s Office at (714) 738-6355.


Attention homeowners: Time to tune-up your irrigation system!

The City of Fullerton would like to encourage you to inspect your irrigation system at least once a month to ensure it is operating properly and in compliance with City conservation requirements. An irrigation system that has leaks, broken parts and is not working properly can be the biggest source of water waste for any home or business.

To help reinforce the importance of routinely inspecting your irrigation system, please review the following conservation guidelines currently in effect in the City and suggested corrective actions.

City Ordinance 12.06.100(A) states “Watering of landscape or other turf area shall not be allowed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.”

Conservation tip: Irrigating during the day can result in water loss due to evaporation or heavy winds. Adjust your irrigation timer to water either before 6 a.m. or after 9 p.m.

Watering during these suggested times is especially important if the sidewalk in front of your home or business is frequently traveled by pedestrians (i.e., kids going to school or adults exercising) who may slip on a wet sidewalk or be sprayed by sprinklers.

City Ordinance 12.06.090 states at all times “No water runoff from landscaped areas into adjoining streets, sidewalks, and paved areas due to incorrectly directed or incorrectly maintained sprinklers or excessive watering shall be allowed.”

Conservation tip: The soil in Fullerton is primarily composed of clay and tends to stop absorbing water after a few minutes of irrigation. Cycles lasting beyond 5 minutes tend to create significant runoff that ends up in the gutter; therefore, if you commonly water your lawn for 10 minutes, adjust your controller to water for 5 minutes and then 5 additional minutes an hour later. This simple change will provide the time needed for the soil to absorb as much water as possible and reduces runoff.

City Ordinance 12.06.100(A) states “All leaks from indoor and outdoor plumbing fixtures shall be promptly repaired.”

Conservation tip: Irrigation systems should be routinely tested to identify any leaks, broken sprinkler heads, or sprinklers watering into the street or other hardscaped areas.

Property owners should not rely on others (i.e. gardener, neighbor, or City “water cop”) to identify improperly functioning sprinkler heads.

City Ordinance 12.06.100(A) states “There shall be no hose washing of sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking areas, or other paved surfaces…”

Conservation tip: Use a broom. Cleaning sidewalks and driveways with a hose wastes water and washes pollutants into storm drains and eventually into the ocean.

Rebates Available!

The Metropolitan Water District offers rebates to Fullerton customers who install new water-saving devices, including smart irrigation timers and rotating nozzles. For more information about rebates please visit www.bewaterwise.com.

If you have any questions about conservation please call the City’s Water Watchdog Hotline at (714) 738-6744 and a conservation specialist will be happy to assist you.


Zelinka named to head Community Development Department

Al Zelinka
Al Zelinka

Al Zelinka, planning manager for the City of Fullerton, has been named director of the Community Development Department by City Manager Chris Meyer.

Zelinka replaces John Godlewski, who has retired after three years as department director.

Prior to joining Fullerton in 2008, Zelinka was vice president of RBF Consulting and served as a principal of RBF’s Urban Design Studio. Prior to that, he has more than 20 years of experience as a planner for both public and private agencies.

Zelinka is the author of numerous articles on planning for professional journals, and co-authored the book “SafeScape: Creating Safer, More Livable Communities Through Planning and Design,” which has become a standard text in planning courses. He also co-authored the book “Placemaking On A Budget.”

Zelinka is a member of the American Planning Association, the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), and the California Planning Roundtable.

The recipient of many professional and project-related awards, Zelinka was recently made a member of the AICP’s College of Fellows in recognition of his contributions to the planning profession. He is one of only approximately 400 planners nationwide to have achieved that honor.

Zelinka, a Pennsylvania native, holds a bachelor’s degree in public planning from Northern Arizona University, and a master’s degree in regional planning from Cornell University.

Zelinka and his wife, Anna, a principal planner for the City of Orange, live in Orange. They have one son, John, 4.


New website tool for businesses

The Fullerton Chamber of Commerce has launched a new website that includes several new features designed to better connect the Fullerton business community directly to opportunities provided by local resource agencies.

For further information please visit FullertonChamber.com to view the new comprehensive calendar of local businessrelated training programs and workshops.

A link to the Chamber’s new Entrepreneur and Business Training and Workshop Calendar is also available on the City’s website under the heading “local resources for businesses.”


Project Pollution PreventionHome mechanic tips to prevent water pollution

Clean beaches and healthy creeks, rivers, bays and ocean are important to Fullerton and all of Orange County. However, many common activities can lead to water pollution if you’re not careful.

Help prevent water pollution by taking your old oil and oil filters to a used oil collection center. Most major automotive maintenance centers will accept up to five gallons of used motor oil at no cost. For a list of locations, please visit www.cleanup.org.

Changing the oil in your vehicle can save you money.

However, improper disposal of used oil is illegal and can lead to fines. If you pour or drain oil onto driveways, sidewalks or streets, it can be washed into the storm drain.

Working on CarFollow these tips to help prevent water pollution:

Work Site

  • Locate the storm drains on or near your property. Do not allow used oil or any materials to flow into these drains.
  • Perform automotive projects under a cover and in a controlled area to prevent storm water runoff.
  • Sweep or vacuum your automotive work space regularly
  • Use a damp mop to clean work areas. Never hose down surfaces into the street, gutter or storm drain.
  • Pour mop water into a sink or toilet. Never dispose of water in a parking lot, street, gutter or storm drain.

Prevent leaks and spills

  • Empty drip pans into a labeled, seal container before they are full.
  • Wipe up any spills or repair leaks as they happen.
  • Place large pans under wrecked cars until all fluids drain.
  • Promptly dispose of collected fluids into a hazardous waste drum or deliver them to an oil recycling center.

A list of used oil recycling centers can be found at http://www.ochealthinfo.com/regulatory/usedoil.htm.

Cleaning spills

  • Clean spills immediately by using absorbent material such as rags, cat litter or sand. If the material spilled is hazardous, dispose of the rag, litter or sand as hazardous waste. If the material spill is non-hazardous, dispose of it in the trash.
  • Immediately report spills that have entered the street, gutter or storm drain to the County’s 24-Hour Water Pollution Problem Reporting Hotline at 1-877-897-7455 or visit www.ocwatersheds.com to fill out an incident report.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center

Anaheim: 1071 N. Blue Gum St.
For more information, call (714) 834-6752
or visit www.oclandfills.com


Fullerton Museum CenterMuseum Center Calendar

Music Camp

10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 19-23
For students in grades 5-9
$140 general/$130 Museum members

Use your summer vacation to learn an instrument or sharpen your skills. This program will provide class and private instruction in guitar or flute, along with sessions in music history, theory, and appreciation.

Camp Da Vinci

With guest artist Katherine England
Session l, July 26-30, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (for grades 3-5)
Session ll, Aug. 2-6, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (for grades 5-8)
$220 per student

This powerful learning experience combines both art and science as we study the observation techniques and experiments of genius Leonardo Da Vinci. Students learn how to journal their experience as we cover flight, architecture, anatomy, physics and the golden segment through art, hands-on experiments and even building our own catapults. Many students come back year after year for this special class. All materials are supplied and there is a little homework. This is a great supplement to regular academic learning.

The Art of Nature

9 a.m.-noon Aug. 23-27
For students in grades 1-6
$105 general/$90 for Museum members

In this half-day program, young artists will create original artwork in a variety of media. The earth, sea and stars will be our inspiration. We will explore the plants and insects in our urban surroundings, learn about dinosaurs, and invite live animals into our studio to pose for us!

Fullerton Market

4 - 8:30 p.m. Thursdays
Through Oct.28

Wilshire, between Harbor and Pomona Featuring farm-fresh produce, craft and food booths, live entertainment, special activities for kids, and a beer and wine garden for adults.

Call 714-738-6545 for more information


Calendar

On-going – Fullerton Certified Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Independence Park, 801 W. Valencia Drive, east of Euclid Street; (714) 871-5304.

On-going – Fullerton Neighborhood Watch Association, 7 p.m., second Tuesday of month, Fullerton Police Department, 237 W. Commonwealth Ave.; (714) 738-6836.

On-going – Women’s Club of Fullerton, 6:30 p.m., third Wednesday of month, check www.womenscluboffullerton.org for location; (818) 419-4688.

On-going – Kiwanis Club of Fullerton, 12:10-1:30 p.m. Mondays, Wyndham Anaheim Park Hotel, 222 W. Houston Ave., Fullertin;; new members welcome; (714) 255-0925.

On-going – Heritage House Tours at Fullerton Arboretum, 1900 Associated Road, on the CSUF campus; 2-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; (657) 278-3579.

On-going – Newcomers Club, luncheon meetings fourth Thursday of month; open to women new to area or long-time residents; (714) 992-2356.

On-going – Alzheimer’s Support Group, 7 p.m., first Monday of month, First Christian Church, 109 E. Wilshire Ave.; (714) 525-5525.

On-going – Prostate Forum of Fullerton, 12:30 p.m. second Tuesday of the month and 7 p.m. fourth Thursday, First Presbyterian Church, 838 N. Euclid St.; (714) 607-9241 or www.Prostateforum.org.

On-going – Downtown Fullerton Art Walk, 6-10 p.m., first Friday of month; featuring galleries and businesses in Fullerton’s historic downtown; www.FullertonArtWalk.com.

On-going – Bingo Night, 7 p.m. third Saturday of month, St. Mary’s Catholic Church Parish Hall, 400 W. Commonwealth Ave.; sponsored by St. Mary’s Church; (714) 525-2500.

On-going – Fullerton Sunrise Rotary Breakfast Meetings, 7:15-8:30 a.m., Thursdays, Meridian Sports Club, 1535 Deerpark Drive; (714) 743-8670.

On-going – Fullerton Men’s Golf Club, 6 p.m., first Wednesday of the month, Fullerton Municipal Golf Course, 2700 N. Harbor Blvd.; new members welcome; (714) 578-9201.

July 10 – Mardi Gras, 7-11 p.m., Downtown Plaza, Wilshire Avenue, between Harbor Boulevard and Pomona Avenue; sponsor Women’s Transitional Living Center; featuring entertainment, dancing, silent auction, food, and crowning of Mardi Gras King and Queen; proceeds go to the WTLC; (714) 992-1939, ext. 101.

July 11 - Neighbors United for Fullerton Annual Meeting, 4 p.m., Blum home, 908 N. Ford Ave.; guest speaker will be Mayor Pro Tem Pam Keller; (14) 871-5297 or RSVP@nuffpac.org.

July 14-24 - “Peter Pan,” presented by the Fullerton Children’s Repertory Theater, Fullerton Union High School Little Theater, 201 E. Chapman Ave.; tickets (714) 671-1084.

July 16 – 20th Annual Warrior Classic Golf Tournament, 1 p.m., Coyote Hills Golf Course, 1440 E. Bastanchury Road; sponsor Troy High School Booster Club; proceeds go to the Troy Football Program; fee includes lunch and dinner; (714) 609-4514 or GoTroyHigh@aol.com.

July 16-Aug. 1 – “Ring of Fire,” Plummer Auditorium, 201 E. Chapman Ave.; presented by the Fullerton Civic Light Opera; tickets (714) 879-1732.

July 31-Aug. 1 - Friends of the Fullerton Public Library Book Sale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Fullerton Senior Multi-Service Center, 340 W. Commonwealth Ave.; proceeds support library programs; (714) 738-6326.

Aug. 12 – Dog Days of Summer, Downtown Plaza, Wilshire Avenue, between Harbor Boulevard and Pomona Avenues; featuring fun competitions for dogs, and petrelated information booths; free admission; event offered in conjunction with Fullerton Market; dog competitions 5-8 p.m., market hours 4-8:30 p.m.; (714) 738-6545.

Aug. 20 – “All that Jazz” Boys & Girls Club of Fullerton Annual Kids Auction Gala, 5 p.m., Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W. Malvern Ave.; featuring dinner, live jazz entertainment, auction and prize drawing; proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Club; tickets and information (714) 871-1391, ext. 1004, or jdow@boysgirlsfullerton.com.

Aug. 26 - “Conversation with Your City,” a special program presented by City Councilwoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, 7:30 p.m., Fullerton Museum Center, 301 N. Pomona Ave.; guest speaker Fire Chief Wolfgang Knabe; (714) 738-6311.

Send Calendar items to Public Information Office, Fullerton City Hall, 303 W. Commonwealth Ave., 92832. Mark them "Attention: Focus on Fullerton." Items may also be emailed to SylviaP@ci.fullerton.ca.us or faxed to 738-6758. INonprofit groups only. The items will also be placed on the City's cable channel and the City's web site.


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