Focus On Fullerton - July 2009
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Fees waived for ‘green’ projectsPlanning some improvements around your home or business? If you are, the City of Fullerton may be able to help you save some money in the process. The City has implemented its new “Building Fee Waiver Program” for “green” (environmentally sustainable) projects. The fee waiver program was requested by the Fullerton City Council, said John Godlewski, director of the City’s Community Development Department, which includes the Building Division. Godlewski explained the program will waive permits for “green” improvements – those that save energy use, water consumption, etc. – for residential, commercial and industrial properties. “Due to changing economic conditions and federal policies, the proposal is focused on encouraging owners to make resource-saving improvements to their properties,” Godlewski said. Types of “green improvements” included in the fee waver program include tankless domestic water heaters, skylights approved by the California Energy Commission, renewable energy systems, and installation of solar panels, high-performance windows, waterless urinals, and photo voltaic solar systems. Information on the new “green” building permit fee waiver program may be obtained by calling the Building Division of the Community Development Department at (714) 738-6541.
Are you registered yet?
“AlertOC” is a city-wide mass notification system that can send messages about emergency situations and conditions to registered participants within minutes via phone, cell phone, email and text. The system would be used to disseminate messages pertaining to the health or safety of the community, such as major fires, flooding, missing persons and road closures. The City, in cooperation with the County of Orange, has been testing the system and expects to go live with it this month. Participation in “AlertOC” is free, and citizens can register by logging onto www.alertoc.com. Once on the site, scroll down to the map of Orange County and click on the City of Fullerton. You will then be directed to a page where you can register both your home and/or business. For now, registration is solely web-based and must be completed via the internet. If you do not have internet access a relative or friend can register you, or you can use one of the free computers in the Fullerton Main and Hunt Branch libraries to sign on. Further information may be obtained by calling the Fire Prevention Division of the Fullerton Fire Department at (714) 738-6500.
Project T: preparing for the future
You may not know this, but the City of Fullerton is home to the busiest train station in Orange County, providing access to Amtrak and Metrolink rail service, the OCTA bus system, private taxi service, and secure bicycle storage. Originally developed in the 1970s, the Fullerton Transportation Center (FTC) is centrally located in Fullerton’s historic downtown core, which contains a lively mix of urban-scaled housing along with office, retail and entertainment uses.  Fullerton has long been a Southern California leader in passenger rail improvement efforts. The FTC ranks No. 1 in boardings on the Orange County line, and No. 3 on the five-county Metrolink commuter rail system.
With the recent adoption of Senate Bill 375, Fullerton considers the goal of reducing green house gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled a priority. Through SB 375, local governments will collaborate to promote compact growth patterns and identify emission-reduction goals for the region. The California High Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has identified Fullerton as an optional station on the first Southern California segment of its planned high speed train service. The CHSRA will evaluate the Fullerton Transportation Center for “skip-stop” service on the Los Angeles-to-Anaheim segment of the high speed rail project. A skip-stop reduces travel times and increases capacity by scheduling some trains to stop at the station while others continue through the station. On April 27, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board approved Fullerton’s Project T grant funding application for $875,000. Project T funds will allow the City to perform preliminary engineering for the proposed expansion of the Transportation Center to include an additional station and loading platform. The Fullerton Redevelopment Agency will provide 11 percent matching funds toward the project. The City anticipates involving the community, OCTA and CHSRA in both the planning and development of Fullerton’s high-speed train station. For further information or questions regarding the Project T grant funding from OCTA for preliminary engineering of a California High Speed Rail Fullerton Station, contact Nicole Coats, Redevelopment and Economic Development project manager, at (714) 738-4102 or nicolec@ci.fullerton.ca.us.
Water supply allocations: careful use of a precious resource
What are water supply allocations? The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which supplies 25-40 percent of Fullerton’s water, has developed a Water Supply Allocation Plan to deal with our current water shortage. Under a formula that considers many factors, such as water demand, local supply investments, conservation efforts and retail economic impacts, the plan reduces each MWD member agency’s imported water deliveries in a manner that does not severely impact an agency heavily dependent on imported water. Instead, it takes into account the efforts MWD member agencies have taken to reduce dependence on imported water. An allocated amount of water will be provided through the formula, and if one exceeds the allocation, a penalty will be assessed. The plan does not limit Fullerton’s access to imported water beyond its allocated amount; it simply requires a higher rate for excess water. Why are we in allocations? There are two primary factors limiting our water supply. First, State Water Project supplies are reduced due to recent pumping restrictions to protect the Delta smelt. Second, the state is in its third consecutive year of a drought. With these factors combined, the MWD does not anticipate having enough water to meet expected demands this year. As a result, the MWD must allocate its limited water supply among its member agencies. To do so, the MWD is calling for Fullerton and all its member agencies to reduce their water usage in order to make demand meet available supplies. The impact on the end user is water conservation. What have agencies done to prevent mandatory conservation? The MWD and its member agencies have engaged in a number of water demand management measures to avoid mandatory conservation. One such action is the draw-out of 2 million acre feet from the MWD’s water reserves in the past three years. In 2009, the MWD expects to pull out an additional 250,000 acre feet, leaving only 25 percent in reserves for the coming years. In addition, a number of water exchange agreements were approved by the MWD with water agencies in Nevada and Arizona. These exchanges call for taking surplus water from the Colorado River today in exchange for returning water to these agencies in later years. The MWD’s Board has also authorized water purchases from the California Department of Water Resources’ Drought Water Bank. Locally, water utilities in Southern California are engaged in a five-year action plan to accelerate local water resource projects and implement extraordinary conservation measures. Through the partnerships with water agencies and additional funding from the MWD, local water agencies identify local projects that could be accelerated to be on-line in the next couple of years to offset imported water demands. Projects in Orange County range from recycled water to ocean desalination. What does a Stage 2 water shortage mean to Fullerton? At its April 14 Board meeting, the MWD entered Stage 2 of its Water Supply Allocation Plan. Stage 2 designation is a water supply that is 10 percent short of meeting expected demand. The impact to each water agency varies depending on its water supply portfolio. Fullerton, for example, relies more on groundwater pumping from the groundwater basin. In southern Orange County, groundwater is scarce and most water agencies rely anywhere from 95-100 percent on imported water. Areas more dependent on imported water will see a higher call for reduction versus areas that have access to more local supplies. Fullerton’s goal is a five percent reduction from projected demands. If you have questions regarding conservation please visit the City of Fullerton web site at www.ci.fullerton.ca.us and click on the leaky faucet. That will take you to information on rebates and links to other water saving tips. You can also call the City’s Water Engineering Office at (714) 738–6896 for information.
Business BeatCongratulations to the new - and old - members of our business community! Ribbon-cuttings were held recently at the following places: Tranquil Tea Lounge
106 W. Wilshire Ave, grand opening.
T-Mobile
1105 S. Euclid St., Suite A - Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Fullerton Marriott
2701 E. Nutwood Ave.. 20th anniversary!
For further information, contact the Fullerton Chamber of Commerce at (714) 871-3100.
 Work begins on long-awaited Lions Field project
Work has begun on much-needed renovations to Lions Field, home to many youth sports teams, including Little League and Pop Warner Football. “This project has been in the planning stage for nearly a decade and a half as the City worked with various youth sports teams on a design that addresses all needs,” said City Manager Chris Meyer. “Funding for the approximately $13 million project was secured in the 2005 Redevelopment Bond, as well as from the 1998 Park Improvement Bond and park dwelling taxes. The project will not impact the current City operating budget.” The first phase will consist of clearing, grading, stabilization and re-forestation of the park’s north slope, which is the south slope of the sports field. Once complete, work will begin on installation of new fields, a clubhouse/concession building, and parking areas. The project is to be done by August 2010. Residents may experience increased traffic, traffic delays, and noise from the construction; however, residents can be assured the City will take steps to minimize inconvenience caused by the construction. For information about the project call the Parks and Recreation Department at (714) 738-6575.
Demonstration garden on display
Fullerton City Hall’s exterior is sporting a new look thanks to a joint project of Fullerton Beautiful Inc., a nonprofit community beautification organization, and the City’s Landscape Division. The City Council approved installation of a demonstration garden filled with drought-tolerant plants on the north side of City Hall. Fullerton Beautiful, in turn, donated $5,000 to help fund the project. Dennis Quinlivan, landscape superintendent for the City, explained the idea for a demonstration garden was originally proposed by the City’s Water Engineering Division to promote reduction in water use through drought-tolerant plantings. While working with Fullerton Beautiful on the existing succulent garden planted in front of the Police Department, Quinlivan mentioned the City Hall demonstration garden, and Fullerton Beautiful offered to pay half of the cost. Quinlivan said the demonstration garden, located on both sides of the main walkway that leads from Amerige Avenue to City Hall’s north doors, uses a combination of succulents, such as barrel cactus, aloe and agaves, and drought-tolerant perennials such as irises, lavender and western redbud,” Quinlivan said. He added that the intent of the garden “is to further familiarize the public with low water usage plants so they can see how spectacular it can look.” Further information may be obtained by calling Quinlivan at (714) 738-6805. Information about water conversation may be obtained by calling Water Engineering at (714) 738-6845.
Home improvement help availalbleCould your home use a new roof or fresh coat of paint? How about other basic improvements to your home? If your answer to either of these questions is “yes,” but your checkbook balance says it’s out of the question, don’t give up: The City of Fullerton may be able to help. The City, through its Housing and Community Rehabilitation Office, offers low-interest home improvement loans to Fullerton residents and property owners who meet the program’s income criteria. “The goal of the program is to assist very-low, low- and moderate-income residents who cannot afford to keep up their homes on their own,” explained Sylvia Chavez, housing programs assistant for the City. “By providing them with a way of taking care of their homes, the City is helping protect their quality of life, as well as their property values.” Chavez said there are two types of loans: Below-market interest rate loans of up to $65,000, with a maximum repayment period of 15 years. Deferred loans, which are available for citizens who are unable to qualify for the below-market interest rate loans. Deferred loans require no monthly payments and are reviewed every 15 years for eligibility. These loans are due upon sale or transfer of the home.
Applicants must have sufficient equity in their homes to qualify for loans. Applications and information may be obtained by calling Chavez at (714) 738-6874, or by coming to the Housing and Community Rehabilitation Office on the second floor of Fullerton City Hall at 303 W. Commonwealth Ave.
Summer Concert Series
Things will get rocking at the Fullerton Sports Complex July 15 when the Parks and Recreation Department’s popular outdoor summer concert series returns All concerts in the six-week series will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays. While food will be available for purchase at the complex, concert-goers are welcome to bring a picnic supper to enjoy, as well as lawn chairs or blankets for seating. Kicking off the series will be the group “The Answer,” which performs the classic rock sounds of such legends as Jim Morrison and Creedence Clearwater. Other concerts are: “Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys” July 22; Rusty Anderson July 29; James Intveld Aug. 5; “The Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band” Aug. 12; and “Los Fabulocos” Aug. 19. The Sports Complex is located at 560 E. Silver Pine St., which is off Bastanchury Road. Parking for the disabled will be available at the site. For further information call the Fullerton Parks and Recreation Department’s Information Hotline at (714) 738-3333, or the Fullerton Museum Center at (714) 738-6545.
Focus areas identify characteristics, opportunities or challenges that will require further study and planningThe City began a comprehensive update to its General Plan in 2006. Because the General Plan Update is a “blueprint” for future growth and development, it is essential to identify focused geographic areas within the City that would benefit from policy guidance through the updated General Plan. Focus Areas are geographic areas within the City that have exhibited characteristics, opportunities or challenges unique to those areas that will require focused planning or further study during the implementation of the updated General Plan. City staff initially identified the 11 General Plan Focus Areas. The community was invited to a Land Use Futures Open House in October to review the 11 focus areas. Those attending the meeting expressed a strong interest in adding the West Coyote Hills as a Focus Area. The General Plan Advisory Committee also provided input on the draft Focus Areas at public meetings in November and December. They approved the 11 focus areas and recommended addition of the West Coyote Hills area as the 12th Focus Area, based on their analysis and community comments. In January and February, the Planning Commission and the City Council both reviewed and approved the Focus Area Report. The following 12 Focus Areas have been identified in Fullerton: Characteristics of each Focus Area are as follows: Focus Area A: Airport IndustrialThe area is comprised of generally marginal industrial development and minimal retail and other supportive uses. Significant recent development has occurred to the north of the airport and should be considered when evaluating future needs of the local population (services, retail, employment, etc.). Focus Area B: Commonwealth CorridorThe Corridor provides the primary east/west connection in Fullerton and access to the majority of transportation and activity centers. The Corridor has opportunities to enhance commerce, improve/enhance neighborhood connectivity, and respond to the market’s desire to invest in the enhancement of commercial corridors Focus Area C: Orangethorpe Corridor NodesThe distribution of more contemporary retail and services along the Orangethorpe Corridor is lacking compared to other geographic areas in the City. Opportunities may exist to enhance local connectivity to commercial/retail nodes along Orangethorpe, and enhance these areas as transitional zones between existing, and established neighborhoods. Focus Area D: Harbor GatewayThis area consists of traditional auto-oriented retail development. There is limited pedestrian connectivity to the downtown and adjacent neighborhoods. Opportunities to enhance local connectivity with the downtown and the Transportation Center through a mix of land use types are apparent. Focus Area E: DowntownThe Downtown area is an expression of community character and history. The desire for maintenance and enhancement of this character has been explicitly stated by residents. The Downtown area has the potential to serve as a safe 18-hour activity center, providing a variety of housing, employment, services, and retail uses through adaptive reuse and infill development. Economic viability and vitality of local business through access of future customer base shall be an important consideration. Focus Area F: Transportation CenterCommuter demand/utilization of the Fullerton Transportation Center has increased and will continue to increase significantly in transit center will be an important planning consideration. Opportunities to introduce more compact, mixed-use development are enhanced by various state, local, and federal funding sources focused on enhancing transit-supportive development. Focus Area G: North Harbor CorridorThis Focus Area is the direct northern gateway into Downtown. The significant level of recent development, through expansion of St. Jude Medical Center and medical-related uses provides for additional land use considerations (housing, retail, office, etc.). Consideration of the nature and intensity of land uses along Harbor Boulevard and the relationship between existing established residential neighborhoods are important planning considerations. The area currently does not have strong pedestrian linkages to the downtown or surrounding residential neighborhoods. Focus Area H: North IndustrialThe North Industrial Area provides a northern gateway to the City of Fullerton. The current economic climate and transition of traditional “industrial” development toward areas with more extensive access to logistic services influence the future viability of higher intensity industrial development. Focus Area I: Chapman CorridorThis Focus Area provides the strongest relationship between the traditional commercial corridor and the existing education community. The area provides a direct interface with CSUF, Fullerton College and Hope International University. Significant infill development opportunities to expand the “town/gown” relationship through housing, job, and retail activities are apparent. Focus Area J: Education/Education SupportingThis Focus Area is centered around Cal State Fullerton, a significant contribution to the community’s intellectual capital. The forecasted increase in student population will demand additional services and facilities (housing, retail, transit, etc.). Pedestrian access and safety are also factors. The area currently has a larger concentration of multiple-family units and will continue to demand higher density product in the future to serve the local and student population. Focus Area K: Southeast IndustrialThis Focus Area has seen a number of larger-scale businesses relocate or contract in business activity. The area consists of larger property sizes and may provide additional opportunities for change, revitalization, and enhancement. Economic considerations should be important indicators in future land use decisions. Focus Area L: West Coyote HillsThis Focus Area consists of the last large continuous piece of undeveloped land in the City of Fullerton. Plans for this area already include a nature preserve and a nature center. There is currently a development application in review for a plan which includes residential uses, trails, and recreational areas. 
Lighter shade represent 12 Focus Areas singled out
for further study and planning
For further information about the General Plan Update Process, log onto the General Plan Update section on the City of Fullerton website at www.ci.fullerton.ca.us, and click on to the General Plan Update logo. Information may also be obtained by calling Bob St. Paul, Fullerton senior planner, at 714-738-6559. Information about General Plan update meetings and workshops can also be found on the City’s government cable channel, Time Warner Channel 3.
‘Go Local’ could bring cross-town shuttle service to city
The Fullerton Transportation Center (FTC) is home to Amtrak, Metrolink, and OCTA bus service. It is a multi-functional hub, linking the community with multiple transportation modes.  In an effort to bring additional transit service to Fullerton residents, the City responded to the Step 2 “Go Local” Project solicitation by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). This project proposes a “shuttle” connecting the FTC to the CSUF campus.
In 2006, the OCTA initiated a local transit planning effort (“Go Local”), to identify additional transit services which would improve Metrolink access. The “Go Local” Program is funded under the renewal of Measure M, the Orange County transportation sales tax measure. In Step 1, the City conducted preliminary project studies and received a $100,000 grant to study various possibilities of linking major activity and employment centers with a Metrolink station. Step 2 of the four-step “Go Local” Program involves detailed planning for selected projects. To enhance connections between the Metrolink station and surrounding community, the City saw an opportunity to unite through a “shuttle” designed to increase and encourage public transit ridership among people learning and working at CSUF. The shuttle will follow a route along Commonwealth that is three miles one-way. The return route would follow the same course. This routing could serve FTC, downtown Fullerton, Fullerton College, Hope International University and CSUF. Stops would be every two to three blocks. On April 21, the City Council approved a cooperative agreement with OCTA to move forward with Step 2 of “Go Local.” Planning will begin later this year. In Step 2, OCTA is paying 90 percent of the project, with the City paying 10 percent. Creation of shuttle service to CSUF and surrounding areas can alleviate street and freeway congestion, and offer alternative means to transportation and parking. For further information call Nicole Coats, Redevelopment and Economic Development project manager at (714) 738-4102 or nicolec@ci.fullerton.ca.us.
County Clerk opens local office
Need a marriage license? Perhaps you recently sold some property and need to get it recorded. It used to be you would have fight freeway traffic to drive to Santa Ana to take care of those items at the Orange County Clerk-Recorder’s Office in the County Hall of Administration; however, now you need travel no further than downtown Fullerton! A branch of the Clerk-Recorder’s Office has opened at 201 N. Harbor Blvd., and hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information, call the Clerk-Recorder Office at (714) 834-2500.
 Online payment of fines, fees
The Library has introduced online payments of fines and fees via the Library website. This allows patrons to pay overdue fines and associated fees via the internet 24 hours a day. Please visit www.fullertonlibrary.org if you have library fines and/or fees that you would like to pay online.
Does Fido need a new license?
 County Animal Care, which provides animal control services for Fullerton, has made licensing much easier!
Dog owners can get licenses simply by logging onto Animal Care’s website, www.ocpetinfo.com. Dogs over 4 months are required to be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. Residents owning or having custody of any dog must license the dog within 15 days of acquisition or within 15 days after the license becomes due. Residents must provide proof of a California-approved rabies vaccination. For information call Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 or (949) 249-5160.
Before planting that new tree...
Thinking about replacing that tree or shrub in the parkway? Before you get a shovel and start digging, better check with the City’s Maintenance Services Department. While parkways are the property of homeowners, the City holds a “roadway easement” which allows it the sole authority to plant trees in parkways. City crews will not trim or maintain non-City trees, and residents may be required to remove unauthorized trees from the parkways at their expense.  The goal behind this, explained Dennis Quinlivan, landscape maintenance superintendent for the City, is to prevent a hodgepodge of tree varieties and species that can cause problems to the public infrastructure.
Quinlivan said the City has a list of approved tree species that is part of the City’s “Community Forest Management Plan,” which specifies types of trees that can be planted on public property, such as parks and parkways. “The goal of the plan is to make sure the trees selected are right for the area and will not cause problems,” said Quinlivan, said. “For example, Ficus trees are attractive and can give good leaf coverage, but their roots can clog sewer and water lines, as well as crack and uplift sidewalks and curbs, causing costly repairs.” Citizens can see the list of approved trees by logging onto the City’s website at www.cityoffullerton.com, and going to the Maintenance Services section and clicking on “Landscape.” For more information call the Maintenance Services Department at (714) 738-6897, and ask to speak with one of the City’s trained arborists.
 Gardening your way to cleaner ocean!
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. Fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals left on yards or driveways can be blown or washed into storm drains that flow to the ocean. Over-watering lawns can also send materials into storm drains. Unlike water in sanitary sewers (from sinks and toilets), water in storm drains is not treated before it enters our waterways. You would never pour gardening products into the ocean, so don’t let them enter the storm drains. Follow these easy tips to help prevent water pollution. General landscaping tips Prevent erosion of slopes by planting fast-growing, dense ground-covering plants. These will shield and bind the soil. Plant native vegetation to reduce the amount of water, fertilizers and pesticide needed. Never apply pesticides or fertilizers when rain is predicted.
Garden and lawn maintenance Minimize grass areas which require high maintenance. Spread mulch on bare ground to prevent erosion and runoff. Compost yard trimmings. Do not rake or blow leaves, clippings or pruning waste into the street, gutter or storm drain. Instead, dispose of green waste by composting, placing in a yard waste bin, or hauling to a permitted landfill. Use slow-release fertilizers to minimize leaching, and use organic fertilizers. Read labels and use only as directed. Do not over-apply pesticides or fertilizers. Apply to spots as needed, rather than blanketing an entire area. Store pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals in a dry covered area to prevent exposure that may result in the deterioration of containers and packaging. Rinse empty pesticide containers and re-use the rinse water as you would use the product. Do not dump rinse water down storm drains. Dispose of empty containers in the trash. When available, use non-toxic alternatives to traditional pesticides. For more information, visit www.ipm.ucdavis.edu. If fertilizer is spilled, sweep up the spill before irrigating. Take unwanted pesticides to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center to be recycled.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center
1071 N. Blue Gum St., Anaheim
For more information, call (714) 834-6752
or visit www.oclandfills.com
 Museum Center Calendar
The Idea Place for Teens9-11 a.m. Monday–Friday
Session A: June 29-July 3
Session B: July 20-July 24
Grades 7-12
$105 per student ($90 Museum member) Make original art on your own terms! Experiment with new materials including acrylic paints, watercolors, printmaking, fused glass and more. Participants will also be able to schedule additional studio time free of charge. A field trip to the Orange County Museum of Art is also scheduled.
“Saturdays with Shakespeare”July 25–Aug. 22
10 a.m.-noon Saturdays
For students entering grades 6-8
$70 per student, $60 Museum members The Fullerton Museum Center teams up with the local Hunger Artists Theater Company in an introductory Shakespearean acting course. The course will examine Shakespeare’s incredible breadth and depth of work that remains relevant in today’s culture. Particular focus will be on the story of “The Taming of the Shrew” as each participant will get the unique opportunity to see a stage version of the play at The Hunger Artists Theater.
New Exhibit “100 Worst Album Covers”Opening Reception: 6-9 p.m. Aug. 1
Exhibit will run through Oct. 18 Enjoy dinner, curator’s talk, and more during the opening reception of this unique exhibit. The Fullerton Museum Center has collected a gallery of album art gone awry-100 covers we deem the worst in the world!
Summer Art and Music Intensive10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 3-7
For students entering grades 5-9
$180 per student Use your summer vacation to learn an instrument or sharpen your skills. Our “Music Intensive” class will consist of class and private instruction in guitar or flute along with sessions in music history, theory, and appreciation for kids.
Call 714-738-6545 for more information
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