WESTMINSTER CHAMBER HONORS "SENIORS OF THE YEAR"    Each year Westminster Chamber of Commerce honors local seniors in recognition of their unselfish and tireless service and valuable contributions to their fellow seniors and to the Westminster Community at the annual "Salute to Seniors" Luncheon.  The Chamber thanks Westminster Memorial Park which has been the event's Presenting Sponsor since 2004 and Huntington Westminster Senior Apartment Homes, a Business Sponsor of the event.    This year, three seniors were honored before the 100 luncheon guests in attendance. On hand to deliver official certificates of recogition to the Seniors of the Year were Westminster Mayor Margie Rice and Caliornia State Senator Lou Correa (34th District). In addition, Young Kim, representing U.S. Congressman Ed Royce (40th District); Lindsay Stratton, representing California Assemblyman Jim Silva (67th District); and Nate Mitchell, representing Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen (1st District) were present to deliver the certificates and congratulations from their districts.    This years Seniors of the Year were: Victoria Coots, Westminster Terrace    Click here for bio Beverly Gonzell, Huntington Westminster Senior Apartment Homes    Click here for bio Woody Woodyard, Westminster Senior Center (Foundation)     Click here for bio FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER PROGRAM    Those interested in a First time homebuyer loan, plan to attend one of the mandatory four hour seminars.  Seating is limited at each seminar to 75 people and is available on a first come first served basis. Details of the program can be downloaded under the Community Development Department, Housing Division Tab, and further information can also be found at www.comehometowestminster.org.      Each seminar will be held from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Council Chamber, Located at 8200 Westminster Blvd. in the Civic Center on the following dates: Saturday, July 31, 2010 Saturday, August 14, 2010 Saturday, September 11, 2010 Saturday,October 9, 2010 Saturday, November 13, 2010 Saturday, December 11, 2010 WESTMINSTER CHAMBER NAMES BUSINESS AWARD WINNERS At the Westminster Chamber of Commerce Annual Installation & Awards Dinner in June, the annual Business Award winners were announced.  The 2010 event was sponsored and by Honda World and Lexus of Westminster.    The Chamber's Annual Membership Meeting marks the end of the year for the Chamber.  The event was held at Hotel Huntington Beach in their newly redecorated Pacifica Ballroom.  At this meeting, incoming Chamber Officers and Directors are Installed and outgoing Officers and Directors are recognized.  At the event, the Westminster Chamber names the Business of the Year, Chamber Member of the Year and Chamber Angel of the Year. Westminster Chamber of Commerce Congratulates the Business Award Winners: 2009 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:    Shoreline Ambulance, Click here for bio 2009-2010 CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE YEAR:    Frances Nguyen, Golden Trophy & Awards, Click here for bio 2009-2010 CHAMBER ANGEL OF THE YEAR:    Robyn Sottile, Girl Scout Council of Orange County, Click here for bio 2010-2011 Officers and Directors This year's honorary Installation Officer was Westminster Mayor Margie Rice.  She delivered the oath of office to Westminster Chamber's incoming Officers for the Year 2010-2011 and to the incoming Directors whose terms will end in June 2013. 2010-2011 Officers: President:  Joanne Vogelsang, Huntington Westminster Senior Apartment Homes CFO/Corporate Secretary: Gloria Reyes, Abrazar, Inc. Vice President, Business Education: Frank Cobo, Cobo-Care Vice President, Membership: Randy Reay, Tropic Shield Mobile Detailing Vice President, Legislation: Linh Nguyen, Nguoi Viet Daily News Vice President, Community: Robyn Sottile, Girl Scout Council Of Orange County Past President:  Frances Nguyen, Golden Trophy & Awards Directors, Class of 2010-2013: Theresa Kasprzyk, Kiwanis Club of Greater Westminster Linh Nguyen, Nguoi Viet Daily News Gloria Reyes, Abrazar, Inc. Steven Schwartz, Steven Schwartz, Coldwell Banker-Beachside Realtor Syed Shah, Best Western Westminster Inn CITIZEN AND ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR HONORED BY CHAMBER AT 2010 PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDS LUNCHEON   Flowers and fun-filled laughter marked the Westminster Chamber of Commerce 2010 Public Service Awards Luncheon held in the Westminster Rose Center Crystal Ballroom. Recipients of the Public Service Award and those named as Citizen and Organization of the Year walked down a red carpet to receive their accolades. The first up the red carpet though were this years event sponsors. The Chamber was honored to have Bolsa Chica Self Storage and Los Alisos Estates as the Presenting Sponsors, Shoreline Ambulance, The Boeing Company and Time Warner Cable as Supporting Sponsors and Warne Enterprises as a Corporate Sponsor. CITIZEN OF THE YEAR - The festive table centerpieces created by Robyn Sottile, Girl Scout Council of Orange County, added atmosphere at the luncheon where Lloyd & Doris Thomas were revealed as the 2009 Co-Citizens of the Year.  The Thomas’ were both nominated and sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Greater Westminster.  Doris selected Lloyd to give the acceptance speech.  Lloyd delighted and rocked the house with more laughter by saying, “We’re humbled and thank you” and then walked away from the microphone. Lloyd and Doris are Publishers of the Westminster Herald  but have served quietly the Westminster community for more than 50 years.  They have stood in the forefront as advocates for the educational Farm program at Westminster High School—in the past and to this day—when the program is threatened with downsizing. Lloyd is the only remaining Charter Member of VFW Post 9756 founded in 1947. Both Doris and Lloyd participate in Kiwanis Club of Westminster which Lloyd co-founded in 1997 and where Doris has served as Vice President. Their volunteerism finds them serving at the City of Westminster Concerts in the Park, Founder’s Day Festival, and Tree Lighting and regular Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfasts to raise funds for Kiwanis Club. Youth and senior groups all have benefited from their efforts.     The Westminster Chamber would like to thank those that donated special gifts to our Citizens of the Year: Outback Steakhouse; Panera Bread Bakery & Café; Uncle Pete’s Café and Westminster Prayer Breakfast Committee.  And once more, we congratulate Lloyd and Doris Thomas, 2009 Co-Citizens of the Year!  ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR - MOMS Orange County was named as the 2009 Organization of the Year.  MOMS Orange County's mission is to help women and their families have healthy babies by offering health care coordination, education and access to community services. They've provided stockings for the children at the American Family Housing Christmas party and have continued support of Project S.H.U.E.  Since 1992, MOMS has served more than 30,000 mothers and their babies. MOMS Orange County was nominated by former Westminster Chief of Police Andrew Hall and sponsored by Westminster Police Officers Association. PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS - Sixteen outstanding employees from the public service sector were honored at the luncheon from the City of Westminster, Midway City Sanitary District, Orange County Fire Authority and California Highway Patrol. CITY OF WESTMINSTER Gayle Johnson, Executive Assistant to City Manager, City Manager's Office    sponsored by Country City Towing Kelly Lore', Records Clerk, City Clerk's Department    sponsored by Lexus of Westminster Nancy Wright, Business License/Building Permit Technician Community Development Department    sponsored by Traffic Commissioner Alin Hamade, a Chamber Individual Member Vanessa Johnson, Supervisor Community Services Department    sponsored by Boys & Girls Club of Westminster Thuy Nguyen, Accounts Receivable Technician Finance Department    sponsored by American Family Housing Angie Tran, Accounting Technician Finance Department    sponsored by Zen Vegetarian Restaurant Cyndie Sanders, Senior Analyst Human Resources & Risk Management Department    sponsored by Helen Paris, a Chamber Lifetime Member Sgt. Dan Schoonmaker Police Department    sponsored by Bridgecreek Realty Investment Corp. Rebecca Barlow, Police Services Officer Police Department    sponsored by Huntington Westminster Senior Apartment Homes Mavic Hizon, Research Analyst Police Department    sponsored by Michael's Sports Pub & Grill Sailesh Pithwa, Engineering Technician Public Works Department-Engineering Division    sponsored by Time Warner Cable Andrew N. Harris, Lead Worker Public Works Department-Maintenance Division    sponsored by Warne Enterprises Vivian Filippelli, Administrative Analyst Public Works Department-Water Division    sponsored by Union Bank MIDWAY CITY SANITARY DISTRICT Rafael Gonzalez, Jr., Driver    sponsored by Rainbow Disposal and CR&R ORANGE COUNTY FIRE AUTHORITY Chuck Barta Fire Apparatus Engineer    sponsored by Lexus of Westminster CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL Officer Marvin Jones    sponsored by Westminster Memorial Park ADDITIONAL 2009 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR NOMINEE Congratulations also to Kien Truc Ly who was also nominated as a 2009 Citizen of the Year.  Mr. Ly was sponsored by Westminster Police Officers Association. NEW ALARM PERMIT REQUIREMENT FOR BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS    The Westminster City Council ordained that effective December 18, 2009, anyone responsible for the operation of or in possession of an alarm system in the City of Westminster will be required to obtain a permit for operation of such a system.  The permit will be renewed each year. A penalty of up to $500 may be assessed if the alarm system has not been registered for a permit. The permit requirement applies to monitored and non-monitored systems.     For the complete story, click here to visit the City of Westminster website. Click here to view the alarm ordinance. FEDERAL STIMULUS MONEY TO FUND ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN WESTMINSTER    The City of Westminster has been awarded $801,300 in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant funds by the U.S. Department of Energy to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use overall throughout the City.  Federal dollars for the grant has been appropriated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to improve energy efficiency, while stimulating the economy by creating and retaining jobs.     Westminster has identified six potential energy saving projects that will be developed at City facilities and in the community.  This list includes; replacing compressors and installing evaporator fan controllers at the Westminster Rose Center, retrofitting /replacing light fixtures and providing occupancy sensors and daylight controls at the Civic Center, replacing tennis court lights at City parks, installing LED yellow signal lights and street name signs, re-commissioning HVAC system controls at the Community Center, and providing occupancy sensor controllers for vending machines at City facilities.     Two main goals for all these projects are to save approximately 480,000 kWh of electricity per year and to generate regional employment opportunities for area contractors.   Preliminary work for Westminster’s energy efficiency and saving projects is expected to start in spring 2010 and continue through fall 2012.  For further information, contact Rosemary Valdovinos, by email at RValdovinos@Westminster-CA.gov 714.898.3311 x 562. WESTMINSTER ADOPTS NEW BUSINESS ORDINANCE AND PROGRAM    The City of Westminster recently adopted an ordinance relating to a Comprehensive Waste Management Program (Ordinance No. 2455), codified as Chapter 8.16 of Westminster Municipal Code, codified October 9, 2009.    Among other provisions stipulated in the new ordinance is the “Over-the-Top” program.  The “Over-the-Top” program was created to eliminate overloaded commercial refuse containers causing an unsightly overflow, which may constitute public safety and quality of life issues.  Implementation will begin as of October 12, 2009; all commercial and retail solid waste collection accounts shall be subject to the “Over-the-Top” program.  The “Over-the-Top” program will be managed on behalf of the City by Rainbow Disposal Service.  The primary responsibility of the Rainbow Disposal Service is to ensure all trash bins located on commercial and retail properties are not loaded or filled above the top of the container and maintain adequate service to eliminate overflowing trash, which can create blighted, unsightly, and unhealthy conditions. On the first occasion that a trash bin is discovered to be “over-filled,” the excess trash (up to one level bin) will be collected and a warning letter with a date and time stamped picture will be mailed to the business.  It is recommended when a business receives the warning (first offense) letter they contact Rainbow Disposal Service to discuss the violation and options available to avoid future offenses.  Please ask to speak to the “Over-the-Top” representative at Rainbow Disposal.  Any overfilled refuse in an amount exceeding one additional container shall be considered a second or subsequent offense and subject to a fine of $65.00 per offense.The primary goal of the “Over-the-Top” program is to work in partnership with commercial and retail properties to create a visually pleasing environment, which can result in higher property values and an improved quality of life. For more information, please contact Vicki Morgan, Westminster Code Enforcement Manager, at (714) 898-3311, extension 276, or Rainbow Disposal Customer Service at (714) 847-3581, or Vicki Morgan, Code Enforcement Managager, at (714) 898-3311, x 276. SIGLER PARK SPLASH PAD The Sigler Park Splash Pad opened May 23rd and the hours of operation are 12 Noon to 5:00 pm on weekends through June 21st and then daily through Labor Day.  The facility is located at 7200 Plaza St in the City of Westminster.  It’s the perfect place to spend warm summer afternoons. Also, this summer we are excited to offer private rentals.  The $100 rental fee includes 2 hours of exclusive use of the splash pad with an attendant for up to 50 guests.  For more information or details on renting the splash pad, please visit our website at www.westminster-ca.gov or call the Community Services & Recreation Department at (714) 895-2860 FARMER'S MARKET AT WESTMINSTER MALL    Every Wednesday from 12 Noon to 5:00 pm, Westminster Mall is the site of Orange County's newest Farmers' Market/Craft Faire.  The outdoor market will be open rain or shine.  Parking is free.The Market is located in the parking lot adjacent to Target on the Bolsa Avenue (south) side of the Mall between S Vietnamese Fine Dining and Outback Steakhouse.  Stands of fresh fruit, vegetables, handmade arts and crafts transform the Westminster Mall parking lot.  This Farmers' Market offers fresh grown, certified fruits and vegetables in a community-gathering setting at a convenient location.  The Westminster Farmers Market will also offer a vast array of goods of superb quality ranging from breads, cakes and bakes, confectionary, cheeses, jewelry, arts and crafts.   Many of these fresh produce items cannot be found at local supermarkets.   For more information on the Farmers' Market at Westminster Mall, contact the Mall office at 714.898.2559.  Those interested in becoming a vendor should contact Art-A-Fair at 714.846.5509 or Orange County Farm Bureau at 714.573.0374. CURRENTLY POSTED PUBLIC NOTICES CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CA VOLUNTARY WATER CONSERVATION    The City of Westminster City Council has called for Voluntary Water Conservation by Westminster, CA, water users.  Westminster water users are being asked to reduce consumption by 10% from last year.  Goals for reducing water consumption are outlined in Resolution No. 4185.    Click here for Resolution No. 4185. PLANNING COMMISSION HEARINGS    The City of Westminster Planning Commission holds Public Hearings on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays each month at 6:30 pm in the City Council Chambers, Westminster Civic Center, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, CA.  Click here for Planning Commission Agendas and Minutes. TRAFFIC COMMISSION HEARINGS    The City of Westminster Traffic Commission holds Public Hearings on the last Tuesday each month at 6:00 pm in the City Council Chambers, Westminster Civic Center, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, CA.  Click here for City Commission Calendar. CURRENTLY POSTED BID NOTICES CITY OF WESTMINSTER, CA    The City of Westminster and/or the Westminster Redevelopment Agency is currently inviting Sealed Bids or Proposals on the following public works projects: Purchase & Delivery of Diesel Fuel and Gasoline Fiscal Year 2010-2011 Bids or Proposals - The City of Westminster, 8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster,   County of Orange, California, will receive at the office of the City Clerk   on or before the hour of 3:00 pm on Tuesday, July 27, 2010. - Click here for Official Notice on this project Please re-visit this page later for future postings. Businesses may request placement on the City of Westminster's Supplier Bidders List. For a Supplier Bidders List Application or further information, click here. For a computer-friendly Word version of the Application, email the Westminster Chamber at biz@westminsterchamber.org or call 714.898.9648 and request to receive the form by email. For More Information on Joining Westminster Chamber of Commerce, Call 714.898.9648 or Email us at biz@westminsterchamber.org