Anaheim eNewsletter January 2017

State of the City

The annual State of City luncheon covering Anaheim's accomplishments of the past year and outlining a vision for the new year is right around the corner.

This year's event is Tuesday, Feb. 7, at City National Grove of Anaheim.

Net proceeds of the event go to Accelerate Change Together Anaheim, or ACT Anaheim, which works to help underserved youth and to strengthen families and communities in the city.

Since 2014, ACT Anaheim was invested more than $3.5 million to help Anaheim youth and families, with support from Angels Baseball, the Anaheim Ducks and Disneyland Resort .

For tickets and more on State of the City, click here.


Winter Youth Reading Programs	'Downton Abbey' Comes to Muzeo	Addressing Drug Abuse
Encourage your kids to read this winter with Anaheim Public Library's new reading programs! Through Feb. 25, students from kindergarten to sixth grade can pick up a Winter Break Challenge activity sheet, complete it and return it for a prize. The activity sheets contain 10 activities that range from reading with a family member, attending special library programs and reading e-books. Once complete, students can return their activity logs for a special prize or to be entered into a special raffle. For young children up to age 4, parents are encouraged to enroll in the "Sowing Seeds to Raise a Reader: 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten" reading program. This program encourages parents to sing, read and talk to their young children to aid in language development and early reading skills. For details, click here.	An exhibit of costumes from the hit PBS historical drama "Downton Abbey" is coming to Anaheim. The only West Coast appearance of "Dressing Downton: Changing Fashion for Changing Times" is set for the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center from Feb. 12 to May 7. The exhibit offers a glimpse into lives of the British gentry at the beginning of the 20th century. It features embroidered dresses, riding outfits, jewelry and other fashions seen on the show, both upstairs and down. Stay tuned for details about high teas at the Muzeo to celebrate the exhibit. Tickets are on sale now and are $20 for adults, $10 for kids 4 to 12, and $15 for seniors and military. For tickets and details, click here.	The Anaheim Police Department is implementing an innovative program to address drug abuse in our community. Drug Free Anaheim will work to connect those who want help with treatment. In December, the City Council approved a one-year contract with Social Model Recovery Systems Inc., a provider of drug treatment and prevention systems. Funding is providing by money and assets forfeited in drug cases. Under the program, users who voluntarily contact Anaheim Police for help will be connected with Social Model Recovery for treatment. Drug users asking for help can avoid arrest and legal consequences. In cases where a user is under the influence, has an active arrest warrant or is wanted in connection with a crime, Anaheim Police will address those matters before referring to treatment. Anyone seeking help can visit the police station at 425 Harbor Blvd.


Kindness Goes National	Make 2017 Fit and Fun	Black History Parade is Back
Anaheim's City of Kindness initiative is inspiring people and cities across the nation. In late December, Anaheim's own Sean Oliu, a 14-year-old student and kindness advocate, went to New York city to share his kindness experiences. Oliu was a guest of Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation, which teamed with NBC's "Today" show on a Share Kindness Experience space at Rockefeller Center. Oliu came to attention as a finalist on "La Voz Kids," a Spanish-language counterpart to NBC's "The Voice." Since then, he and his family have raised money for music education in Anaheim. Inspired by Anaheim, cities across the country have pledged to do 100 billion acts of kindness nationwide.	Do your New Year's resolutions include getting or staying fit? Exploring the great outdoors? Doing more with your family? Anaheim Community Services is here to help. Start by checking out the latest issue of Your Community ( here) to get a sampling of current programs. Then head over to our new online registration site ( here) to find even more classes and programs you can sign up for. There really is something for everyone. Take a pilates or crossfit class, sign up for a day camp, learn to play the ukulele, teach your dog new manners, encourage your kids to rumble and tumble in a gymnastics class or explore movement in one of the many dance classes. Whatever your 2017 goals may be, we look forward to helping you achieve them.	Mark your calendars for on e of the coolest annual events in Anaheim. On Feb. 4, the 37th annual Orange County Black History Parade & Cultural Faire returns to Center Street Promenade in downtown. The parade and street fair draws about 8,000 attendees as a procession of colorful cars, bands and community groups make their way through downtown's streets. Along Center Street, you can enjoy food, take part in crafts, learn about black history and enjoy entertainment. The event is sponsored by the Orange County Heritage Council, a n onprofit that promotes cultural awareness and the historical contributions of blacks in OC and across the nation . This will be the seventh year Anaheim hosts the event. Everyone regardless of race, color, ethnicity or culture is invited for a day of fun. Find more details here .

Help Lowering Your Utility Costs

Anaheim Public Utilities and Southern California Gas Co. want to help make your home more water and energy efficient. Residents who meet income qualifications can take advantage of free services that can help save you money on your utility bills.

Services include: