MARCH 2019
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New feature: YOUR Anaheimkindness stories

Anaheim is the City of Kindness, so I want to feature YOUR kindness stories that took place in the City of Anaheim in my newsletter.... But I need you to share them with me! Email your Anaheim kindness story (and a photo if you want) to: Kindness Story Then watch for it in the newsletter!
Anaheim Completes Homeless Shelter Plan:
On Time, On Budget!
Anaheim, in partnership with Illumination Foundation, celebrated completion of the La Mesa Emergency Shelter on Feb 27. This is the third homeless shelter the city has opened in the past two months.

Built in just 47 days in an industrial area of east Anaheim, this shelter will offer beds and services to 102 people living in homelessness in Anaheim. It welcomed its first residents on March 6.

The opening of La Mesa Emergency Shelter marks the culmination of Anaheim’s shelter plan, which committed the city to building 325 new shelter beds by early 2019.

"I'm proud of what we've accomplished in such a short time through smart partnerships, focus and execution," says Councilwoman Denise Barnes. "Everyone has pulled together to lend their expertise and strengths to create an efficient solution for those living in vulnerable homeless situations on our streets and for the citizens of Anaheim who deserve to feel free and safe in accessing our parks and public areas. Great Teamwork!"

A genuine hand-up opportunity
The new shelter is comprised of living areas for men, women, couples and families, as well as a lounge, kitchen and dining areas, bathrooms and showers, administrative offices and counseling rooms. There is even an outdoor space for residents and their pets to get some fresh air. Each resident will have an individual sleeping area with personal storage space. There’s also a laundry room where residents can wash and dry their clothes — a luxury not readily available for those living on the street.

Shelter operator Illumination Foundation will provide services and support for residents to help them transition out of homelessness, including career resources and job opportunities by Anaheim-based nonprofit Chrysalis.

Realistic security and good neighbor plan
Onsite private security and an extensive security plan with Anaheim Police will ensure the shelter remains a good neighbor.

People will be referred into the shelter through our partners at City Net, Anaheim Police, Orange County Healthcare Agency and other Anaheim outreach workers.

The 200-bed Interim Emergency Shelter on State College Boulevard, which opened in December, closed last week. Many residents of the interim shelter have already relocated to the Anaheim Emergency Shelter run by The Salvation Army that opened February 1. Remaining residents will transfer to the La Mesa Emergency Shelter. Both La Mesa and the interim facility are operated by the Illumination Foundation.

The shelters have allowed Anaheim to continue efforts to help people embark on a clear pathway out of homelessness, while also addressing impacts we have seen on our parks, streets, commercial areas and other public spaces.
Anaheim Insider
CALLING ANAHEIM STUDENTS :
Want to see YOUR art on Anaheim water bottles?
Anaheim Public Utilities is calling on students in 1st through 12th grade to submit their designs for the 29th annual Student Poster Contest. Art should be around the theme of Water Awareness Month, water conservation in our community. This year’s theme is “Water is Life.” Deadline for submission is Friday, April 5. More information and contest rules at Anaheim.net/utilities .
What's Happening in Anaheim!
Book Club for Adults:   A Lesson Before Dying  by Ernest J. Gaines: A young man who returns to 1940s Cajun country to teach, visits a black youth on death row for a crime he didn't commit. Together they come to understand the heroism of resisting. - Thursday, March 14 th , 6pm, Central Library Learn more
AnaCon returns to library
This fun event will feature science fiction authors, comic book artists, workshops, and more. Highlights include a presentation led by the Dothraki language creator of Game of Thrones, David J. Peterson, Droid Builder Mike Senna, and author Tim Powers. Bring the whole family for a day filled with Science Fiction fun at the Central Library   Saturday, March 16, from 11AM to 6PM. Learn more
WonerCon
Comic Fun
The Anaheim Convention Center hosts WonderCon . Huge event.
March 29-31 . Learn more
Be Aware!
Scammers repeatedly target utility customers: YOU!
 
Beware of people who pose as utility employees threatening to abruptly disconnect water and electric services if immediate payment is not made using a prepaid card. This is a scam , if you suspect a fraudulent phone call, email, or personal visit call the authorities. Your safety and security is our priority. 
Public Utilities never makes unsolicited customer calls or visits asking for immediate payment.
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