What's New in District 5?
Mayor Sidhu promises District 5 investment
In his inaugural State of the City address on March 6, Mayor Harry Sidhu pledged to invest in District 5, based on resident input.

In front of a sold-out crowd at The City National Grove of Anaheim, Mayor Sidhu launched his Anaheim First initiative, which establishes advisory boards with members from each district to give feedback on what spending is needed in their area.

Sidhu has pledged $20 million in spending this year alone, and $250 million in the next 10 years.

In District 5, there are already five members on the board, with 10 spots left to fill. If you're interested in applying, go to AnaheimFirst.org .

I look forward to working with Mayor Sidhu, my council colleagues and city staff to address our neighborhoods' most pressing needs. It is truly an exciting time in Anaheim.
La Mesa shelter now open
The La Mesa Emergency Shelter opened the first week of March, and we celebrated the project's completion at a ribbon cutting Feb. 27.

This is the third shelter we've built in just 70 days, and I am pleased that the shelters have allowed us to keep our promises to residents by sheltering those in need and restoring our parks, streets and neighborhoods back to their intended uses.

The opening of the La Mesa site means that the Interim Emergency Shelter on State College is now closed. It will be restored to its original use.

For a full overview of all of Anaheim’s Homeless outreach, please go to Anaheim.net/shelterplan .
Getting creative
Clients at nonprofit Creative Identity are now making beautiful pottery work, thanks to a new kiln just installed at the Anaheim Accessibility Center.

The group, which serves developmentally disabled residents, relocated to the building near Citrus Park two years ago.

They had a kiln at their previous location, but it hadn't been set up with the right electrical connections at its new home. Thanks to generous volunteering by m embers of IBEW Orange County 441 , the kiln is up and running.

Clients sell their coffee mugs, napkin rings, vases, jewelry and more to raise money for important programs.
Improving the Neighborhood
Community pride
This month I put on my painting Levi’s and joined Anna Drive residents in sprucing up several dumpsters in the neighborhood.

Republic Services' James Castro provided the paint, trays, rollers, gloves and brushes. I want to recognize all the Anna Drive kids for working to brighten up their neighborhood.

There was a strong sense of community pride among all the kids and parents who volunteered. I’m very happy that I was able to help coordinate the donation from Republic Services as well as lend a hand with the painting.
Brighter neighborhoods
Anaheim Public Utilities is continuing to improve street lighting here in District 5.

You may notice new LED street lights on Wagner between Sunkist and Rio Vista.

My District 5 residents are appreciative of these continued neighborhood improvements.
Around the District
East Anaheim Little League
We've seen some rain in recent weeks, but that didn't stop the start of East Anaheim Little League.

The league's 26 teams gathered Feb. 2 for their Opening Ceremonies. The plan had been to host opening day at Juarez Park, but the field was soaked.

I reached out to my community to look for a substitute venue, and Calvary Baptist Church graciously offered their facilities.

We had more than 300 little leaguers, coaches, parents and family members celebrate 60 years of Little League in east Anaheim.
North Anaheim Little League
North Anaheim Little League held its Opening Ceremony at Rio Vista Park on March 9..

I was honored to throw the first pitch and even made it over the plate!

North Anaheim Little League is celebrating its 60th year this season. That's six decades of promoting healthy activities for boys and girls.
Read Across America
I had a lot of fun participating in Reading Across America Week at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School.

Thank you to first grade teacher Ms. Alcala and fourth grade teacher Ms. Ament for giving me the opportunity to meet and read to your students.
Stay in the Know
Upcoming Council Meetings
  • March 19 at 5 p.m.
  • April 2 at 5 p.m.