July 2022
Andy's Updates shares news about the Anaheim community. Thanks for tuning in!

This month's issue includes:

  • COVID-19 case update
  • Libraries expand days
  • Summer concerts and swim
  • Latest from Anaheim Public Utilities

Find more about the city of Anaheim at Anaheim.net.
COVID-19: variants drive cases
Chances are you probably know someone who is positive or you might be yourself. You're not alone.

We're seeing a wave of new COVID-19 cases driven by the BA.2 omicron variant, which makes up nearly all new cases of late with a smaller number from the BA.4 as well as BA.5 variant, which now dominates nationally.

All are highly contagious. But the good news is most infections appear to be mild, and vaccines and antiviral treatments make this wave less impactful than prior ones.

Hospitalizations are also up over the past few months but manageable and nowhere near levels during earlier case waves.

For the seven days through July 5, Anaheim saw 824 new cases, down from 863 a week earlier. That was part of 6,488 Orange County cases for the week, down from 7,408 a week earlier.

While fewer new weekly cases is good, cases still remain at a high level with more expected following the Fourth of July holiday.

Even with the current case wave, there are no major restrictions in place or expected, though that could always change.

Across California, the approach now is to live with coronavirus given medical advancements available today that weren't with us in earlier stages of the pandemic.

Wearing masks or limiting activities comes down to individual concerns and considerations.

For testing locations, visit Anaheim.net/testing.

For vaccine locations, visit Anaheim.net/vaccines.
Library branches expand
Three Anaheim Public Library branches are expanding the days they are open starting this week.

The East Anaheim, Euclid and Sunkist branch libraries are going from being open three days a week to five days a week.

The East Anaheim branch, which is on Santa Ana Canyon Road just west of Weir Canyon Road, is now open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Euclid branch, on Euclid Street just south of Ball Road, is now open Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Sunkist branch, on Sunkist Street just south of South Street, is now open Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The expanded days are part of a return from pandemic operations and funding allocated by Anaheim’s City Council in the current city budget, which started July 1 and runs through June 2023.

More than $225,000 was allocated to expand operations at the three branches.

More than $780,000 also was dedicated to open Central Library, the Haskett branch and Ponderosa Joint-Use Branch on Saturdays, in addition to weekdays.

Hiring for Saturday operations at the three is in the works with expanded operations expected in coming weeks.

You can see more at Anaheim.net/library.
Summer concerts, public swim
Summer is here and so is the fun.

Concerts in our parks are set for July and August.

Pearson Park Amphitheatre in central Anaheim continues its Summer Nights Under the Stars series with the following in July and August:
  • July 8: Hikari Taiko Drummers
  • July 15: Baile Y Canto Under the Stars, a celebration of folkloric arts
  • July 22: Anaheim Ballet
  • Aug. 6: Eagles Rondstadt Experience, Eagles and Linda Rondstadt tribute band
  • Aug. 13: Trinity, STYX, Foreigner and Journey tribute band

Reserve your tickets here.

At Ronald Reagan Park in east Anaheim, you can picnic, dance, enjoy food trucks and music from flashback tribute and country bands. Here’s the schedule:

  • July 14: Just Press Play, 1980s cover band
  • July 21: U2 Experience, U2 tribute band
  • July 28: Kelly Rae Band, country cover

In August, Maxwell Park in west Anaheim hosts Concerts to the Max with two concerts:

  • Aug. 4: Under Cover, pop, rock and other hits cover band
  • Aug. 11: Knyght Ryder, 1980s and ’90s cover band

Also at Pearson Park, free public swimming is open Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 2-3:30 p.m. through October.

Registration is required and is available here.
Summer power watch
Having our own utility means reliable, cost-effective electricity for Anaheim homes and businesses.
 
Anaheim Public Utilities is ready for summer with resources in place to meet expected electricity demand in our city.
 
Even so, we still can be impacted by statewide and regional issues.
 
Anaheim is part of the California Independent System Operator, which manages electricity flow across most of the state’s power grid.
 
We benefit from being part of the statewide system, which allows us to bring electricity to Anaheim from throughout the West or to sell electricity when not needed in our city.
 
But we’re also required to take part when the state mandates reductions in use when demand challenges supply.
 
The result can be rotating outages. Those are rare in Anaheim, and we always work to make them as brief as possible. The statewide outlook this summer is also better than last year.
 
But we all can do our part to be energy smart and prepared should we see outages.
 
One way is to shift use of major appliances, electric vehicle charging and pool pump operation to before 3 p.m. or after 9 p.m.
 
That helps lessen demand in afternoon and early evening, when we see the biggest need for electricity as people get home and power from wind and solar sources decline.
 
On hot summer days, close blinds and curtains to keep out heat, use bathroom and kitchen fans to carry away heat and use ceiling and other fans to circulate air.
 
And make sure your air conditioning is well maintained. Anaheim Public Utilities can help with our AC Tune Up rebate.
 
Being prepared for outages starts by knowing your block number. You can find your block number for any rolling outages on your mailed utility bill or by looking up your bill here.
 
Sign up for outage alerts here.
 
See a map of real-time outages here.
 
In an outage, have a flashlight ready. Avoid candles, which are a fire hazard. Turn off major appliances and electronics to avoid a power surge when the electricity comes back on. Leave one light on to signal when the electricity is back.
Most outages are short. But it’s always good to have a household emergency plan in the event of a disaster or other longer-term disruption. You can see more here.
More at Anaheim.net