January 2023

Andy's Updates shares news about the Anaheim community each month.

This month's issue includes:

Keep those resolutions with recreation classes!
We're looking at an appointment for District 4
See something? Let us know with Anaheim Anytime
Rain or not: water saving tips

Find more about the city of Anaheim at Anaheim.net

Keep those New Year's resolutions!

Did you start 2023 resolved to try a new fitness routine, learn a new skill or play a new instrument?

Anaheim Community Services has you covered!

Head to Anaheim.net/play for a wide ranging list of classes offered throughout the year.

Winter registration is open now, and classes start soon. Many classes and programs welcome drop-ins, while others are a series of courses.

We invite you to see all that your city has to offer to help meet your New Year's resolutions!

Visit Anaheim.net/play to get started!

City Council District 4 vacancy

We’re taking applications and community input as the City Council is set to consider an appointment to fill a vacancy for District 4 in central-south Anaheim.

The vacancy came about with the December resignation of former Council member Avelino Valencia, who now serves in the California Assembly representing the 68th district, which includes Anaheim.

The City Council is moving ahead with consideration of an appointment, which is recommended by Anaheim's governing city charter.

The Council has until Feb. 2 to make an appointment.

If no appointment is made, a special election would need to be called at an estimated city cost of $206,000 to $227,000.

To be considered, applicants must have lived in District 4 for at least 30 days prior to applying and also be registered to vote.

You can apply and learn more at Anaheim.net/councilvacancy.

Applications are due by Jan. 18 at 5 p.m.

Appointment consideration is expected at the Council’s regularly scheduled Jan. 24 meeting, with the option of additional consideration in a special meeting on Jan. 31.

We’re also seeking input from District 4 residents and businesses about what their priorities are for a new representative and anything else the Council should consider in making a prospective appointment.

Those who live or work in District 4 can share input through an easy online form at Anaheim.net/communityinput.

District 4 covers central-south Anaheim and includes neighborhoods as well as the theme parks, convention center and other businesses of The Anaheim Resort.

During the District 4 vacancy, residents and businesses are welcome to reach out to the city manager’s office, the mayor’s office or any Council member for help or assistance.

Graffiti, debris, other problems? Anaheim Anytime

Anaheim Anytime is the best way to address issues in your neighborhood or around town.

It’s an easy, effective online form for reporting graffiti, public dumping, potholes and any other issues.

Try it yourself at Anaheim.net/anytime.

You also can access Anaheim Anytime through the My Anaheim app available for download on your smartphone.

Every Anaheim Anytime report is promptly assigned and addressed with follow-up.

Typically, many reports are resolved within one to three days, while more complex issues can take longer.

We proactively work to address graffiti, maintenance of public areas, homelessness and many other issues in our city.

But we welcome partnership with our community to identify and address issues.

While Anaheim Anytime includes several police-related categories, it is not for emergencies or urgent matters for Anaheim Police or Anaheim Fire & Rescue.

For public safety, fire, medical or other emergencies, always call 911.

For urgent police and other matters, call dispatch at (714) 765-1900.

And you’re always welcome to call us or reach out in other ways as well.

But you’ll find Anaheim Anytime is an easy way to work with us to make Anaheim better!

Rain welcome but doesn't end drought

The rainfall we’ve seen has helped ease California's drought conditions.

The state’s snowpack, a leading indicator of statewide water supply in the months following the rainy season, clocks in at more than 170 percent of average for this time of year.

That’s certainly worth celebrating.

But we should still be cautious. 2022 started out with similar gains only to see the rainfall suddenly stop in January and give way to worsening drought conditions throughout the year.

One good season of rain and snow won’t erase years of drought conditions, but it helps.

The good news is there are steps we can take to help Anaheim and Southern California improve drought conditions this year. And it starts with you.

Here are simple steps you can take around your home to conserve water:

Turn off sprinklers for at least two days when it rains
Eliminate sprinkler runoff onto sidewalks and into gutters
Use a shutoff nozzle on hoses
Use a broom to sweep driveways and sidewalks instead of water
Contact Anaheim Public Unities for a home evaluation to find ways you can reduce water use in and around your home

For more water saving tips, visit Anaheim.net/BeWaterSmart.

More at Anaheim.net