What's New in District 5
Back to school
This month the Mobile Library, formerly known as the Bookmobile, brought a little something extra to District 5 neighborhoods.

My team and I partnered with the library to hand out school supplies, just in time for kids returning to school.

We distributed composition books, pencils, markers, scissors, glue sticks and other important supplies to make their next school year fun and productive.

Librarian Katrina Ford also supplied each student with a new book bag.

It is always refreshing to see how much joy the Mobile Library brings to our community.
New supplies for Anna Drive kids
Dozens of students in the Anna Drive neighborhood have new school supplies thanks to our fourth District 5 school supply giveaway at the Jafaria Islamic Society last week. 

We partnered with ICNA Relief, who supplied the backpacks and some of the school supplies. Susan and I donated composition books, pencils, crayons, highlighters, pencil grips, glue sticks, school glue and a little surprise of frozen ice pops to kick off this wonderful afternoon. 

A big thanks to Yesenia Rojas, our Anna Drive community leader, Jafaria Islamic Center, Anaheim Police and ICNA for their contributions.
Welcome Chief Russell
Congratulations to our new Anaheim Fire & Rescue Chief Pat Russell.

Chief Russell has spent most of his career with Anaheim Fire & Rescue, joining the department in 1990.

Russell has been an important part of major firefighting efforts in Anaheim, including serving as incident commander during Canyon Fire 2 in October 2017 and as operations chief on Canyon Fire 1 in September 2017.

"One of my proudest moments was when I became an Anaheim firefighter," Russell said. "I am committed to working with with the amazing men and women of this department to continue the great service Anaheim Fire & Rescue provides to the community."

Sunkist Gardens
Thank you to Sunkist Gardens for their gracious invitation to speak at a recent community meeting. It was a full house with more than 100 residents in attendance!

We had very informative presentations from our police and fire departments on public safety, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and water safety.

They also shared information about helpful programs for residents.

Did you know Anaheim Fire & Rescue offers help changing out old smoke alarms? And Anaheim Police offers property checks when you’re on vacation?

Our Anaheim Public Utilities team was on hand as well, offering free dusk to dawn lighting and tips on energy efficiency.

Sunkist Gardens is a very engaged community and it’s always a pleasure to meet and talk to my neighbors!
Tacos and conversation

I had a wonderful time talking to my neighbors and friends at the Tacos with a Cop event last month at Northgate Market.

These events a great opportunity for residents and business owners to get to know their local police officers in a casual atmosphere, which helps build a positive relationship between the community and Anaheim Police.

I am looking forward to the next event.
Underhill Avenue update

At our last district community meeting, many of you brought up concerns related to the pedestrian bridge at Underhill Avenue, which had become a magnet for criminal activity.

I immediately talked to staff and they came up with a solution. On July 24, the bridge was temporarily closed. This allowed the city to clean, repair and relight the walkway, and install controlling gates that can be closed in the evening to prevent future problems.
Improving the Neighborhood
State College Sewer update
The next phase of the Orange County Sanitation District's State College sewer project is expected to begin this month in the section between La Palma Avenue and the 91 freeway.

Crews are working to minimize impacts and do most construction at night. It's tough right now, but the project will ultimately benefit all of us by improving an out of site, out of mind utility service.

Questions and concerns can be directed to (657) 208-7900 ConstructionHotline@ocsd.com.
Brighter lights
Lighting on Sunkist Street, along Guinn and Juarez Schools, has been upgraded to LED sooner than originally planned. This section was slated to be done by October, but our amazing Anaheim Public Utilities staff found a way to accelerate the installation of 35 street lights.
Around the District
National Night Out
We joined the community at Maxwell Park to celebrate National Night Out with Anaheim Police.

One of our District 5 Neighborhood Watch captains received the "Block Captain of the Year" award.

Congratulations to Mitch Lee! District 5 is lucky to have you.
Phoenix Club
I was honored to attend the 50th anniversary celebration of the Phoenix Schutzengesellschaft, more commonly known as the Phoenix Club. I presented a proclamation at their banquet on behalf of our Anaheim City Council.

The Phoenix Schutzen Group founded the Phoenix Club, originally located where the Honda Center sits today, in 1969. It was relocated to its current location on Sanderson Avenue in 1992.

Congratulations to group leader Heinz Wiechmann and President Linda Kriesant for keeping the Phoenix Club an important part of Anaheim’s cultural history.
Tierra Mia
I recently joined members of our community policing team on a visit to our newest District 5 business, Tierra Mia Coffee. We presented a recognition from the office of OC District Attorney Todd Spitzer for the business' efforts to improve the surrounding neighborhood.

During construction, the new business owner worked closely with police to address a number of public safety concerns at their location.

Stop by Tierra Mia on State College for great coffees, teas and pastries with attentive service. Please welcome them to our neighborhood!
Stay in the Know
Upcoming Meetings
  • Aug. 27 at 5 p.m.- City Council Meeting
  • Sept. 10 at 5 p.m.- City Council Meeting
Paid for by Faessel for City Council 2020
FPPC ID No. 1396020