State of the City Address on February 12

State of the City Address | Orange, CA
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Mayor Carolyn Cavecche

Mayor Carolyn Cavecche greeted a crowded conference room at the Doubletree Hotel on Thursday afternoon and congratulated California’s City of Orange on her 120th birthday. An antique photo displayed the Orange Plaza before paved roads, a horse drawn carriage parked near the water hole. The Mayor expertly navigated an informative and entertaining speech that covered topics topics of progress and projection.

The City of Orange seeks to preserve the history of the city by improving the infrastructure. Such policies as the Quiet Zone and regulating transportation serve this purpose. The Department of Public Works is improving efficiency in numerous ways, including the installation of waterless urinals in public parks, which save over two million gallons of water per day and using LED lighting to save on electricity. Utility companies went ‘live’ online, allowing consumers to pay and explore options via internet. And the city is proud to support the fourth fastest growing community college in the United States. According to Community College Week Magazine, Santiago Canyon College is the fourth fastest growing community college in the U.S.

Free programs and services are offered for residents, visitors and businesses in Orange. The Building Code Academy for one will continue to educate businesses about rights and restrictions. New city committees are forming to support these efforts, helping to make Orange “a place where businesses want to be.” Economic development has worked hard to ensure that vacancies in business become new opportunities.
Incentives are offered for residents and businesses to become “greener,” in hopes that a more environmentally friendly community will encourage people to shop and live locally.

The Mayor showed formidable tribute to the heritage of the City of Orange. She recognized the first stage of “Shades of Orange - El Modina Barrio,” which displayed a celebration honoring military vets in Orange Public Libraries, supported by donations through the Friends of the Library. She believes that preparing for the future is wrapped up in preserving the past.

Mayor Cavecche challenged City of Orange businesses to see the opportunities during this recession. Until there is evidence of the recession’s end, City of Orange will pull in the reigns, so to speak, and continue to build support while tightening the belt fiscally. A new entity will be forming, bringing together non profit organizations for support and service. In 2009, City of Orange will work toward becoming an attractive place for business, helping people and businesses flourish in our city.