The Fountain Valley School District Board of Trustees on Jan. 3 approved a contract with Dr. Charles Hinman to serve as interim superintendent. Dr. Hinman previously was superintendent of the West Covina Unified School District for six years before retiring in July 2021. He also served as assistant superintendent of secondary education, site administrator and teacher in several school districts across Orange County, including Newport Mesa Unified, Saddleback Unified and Santa

The United Service Organizations (USO) each year honors the heroism of junior-enlisted service members with the “Service Member of the Year” awards. Service members from each branch of the military are nominated by their command leadership for performing acts of valor that go above and beyond the call of duty. Among those honored is Fountain Valley resident Johnharley S. Delacruz, selected as Sailor of the Year. “These men and women have brought honor to their branch of servi

Californians now face new trash recycling requirements as a result of Senate Bill 1383, which became effective on Jan. 1. In an effort to combat climate change, SB 1383 requires residents to recycle food waste that is generated at home. The state has implemented statewide organic waste recycling and a surplus food recovery program. Locally, the city and Republic Services are working together to find a solution to implement the new state-required organics recycling program. A

Fountain Valley Recreation & Community Services will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for the recently refurbished Recreation Center on Wednesday, Feb. 16. The event, set for 4:30-7:30 p.m., will include refreshments, and Recreation Center staff will be on hand to answer questions. Both the lobby and kitchen have been remodeled, and new flooring has been added. The Recreation Center is at 16400 Brookhurst St. For more information, call (714) 839-8611.

Mayor Patrick Harper will welcome a representative of the Orange County Transportation Authority to provide an update on the I-405 Improvement Project at his Feb. 24 Mayor’s Breakfast at the Fountain Valley Recreation Center, 16400 Brookhurst St. The event is open to the public. Donuts and coffee will be provided.

The Fountain Valley Police Department will host a Catalytic Converter Etching Event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Feb. 19 at Fountain Valley Tire and Auto, 18302 Ward St. Catalytic converters on the underside of vehicles help reduce emissions. Catalytic converter theft has gone up significantly in the county and Fountain Valley has also seen its fair share, police said. The FVPD will be etching license plate numbers on the converters, which will help to identify victims when stolen

The Fountain Valley-based Municipal Water District of Orange County invites students to take part in its annual Water Awareness Poster Contest. All Orange County students in grades K-12 are invited to create hand-drawn posters that reflect the theme: #OCisWaterSmart. Students are allowed to use the district's Ricky Raindrop character in their design. A total of 40 winners will be selected from the posters received, and one grand prize winner from grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-1