Regional Recreational Trails Committee- The Board voted to extend the term of the Regional Recreational Trails Advisory Committee (RRTAC) for six additional years, establishing a new sunset date of June 30, 2015. Along with the extension, the Board directed County staff to work with the RRTAC to update its By-laws reflecting a focus on the implementation of the County Master Plan of Regional Riding and Hiking Trails, County Bikeway Plan, and the Orange County Transit Authority's (OCTA) Commuter Bikeway Strategic Plan as a part of the County's land-use planning process. For a map of the County’s Regional Riding and Hiking Trails, click here. For a map of the County’s Off-Road Paved Bikeways Map, click here.

Electronic Filing of Campaign Forms- The Board adopted a resolution setting July 1, 2009 as the effective date for electronic filing of campaign disclosure statements and reports. On October 21, 2008, the Board amended the Orange County Campaign Reform Ordinance to require countywide candidates and elective officers, and their committees, who raise or borrow more than $25,000, to file campaign disclosure statements or reports with the Registrar of Voters in electronic format. On Tuesday, the Board also approved an agreement with Westcoast Online Information Systems, Inc. for electronic campaign finance disclosure software, maintenance, and support. This new system is web-enabled and database driven allowing for an improved ability for public access to information, an easier submission process, and enhanced search features. There will be no charge to the public or filer for this service.

June Commission Meeting- The Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, June 17th. Pursuant to State guidelines, the Commission adopted a Sphere of Influence (SOI) for the North Tustin area which follows the current school district boundary line, with all of the Rockinghorse Ridge community included in the City of Tustin’s sphere. The Commission also voted to provide a ninety-day extension for the consideration of the Rancho Santa Margarita SOI to allow additional discussion among affected parties. Click here to see a map of the adopted SOI for North Tustin.

Public Alternate Member Appointment- The Commission held public interviews for the Public Alternate Member position on LAFCO. The Commission was very impressed by the wide range of talented candidates and their individual interest in service to the Orange County community. After the public interviews, the Commission unanimously appointed Derek McGregor of Rancho Santa Margarita. Congratulations Derek. I look forward to serving with you on the Commission.

Subterranean Vents at Bowerman Landfill- I went to the County’s Frank R. Bowerman Landfill in Irvine to examine naturally occurring subterranean vents. Our staff recently observed smoke rising from the ground in an undeveloped area of the landfill. I viewed the site and was briefed by OC Waste and Recycling Director Mike Giancola and Central Region Deputy Director Kevin Kondru about the venting. The origin of the venting has not yet been determined but the County has initiated a geological study of the area. The Orange County Fire Authority has assessed the vents and indicated that they are not a safety issue to the area or to landfill workers as the current operations are approximately half a mile away from the area. For pictures of the vents, please click here.

I toured the County’s Glassell Yard located in the city of Orange which is occupied by the County departments formerly housed at Katella Yard in Anaheim. These departments include County Operations and Maintenance, Geomatics, Watershed Lab and Coastal Resources, and the Agricultural Commissioner. One of the duties of the Agricultural Commissioner’s office is the identification of plant pests not known to occur in California which provides the basis for much of the regulatory enforcement of plant quarantine regulations within Orange County. In addition to the laboratories regulatory responsibilities, requests for identification of specimens submitted by residents, schools, universities, and private industry are accommodated as time permits. The Ag Commissioner is also responsible for ensuring that weight and measures in the County are accurate. For additional information on the services provided by the Agricultural Commissioner’s office, click here. For pictures from my tour, click here.

I met with Irvine Mayor Sukhee Kang to discuss issues of mutual concern to the City of Irvine and the County.

I met with Steve Connolly, Executive Director of the Office of Independent Review to discuss upcoming issues facing his office and the County.

I met with Irvine Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Gwen Gross and Assistant Superintendent Lisa Howell to discuss the proposed new sports stadium at University High School in Irvine. For a picture, please click here.

I met with Chapman University Professor Dr. Fred Smoller to discuss a new graduate program he is developing.

I met with South Orange County Community College District Trustees Tom Fuentes and John Williams, along with Chancellor Raghu Mathur to discuss the district’s Advanced Technology and Education Park (ATEP). To learn more about ATEP, please click here.

I attended a meeting of the One Water, One Watershed steering committee in Riverside. To learn more about the OWOW plan, click here.

I met with Orange County Water District Director Denis Bilodeau, Assistant General Manager Craig Miller, and Nadeem Majaj of the County’s Public Works staff about the Fletcher Flood Control Basin and the potential usage of the basin for ground water percolation and replenishment by the Water District. I have directed County staff to prepare some preliminary estimates and to report back to me within the next month.

On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I presented Robert “Bobby” Wright with a resolution on his retirement, honoring him for forty years of service to the County. In the four decades Bobby has served with the County, he has worked for OC Waste and Recycling and OC Facilities. Congratulations Bobby! For pictures, please click here. To read Bobby’s resolution, please click here.

Congratulations to the Orange Rotary on receiving the Governor’s Award for Best Club in Orange County and Los Angeles County for the second consecutive year. The Orange Rotary was recognized for its leadership in the community and dedication to youth and humanitarian service.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

North Tustin Fire Prevention- The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is initiating its “Ready, Set, Go” program this weekend in the unincorporated areas of North Tustin, including Cowan Heights, Lemons Heights, and Panorama Heights. OCFA will conduct door to door canvassing where firefighters will educate residents on how to prepare for wildfires by creating defensible space, fire resistant building construction features, and evacuations. Firefighters will be in the neighborhoods on the 20th, 27th, and 28th from 1-5 pm. For more information, please click here. To schedule a free wildfire home consultation, please call (714) 573-6200.

Summer Youth Internship Program- The Orange County Workforce Investment Board (OCWIB) is currently accepting applications for its Summer Youth Employment Program, beginning on July 6th. Through Federal stimulus funding, the OCWIB has a unique opportunity to provide for paid internships in a variety of fields. For more information, please click here.

Tustin Concerts In The Park Series- The City of Tustin is hosting its annual Concerts In The Park series at Peppertree Park starting on Wednesday, June 24, at 6 pm. The kick-off concert will feature Irish performers, The Fenians. For more information, please click here.

Pet Fair- Orange County Animal Care will host a pet fair on Saturday, June 27, from 10 am to 2 pm at the OC Animal Shelter. For more information, please call (714) 935-6301, or click here.

Villa Park Annual 5k Run/Walk- The City of Villa Park is hosting its 5th Annual 5k Run/Walk on Saturday, June 27th. The race will begin promptly at 7:45 am at the Villa Park High School track. Race proceeds will benefit the Friends of the Villa Park Library. For more information, please click here.

Tustin Police Department Open House- On Saturday, June 20, from 11 am to 3 pm, the Tustin Police Department is hosting its 13th annual open house. Fore more information, please click here.

Father’s Day Dance in Brea- The City of Brea will host a Father-Daughter Dance on Friday, June 19, from 6:30-9:00 p.m. at the Brea Community Center. For more information, click here.

Villa Park Library Access- The County’s Librarian has been informed that construction is scheduled to occur outside the Villa Park Library on the courtyard beginning on Saturday, June 20th. Library services will not be interrupted, but access will be temporarily restricted to the east side of the building. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of the month.

It is a pleasure to serve the constituents of the Third District.

Please pray for our armed forces and our foreign services personnel.