Have you ever found yourself asking what to do with all those old batteries laying around the house? Good news, batteries can and should be recycled! Recycling all batteries not only helps the environment but can also help keep local workers safe by preventing fires at landfills and other recycling facilities. If not properly disposed, some batteries like those made out of lithium can be extremely volatile. In 2017, 65% of fires at waste facilities were the direct result of improper lithium battery disposal.
Although batteries can be recycled, they should not be placed in the recycling bin at home. Instead, here’s some great alternatives:
Orange County residents can drop off their batteries off at any of our four Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection centers for free. Each center is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
When dropping off batteries at the collection center, be sure to pick up a free battery bucket to safely store any used batteries in your home until your next visit.
Most residents also live within ten miles of a Call2Recycle site including local retail stores. Find one near you!
Want to learn more? Test your knowledge on battery recycling with this quiz from www.earth911.com.
County of Orange Social Services Agency Receives Crown Communities Award
Orange County leads the way as the first California county to offer simulation training for Adult Protective Services social workers
The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) is pleased to announce it has been honored with the 2018 Crown Communities Award presented by American City & County magazine. SSA was recognized for its simulation training program, the first of its kind in the state specifically designed for Adult Protective Services (APS) workers.
Since 2004, American City & County magazine has bestowed the awards acknowledging cities and counties throughout the country for their ground-breaking accomplishments. This year, SSA was one of six programs to win this prestigious accolade.
While simulation training is more commonly utilized in child welfare, the SSA curriculum for APS social workers is being hailed as a best practice among other California counties. The goal of the training is to help APS workers become more adept and confident at engaging with clients, family members and suspected abusers during home visits, which can be complex to navigate.
The SSA training program was enabled through a partnership with the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department for use of its simulation training facilities which provide three real-world home scenarios. SSA also garnered support from retired social workers who stepped forward to serve as “actors”, ensuring the simulations offer realistic and impactful training experiences.
Jason Axelrod, Associate Editor of American City & County stated “In examining their application, we were amazed at how SSA built California’s first adult protective services simulation training from the ground up without incurring any significant costs for the program. The use of APS retirees in the training struck us as innovative, since it offers an added layer of seasoned teaching for professionals.” He added, “SSA’s experience provides proof that local governments across the U.S. can create similar programs in their jurisdictions, even if a model currently does not exist in their states.”
According to SSA Director Debra J. Baetz, “SSA simulation training is specialized to help our APS workers practice approaches to establishing trust with clients, leading difficult conversations and assessing serious abuse allegations, all while remaining professional, calm under pressure and compassionate.” Baetz continued, “Our curriculum helps APS social workers become more skilled in handling the home visit, and enables an opportunity to practice their skills in a realistic and safe setting.”
To learn more about the County of Orange Social Services Agency, go to http://ssa.ocgov.com/.
Orange County Public Safety Agencies Launch Text-to-911
Orange County law enforcement and fire dispatch centers are now equipped with Text-to-911 to allow the hearing impaired, speech impaired or those in an emergency situation who are unable to make a phone call reach emergency services dispatchers by text message.
Text-to-911 was jointly launched by every Orange County public safety agency with a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) on February 6. In 2018, more than 1,243,092 calls were made to 911 in Orange County. Eighty percent of those calls came from mobile phones.
Remember to always call if you can, and text if you can’t. Calling provides a faster response, allowing information to be relayed to responding public safety personnel as quickly as possible. It also allows dispatchers to hear background noises or conversations and gather additional information.
“It’s important that every member of our community has a safe and effective way to access emergency services in Orange County, and Text-to-911 provides that,” said Sheriff Don Barnes.
When texting, residents should first provide their location and whether they need law enforcement, fire or medical aid services.
“It’s critical that those using Text-to-911 accurately share their location and offer as many clear details as possible,” said Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy. “Being precise means we can more quickly reach those who need help most.”
More about Text-to-9-1-1:
Ensure location services on your mobile phone are turned on and be prepared to provide your location in the text.
To get started, type “911” in the “to” field of the text message and, in addition to your location, provide the type of emergency services you need (police, fire or medical).
Use plain text and refrain from abbreviations.
Dispatchers cannot accept pictures, videos or icons.
Text-to-9-1-1 cannot be used in a group text.
If your text does not go through, you should receive a message to make a voice call.
Calling or texting 911 when it is not an emergency is a crime punishable by up to a year in County jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Always call 9-1-1 if you can, text if you can’t.
(Courtesy of Orange County Sheriff’s Department).
New Parking Structure Opens at Orange Train Station
$29.5 million project provides parking for Metrolink riders and visitors to Old Towne Orange
A computer model of the exterior of the newly opened parking structure in Old Towne Orange.
Officials from the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), the city of Orange and the community came together today to mark the completion of a new multi-level parking structure at the Orange Transportation Center.
The structure, at 130 N. Lemon Street, opens today and provides much-needed parking both for the growing number of transit users and for people coming to Old Towne Orange to enjoy the many shopping and dining destinations.
“This structure reflects the historic look and feel of the surrounding area while providing modern amenities that will serve rail passengers and the community for generations to come,” said OCTA Chairman Tim Shaw.
The five-level Old Towne West Metrolink Parking Structure, will provide 608 spaces, replacing a surface lot that had 172 parking stalls. Of those parking spaces, 500 will be dedicated for those who ride the train, while 108 will be designated for general use by those who visit Old Towne.
The city of Orange led the design on the parking structure to ensure that it honored the history and unique character of Old Towne Orange.
“As the Orange mayor and an OCTA board member, I’m thrilled to see the completion of this important project, both for rail commuters and to the people visiting the downtown of our great city,” said Mayor Mark A. Murphy. “We all have reason to be proud.”
Two of the five levels are underground, while three levels rise above ground so that the structure blends in with other buildings in the area. The structure and surrounding plaza include brick work and other design elements intended to reflect and complement nearby historic structures.
At the same time, modern elements are incorporated into the design, including solar panels on the roof to cut down on lighting costs. Six parking stalls include electric car-charging ports. The structure also has 24 bicycle lockers to encourage active transportation such a cycling and walking.
Construction management firm Hill International and Bomel Construction led construction of the parking structure.
The $29.5 million project was funded by Measure M, the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements also known as OC Go, by the city of Orange, and by a mix of state and federal funds.
(Courtesy of OCTA).
Orange County Clerk-Recorder to Open New Location February 25 in Anaheim
Family Storytime Saturday, February 23, 11:00 a.m. —11:30 a.m. East Anaheim Library, 8201 E Santa Ana Canyon Road
Irvine Garden Workshop: Fruit Tree Pruning & Tool Maintenance Saturday, February 23, 10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. Orange County Great Park, 8000 Great Park Blvd.
Orange Orange Public Library Foundation 2018 Winter Documentary Film Fest Saturday, February 23, 2:30 p.m. Main Library, 407 E. Chapman Avenue
Silverado Family Drop-In Crafts Saturday, February 23, 11:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m. Library of the Canyons, 7531 East Santiago Canyon Rd.
Tustin Family Storytime Saturday, February 23, 9:15 a.m.—10:00 a.m. Main Street and El Camino Real
Farmers Market Wednesday, February 27, 9:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m. Tustin Branch Library, 345 E Main St.
Villa Park Music and Movement Storytime Thursday, February 28, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Villa Park Library, 17865 Santiago Blvd.
Yorba Linda Stargazing Party Saturday, February 23, 7:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m. 18181 Imperial Hwy, Yorba Linda, CA 92886
Sunday Concerts: Jeewon Yang, Concert Pianist Sunday, February 24, 1:30 p.m. Richard Nixon Library and Museum, East Room, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd.
For questions or comments regarding Third District's E-Newsletter
please contact the Supervisor's office staff at: (714) 834-3330 or Montana.Sudul@ocgov.com
Have you ever found yourself asking what to do with all those old batteries laying around the house? Good news, batteries can and should be recycled! Recycling all batteries not only helps the environment but can also help keep local workers safe by preventing fires at landfills and other recycling facilities. If not properly disposed, some batteries like those made out of lithium can be extremely volatile. In 2017, 65% of fires at waste facilities were the direct result of improper lithium battery disposal.
