There was no regular Board meeting held this week. The next Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 3rd at 9:30 am in the Hall of Administration.

Renewed Measure M Update- On Monday, the OCTA Board received a presentation on the impact of the economic downturn on Renewed Measure M (Measure M2) revenues. Given the current decrease in sales tax revenue, the funds projected to be generated by Measure M2 over its 30 year life-span have decreased by $8 billion. Given this 33% projected decrease, OCTA is reviewing its Early Action Plan, its Freeway Strategic Plan, and its Metrolink Expansion Plan to evaluate whether some projects should be deferred. OCTA continues to monitor the revenue projections and make the appropriate adjustments in its expenditures. To view the presentation, click here.

Bus Transit Program Revenue- The Board also received a presentation on the impact of the economic downturn on OCTA’s transit program. With lower than expected state transit assistance funding, fare revenues, and advertising revenues, the transit program must be reduced in size significantly by 2011 to bring the program costs in line with revenues. OCTA is evaluating staff, service, and other cost reductions. To view the presentation, click here.

Metrolink Update- The OCTA Board voted to allocate $1,797,681 to fund OCTA’s share of the short-term safety improvements Metorlink has begun to implement. The short-term safety improvements will increase commuter rail safety in Southern California by adding automatic train stops at 43 locations, implementing an Electronic Efficiency Testing Program, installing light emitting diodes signals to replace all of the existing incandescent signal lights, and installing cameras in each locomotive and cab car to record images in the equipment records.

Metrolink Ridership- During the second quarter of FY 2008-09, Metrolink ridership remained strong. Weekday ridership on the Orange County lines has increased more than 5% compared to the second quarter of last year. Ridership was up 10.2% on the OC Line, 5.6% on the 91 Line, and down 3.3% on the Inland Empire/OC line. Ridership has also increased on the weekends. Compared to the same quarter last year, weekend ridership is up 24.5%.The decrease in ridership on the Inland Empire/OC line reflects the economic impact that the recession has had on the Inland Empire.

I-5 HOV Project Update-The OCTA Board of Directors selected RMC, Inc. to develop the necessary environmental and project report documents for the I-5 High Occupancy Vehicle Project (I-5 HOV Project). The I-5 HOV Project was included in the Renewed Measure M Early Action Plan and will add HOV lanes on the I-5 from San Juan Creek Road to Avenida Pico in South County.

Orange County Projections Report - The Center for Demographic Research (CDR) at CSUF presented its Orange County growth projections to prepare for a myriad of planning issues, including future transportation, bond revenue, municipal services, housing, and environmental projections. To view a copy of the presentation, please click here.

Metropolitan Water District Drought Area Update-The OCCOG Board of Directors received a presentation from Albert Napoli of the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) regarding the current drought conditions facing the 18 million residents living within the MWD coverage area. To view the presentation, please click here.

I attended the Catholic Charities of Orange County 22nd annual Mardi Gras Ball where I presented a proclamation to Terry and Mary Ann Gilmore of Orange who were honored as this year’s Mardi Gras Ball king and queen. For a copy of the proclamation, please click here. For pictures, click here.

I attended the Helicopter Association’s international show, held at the Anaheim Convention Center. I was joined by members from the OCFA Board of Directors as they officially took possession of the Authority’s second new Bell 412EP helicopter. To view the technical specifications of the Bell 412EP, please click here. To view pictures from the event, click here.

I met with Sheriff Hutchens to discuss a variety of issues.

Supervisor Bates and I met with our former colleague in the California state Assembly, Anthony Pescetti.

I met with representatives from Poseidon Resources to receive an update on their desalination projects in Carlsbad and Huntington Beach.

I met with Joyce Crosthwaite, Bob Aldrich and Ben Legbandt from the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) to discuss the upcoming sphere of influence review in the North Tustin area.

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FCA Annual Meeting- I will be speaking at the Foothill Communities Association (FCA) Annual meeting on Monday, March 2nd to provide an update specific to the North Tustin area. This year, Sheriff Hutchens will be joining me to provide an update related to her Department. The event will be held at Hewes Middle School at 7pm. For more information about the FCA, including how to get acquainted through the newly formed "welcoming committee", please contact FCA President Rick Nelson at rnelson@FCAhome.org.

Kindergarden Pre-Registration-The annual kindergarten pre-registration of children in the Brea Olinda Unified School District who will be eligible to enter kindergarten in September, 2009 will be held district-wide on Thursday, March 5, 2009, at each elementary school. For more information, click here.

Foreclosure Prevention Workshop- On Thursday, March 5, the City of Tustin is hosting a free foreclosure prevention workshop. For more information, click here.

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

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