Tustin Branch Trail- The Board awarded a contract to R.J. Bullard Construction, Inc. in the amount of $449,600 for the construction of the Tustin Branch Trail and Greenway project. The Tustin Branch Trail and Greenway project is an extension of the developed portion of the popular Esplanade Trail which was completed in 1991 and extends from Fairhaven Avenue south to 17th Street in North Tustin. The project is in a non-operational Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way, beginning south of the Esplanade Trail at 17th Street and continuing south across Vanderlip Avenue, ending at Warren Avenue. The project’s primary improvements include: installation of a meandering 10-foot wide decomposed granite trail; drought-tolerant and California native landscaping; an information kiosk; wood fencing; and trail signage. To view a copy of the designs for the trail, click here.

OCTA’S Future Workforce- On Monday, the Executive Committee received a presentation about the future of OCTA’s workforce. The presentation focused on retention and retirement issues at OCTA. It revealed that 43% of OCTA’s workforce is over the age of 50. By 2020, this percentage is expected to increase to 77% if current trends continue. In an effort to retain employees and recruit new employees, OCTA is implementing leadership development and educational, and outreach programs. To view the presentation given to the Committee, click here.

ROCA Update- At the Riverside Orange County Authority (ROCA) meeting last Friday, the Board elected a new Chairman and Vice Chairman. OCTA Director and City of Orange Mayor Carolyn Cavecche was elected Chairman. Riverside County Transportation Commissioner (RCTC) and City of Corona Mayor Pro Tem Karen Spiegel was elected Vice Chairman.

91 Tunnel Update- The ROCA Board also voted to recommend to OCTA and RCTC that the two entities amend their contract with Kleinfelder West, Inc. for consultant services to enable an additional feasibility study on the proposed tunnel between Riverside and Orange County, which is also referred to as the Irvine Corona Expressway. The additional feasibility study will address tunnel constructability, ventilation, and cost.

CEO Update- This week, OCTA CEO Art Leahy announced that he has accepted the chief executive officer position at the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro). For the last eight years, Art has served OCTA well. During his tenure at OCTA, the 91 Express Lanes were purchased, the SR-22 was expanded, Measure M2 was approved by the voters, and OCTA won the No.1 transportation system award from the American Public Transportation Association. He will be missed by the OCTA Board of Directors and staff. We offer him best wishes as he tackles new transportation challenges at Metro. Art started his career in transit at LA Metro’s predecessor and worked there for 25 years. Returning to Metro is like a homecoming for Art.

Mitigation Program- The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), in addition to operating the SR-73, 241, 261 and 133, have implemented an extensive Native Habitat Program to mitigate the impact of the construction of the toll roads. The TCA has set aside over 2,000 acres of land dedicated to open space and wildlife reserves. By implementing state-of-the-art technology, the TCA has been successful in restoring coastal sage scrub and salt-water marsh habitat and has encouraged the protection of endangered species. Last week, the Foothills/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency Finance and Operations Committee received an update on the progress of the Native Habitat Program. To view the presentation given, click here.

Nature Tours- Once again, this year the TCA is hosting nature tours of its mitigation lands. The tours will be held on Saturday, March 21, Saturday, March 28, Saturday, April 18, and Saturday, May 2. If you are interested in participating, please contact the TCA as soon as possible as the tours fill up quickly. Click here for more information.

March Commission Meeting- On Wednesday, the Children and Families Commission held its monthly meeting. The Commission provided an additional $127,000 to Mercy House in order to accommodate the 72 homeless families in need of stable housing and services in the armory program. The Commission also authorized an agreement with Families Forward in the amount of $500,000, for a three-year term, to provide transitional housing units services for families with children ages 0-5. Families Forward has negotiated a subsidized rate for up to 10 apartment units with the Irvine Company’s Apartment Communities (IAC). This agreement will also provide for case management and support services to families in Lake Forest, as the City is also exploring the possibility of rapidly re-housing families.

FCA Annual Meeting- On Monday, I presented the “State of North Tustin” at the annual Foothill Communities Association (FCA) meeting at Hewes Middle School. I was joined by Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, California Highway Patrol Captain Andy Sechrist, Brock Wagner and Kathie Nielson, Deputy Superintendents from Tustin Unified School District, and Hewes Middle School Principal Tracey Vander-Hayden. I provided a series of updates on several projects specific to the North Tustin area. For pictures, please click here.

Egress in Lemon Heights- In the aftermath of the 2007 wildfires, the County began to re-evaluate emergency exit strategies in the unincorporated areas. At the request of the Foothill Communities Association (FCA), I asked OC Parks to evaluate emergency access for the Lemon Heights area at the base of Lower Lake Drive through Peters Canyon Regional Park. This could provide for quicker access for fire personnel to aid evacuations in the event of an emergency. I have asked staff to finalize those plans so that they might be shared with the public by June of this year.

Sphere of Influence in North Tustin- On February 18th, The North Tustin Advisory Committee (NTAC) received a presentation from the Orange County Local Formation Commission (LAFCO) staff on an update to the existing Sphere of Influence (SOI) boundary. As a follow up, I also met with Orange Mayor Cavecche and Tustin Mayor Davert to review the alternatives and share the comments from NTAC. Both cities agreed to further evaluate the alternatives for 90 days. Therefore, this item which was noticed for the March 11th LAFCO meeting, will be continued to the June meeting.

Kisco Senior Living- During the FCA meeting, an issue was raised about whether or not a church and school are “permitted uses” for the Diocese’s property in the North Tustin Specific Plan (NTSP). According to the NTSP’s Land Use and Development Regulations, Chapter 3 District Regulations, for Residential Single Family (RSF) and Residential Multiple Family (RMF): “churches, temples, other places of worship, educational institutions, and planned unit developments for residential uses are principal uses that are permitted, subject to a use permit approved by the Planning Commission”.

To read the RSF language of the NTSP, see Chapter 3 District Regulations, Section A(4)b.1&2, page III-5.

To read the RMF language of the NTSP, Chapter 3 District Regulations, Section B(4)b.1&2, page III-8.

Activity on the Corner of Newport Blvd and Crawford Canyon- Many of you have inquired about the activity on the corner of Newport Blvd. and Crawford Canyon. A subdivision parcel map for four single family residential lots was approved on December 13, 2006 by the Subdivision Committee. Subsequently, on September 4, 2007, planning application PA070009 was approved for a Site Development Permit to provide for street improvements, drainage, trails, landscaping and irrigation, walls, utilities and homes. Thus, the development of this site into four lots is consistent with permits approved. If you have questions regarding this property, please contact my office, or the County’s Code and Enforcement inquiry line at (866) 552-8120.

I was privileged to be honored by the Community Foundation of Orange as the recipient of their 2009 Community Champion Award at their 4th Annual Foundation Gala. Mary and I were joined by our sons, Brian and Chris, and our daughter-in-law Daniela. The Community Foundation of Orange identifies unmet community needs and supports community programs through financial and community partnerships for at-risk youth, seniors, and early childhood development. For pictures, please click here.

The Board adjourned Tuesday’s meeting in the memory of Reed LeVecke. Reed was an Orange County native who started LeVecke Corporation, a company which over the last sixty years has grown be to a national leader in the distilled spirits processing industry. Reed passed away on February 14th. To learn more about the life of Reed LeVecke, click here. Please keep Reed and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

I attended Congressional Representative Ed Royce’s district open house at his new offices in the City of Orange. For pictures, please click here.

I met with Orange Mayor Cavecche and Tustin Mayor Davert and staff from both cities to discuss the Sphere of Influence for the North Tustin area.

Mary and I attended Cal State Fullerton’s (CSUF) annual Front & Center benefit concert at the Honda Center. The event was headlined by country singer Reba McEntire, while National Hot Rod Association Funny Car driver and Cal State Fullerton alumna Ashley Force Hood served as the master of ceremonies. The event also showcased the singing-and-dancing talents of CSUF theatre and dance students. Proceeds from the event benefited the university’s President’s Scholars, a program that awards full scholarships to outstanding incoming freshmen who have demonstrated excellence in academic work, leadership ability and community service. For pictures, click here.

I spoke to the Irvine Chamber of Commerce about the on going economic downturn and the County’s budget, the James A. Musick Facility, and Proposition 116 funds for the Irvine Guideway Project. For pictures, please click here.

I met with Rod Lighthipe of Sunlink and Solar Power Partners about possible alternative energy solutions for the County.

I toured the Health Care Agency’s Correctional Medical Services (CMS) at the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange and the Central Jails Complex in Santa Ana.

I met with representatives from Western Asset Management to discuss the company's compliance with OCTA's Investment Portfolio Policy.

I met with Margie Wakeum and Steve Knight from Families Forward to discuss their upcoming 25th Anniversary.

I presented a Board Resolution to Maureen Zehntner on her retirement as chief executive officer of the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. To read the Resolution, please click here. For pictures, click here.

Third District staff attended an event where the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded the County of Orange $13,765,384 in homeless assistance funding as part of the Continuum of Care Super Notice of Funding Availability (SuperNOFA) grant competition. Chair Bates and Supervisor Moorlach joined Philip Mangano, Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, in celebrating the County’s award. To view the list of 38 providers receiving funding through this award, please click here.

Mary and I just completed the installation of solar photovoltaic panels on our home. This new system will provide our household electrical needs and allow for any surplus capacity to be exported into the electrical grid. For pictures, please click here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Daylight Savings Time Reminder- Daylight savings time begins on Sunday, March 8th. Please remember to set your clocks ahead one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night.

HCA Director Announces Retirement- After 36 years with the County of Orange, Health Care Agency Director Julie Poulson has announced her retirement, effective March 26, 2009. I have had the privilege of serving with Julie on the Orange County Children and Families Commission and I have enjoyed a wonderful working relationship with her through several other endeavors at the County. To read Julie’s announcement, please click here.

Silverado Children’s Center Annual Chili Cook-Off- The Silverado Children’s Center will host their Annual Chili Cook-Off on Sunday March 15th at Irvine Lake. The event will feature food, craft and vender booths, live music, and free access to the lake. The fundraiser will benefit the Silverado Children’s Center, and the money will be used to repair the Center’s playgrounds. To view the event flyer, please click here.

Brea’s Free Compost Giveaway- The City of Brea Maintenance Services Department in conjunction with Brea Disposal will be holding a free compost giveaway on Saturday, March 7 beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Brea Community Center. For more information, click here.

Yorba Linda Veterans’ Memorial Association Fundraiser- The Yorba Linda Veterans’ Memorial Association will try to reach its final goal for the Veterans’ Memorial by holding a fundraiser from 6 to 8 pm. March 20 at Main Street Restaurant located at 4902 Main St in Yorba Linda. Cost is $25 a person. For more information call (714) 777-4551.

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

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