August 22, 2014 |
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Volume 2 Issue 32 |
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Supervisor Todd Spitzer Interviewed by PBS SoCal Regarding OCTA'S Campaign Against Human Trafficking |
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Supervisor Todd Spitzer, Vice Chairman of the Orange County Transportation Authority Safety Committee, gave a televised interview this week with PBS SoCal to talk about the partnership between Orange County law enforcement and transportation officials to stop human trafficking in Orange County. A couple of weeks ago, these groups worked with the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force to hold a joint news conference to discuss the growing problem of human trafficking and efforts to put an end to the crime through strict enforcement and community partnerships.
There are two important ways that OCTA is helping in this fight: First, through the “Be The One” public-awareness campaign and second, by training their bus operators. There are more than 1,100 operators in all who could help to spot signs of human trafficking, to report crimes and get help for victims. Training is already underway and protocols for reporting crimes and offering help to victims are in place. |
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OCTA launched the “Be The One” campaign to shine a light on human trafficking. The goal of this campaign is to let bus riders and the public at large know that you can Be The One to help. It only takes one person to report a crime or to get help for a victim and you can Be The One.
If you want to report a potential human trafficking situation, please do it safely. Remember in an emergency to call 911. |
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Supervisor Spitzer Speaks at the California State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police’s 19th Biennial Conference |
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The California State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police invited Supervisor Spitzer to speak at its 19th Biennial Conference to address public safety issues related to the current economic climate and how it impacts law enforcement. The event was attended by active and retired law enforcement officers from throughout the state.
With more than 325,000 members in the United States, the Fraternal Order of Police has become the largest professional police organization in the country and continues to grow.
Having worked for ten years as a reserve police officer for the Los Angeles Police Department, Supervisor Spitzer gave his perspective on the challenges facing front line law enforcement officers and deputies.
“The personal risk and sacrifice made by police officers today has a history of sometimes being overlooked and overshadowed,” Supervisor Spitzer said. Supervisor Spitzer thanked law enforcement officers for their continued hard work and dedication to public safety. |
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Supervisor Spitzer Supports Wilson Automotive’s Donation to Orangewood Children’s Foundation |
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Supervisor Todd Spitzer, Orange Councilmember Mark Murphy, Orange Mayor Teresa “Tita” Smith, Wilson Automotive Group Chief Executive Officer David Wilson, Orange Mayor Pro Tem Fred Whitaker and Orange Councilmember Mike Alvarez |
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Supervisor Spitzer presented a proclamation to the Wilson Automotive Group for their generous support of the Orangewood Children’s Foundation. Toyota of Orange presented the local nonprofit and longtime partner Orangewood Children’s Foundation with a 2014 Toyota Prius in celebration of the sale of the 500,000th Toyota/Lexus vehicle by Wilson Automotive Group. Orangewood Children’s Home will use the vehicle to benefit the foundation’s Children Trust Fund which provides college scholarships to former foster youth.
Founded in 1981, Orangewood Children’s Foundation is one of the leading providers of services to current and former foster youth. Their mission is to provide life-changing prevention and intervention programs for abused and neglected children, young adults and at-risk families through one-on-one support and community partnerships to end the cycle of child abuse. Last year the Orangewood Children’s Home helped over 1,500 children and teens with programs that prepare them to make a successful transition from the foster care system to independent adulthood. Their programs focus on education, employment, housing, life skills and basic needs. Without the Foundation’s support and guidance, these children can become homeless or unemployed. Learn more at www.orangewoodfoundation.org. |
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91 Express Lanes Bonds Upgraded |
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(Portions courtesy of the Orange County Transportation Authority)
Standard & Poors cites solid financial outlook and management as reasons for the two grade jump
Standard & Poor’s announced that it has upgraded the rating on the Orange County Transportation Authority’s 91 Express Lanes Series 2013 Refunding Bonds debt from A to AA-.
The AA- rating is an unusual two-notch rating increase. S&P noted a stable outlook for the future, solid financial metrics, the completion of the new general-purpose lanes on the 91 Freeway and an effective toll policy as some of the reasons for the rating upgrade.
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors approved the issuance of $124 million Senior Lien Toll Road Revenue Refunding Bonds (91 Express Lanes), Series 2013 on July 22.
“The 91 Express Lanes is a nationwide model for congestion management pricing and this upgrade by Standard & Poor’s is an excellent reflection of the management and performance of the facility,” said OCTA Director Todd Spitzer, Orange County’s Third District Supervisor. Director Spitzer served as Chairman of OCTA in 2002, helping negotiate the buyout of the lanes from the private company that built them in order to remove a non-compete clause. “The 91 Express Lanes improves the commute for thousands of drivers every day and our strong financial footing ensures we will continue on this path for years to come.”
The 91 Express Lanes is a four-lane, 10-mile toll road in the median of the 91, one of Southern California’s most heavily traveled freeways and a critical link between job centers in Orange County and housing in Riverside County.
Using electronic tolling, the 91 Express Lanes was the first fully automated toll road in the world and the first in the United States to employ variable pricing. With two lanes in each direction, toll prices vary by hour, day of the week and direction of travel based on a predetermined toll schedule that optimizes traffic throughput at free-flow speeds.
Since OCTA purchased the 91 Express Lanes in January 2003, the objective has been to maximize the number of cars traveling through the 91 corridor, rather than maximizing revenue.
OCTA’s Board of Directors adopted a Toll Policy in 2003 that automatically adjust tolls based on traffic volume to maintain a free-flow of traffic in the 91 Express Lanes. Traffic is monitored on a continuous basis and tolls are increased and decreased quarterly based on the volume. When hourly volumes consistently reach or exceed 3,128 vehicles per hour per direction, tolls rise to maintain a predictable level of service. The Toll Policy also includes annual cost-of-living adjustments for rates that have not been adjusted because of volume. |
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Lead Up to Labor Day Brings DUI Crackdown to Orange County |
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DUI Task Force Reminds Everyone to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
(Portions courtesy of Orange County Sheriff’s Department)
From August 15 through September 1, 2014, deputies and officers will be aggressively targeting drunk and drugged drivers as part of a nationwide effort to end impaired driving and save lives. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign will pair increased public awareness with high-visibility enforcement, resulting in fewer drunk drivers on Orange County roads.
The “Avoid the 38” DUI Task Force will be aggressively looking for impaired drivers throughout the region with plans in place for five DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoints, two Multi-Agency DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoints, nine DUI Saturation Patrols, three Multi-Agency DUI Saturation Patrols, two DUI Warrant/Probation Sweeps and a DUI Court Sting targeting suspended drivers who were ordered by the judge not to drive.
The Orange County DUI taskforce is reminding drivers to plan ahead and designate a sober driver before attending any events where alcohol will be served. It’s easy to plan for a sober ride home, whether it’s a friend, a taxi, or public transportation.
“We’ve got to continue to fight against drunk driving,” said Supervisor Todd Spitzer. “There is always another way home.”
In 2012, 147 people in the United States lost their lives to a drunk driver over Labor Day Weekend. Of all the crash fatalities that weekend, one in four were attributed to drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .15 percent or higher – almost twice the legal limit in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. This Labor Day weekend don’t let the festivities turn into fatalities.
Aside from the obvious risks of killing yourself or someone else, driving impaired can also lead to serious punitive consequences. A DUI arrest can mean time in jail, losing the driver’s license, and steep financial expenses; the average DUI can cost up to $10,000.
“Avoid the 38” DUI Task Force funding is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration who reminds everyone; Report Drunk Drivers! – Call 9-1-1. The Office of Traffic Safety is offering a free mobile app – DDVIPCA.COM – aimed at thanking the sober designated driver with perks and free offers at area bars and restaurants. |
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Free Document Shredding Event |
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(Portions courtesy of the City of Tustin)
The City of Tustin is hosting a free document shredding event on September 27, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in front of City Hall located at 300 Centennial Way. Tustin residents will have the opportunity to safely dispose of personal documents and financial records without fear of identity theft.
Each household can bring up to 10 boxes of documents to the event for shredding. This community event highlights the importance of destroying personal information properly, a critical step in guarding one's identity, along with drawing attention to recycling.
For more information or questions, contact the Tustin City Clerk's Office at (714) 573-3026. |
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All Canyons Clean Up |
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(Portions courtesy of Orange County Waste and Recycling)
Saturday September 20th is a big day in the canyons. As part of the 18th Annual "Inner-Coastal Cleanup", volunteers will be picking up trash around the canyons. In addition, dumpsters will be available for big trash items like lumber, couches and appliances. The dumpsters will be in three locations for a limited period of time.
Hazardous material and e-waste will be collected as well, so this is a big opportunity for everyone to clear things out around the homestead and to help the environment. |
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Click on the image above to view a PDF version. |
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Back-to-School Immunizations |
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(Portions courtesy of OC Public Health Services)
With the new school year starting, vaccinations should be included in every back-to-school list. Parents are reminded to have their children up-to-date on required vaccinations before school starts.
“Immunizations are a safe and effective way to help children stay healthy in school and protect them, and the people around them, from vaccine preventable illnesses that can be very serious,” said Dr. Eric Handler, Orange County Health Officer.
While vaccines have significantly reduced the incidence of many diseases in the United States, such as measles, whooping cough, polio, hepatitis B, and chickenpox, they still pose a public health threat. This year, Orange County has experienced increases in both measles and whooping cough cases, in part due to inadequate vaccinations of children, with 235 cases of whooping cough and 22 cases of measles reported.
State law requires children to receive certain immunizations prior to attending public and private elementary and secondary schools, child care centers, family day care homes, nursery schools, day nurseries and developmental centers.
“Be sure that children are up-to-date on all required immunizations, including an adolescent whooping cough (Tdap) booster for incoming 7th graders,” Handler said.
Required immunizations are a part of preventative health care and are generally covered free-of-charge by health insurance. If an infant or child does not have health insurance or a family cannot afford immunizations, the Health Care Agency provides free and low cost immunizations for infants and children ages 2 months to 18 years at our clinic in Santa Ana. For more information, please call the Health Referral Line at 800-564-8448 or visit the Health Care Agency website.
Each year in August, the importance of back-to-school immunizations is emphasized as part of National Immunization Awareness month. |
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MVP Adoption Event |
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Click on the image above to view a PDF version. |
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Celebrate Old Town Tustin |
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Tustin Councilmember John Nielsen, Margaret Pottenger, Doug Manning, Supervisor Spitzer’s Policy Advisory Melissa March, and Tustin Mayor Pro Tem Charles E. “Chuck” Puckett |
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In partnership with Old Town merchants, the Tustin Area Historical Society, held the Third Annual “Celebrate Old Town Tustin” this past week. Supervisor Spitzer helped in recognizing two Tustin residents, Margaret Pottenger and Doug Manning, for their service to the Tustin Area Historical Society and to the Tustin community as a whole. As part of the celebration, many merchants sponsored events at their locations and offered in-store discounts and refreshments. |
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OC Parks Fire Management Planning Heats Up |
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(Portions courtesy of OC Parks)
Orange County’s communities have developed alongside the preservation of thousands of acres of beautiful parklands over the last several decades, creating a large-scale urban-wildland interface. OC Parks has taken a proactive role in establishing best management practices along these park border interfaces that are adjacent to homes and businesses. The OC Parks Fire Watch program currently deploys a group of specially trained volunteers during high fire risk conditions to deter arson activity, ensure early fire detection and provide public information about fire danger. Parks also supports the Orange County Fire Authority’s Ready, Set, Go! Program, which provides tools to the public to protect lives and property from wildfires. Now OC Parks is taking another step in managing its borders.
OC Parks is undertaking the development of a management plan to address all urban-wildland interface areas of concern in partnership with OCFA, city fire departments, the Nature Reserve of Orange County, the Irvine Ranch Conservancy and other stakeholders. Parks will be working with a contractor and partners over the next year to develop a Defensible Space Zone Management Plan to address fuel management requirements on OC Parks lands in a comprehensive manner that informs policy and procedure. The plan includes research and development of best management practices for planning, implementing and maintaining Defensible Space Zones and will focus on environmentally-sensitive, sustainable, low-maintenance solutions.
Although wildfire has historically played an important role in the ecology of Orange County’s environment, the frequency and size of Orange County’s wildfires has increased to such an extent in recent times that fire can now be a threat to Orange County’s wilderness spaces, as well as homes and communities. Taking a proactive position in planning and managing urban-wildland interface supports the OC Parks vision to “Preserve Orange County’s parks in perpetuity for the recreation, education, and inspiration of all visitors” and the goal of serving our community.
For more information about how to can volunteer with Orange County Fire Watch, click here. To learn about ways to protect a home, please visit Ready, Set, Go! |
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Old Towne Orange Maps Have Arrived |
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(Portions courtesy of the City of Orange)
The update to the Old Towne Orange map has just been released.
Want to know where that new restaurant or shop is you have heard so much about? Or how about where all the public parking lots are in Old Towne? How about the ones without time limits?
Use the map to find all the wonderful places there are to discover in Old Towne Orange.
Copies of the updated map are at most shops in Old Towne, and the City of Orange’s public counters at 300 or 230 E. Chapman Avenue. To view the map click here. |
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Clerk-Recorder’s Special Saturday Opening |
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Pet of the Week |
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Click on the image above to view a PDF version. |
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Events Around the District |
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Anaheim
Toddler Stories and Playtime
Monday, August 25, 11:00 AM
East Anaheim Branch Library, 8201 Santa Ana Canyon Rd.
Family Story Time
Monday, August 25, 7:00 PM
Canyon Hills Branch Library, 400 Scout Trail
Irvine
Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts
Sunday, August 24, 5:30 PM
Mike Ward Community Park, Woodbridge, 20 Lake Rd.
Certified Farmers Market
Sunday, August 24, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Orange County Great Park
Orange
Pajama Storytime
Tuesday, August 26, 6:30 PM
Orange Public Library & History Center, 407 E. Chapman Ave.
Silverado
8th Annual Silverado Summer Concert Series
Fractal Mountain (Funky Rock) Calistoga Falls (American Bluegrass) and Tommy Reiser
(Rock & Roll Classics)
Saturday, September 20, 6:00 PM
Silverado Community Center, 27641 Silverado Canyon Rd.
Tustin
Movie Matinee Thursdays
Thursday, August 28, 2:00 PM
Tustin Library, 345 East Main Street
Villa Park
Family Movie Night, Rio 2
Friday, August 22, 6:30 AM
Serrano Elementary, 17741 Serrano Ave.
Yorba Linda
Beginning iPad
Tuesday, August 26, 10:00 AM
Yorba Linda Library, 18181 Imperial Highway
Nixon Library Concert Series, Azzoni Violin & Piano Duo
Sunday, August 24, 1:30 PM
Nixon Presidential Library & Museum, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd.
For questions or comments regarding Spitzer’s E-Newsletter
please contact the Supervisor's office staff at: (714) 834-3330 or Melanie.Eustice@ocgov.com |
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