| November 21, 2014 |
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Volume 2 Issue 45 |
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| Supervisor Spitzer Speaks at Legislative Luncheon Celebrating CalOptima’s Accomplishments |
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Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer, CalOptima Chair and OC Health Director Mark Refowitz, Supervisor Janet Nguyen, CalOptima Chief Executive Officer Michael Schrader and Senator Lou Correa |
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(Portions courtesy of CalOptima)
Supervisor Todd Spitzer was invited to speak at CalOptima’s Legislative Luncheon to provide an overview of the progress being made at CalOptima and the efforts of the Compliance Ad Hoc Committee. CalOptima has an annual budget of $3 billion. Through CalOptima, nearly 200,000 people in Orange County have gained health coverage since January 2014.
Supervisor Spitzer acknowledged that the County is mandated by the federal government to provide expanded medical services and shared his commitment to ensure that services are provided in most cost effective method. To serve that effort, the CalOptima Board formed the Compliance Ad Hoc Audit Overview Committee. Spitzer and the Ad Hoc Audit Committee have been meeting weekly for the past several months to oversee system improvement implementation in preparation for January Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) re-audit.
Awards were presented to CalOptima from Congressional Representatives Ed Royce, Dana Rohrabacher, Alan Lowenthal, and Loretta Sanchez, along with resolutions from the California State Legislature and from the Orange County Board of Supervisors. The awards acknowledged the progress that CalOptima that has made so far with CalOptima’s eight remaining OneCare health networks, including improvements as a result of sanctions. Most impressive was the recent CMS decision to lift OneCare’s enrollment freeze, beginning November 1. The Ad Hoc Committee is working to see the completion of the work necessary for improving the delivery system and launching Cal MediConnect next year. |
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| Supervisor Spitzer Speaks at UC Irvine Health Medical Group Tustin’s Grand Opening |
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Assemblyman Don Wagner, UC Irvine Health Strategy Officer Teresa Conk, UC Irvine Medical Center CEO Terry A. Belmont, Emily Murray, Tustin Mayor Al Murray, MemorialCare Medical Foundation CEO Mark Schafer and Supervisor Todd Spitzer with physicians and staff |
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(Portions courtesy of UC Irvine Health)
Supervisor Todd Spitzer spoke at the Grand Opening of the UC Irvine Health Medical Group Tustin primary care offices. During his remarks, Supervisor Spitzer shared his experience as a patient of UC Irvine Health and UC Irvine Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center when he was treated for vocal cord cancer and commended UC Irvine Health for the excellent caliber of services that they provide.
In addition to the Tustin location, UC Irvine Health is also opening a new state-of-the-art primary care center in the City of Orange. Between the two new locations, thirteen physicians with long-standing ties to the community will provide convenient and comprehensive primary care. Both locations will feature family and internal medicine plus laboratory services for fast turnaround of tests. The Tustin center will offer pediatrics and rheumatology, plus urgent care and imaging services such as x-ray and ultrasound. Numerous specialists, including physicians in dermatology, cardiology, obstetrics and gynecology, endocrinology and gastroenterology, will join the center in early 2015.
The centers will also embrace new technology, with plans to roll out the use of Google Glass in early 2015 to assist physicians and staff to seamlessly integrate patient visits with their electronic medical records.
The Tustin center is located at 1451 Irvine Blvd. Primary care office hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Urgent care services are offered 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends and holidays. The Orange office at 293 S. Main Street, Suite 200 is open Monday through Friday with the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For more information about the UC Irvine Health Medical Group offices, visit ucirvinehealth.org/medical-group. |
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| Orange County Board of Supervisors Accepts 2,500-Acre Gift from Irvine Company |
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Conservation Easements in yellow |
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This week, the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted to accept 2,500 acres of open space located within the Third District, donated by the Irvine Company to the County for preservation and public recreation. The donation provides additional connectivity to the 20,000 acres the Irvine Company donated to the County in 2010, which marked the largest single donation of land to the County in its history. The land accepted today was previously slated for construction of approximately 5,000 homes.
“The Board of Supervisors is grateful for the Chairman Donald Bren’s continued commitment to preserving open space for Orange County residents and visitors,” said Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer, Third District. “OC Parks has done a wonderful job caring for the 20,000 acres donated in 2010, while still allowing thousands of visitors each year to enjoy its beauty. This latest donation to the public open space in the Third District should only enhance those values and opportunities.” |
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Most of the land will be governed by conservation easements held by the Orange County Parks Foundation to ensure that it is managed with an appropriate balance between habitat protection and public access. The easements establish guidelines for land management, monitoring, habitat restoration, infrastructure improvement and public programs similar to the guiding principles of the Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP) established to preserve nearly 37,000 acres of sensitive natural habitats managed by multiple local governments, utilities, and institutions. OC Parks is honored to participate in this collaborative effort as the steward of an amazing contiguous landscape of native wildlands, and is pleased to offer opportunities for public education, recreation, and respite in this unique space.
The 2,500-acre donation is made up of four separate parcels:
Mountain Park
Acres: 1,073.9
Located near the 91 Freeway and 241 Toll Road in Anaheim Hills, it is surrounded on three sides by land already owned by the County and managed by OC Parks. The land was previously entitled for development of approximately 2,500 homes.
Santiago Hills II
Acres: 16.2
Directly adjacent to Irvine Regional Park in Orange, this will serve as an addition to California’s first regional park.
East Orange Area I
Acres: 469.2
West of Irvine Lake along Santiago Canyon Road and the 241 Toll Road in Orange, this land was previously entitled to develop 2,200 homes.
East Orange Area II
Acres: 936.5
This parcel includes land southeast of Irvine Lake in Orange and is directly adjacent to County-owned portions of Black Star Canyon. |
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| Supervisor Spitzer Supports America Recycles Day through the Inside the Outdoors Foundation |
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Assemblyman Don Wagner, State Farm Public Affairs Specialist Adriana Galdamez, State Farm Agent Bradley Purcell, Inside the Outdoors Development Officer Lori Kiesser, Supervisor Spitzer’s Policy Advisor Melissa March, Inside the Outdoors Foundation President Manny Kiesser and Mission Viejo High School Seniors Alison Chen & Arya Jemal |
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(Portion courtesy of the Inside the Outdoors Foundation)
Supervisor Spitzer’s staff participated in last week’s check presentation ceremony for Inside the Outdoors, who received a grant from the State Farm Youth Advisory Board. The grant award of $84,103 will be used to engage over 25,000 Orange County high school students in environment stewardship projects.
Inside the Outdoors implements hands-on, research based environmental and science education programs throughout Southern California for over 80,000 K-12 students and the public each year. For more information about the Inside the Outdoors Foundation, click here. |
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| Supervisor Spitzer Attends 33rd Annual Irvine Community Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast |
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Founder of the Joyful Child Foundation Erin Runnion |
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Supervisor Spitzer attended the 33rd Annual Irvine Community Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast at the Irvine Marriot. The event is hosted by the Irvine Exchange Club, the City of Irvine and the Irvine Chamber of Commerce. The Mater Dei High School Choir gave a moving performance.
Joyful Child Foundation Founder Erin Runnion delivered the keynote speech and talked about the importance of protecting youth and fostering the spirit of gratitude. The Joyful Child Foundation, in memory of Samantha Runnion, is dedicated to preventing crimes against children through programs that educate, empower, and unite families and communities. Click here for more information about the Joyful Child Foundation. |
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| Armory Emergency Shelter Program |
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(Portions courtesy of Mercy House)
The Orange County Armory Emergency Shelter program provides up to 400 beds per night for the homeless at the National Guard Armories in Fullerton and Santa Ana. The homeless will receive a nutritious meal, a warm shower and a safe place to sleep. Volunteers will pass out donations of warm clothing and service providers from Orange County will be onsite to provide needed services. The Shelter has a supply wish list. For information on how to get involved, click here. |
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Click on the image above to view a PDF version. |
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| Operation Warm Wishes 6th Annual Unity in the Community Thanksgiving Spectacular at Peppertree Park |
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On Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2014, from noon until 5:00 PM, Operation Warm Wishes, will host and serve FREE Thanksgiving dinner, with all the trimmings, to families in need, senior citizens, troubled youth, the homeless, those suffering from various illnesses and all others in need.
For more information please call (714) 363-6621 or visit www.OperationWarmWishes.com |
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| John Wayne Airport Provides Thanksgiving Holiday Travel Tips |
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(Portions courtesy of John Wayne Airport)
In anticipation of one of the most heavily traveled holiday periods, John Wayne Airport (JWA) offers travel tips to help passengers prepare for a safe and enjoyable holiday. Passengers traveling through JWA between Friday, November 21 and Monday, December 1 will experience higher-than-normal passenger traffic due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
This season, JWA is partnering with KeepOCSafe to encourage travelers to be aware of their surroundings and report questionable objects or activities. A giant red backpack will be on display in the Riley Terminal throughout the holidays to remind passengers and visitors, "If You See Something, Say Something."
Tips for Passengers and Visitors:
All passengers flying out of JWA are encouraged to arrive 90 minutes to two hours before flight departure time to find parking, check luggage and go through security checkpoints. Passengers who are members of TSA Pre-Check can expedite the screening process in Terminals A, B and C.
Passengers are allowed one small carry-on bag plus one personal item as long as the carry-on bag fits airline dimensions. Check with individual airlines for specifics.
Drivers picking up passengers at the Airport are encouraged to utilize 2-hour parking spaces, located on the lower level of Parking Structures A1, B2 and C.
Tips for Parking at JWA:
Curbside Valet Parking for $30 per day is located on the Departure (upper) Level between Terminals A and B, or in front of Terminal C.
Parking Structures A1, A2, B2 and C are located adjacent to and across from the Riley Terminal at a rate of $20 per day and $2 per hour with the first 15 minutes being free for those dropping off and picking up passengers.
Access to terminal parking structures is available from the Departure (upper) Level only.
Off-site Main Street Parking Lot located at 1512 Main St., Irvine for $14 per day with free shuttle service to and from the Terminal every 15 minutes. For parking availability call (949) 252-5200.
Tips from TSA and CBP:
Review Transportation Security Administration Travel Tips for a list of prohibited items and the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-ons. International travelers should check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website to ensure they have appropriate documentation for traveling to and from the United States.
Note: Passengers who are members of the Global Entry Trusted Traveler Program can expedite their Customs clearance into the U.S. at John Wayne Airport. Those passengers traveling to and from Canada will clear Customs in Canada before returning to the United States. |
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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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Click on the image above to view a PDF version. |
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Anaheim
Family Story Time
Saturday, November 22, 11:00 AM
East Anaheim Branch Library, 8201 Santa Ana Canyon Rd.
Family Story Time
Monday, November 24, 7:00 PM
Canyon Hills Branch Library, 400 Scout Trail
Irvine
Fall Cleaning Event – Paper Shredding
Saturday, November 22, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Lakeview Senior Center, 20 Lake Rd.
Certified Farmers Market
Sunday, November 23, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Orange County Great Park
Orange
Toddler Story Time
Wednesday, November 26, 10:30 AM
Orange Public Library & History Center, 407 Chapman Ave.
2014 Tree Lighting Ceremony and Candlelight Choir Procession
Sunday, December 7, 3:30 PM
Old Towne Orange Plaza, Intersection of Chapman Ave. & Glassell St.
Tustin
Farmers Market
Wednesday, November 26, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
El Camino Real & 3rd St.
Tree Lighting
Friday, December 5, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Tustin City Hall, 300 Centennial Way
Villa Park
Toddler Time
Tuesday, December 2, 9:30 AM & 10:30 AM
Orange County Public Library - Villa Park Branch, 17865 Santiago Blvd
Yorba Linda
Lego Play
Saturday, December 6, 1:30 PM
Yorba Linda Public Library, 18181 Imperial Hwy.
Hometown Heroes Christmas Tree Dedication
Sunday, December 7, 12:00 PM
Richard 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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