| December 5, 2014 |
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Volume 2 Issue 46 |
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| Rains Threatened Silverado Canyon with Potential Mudflow |
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OCFA's Steve Concialdi briefs Channel 7 reporter Eileen Frere and Channel 2/9 reporter Michelle Gile |
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| With the recent rain, the Silverado Canyon burn area in the Third District was placed under a voluntary evacuation order at 8:00 AM Tuesday, applicable to all homes east of 30311 Silverado Canyon Road. This area was burned by the fire in September that destroyed approximately 1,000 acres leaving exposed hillsides. In addition, a flash flood warning was issued. |
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The County of Orange in conjunction with the OC Sheriff’s Department, OC Public Works and the Orange County Fire Authority activated the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) in an effort to pre-stage for a possible event.
“I am pleased by the great amount of preparation that went into pre-staging for what could have been a dangerous event,” Supervisor Todd Spitzer said. “The cooperation between response agencies was impressive.”
In addition to activating the EOC, sandbags for canyon residents were made available at the Orange County Fire Authority's Station 14 and the OC Public Works Maintenance Yard. Other precautions included the Red Cross opening a shelter in the City of Orange. Hay bales and K-rails were placed to prevent mud flows and property damage, and OC Public Works placed heavy equipment on scene for the possible need to move debris.
The EOC was deactivated with no major reported damage once the flash flood watch had been cancelled by the National Weather Service. OCPW, OCSD and OCFA will continue to monitor the situation and respond as needed. Residents with questions regarding sandbags or seeking additional information can contact OC Public Works at (714) 955-0200. |
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| Supervisor Spitzer Hosts Conditions of Children Forum |
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Front Row: OC Child Support Services Customer Service Contact Manager Nancy Burgos-Johnson, Supervisor Todd Spitzer, Program Director Lita Mercado of Community Service Programs and Anaheim Police Sergeant Juan Reveles
Back Row: OC Probation Juvenille Hall Division Director Joseph Stokely, Irvine Police Lieutenant Michael Kent, Irvine Police Deputy Chief Mike Hamel, OC Probation Deputy Chief Chris Bieber, Orangewood Children’s Foundation Program Manager Jim Carson and Orangewood Children’s Foundation Chief Community Programs Officer Mary Ann Soden |
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Supervisor Spitzer gave opening remarks focused on stopping human trafficking at the Conditions on Children Forum for the Third Supervisorial District. The annual event was co-hosted by the Orange County Children’s Partnership (OCCP), which is supported by the Children’s and Families Commission, California State University Fullerton, Orangewood Children’s Foundation, United Way, and the County of Orange. The event was held at the City of Irvine’s Heritage Park Community Center.
OCCP is an advisory body made up of public agencies and representative community agencies and individuals. It was established in 1982 by the Board of Supervisors to achieve common goals related to improving the lives of children.
As part of that effort, OCCP publishes the Annual Report on the Conditions of Children in Orange County, which was the focus of this event. The Annual Report presents indicators that gage the well-being of the children in Orange County. The indicators are presented in four sections that include: Good Health, Economic Well-Being, Educational Achievement and Safe Homes and Communities. This year designates the 20th year of this notable report which has been a true asset to the County of Orange throughout the years. |
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Supervisor Spitzer giving opening remarks |
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Attendees can learn about data trends, report highlights and gain perspective from expert panelists. The panelists at this recent event were Irvine Police Lieutenant Michael Kent, Program Director Lita Mercado of Community Service Programs, Anaheim Police Sergeant Juan Reveles, and Orangewood Children’s Foundation Program Manager Jim Carson.
This is one of five Community Forums OCCP will be hosting, as there will be one in each Supervisor’s district. To learn more about the Annual Report on the Conditions of Children in Orange County, click here. |
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| Board of Supervisors Bids Farewell to Nguyen and Bates and Welcomes Bartlett |
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Orange County CEO Mike Giancola, Supervisor Todd Spitzer, Supervisor Janet Nguyen, Supervisor Patricia Bates, Chairman Shawn Nelson, and Supervisor John Moorlach with the community and staff at the BOS meeting |
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| The Board of Supervisors formally thanked Supervisor Patricia Bates and Supervisor Janet Nguyen for their dedicated service to Orange County at Bates and Nguyen's final Board meeting last week, as both were elected to the State Senate. |
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Vice Chairman Todd Spitzer, Second District Supervisor John Moolach, Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Former Fifth District Supervisor Marian Bergeson, and Chairman Shawn Nelson |
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Supervisor Lisa Bartlett was sworn in this week at a special Board of Supervisors meeting as the Fifth District Supervisor to succeed Patricia Bates. Representatives from cities in the Fifth District attended the meeting to publically congratulate Supervisor Bartlett and to wish her continued success on the Board of Supervisors.
Elected in November to a four-year term, Supervisor Bartlett was sworn in early to complete the remaining month of Supervisor Bates’ term, due to Measure G, which was passed by 71% of voters in the November 2014 elections.
Supervisor Nguyen’s seat will remain vacant until a January 27, 2015 special election, as there are two years remaining on her term. For more information about the special election, click here. |
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| Orange, Tustin, and Yorba Linda Councilmembers Sworn in to New Terms |
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| On Tuesday evening, oaths of office were administered to new and re-elected Councilmembers in the Cities of Orange, Tustin, and Yorba Linda. |
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Supervisor Todd Spitzer speaks at Orange City Councilman Denis Bilodeau’s last meeting. |
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In Orange, Councilman Denis Bilodeau attended his final meeting, as he was termed out of office. Mayor Tita Smith and Councilman Fred Whitaker were each sworn in to a second term in their respective offices while Councilwoman Kimberlee Nichols joined the Council for the first time. Orange will select a new Mayor Pro Tem in January to succeed Whitaker. |
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Sam Han from Assemblyman Don Wagner’s Office, Councilman Chuck Puckett, Councilman Allan Bernstein, Councilman Al Murray, Supervisor Todd Spitzer, Councilwoman Beckie Gomez, and Councilman John Nielsen at the Tustin City Council meeting |
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| In Tustin, Councilman Al Murray and Councilwoman Beckie Gomez each took the oath of office for their second terms. Murray completed his tenure as Mayor and was replaced by Chuck Puckett, who himself was succeeded as Mayor Pro Tem by John Nielsen. |
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Yorba Linda City Council Members: Tom Lindsey, Gene Hernandez, Craig Young, Peggy Huang, and Mark Schwing |
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In Yorba Linda, Councilman John Anderson retired after two terms. Judges administered the oath of office to Councilman Tom Lindsey for his second term and to new Councilwoman Peggy Huang. Craig Young completed his year as Mayor and was replaced by Gene Hernandez, who himself was succeeded as Mayor Pro Tem by Lindsey.
Outgoing Councilmen Anderson of Yorba Linda and Bilodeau of Orange received County proclamations from Supervisor Spitzer. New Councilwomen Nichols of Orange and Huang of Yorba Linda received County certificates from Supervisor Spitzer, as did returning Mayor Smith of Orange and Councilmembers Whitaker of Orange, Gomez and Murray of Tustin, and Lindsey of Yorba Linda.
The Mayor of Orange is elected by voters every two years. The Mayors of Tustin and Yorba Linda are selected on an annual basis by the members of the City Council. In all three cities, the Council selects the Mayor Pro Tem on an annual basis. |
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| Supervisor Spitzer Helps Less Fortunate at 28th Annual We Give Thanks Event |
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We Give Thanks Event with Author Frank Garcia
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Supervisor Todd Spitzer participated in the 28th Annual We Give Thanks Event at the Honda Center. The successful event provided nearly 15,000 underprivileged individuals from the community with meals and entertainment.
For the past nine years, Honda Center has partnered with La Casa Garcia Restaurant and We Give Thanks, Inc. to serve free Thanksgiving meals to thousands in the Honda Center parking lot. Anaheim Ducks players, elected officials, community members and volunteers serve food and spend time with those in attendance.
The mission of We Give Thanks is to enhance the well-being of the less fortunate in Southern California by making ongoing efforts and contributions to their well-being. They carry out this mission through various service activities. This includes bringing the community together on Thanksgiving Day for a special holiday meal, entertainment, and meeting place.
For more information, please click here. |
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| Supervisor Spitzer’s Office Attends Crime Survivors Event Thanksgiving Meal Baskets and Hopeful Healing |
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| (Portions courtesy of Crime Survivors) |
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Group photo from the Crime Survivors Event Thanksgiving Meal Baskets and Hopeful Healing |
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| Crime Survivors held their annual Hopeful Healing event where volunteers assembled and distributed thanksgiving meal baskets to crime survivors and their families. The event was held at Boomers, and children were offered wholesome and uplifting activities including face painting, balloon animals and arcade playtime. |
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Supervisor Spitzer’s Policy Advisor Melissa March and Crime Survivors Founder & CEO Patricia Wenskunas |
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The Crime Survivors mission is for victims of crime to recover from their experience mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially, by receiving the respect, support, and protection from law enforcement, the judicial system, and the community.
“Crime Survivors provides a valuable resource to the community and to people who have fallen victim to a crime,” Supervisor Todd Spitzer said. “I respect and appreciate Crime Survivors as an advocate for victims’ rights. They work hard to facilitate communication and cooperation across various public service, government and non-profit organizations.”
To learn more about Crime Survivors click here. |
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| Deadline Approaching for Capital Fellowship Applications |
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(Photos courtesy of Capital Fellows Programs)
The four Capital Fellows programs are a set of unique opportunities for college graduates. Fellows work for a year as full-time staff members in the State Assembly, the State Senate, the executive branch, or the judiciary.
“In 1982, immediately after graduating from UCLA, I was chosen to be a Senate Fellow, serving for a year in the California State Senate,” said Supervisor Spitzer. “Chris Nguyen, one of my senior policy advisors, was chosen to be a Senate Fellow in 2007, immediately after graduating from Stanford. I can tell you that my fellowship experience changed my professional life and goals."
Todd Spitzer served as a 1982-83 Senate Fellow in the office of Senator John Seymour. Chris Nguyen, a Senior Policy Advisor in Supervisor Spitzer’s office, served as a 2007-08 Senate Fellow in the office of Senator George Runner. Their experiences writing laws, working on legislation, and coordinating constituent services led Spitzer to pursue his Master of Public Policy and Juris Doctor and Nguyen to pursue his Master of Public Administration. Their further education enhanced the skills they developed in the Capitol as Senate Fellows, and they each still use those skills today in service to the people of Orange County.
Chosen from a nationwide pool, the application deadline for each of the four Fellowship programs (including transcripts and letters of recommendation) is Monday, February 9, 2015. Anyone with a bachelor's degree by September 1, 2015 and a demonstrated interest in state government and public service is eligible to apply. There are no preferred majors. Applicants must be 20 years of age by September 1, 2015. Graduate, postgraduate and mid-career applicants are welcome. More information can be found online about the Capital Fellows here. |
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| Candidate Filing Now Open for First Supervisorial District Special Election |
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First District Map |
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The County of Orange has set Tuesday, January 27, 2015, as the date for a winner-take-all special election to fill the vacancy created by the election of former First District Supervisor Janet Nguyen to the state Senate. Candidate filing is now open and will be open until December 15, 2014. The winner will serve the remainder of Nguyen’s term, which expires January 2, 2017. The First District consists of Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Westminster, Midway City, and northern Fountain Valley (all portions north of Warner Avenue).
Any qualified citizen in the First District can file candidacy papers until Monday, December 15, 2014, 5:00 PM, in the office of the Registrar of Voters, 1300 South Grand Avenue, Building C, Santa Ana, California. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
For further information including key dates, candidate filing information and election specific information, please click here or call the Registrar of Voters office at (714) 567-7600, select option "0" and ask for the "Candidate & Voter Services" division. |
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| City of Orange’s 2014 Tree Lighting Ceremony and Candlelight Choir Procession This Sunday |
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 (Portions courtesy of the City of Orange)
The City of Orange is holding their 20th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Candlelight Choir Procession featuring the Orange Community Master Chorale on Sunday, December 7, 2014, in the historic Old Towne Orange Plaza, located at the intersection of Chapman Avenue and Glassell Street.
The event begins at 3:30 PM with Santa Claus arriving in Old Towne Orange. The community is invited to attend and photo opportunities with Santa, and activities which include crafts, carnival games, and a moon bounce will be provided.
At 5:15 PM the official traditional tree lighting ceremony program will begin. Once lit, the tree will provide the backdrop for the choir and candlelight procession into the Plaza backed by a full orchestra led by musical director Michael Short. This year's story narrator will be retired Orange Police Department Lieutenant Dave Hill.
This event is free, and open to the general public. In the event of rain, or for more information, please visit www.cityoforange.org or call the special events hotline at (714) 744-7278. |
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| Yorba Linda Toy and Food Drive |
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 The City of Yorba Linda, in partnership with the Yorba Linda Food for Families Program, is holding a special toy and food drive to benefit those in need this holiday season. Help make the season brighter for someone by donating non-perishable, non-expired food items or new, unwrapped gifts suitable for infants or children through 16 years. Donations will be accepted through Friday, December 12, 2014. Toy and food drive containers are located in the lobbies of the following locations:
- Yorba Linda City Hall - 4845 Casa Loma Avenue
- Yorba Linda Community Center - 4501 Casa Loma Avenue
- Black Gold Golf Club - 1 Black Gold Drive
- Thomas Lasorda Jr. Field House - 4701 Casa Loma Avenue
- Travis Ranch Activity Center - 5200 Via De La Escuela
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| Clerk-Recorder Special Saturday Opening |
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Click on the image above to view a PDF version. |
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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
Youth Adult Council Food Drive
Saturday, December 6, 11:00 AM
Canyon Hills Branch Library, 400 Scout Trail
Anaheim Hills Christmas Tree Lighting
Sunday, December 7, 5:30 PM
Influence Center, 8163 E. Kaiser Blvd.
Irvine
Bewitching Exhibition Opening Reception
Saturday, December 6, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
14321 Yale Ave. in Heritage Park
Certified Farmers Market
Sunday, December 7, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Orange County Great Park
Orange
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
Tree Lighting
Friday, December 5, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Tustin City Hall, 300 Centennial Way
Farmers Market
Wednesday, December 10, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
El Camino Real & 3rd St.
Villa Park
Parade of Holiday D’Lights and Holiday Celebration
Sunday, December 14, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Starts at Villa Park High School on Taft Ave. and ends in the Villa Park Towne Centre
Yorba Linda
Hometown Heroes Christmas Tree Dedication
Sunday, December 7, 12:00 PM
Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd.
Holiday Follies
Thursday, December 18, 6:30 PM
Yorba Linda Public Library, 18181 Imperial Hwy.
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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