| December 18, 2015 |
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Volume 3 Issue 39 |
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This Sunday, December 20, 2015
CHOC, OC Harley Davidson, and Orange Coast HOG Chapter
21st Annual Toy Drive and Ride for CHOC Children’s Hospital
Free T-Shirt & Event Pin to First 500 Riders |
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Supervisor Todd Spitzer, Wahoo’s Co-Founder Wing Lam, Santa Claus, Whole Purpose Co-Founder Kelly Lam, Orange City Council Member Mark Murphy and riders at OC Harley Davidson |
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Click on the image above to view a PDF version. |
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The 21st Annual Toy Drive and Ride for CHOC Children’s Hospital will take place on Sunday, December 20, 2015. Over 1,000 riders, spectators and volunteers participated in the 20th Annual Toy Drive and Ride for the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC).
The toys donated at the event are used by CHOC to create a holiday store where parents can select gifts especially for their children. The unexpected surprise of having toys brought in for their children is often overwhelming for parents, who are often not able to shop for gifts themselves. The donations allow CHOC to provide each child with gifts for the holidays as well as providing activities for months to come.
“The spirit of the holiday of season is one of hope, giving and family. I am inspired by the great staff at CHOC who will spend their holidays serving others and by the family members who will gladly be at their child’s side,” Supervisor Todd Spitzer said. |
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CBS 2/KCAL 9’s Michele Gile addressing crowd |
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| Michele Gile of CBS 2/KCAL 9 will again emcee the event, and Wing and Kelly Lam will serve as the Grand Marshals. Gifts are being collected at Orange County Harley Davidson located at 8677 Research Drive in Irvine. |
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CHOC was the first hospital devoted exclusively to caring for children in Orange County and has one of only a handful of programs in the country uniquely dedicated to caring for adolescents and young adults with cancer. The CHOC emergency department recorded more than 71,000 visits in Fiscal Year 2014. CHOC cared for more than 111,000 patients in Fiscal Year 2014.
To register for this event or to get more information, click here |
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| Chairman Todd Spitzer and County Officials Announce Efforts to Prepare Orange County for El Niño |
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County Chief Operating Officer Mark Denny, Supervisor Andrew Do, OC Public Works Director Shane Silsby, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Sandra Hutchens, Board of Supervisors Chairman Supervisor Todd Spitzer, Sheriff’s Emergency Management Division Director Donna Boston and Orange County Fire Authority Assistant Chief Michael Schroeder |
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County officials held a news conference yesterday at the Emergency Operations Center to announce the new OC El Niño website, promote preparedness and discuss the preparation activities of OC Public Works.
El Niño preparedness involves a coordinated effort across multiple agencies, including the County of Orange, cities, law enforcement, non-profit organizations, community groups and more.
A few preparation tips include:
- Sign up for AlertOC
- Consider purchasing flood insurance
- Have weakened tress inspected by arborist. Downed trees and branches can damage homes, vehicles and power lines
- Make sure gutters are clear of leaves and any other debris
- Prepare a disaster supply kit and have an emergency plan for your family
For more information, visit OCElNino.com.
Related Links:
County leaders are preparing for El Niño and say you should be, too
OC launches El Nino website to urge residents to get prepared |
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| Supervisors Approve Land Swap for New OC Animal Shelter |
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(Portions courtesy of OC Animal Care)
A new Orange County Animal Shelter will be built on 10 acres of land at the former Tustin Marine base currently earmarked for the South Orange County Community College District under a concept approved unanimously Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors.
Supervisors approved in concept a letter of intent with the college district to expedite a swap of its property for a similarly sized parcel of nearby base land slated for eventual ownership by the County. The college district Board of Trustees approved the letter of intent on Monday.
The arrangement will allow the County to swiftly begin development plans for a new facility to replace the aging Orange County Animal Shelter in Orange, built in 1941. Supervisors always intended to build a new shelter at the Tustin base but negotiations with the Navy, which owns the property, dragged on for years. The base closed in 1999.
"Building a new animal shelter is important so that the County can care for animals, pet owners and people interested in pet adoption in the best way," said Board of Supervisors Chairman Todd Spitzer, who represents the Third District where the new facility will be built. "Fast tracking this project is a priority. Orange County will be a leader in animal care."
“This is a very satisfying end to what became a very frustrating set of circumstances,” said Supervisor Shawn Nelson, who represents the Fourth District and has pushed for swifter action on the new shelter. “We had a log jam through no one’s fault and this action clears the way.”
Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Lisa Bartlett, who represents the Fifth District, thanked the college district for agreeing to expedite the land swap. “As a supervisor and an animal lover, this is a great result,” she said.
A new OC Animal Shelter is expected to cost about $25 million, with the bulk of the funds to come from the 18 cities that contract with the County for animal care services in Anaheim, Brea, Cypress, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, Orange, Placentia, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ana, Stanton, Tustin, Villa Park and Yorba Linda. The County will contribute the land and $4.4 million.
Supervisor Michelle Steel, who represents the Second District, said other cities might be interested in contracting with the County for shelter services once the new state-of-the-art facility opens. “We are planning a facility that will provide excellent care for animals across the county,” she said.
Related Links:
Land swap will bring new $25 million O.C. animal shelter to the former Tustin base |
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| Board of Supervisors Honors Public Defender Frank Ospino |
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Chairman Todd Spitzer, Vice Chair Lisa Bartlett, Public Defender Frank Ospino, and former Supervisor Bill Steiner |
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At the Board of Supervisors meeting this week, Chairman Todd Spitzer and Vice Chair Lisa Bartlett honored Frank Ospino for his 28 years of service as Public Defender of Orange County. Ospino is leaving the Public Defender’s post because Governor Jerry Brown has appointed him to be a Superior Court Judge.
“Frank Ospino is a well-respected leader and litigator, who is known and admired by the judiciary in Orange County, his peers in the legal field, and the employees of the Office of the Orange County Public Defender,” said Chairman Todd Spitzer. |
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Related Links:
Three attorneys given Orange County Superior Court judgeships |
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| Serve on the Next OC Grand Jury |
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2015-2016 Grand Jury |
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(Portions courtesy of Superior Court of California County of Orange)
The application period for the 2016-2017 Grand Jury is now open. Applications must be received by January 22, 2016 for the term that begins July 1, 2016.
The major functions of a grand jury are divided into criminal indictments and civil investigations. While both functions are executed by the same panel in Orange County, the civil investigation portion requires the majority of time.
The civil, or "watchdog" responsibilities of the grand jury include the examination of aspects of county government to ensure the county is being governed honestly and efficiently and county monies are being handled appropriately. The grand jury is mandated by law to inquire into the conditions and management of public jails.
Investigations may be conducted on public agencies, the administration and affairs of any city within the county, or to examine books and records of redevelopment agencies. It is also appropriate for any private citizen, county official or county employee to present a written complaint to a grand jury for investigation.
For information about the recruitment and selection process, click here. |
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| Local High School Music Groups Fill John Wayne Airport |
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Segerstrom High School Chamber Singers |
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(Portions courtesy of JWA)
This month, John Wayne Airport (JWA) welcomes eight high school music groups to bring a little extra holiday cheer to travelers. Corona Del Mar High School Madrigal Singers, Estancia High School Concert and Jazz Band, Irvine High School Singers and Canta Bella Singers, Santa Ana High School Chamber Singers, Segerstrom High School Chamber Singers and Valley High School Concert Band will perform holiday music at the John Wayne statue located on the Arrival (lower) Level throughout December.
"Musical performances add a nice touch for the traveling public at the airport," said Board of Supervisors Chairman Todd Spitzer. "We look forward to featuring some of Orange County's talented youth this holiday season."
"We're excited to hear our Orange County students perform at John Wayne Airport," said Supervisor Michelle Steel, who represents the Second District, which includes JWA. "We hope these performances will keep travelers in the holiday spirit during this busy travel season."
Later this month, the following schools are scheduled to perform:
- Estancia High School Concert and Jazz Band, December 18, 2015, 10 am - noon
- Irvine High School Singers and Canta Bella Singers, December 18, 2015, 2 pm - 3 pm
- Valley High School Concert Band, December 18, 2015, 6 pm - 7 pm
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| Chairman Todd Spitzer’s Office Attends Award Ceremony Held by the Apartment Association of Orange County |
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Communications Director Melanie Eustice of Chairman Todd Spitzer’s Office, Assemblyman Travis Allen, and Apartment Association of Orange County Executive Director Lou Penrose |
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This week, Chairman Todd Spitzer’s office attended the award ceremony held by the Apartment Association of Orange County. Congratulations to the award recipients:
- Assemblyman Travis Allen – Legislator of the Year
- John Tomlinson – Dorothy Gourley Award of Excellence
- Jim Chaves with Home Depot – Product and Service Council Member of the Year
- Raymond Maggi and Dean Zarkos – Legislative Advocates of the Year
For more information about the Apartment Association of Orange County, click here. |
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| Chairman Todd Spitzer’s Office Attends Alzheimer's Orange County Open House |
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Alzheimer’s Orange County Vice President Patty Barnett Mouton and Executive Secretary Kassee Moseley of Chairman Todd Spitzer’s Office |
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| This week, Chairman Todd Spitzer’s office attended the Alzheimer's Orange County Open House. The organization’s 2016 Memories in the Making collection was on display and featured incredible artwork created by persons with dementia. For more information regarding Alzheimer's Orange County, click here. |
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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
Family Story Time
Saturday, December 19, 11:00 AM
Anaheim Public Library – East Anaheim Branch, 8201 E. Santa Ana Canyon Rd.
Irvine
The Art Lab: Creation Stations
Saturday, December 19, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Great Park Artists’ Studios
Orange County Great Park Farmers Market
Sunday, December 20, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Farmers Market at the Great Park
Orange
Ukulele SOUP!
Saturday, December 19, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Orange Public Library & History Center, 407 E. Chapman Ave.
Mystery Movie Matinee
Saturday, December 19, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Orange Public Library & History Center, 407 E. Chapman Ave.
Tustin
Santa Sleigh
Every weekday through Tuesday, December 22
Click Here to Check Location
Farmer’s Market
Wednesday, December 23, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
El Camino Real & W. 3rd St.
Villa Park
Toddlertime
Monday, January 4, 10:30 AM
Orange County Public Library – Villa Park Branch, 17865 Santiago Blvd.
Yorba Linda
Nixon Library Concert, Green/Orozco Annual Family Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 20, 1:30 PM
Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd.
Ancestry Answers
Monday, December 28, 7:00 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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