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Todd Spitzer - Board of Supervisors, Supervisor, Third District

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June 29, 2017 Volume 5 Issue 15
A Message from Supervisor Todd Spitzer Honoring Independence Day on the Fourth of July

Supervisor Todd Spitzer stands beside the American flag advocating for victims’ rights. (Photo courtesy of Orange County Register).
 
Dear Friends,

The Fourth of July is our annual summertime celebration of all that it means to be American. This is an especially important time to thank our veterans and the men and women in uniform who have made incredible sacrifices for our freedom. Parades, food, fun and fireworks all bond us under the colors of red, white and blue regardless of race, creed and our unique qualities woven throughout the fabric of our society.

While celebrating, it’s always important to be mindful of safety for yourself and all that are around you. Public safety is my top priority and I’m happy to share a few simple tips to keep in mind for a safe and happy holiday.

Watching fireworks is a great American tradition enjoyed each Independence Day but setting off sparklers and bottle rockets around the neighborhood are always a risk to health and property. Remember that fireworks should be “Safe and Sane” – if they seem dangerous, they most likely are. Only purchase “Safe and Sane” fireworks that are State Fire Marshal approved and check to see where fireworks are legal.

Please review these safety tips from the Orange County Fire Authority before celebrating this weekend: http://www.ocfa.org/Uploads/SafetyPrograms/
OCFA%20Fireworks%20Flyer%202017.pdf
.

Also be aware that ‘Safe and Sane’ fireworks are only legal in the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Stanton, Villa Park, and Westminster.

I wish everyone a very happy, safe, and memorable Fourth of July holiday! As always, it is an honor to serve you as your Third District Supervisor.

God Bless America,

Supervisor Todd Spitzer, the Spitzer Family, and Staff
 

 
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Supervisor Spitzer Urges D.A.’s Office Victim Employees to Report Sexual Misconduct as Found by the OC Grand Jury to OC Fraud Hotline
(Orange County, CA) – Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer, Third District, responded to the newly released Orange County Grand Jury Report, “Another Hostile Work Environment? Orange County District Attorney Bureau of Investigation” by urging victim employees of the District Attorney’s office to call the County Fraud Hotline and the Board of Supervisors to adopt a Grand Jury recommendation to appoint an independent investigator to examine why the OCDA and County Human Resources Services are not being used to report misconduct in the OCDA office.

The Grand Jury report illuminates how sexual misconduct in the workplace has many ramifications, often affecting the honest, hard-working professionals that can’t turn a blind eye, nor can they report offenses due to intimidation and career-threatening retaliation.

“The report exemplifies an unacceptable abuse of power, abuse of position, abuse of women and abuse of trust,” Spitzer added.

“The findings of the most recent OC Grand Jury report is the final nail in the coffin full of mounting evidence and allegations of serious misconduct in the Orange County District Attorney’s office under the lack of supervision by Mr. Rackauckas,” Supervisor Spitzer continued.

“I am urging my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors to adopt the Grand Jury’s recommendation that we appoint an outside, independent investigator to examine why the OCDA and the County Human Resources Services Department are not being used in reporting misconduct within the OCDA office,” stated Spitzer in his call to action.

Spitzer added he will request that the Board grant the independent investigator subpoena power. “Further, I am urging any employee of the OCDA’s office that has any complaint but has been inhibited from coming forward for any reason, to use the Orange County Fraud Hotline under the protection of the Board of Supervisors at (714) 834-2880. Tony Rackauckas may not protect his employees from sexual harassment but the County will,” Spitzer said.

These are not new allegations of an inappropriate sexual nature in the OCDA Investigation Bureau. In 2015, Supervisor Spitzer, then Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, received a written letter from a California licensed attorney who alleged sexual misconduct by OCDA Chief Investigator Craig Hunter. Supervisor Spitzer reported this to the proper authority, the County Counsel, who contacted the District Attorney. Mr. Rackauckas was also sent a copy of the allegations in a direct complaint by the same attorney that contacted Spitzer.

Previous OC Grand Jury reports, including one from May, 2017 that echoed findings from a similar report in 2002, stated the D.A.’s office under Tony Rackauckas suffers from a lack of leadership. Those conclusions were confirmed by the 4th District Court of Appeals in the Dekraai case and in the IPPEC report by Rackauckas’ own hand-picked evaluation committee that described his office as a ‘rudderless ship’.

Supervisor Spitzer commended the Grand Jury for bringing the culture of sexual misconduct in the District Attorney’s office to light to prevent any cover-up among county agencies.

“To quote the 2017 OC Grand Jury, this ‘lack of supervision and laziness in the practice of law’ (OC Grand Jury Report, May 27, 2017, The Myth of the Orange County Jailhouse Informant Program, pg. 16) is yet another ugly example of negligent leadership in the D.A.’s office. It is imperative in the interest of ethics that the County recognize how Rackauckas has been able to get away with his perverse use of position and power for so long,” concluded Supervisor Spitzer.
 
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Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce’s Celebrate Irvine Luncheon

The 2017 Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce's Celebrate Irvine was celebration of the businesses who have greatly impacted the people and community of Irvine.
 
Supervisor Todd Spitzer joined nearly 400 guests for the June 22nd Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce’s Celebrate Irvine Luncheon, where businesses, nonprofits, and individuals were presented awards for community service, volunteerism, and the best traditions of good corporate citizenship.


Pictures courtesy of Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce.
The Business of the Year was awarded to CTC Global Corporation, a global company with over 450 projects in more than 40 countries that was founded to develop, certify, and deploy advanced technologies for electric utilities to use; the Nonprofit of the Year was given to Working Wardrobes, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering men, women, veterans, and young adults to overcome difficult challenges to confidently enter the workforce and achieve success; and the Business Philanthropist of the Year was MacKenzie Corporation, a “curious, creative and customer-centric” marketing and data research company who seeks to put the customer first in all aspects of business. Congratulations to the winners!
 
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Passport Day at Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana: July 29th

Passport Day is coming to OC. Take advantage of this special opportunity to get a passport.
 
Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is holding a special Passport Day in Santa Ana on Saturday July 29th to help the public get their passports now and avoid last minute travel delays.

These special openings make the passport process easier for parents looking to get passports for their children, as both parents must be present to receive passports for children younger than 16, and for people who may not be able to visit the Clerk-Recorder during normal business hours.

Passport Day will be from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on July 29th at the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana. For more information, click here or http://www.ocrecorder.com/.

(Portions courtesy of OC Clerk-Recorder).
 
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‘New Concept’ Albertsons Opens in Irvine

Field Deputy Al Tello smiles with Vons President Lori Raya at the new Albertsons in Irvine.
 
On June 27th, Supervisor Todd Spitzer’s Field Deputy Al Tello attended the soft opening of the new Albertsons off Portola Parkway in Irvine. This wasn’t an ordinary store opening; this was the unveiling of a brand new Pavilions store and concept. Vons President Lori Raya and Store Director John Oborny were also on hand to mark the company’s return to Irvine, and the next morning they presented a check to the Tustin Public Schools Foundation at the grand opening event in a sign of thanks to the community.
 
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A Message from Supervisor Todd Spitzer and OC Parks
Dear Friends:

We all share great memories in the parks with our friends, family, and communities. That is why I am helping the OC Parks Department to develop the next steps in their strategic plan to improve our communities. These resources are important to our Third District, so we are asking that you fill out the following brief 18-question survey to provide the County of Orange your thoughts about our parks. This is your opportunity to let us know what is working and what you would like to see more of in your OC parks.

Your feedback is valuable, and your individual responses will be kept confidential. We encourage you to share the link with others – friends, family members, neighbors, park users, constituents… anyone who cares about our parks and their future.

Here is the link to the questionnaire: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OCParksCommunitySurvey

We want to hear from you!

As always, it is an honor to serve you as your Third District Supervisor.

Best regards,
Supervisor Todd Spitzer
 
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Supervisor Spitzer Reminds You to Swim Safely
As Public Safety and Outreach Chair with the OC Drowning Prevention Taskforce, Supervisor Todd Spitzer is dedicated to raising awareness of water safety.

The hot weather means families and guests are swimming at the beach and jumping into pools across Orange County, but before putting on that swimsuit, it is important to take safety precautions. Always watch your children around water, designate a water-watcher at group events and think twice – bring a buddy and never swim alone.

Click here to view more information on the Drowning Prevention Taskforce: https://youtu.be/tBhcYCVOdto?t=449
 

 
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CSP Tustin Youth Shelter First Anniversary Luncheon

Supervisor Todd Spitzer dedicated the opening of the Tustin Youth Shelter a year ago. On June 20th, the shelter celebrated its one-year anniversary.
 

Field Deputy Al Tello smiles with CSP Executive Director Ronnetta Johnson in front of the Tustin Youth Shelter.
On June 20th, Community Service Programs (CSP) celebrated the one-year anniversary of the opening of their Tustin Youth Shelter. Supervisor Todd Spitzer’s Field Deputy Al Tello attended the event, where Carol R. Carlson, Director of the CSP Children’s Crisis Residential Program, along with children and their families who were assisted by the program, spoke about the importance of the community’s support.

Last June Supervisor Todd Spitzer dedicated the emotional grand opening of the Tustin facility. In the year since its opening, the Tustin Youth Shelter has served over 100 children and nearly 300 of their family members with support services, counseling, and parenting education.

CSP was founded in 1972 as a collaboration between UCI School of Social Ecology and local law enforcement to provide juvenile diversion services. Today, CSP’s impact areas include sheltering children who are homeless, runaway, abused, or struggling with mental health issues; supporting victims of crime and family members as they cope with the aftermath of crimes such as domestic violence, sexual assault, homicide, gang violence, and human trafficking. CSP also works to counsel families and youth through therapy, skill development, and wraparound support services; resolve conflicts; and educate communities.

CSP now has three facilities for their Youth Shelter Program; one in Laguna Beach, a second in Huntington Beach, and the newly-opened Tustin location.
 
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City of Orange 3rd of July Celebration

 
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Free Bus Service to Laguna Beach

 
After a successful run last summer, the Orange County Transportation Authority, in partnership with the Cities of Laguna Beach and Irvine, will once again be offering a free shuttle bus from July 1st through September 3rd between Irvine and Laguna Beach.

The shuttle will run from the Cavalia lot on Laguna Canyon Road and Limestone to Laguna Beach and will offer convenient stops at the Sawdust Art Festival, Laguna Art-A-Fair, Festival of the Arts, Pageant of the Masters, Laguna Playhouse, and the Laguna Beach Bus Station.

Irvine residents and visitors will be able to take the free shuttles to enjoy events hosted at these locations, as well as fantastic shopping and dining, and a short walk to the beach. This is a convenient way to get to and from the beach safely and easily. This will also help minimize traffic between the two cities and along the festivals.

For more information and a map to the Irvine parking area, go to: https://octa.net/Bus/Routes-and-Schedules/Special-Bus-Service/Laguna-Beach-Summer-Breeze/.
 
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2017 “Summer OC” Photo Contest: Deadline Thursday, July 20, 2017

 
While it may not always be on our minds, we all know how lucky we are to live in Orange County, and we know how special and beautiful our community is. Help us tell Orange County’s story by submitting your best photos of Orange County’s landmarks, timeless beaches, unbeatable sunsets, historic sites, and more to the County’s “Summer OC” Photo Contest.

Whether you’re attending movies or concerts in OC’s parks, swimming or surfing in the local waves, visiting the zoo or enjoying other fun summer activities, enter your pictures into our contest for a chance to win. Photos can range from parks, neighborhoods and beaches to monuments, buildings, libraries and other views of the County.

Entering is easy and free! Submit your photos by email to ceocom@ocgov.com with the subject line “Photo Contest Entry.” Please submit as an attachment (do not embed image files in the message area) and send only one image file per email. For each submission, please include in the email the contestant’s first and last name, a contact phone number, email address, the title of the picture, and the date and location the photo was taken.

Like Orange County’s Facebook page (@ocgov) and follow them on Twitter (@OCGovCA) to see contest updates throughout the month, including the top three photos each week, and to have a chance to vote. Beginning July 21, followers of the County of Orange Facebook page will have the opportunity to vote by liking their favorite picture. Voting will be open through noon on July 28. A winner will be announced on July 28.

The deadline to enter the Summer OC photo contest is Thursday, July 20, 2017. If you have questions contact the Communications Division by email at ceocom@ocgov.com. (Portions courtesy of County Executive Office).
 
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OC Public Libraries’ Summer Library Challenge

The Summer Library Challenge is on! Register for the challenge online.
 
From June 19-July 31, children, parents, and families are invited to join the OC Public Libraries for the Summer Library Challenge. Simply register for the challenge online and teens and children can record the amount of time they spend reading to earn badges and receive chances to win prizes and fun events. Adults are also welcome to participate in the challenge.

This is a fun way to get inspired to read this summer. Sign up for the challenge here: http://ocpl.readingbydesign.org/
 
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Human Relations Commission Update

The OC Human Relations Commission has provided many great services to the County including improving race relations and preventing hate crimes.
 
After initially being voted down in the June 6th Board of Supervisors Meeting, Supervisor Todd Spitzer reintroduced the OC Human Relations Council funding initiative at the June 13th Board of Supervisors budget meeting. In a compromise deal, the Board passed the funding by a 4-1 vote for a one-year period, allowing the Council - the non-profit arm of the OC Human Relations Commission - to continue support operations alongside the Commission. The one year compromise was reached in order to separate aspects of the Commission/Council operations so as to clarify County control and responsibility.

The OC Human Relations Commission’s mission is vital. The Commission seeks “to foster mutual understanding among residents and eliminate prejudice, intolerance and discrimination in order to make Orange county a better place for ALL people to live, work and do business,” according to the mission statement on its website. They conduct important work through programs that promote community building, prevent hate crime, provide conflict mediation, and help those who have been the victims of hate incidents or hate crimes.

The Board of Supervisors agenda item included funds for a contracted office space where the Commission and Council conducted business. That contracted office space was set to expire at the end of July. If it wasn’t renewed, the expired contract would have sent the Human Relations Council out of the office it had worked in for years. Supervisor Spitzer was determined to lead the Board toward approving the funding. When it became apparent the Board would not have a majority to approve the initiative, Supervisor Spitzer continued to advocate for the Commission and its importance to the community, and he reintroduced the funding initiative on the next Board Meeting’s agenda. “This County absolutely needs a standing Commission that’s doing the work of both the Human Relations Commission and Council,” said Supervisor Spitzer in leading the discussion. “It’s a tool that law enforcement uses to help mitigate civil unrest in our communities; when differing social, racial, and religious groups need guidance to develop solutions. I feel the Human Relations Commission and Council are very, very important.”
 
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Supervisor Spitzer is Recruiting for the OC Ethics Commission
Supervisor Todd Spitzer and his fellow Supervisors are is looking for a service-minded individual of the highest integrity for appointment to the Orange County Ethics Commission.

Supervisor Spitzer has fought to establish a County ethics commission since his current term in office began in 2013.

In March of this year, Denah Hoard, a former assistant city attorney for the City of Orange, was hired as Executive Director of the Commission.

Each member of the Board of Supervisors will appoint one member to the Ethics Commission. The five member panel will serve the public by advising and making recommendations to the Board and government agencies in areas of regulatory standards, election campaign financing, and proper ethical procedures.

Online applications are available at www.ocethics.com. Applications will remain open only until a candidate is selected.
 
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Pet of the Week

Click on the image above to view a PDF version.
 
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Events Around the District
Anaheim
Movie and Craft
Wednesday, July 5, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
East Anaheim Branch Library, 8201 East Santa Ana Canyon Road

Preschool Storytime at Canyon Hills
Monday, July 3, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
400 Scout Trail, Anaheim Canyon Hills

Irvine
Movies on the Lawn, The LEGO Batman Movie
Saturday, July 1, 8:15 PM
Orange County Great Park, 6950 Marine Way

Orange County Great Park Famers Market
Saturday, July 2, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Orange County Great Park, 6950 Marine Way

Seasoned Chefs: Tomato Palooza
Saturday, July 8, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Orange County Great Park, 6950 Marine Way

Orange
3rd of July Celebration
Monday, July 3, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
El Modena High School, 3920 E Spring St.

Concert in the Park
Wednesday, July 5, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Hart Park, 701 S Glassell Street

Catapult Craft Contest and Story Time
Friday, July 7, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Orange Library — Taft Branch, 740 E Taft Ave.

Silverado
Design Your Own Saturday, Star Streamers
Saturday, July 1, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Library of the Canyons, 7531 Santiago Canyon Road

Family Fun Night: Great Animal Sleepover
Wednesday, July 5, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Library of the Canyons, 7531 Santiago Canyon Road

Tustin
July 4th Celebration
Tuesday, July 4, 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Tustin High School Football Field, 1171 El Camino Real

Farmer’s Market
Wednesday, July 5, 9:00 AM to 1 PM
El Camino Real & W. 3rd St.

Concerts in the Park
Wednesday, July 5, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Peppertree Park, 230 W. First St.

Volunteer Community Fair and Fundraiser
Saturday, July 8, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
City of Tustin Community Center at the Market Place, 2961 El Camino Real

Villa Park
Craft Day, Origami
Thursday, June 29, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Villa Park Library, 17865 Santiago Blvd.

Craft Day, Design Your Dream Vacation
Thursday, July 6, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Villa Park Library, 17865 Santiago Blvd.

Yorba Linda
Navy Band Southwest Concert
Saturday, July 1, 12:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Nixon Library, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd.

Placentia Symphonic Band
Tuesday, July 4, 1:00 PM
Nixon Library, 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd.

Pajama-Rama
Wednesday, July 5, 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM
Yorba Linda Library, 18181 Imperial Highway


For questions or comments regarding Spitzer’s E-Newsletter
please contact the Supervisor's office staff at: (714) 834-3330 or Montana.Sudul@ocgov.com
 
Table of Contents
orange arrow A Message from Supervisor Todd Spitzer Honoring Independence Day on the Fourth of July
orange arrow Supervisor Spitzer Urges D.A.’s Office Victim Employees to Report Sexual Misconduct as Found by the OC Grand Jury to OC Fraud Hotline
orange arrow Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce’s Celebrate Irvine Luncheon
orange arrow Passport Day at Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana: July 29th
orange arrow ‘New Concept’ Albertsons Opens in Irvine
orange arrow A Message from Supervisor Todd Spitzer and OC Parks
orange arrow Supervisor Spitzer Reminds You to Swim Safely
orange arrow CSP Tustin Youth Shelter First Anniversary Luncheon
orange arrow City of Orange 3rd of July Celebration
orange arrow Free Bus Service to Laguna Beach
orange arrow 2017 “Summer OC” Photo Contest: Deadline Thursday, July 20, 2017
orange arrow OC Public Libraries’ Summer Library Challenge
orange arrow Human Relations Commission Update
orange arrow Supervisor Spitzer is Recruiting for the OC Ethics Commission
orange arrow Pet of the Week
orange arrow Events Around the District
DISTRICT STAFF
 
Melanie Eustice
Chief of Staff

Matt Morrison
Communications Director

Martin Gardner
Policy Advisor

Kassee Moseley
Executive Secretary

Al Tello
Field Deputy

Sarah Robinson
Office Assistant

Montana Sudul
Communications Specialist

 
 
District Map
third District Map
Anaheim, Irvine, Orange, Tustin, Villa Park, Yorba Linda, El Modena, North Tustin, Orange Park Acres, the Canyon Communities
 
 
Stay Updated!
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phone icon 714.834.3330
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