November 29, 2018 |
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Volume 6 Issue 41 |
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Spitzer Attends Community Meeting on New North Tustin Park |
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Spitzer (L) joined the meeting along with OC Parks to gather community input on the new park. |
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Spitzer and a member of OC Parks look at design options for the new park. |
Supervisor Spitzer joined the County of Orange and OC Parks for a community meeting to seek public input about a new park in the North Tustin area. Spitzer has been an advocate for the creation of this park since he returned as Third District Supervisor in 2013.
The meeting was held to receive feedback from local residents on the new park’s design and plan. The park site is located on a vacant 2.5-acre parcel on the southwest corner of Newport Ave and Crawford Canyon Road.
The park will be an asset to the neighborhood, and residents are encouraged to identify what features to include in the final design. Go to http://www.ocparks.com/about/projects/crawford_canyon for an overview of this project. |
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Supervisor Spitzer Adjourns Meeting in Honor of Former Auditor-Controller |
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Supervisor Spitzer (R) with the son of former Orange County Auditor-Controller Victor Heim, Mark Heim. |
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Supervisor Todd Spitzer adjourned the November 20, 2018 Board of Supervisors meeting in memory of former Orange County Auditor-Controller Victor “Vic” Heim, who was the seventh and longest serving Auditor-Controller in the County’s history.
Mr. Heim began his career with the County in 1947 and was appointed County Auditor in 1957. During his time in the position, Mr. Heim created of the “Controller” function in 1959 and served as president of the California State Association of County Auditors. He was committed to maintaining a transparent office that would best serve the taxpayers of Orange County.
Mr. Heim retired in 1984 after serving the County for 37 years. His son Mark Heim was in attendance at the Board of Supervisors meeting. |
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Spitzer Thanks Retiring Tustin Police Chief |
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Field Deputy Al Tello presented a proclamation to retiring Chief of Police Charles Celano on behalf of Supervisor Spitzer. |
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Supervisor Todd Spitzer offered his thanks and congratulations to City of Tustin Chief of Police Charles Celano Jr., who is retiring after 26-years with the Tustin Police Department. Chief Celano was recognized by the Tustin City Council on Tuesday, November 20.
Chief Celano worked his way up through the ranks to the position of Chief of Police. Over the course of his career, he worked a variety of assignments including patrol officer, field training officer, street narcotics/vice detective, Orange County RNSP detective, Gang Unit Sergeant, Patrol Area Commander and the Captain in charge of each of the two Bureaus – Community Policing and Administrative Services.
During his tenure, Chief Celano contributed to the introduction of the Area Command system of policing, the creation and implementation of two strategic plans, and the creation of the award-winning Neighborhood Improvement Task Force. He also oversaw the arduous process of receiving national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. The Tustin Police Department is the third agency in Orange County, and the 11th agency in the State of California to receive this distinguished honor. |
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County of Orange Credit Ratings Upgraded, Bankruptcy Case Closed |
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This week the County of Orange received an upgrade in its Issuer Default Rating (IDR) from Fitch Ratings to AAA and a reaffirmation of its Issuer Credit Rating (ICR) from S&P Global Ratings of AA+. In addition, on November 8, the United States Bankruptcy Court granted the County’s Motion for Order to close the County’s 1994 bankruptcy case.
“The County of Orange should be extremely proud of its fiscal standing and how we’ve fully recovered from the 1994 bankruptcy,” said Chairman Andrew Do, First District. “This is a result of the prudent stewardship by this Board of Supervisors, our past Boards and by the dedicated professional staff of the County.”
Credit rating agencies cited Orange County’s growth in property values as well as one the country’s strongest economic base in bestowing its ratings.
“The bankruptcy taught the County a hard lesson from which the Board instituted controls, oversight and installed fiscally conservative policies through which we have emerged financially with a strong balance sheet and a better ability to deliver the best possible government services,” said Vice Chairman Shawn Nelson, Fourth District.
In addition, the credit ratings agencies noted the County’s strong management with its sound fiscal management, good financial policies and practices coupled with its strong budgetary performance and budgetary flexibility as factors further solidifying their ratings determinations.
“The citizens of Orange County can take pride in all that we have done since 1994 to ensure fiscal soundness and financial prudence,” said Supervisor Michelle Steel, Second District.
The County of Orange made its final bankruptcy debt recovery payment in July 2017 under its 1996 bankruptcy exit plan. The court agreed to formally close the case this week.
“I was elected in 1996 just after the bankruptcy occurred with a mandate to make the Board of Supervisors responsible financial stewards and to put safeguards in place. During my entire tenure of 12 years, I have done exactly that. Technically we may be out of bankruptcy, but the County must remain vigilant and have safeguards in place to ensure that this tragedy isn’t repeated,” said Supervisor Todd Spitzer, Third District.
The rating agencies have a bullish outlook on the County’s future given expected continued growth in property tax revenues and its sound strategic planning practices that help address budgetary shortfalls before they occur.
“By exploring the County’s land holdings and entering into long-term lease arrangements with property developers, we will continue to add to our discretionary revenue. This will help the County weather future troubles,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District. |
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John Wayne Airport Launches New “Helping Hands” Program |
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(L to R): Barry Rondinella, John Wayne Airport Director; OC Autism Mascot “Austin;” Julie Chau Diep, OC Autism Founder and Executive Director; Max Behura; and Nathaniel Behura, Autism Advocate. |
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John Wayne Airport (JWA) understands that traveling through an airport can be a difficult experience for individuals with hidden disabilities. The Airport today announced a new “Helping Hands” program designed to lend a hand to travelers, families and caregivers by providing assistance and support to ease their experience while traveling through the Airport. “Helping Hands” is a free service available daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
“Our team at JWA understands that all guests are unique and may require different levels of support specific to their needs,” said Barry Rondinella, Airport Director. “Our friendly staff are specially trained to assist travelers and their families with sensitivity and understanding to provide a superior guest service while helping them navigate the Airport.”
Guests utilizing “Helping Hands” can receive assistance with the following:
- Facilitating calls to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and arranging for TSA Cares support, as well as assistance with airlines.
- Guidance during the arrival, check-in, security and boarding processes.
- Arranging tours to help prepare guests before travel.
- An optional bracelet to inform Airport employees that a little more time may be needed to prepare for check-in and security screening, and extra care may be required while traveling through the Airport.
Before arrival, guests are encouraged to inform staff of their special assistance needs by calling 949-252-5200 or emailing info@ocair.com. At the Airport, guests may dial “0” from any white Courtesy phone located throughout the Terminal.
To learn more about “Helping Hands” or to schedule a tour, please visit www.ocair.com/communityrelations/helpinghands or call 949-252-5200. |
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24th Annual CHOC Toy Drive and Ride |
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Click on the image above to view more information. |
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Public Input Helps to Shape County’s “Orange is the New Green” Zoning Code Update |
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The County of Orange is moving its “Orange is the New Green” Zoning Code update project another step forward after OC Public Works (OCPW) processed and incorporated feedback it received from the public at a series of Planning Commission and Community Workshops held since May 2018.
A second draft of the proposed Zoning Code Update issued by OCPW’s Development Services is now available online for a 30-day review and comment period that will conclude on November 30, 2018:
http://www.ocpublicworks.com/ds/planning/projects/ all_districts_projects/orange_is_the_new_green.
Input on the proposed revisions can be emailed to OCZoningCode@ocpw.ocgov.com or in writing to: OC Development Services/Planning, Attention: Joanna Chang, 300 N. Flower Street, P.O. Box 4018, Santa Ana, CA 92702.
The “Orange is the New Green” zoning code update aims to achieve a new standard of sustainability and flexibility to accommodate future technological advances. The Zoning Code Update will continue to set forth land use regulations that apply to the unincorporated areas located throughout Orange County. These regulations are intended to protect the value and enjoyment of property by defining appropriate land uses and minimizing the impact of certain uses on less intense uses. After the review and comment period concludes, a final draft will be prepared and submitted for consideration by the Orange County Planning Commission and the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
OCPW provides innovative services and delivers infrastructure projects on a regional basis to unincorporated areas, cities and other County agencies and departments. The department protects and enriches communities through efficient delivery and maintenance of public works facilities, planning and development services, and environmental resources and consumer protection programs. For more information about OCPW, visit www.OCPublicWorks.com. |
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Construction Alert: Redhill Channel Rehabilitation Project |
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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
STEMsquad: CodeCombat
Monday, December 3, 3:00 pm– 4:00 pm
Anaheim Canyon Hills, 400 Scout Trail
Irvine
Winter Wonderland
Sunday, December 2, 3:00 pm—7:00 pm
Orange County Great Park, 8000 Great Park Blvd.
Orange County Great Park Farmers Market
Sunday, December 2, 10:00 am—2:00 pm
Orange County Great Park, 8000 Great Park Blvd.
Orange
Friends of the Library Holiday Boutique Sale
Saturday, December 1, 10:00 am—3:00 pm
Library Community Room, 407 E Chapman Ave.
Tree Lighting Ceremony and Candlelight Choir Procession
Sunday, December 2, 3:30 pm—7:00 pm
Old Towne Orange Plaza, 1 Plaza Square
Silverado
Family Drop-in Crafts
Saturday, December 1, 11:00 am — 2:00 pm
Library of the Canyons, 7531 East Santiago Canyon Rd.
Tustin
Books for Breakfast
Saturday, December 8, 9:15 am—9:45 am
Main Street and El Camino Real
Farmers Market
Wednesday, December 5, 9:00 am—1:00 pm
Tustin Branch Library, 345 E Main St.
Villa Park
Music and Movement Storytime
Wednesday, December 19, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Villa Park Library, 17865 Santiago Blvd.
Yorba Linda
Hands that Touch a Heart: Holiday Cards
Saturday, December 8, 1:30 pm— 3:30 pm
Hurless Barton Park, 4579 Casa Loma Ave.
Sunday Concerts: Placentia Community Chorus Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 2, 1:30 pm
Richard Nixon Library and 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 Montana.Sudul@ocgov.com
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