| February 8, 2018 |
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Volume 6 Issue 5 |
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| Supervisor Todd Spitzer Presents Resolution in Honor of Black History Month |
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Supervisor Todd Spitzer (R) presented a resolution to Bobby McDonald in recognition of Black History Month at the February 6 Board of Supervisors Meeting. Supervisors Michelle Steel (L) and Lisa Bartlett (second from L), and Chairman Andrew Do (second from R) also offered comments on the significance of Black History Month. |
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Supervisor Todd Spitzer was honored to recognize Black History Month by presenting a Resolution signed by all five County Supervisors to Supervisor Spitzer’s good friend Bobby McDonald, President and CEO of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County.
The celebration of Black History Month dates back to 1926, when historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson set aside the second week of February to recognize the heritage and achievement of our nation’s African Americans. President Gerald Ford officially designated February as Black History Month in 1976.
Every year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History picks a theme for Black History Month. The 2018 theme, “African Americans in Times of War,” commemorates the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War in 1918.
Black History Month is a time of remembering and celebrating African American history, culture, and the experiences of our nation’s African American Community. Today, we continue to salute the positive contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout our nation and the County of Orange. |
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| Supervisor Spitzer Presents at Anaheim City Council Meeting |
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Supervisor Todd Spitzer presents to the Anaheim City Council on February 6. |
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Supervisor Todd Spitzer gave a State of the County address to the Anaheim City Council meeting on February 6.
His presentation covered the Canyon Fires, drowning prevention, crime rates, including the increased rate of property crimes and auto thefts in Anaheim, and homelessness. Supervisor Spitzer detailed the County’s most current progress on clearing the Santa Ana River Trail, which borders the city’s limits. He implored the City Council to continue their partnership with the County in combatting the issue of homelessness.
“Anaheim’s commitment to assisting the County in providing resources and assistance to homeless individuals is essential. I look forward to leading our cooperation into 2018.”
As the Third District Supervisor, Spitzer has committed to growing and fostering relationships between the County and Third District cities. |
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| Public Safety Agencies Must Cooperate to Resolve Dangerous Helicopter Feud |
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An OC Sheriff’s Department helicopter responding to a call in South Laguna. Photo credit: OC Register. |
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As published in the OC Register: https://www.ocregister.com/2018/02/01/
public-safety-agencies-must-cooperate-to-resolve-dangerous-helicopter-feud/ (Orange County, CA) – When Orange County’s two preeminent public safety agencies create dangerous conditions themselves during helicopter search and rescue operations, we have a serious problem with potentially disastrous consequences. I will not allow a feud between the OC Fire Authority and Sheriff’s Department to jeopardize safety in the air and on the ground below.
Recent incidents and accusations from both agencies indicate unsafe conditions have developed when both the OCFA and OCSD air operations responded to the same emergency. This is an unacceptable situation endangering the safety of both the pilots and officers involved, compounded by the threat to innocent civilians. In addition, the conflict creates an inefficient use of public resources when two sets of rescue operations jockey for positioning over a single rescue.
After a six-month mediation process failed to produce a solution agreeable to both parties, the OC Sheriff terminated the Memorandum of Understanding that both agencies had been operating under. The OCSD assumed the lead position in all county air rescue operations, which is consistent with state law defined by the California Office of Emergency Services (OES).
As one of two members of the Board of Supervisors’ ad-hoc committee investigating the Canyon Fires operations, and holding a seat on the Fire Authority Board of Directors, it is my duty as an elected leader to facilitate an immediate safe and sane solution as the first priority of an enduring agreement. First responders run to danger – they must not be allowed to create more danger in the performance of their duties.
At the January 23 Board of Supervisors meeting, we voted unanimously to inform the State OES, which has jurisdiction over the OCFA and OCSD, of this dangerous disagreement in order to demand a solution. Both agencies have now agreed to have the issues reviewed by the OES for guidance while re-engaging the mediation process that was disrupted last week.
Under the state OES guidelines, emergency rescue operations are not always clearly defined. In general, law enforcement (OCSD) is the lead agency, and the primary responder when searching for lost or missing persons and in prolonged rescue operations. Fire rescue (OCSD) is the priority in a medical aid call when an injured person is in a specified location and when the emergency is near a vehicle access point. However, there can be a degree of uncertainty and miscommunication in any emergency situation. Both agencies must agree to abide by proper dispatch and communications protocol and adhere to strict command center standards as the OES examination and mediation process continues. Public safety is at risk and it is our duty as the elected officials on the Board of Supervisors and the OC Fire Authority to take immediate and decisive action if the two public safety agencies continue to this unacceptably squabble.
Leadership is essential right now in order to eradicate senseless competition and create unifying synergy in our public protection sphere. Why should there be a conflict? We have the finest first responders that wear any uniform, blue or green, along with a wealth of equipment and other resources to support them. The goal is not what is better for any individual government agency, but what is right for the citizens of Orange County. |
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| Tele-Town Hall: Thursday, February 15 |
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The Hall of Administration at the Orange County Civic Center in Santa Ana. |
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Supervisor Todd Spitzer will hold the Third District’s first Tele-Town Hall event of 2018 on Thursday, February 15 at 5:30 PM.
The Tele-Town Hall is a unique opportunity for residents of the Third District to listen in over the phone and participate in discussion on topics affecting Orange County. The Town Hall is part of Supervisor Spitzer’s efforts to promote transparency in government and education of community issues.
Watch Supervisor Spitzer’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts for additional details. |
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| Supervisor Spitzer Recognizes Third District Small Business |
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Supervisor Todd Spitzer’s Field Deputy Al Tello presented a certificate of congratulations to Zov Karamardian, owner and chef of Zov's Bistro and Bakery. |
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Supervisor Todd Spitzer offered his congratulations to Zov’s Bistro and Bakery for being named as the 68th Assembly District Small Business of the Year by Assemblyman Steven Choi.
Founded in 1987 by Chef Zov Karamardian, Zov’s Bistro and Bakery has become a culinary institution and now has four locations in Irvine, Tustin, Anaheim, and Newport Coast.
Zov was joined at the celebration by her husband, Gary and her children, Armen, and Taleene.
Supervisor Todd Spitzer’s Field Deputy Al Tello presented a certificate to Zov at a gathering outside Zov’s Irvine location. |
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| Pilot Phase of Restaurant Meals Program |
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Orange County, CA – The pilot phase of the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) launched in Orange County on February 1, 2018 in participating restaurants in the cities of Anaheim and Santa Ana. Orange County is the ninth county in California to offer this program to eligible participants.
“The Restaurant Meals Program is one small step we can take to address homelessness with compassion, as basic human needs like shelter and nutrition are essential,” said Third District Supervisor Todd Spitzer.
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows elderly, disabled and homeless CalFresh recipients and their spouse to use their Golden State Advantage (EBT) card to purchase prepared meals from participating restaurants. RMP offers meal options for eligible CalFresh recipients who may not be able to prepare meals, have a place to store and cook meals, and/or have access to a grocery store. For more information about eligibility requirements for RMP, click here.
Orange County is continuing to recruit restaurants located in the cities of Anaheim and Santa Ana to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) in order to further enhance accessibility to the program. Restaurant owners in the cities may find out more about how to apply by going to: http://ssa.ocgov.com/calfresh/calfresh/rmp_owner.
To learn more about the Restaurant Meals Program, please visit http://ssa.ocgov.com/calfresh/calfresh/rmp. |
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| Help OCTA Rename Seven Open Space Preserves in Orange County |
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Help OCTA rename seven wilderness preserves throughout the county. |
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As Third District Supervisor and Director on Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors, Supervisor Todd Spitzer calls on residents to help rename seven wilderness preserves throughout the county to highlight the regional and environmental significances of each preserve.
OCTA has successfully purchased seven properties that are permanently preserved as natural open space and totals more than 1,300 acres of land. Five of these preserves are located in the Trabuco and Silverado Canyon area. One is located in Laguna Beach and the last is in Brea.
Pick your favorite names at www.octa.net/preservation and join OCTA at the next hike on Saturday, Feb. 24 at O’Neill Oaks in Trabuco Canyon to witness the unveiling of the new preserve names. Register here. The survey closes on February 16, 2018.
See more here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7v1sYqhUbLJyN__vj2YeT6Vn1ocvzkOo |
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| Apply to be a Capital Fellow! |
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| Todd Spitzer was a Senior Fellow (1982-1983) in the California State Capital. He still points to that experience as one which fundamentally shaped his career. Apply now! Deadline February 12, 2018. http://www.csus.edu/calst/programs/ |
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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
Preschool Storytime
Friday, February 9, 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Anaheim Canyon Hills, 400 Scout Trail
Winter Games
Saturday, February 10, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
East Anaheim Branch Library, 8201 East Santa Ana Canyon Road
Irvine
Orange County Great Park Farmers Market
Sunday, February 11, 10:00 AM — 2:00 PM
Orange County Great Park, 6950 Marine Way
Kaleidoscope: A Family Art Experiences
Saturday, February 17, 10:00 AM — 12:00 PM
Admission is $2 per person.
Orange County Great Park, 6950 Marine Way
Orange
Be My Valentine
Saturday, February 10, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Main Library Rotary Conference Room, 407 E. Chapman Ave.
Help for Small Business Owners
Monday, February 26, 6:00 PM — 8:30 PM
Main Library Community Room, 407 E. Chapman Ave.
Silverado
Spanish/English Storytime
Saturday, February 10, 11:00 AM — 11:30 AM
Library of the Canyons, 7531 East Santiago Canyon Rd.
Tustin
Farmer’s Market
Wednesday, February 14, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
El Camino Real & W. 3rd St.
Family Sunset Storytime
Wednesday, February 21, 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM
Tustin Library, 345 E. Main Street
Villa Park
Music and Movement Storytime
Thursday, February 15, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Villa Park Library, 17865 Santiago Blvd.
Yorba Linda
Family Storytime
Saturday, February 10, 10:30 AM — 11:15 AM
Yorba Linda Public Library, 18181 Imperial Highway
Meet Lt. Col. Robert Friend, Tuskegee Airmen Pilot
Tuesday, February 13, 7:00 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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