Supervisor Shawn Nelson - Fourth District Update
September 3, 2010
Volume 1, Issue 5

NELSON TEAM
Denis Bilodeau
Chief of Staff

Audra Adams
Policy Advisor /
Communications Director

Steve Spernak
Policy Advisor

David Zenger
Policy Advisor

Mark Lopez
Executive Aide


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BOARD OF SUPERVISORS


Welcome to the 5th Edition of Nelson’s E-News!

Dear Friends,

During the last two Board meetings, Supervisors discussed matters including the County’s retirement system, parks department and Health Care Agency, among others. Please read on for details of some of these important items. Please note there is no Board meeting scheduled for next Tuesday, September 7th, due to the Labor Day holiday. The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, September 14th at 9:30am.

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to honor three extraordinary individuals with links to the Fourth District who recently made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of this country. There was a great outpouring of support for the families of these fallen heroes at this very special “Cigars for Heroes” occasion, held on Sunday in Santa Ana. I would like to thank all those who participated for their generous donations, which will be shipped to Marines and soldiers still serving overseas.

Please take a look at some of the highlights of that event below, as well as a summary of my participation in the Buena Park Super Senior Saturday, also held over the weekend, and my tour in the district of the Anaheim Family Justice Center.

Have a happy and safe Labor Day!

Sincerely,
Shawn Nelson.

 
BOARD UPDATES
 
OCERS Report
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At its August 24th meeting, the Board of Supervisors received the OCERS (Orange County Employees Retirement System) 2009 CAFR (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report) – Yes, government loves acronyms!

Although the 2009 investment returns were above the annual actuarial goal of 7.75%, the multi-year returns are still significantly below the target. The Unfunded Actuarial Acrued Liability (UAAL) is projected to be covered at just under 69% - significantly lower than the ideal minimum of 80% as stated by OCERS CEO Steve Delaney. This multi-billion dollar liability remains a major issue of concern.
 
Parks Update
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Supervisor Nelson would like to recognize that the Board approved an agreement with AquaTechnex for OC Parks lake maintenance and management. Our County regional parks have as primary features beautiful lakes that the public enjoys for fishing, model-boating and other fun recreational activities. In the past, these lakes have been managed and maintained primarily with County staff from OC Parks and Public Works.

This past year, OC Parks initiated a process to contract for much of this work.

This contract will include the development of standards to make sure these lakes are managed to the highest level and with consistency across the regional park system – while relying on contract labor to do the work at a lower cost. Visitors to our regional parks will benefit from this efficient approach by enjoying the beauty of these special places in a way that efficiently and effectively uses limited taxpayer-provided resources.
 
The Orange County Stroke-Neurology System
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At this Tuesday’s Board meeting the Health Care Agency provided an update on the Orange County Stroke-Neurology Program. This community based program is the first county-wide comprehensive stroke system in the U.S. In the first year of the program 1,373 stroke victims were transported by EMS to one of nine designated Stroke-Neurology Receiving Centers. The rate of advanced treatment for ischemic (clot) strokes in Orange County is now 29.0% versus 18.8% for the U.S. as reported in the medical literature. For more information about this presentation please click here.
 
NELSON IN THE COMMUNITY
 
Cigars for Heroes
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At this Tuesday’s Board meeting the Health Care Agency provided an update on the Orange County Stroke-Neurology Program. This community based program is the first county-wide comprehensive stroke system in the U.S. In the first year of the program 1,373 stroke victims were transported by EMS to one of nine designated Stroke-Neurology Receiving Centers. The rate of advanced treatment for ischemic (clot) strokes in Orange County is now 29.0% versus 18.8% for the U.S. as reported in the medical literature. For more information about this presentation please click here.
 
Cigars for Heroes group photo.
 
Supervisor Shawn Nelson honored 3 Gold Star Moms this past Sunday at a memorial-donations event open to all OC residents to secure cigars and gifts that will be mailed to the military partners of US Marine Major Elliot Mora (picture 1), Corporal Claudio Patino IV (picture 2) and United States Army Staff Sgt. Marc Arizmendez (picture 3) in Afghanistan. The event was hosted by Vintage Cigars and catered by Chef Ian Lane of the Hilton Hotels at the John Wayne Airport. Supervisor Nelson presented certificates of Psalm 91 ’The Warriors Prayer’, prayer cards and flower bouquets flown in from Hawaii to each mom in a moving presentation in front of family members and associates of the Corvette Club of Orange County. Supplies including 500 cigars and 100 pounds of goods will be mailed today to forward operating bases where Cpl. Patino and Sgt. Arizmendez lost their lives in combat operations to bring democracy to the Republic of Afghanistan.

Please click on the link below to see Frank Mickadeit's article on the event.

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/cigars-264379-saoud-families.html
 
US Marine Major Elliot Mora

US Marine Corporal Claudio Patino IV

US Army Staff Sgt. Marc Arizmendez
 
Anaheim - Family Justice Center Tour
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Supervisor Nelson is joined by former 4th District Supervisor and OC Juvenile Justice Commissioner Cynthia Coad and her husband, Tom, who work with the Board of Directors for the Anaheim Family Justice Center and Foundation. The tour of this center was handled by Executive Director Keith Dilley and Administrative Secretary Michelle Huff.

The program is the brain-child of Chief John Welter who created it in San Diego then put together the funding and foundation that runs what is the premier victim's center on the west coast.

Please click the link below for more information on the Anaheim Family Justice Center Foundation.

http://www.anaheimfamilyjusticecenter.org/afjcfoundation.asp?SLID=63
 
Supervisor Nelson with Cynthia Coad, her husband and Tom.
 
Buena Park - Super Senior Saturday
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The 4th District was a proud participant and delivered County information on employment, senior services, healthcare, parks and community services to seniors at the Buena Park Super Seniors Saturday, August 28.

Seniors who need more information on issues, challenges or programs are welcome to call Shawn’s offices at (714) 834- 3440 and speak directly to Steve Spernak for same-day communications and referrals to County departments who are excited to help.
 
Nelson Staffer Steve Spernak is handing out informational brochures at the Senior Event.
(Above) Nelson Staffer Steve Spernak is seen enthusiastically
handing out informational brochures at the Senior Event
 
SUPERVISOR NELSON'S CERTIFICATE CORNER
 
Nelson staffer Neha Sata presents Sprouts Photography in Fullerton with a Certificate for their Ribbon Cutting.
(Above) Nelson Staffer Neha Sata presents Sprouts Photography
in Fullerton with a Certificate for their Ribbon Cutting

Supervisor Nelson presented Certificates of Recognition to Cindy Smith and Janice Voshall.
 
On Tuesday, August 31, Supervisor Nelson presented Certificates of Recognition to Cindy Smith (right) and Janice Voshall (Left), both students of Dr. Fred Smoller at Chapman University. In the wake of the Bell scandal, Smith and Voshall took upon themselves a project to investigate government transparency and city finances among our own cities in Orange County. Supervisor Nelson recognized and thanked them for their efforts to protect the Orange County taxpayer.
 
Please contact our office if you know of an individual who deserves recognition for outstanding community or public service.
Contact: Steve Spernak 714-834-3440.
 
COUNTY COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES

The 4th District has vacant appointments on the following commissions or committees:

  • Mental Health Board (3 year term)

  • Public Financing Advisory Committee (3 years)

If you are interested in serving on one of these committees, please call Audra Adams at (714) 834.3998.

 
COUNTY UPDATE
 
Pet of the Week
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Pet of the Week
 
4th District Resturant of the Week
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Supervisor Nelson has chosen Café El Cholo in La Habra as the 4th District Restaurant of the Week!
 
El Cholo Restaurant

Nelson Staffer Han presenting Cafe El Cholo with a Certificate of Recognition at their Grand Opening.
(Above) Nelson Staffer Samuel Han presenting Café El Cholo with a Certificate of Recognition at their Grand Opening.
 
For questions or comments regarding Nelson’s E-News
please contact the Supervisor's office staff:
Audra Adams Ph: 714-834-3440 Email: audra.adams@ocgov.com