NELSON TEAM
Denis Bilodeau
Chief of Staff

Audra Adams
Policy Advisor /
Communications Director

Steve Spernak
Policy Advisor

David Zenger
Policy Advisor

Scott Carpenter
Policy Advisor

Mark Lopez
Policy Advisor

Neha Sata
Executive Aide

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Welcome to Nelson's E-News!

As you read through this week’s edition, I would like to draw your attention to a couple items:

Homelessness in Orange County has been an ongoing societal problem for some time. Although the cities of Santa Ana and Fullerton (in the Fourth District) each have an armory to shelter the homeless population, space is limited and the timeframe is confined to a few short months of the year. Therefore, I invited many residents, local government representatives and community leaders to unite to address this issue at a recent discussion. Please continue reading for more information.

Are you looking for a job? Do you know someone who is? The annual Anaheim / OC Job Fair and Expo is Wednesday, June 13. This event, hosted at the Anaheim Convention Center, will feature career workshops, résumé reviews and much more! To view the flyer for more details, please scroll down or visit Anaheim Jobs.

Memorial Day is this weekend and I encourage everyone to remember our nation’s fallen veterans and reflect on their service. There are many events this weekend commemorating their sacrifice and I hope you can attend one of them. I will be attending the ceremony at Loma Vista in Fullerton. The Ceremony commences at 10 am, you are all welcome to come.

County offices will be closed Monday, May 28 in observance of Memorial Day. The Board of Supervisors will be dark on Tuesday, May 29 and Tuesday, June 5. The Board is scheduled to meet next on Tuesday, June 12 and Wednesday, June 13 for the FY 2012-13 public budget hearings.

Additionally, one last reminder: the primary election will be held Tuesday, June 5. Have a fun, safe Memorial Day weekend.

Sincerely,
Shawn Nelson.

The recent events in North Orange County concerning unfortunate incidents with the homeless population has highlighted a serious disconnect between services available and the utilization of those services by those in need. Several months ago Supervisor Nelson held a North OC homeless summit which included elected officials from the cities of Fullerton and Anaheim to discuss how cities, the county and private providers may be able to pool resources in North Orange County to increase the effectiveness of services. In order to get interested stakeholders on the same page, Supervisor Nelson held a roundtable discussion with about 30 community leaders to identify needs and opportunities the group had to work together to address the homelessness issue on a regional level.

The top priority identified from the discussion quickly became clear that North Orange County is in need of a year-round emergency shelter that individuals, charities, police and family members of those in need can rely on as a starting point to assist a homeless person or someone approaching a homeless situation. Supervisor Nelson is now in the process of working very closely with county and city staff, as well as service providers to secure and establish a permanent location for a year round emergency homeless shelter. The County’s larger “Commission to End Homelessness” has been kept updated on the efforts in North Orange County and will serve to be an asset to the larger issue of homelessness facing the County of Orange as a whole.

The OCTA Board also received an overview of the budget for FY 2012-13 Monday.

The agency’s $1.1 billion budget beginning July 1 is $24 million lower than the current year, primarily due to reductions in state and federal grants and a reduction in the use of reserves. However, overall revenues will only be down by $1 million.

OC Bridges, the seven grade separations currently underway in the Fourth District to separate vehicle and train traffic, continues to be the largest project in the OCTA budget at a cost of $108 million in the next fiscal year.

The OCTA bus system maintains a high ridership number with more than 53 million passengers boarding last year. Each day, about 30,000 single ticket riders and 12,000 day-pass riders pay a fare. This accounts for 21% of the cost to operate the bus system, slightly above the required 20%. To maintain this threshold, a Fare Policy Committee recommended increasing single ticket costs from $1.50 to $2.00 and day-passes from $4.00 to $5.00, which could occur early next year.

The County’s regional transportation agency has had an overall staffing reduction of 49 positions, from 1,567 to 1,518. Since FY 2003-04, OCTA has decreased from 1,882 positions, or about a 20% decline.
The Budget Workshop presentation and more budget information are below. The public hearing and Board approval of the budget is scheduled for Monday, June 11. OCTA headquarters is located at 600 S. Main Street in the City of Orange.

OCTA budget information

Supervisor Nelson joined representatives from the Anaheim Mayor's Office, State Senate and Orange County Crime Stoppers at the CHP Headquarters in Westminster where investigators announced the arrest of two suspects in the fatal hit and run of three year old Miranda Palacios. Supervisor Nelson, State Senator Lou Correa and Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait each contributed $1000 toward the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver. Shortly after the donations the reward increased to $8000 thanks to The Orange County Coalition of Police and Sheriff’s and the Orange County Chapter of the Peace Officers Research Association of California.

On May 12, Supervisor Nelson attended the annual West Anaheim Neighborhood Development barbeque at Twila Reid Park. For the sixteenth year running, thousands of residents, non-profits and local businesses gathered for six hours of food, entertainment and fun.

A series of vocal and dance performances highlighted the event and visitors witnessed a “jaws of life” demonstration from the Anaheim Fire Department. Patrons enjoyed a varied menu in the food court with proceeds going to local causes, including youth sports and programs.

Supervisor Nelson’s booth included valuable information on the County government and various constituent services. Among the most sought-after item was the Council on Aging “Senior Guide O.C.,” featuring a welcome letter from Supervisor Nelson, healthcare resource listings and several program and service contacts.

Stimulate Your Senses Interpretive Hike
9:00 am to 4:00 pm

Click on the image above to view a larger version.

Registration is now underway for this summer’s Triple Threat Workshop offered August 13 – 17 at the Brea Community Center.

Sign up now and save $20 off the registration price!

Boys and girls, ages 5-18, will learn all new dance routines at this summer’s Triple Threat Workshop with Al Bee & Associates. This workshop, led by working professionals in the business, will introduce participants to a variety of dance, vocal, and acting training. The week-long session includes one hour of dance training, one hour of acting on camera, one hour of vocal training and a recital on the last day. The cost is $140 for each session, $75 for additional siblings, and $15 materials fee paid directly to the instructor. Those registering before August 6 save $20 off class registrations, $10 off per sibling. Class size is limited to 30 students per age group, so reserve your spot now!

Fullerton
What: Fullerton Market
Where: Fullerton Market, 121 East Wilshire Avenue
When: Thursday, June 14th 2012
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Anaheim
What: Anaheim Angels vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Where: Angel Stadium of Anaheim, 2000 Gene Autry Way
When: Friday, June 22nd 2012
Time: 3 PM – 10 PM May 18th, Noon – 10PM May 19th and 20th

Buena Park
What: Buena Park Police Open House
Where: Civic Center, 6650 Beach Blvd.
When: Saturday, June 16th 2012
Time: Pancake Breakfast: 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM

La Habra
What: Relay for Life
Where: Imperial Middle School
When: Saturday, June 23rd 2012
Time: 9:00 PM - 9:00 AM