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!

Thank you again for reading the newsletter.

As you read through the announcements below, I would like to bring a few important and interesting items to your attention. Next month is National Bike Month. To mark the occasion and highlight the benefits of this significant alternative mode of transportation, OCTA will be hosting several events throughout May.

High-Speed Rail (HSR) continues to make the news, especially following the release of its latest business plan earlier this month. The implementation of HSR has attracted increasing discussion, and doubt, at the local, state and federal levels.

Finally, the Brea Chamber of Commerce holds its annual Taste of Brea in May, featuring many local businesses and showcasing the best of the city. Please continue reading for more details.

The Board of Supervisors’ next meeting will be Tuesday, May 1 at 9:30 am at the Hall of Administration, 333 West Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana 92701.

Sincerely,
Shawn Nelson.

Following the departure of David Sundstrom as Auditor-Controller in January, the Board appointed a temporary stand-in to the position until a permanent replacement could be found.

However, due to the sudden retirement of that interim Auditor-Controller and the current interim’s declination to continue on a permanent basis, the Board last Tuesday authorized a recruiting firm to conduct a search for a new Auditor-Controller. The CEO’s office will spend up to $35,000 to identify a qualified candidate for appointment by the Board. Please check back for updates on the progress of the recruitment.

In recognition of National Bike Month next month, OCTA has organized several opportunities to get exercise and reduce traffic congestion all while enjoying fun events throughout the county.

Beginning on Sunday, April 29 from 9:00 am-1:00 pm, OCTA will host a Bike Festival at the Huntington Beach Pier Plaza where attendees can learn about bike safety, receive a free inspection, win great prizes and get their bikes ready for National Bike Month.

On Sunday, May 6, OCTA will also hold an event in the Fourth District. The Game Day Bike Ride allows fans to ride their bikes to cheer the Angels as they play the Toronto Blue Jays. Starting with a pre-game tailgate party at 10:00 am, riders will receive a discount ticket to the 12:35 pm game, a sponsored lunch and use of the bike valet service. Space is limited!

For information on all the month’s events and to RSVP, visit the OCTA bike website here.

Last week, the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) released a report on the HSR’s April 2 business plan, the latest version available. Among its findings, the LAO concluded that the Authority’s funding expectation was still “highly speculative,” recommending that the Legislature not approve Governor Brown’s proposals to allocate additional money to the project. However, some of the environmental and engineering studies that are almost finished should be funded to completion in case the Legislature wants to proceed with High-Speed Rail in the future.

At the federal level, Congressman Darrell Issa has written a letter to the Authority outlining concerns over ridership forecasts, board members’ conflicts of interest and the project’s compliance with the Proposition 1A ballot language, in addition to the question of identifying sufficient funding. Click here to read the letter.

Read the full LAO report here.

Dignitaries pose during a ribbon cutting ceremony in honor of Don-A-Vee Chrysler’s 50th anniversary in Placentia earlier this month with owner Stewart Benjamin performing the honors. Joining in the festivities is Placentia Chamber of Commerce President Rosalina Davis (left), who hosted the reception and invited attendees, including city officials and Chamber members, to the gala to celebrate Don-A-Vee’s civic contributions over the past half-century and counting!

BREA, CA — This year’s City of Brea Jewelry Show with Women’s Accessories is on Saturday, May 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Brea Community Center. Admission to attend the show is $1 and parking is free.

At the Jewelry Show, attendees will have the opportunity to shop from over 100 vendors showcasing unique women’s jewelry and fashionable women’s accessories…handbags, hats, scarves, shawls, gloves, clothing and more. Just in time for Mother’s Day, this fabulous shopping experience is the perfect place to get that special gift or to simply spoil yourself. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for the best selection.

The Brea Community Center is conveniently located at 695 E. Madison Way (across from the Brea Mall) and parking is free. For more information, call (714) 990-7771 or visit www.cityofbrea.net.

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Anaheim
What: 2012 Anaheim Western BBQ
Where: Twila Reid Park, 3100 W. Orange Avenue
When: Saturday, May 12, 2012
Time: 10 am to 4 pm

Brea
What: Taste of Brea
Where: Brea Downtown, Birch Street at Brea Blvd.
When: Thursday, May 17th 2012
Time: 5 pm to 9 pm

Fullerton
What: Railroad Days 2012
Where: Fullerton Transportation Center, Santa Fe Avenue and Harbor Boulevard
When: Saturday, May 5th, 2012
Time: 9 am to 5 pm