| Board of Supervisors |
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| Welcome to Nelson's E-News! |
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Thank you for reading this edition of my newsletter. I hope you find the information below very helpful. As always, I appreciate and look forward to your feedback.
The Board was dark on Tuesday, September 23. The next Board of Supervisors meeting will be Tuesday, September 30 at 9:30am in the Hall of Administration – 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana 92701. The agenda may be accessed here.
Sincerely,
Shawn Nelson |
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| In the Community |
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| OC Academy Tour |
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On Tuesday morning Supervisor Nelson and Fourth District staff member Scott Carpenter toured The Academy, a public charter school sponsored by the Orangewood Children’s Foundation. Currently in its second year of instruction, the Academy offers educational opportunities to all students and has a specialized goal of increasing graduation rates of foster youth.
The Academy is currently in the process of constructing a new state-of-the-art facility that will house classrooms, labs and administration offices. The long term strategic plan for The Academy features on site residential facilities that will house students in the foster care system. Tuesday’s tour was led by Head of School Anthony Saba as well as Orangewood Children’s Foundation staff Karlos Ramirez and Chris Simonsen. The innovative educational program The Academy offers anticipates a 95% graduation rate in its first graduating class and has already seen a 97% attendance rate, the highest in all of Orange County.
For more information on The Academy please visit: http://www.theacademyoc.org/index.php. |
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| Care Packages Rally Set for October 26 |
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Supervisor Shawn Nelson will help collect and donate care package items going to Kabul, Afghanistan at his “Cigars for Heroes” collection rally on October 26. Veterans, military family members and citizen-patriots are welcome to stop by and drop donations, take pictures and savor a cigar while collecting items that will be sent to active-duty military in November. |
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Continuing his legacy of supporting active duty military stationed overseas with a taste of freedom from appreciative family, friends and Veterans in OC, Supervisor Shawn Nelson announced today that he will host the 4 hour rally at Vintage Cigars, located at 3734 S. Bristol, Santa Ana (South Bristol at Callen Common behind the Bank of America), from 1:00-5:00pm, Sunday, Oct 26.
This year’s charity will honor Captain Shane Yates, a Chaplain assigned to the 162nd Infantry Division who is now in Kabul, Afghanistan. Yates ministers to front-line combat troops who are bunkered in forward operating bases in remote mountain and desert posts. His ministry allows him to deliver prayers, mail and fresh cigars to battle-weary troops who cheer his arrival when he steps off a gunship transport.
Captain Yates lives in Placentia, has a wife, Karon, who is active with the Healing Heroes Ministry, a son who is active-duty military and another son (Travis) playing football for Orange Lutheran High School. Captain Yates is also a coach at Orange Lutheran serving the freshman football team prior to his deployment.
The Orange Lutheran football teams has dedicated their season and prayers to the safety of the 162nd and wear their division patches as stickers on their football helmets, according to Karon Yates, to honor his courage and faith in combat.
The purpose for the rally is to accept donated items requested by the troops. Other than cigars, products most requested included protein powder packs, ground coffee, beef jerky packets, top ramen soup, flavored water packets like Crystal Light, energy powder mixes, mixed nuts, candy, microwavable foods, protein bars, magazines, gum, mints and stationery for writing home.
All the donated food items, along with cigars, will be packaged up and sent to Captain Yates at the front for distribution to the troops from the residents of Orange County.
Please bring your donated items to the rally on Oct 26th or drop them off at the offices of Shawn Nelson at the OC Hall of Administration, located at Broadway and Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, Fourth District, located on the fifth floor.
Cigars can be either purchased on-site on the day of the event or we can convert donated funds toward the purchase on your behalf.
If you have any questions on this project to honor America’s Bravest, or have any desire to help, please contact Steve Spernak at (714) 834-3542 or email him at Steve.Spernak@ocgov.com |
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| Chairman Lauds OC Eco Challenge and Citizen Volunteers |
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Orange County Waste and Recycling, partnering with the Sheriff’s Department and the Office of
Supervisor Shawn Nelson, successfully orchestrated another terrific morning of recycling and public participation as part of the national Eco Challenge 2014.
Hosted in cooperation with the Angels, some 325 fans and residents attended the event to reduce, reuse and recycle products and materials and be rewarded with introductions and photos with Angel’s third-base coach and legend, Gary DiSarcina.
OCWR was the lead agency as part of the County effort that collected 14.5 tons of materials for the safe diversion to the OC landfills. Some 5,849 volunteers bagged 62,904 pounds of trash and helped process 2, 670 pounds of recyclables that were picked by OC Boy Scouts and corporate teams like Kingston Technology of Fountain Valley.
Special thanks to OCWR recycling managers Isaac Novella and Isabel Rios, who split duties running County teams and volunteers at both the Angel Stadium and Silverado Canyon operations, along with crews who delivered dumpsters to recover debris at Dana Point Harbor as part of the Coastal and Watershed Cleanup Day.
Policy Advisor Steve Spernak joined Deputy Chief of Staff Mark Lopez at the Anaheim Stadium event and delivered thanks to OCWR staffers Susan Gamboa and Melanie Tep who ran the public information tables. Jeovany Gomez and Jose Gamboa provided the media van and set-up manpower to accommodate the 325 fans who attended.
Special thanks to OCWR Public Affairs director Julie Chay for her advertising and partnership management with the Sheriff’s Department and Supervisor Nelson’s office. Citizens who would like more info on the County Eco programs are welcome to call Ms. Chay at 714 834 4059 or email her at Julie.Chay@ocwr.ocgov.com. |
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| Massage Green Spa |
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Yesterday, dozens of elected officials, representatives and chamber members attended the grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony for Massage Green Spa, which has been successfully operating since July 7. Located in Placentia, Massage Green Spa also serves the communities of Yorba Linda and Brea.
This is the second location in Orange County, after the first opened in February of this year at 16432 Beach Boulevard in the city of Westminster south of the 405 freeway in the Target Pavilions shopping center. This location serves Huntington Beach, South Westminster and the Fountain Valley area.
Massage Green Spa prides itself in establishing a quality space made of environmentally friendly building products like recycled stone and other amenities. This is the part that established our Green Concept and makes the space enjoyable from the moment you walk in the front doors.
Don’t let the pricing fool you as we look to provide quality service for the benefit of all our customers at a very affordable price. We are a membership driven business but do we do not require a membership contracts as other competitors offer. We cater to young, elderly, athletes, prenatal and much more.
We hope the community gets the chance to stop in and experience the environment and services that we provide for the wellbeing of each individual.
MGOC Inc. is expanding into San Clemente, Tustin, Fullerton Irvine, Newport Beach and other Orange county locations soon. It has purchase the rights to develop eight more locations within the next two years all in the Orange County area. |
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Deputy Chief of Staff Mark Lopez presents a certificate to Massage Green Spa owners Ernest and Tamera Ramirez |
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| Buena Park Rotary Service Awards |
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Policy Advisor Steve Spernak presented commendations to Sam Hamblen for his community volunteer work as 2014 Rotary Citizen of the Year. |
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Supervisor Nelson was proud to honor several outstanding members of the Buena Park Rotary and recognize their community contributions at this week’s 2014 Service Awards Luncheon.
Hosted at the Knott’s Berry Farm Restaurant, Master of Ceremonies Dennis Salts introduced the recipients and incredible biographies of their individual selflessness, community services, educational mentoring and astonishing contributions to civic programs, individuals and projects throughout Buena Park.
Special congratulations and Certificates of Recognition from Supervisor Nelson were delivered by Policy Advisor Steve Spernak at the two hour luncheon and awards program.
Honored this year by Supervisor Nelson and the Buena Park Rotary were the following recipients:
- Sam Hamblen – Buena Park Rotary Citizen of the Year
- Baron Night – Rotarian of the Year
- Mary McCasland – Vocational Service Award
- Cynthia Thacker – Community Service Award
- Nuzhat Islam – New Generation Award
- Katelyn Early – High School Service Award
Best wishes to the Buena Park Rotary for their “service before self” mission to translate their passions into helping change the quality of lives in their communities. |
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| OC All-star Championship Coaches Honored |
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Policy Advisor Steve Spernak delivered commendations to Coaches Gus Martinez and Ed de Avila for their OC All-star game victory and Most Inspirational Player of the Game team honors went to Kaene Soto and Andrew Tavarez who were featured in the OC Register All-County Football performance stats report this week. |
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Supervisor Nelson extended his congratulations to the coaching combination of Gus Martinez and Ed de Avila for both their 10-2 2013 season and coaching the North OC All-Stars to a victory summer.
Selected by their coaching peers from all the prep football programs in Orange County, the duo of Martinez and de Avila earned the prestigious honors by putting together a 10-2 season at Fullerton High School, winning both the city championship and making the semi-finals of the CIF-Southern Section playoffs.
Impressed by their run-and-gun offense, designed by Martinez, and a stingy defense, coordinated by de Avila, the 2014 All-star game , hosted at Orange Coast College, was a thrilling slugfest won when a 40 yard pass play broke open in the 4th quarter to assure a North victory. This was the first win for the North All-stars in 5 years.
Also honored by Supervisor Nelson were two outstanding student-athletes on the current FUHS Varsity in Andrew Tavarez and Kaene Soto. Each received a copy of “Man in the Arena”, written by Teddy Roosevelt in 1910, for their team and individual performances.
Tavarez passed for 289 yards, completing 17 of 27 attempts for 3 touchdowns. Soto received six passes for 150 yards and 3 touchdowns as each received the Supervisor’s Most Inspirational Player Award as game-changing members of the FUHS team. |
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| Metrolink |
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| Greek Festival Contest |
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Back for a second year, the San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival is full of delicious food and fun. Shout “Opa!”, sample some Greek wine and take a free dance lesson. Metrolink riders can even get a free pastry with their valid ticket!
Enter our Greek Festival giveaway for a chance to win two Metrolink tickets. You can even share with friends to increase your odds! Or, meet us at our kickoff event in Tustin on September 27. The first 50 guests will receive a free Metrolink ticket. Click here for more information. |
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| Catch the Metrolink USC Football Express |
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On Saturday, Sept. 27, the special USC Football Express will take football fans to and from Orange County to watch the Trojans face off against the Oregon State Beavers at the LA Coliseum. The game begins at 7:30 p.m.
Orange County residents can board a convenient Metrolink train near home and take it to LA Union Station. After changing over to LA Metro Rail, it’s a quick and easy ride to the LA Memorial Coliseum with a few simple transfers. Transfers to LA Metro Rail are free. After the game, take the LA Metro Rail back to LA Union Station.
The USC Football Express will leave LA Union Station one hour and 15 minutes after the game ends. Count on this Metrolink train for a convenient ride south to Oceanside and all points in between.
Fans can leave traffic and crowded parking lots behind with a fun and stress-free ride on the special Metrolink USC Football Express. Schedules will be posted soon at OCTA.net. |
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| Announcements |
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| Orange County Veterans Calendar Update |
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Click on the image above to view a larger version. |
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| September is Library Card Sign-Up Month |
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Stan Lee, co-creator of Spider-Man, the Avengers, Iron Man, and the Incredible Hulk and Honorary Chair of Library Card Sign-Up Month, wants kids to get the most important school supply of all – a library card!
With a library card you can check out books, magazines, and DVDs, download eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, access our online databases for research like Ancestry Library Edition, learn a new language using Mango and use a computer in the library all for FREE.
Getting a library card is free and easy. Fill out an application at your local library branch and bring proof of your current address and your photo ID. You must be a California resident. Applications for children age 17 and under must be signed by a parent or guardian. Save time by printing out an application at home.
Or, complete an online application and your card will be waiting at the library for you. Proof of current address and photo ID are required at the time of pick-up. A parent or guardian must be present to sign for and pick up cards for children age 17 and under.
Don’t have proof of your current address and you only need access to a computer and Internet in the library? Bring your photo ID with you and get an internet only card. Applications for minors require a parent or guardian signature.
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| CalOptima Ranked Top Medi-Cal Plan in California |
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CalOptima is California’s top-ranked Medi-Cal health plan, according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance’s (NCQA) Medicaid Health Insurance Plan Rankings 2014–2015, released September 18. Serving more than 600,000 low-income residents in Orange County, CalOptima is first in the state and twenty-ninth nationwide among the 136 Medicaid plans that were ranked. The NCQA rankings are based on standardized, third-party-audited data regarding health care quality and customer satisfaction, as well as NCQA accreditation scores.
The 2014–2015 NCQA rankings of Medicaid plans come at an important time of expanded access to such plans. In Orange County and through CalOptima, nearly 200,000 people have gained health coverage since January 2014. New members can rely on CalOptima and feel confident that the care they receive is among the best in the state.
To view the NCQA Medicaid plan rankings, click here and select “Medicaid” at the top of the page. |
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| Do you know any hometown heroes? |
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The Fourth District is accepting submissions to recognize unsung heroes in our community.
This may include public safety, first responders, or friends and neighbors who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in everyday life to enrich our community.
To share your story, please call or email Mark Lopez: Mark.Lopez@ocgov.com 714-834-3440 |
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| At Your Service |
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Part of the responsibilities and performance of the Supervisor’s office includes handling calls for service by constituents, media and community groups from the Fourth District. To give readers a small sample of how staff manages these cases we’ve published the “how and why” behind staff-work to give readers an idea of how this effort is accomplished in our new section called “At Your Service”.
- A constituent who was frustrated with an accounting issue with the Treasurer’s office called Supervisor Nelson to see about a remedy. Research revealed the constituent paid the fees but it was found it accidently went to a corporate account that the constituent knew nothing about. Transfer of funds by Treasurer staff to the correct account remedied the dispute.
- Constituent called to ask why County was using a watering truck to spray vegetation on plants along the bike trail in West OC in spite of efforts to preserve water during the drought. Investigation revealed the water truck procedure is more economical, reduces the waste of indiscriminate sprinklers on timers and specific saturation helps germinate re-growth of existing plants so soil erosion during the rainy-flood season preserves trails, hillside and asphalt trails.
- The family member of a 92 year old woman called for assistance related to “questionable conduct” and “financial suspicions” by another relative who was trying to secure her estate, rental receipts and bank accounts. Constituent was referred to a legal rep who is a member of the North Orange County Senior Collaborative where a lawyer specializing in estates, seniors and financial safeguards will handle the family issues.
- A resident from Oregon called to advise her nephew, once a ward of the County, passed away under “suspicious circumstances” in Oregon and the resident wanted an explanation on why she was never notified of his ‘existing drug use and hints of suicidal behavior’. Privacy issues arose but case managers at Social Services Agency who deal with foster children, even those over the age of 18, will respond and explain their County protocol and limitations on “disclosure and privacy” regulated by California law for juveniles that all social workers must adhere to.
- A young mom called to report she is having issues with the County over a monthly stipend she wants to start receiving to help support her child. She advised her husband is on drugs, wants him investigated and advised he’s unfit to have full-custody and be the recipient of the financial support. Staff referred her to the Social Services Agency who were familiar with the case and a court hearing will take place in October reference custody and eligibility of who gets the child-support funding.
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| County Commissions and Committees |
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The 4th District has vacant appointments on the following commissions or committees:
- Oversight Board of the Successor to the City of Redevelopment Agency (Buena Park and Anaheim)
- Treasury Oversight Committee Member
- Assessment Appeals Board
- Bylaws
- Application
If you are interested in serving on one of these Committees, please call Audra Fishel at (714) 834.3440 |
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| OC Animal Care |
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Click on the image above to view a larger version. |
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| Events |
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Anaheim
What: 54th Annual Oktoberfest
Where: Phoenix Club,
When: September 26 – September 28
Time: Friday 6:00pm-12:00am; Saturday 4:00-12:00am; Sunday 11:00am-6:00pm
What: Military Banner Event
Where: George Washington Park, 250 East Cypress Street
When: September 29
Time: 3:00pm
Brea
What: North Orange County Legislative Alliance (NOCLA) meeting
Where: Embassy Suites Brea – Ballroom, 900 E. Birch Street
When: October 1
Time: 7:30am-9:00am
What: Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting – Red Brick Pizza
Where: 215 W. Birch Street
When: October 8
Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm
What: Cultural Arts Commission
Where: 1 Civic Center Circle, Level 2
When: October 14
Time: 6:00pm-7:30pm
Buena Park
What: 31st Arirang Korean Cultural Heritage Festival
Where: La Mirada and Beach Boulevard
When: September 26-28
Time: All day
What: 58th Annual Silverado Days
Where: 7225 El Dorado Drive
When: October 17-19
Time: Friday 5:00pm-12:00am, Saturday 10:00am-12:00am, Sunday 8:00am-10:00pm
Fullerton
What: Shared Visions Art Exhibit Grand Opening Reception
Where: Marshall B. Ketchum University’s Eye Center, 2575 Yorba Linda Blvd.
When: September 28
Time: 2:00pm
What: Ribbon Cutting – Masterlink Sausage
Where: 327 N. State College Blvd.
When: October 1
Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm
La Habra
What: La Habra Oktoberfest
Where: 1040 W. Imperial Highway
When: September 27-28
Time: Sat-3:00-11:00pm & Sunday 12:00-9:00pm
What: Connect Up at Corner Bakery
Where: La Habra Historical Museum 215 E. La Habra Blvd.
When: October 30
Time: 8:00am-9:00am
Placentia
What: End of Summer Bash
Where: American Legion Post 277, 230 S. Bradford Ave.
When: September 27
Time: 7:00-11:00pm
What: Candidates Forum
Where: City Council Chambers, 401 E. Chapman Ave.
When: September 30
Time: 6:30-9:00pm
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For questions or comments regarding Nelson’s E-News
please contact the Supervisor's office staff:
Audra Fishel Ph: 714-834-3440 Email: Audra.Fishel@ocgov.com. |
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Denis Bilodeau
Chief of Staff
Mark Lopez
Deputy Chief of Staff
Audra Fishel
Policy Advisor /
Communications Director
Steve Spernak
Policy Advisor
Scott Carpenter
Policy Advisor
Natalie Wieckert
Staff Aide
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| Stay Connected! |
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