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Chairman Shawn Nelson - 4th District Update
In This Issue
orange arrow Board Updates
orange arrow Metrolink
orange arrow OCTA
orange arrow In The Community
orange arrow County Commissions and Committees
orange arrow Announcements
orange arrow Library Corner
orange arrow OC Animal Care
orange arrow Events
June 19, 2015
Volume 6 Issue 12
Board of Supervisors
Welcome to Nelson's E-News!
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 of Supervisors held a meeting this week. Please see below for highlights. The next meeting will be Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at 9:30am in the Hall of Administration – 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana 92701.

Please see photos and descriptions below of some of the events our office was able to attend in the community this week. If you were unable to attend, there are other events listed at the end of this newsletter.

Sincerely,
Shawn Nelson
 
 
Board Updates
County Seal
Leon J. Page Appointed as New County Counsel
(Courtesy of CEO Communications)

The Orange County Board of Supervisors today selected Leon J. Page to assume the duties of County Counsel following the retirement of outgoing County Counsel Nicholas S. Chrisos on July 24, 2015.

As head of the County’s civil litigation team, Page will oversee the legal advisement and representation for the Board of Supervisors. The broad scope of the County Counsel’s Office affects matters of great importance to the operation of County government in areas relating to labor and employment issues, purchasing contracts, public works projects, law enforcement policies and procedures, public finance, tax assessment and collection, child protection, public health and other matters of interest to the public.

Since joining the County in 2003, Page has provided legal representation to a variety of County agencies, including the District Attorney, Human Resource Services, Probation Department, Registrar of Voters and Sheriff-Coroner. Before starting his County career, Page worked as an associate attorney at Fisher & Phillips LLP, a management-side labor and employment law firm, and served as the legislative coordinator for the California Fair Political Practices Commission as well as a legislative assistant in the California State Assembly. Page is a graduate of the University of the Pacific-McGeorge School of Law.

His annual salary will be set pursuant to a job contract to be negotiated and ratified by the Board of Supervisors in open session.
 
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Grand Jury Report on OC Animal Care Flawed
(Courtesy of CEO Communications)

An Orange County Grand Jury report released criticizing management and operations at OC Animal Care was based in part on unsubstantiated allegations.

Among recent improvements made to the operations of OC Animal Care:
  • Appointment of respected veterinarian Jennifer Hawkins as OC Animal Care director.
  • Reduction in dog euthanasia rates by more than half and cat euthanasia rates by a third for 2014.
  • Replacement of broken kennel doors and installation of cat “portals” to expand roaming areas.
  • Recommendations for $454,000 in the FY 2015-16 budget to fill nine vacant Animal Care positions and another $150,000 for shelter repairs, including replacement of the cat isolation trailer.
The core mission of OC Animal Care is caring for animals in need, Dr. Hawkins said. The County is committed to improving conditions at OC Animal Care, including hiring new staff and obtaining land at the former Tustin Marine base for a new animal shelter to replace the County’s current outdated shelter. The department continues to adapt to community expectations to provide care, promote responsible pet ownership, control rabies, address public safety related to potentially dangerous animals, and investigate animal cruelty and neglect.

The County will be providing formal responses to the Grand Jury report within 90 days, as required by law.
 
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Community Forum Meetings Announced for Input on Acquisition of 1000 N. Kraemer Place, Anaheim
The County of Orange will hold a Community Forum on the potential uses for 1000 N. Kraemer Place in Anaheim, including use as a year-round emergency shelter and multi-service center. The Kraemer Community Forum, scheduled for Friday, June 26, at 5:30 pm at the Evangelical Free Church in Fullerton, will be the first in a series of community meetings to receive input on the potential site acquisition and use.

On June 2, 2015, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a purchase and sale agreement for the property. The action began a 90-day due-diligence process, including environmental site assessments, and structural and physical inspections. The California Environmental Quality Act review process was also initiated.

The Community Forum is open to the public and will be structured to give residents, businesses and other interested stakeholders the opportunity to interact with a variety of representatives at table stations. Information and discussion topics will include Public Safety, Good Neighbor Plans, Transportation, Service Coordination, Shelter Advisory Board, Operator Selection and the Commission to End Homelessness.

Any future change in use of the Kraemer site would require approval of the Orange County Board of Supervisors at an advertised meeting open to the public. This vote will occur after the conclusion of the County’s due diligence process.

Interested parties are invited to attend one of the following Kraemer Community Forums:

June 26, 2015 @ 5:30 pm
Evangelical Free Church
2801 Brea Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92835


(Tentative) July 22, 2015 @ 5:30 pm
Eastside Christian Church
3330 E. Miraloma Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92806

(Tentative) August 5, 2015 @ 5:30 pm
Grace Korean Church (Grace Ministries)
1701 W. Valencia Drive
Fullerton, CA 92833

For more information please visit http://occommunityservices.org/hcd/homeless/kraemer/ To sign up to be included on the project interest list or to submit written comments, please email: 1000NKraemer@occr.ocgov.com or call (714) 480-2998.
 
 
Metrolink
Metrolink Logo
KNX Interview
During his commute to “Dump the Pump” on the train to Union Station, Supervisor Nelson discussed progress on regional transportation issues with KNX anchors Dick Helton and Maggie McKay. The conversation included enhancing ridership with the planned launch of a mobile ticketing app and encouraging employers to locate within walking distance of a train station.

Listen to the interview here.
 
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National Dump the Pump Day
As Chairman of the Metrolink Board of Directors, Supervisor Nelson participated in a joint press conference with Metro CEO Phil Washington yesterday at Los Angeles Union Station to mark National “Dump the Pump Day,” encourages people to ride public transportation (instead of driving) and save money.

In his remarks, Supervisor Nelson reminded commuters and the public to make use of Metrolink’s rail system of 512 miles of track on seven lines for a safe, efficient, convenient ride to work or recreational events across six counties.

Acknowledging that it is not always convenient for every commuter everywhere to ride Metrolink, it is a very attractive option for those who can. Commuting to work alone in a car costs more than the fluctuating price of gasoline. Drivers must also take into account insurance, maintenance, wear and tear, depreciation and parking at many destinations.

The ridership on the commuter train system removes approximately 18,000 cars from freeways on a daily basis, reducing congestion on both the region’s streets and freeways and eliminating emissions produced by those vehicles. With an average roundtrip of 70 miles for Metrolink riders, that is more than one and a quarter million miles every weekday where people are not driving a car. This, in turn, decreases the competition, and frustration, on the road for those who cannot ride the train.

For more information on riding Metrolink, visit www.metrolinktrains.com.
 

 
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Day of Music Festival
This father’s day, treat your Dad to a day of music in Fullerton! June 21, 2015 will be the inaugural celebration of the Day of Music in Fullerton.

Day of Music Fullerton is a citywide celebration of the world renowned Fête de la Musique which takes place on the first day of summer in cities around the world. Fullerton will hold the all day celebration with artists performing in various mixed venues within a mile of the Metrolink Fullerton station.
 

 
How to get there:
Take the Orange County Line or 91 Line Weekend Service to the Fullerton Station. For schedule information, click here. Please find some of the venues within walking distance from the station below:
  • Carpe Diem Experience
    115 S. Harbor Blvd,
    Fullerton, CA 92832
    0.6 miles - 13 min walk

  • Continental Room
    115 W Santa Fe Ave,
    Fullerton, CA 92832
    0.7 miles – 13 min walk

  • Fullerton Museum Plaza
    301 N Pomona Ave
    Fullerton, CA
    0.7 miles – 13 min walk

  • Hillcrest Park
    1200 North Harbor Boulevard,
    Fullerton, CA 92832
    1.2 miles - 26 min walk

  • Magoski Arts Colony
    223/225 West Santa Fe Avenue,
    Fullerton, California 92832
    0.5 miles – 10 minute walk

  • Muckenthaler Cultural Center
    1201 W Malvern Ave,
    Fullerton, CA 92833
    1.7 miles – 32 min walk

  • Plummer Auditorium
    201 E. Chapman Ave.
    Fullerton, CA
    0.7 miles – 13 min walk

  • Slidebar
    122 E Commonwealth Ave,
    Fullerton, CA 92832
    0.6 miles – 12 min walk

  • Steamers Jazz Club
    138 W Commonwealth Ave,
    Fullerton, CA 92832
    0.7 miles – 14 min walk

  • The Night Owl
    200 N Harbor Blvd,
    Fullerton, CA 92832
    0.8 miles – 15 min walk
Tickets and Pricing:
Metrolink train tickets can be purchased at a Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) at any Metrolink train station. Use Metrolink's $10 Weekend Day Pass on Sunday for unlimited rides system wide! For more information, click here.
 
 
OCTA
OCTA Logo
OCTA Board Approves $1 Billion Balanced Budget
(Courtesy of OCTA)

The Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors approved a balanced $1 billion budget for the upcoming year during its meeting on Monday.

The 2015-16 budget encompasses all services, projects and programs that are administered by OCTA. Major initiatives for the budget include sustaining bus service levels without raising fares, continuing Measure M improvements and operating the 91 Express Lanes.

Funding allocations for the budget include:
  • $371 million to support bus operating and capital expenditures
  • $202 million for streets and roads improvements
  • $132 million to support rail operating and capital expenditures
  • $136 million for freeway projects
This balanced budget is a result of OCTA’s mission to deliver long-term sustainable transportation solutions for the residents of Orange County.

OCTA is the county’s transportation agency, responsible for planning, financing and coordinating Orange County’s freeway, street and rail development, as well as managing the countywide bus and rail service, the 91 Express Lanes and Orange County’s Taxi Administration.
 
 
In the Community
Supervisor Celebrates 20th Year of Anaheim Flag Day
Supervisor Nelson was proud to personally thank Flag Day Chairman Sally Feldhouse and parade Coordinator CJ Eastman for the terrific planning and delivery of their 20th annual Flag Day festivities.

Designed to promote patriotism and respect for the nation’s history, the Flag Day project includes an afternoon of fun, photos, BBQ, marching bands and a parade that includes elected officials who come every year to savor this special day at Pearson Park.

Special thanks to Tom Coad who donated the use of his classic 1916 Hudson roadster that was a hit with the crowd as he drove a waving Supervisor Nelson through the parade route motorcade that included Mayor Tait and his wife, Julie, Anaheim council members Lucille Kring, Kris Murray and Jordan Brandman along with high school bands and Girl Scout carrying a huge American Flag.

Members of the 13th MEU adoption committee hosted a hospitality tent for the Marines who came up to march in the parade and take photos with their host city residents and a very proud Shawn Nelson who helps raise toys for their annual Christmas party at Camp Pendleton.

Congratulations to the essay contest winners from Anaheim Union, Anaheim City and Magnolia School District who received certificates of recognition for their written masterpieces on patriotism and their pride in being Americans behind this year’s contest theme of “What the American Flag means to me.”
 

(Left) Supervisor Nelson in 1916 Hudson (Right) Nelson with 13th MEU Marines canopy
 
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Rita’s Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on June 11 to celebrate the grand opening of Rita’s in Placentia. Members of the Placentia Chambers of Commerce, local business owners, and representatives from elected offices attended the ceremony. Claudia Mongello recently opened a new location first in Placentia, then in Brea. They sell many flavors of shaved ice with a signature swirl of custard. Customers can enjoy a nice summer treat at 1837 E. Orangethorpe Avenue, Placentia and 649 W. Imperial Highway, Brea.
 

Fourth District Staffer Anthony LaBruna presents certificate to Rita’s staff
 
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Disney celebrates Diamond Anniversary

 
Supervisor Nelson was honored to represent the people of Orange County and children of all ages around the world in saying a very special thanks to the cast and characters who have delivered decades of amazement as Disneyland celebrated their 60th anniversary luncheon this past week.

Hosted at the Grand Hotel ballroom at the magic kingdom, Disney President Michael Colglazier told an audience of 200 VIP, corporate members and civic leaders about the vision of Walt Disney to convert an orange grove into Disneyland in a little corner of Anaheim.

Opening day was staffed by 700 cast members which was an amazing adventure as thousands explored the submarine lagoon, rode the train, Matterhorn bobsleds and rivers of the world steamboat ride.

Today, Disneyland has 28,000 employees and is the largest employer in Orange County that drives $370 million dollars in state and local taxes and $5.7 billion in annual economic activity with the 22 million guests that enter every year.

Disney Wishes handles 700 Make a Wish adventures for children with life-threatening medical conditions and staff donates more than 100,000 hours as VoluntEARS in Orange County for civic projects like Kaboom parks equipment and community restorations.
 
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Supervisor Sponsors World Elder Abuse Awareness Forum
Congratulations to Karyl Dupee, Linda Armas and the ‘dream team’ of Police and professional technicians of Ageless Alliance who delivered the Orange County element of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day at the Buena Park Senior Center.

The mission of educating seniors against elder abuse, exploitation, financial thefts and phone con-artists presented a mesmerizing morning forum to the 100 who attended the first-ever project that was hosted by Buena Park Mayor Art Brown and the staff at the Ehlers Center.

After presentations by Rachel Vo, from the OC Adult Protective Services, Kathleen Weidner, OC Ombudsman, Julie Schoen, Deputy Director of the National Center on Elder Abuse and Kerry Burnight, CEO and Founder of Ageless Alliance, the crowd went silent as Detective Chris Pimentel told his crime stories about the exploitation of seniors.

Joined by his partner, Detective Jesse Alfonso, Detective Pimentel explained that burglars watch for obituaries and the date of the funeral knowing that the house is empty with everyone at the memorial.

The newest scam is a young thief calling as a nephew who is in Europe who just got arrested and needs $4,000 for bail money. The call is a hoax, but the young voice talking to an elderly or confused grandpa got the money sent to a fake bail bondsman.

Pimentel said thieves then used that grandpa’s phone number again, called the grandpa, and said, “I’m a Special Agent with the FBI…I’m investigating the bail-fraud case to get your money back and just need your full name, date of birth, social security number and of course, your bank account number for my report.”

Pimentel closed with Kathleen Weidner telling seniors, don’t answer the phone, let it go to voice mail so you can screen callers because thieves don’t leave their call-back names or numbers.

Special thanks to Anaheim Police who did a helicopter photo shoot of the Ageless Alliance to show their support for the project and Buena Park Police for their prevention presentations by Detectives Chris Pimentel and Jesse Alfonso.
 

Members of Ageless Alliance, Buena Park Police and seniors who attended the morning forum that trained them to fight fraud, scams and financial crimes
 
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Tlaquepaque Celebrates 50 Years
It’s truly one of Orange County’s success stories and a source of tremendous pride for the residents of the City of Placentia as they joined with the Chamber of Commerce and the office of Supervisor Nelson to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Tlaquepaque Restaurant.

Named after the quaint locale in the state of Guadalajara, Mexico, the Placentia landmark is the centerpiece of Old Town and anchors the corner at Santa Fe and Bradford and has been a template for traditional Mexican cuisine.

With Rosalina Davis and her husband running the legendary eatery, guests enjoy house specialties in their surf and turf, mole feasts, fresh margaritas and chips amid the music and murals that set a fun atmosphere for parties, birthdays and happy hour meetings.

Ms. Davis. A CSUF grad and matriarch to thousands in the business and civic community, has worked to help young students with scholarships and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to assure their college successes.

Davis is also helps coordinate the world-famous Placentia Old Town Las Posadas and Tamale Festival each December where 15,000 attend to eat, dance to the Santana tribute concert and close with the Mariachi Divas spectacular Christmas theme musical fiesta.

To enjoy this fun and famous foods of Mexico, visit Rosalina at 101 W. Santa Fe, Placentia, 92870 or call for reservations at 714 528-0110.
 

Policy Advisor Steve Spernak delivered the Supervisor’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Rosalina Davis
 
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Supervisor Supports Job Fair
In what has become known as the busiest five hours in OC, the City of Anaheim in conjunction with the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and the office of Supervisor Shawn Nelson, were proud to host the 2015 Anaheim/OC Job Fair Expo this week at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Approximately 200 vendors and recruiters set up tables and info displays from their companies so the 1,000 job-seekers who rush in can get first access to new jobs and careers in a rainbow of industries, professional and management offerings and hiring technicians.

Supervisor Nelson’s work to support the Veterans and advance their employment is met with his office having an information and resource booth that is manned by Policy Advisor Steve Spernak.

Steve Spernak handed out OC Veteran Resource Guides to military and dependents who stopped by the booth to get info the 1200 jobs now available at the County.

For more information on jobs available please go to www.ocgov.com or send your email to steve.spernak@ocgov.com to get info on the county’s daily jobs announcement link.
 

Policy Advisor Steve Spernak at the Anaheim Job Fair providing Veteran Resource Guides and employment networking at the Supervisors booth
 
 
County Commissions and Committees
The Fourth District has vacant appointments on the following commissions or committees:

  • OC Housing Authority Board of Commissioners
  • OC Mental Health Board
  • Waste Management Commission
  • Treasury Oversight Committee
  • Assessment Appeals Board No.1
If you are interested in serving on one of these committees, please call Audra Fishel at (714) 834-3440.
 
 
Announcements
ROCK ‘N BREWS CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY: Buena Park
Rock and Brews Restaurant construction is in full swing with their grand opening anticipated in late July/early August. Their iconic 70 ft tall guitar sign is under construction and should be completed in a few weeks. Stay tuned for grand opening events and the proposed Buena Park Rock and Roll Walk of Fame!
 

 
 
Library Corner
 

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OC Animal Care
 
OC Animal Care Pet of the Week
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Events
 

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Fullerton

What: Library One-Day-Only Book Sale
When: Saturday, June 20
Where: 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

What: Famed Artist and Designer Paul Frank Comes to Fullerton
When: Saturday, June 20
Where: 301 N Pomona Ave., Fullerton
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

What: Farmers Market
When: Wednesday, July 1
Where: Independence Park - 801 W. Valencia Drive, Fullerton
Time: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Brea

What: Coffee with a Cop
When: Monday, June 29
Where: John's Place - 1201 W. Central Avenue, Brea
Time: 7:30 AM - 10:00 AM

What: Brea Young Professionals
When: Wednesday, June 24
Where: Kabuki Japanese Restaurant - 975 E. Birch St., Brea
Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

What: Farrell's Ice Cream Eating Challenge
When: Friday, July 19
Where: 215 S. Brea Blvd, Brea
Time: 11 AM -5 PM

Placentia

What: Placentia and Yorba Linda Water District Joint Water Services Committee Meeting
When: Monday, June 22
Where: 401 E Chapman Ave., Placentia
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

What: Historical Committee Meeting
When: Tuesday, June 23
Where: 411 E Chapman Ave., Placentia
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Buena Park

What: Dad is Free at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
When: June 09 – 21
Where: 7662 Beach Blvd., Buena Park
Time: All Day

Anaheim

What: Toddler Stories and Playtime at East Anaheim
When: Monday, June 22
Where: 801 E. Santa Ana Canyon Rd., Anaheim
Time: 11:00 AM

What: Make a Drum at Central
When: Thursday, June 25
Where: Anaheim Central Branch Library – 500 W. Broadway, Anaheim
Time: 3:30 PM

What: Downtown Anaheim Farmers Market
When: Thursday, July 2, 2015
Where: 201 W Center Street Promenade, Anaheim
Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

La Habra

What: Meet Chef and Author Roy Choi
When: Saturday, June 20
Where: 221 E. La Habra Blvd., La Habra
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

What: 4th of July Craft
When: Tuesday, June 30
Where: Children’s Museum – 301 S. Euclid St., La Habra
Time: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
 
 
For questions or comments regarding Nelson’s E-News
please contact the Supervisor's office staff:
Audra Fishel – Phone: (714) 834-3440, Email: Audra.Fishel@ocgov.com.
Nelson Team
Denis Bilodeau
Chief of Staff

Mark Lopez
Deputy Chief of Staff

Audra Fishel
Policy Advisor /
Communications Director

Steve Spernak
Policy Advisor

Natalie Wieckert
Policy Advisor

Joy Kim
Staff Aide
 
 
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