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Chairman Shawn Nelson - 4th District Update
In This Issue
orange arrow Board Updates
orange arrow City Updates
orange arrow Metrolink
orange arrow In The Community
orange arrow County Commissions and Committees
orange arrow OC Animal Care
orange arrow Announcement
orange arrow Events
January 8, 2016
Volume 7 Issue 1
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 next board meeting will be Tuesday, January 12, 2016 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
OC Waste & Recycling Partnership with Inside the Outdoors Earns Coveted Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association
Project Zero Waste, a service‐learning program developed through a partnership between the County of Orange, OC Waste & Recycling, and the Orange County Department of Education’s (OCDE) Inside the Outdoors, has earned the California School Boards Association’s highly regarded Golden Bell Award.

The Orange County Office of Education’s, Project Zero Waste program is an Inside the Outdoors service‐learning environmental science program developed in partnership with the County of Orange—OC Waste & Recycling. Every year Project Zero Waste engages more than 40,000 students in project‐based lessons that transform classroom concepts into real life action.

Some of the projects designed and implemented by students in the Project Zero Waste program include campus‐wide recycling efforts, school gardens, community clean‐up events and other student‐led activities. Project Zero Waste improves academic outcomes, builds 21st century skills, and promotes civic engagement for students, teachers, and community partners.

More than 325,000 have participated in hands‐on environmental science instruction since the launch of Project Zero Waste in 2009. In the program, participants first learn the science of solid waste though Inside the Outdoors field trips and in‐class lessons taught by Traveling Scientists. Then they apply what they’ve learned to the design and implementation of solid waste reduction projects.

Assessments of Project Zero Waste students show an average increase in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) knowledge of 14 percent, and the benefits go even further. Schools engaging in the program have reduced their trash output up to 20,000 pounds annually.

OCDE also received the Governor’s Award for Environmental and Economic Leadership for the Project Zero Waste program in 2011. To learn more about Project Zero Waste visit the Inside the Outdoors website.

OC Waste & Recycling manages one of the nation’s premiere solid waste disposal systems, which serve 34 cities and more than three million residents. The department operates a network of three active landfills and four household hazardous waste collection centers. OC Waste & Recycling sponsors the Eco Challenge Exhibit at Discovery Cube OC, offering a hands-on learning experience to promote the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

For more information: http://www.oclandfills.com for more information.
 
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County’s Credit Ratings Upgraded
Strong management and good financial policies and practices, as well as a strong and diverse economy have resulted in ratings upgrades for the County of Orange.

In part, it means we are able to move forward with long-desired projects that benefit OC citizens, like a new animal shelter, an upgrade to the County’s public safety communications system and the year-round homeless shelter.

The upgrades follow a ratings request from the County as part of a process to prepay a majority of its FY 2016-17 employer contribution to the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS), in exchange for a 5.8 percent discount.

As a result of the rating process, S&P raised the County’s issuer credit rating to AA+ from AA. Also, S&P raised the rating on the County’s outstanding Lease Revenue Bonds and Pension Obligation Bonds from AA- to AA. The outlook on all ratings is stable, and they fall within the “high quality” range of Fitch, Moody’s and S&P’s ratings.

Further, following a surveillance call and review of information provided by the County, Moody’s Investors Service revised the County’s outlook from “negative” to “stable.” The outlook revision reflects a resumed, healthy tax base growth; improved financial performance with increases to reserves and liquidity levels; strong multi-year financial planning practices; and reserve policies that should support favorable future financial performance.
 
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OC Animal Care’s Pawliday a success!
OC Animal Care hosted its annual Pawliday adoption event on Saturday, December 19th. The event was a huge success, resulting in more than 60% (91) of the Shelter’s adoptable animals finding a new home! Of the 91 adopted pets, 47 were dogs, 38 were cats and 6 were bunnies. During the event, the Shelter was also visited by Santa, who was available all day to take photos with newly adopted pets and animals from our community. The highlight of the day, was a visit from a group of community members, who dropped off several car loads of donated blankets, sweaters, treats and toys that will be enjoyed by our shelter pets! We are very appreciative of our staff and volunteers for making the day such a great success by keeping the adoption line moving, assisting customers and promoting our adoptable pets.
 

OC Animal Care Team
 
 
City Updates
Anaheim launches El Nino awareness campaign
This El Niño season, Anaheim is getting something we haven’t seen much of lately — rain.

From now through spring, heavy rain from El Niño is expected, where warmer Pacific Ocean waters bring higher than normal rainfall to Southern California.

The City of Anaheim continues to prepare by clearing storm drains, distributing sandbags, sealing and restriping roads, staging emergency response vehicles and equipment and readying public safety teams. But being rain ready is a team effort. The City encourages residents and businesses to take some basic, simple steps to safeguard homes, property and loved ones during winter rains.

Anaheim has launched an El Niño awareness and prep campaign for residents, titled Be Rain Ready. There is an informational web page at anaheim.net/BeRainReady to supplement social media efforts and brief videos produced in-house.

The latest video features Fire Chief Bruegman and Police Chief Quezada talking about the City’s efforts to prepare and how residents can prepare their homes and families. The video is posted on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts if you would like to view or share them.
 
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Anaheim District Elections Public Hearings
The Anaheim City Council will hold the first of three public hearings next week for the consideration, discussion, modification and potential action on any of the maps submitted to the City during last year’s districting process.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 12 at 5:30pm at City Hall, 200 South Anaheim Boulevard. The full notice of the public hearings may be accessed here.
 
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Buena Park Selects District Elections Map
Beginning with the November 2016 election, Buena Park will elect members of the City Council from individual districts, instead of by a citywide vote.

On December 8, the City Council expressed its preference for the “NDC 5” map of five Council Districts. This map is scheduled to return to the Council for its formal adoption on January 12, 2016. As proposed, Districts 3 and 4 would be up for election in 2016. Districts 1, 2 and 5 will be up for election in 2018.

The City Council will meet on Tuesday, January 12 at 5:00pm at 6650 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park 90621. Go to www.drawbp.org/ for more information. See below for the Council-preferred map.
 
OC Animal Care Pet of the Week
Click on the image above to view a larger version.
 
 
Metrolink
Metrolink Logo
Lower Metrolink Fares Began January 1
Beginning January 1, 2016, Metrolink reduced one-way, short-distance fares to as low as $3 and only $1.50 for seniors. The new station-to-station fare is designed to increase ridership by encouraging local trips using Metrolink as an additional transportation option, complementing local bus service.

The $3 fare is good for up to two stations. For example, riding from Buena Park to Fullerton is only $3 for a one-way ticket and $6 for a round-trip for adults/youth/students. To ride from the Buena Park Station to the Anaheim Station is $6 for an adult one-way ticket and $12 for a round-trip ticket. Beyond two stations, Metrolink’s existing fares are already more affordable.

Approved at the October 9 meeting of the Metrolink Board of Directors, the fare change is a 45 percent discount to the current average fare of $5.50 for a one-way ticket between stations. The Metrolink Board of Directors also made the 25 percent Student and Youth discount part of its regular fare policy and approved the extension of the Antelope Valley Line promotional 25 percent discount on all fares with the exception of the Weekend Day Pass.

For additional information on Metrolink, please visit www.metrolinktrains.com.
 
 
In the Community
Brea Seniors Celebrate Christmas 2015
Congratulations to Brea Mayor Marty Simonoff and his year-long efforts to bring the magic of Christmas to hundreds of seniors at the 2015 Christmas luncheon at the Brea Senior Center.

The entire Senior Center was packed with revelers and Tim Takahashi’s staff putting out tables, chairs and place-setting in anticipation of the noon program hosted by the Mayor.

By noon, the desserts had been topped by Policy Advisor Steve Spernak, Councilmember Cecilia Hupp and Laura Cahill, the metro marketing team leader for the newly-opened Whole Foods Market in Brea and delivered by the teams of volunteers who worked the kitchen and grand hall.

Mayor Simonoff then did the drawings for over $2,000 in gift cards and acknowledged Ms. Cahill and Whole Foods of Brea who donated the entire luncheon as a thank-you to the community and much-appreciated charity for the seniors.

Special thanks to the Brea Police and Fire Associations who also donated time and gifts and Whole Food Markets for their incredible gesture of giving as host of the Brea Seniors Christmas Luncheon 2015.
 

Mayor Marty Simonoff, joined by Councilmember Cecelia Hupp and Whole Foods Director Laura Cahill, Join Steve Spernak topping desserts for 300 seniors.
 
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Supervisor Supports Buena Park VFW Christmas
Supervisor Nelson was honored to deliver frozen turkeys and commendations of thanks to VFW Post Commander John Muller for his efforts to provide food and warm clothes to over 800 residents in Buena Park.

2015 was the 5th year the Supervisor helped as a sponsor for the year-end mission by the VFW and Knights of Columbus to provide hot meals, toys, gift bags and gift-cards to needy families in the city.

Policy Advisor Steve Spernak made the purchase and delivered over 150 pounds of turkey that added to other donated foods and charity items that were handed out Christmas morning to hundreds of smiling children and fed families who would otherwise not have enjoyed the celebration of Christmas.

Best wishes and continued success to John Muller and his team of Veterans and Knights of Columbus members for this terrific gesture of giving and helping the less fortunate in OC.
 

Policy Advisor Steve Spernak delivered donated turkeys to Post Commander John Muller.
 
 
County Commissions and Committees
The Fourth District has vacant appointments on the following commissions or committees:

  • Assessment Appeals Board No.1
If you are interested in serving on one of these committees, please call Audra Fishel at (714) 834-3440.
 
 
OC Animal Care
 
OC Animal Care Pet of the Week
Click on the image above to view a larger version.
 
 
Announcement
 
Anaheim High Alumni Association Hosting 7th Annual Golf Classic
Sign-ups are being accepted for the 7th Annual Anaheim High School Alumni Association Golf Classic and Auction. The Feb. 15 President’s Day event at Western Hills Country Club in Chino Hills includes a day of golf with lunch, beverages, dinner, contests and prizes for $150 per golfer. The dinner and auction is open to non-golfers for $35. Sponsorship and tee-sign opportunities are also available. For more information, contact Chairman Phil Anton, (714) 815-9562 or e-mail anaheimalumni@yahoo.com. Visit www.anaheimcolonists.com for the sign-up forms.
 
 
Events
 
Brea

Name: LEAD$ Lunch: Brea's ultimate networking solution!
Date: January 13, 2016
Time: 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM
Location: Olive Garden, 270 Brea Mall Brea, CA 92821

Name: Brea Farmers' Market
Date: January 14, 2016
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: N/W/C Birch Street and State College Blvd.

Fullerton

Name: Happy Hour Networking
Date: January 8, 2016
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: The Matador Cantina, 111 N. Harbor Blvd. Fullerton, Ca

Name: Community Center FREE Preventative Health Care
Date: January 11, 2016
Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Temporary site of community center: St. Mary’s Church, 400 W. Commonwealth Ave., Room 8B

Name: Ribbon Cutting 1 Year Anniversary
Date: January 11, 2016
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: 124 W. Wilshire Ave., Suite B

Placentia

Name: Placentia Santa Fe Merchants Association
Date: Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Venue: Tlaquepaque Restaurant, 101 W. Santa Fe Avenue, Placentia

Anaheim

Name: Anaheim Chamber Leads Lunch Date: January 13, 2016
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, 2400 E. Katella Ave, Suite 725, Anaheim, CA 92806

La Habra

Name: North Orange County Gem and Mineral Society Monthly Meeting
Date: January 9, 2016
Time: 6:45 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: La Habra Community Center

Name: ConnectUp at Corner Bakery
Date: January 14, 2016
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Location: Corner Bakery in La Habra, 1040 W. Imperial Highway (at Idaho St.) La Habra CA 90631

Name: Enterprise Team Thursday Meetings
Date: January 14, 2016
Time: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Location: La Habra Chamber of Commerce, 321 E. La Habra Blvd, La Habra CA 90631

 
 
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
 
 
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