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Chairman Shawn Nelson - 4th District Update
In This Issue
orange arrow Board Updates
orange arrow Metrolink
orange arrow In The Community
orange arrow County Commissions and Committees
orange arrow OC Libraries
orange arrow OC Animal Care
orange arrow Events
May 13, 2016
Volume 7 Issue 10
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, May 24 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
Orange County Unveils FY 2016-17 Recommended Budget
Orange County’s Fiscal Year 2016-17 Recommended Budget has been released for review by the Board of Supervisors and the public.

Public budget hearings will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14, and Wednesday, June 15, at the Hall of Administration Board Hearing Room, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana. The budget is divided into seven sections or programs: I Public Protection; II Community Services; III Infrastructure and Environmental Resources; IV General Government Services; V Capital Improvements; VI Debt Service; and VII Insurance, Reserves and Miscellaneous.

“Looking forward, the County is well-positioned to focus on providing the needed resources to strengthen our infrastructure and continue delivering high quality public services,” said County Executive Officer Frank Kim. The $6.1 billion budget is structurally balanced without the use of reserves for ongoing expenses.

During the public hearings, budget staff will provide highlights of the County’s spending plan and discuss specific budget requests, as well as answer questions from Board members and the public. County spending for FY 2015-16 was increased by 1% for departments that rely on General Fund support to create the base budget for FY 2016-17; departments have identified additional funds needed to restore current levels of service above that allowed within the base budget, as well as submitted augmentation requests for new programs and spending.

The FY 2016-17 Recommended Budget includes the following key initiatives:

Homeless assistance: The County has acquired property for a multi-service center in Anaheim to assist connecting the homeless with long-term housing and other programs, including mental and physical health services and increased service coordination across County departments. The new multi-service center is set to open in FY 2016-17.

OC Animal Shelter: The County is moving forward with construction of a new state-of-the- art animal shelter on 10 acres of property at the former Tustin Marine base. The new facility will include a large reception area, outdoor exercise areas, kennels and a training center. Construction is set to begin this summer.

Countywide Public Safety Communications System: The Countywide Coordinated Communications System is an interoperable two-way radio communications system serving public safety and public works agencies across as the county. Efforts are underway for a system-wide upgrade, new infrastructure and updated radios.

Civic Center Master Plan: The Civic Center Master Plan will address the County’s long-term occupancy in the Orange County Civic Center for enhanced and more efficient delivery of public services, improved use of space, grouping County offices by affiliated services, updating aging buildings and better managing occupancy and maintenance costs.

Central Utility Facility: The CUF is undergoing a significant upgrade to replace antiquated equipment and underground piping to ensure reliable, uninterrupted utility service to the Orange County Civic Center, including the jails and Superior Court, as well as continue to provide reduced costs for utilities.

Services for Older Adults and Veterans: The County is dedicating resources to improve outreach, assessments and services for the County’s aging population and veterans, engaging and connecting caregivers who those who would most benefit from the services.

FY 2016-17 Recommended Budget Highlights:
  • Total budget is $6.1 billion, of which $3.2 billion is the General Fund Budget—about $6 million more than was budgeted for the General Fund last year.

  • Of the $3.2 billion General Fund, $744.2 million is the General Purpose Revenue portion, which are unrestricted and may be used for any purpose. Last year’s General Purpose Revenues were $723.1 million.

  • The $744.2 million includes a $25 million payment to the State. This is the third of five escalating payments totaling $150 million ordered as the result of a lawsuit over the distribution of vehicle license fees. This payment was included within the base budget and will not come from reserves.

  • The budget incorporates revenue assumptions of 4% growth in secured property taxes and a 3.5% increase in Public Safety Sales Tax (Prop. 172) revenues.

  • The recommended base budget reflects an increase of $264.3 million (4.6%) and a net decrease of 136 positions, all of which are recommended by the CEO to be restored to retain current levels of service.

  • The District Attorney and Sheriff’s Department are recommended for slight increases in overall funding for FY 2016-17 from the current fiscal year, as well as adding 29 positions and six positions respectively.
The FY 2016-17 Recommended Budget documents can be found online at: http://ocgov.com/gov/ceo/deputy/finance/budget/fy2017

The County also invites members of the public to explore additional budgetary and financial information online through the OpenOC data tool, the Strategic Financial Plan and quarterly budget reports. These helpful resources can be found at: http://ocgov.com/about/openoc/
 
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Establishment of Trails Subcommittee to OC Parks Commission
On September 5, 2012, Supervisor Nelson and former Supervisor Moorlach directed OC Parks and the OC Parks Commission to evaluate the County’s responsibilities regarding trails and bikeways and determine how the regional recreational trails advisory committee’s role as an advisory body can be made more effective or if that role could be taken on by the commission.

On February 11, 2016, an item was presented to the Commission to discuss establishing a Trails Subcommittee (Subcommittee) that would be advisory to the Commission and could provide a public forum for matters dealing with County trails and bikeways. The Commission discussed the matter and requested that staff provide a draft of the Subcommittee guidelines to the Commission for review and feedback and agendize a draft for approval at a future Commission meeting.

The draft guidelines and proposed application to the subcommittee were sent out to the Commission on March 16, 2016 for review and comment. The proposed guidelines outlined the duties, meeting frequency, membership composition and selection, and governance of the subcommittee. At its April 7, 2016 meeting, the Commission was presented with final draft of the guidelines and application, incorporating comments received from the Commissioners and recommending establishment of a trails subcommittee to serve as an advisory body to the Parks Commission.

The guidelines of the Subcommittee provide for the appointment of two Commission members who will serve as chair and alternate chair of the Subcommittee and five members from the public who will be selected by the Commission based on a review of applications. At its April meeting, the Commission unanimously approved the guidelines and establishment of the Subcommittee and selected Commissioners to serve on it – Commissioner Kusumoto as chair and Commissioner Kott as alternate chair.

Applications for the remaining five Subcommittee seats will be available to the public online at http://ocparks.com/parks/trails/meetings.
 
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Excess food will no longer go to waste
In 2012, Waste Not OC (WNOC) was formed during a conversation between Dr. Handler, the OC Public Health Officer, and Mark Lowry, the Director of OC Food Bank. WNOC is a public-private partnership with the goal of eliminating hunger and reducing food waste by facilitating the donation of wholesome surplus food from food producing facilities to local pantries. The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) has been involved with WNOC's efforts since its inception. HCA's Environmental Health (EH) division collaborated with WNOC's efforts since 2014, and became the first point of contact for promoting food donation and informing food facilities in the County on how to safely donate food.

In July 2014, the Anaheim-Orange Pilot (Pilot) began as WNOC's first effort to identify sources of recoverable food and motivate businesses to donate food. As part of this Pilot, EH Specialists have actively engaged the owners and operators of food facilities about the topic of food donation and distributed a one-page informational brochure that addresses the general liability issue surrounding food donation. This activity occurs during the first official visit of the year inspecting the food facilities. EH Specialists also notify the facilities WNOC representatives will reach out to the owner and operators to answer any questions concerning the safe donation of excess food. Even further, EH Specialists distributed information about the safe donation of excess food outside the Pilot cities of Anaheim and Orange, whenever opportunities have presented themselves, resulting in numerous examples of food collection. These collective efforts have been very successful in attempting to end hunger in Orange County.

In addition, the food industry was asked to play a part to end hunger. Accordingly, the food industry created the Food Recovery Task Force, which is one of WNOC's subcommittees. This Task Force bridges the gap between the Environmental Health Specialists and food facilities and operators. As the result of such efforts, 391,745 meals have been recovered since July 2014.

On May 10, the Board of Supervisors approved the distribution of information to food facility operators to educate them on food donation. The Healthcare Agency is the first point of contact for food facilities and during their routine inspections they will educate those facilities on the necessary steps to properly donate excess food. This service provides a linkage between food facilities with excess food and those that are hungry. The Fourth District supports this program and its expansion countywide.
 
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Election Workers Needed
The Orange County Registrar of Voters needs more than 6,000 volunteers to assist with the various tasks that are required in conducting the upcoming June 7, 2016, Presidential Primary Election.

For information on the various Election Day volunteer opportunities, job descriptions, compensation and to sign up to serve on Election Day, county employees can go to the Registrar of Voters' website at ocvote.com/volunteer.
 
 
Metrolink
Metrolink Logo
Bike to Work on Metrolink for Free!
Metrolink will offer free rides during Bike to Work Week, May 16-20, 2016, to anyone who brings a bike onboard Metrolink. This offer will be effective on all Metrolink trains in operation from Monday, May 16, 2016 until Friday, May 20, 2016. Riders must accompany their bike for the entire trip. The free ride offer is limited to one person per bike.

Metrolink Bike Cars are in high demand across the Metrolink system as more cyclists continue to take the train. Due to the high demands across Metrolink’s system, there will be limited bike capacity during Bike to Work Week. If the train cannot accommodate any additional bikes, you will be asked to take the next train or find alternative means of transportation.

To ensure the safety of all passengers, Metrolink conductors have the right to ask bicyclists to relocate to another passenger car or in the situation where there is no more bike storage available, ask you to wait for the next train. Metrolink will offer free rides during Bike to Work Week, May 16-20, 2016. The free rides on Metrolink are not eligible for free transfers to any other bus or rail operator. This offer does not apply to any Amtrak trains including shared service trains.

May is National Bike Month, and Metrolink wants to make it easy for you to take your bike to work, school, the trails or wherever you go. Every Metrolink car can hold up to three bikes, and special Bike Cars are designed to hold up to nine bikes. This makes it very easy for you to grab your bike and go. For more information about bringing your bike onboard Metrolink, click here.
 
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Track work to affect Metrolink service
BNSF Railway is replacing 12,000 railroad ties between Fullerton and Riverside from Sunday, May 22 until Thursday, May 26. Tie replacement is done as general maintenance to ensure safe rail operations.

As a result, on Sunday, May 22, Metrolink 91 Line train 754 will only operate between Los Angeles Union Station and Fullerton. Passengers will be accommodated with alternate bus service to Corona and Riverside.

Also, beginning Monday, May 23, all trains on the Inland Empire-Orange County Line and the 91 Line may encounter delays of up to 30 minutes. The service delays will likely occur through Thursday when the project concludes.

Residents near the tracks will hear increased activity due to the BNSF project at night. Metrolink staff is working with BNSF officials to communicate the potential impacts of the project to the neighboring communities and also to Metrolink passengers. Metrolink will communicate the service disruption and delays through a press release, conductor announcements, social media platforms and station signage.
 
 
In the Community
Orange County Emergency Operations Center
The Orange County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) functions as the communication and coordination center for both the County and Operational Area emergency response organization and disaster preparedness, providing a central point for coordinating operational, administrative, and support needs of the county and Operational Area Members. It also assists in coordination and communication between Mutual Aid Coordinators and the state Office of Emergency Services during county-wide and state-wide emergency response and recovery operations.

The Orange County EOC can be used to gather and process information to and from the County, cities, school and special districts, business and industry, volunteer organizations, individuals, and state and federal government agencies. It has the ability to function as a virtual EOC so that Operational Area Members may communicate between EOCs without co-location.

In addition, the EOC may become responsible for managing the tactical operations of regional resources designed to more efficiently use the pooled resources of Operational Area Members or external resources to benefit the Operational Area as a whole. On Thursday, May 12th, Natalie Wieckert, observed an Earthquake Exercise in preparation for any natural disaster that could occur in the future. It is during this drill, the EOC implements new methods and adjusts based on the data gathered. There is a lot of hustle and bustle, but proves to be the best practice in preparation for any emergency within the boundaries of Orange County.
 

Dr. Handler and Natalie Wieckert
 
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Thousands Enjoy Supervisor at La Habra Citrus Fair
Congratulations to the City of La Habra, Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce for another successful Citrus Fair commemorating the agricultural heritage of the city and county.

The La Habra area chamber of commerce began holding the La Habra Citrus Fair in 2010 to provide local entertainment and education about the history of La Habra as well as to raise money for local non-profits.

The Fair annually attracts 30,000 to 40,000 attendees over the weekend who enjoy the Youth Expo and Livestock show where schools compete with their livestock, horticulture and art programs.

Winners from the competitions go on to compete at the Orange County Fair agriculture challenges during the summer at the Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. The programs teach young students the responsibility of caring for animals and competing for awards featuring displays of pigs, cows, rabbits, goats and sheep. This year’s theme of “Off the Grid” featured a preparedness and response expo for emergency merchandise, information programs and how-to demonstrations for public safety and crisis survival.

Supervisor Nelson attended the event, worked his information booth with staffers Steve Spernak, Mark Lopez and Jesus Nodarse and enjoyed walking the event to greet friends and civic leaders who attended.
 

Supervisor Nelson joined staffer Jesus Nodarse at the county community information booth to meet residents and answer questions. Policy Advisor Steve Spernak takes annual ‘fun photos’ with Kim Praster and Miss La Habra Court.
 
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Supervisor Appointee Honored by SBA
Bekele Demissie, Senior Community and Business Relations Specialist with the Orange County Transportation Authority, had one of the more interesting weeks of his life.

Appointed by Supervisor Nelson to the Orange County Human Relations Commission, Demissie will carry the duties and responsibilities of addressing racial issues, neighborhood conflicts, Grand Jury inquiry and resolving conflicts. His new mission includes pursuing equality, reducing discrimination and eliminating prejudice through talks and communications into cultures and crisis on the county-wide commission.

If that wasn’t enough for one man, this month Bekele was nominated by Ruben Franco, President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, for honors that were presented at the United States Small Business Administration awards luncheon at the Disneyland Grand Hotel.

Franco recognized Demissie at the awards luncheon with 1,000 in attendance for his work on the Board of Directors for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the American Indian Chamber, Inland Empire Asian Business Association and the Korean and Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce.

He organizes events for the community and business leaders and provides senior leadership to business and community leaders and elected officials. He is non-stop active with nonprofit organizations including Food for the Hungry International, World Vision, Irish Concern, and numerous faith-based organizations.

Demissie is also a Founder of the Ethiopian Christian Church and Ethiopian- American Council of Orange County.

Supervisor Nelson delivered congratulations to Demissie with photos and commendations delivered by Policy Advisor Steve Spernak who attended the SBA Awards for the Supervisor last week.
 

Bekele Demissie was honored at the regional U.S Small Business Administration as Minority Small Business Champion of the Year.
 
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Donate Life 2016 Sets World Record at CSUF
Supervisor Shawn Nelson was honored to support the 14th Annual Donate Life Run/Walk on Saturday, April 30th, at Cal State Fullerton as part of his commitment to saving lives through organ, eye and tissue donations.

Hosted at the Athletic Fields on the north side of CSUF, some 20,000 + donors, recipients, doctors, VIP, civic leaders and entertainers rallied through the early-morning rains into a majestic morning of hugs, tears and smiles as thousands remembered lives lost and saved by this remarkable program founded by Craig and Kathleen Hostert.

Policy Advisor Steve Spernak from the office of OC Supervisor Shawn Nelson delivered a welcoming to the crowd of 20,000 brave-hearts, explained how the County of Orange and its 18,000 employees were thrilled to support the 14th edition of the rally and run and brought out the OC battleflag to prove it.

Spernak explained that two County employees owe their lives to the organ-transplant project and that each Supervisor personally supported, by Proclamation, the education and registration of organ donors thru the DMV as part of SB 689 that is authorized links into the DMV licensing notification and registration division.

Over the last 10 years, the Donate Life Registry has signed up 13 million donors committed to organ, eye and tissue donation in the event of their demise to save other lives and families from the tragedy and suffering of failed organs, tissue replacement or bone marrow transplants.

The highlight of the day was the new worlds record of 314 donor-recipients attending one event at the same time which happened through the review by the staff of the Guiness World Records organization!

For more information on how you can register as a donor with DMV, attend the 2017 rally with your family or company and join with the 18,000 County employees supporting Donate Life, please contact Erika Ospina Awad, Community Programs Supervisor of OneLegacy at (213) 356-5213 or her cell of (213) 200-4559. Her email is eospinaaawad@onelegacy.org or Steve Spernak, Office of Supervisor Shawn Nelson, at steve.spernak@ocgov.com
 

Policy Advisor Steve Spernak told 20,000 attending how OC supports the life-saving magic of Donate Life, One Legacy and Organ-Tissue Registry
 
 
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 Libraries
 

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OC Animal Care
 
OC Animal Care Pet of the Week
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OC Animal Care & Supervisor Nelson - Free Adoption Event and Pet Fair
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Events
 

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Brea Events

Name: Wine & Fashion Presented by the Brea Mall and Macy's
Date: May 14, 2016
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Brea Mall | Center Court, 1065 Brea Mall, Brea, CA 92821

Fullerton Events

Name: Soroptimist International of Fullerton Luncheon
Date: May 16, 2016
Time: 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Location: Howard Johnson Hotel (formerly Anaheim Park Hotel), 222 W. Houston Way, Fullerton

Name: Lunch & Learn: Financial Projections & Debt Financing
Date: May 17, 2016
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: North Orange County Chamber Office
444 N. Harbor Blvd. Suite 200, Fullerton

Placentia Events

Name: Placentia Founders Society Chamber Music Concert
Date: May 14, 2016
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Bradford House, 136 Palm Circle, Placentia

Name: Networking At Noon
Date: May 18, 2016
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Meat Up BBQ, 1450 No. Kraemer Boulevard, Placentia

Buena Park Events

Name: Buena Park Police Appreciation Luncheon
Date: May 19, 2016
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Location: Knott's Berry Farm Hotel, 7675 Crescent Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620

La Habra Events

Name: Susan Irby: The Bikini Chef
Date: May 14, 2016
Time: 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: La Habra Library, 221 E. La Habra Blvd., La Habra, CA 90631

Name: Lunch Mob - Black Bear Diner
Date: May 18, 2016
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Black Bear Diner, 1000 South Beach 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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