| 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 next board meeting will be Tuesday, June 14 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 |
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| Board Updates |
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| County Welcomes New Chief of Human Resource Services |
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Brenda Diederichs, formerly with the City of Riverside, begins her new assignment as the County’s Chief Human Resources Officer.
Diederichs brings a wealth of expertise, knowledge and experience to the County. An attorney specializing in employment and labor law, she served for the past two years as Human Resources Director for the city of Riverside. She spent six years as Executive Officer for Human Services with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, from 2000 to 2006, as well as previous human relations positions with the city of West Covina and the Southern California Rapid Transit District.
Overall, she has more than 20 years’ experience as a professional in human resources and organizational development, serving public agencies as well as 17 years as a practicing attorney. She received her law degree from Loyola Law School and is a member of the State Bar as well as the Society for Human Resources Management and the National Public Employer Labor Relations Association.
Diederichs replaces former Chief Human Resources Officer Steve Danley, who retired in August 2015. |
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| County Efforts Continue to Target Worker’s Compensation Fraud |
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An ongoing effort by the County of Orange to target suspected instances of worker’s compensation fraud resulted in the arrest this week of a man who claimed to have been disabled after an on-the-job vehicle accident.
While completing community service hours for an earlier DUI conviction, Bartolo Hernandez Orona was a passenger in a County truck in August 2009 when the driver hit a tree. In 2014, he filed a worker’s compensation claim for injuries, claiming to be completely disabled by the accident after having undergone two back surgeries. He is accused of seeking work between November 2014 and August 2015 as a day laborer and observed moving furniture down a flight of stairs, gardening and riding a bicycle.
Orona is scheduled to be arraigned on June 13. The County is seeking $55,873.76 in restitution.
His arrest is the result of an ongoing multi-level effort by County officials to target those suspected of collecting benefits they did not earn.
In May, a 10-year County employee pleaded guilty to four misdemeanor counts of fraud and was ordered to pay $30,271.80 in restitution. He was placed on three years of informal probation and required to complete 100 hours of community service.
In August 2015, the County successfully prosecuted a similar case against another employee who claimed that an on-the-job back injury left him unable to work when he had suffered injuries earlier in non-work vehicle collisions.
The County vigorously seeks restitution from those found guilty of obtaining fraudulent benefits.
Workers’ compensation fraud drains public treasuries by contributing to the high cost of insurance and self-insurance. It harms employees by undermining the perception of those legitimately claiming on-the-job injuries to receive the benefits to which they’re entitled. The California Department of Insurance estimates that workers' compensation fraud costs the state between $1 billion to $3 billion each year. |
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| In the Community |
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| Loma Vista Memorial Day 2016 |
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Women in the Military Service was the focus for the keynote speaker and those attending the 78th annual Fullerton Memorial Day Observance, established in 1939 and remaining the longest running Memorial Day service in OC.
Hosted at the Loma Vista Memorial Park on Bastanchury, the program is a magnificent and moving event featuring over 4100 flags placed on each Veteran’s grave throughout the cemetery as well as the full sized American flags donated by families that line the roadways.
Special guest speaker was Vice Admiral Nora Tyson, United States Navy and Commanding Officer of the U.S. Third Fleet, San Diego, where she has leadership of every ship and Seaman within the 50 million square miles of her command.
Air Combat USA provided a fly-over and missing man formation with formal Taps and a 21 gun salute as part of the program provided by the Fullerton Police Color Guard.
Ed Paul, of the Fullerton American Legion Post 142, joined with Marilyn and Jeff Harris in coordinating the event that had over 1,000 attending.
Marty Burbank (USN Ret.) joined Supervisor Nelson in presenting Admiral Tyson with a printed county commendation with the text of the America speech by Abraham Lincoln as part of his annual gesture of appreciation to military who give the key-note address each Memorial Day.
Blessings and best wishes on all those military who gave their lives and now rest at Loma Vista and to their families who also gave the ultimate price of a family member in defense of America’s freedom. |
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Marty Burbank joined Supervisor Nelson in welcoming Vice Admiral Nora Tyson to Memorial Day
Honors at Loma Vista |
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| D-Day Memorial for Medal of Honor Recipient Walt Ehlers |
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The City of Buena Park was proud to join with Supervisor Shawn Nelson this week in the dedication of a week-long WWII memorial that honored the 150,000 troops that went ashore 72 years ago at D-day, 1944, hosted at the Buena Park Senior Center.
In that Allied invasion contingent was Buena Park resident Sgt Walt Ehlers…one of the last surviving D-day heroes of 1944.
Leading his platoon into fierce enemy resistance with machine-guns and mortars, he killed 4 of the enemy, dispatched a machine gun site, rescued a wounded man, exposed his position to draw fire off his retreating troops, killed another 3 combatants and secured a machine gun dropped in battle. He was wounded 4 times.
Ehlers refused medical evacuation till his troops were safe and was later awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his leadership, courage and fearless aggressiveness to deter the enemy and inspire his men.
Mark Sauceda, Director of the Senior Center, helped in the design and welcomed the memorial on behalf the City for all to enjoy.
VFW Commander John Muller of Buena Park played an instrumental role in the name change of his Post to the Lt Walt Ehlers Medal of Honor Post last year in formal City ceremonies attended by the Ehlers family.
Blessings on these brave men who landed on the beaches of France to stop the Nazi war effort and liberate millions throughout Europe. Over 10,000 American military are buried in France and remain an eternal monument to the world of the sacrifices this nation will make to protect and defend the freedom of the United States of America. |
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Policy Advisor Steve Spernak and Buena Park Senior Center Director created the D-Day memorial for Walt Ehlers and the heroes of WWII who landed 72 years ago. |
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| La Habra Honors OC War on Terror Heroes |
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Supervisor Shawn Nelson was honored to recognize former US Army Special Forces Sgt. Chuck Morse for his front-yard flag display honoring the fallen military from Orange County.
Hosted every Memorial Day at his residence at 761 Candlewood in La Habra, the former Green Beret places 72 crosses bearing the photo and date that each service member that was killed in combat as part of America’s War on Terror.
The fallen members of the military are honored from dawn till dusk with Taps played at 3 pm for the attending families and residents of Orange County who come to pay their respects and extend their appreciation to Sgt. Morse for this one-of-a-kind memorial.
Morse looks to have the City of La Habra provide a space at a park next year and the Boy Scouts have offered to take over the duties of posting the crosses for the Memorial Day weekend.
Special commendations from the Supervisor were mailed to La Habra Home Depot employees John Francia and Lori Turman who donated their time, iced waters and materials to make the memorial accommodating to attending residents.
Event sponsors also included flags by Frank and Kathy Felix, the Business Connection and members and commanders of the American Legion Post 267 of La Habra in Mr. Dick Prescott (USN) and Mike Kurth (USA).
Congratulations and blessings on the fallen patriots and their OC families who paid the ultimate price for our freedom! |
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Policy Advisor Steve Spernak congratulates former Green Beret Chuck Morse at his 9-11 memorial to
OC heroes lost in combat |
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| Crittenton celebrates 50th anniversary |
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| Crittenton celebrated their 50th Anniversary on Friday, June 3rd, among dignitaries, volunteers and friends. It was an honor to present a Resolution on behalf of the County of Orange recognizing the work, dedication and perseverance Crittenton has shown over the past 50 years. Joyce Cappelle, the CEO, ended the celebration highlighting the needs of vulnerable youth along with success stories from two of their clients and the impact Crittenton had on their lives. Supervisor Nelson acknowledges the valuable presence Crittenton has had in the Fourth District as well as the surrounding communities. We wish them the best in all future endeavors. |
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Policy Advisor Natalie Wieckert present certificate to Crittenton staff |
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| Orange County Conservation Corps & Charter School |
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Through Employment, Training and Educational Programs OCCC has created an environment where corpsmembers develop the skills to better prepare for their future. Through the OCCC program students are able to develop work skills, complete their secondary studies and obtain their High School Diplomas. With all the skills and assistance offered at the OCCC, corpsmembers are able to better plan for their future after their completion of the program.
Supervisor Shawn Nelson and the Fourth Districts acknowledged the hard work and tenacity of the corpsmembers. Recognition was given to them for being able to complete their studies and attain their High School Diplomas all while balancing their personal adversities.
This year’s Commencement Ceremony was held at Plummer Auditorium in Fullerton. The Fourth District was represented by two Staff Aides Jesus Nodarse and Markell Quinn during the ceremony. In communion with the OCCC both Aides gave certificates of Recognition to each graduate. District Four was honored to have been able to recognize the accomplishment of the graduates and pleased to have been so warmly welcomed by the OCCC. It was a rewarding and humbling experience for District Four Staff Aides to have been able to be part of the ceremony and to have been recognized by the OCCC for their attendance. |
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| County Commissions and Committees |
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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. |
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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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Click on the image above to view a larger version. |
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| Events |
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Click on the image above to view a larger version.
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What: Legislative Committee Meeting
When: June 17, 2016
Where: Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, 2400 E. Katella Ave. Suite 725, Anaheim, CA 92806
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
What: Anaheim Hills Community Council- 2016 Fourth of July Celebration
When: July 4, 2016
Where: Anaheim Hills Community Council, Anaheim, CA
Time: TBA
What: Happy hour sponsored by Wells Fargo
When: June 10, 2016
Where: 201 W. Imperial Highway, Brea, CA 9282
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
What: The Business Connection Brea
When: June 14, 2016
Where: The Corner Bakery Cafe 103 W Imperial Hwy, Brea, CA 92821
Time: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
What: City Council Meeting
When: June 14, 2016
Where: 6650 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park 92832
Time: 5:00 PM
What: Buena Park Youth Theatre Production of Disney Beauty and the Beast
When: June 17 – June 26, 2016
Where: Buena Park High School Performing Arts Complex 8833 Academy Way and Magnolia Ave.
Time: Fri. & Sat. Evening 7:30 PM
What: Community Center FREE Preventative Health Care
When: June 13, 2016
Where: St. Mary’s Church, 400 W. Commonwealth Ave. Room 8B, Fullerton, CA 92833.
Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
What: Presidents' Business Achievement Awards & Installation Dinner
When: June 15, 2016
Where: Summit House Restaurant 2000 E Bastanchury Rd., Fullerton
Time: 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
What: FRUIT FESTIVAL
When: June 15, 2016
Where: Community Resources Care Center, La Habra 92807
Time: 8:00 AM - 8:00 AM
What: LHCC 4th Annual Car Show & BBQ
When: June 18, 2016
Where: La Habra Christian Church 1400 Bella Vista Drive La Habra Heights, CA 90631
Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
What: Placentia Santa Fe Merchants Association
When: June 14, 2016
Where: 101 W. Santa Fe Avenue, Placentia
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
What: Networking At Noon
When: June 15, 2016
Where: 1450 No. Kraemer Boulevard, Placentia
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m
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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. |
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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
Natalie Wieckert
Policy Advisor
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| Stay Connected! |
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