| 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, November 8th 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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| Supervisors Renew Agreement for Popular Library eBooks |
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Popular eBooks and digital audiobook titles will continue to be offered at Orange County Public Libraries branches, thanks to the extension of a contract approved this week by the Board of Supervisors.
The agreement with OverDrive Inc. will expand the current collection of eLibrary materials to meet the growing demand of patrons for high-quality and diverse library materials.
OC Public Libraries greatly expanded the availability of eBooks and digital audiobook titles to users in 2008 through its website, www.ocpl.org. As e-Reading gained popularity, e-Library downloads surged, increasing from 5,673 downloads of material in 2008 to 40,486 in 2015. The contract approved this week will allow the libraries to purchase more high-demand titles.
The contract with OverDrive was extended for an additional year, at $500,000 a year, with an option for two additional one-year periods. OverDrive supplies a secure lending platform for 22,000 libraries, schools and retailers worldwide with support for all major computers and mobile devices.
To search the libraries’ selection of eBooks, go to www.ocpl.org and click on “eLibrary” on the top horizontal menu bar. From the drop-down menu, select “Online Resources” and then click the “OverDrive” box. That will take you to a listing of available downloads.
The following page includes a chart showing the increase in eBooks and digital audiobooks checked out between 2006 and 2015: |
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| County Approved for Whole Person Care Pilot Project |
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The County of Orange has been approved through the state Department of Health Care Services for a five-year project to implement the Whole Person Care (WPC) pilot program, which is designed to ensure a more holistic approach to targeting the impacts of homelessness, and promoting mental and physical wellness.
The Board of Supervisors approved the application for the funding in June, pledging to contribute local matching funds of $2.35 million dollars annually over five years from Mental Health Services Act dollars and tobacco-settlement funds. The County will receive a match in federal dollars, with total spending reaching $23.5 million over the course of the program.
The WPC goals are consistent with the County’s ongoing efforts to take a broader approach to meeting the needs of those without permanent housing. The HCA proposal includes WPC Connect which would alert participating entities when a patient experiencing homelessness enters an emergency room. Upon notification of a non-urgent situation, the County’s community partners would connect the individual to recuperative care or other supportive services.
In 2015, Orange County taxpayers paid the Medi-Cal bills for 5,918 homeless patients that accessed local emergency rooms. More than 1,000 of these patients visited Orange County emergency rooms more than once within a three-month period. The Whole Person Care program will work to reduce these frequent emergency room visits by coordinating medical, behavioral health and social service programs to meet the individual needs of these high-risk Medi-Cal members.
Participating hospitals and community clinics have agreed to redirect a portion of their existing allocations of tobacco-settlement funds toward the pilot program and to develop homeless outreach and care-coordination positions within their emergency room departments.
Upon final approval of the WPC agreement with the state, HCA will reconvene a WPC Collaborative to begin implementation and will also work with Susan Price, the County’s Director of Care Coordination, to convene a WPC Steering Committee as directed by the Board. HCA will return to the Board of Supervisors within the next few months for approval of the necessary agreements with participating entities including: infrastructure development, navigation and outreach services, and recuperative care. |
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| Supervisors Support Fee Waiver to Encourage Animal Adoptions |
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Faced with an abundance of dogs, cats and rabbits filling space at the OC Animal Shelter, the Board of Supervisors has voted to allow OC Animal Care to waive adoption fees for pets being adopted in unincorporated areas, with plans to expand countywide.
The waiver will begin as soon as possible pending technical adjustments to the shelter’s fee system to accommodate animals being adopted by residents in the unincorporated areas. The plan is for the waiver to remain in effect until such time as shelter capacity drops below 60%.
OC Animal Care will be working with its partner cities to implement the waiver for animals from all jurisdictions as soon as possible.
The shelter has been hovering at around 95% capacity for the last several weeks. Much of the animal influx was due to the impounding of 200 rabbits seized from a home earlier this month—about 150 of which remain at the shelter. The facility has been housing between 575 and 630 animals, which is about 200 more than even the busiest times of the year. A resolution approved by the Board allows the fee waivers to be triggered whenever capacity exceeds 80%.
OC Animal Care is encouraging animal lovers to permanently adopt or temporarily foster a shelter Pet. For more information about the OC Animal Shelter, please visit: http://ocgov.com/gov/occr/animal/ |
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| In the Community |
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| Heroes Hall Museum Dedication Nov 11 |
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Special thanks to Heroes Hall Director Nick Berardino who delivered a 90 minute briefing for Supervisor Nelson in advance of the coming dedication that will happen on Veterans Day 2016.
Hosted at the OC Fairgrounds, the museum was an amazing project of vision and commitment to honor the service and sacrifices of the military who defended America from Orange County.
The museum was once a pilot training briefing billet from World War II that was moved to its final resting place on the Fairgrounds by the same team that moved the Space Shuttle into the Los Angeles Museum of Science.
Once it was anchored, teams of professional restoration and cement masons went to work putting in state-of-the-art air conditioning, new floors, elevators and 21st century power-point theatre screens so over 100, 000 thousand students a year can see the history of Orange County’s contribution to the war effort that ended World War II.
The museum will be dedicated on Veterans Day 2016 at the OC Fairgrounds with a flag raising of each of the services and memorial songs and prayers honoring America’s Bravest at 1 pm on Nov 11.
The project was driven by Nick Berardino as a legacy item to remember the lives and careers of military who trained, fought and died defending OC and America.
Berardino was a United States Marine Corps machine-gunner and saw combat in field operations defending South Vietnam in the 1960’s.
Berardino’s Viet Nam Service Medal was encased beneath the Medal of Honor design in the main courtyard to honor his Marines who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the Viet Nam War.
For more information on attending the Veteran’s Day museum dedication, vendor and food sites, displays of military equipment, County Veterans info at Supervisor Nelson community booth or to reach the OC Veterans Services Office, please email Policy Advisor Steve Spernak at Steve.Spernak@ocgov.com |
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Supervisor Nelson and Nick Berardino |
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| Free Flu Shot at Fullerton Community Center was a success! |
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| On Thursday, October 27, Supervisor Nelson partnered with St. Jude Medical Center to offer free flu shots to the residents of the 4th district at the Fullerton Community Center. The event was open to all ages and turned out to be a great success. Flu shots are a great preventative measure so be sure to receive one for this upcoming winter season. It is particularly important for young children and older adults to receive their flu shot, so if you were unable to come on October 27, please visit us again on Wednesday, November 2nd, from 9am-12pm at the La Habra Community Services Center, 101 W. La Habra Blvd., La Habra. We hope to see you there! |
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Natalie Wieckert and Audra Fishel
A patron receives his flu shot
Patrons line up to sign up for their flu shots
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| Kaboom/CAP Team Partners with Target for New Playground |
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In what had to the most amazing one-day transformation ever, 150 Target store employees joined with the Kaboom team and Community Action Partners to deliver the newest OC playground in one day!
Granted, the prep and saw-dust delivery was two days of dust and drama, but once the equipment was delivered and final sign-off’s by County inspectors was confirmed, it was all elbows, paint brushes and shovels for 6 hrs.
The dream of the playground was founded by the members and directors for the Community Action Partnership with Buddy Ray, Delores Barrett and Curtis Gibbs who partnered with Independencia Center Director Rosa Renteria.
In meetings going back to late last year, the team from Supervisor Nelson’s office, led by Policy Advisor Steve Spernak, sorted thru the logistics of partnering with Kaboom and Target Stores USA for financing and volunteers.
In an amazing mission of public and private cooperation, the dream of replacing the 30 year old playground came together.
Supervisor Nelson was involved in the updates and staff briefings and especially thankful to Shane Silsby, Director of the OC Public Works and his crews, led by Colby Cataldi, who handled a very complex project with professional performance excellence.
The compliments to Colby and Shane are justified.
A project like this demands State of California compliance and regulation approvals, plan checks, site plans, trust deeds and legal descriptions, along with inspections and code compliance to assure the safety of the children on and inside the playground.
The very best in OC Public Works were assigned to this project and, with the help of Cataldi, Deputy Director, who expedited services, joining Hadi Tabatabaee, Building plan check, Satinder Verma, Inspections Manager and Eric Clark, on-site inspector responsible for reviews and approvals, the standards and requirements from the County of Orange materialized into approvals.
Delivering special thanks from the Supervisor was Policy Advisor Steve Spernak who personally delivered handshakes and photos to Delores Barrett of CAP. Curtis Gibbs of CAP Planning and Finance and Buddy Ray who gave final blessings and navigated the details of the deal.
Gabriel Mena with Kaboom was the woman with a plan on “ build-day” working the microphones and team-leaders in Nicolette and Chris from Target who oversaw the 150 Target employees. Mena proudly held up the inspection approval by Eric Clark as her certificate of ownership for another Kaboom success while taking photos in the parking lot.
Special thanks were also delivered to the Association of OC Sheriff’s Deputies and their SixPoints for Kids program that brings Deputies and OCSD staff on-site to help community projects and improve the quality of life for hundreds of kids in West Anaheim on a personal basis.
Steve Spernak closed the days ribbon-cutting with a team photo with the OC Battle Flag from the Supervisor’s office and will deliver copies of the photos to Target, CAP and Sheriff’s Deputies at SixPoints and AOCDS as a thankyou from Supervisor Nelson!!
Congratulations and best wishes to everyone who made this magic happen on Garza Street. |
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Steve Spernak
Target employees, members of the Sheriff’s Department, CAP staff and the kids who will enjoy the new playground enjoyed the ‘team photo’ memory |
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| La Habra Senior Salute Week |
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The first –ever collaboration of resources, care-givers, community services groups and County resources comes together next week at the City of La Habra kicks-off their Senior Salute 2016.
Designed to offer Seniors a one-stop location at the Community Center where 30 specialists with 15 agencies will offer a rainbow of wrap-around services to the elderly or their caregivers from Nov 2 thru Nov 9th in the City of La Habra.
The free events week of information and activities begins Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. where residents can talk person to person with technicians, caregivers, pharmacy teams, health practices advisors, exercise and financial wellness specialists.
Policy Advisor Steve Spernak will have Supervisor Nelson’s community outreach booth open for information on Veterans, Parks and Recreation, Social Services and Aging info.
Programs and specialists attending the Senior Salute include the 2016 Senior Advocacy Committee membership, IHA Family Resources, Institute for Healthcare Advancement, Caremore, SeniorServ, Living Justly, La Habra Action Council and the popular La Habra Collaborative of business and civic leaders.
The Council on Aging will have representatives there with the new ANSWERS senior guides long known as the finest free digest of senior info and explanations of retirement management and quality of life services in the United States.
For more information on this week of fun, education and entertainment, please call (562) 283-4200 or contact the offices of Supervisor Nelson at Steve.Spernak@ocgov.com |
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Mayor Jim Gomez accepted the Supervisors Proclamation for launching the new Senior Salute Week. |
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| Nelson Thanks OC Bar for Homeless Service Day |
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Supervisor Shawn Nelson delivered his thanks and appreciation to the OC Bar Homeless Task Force Team and law student volunteers from UCI and Chapman who partnered to deliver the first Legal Fair at the Courtyard Transitional Center in downtown Santa Ana this weekend.
The new center was opened just two weeks ago to address the needs of hundreds of homeless who live in the Civic Center.
The OCBA Homeless Task Force, lead by President Todd Friedland and co-chaired by Larisa Dinsmoor, met since February with attorneys, volunteers and County staff, including Policy Advisors Natalie Wieckert and Steve Spernak, to help deliver the on-site forum inside the old bus terminal across from the Hall of Administration.
The mission was a successful delivery of counseling tables, referrals and case-managers who sat down with homeless who opened up their personal histories on why they became homeless or what they needed from the legal community to get them back on their feet.
Services by the BAR volunteers focused on SSA applications and appeals, child support, divorce and custody, criminal records and expungement efforts that can lead to employment and a fresh start back into society.
Other issues the BAR team addressed were animal laws, medical or court paperwork explanations, permits, hearings, workers compensation claims and issues with the DMV as it’s the crucial first step to have ID to get services, benefits checks and housing.
The “focus” on the Legal Fair was complimented by the year-long experiences of Bill Tanner and his team of Legal Aid Society volunteers and lawyers who worked in the Civic Center since February.
Supervisor Nelson supported the project, not only with the year-long commitment to the Legal Fair by providing staffers but his work behind the scenes to get the message out to both the homeless and the County teams that handle this crisis.
The Legal Fair is also a rehearsal for the coming Kraemer Resource Center that will address homeless issues in North OC beginning next December.
The Courtyard is also making significant strides with managing techniques that address mental health, addictions and unemployment with the services team hired to run the operation.
The Midnite Mission team now handles intake, screening for sleeping accommodations, food delivery, newly installed showers in a trailer system for hot water and day-long access to handle over 200 residents now using the center. New restrooms, an open area for pets and bike stands to secure transportation will soon be installed at the center.
Preparations for the coming rainy season include wind-screens and flameless heaters.
For more information on how the OC Bar is working to help the homeless in OC, or how your organization can help, please call the OCBAR offices at (714) 440-6700 or email Steve.Spernak@ocgov.com |
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Policy Advisor Steve Spernak (center) thanked the OC Bar Task Force Team and law student volunteers who spent the morning helping homeless. |
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| Nelson Celebrates 60th Silverado Days in Buena Park |
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Buena Park's "Silverado Days", one of California's oldest and finest events for good, old-fashioned fun, where the proceeds benefit the community, civic groups and school boosters, celebrated its 60th anniversary this past week at William Peak Park.
Manned mainly by volunteers from dozens of local groups, the recent 60 th annual celebration featured hometown fun from games, crafts, carnival rides and food to the traditional contests, including Hog Calling, Pie Eating, Arm Wrestling, Pinewood Car Making and Racing, Baby Judging (i.e., Chubbiest Cheeks, Parent-Child Lookalike), Horseshows, Chili Cook-off and even a Mutt Show (i.e., Best Tail Wag, Owner Lookalike) as well as a Men's Legs competition (i.e., Hairiest, Knobbiest Knees and Sexiest).
Then there was the music, with this years’ concerts in the food court, to go along with the "Classics on the Green" Car Show, featuring 336 beautiful vehicles.
The impressive three day event which raises over $100,000 to help the area, is run by the Buena Park Noon Lions Club in cooperation with the City of Buena Park, complimented by the Police, Public Works and Parks Recreation teams who do a fantastic job making this a safe celebration.
The neat thing about "Silverado Days" is that the community supports it and it supports the community where food booths are run by non-profits, who raise between $45,000-$50,000 each year, according to Pat Donnelly, General Chairman and Entertainment Chair for the fabulous festival.
This was the 6th Silverado Days appearance by Supervisor Nelson who supports the Lions Club and City Council with his County resources booth, offering services and programs brochures delivered by Policy Advisor Steve Spernak.
This year, Supervisor Nelson was pleased to honor the Buena Park VFW with his proclamation recognizing Post Commander John Muller for being awarded All-American Post and All-California Post for the third year. The Proclamation was displayed all weekend the VFW booth.
Bravo to the hundreds of volunteers, people like Alcene Cain, Rose Diaz and Chris Brown of the Buena Park Historical Society, Laura Rodehaver, President of the Buena Park Noon Lions Club, City Council Members Art Brown, Fred Smith, Steve Berry, Beth Swift and Virginia Vaughn.
Special thanks to sponsors like Knott's Berry Farm, Walmart, McDonald's, Sizzler, Wienerschnitzel, EDCO/Park Disposal and Premier Chevrolet for helping make possible such an incredible celebration !!!! |
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Steve Spernak thanks Silverado Days volunteers Alcene Cain (left) and Rose Diaz (right). |
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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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| Library Corner |
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Click on the image above to view a larger version.
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| Announcement |
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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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Anaheim Events
What: Good Morning Anaheim
When: November 4, 2016
Where: Pacific Western Bank 101 E. Lincoln Ave., Ste. 125 Anaheim, CA 92805
Time: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
What: Ribbon Cutting – Applebee’s
When: November 4, 2016
Where: Applebee’s, 2114 E Lincoln Ave. Anaheim, CA 92801
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Brea Events
What: The Business Connection Brea
When: November 1, 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: November 1, 2016
Where: COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1 Civic Center Circle plaza level, Brea
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Buena Park Events
What: City Council Meeting
When: November 8, 2016
Where: 6650 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90621
Time: 5:00 PM
What: Planning Commission
When: November 9, 2016
Where: 6650 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90621
Time: 7:00
Fullerton Events
What: Happy Hour Networking
When: October 28, 2016
Where: Summit House 2000 E Bastanchury Rd. Fullerton, CA 92835
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: CSUF Titan Fast Pitch Competition
When: October 29, 2016
Where: 800 North State College Blvd. Titan Student Union, Pavilion A, B, and C Fullerton, CA 92831
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
La Habra Events
What: Sponsor Senior Salute Week
When: November 2, 2016 - November 9, 2016
Where: La Habra Community
Time: All Week.
What: ConnectUp at Corner Bakery
When: November 3, 2016
Where: Corner Bakery, 1040 W. Imperial Highway (at Idaho St.) La Habra CA 90631
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Placentia Events
What: Placentia Santa Fe Merchants Association
When: November 8, 2016
Where: Tlaquepaque Restaurant 101 W. Santa Fe Avenue, Placentia, CA
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
What: Placentia Community Prayer Breakfast
When: November 9, 2016
Where: Placentia Round Table Women's Club 901 No. Bradford Avenue, Placentia, CA
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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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