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Chairman Shawn Nelson - 4th District Update
In This Issue
orange arrow Board Updates
orange arrow OCTA
orange arrow In The Community
orange arrow County Commissions and Committees
orange arrow Anaheim Announcement
orange arrow Placentia Announcement
orange arrow OC Animal Care
orange arrow Events
December 23, 2016
Volume 7 Issue 25
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 10th 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
Supervisors Approve Restaurant Meals Program
for Needy
The Orange County Board of Supervisors has authorized a program to allow those who are elderly, disabled and without permanent housing who participate in the state’s food-assistance program to purchase prepared meals at participating restaurants.

Upon implementation, Orange County will join Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties in offering the program, which allows participants to purchase meals with their CalFresh benefits.

CalFresh is the State-administered, federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) formerly known as Food Stamps.

An average of 264,000 Orange County residents per month received CalFresh benefits during the past fiscal year, of whom 54% were children. Of all CalFresh recipients, about 19,000 may be eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program, according to the Social Services Agency (SSA).

Board approval of the program allows SSA to submit a proposed implementation plan to the California Department of Social Services. SSA must return to the Board for approval of a Master Agreement between the County and participating restaurants, which must complete an application, enter into a formal agreement and maintain insurance. SSA would then begin certifying eligible CalFresh recipients and advertising the program.

Because of the extensive participation requirements, the program is expected to be operational for the first phase, targeting the most needy recipients, around June 2017. The County’s cost for start-up of the program is estimated at $160,000 with $250,000 a year in annual staffing costs.

The plan also calls for analyzing eligible recipients by zip code, posting program information and a directory of participating restaurants on the County website, and collaborating with community groups and restaurants to encourage participation, including healthy eating options.

Restaurants must be located in Orange County, provide low-cost meals during regular business hours to CalFresh recipients, prohibit accepting gratuities or charging sales taxes, prohibit the program’s use for alcohol, and maintain client confidentiality.
 
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County of Orange Welcomes
New Public Information Manager
The County of Orange is pleased to announce Carrie Braun as the County’s new Public Information Manager. Braun will take over for Jean Pasco who is retiring at the end of December. Braun will be responsible for the County’s communication strategies, including all aspects of media relations, social media and internal communications to more than 18,000 County employees. As part of the transition, Public Records Act requests directed to the County Executive Office will now be directed to Linh Ly, Agenda and Policy Administration Manager.

Most recently, Braun worked for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department as the Public Affairs Manager responsible for the department’s proactive media relations and social media. In this capacity, Braun managed communications plans and multiple social media platforms for the department.

Braun is a native of Orange County and a graduate of California State University, Fullerton with a B.A. in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations. She assumes her duties as the County’s Public Information Manager on December 12, 2016.
 
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2-1-1 Orange County Announces
2017 Point-In-Time Count and Survey
MAKING SURE EVERY ONE COUNTS!
On January 28, 2017 (4:30am-9am) in the early morning hours 2-1-1 Orange County (211OC) along with 1500 volunteers will conduct the 7th biennial countywide homeless population Point-in-Time Count and Survey.

Point-in-Time (PIT) is a federally mandated, biennial, enumeration and survey to determine the prevalence and characteristics of persons experiencing homelessness in Orange County. PIT helps us better understand who is facing homelessness on a given night so that we can advocate for additional resources to provide services for the homeless population, ultimately ending homelessness in our community.

The PIT team and volunteers conduct a survey of persons experiencing homelessness as individuals and families who are either on the street or in sheltered facilities. Personal one on one interviews between a volunteer and the homeless are conducted to gather information that in turn helps us provide more stable housing options in the region.

Why We Count and Survey
  1. To fully understand homelessness in our region, and what it will take to help connect people to secure housing. They don’t have one face, but rather are a part of our community made up of many “tribes of circumstances”.
  2. To better allocate funding, services, and measure outcomes related to homelessness.
  3. To meet our reporting obligations to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Data from the PIT helps drive millions of dollars in federal funding to local homeless service providers.
  4. To generate detailed reports for our community to ensure an accurate understanding of homelessness in Orange County.

How You Can Help

Join the movement to end homelessness in Orange County by becoming a sponsor, making a charitable donation or becoming a volunteer! Visit the website www.pointintimeoc.org or email us at pointintime@211oc.org.

Volunteers for the 2017 PIT Count will be deployed from one of five deployment centers located in each of the Supervisorial Districts to survey in the surrounding neighborhoods. Because having an accurate and comprehensive Count relies on the participation of hundreds of volunteers, we hope you will consider joining us that morning. The County of Orange employees have always participated in the Point-in-Time Count & Survey. We hope to see you early on the morning of Saturday, January 28th. We’ll have the coffee ready!
 
 
OCTA Update
OCTA Logo
Placentia Metrolink Project – Next Step
The OCTA Board of Directors took the next step to building a new Metrolink station in Placentia by selecting the firm Berg & Associates to be the Construction Manager for the project. This action was the next benchmark in the project schedule that would have construction start in late 2017. The new station located at Melrose and Crowther Avenue near the Orange Freeway (SR-57) will serve passengers travelling on Metrolink’s 91 Line connecting to destinations from Riverside to downtown Los Angeles. The new station can accommodate parking for 300 cars, and will have bike racks and lockers for riders convenience. The project envisioned as a new gateway into downtown Placentia will create opportunities for mixed-use developments turning former warehouses into living spaces - re-energizing this corner of the city with its savory locale faire and culture. For additional information see https://www.octa.net/pdf/Placentia_MetrolinkFactsheet.pdf. For information on Metrolink see http://metrolinktrains.com/stations/.
 

Click on the image above to view a larger version.
 
 
In the Community
Supervisor Thanks La Habra Mayor Gomez
Supervisor Nelson enjoyed a night of laughter and some tears as he delivered his personal thanks and appreciation to outgoing La Habra Mayor Jim Gomez at city hall ceremonies this week.

The night was special for Mayor Gomez who delivered flowers to his family and had the Frank Sinatra classic My Way sang to him by a tenor from the Los Angeles City Fire Department who wowed the packed council chambers.

Supervisor Nelson thanked both Mayor Gomez and the entire Council and city staff for their tireless work behind the scenes to make La Habra such a special city.

Gomez was seen at or helped plan the annual Corn Festival, Citrus Festival, Veterans Day events, Ms. La Habra pageant, Public Safety Awards with the Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting galas throughout the year.

Supervisor Nelson then performed the oath of office for Councilman Tim Shawn and his family on the dais to finish the night of fun and moments of remembered accomplishments and city successes that make La Habra such a terrific city.
 

Supervisor Nelson congratulates Mayor Gomez
 

Supervisor Nelson congratulates New Mayor Tim Shaw
 
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Brea Thanks Mayor Christine Marick
Supervisor Nelson was honored to recognize outgoing Brea Mayor Christine Marick at their city council reorganizing meeting this week and extend his welcome to the new Mayor for 2017. Mayor Marick received a warm applause from the 100 people attending ceremonies at the Civic Center hearing room and was especially proud to introduce her husband who had been such a support and advocate for her performance in 2016. Marick was recognized by Supervisor Nelson and had a Certificate of Recognition presented on his behalf by Policy Advisor Steve Spernak.

During presentation ceremonies Spernak touted Marick’s calm demeanor and pragmatic management of the staff and Council, appearances in the city to support the Brea Chamber of Commerce, Veterans Day honors, Taste of Brea fun and promoting civic caring for homeless and families in crisis. Marick also received a keep-sake photo of her entire Council who attended the 2016 Christmas Party at the Brea Senior Center to archive her commitment to seniors and working staff who add so much to the quality of life for the elderly in Brea.

Cecilia Hupp was selected at Mayor of Brea for 2017 along with Glen Parker who took Mayor Pro-tem honors.
 

Policy Advisor Steve Spernak delivered congratulations from Supervisor Nelson to Mayor Marick.
 
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Buena Park Honors Mayor Fred Smith
A year of challenges and accomplishments were recounted in comments by outgoing Mayor Fred Smith at last week’s city council re-organizing meeting during end of the year ceremonies in Buena Park.

Policy Advisor Steve Spernak delivered a County commendation to Mayor Smith and Spernak told the packed council chambers how Smith was a power and presence in the community all year.

In closing comments by Mayor Smith, he went on to explain how proud he was with the development of The Source, a huge new commerce and entertainment center, and the re-build of Beach Blvd for family fun and dining adventures.

Beth Swift will take over as Mayor in 2017 and bring her leadership and decades of background in education and working with seniors to new levels of accomplishment to constantly elevate the quality of life and public safety in Buena Park.

Congratulations to Mayor Swift and sincere thanks and appreciation to Mayor Smith for a fantastic year of servant-leadership and caring as well as your friendship and trust with Supervisor Nelson and his staff the last 6 years.

 

Policy Advisor Steve Spernak delivers Supervisors commendation to Mayor Smith.
 
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Fourth District Supports Buena Park VFW Christmas
In keeping with the Christmas spirit for the sixth year, Supervisor Nelson’s office was happy to partner with the VFW Buena Park and Knights of Columbus to bring smiles and meals to the homeless and hungry in Buena Park.

Backing the spirit and leadership of VFW Post Commander John Muller, civic, corporate and community members donate food, time and talent along with racks of clothing to help the less fortunate and homeless each Christmas.

Hosted at the VFW center and Knights of Columbus Hall, Muller and his crew of military and Veterans collect frozen food and donated side-dishes that are cooked locally and readied to serve over 800 individuals and families Christmas morning.

Policy Advisor Steve Spernak delivered a dozen turkeys to the center this week to add to the hundreds of pounds of food that will help make a special holiday luncheon come true for families challenged by financial or homeless issues in OC.

Congratulations and sincere thanks to John Muller and his staff of Veterans and military at the Buena Park Walt Ehlers VFW Post. This same team was honored on Veterans Day by Supervisor Nelson with their selection as one of the nation’s finest VFW Post and selection as VFW Post of the Year the last three years in California.
 

Policy Advisor Steve Spernak delivered Christmas turkeys to John Muller.
 
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Nelson Christmas Fun at Brea Senior Center
Its 3 hours of fun, laughter and gifts and one of the best Christmas parties for seniors in Orange County where Councilman Marty Simonoff pulled together his magic to deliver another classic afternoon to celebrate the holidays.

Simonoff works all year to garner gift cards, donations, services and discounts to just about anything you can imagine and makes the 45 minutes of handing out the items a fun event of laughs and signing carols.

Simonoff set a new record in 2016.raising over $4,000 worth of gift cards and fun toys or dinners at local restaurants in Brea.

This year the entire City Council of Mayor Marick, Cecilia Hupp, Steve Vargas and Glenn Parker joined Simonoff in the distributing the cards and gifts where they enjoyed the thanks and appreciation of the 300 who showed up for the free turkey luncheon.

Police and Firemen attending helped with the luncheon food prep and handouts to compliment senior center staff lead by Director Tim Takahashi who kept looking around in amazement that so many seniors were having such a great time.

Policy Advisor Steve Spernak brought his traditional 12 cans of whip cream to top desserts with Brea School District member Paul Ruiz and later Marty Simonoff who takes pictures and hugs during the entire luncheon.

Steve Spernak lead the search for the Oldest Elf at the closing of the gift delivery and delivered some holiday magic to United States Air Force Colonel and World War II Veteran Jack Mason, who proudly told the crowd he was 101 years old!
 

Entire Brea City Council congratulated 101 year of Jack Mason
 

Brea School District Member Paul Ruiz helped Spernak with dessert fun.
 

Councilman Marty Simonoff delivered another awesome Christmas party
 
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Supervisor Celebrates 30th Year of “We Give Thanks”
Supervisor Shawn Nelson was happy to recognize Restaurant owner Frank Garcia at the 2016 “We Give Thanks” presentations with thousands of friends and residents of Orange County as he celebrated the 30th year of helping feed the hungry in OC.

Hosted at the Honda Center parking lot, the program that feeds thousands of hungry and homeless residents is Garcia’s way of thanking the County, country and community for the success he enjoyed running his two restaurants in Anaheim.

The operation to feed 13,000 residents is a miracle unto itself.

The night before Thanksgiving, the team from We Give Thanks arranges to have 700 turkeys delivered and prepped to go into ovens at the Anaheim Marriott and Hilton where they cook to perfection and are packaged for transport before dawn.

From there, other hotels and restaurants prepare hundreds of pounds of potatoes, sauces, desserts and vegetable trays that are laid out on grand tables under a canopy that his staffed by hundreds of volunteers and VIP.

This year over 70 members of Wells Fargo helped host the event as cooks and coordinators to make for a perfect morning of fun, food delivery and a special Thanksgiving.

Special thanks were also delivered to Mayor Tom Tait and his wife, Julie, along with Ducks hockey players and cheerleaders, and staff who helped raise scholarship grants for outstanding students from Anaheim.

To join Supervisor Nelson in supporting this celebration of caring, please contact We Give Thanks at PO Box 1687. Anaheim, 92815 or at contact@wegivethanksinc.org
 

Policy Advisor Steve Spernak delivered congratulations from Supervisor Nelson to Frank Garcia.
 
 
County Commissions and Committees
The Fourth District has vacant appointments on the following commissions or committees:

  • Orange County Visitors Association
  • Senior Citizens Advisory 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.
 
 
Anaheim Announcement
 

Click on the image above to view the pdf.
 

Click on the image above to open the application.
 
 
Placentia Announcement
 

Click on the image above to view the pdf.
 
 
Pet of the Week
 
OC Animal Care Pet of the Week
Click on the image above to view a larger version.
 
 
Events
 
City of Anaheim Events

What: Habitat OC ReStore Holiday food drive – Anaheim
When: Nov. 19 – Dec. 23 , 2016
Where: 1656 West Katella Avenue Anaheim, CA 92802
Time: Mon-Fri 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM , Sat 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM , Sun 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

What: Anaheim Chamber After Hours Mixers
When: January 17, 2016
Where: 195 W Center Street Promenade Anaheim CA 92805
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

City of Brea Events

What: Brea Farmers' Market
When: December 22, 2016
Where: N/W/C Birch Street and State College Blvd. Brea CA 92821
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

What: Parks, Recreation & Human Services Commission
When: December 27, 2016
Where: Civic & Cultural Center Conference & Training Center Level 2 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea, CA 92821
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

City of Buena Park Events

What: Beautification-Environmental Commission Meeting
When: December 22, 2016
Where: 6650 Beach Blvd. Buena Park, CA 90621
Time: 6:30 PM

What: City Council Meeting
When: December 27, 2016
Where: 6650 Beach Blvd. Buena Park, CA 90621
Time: 5:00 PM

City of Fullerton Events

What: SCORE Workshop: Develop a Winning Business Plan
When: December 22, 2016
Where: Fullerton Public Library 353 W Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM

What: Twisted Vine New Year's Eve Party
When: December 31, 2016 - January 1, 2017
Where: The Twisted Vine 127 West Commonwealth Ave. Fullerton, CA 92832
Time: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM

City of La Habra Events

What: ConnectUp at Corner Bakery
When: December 22, 2016
Where: 1040 W. Imperial Highway (at Idaho St.) La Habra CA 90631
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

What: Board of Directors Meeting
When: December 27, 2016
Where: 321 E. La Habra Blvd La Habra CA 90631
Time: 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

City of Placentia Events

What: Holiday Season Closure
When: Dec. 19 – Jan. 2, 2016
Where: 401 E. Chapman Ave. Placentia CA 92870
Time: All Day

What: Citizen Fiscal Sustainability Task Force
When: January 5, 2016
Where: 401 E. Chapman Ave. Placentia CA 92870
Time: 6:30 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

George Cardenas
Policy Advisor

Audra Fishel
Policy Advisor /
Communications Director

Steve Spernak
Policy Advisor

Natalie Wieckert
Policy Advisor
 
 
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