| 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, March 15 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 |
|
|
|
| Board Increases Election Day Worker Stipends |
|
To attract more Election Day staff to facilitate the continuation of successful elections in Orange County, the Board on Tuesday unanimously increased the stipend paid to poll inspectors and poll clerks by about one-third.
Poll inspectors’ stipends will increase from $100 to $130 while poll clerks’ will rise from $75 to $100. This brings Orange County closer to the average pay for inspectors and clerks in Southern California counties, currently at $156 and $110, respectively.
For those who serve as a poll worker, there is a 16-hour day commitment (6:00 am to 9:00 pm) on Election Day. In addition, prior to their service on Election Day, poll workers are required to attend a three-hour training class. Volunteers are compensated separately for training ($20.00) and poll site supply pickup ($10.00).
To compensate poll workers for their time and service, the Registrar of Voters pays a lump-sum stipend that covers all Election Day service hours. A stipend adjustment and increase was last approved by the Board of Supervisors on September 19, 2006.
For more information on how to volunteer in upcoming elections and their duties, please visit www.ocvote.com. |
| |
 |
| |
| Board of Supervisors Approves JVR Shelter Strategies, LLC for a Veterinary and Operational Review of OC Animal Care |
|
The Orange County Board of Supervisors has enlisted the help of JVR Shelter Strategies, LLC, for veterinary and operational consulting services at OC Animal Care to make recommendations for best practices at the current shelter as well as at a new shelter that will be built in Tustin.
Supervisors approved a contract with JVR Shelter Strategies. The company will review OC Animal Care data to determine staffing and capacity needs for the new animal shelter at the former Tustin Marine base, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2017. JVR also will complete a thorough review of programs at the shelter and make recommendations for best practices to meet the requirements of the new facility. Upon completion, the final recommendations will be shared with the staff, city partners, Board of Supervisors and community partners as part of an outreach effort to develop an implementation plan.
JVR Shelter Strategies is owned and operated by Dr. Jyothi Robertson, a veterinarian who is board qualified in Shelter Medicine, a relatively new and complex veterinary specialty. She specializes in large-scale population dynamics, including outbreak management, infectious disease control and shelter statistics. Dr. Robertson previously reviewed OC Animal Care’s veterinary clinic and surgery departments to ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines.
In 2015, Dr. Robertson completed a comprehensive review of the City of Irvine Animal Services utilizing a scope of work that is similar to that requested for OC Animal Care. JVR Shelter Strategies comes highly recommended by the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program. |
| |
Aerial photo of future shelter site off Red Hill Ave |
| |
|
| |
| County of Orange Selected to Attend National “Stepping Up” Summit |
|
The County of Orange has been selected following a highly competitive process to participate in the National “Stepping Up” Summit aimed at reducing the prevalence of individuals with mental illnesses in jail, to be held in April in Washington DC. The initiative was created last year by the National Association of Counties with partners from the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center and the American Psychiatric Association
Foundation. The Orange County Board of Supervisors fully supported the initiative by approving a resolution in May 2015 to encourage efforts by the Sheriff’s Department and Health Care Agency to enhance collaboration toward reducing the number of people in jails with mental illness and co-occurring substance use.
To learn more, please visit http://www.naco.org/resources/programs-and-initiatives/steppinginitiative. |
| |
|
| |
| Demand for Passport Services at Clerk-Recorder Department Continues to Surge |
|
The Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department experienced a 128% increase in the number of passport applications accepted by the department’s passport units between calendar years 2013 and 2015. In 2013, the department accepted 2,807 passport applications, 3,085 passport applications in 2014 and 6,391 passport applications in 2015.
The increase can be attributed to the efforts that Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen has made to make his offices more accessible. In October 2014, he opened a passport services unit at the County Community Service Center in Westminster and in November of the same year he opened a passport services unit at the department’s South County Branch Office in Laguna Hills. He has also opened his branch offices and the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana for one Saturday per month since taking over the department back in April 2013.
Since the opening of the new passport units, the demand for passport services has steadily increased. When Clerk-Recorder Nguyen took charge of his office in 2013, the department only had one passport services unit inside the Old County Courthouse. That year, the department accepted 2,807 passport applications. But the increase in demand for passport services transpired after he opened the passport units in Westminster and Laguna Hills.
Most recently, the department’s passport unit in Laguna Hills successfully passed an audit. The report indicated that the passport agent at the facility is knowledgeable and provides excellent customer service. The department has a low rate of return which means that customers can rest assured that once our passport agents accept their applications, they rarely get rejected by the Department of State which means minimal delays for our customers.
To take advantage of the department’s passport services or to learn more about other services available to the public, please visit www.ocrecorder.com. |
| |
|
| |
| Not Too Late to Vaccinate Against the Flu |
|
 The County of Orange Health Care Agency (HCA) has seen a dramatic increase in the number of flu cases reported in recent weeks as well as six deaths due to flu in residents under age 65, likely related to the fact that two strains of the virus are making an impact at the same time.
Health officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have also reported that this year's vaccine has been 59% effective – as compared with last year’s efficacy of 23%.
Flu vaccine (flu shot or nasal spray) is available from health care providers, clinics and pharmacies throughout Orange County. Contact your health care provider for more information or use the flu vaccine finder at http://ochealthinfo.com/phs/about/family/flu. |
| |
|
| |
| AQMD |
|
| AQMD board appoints Michael O’Kelly to serve as acting executive officer |
|
The Air Quality Management District (AQMD), which enforces state and federal air pollution standards in the Los Angeles basin, will be voting at their public meeting today on whether to keep executive director Barry Wallerstein, a 32-year employee of the agency. Supervisor Nelson, who is one of the 13 board members, spoke to Energywire regarding the item, please click the link below to view the article:
http://www.eenews.net/stories/1060033321 |
| |
|
| |
| Metrolink |
|
| Metrolink Adds Convenience with Mobile Ticketing Launch |
|
Today, Metrolink launched the first version of its mobile ticketing app, which will allow its riders the option to purchase their ticket on a smartphone, tablet or other mobile device for the first time in the agency’s 23-year history. The app is available in both Google Play and the Apple App stores.
As Chairman of the Metrolink Board of Directors, Supervisor Nelson championed the effort over the past year in order to bring easier access and convenience to Metrolink riders who may not always have time to make a purchase at the physical ticket machine sites or regularly encounter a malfunctioning machine at their station.
While the app is available for download by all riders, during the month of March, only Inland Empire – Orange County Line riders will be able to use the app to purchase tickets and connect to local bus operators at no additional cost per the current policy. This gives Metrolink the opportunity to test the app and make any improvements before the app is implemented system-wide.
Beginning in early April, mobile ticketing will be expanded to the entire Metrolink system and include free transfers to participating bus operators including Metro. Initially, riders who transfer to Metro Rail, Corporate QuickCard users and Metrolink riders who take part in the Rail 2 Rail® program with Amtrak should continue to use paper tickets from Metrolink’ s ticket vending machines.
Metrolink will be implementing a variety of enhancements to enable these users to use mobile ticketing in the future. This fall, barcode readers will be installed on the Metro Rail fare gates, enabling passengers throughout the Metrolink system to buy tickets through the Metrolink Mobile App and continue their commute on dozens of city bus, shuttle bus, light rail and subway lines seamlessly and at no additional cost. Metrolink is also working with Amtrak to allow mobile tickets to be scanned by Amtrak conductors.
The Metrolink Mobile App uses the Masabi JustRidemobile ticketing system, which is used by other transportation providers across the US and Europe.
Since the agency’s inception in 1991, passengers purchasing tickets and passes at stations only had the option of going to a ticket vending machine. Mobile ticketing is Metrolink’s first step toward revolutionizing how riders pay to ride the train. In the coming months, Metrolink expects to deliver continued enhancements, such as the ability to buy tickets online for delivery to mobile devices. Tickets and passes will continue to be available at station ticket machines. |
| |
|
| |
| In the Community |
|
| Brea Welcomes Oasis Mediterranean Cuisine |
|
If you’re looking for a night of classic Mediterranean dining and food flavors that are out of this world you need only to drive to Brea and leave your passport at home.
Located at 330 N. Brea Blvd in the Founders Shopping Center just south of Lambert, you’ll find the new Oasis Mediterranean Cuisine restaurant. It’s easy to find and the experience is well worth the drive to take friends and family to a fantastic night of food and fun.
Favorites include yogurts, grilled steak, chicken and shrimp in combo plates and a nice variety of soups, salads and ingredients to please everyone.
If you go their website of www.oasismediterreancuisine.net you’ll see the amazing variety of foods and servings, including a super special catering offer where they can feed 15 people for just $200.
For more information on how you can make reservations or get catering to your next meeting call (714) 767-7709. |
| |
Owners and staff enjoyed the ribbon-cutting and Supervisor’s welcome to Brea cert delivered by Policy Advisor Steve Spernak (right). |
| |
|
| |
| Buena Park Public Works Director Retires |
|
Supervisor Nelson’s staff was proud to honor Buena Park Public Works Director and City Engineer Jim Biery for his two decades of service to the residents of Buena Park at last week’s City Council meeting.
Biery completed an extensive education and professional certifications with and engineering degree from USC and CSULB along with this Bachelors and Master’s Degrees in Civil Engineering and Public Administration as part of his lifetime in public service.
Biery had an impressive array of accomplishments that included work on streets, sewers, water, storm drains, buildings and fleet maintenance along with management of capital improvements that included widening the I-5 freeway, a new Police Headquarters, Heritage Hall, the Metrolink Station.
His two biggest management successes included the Buena Park Community Center and the new City Yard along with his input in the revitalization of Beach Blvd into becoming a world-class destination for entertainment and family fun.
Biery was instrumental in securing over $40 million in OCTA grants and his professional mandates made him legendary for paying attention to detail and delivering the finest quality projects in Southern California.
Policy Advisor Steve Spernak delivered Supervisor Nelson’s Lifetime Achievement Commendation for his contributions to the City of Buena Park and residents of Orange County who travel safely on the roads and freeways he built while working in Buena Park. |
| |
Public Works/ City Engineer Jim Biery (center) enjoys Council accolades and County commendation at his retirement address at City Hall. |
| |
|
| |
| Buena Park participates in Homeless Workshop |
|
 Karen Roper and Nelson Staffer, Natalie Wieckert, attended Buena Park’s Homeless Workshop on Tuesday, March 1st. Councilwoman Beth Swift and Virginia Vaughn have participated in an ad hoc geared toward helping the homeless throughout Buena Park and neighboring cities. At this workshop, we heard from Dr. Robert Marbut with Marbut Consulting, Brian Fieldhouse with City Net and Karen Roper with OC Community Resources. Dr. Robert Marbut has worked with a number of cities across the nation and is the founding president and CEO of Haven for Hope in San Antonio, Texas. Brian Fieldhouse is the current Executive Director for City Net and he will lead the outreach team engaging the homeless throughout Buena Park and the surrounding cities. Karen Roper is the Director of OC Community Services and she provided an update on the County Multi-Service Center in Anaheim along with offering the County as a resource to the City of Buena Park’s homeless population.
The initial plan is for Buena Park to engage the homeless population in a census, assess their needs and then address their needs outlined by the census. With the help of many throughout the City, they will begin to help the homeless population throughout Buena Park. Supervisor Nelson is proud of the leadership and initiative the City has taken in solving this pressing issue. |
| |
|
| |
| OC Bar Association Task Force Explores Civic Center Homeless Options |
|
The Orange County Bar Association began plans to offer their services and professional expertise to help the homeless in the Civic Center in downtown Santa Ana in 2016.Under the direction of new Bar Association President Todd Friedland and the mission-statement of 2015 President Ashleigh Aitkin, the concept was shaped into a new task force of technicians, lawyers already working in the field, OCBA Charity outreach, OCVAC and the Board of Supervisors that met this week. Friedland introduced each member attending and those on the phone-in conference line, including Judge Gail Andler who works with Veterans, protecting homeless children and exercising the homeless courts to benefit defendants who want to start new lives, get jobs or securing housing without a serious criminal record deterring landlords.
Friedland’s 2016 focus will be shaped around his 4 - part plan to partner OCBA volunteers with Civic Center homeless where association lawyers will assist the homeless community:
- Level 1 will be described as things a lawyer can do in a day such as DMV forms or finding family who can take them in if bus faire is arranged.
- Level 2 will be some work by the attorney that requires a little follow-up or walking a client through a process, but not more than a 10 hour commitment.
- Level 3 borders touching the edges of a pro-bono commitment where a legal issue may take a few months to cycle the system or appeals like the VA or a medical crisis where only a lawyer can get it done.
- Level 4 is an advanced commitment involving advocacy or action that takes a client-attorney menu to a successful conclusion.
The task force was briefed by Policy Advisor Steve Spernak on the issues facing some of the 1200 to 1500 Veterans that are homeless in OC and what the County is doing to address homeless Veterans with Bobby McDonald and the Veterans Advisory Council like the coming Operation Stand-down project. Paul Leon of the Illumination Foundation said the work by the Bar Association compliments the efforts of the Legal Aid Society, Public Law Center and the Veterans Legal Institute who work the complex legal challenges, competency hearings and unimaginable hardships homeless suffer living on the streets. |
| |
Policy Advisor Steve Spernak (left) discussed homeless Veteran crisis with the new OC Bar Association Homeless Task Force committee. |
| |
|
| |
| Supervisor Honors BPHS Basketball 2016 |
|
Supervisor Nelson was proud to honor Senior Forward Joe Galvan for his contributions to the 2016 Buena Park HS Basketball season with presentations last week during their playoff practices.
Galvan, who is a three-year varsity letterman, scored points, delivered rebounds and clutch passing to team-mates in a thrilling 48-45 CIF playoff game over Esperanza that put them into another CIF classic with a 65-63 win over Colony.
The season ended Feb 26th when Oak Park outscored the Coyotes and ended the dream season of Coach Aaron Riekenberg who won 21 games since their Nov. 30 march to the CIF Championships.
Galvan was also honored by the OC Register with their coverage of him receiving the coveted Athletes of Character award presented by the OC Athletic Directors Association on Feb 22 at their formal dinner hosted at the Anaheim Convention Center.
Galvan best represented the very finest in student-athlete performance, working to advance team accomplishment and playing with class and character instilled in him by Coach Riekenberg, his coaching staff, parents, boosters and school principal Jim Coombs. |
| |
Senior Joe Galvan (center w frame) received honors for his CIF performance from Supervisor Nelson
during team practice at BPHS.
|
| |
|
| |
| County Commissions and Committees |
|
The Fourth District has vacant appointments on the following commissions or committees:
- Oversight Board of the Successor to the City of Redevelopment Agency (Buena Park and Anaheim)
- Assessment Appeals Board No.1
- OC Historical Commission
If you are interested in serving on one of these committees, please call Audra Fishel at (714) 834-3440. |
| |
|
| |
| OC Animal Care |
| |
Click on the image above to view a larger version.
Click on the image above to view a larger version.
Click on the image above to view a larger version.
Click on the image above to view a larger version. |
| |
|
| |
| Announcement |
|
| The Municipal Water District of Orange County Promotes EPA’s “Fix a Leak Week”
March 14 Through 20, 2016
|
|
 As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) ongoing We’re for Water campaign, this year’s Fix a Leak Week encourages Americans to help put a stop to the more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted from household leaks each year.
Sponsored by EPA’s WaterSense® program, Fix a Leak Week is March 14 through 20, 2016. In support of We’re for Water, the Municipal Water District of Orange County is promoting finding and fixing residential leaks in Orange County.
To help save water for future generations, MWDOC is asking consumers to check, twist, and replace:
- Check for leaks. Look for dripping faucets, showerheads, sprinklers, and other fixtures. Also check for toilets with silent leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring into the tank, waiting 10 minutes, and seeing if color appears in the bowl before you flush. Don’t forget to check irrigation systems and spigots too.
- Twist and tighten hose and pipe connections. To save water without a noticeable difference in flow in your bathroom, twist on a WaterSense labeled faucet aerator.
- Replace the fixture if necessary. Look for WaterSense labeled models, which are independently certified to use 20 percent less water and perform as well as or better than standard models.
In many cases, fixture replacement parts pay for themselves quickly and can be installed by handy do-it-yourselfers or local plumbing professionals. Irrigation professionals certified through a WaterSense labeled program can also check your systems for leaks. Visit www.epa.gov/watersense to find WaterSense labeled products or an auditor in your area.
For more information on Fix a Leak Week, visit www.epa.gov/watersense. |
| |
|
| |
| Events |
| |
Click on the image above to view a larger version.
|
| |
|
| |
Anaheim Events
What: Anaheim Global Medical Center ( Ribbon Cutting )
When: March 8, 2016
Where: 1025 S Anaheim Blvd Anaheim, CA 92805
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
What: Anaheim Chamber Leads Lunch
When: March 9, 2016
Where: Anaheim Chamber of Commerce 2400 E. Katella Ave, Suite 725 Anaheim, CA 92806
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Brea Events
What: LEAD$ Lunch : Brea's ultimate networking solution!
When: March 9, 201
Where: 101 E Imperial Highway Brea, CA 92821
Time: 11:45 AM – 1:15 PM
What: Ambassadors Meeting
When: March 10, 2016
Where: Brea Chamber of Commerce One Civic Center Circle, 2nd Floor - Cedar Room Brea, CA 92821
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Buena Park Events
What: Planning Commission
When: March 9, 2016
Where: 6650 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park CA 90620
Time: 7:00 PM
What: Community Chorus Music Arts, & Just Desserts Concert
When: March 13, 2016
Where: 8150 Knott Avenue, Buena Park CA 90620
Time: 3:00 PM
Fullerton Events
What: Soroptimist International of Fullerton Luncheon
When: March 7, 2016
Where: Howard Johnson Hotel (formerly Anaheim Park Hotel), 222 W. Houston Way., Fullerton
Time: 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
What: Connecting After Hours Mixer - Fullerton Airport
When: March 9, 2016
Where: Airport Terminal Lobby- Air Traffic Control Tower 4011 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
La Habra Events
What: Quilt Show
When: March 5, 2016
Where: La Habra Community Center 102 W. La Habra Blvd. La Habra, CA 90631
Time: 10:00 AM
What: Enterprise Team Thursday Meeting
When: March 10, 2016
Where: La Habra Chamber of Commerce 321 E. La Habra Blvd La Habra CA 90631
Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Placentia Events
What: The 1938 Flood
When: March 7, 2016
Where: Placentia Library Community Meeting Room 411 E. Chapman Avenue, Placentia
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
What: Placita Santa Fe Merchants Association
When: March 8, 2016
Where: 101 W. Santa Fe Avenue Placentia
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
|
| |
|
| |
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. |
|
|
|
|
 |
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
|
| |
|
| |
| Stay Connected! |
|
|
| |
  |
|
|
 |
|
