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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 OC Animal Care
orange arrow OC Waste Announcement
orange arrow Events
March 18, 2016
Volume 7 Issue 6
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 22 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
County Prevails in Court Appeal over Use of Fire Funds
A plan by the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) to allow revenues received for fire protection to be used for any purpose has been struck down by the state Court of Appeal, which upheld a County challenge to the proposal.

The Orange County Board of Supervisors voted in January 2014 to oppose the OCFA plan, which would have diverted at least $134.5 million in fire funds to the city of Irvine through June 30, 2030, with no restrictions on its use. The city argued that the transfer was appropriate because Irvine property taxes allocated by the County for fire protection now far exceed its share of OCFA costs. A Superior Court judge disagreed in August 2014, ruling for the County.

In his March 15 ruling, appellate Justice Raymond J. Ikola wrote that state law is clear: the money that the County pays to OCFA to provide fire protection cannot be redistributed for non-fire purposes. Even though the authority insisted that only non-tax revenues paid by some cities would be used, the court labeled the argument “insincere” and “clever accounting.”

Further, the court ruled that the County, not OCFA or cities, is the proper forum for adjusting the allocation of tax revenues for fire services since taxes are paid to the County and then distributed to OCFA. If excess tax funds are collected, “perhaps there are other county-wide services that need additional funding more than Irvine,” Justice Ikola wrote.

The Orange County Fire Authority, comprised of 23 cities and the County, was created in 1995. Fire services in some cities are paid through a portion of property taxes while other cities pay for firefighting directly from general city funds. Irvine has threatened to withdraw from OCFA unless the additional payments are made.
 

Supervisor Nelson at the 3/15/16 Board meeting
 
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Board of Supervisors Approve Affordable Homes for Homeless Veterans
On March 15, the Board of Supervisors approved the selection of Mercy Housing to assist the County in developing a much-needed housing and multi-service project for 49 homeless and/or disabled United States veterans. The housing will be built on land in Placentia owned by the OC Flood Control District.

Supervisor Shawn Nelson, who represents the Fourth District including Placentia, said the Placentia Veterans Village will serve an immediate need. “We have an obligation to help those who honorably served our country and need a boost to get back on their feet,” Supervisor Nelson said.

Marty Burbank, Supervisor Nelson’s appointee to the Orange County Veterans Advisory Council and a 12-year veteran of the Navy, praised supervisors for approving the project. “Our young military members join the military knowing the physicals risks but they rarely understand the emotional risks when they serve our country,” he said. “Often they come home unable to secure regular employment and housing and I am very grateful to Orange County for leading the way by providing housing for our veterans.”

Mercy Housing is one of the largest affordable housing developers in California and has successfully completed development of 8,972 affordable rental housing units. The Placentia Veterans Village will provide high-quality, service-enriched apartment homes with a community garden, courtyard, recreation room and resident services offices.

Bobby McDonald, Chairman of the Veterans Advisory Council, expressed his appreciation for the project. “I really want to thank Supervisor Nelson for continuing the momentum in our county for approving low-cost housing and specifically Placentia Veterans Village,” he said. “Having a resource center on site is exactly what we need to help our veterans improve their situation.”

The project envisions Mercy Housing partnering with New Direction for Veterans to provide onsite services like job training, job placement, VA benefits assistance and health and wellness.

Nick Berardino, former general manager of the Orange County Employees Association, also praised Supervisor Nelson for his vision and support. “Supervisor Nelson and his colleagues deserve our heartfelt congratulations for stepping up and providing tangible results in a world often dominated by petty politics,” Berardino, a Marine veteran, said. “Veterans in Orange County recognize and appreciate the selfless dedication to all of us that Supervisor Nelson has provided during his entire tenure in office.”

Supervisor Nelson thanked the city of Placentia for creating a successful partnership in bringing the project to fruition.
 
Placentia diagram
Click on the image above to view a larger version.
 
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Escaped inmate reward update
On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors announced the award of $150,000 in total to individuals who provided information leading to the capture of three escaped inmates from Orange County Central Jail earlier this year. The Board previously approved the authorization for a reward on January 26. Supervisor Nelson supported distributing the reward money to all of those deserving witnesses who initiated contact with authorities to report information on the escapees.

Please click the link below to watch the story on KTLA:
http://ktla.com/2016/03/15/homeless-san-francisco-man-to-get-100000-for-role-in-arrest-of-o-c-jail-escapees/
 

Supervisor Nelson at the board meeting commenting on the reward item
 
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Orange County’s Food Inspection App for iPhone and Android
The Orange County Healthcare Agency is happy to announce its latest addition to the Public Notification System.

In order to keep the public informed about food safety and sanitation at Orange County’s restaurants and markets, the Environmental Health Food Safety Program has launched an app that will allow you to search for your favorite restaurant, see what’s around you, view all facilities that are currently closed and even have inspection reports emailed to you.

The App is available for download on Google Play and the App Store.
 

 
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Supervisors Seek Public Input to Improve County’s Mental Health Services
Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett and Supervisor Andrew Do will hold a public hearing from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, March 25, 2016, to take testimony from the community on the County’s mental health system.

Supervisors Bartlett, Fifth District, and Do, First District, comprise an ad-hoc committee established last year to address programs and needs within the County’s behavioral health system. Behavioral health relates to a person’s mental well-being and their ability to function in society.

As the specialty mental health plan for patients struggling with severe mental illness, the County plays a critical role in the delivery of care. In total, the County is responsible for overseeing more than 200 programs and services, ranging from case management to crisis intervention.

The meeting will accept a wide range of public testimony and will be held in the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room to accommodate speakers. Anyone is welcome to attend. The board hearing room is on the 1st floor of the Hall of Administration, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana.
 
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Property Taxes Now Due!
Property taxes must be paid on or before Monday, April 11, 2016 in order to avoid late fees. Don’t wait in line. Pay online with an e-check for same day credit, an emailed receipt and no service fee! Click here to pay.
 

http://tax.ocgov.com/tcweb/search_page.asp
 
 
OCTA Update
OCTA Logo
Traffic Improvements on the Way
Improved traffic, safety and emergency response times are coming to North Orange County soon!

The overcrossings at Orangethorpe Avenue and Tustin Avenue/Rose Drive along the border of Placentia and Anaheim are slated for completion this summer. This will allow vehicle traffic to travel over the railroad right-of-way whereas residents and visitors to the area previously encountered long wait times at the railroad crossings.

These two crossings will join Placentia Avenue and Kraemer Boulevard, which opened in 2014. The Lakeview Avenue overcrossing in Anaheim is expected to open in 2017 while the Raymond Avenue and State College Boulevard under crossings in Fullerton will be complete in 2018.

For more information on Orangethorpe Avenue, please click here. For information on Tustin Avenue/Rose Drive, please click here.

The 91 freeway improvements also continue, with westbound lane construction between the 5 and 57 freeways underway. Moving east, environmental review for widening the eastbound and westbound sides of the 91 freeway between the 57 and 55 freeways has begun. For more information, click here and here.

Please click here to view the OCTA Construction Update.
 
 
In the Community
Supervisor Nelson provides an update on Multi-Service Center to Buena Park City Council
Supervisor Nelson discussed plans for the Multi-Service Center located in Anaheim with the Buena Park City Council. Buena Park has taken a great interest in homelessness and has established a homeless ad hoc solely dedicated to address the issue in their community. Councilwomen Virginia Vaughn and Beth Swift are the two dedicated members and they have established a detailed plan including consultants along with an outreach team. There should be some significant changes coming to the City and Supervisor Nelson looks forward to collaborating with the City of Buena Park to address homelessness throughout North Orange County.
 

Supervisor Nelson speaking at the Buena Park City Council meeting
 
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Supervisor Nelson and Buena Park City Council presenting a retirement proclamation to Reserve Officer Ralph Bretta
On March 8, Supervisor Nelson and the Buena Park City Council presented a proclamation to Reserve Officer Ralph Bretta congratulating him on his retirement. Officer Bretta served the Buena Park Police Department as a Reserve Officer for 44 dedicated years. Ralph Bretta excelled in all activities, his time included regular shifts during Silverado Days, Knott’s Halloween Haunt and most notable, his dedication to the Traffic Bureau’s Commercial Enforcement Unit. He received the Buena Park Police Department’s “Reserve Officer of the Year” award in 1980, 1988, 200, 2010 and 2012. Supervisor Nelson would like to recognize Ralph Bretta for his service and extends him best wishes for a long and rewarding retirement.
 

Supervisor Nelson, the Buena Park City Council, and Ralph Bretta
 
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Heroes Hall Dedication at OC Fairgrounds
Heroes Hall Veterans Museum “Through the Eyes of Veterans” at the OC Fair & Event Center had its official groundbreaking ceremonies this week featuring Orange County veterans from World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan as honorary dignitaries.

Representing the different wars were World War II veteran Bob Friend, a Tuskegee Airman; Korean War Chosen Reservoir veteran Bob Dugan; Vietnam War Veteran Pastor Frank Orzio; Desert Storm Veteran Doug Wooley; Iraq War veteran and Navy Cross recipient Marco Martinez; and Afghanistan War veteran Claudia Acosta.

The OC fairgrounds themselves are steeped in military history. During World War II, the land was part of the 1,300-acre Santa Ana Army Air Base, a major training ground for pilots in the war.

About 128,000 pilots, navigators and bomb aimers graduated from training at the base where it also served as an exit point for returning service members, with over 72,000 combat returnees processed there in the mid-1940s, according to the historical society.

The Board of Directors of the OC Fair & Event Center voted unanimously to allocate $3.8 million toward the Heroes Hall project. These funds will be used to preserve the building and the surrounding grounds and to install initial exhibits that is open to the public later this year.

In addition, the Heroes Hall Veterans Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, was formed to conduct fundraising activities and process donations from the public for the ongoing programming and operation of Heroes Hall. For more information about the project, visit www.ocfair.com/heroeshall.

The finished exhibit will feature 4,800 square feet of exhibit, office and archival space on over 12,000 square feet of land which will include veteran’s memorials, plaques, gardens and an outdoor mini-amphitheater. Guests will be able to access Heroes Hall both from the OC Fair & Event Center parking lot and from inside the OC Fair.

With Heroes Hall, finally veterans will have a home for their stories to be told and passed down to all 11th graders in OC who will visit the museum as part of their civics/ government classes in one of the most imaginative and interactive ways possible.

Policy Advisor represented the Supervisor at ceremonies and passed on thanks and appreciation from the people of Orange County to the brave warriors, who epitomize the spirit, passion and purpose of Heroes Hall destined to open on Veterans Day 2016.
 

Policy Advisor Steve Spernak (center) joined Marines Robert Dugan and Frank Orzio (Viet Nam) at museum groundbreaking at OC Fairgrounds.
 
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Anaheim Global Medical Opens Deliveryland
When your hospital is a short drive from Disneyland, it makes perfect sense to name the new wing of Anaheim Global Medical Center Deliveryland and have just as much fun at the ribbon-cutting as a day at the park.

Just as we know Disneyland as the happiest place on earth, the new neo-natal and delivery ward at Anaheim Global becomes the closest thing to Adventure land for new couples who choose this terrific new facility as the beginning of their fun as parents.

Located close to the 5 freeway near Ball Rd on Anaheim Blvd, the hospital offers fantastic doctors and nursing staff and a terrific support team in nutrition, diet and administration. The new wing was opened with the ribbon-cutting, photos, presentations and a catered luncheon for the 50 staff and VIP attending the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce event.

Nichelle Beat, who works at staff nutritionist, designs meals for new moms and dads and the 198 patients who reside at the hospital on a daily basis for care and treatment. Beat’s specialized meals address diabetes, hypertension, weight control, gastro disorders and cardio requisites that aid in recovery and quality of life advancements.

For any questions about having your baby at Deliveryland or for surgeries, procedures, checkups, diet or counseling on medical issues, please call them at (714) 533-6620.

Congratulations to Anaheim Global on their new facility and best wishes to all the new parents who experience Deliveryland in 2016!
 

Policy Advisor Steve Spernak presents Diet/ Nutritionist Nichelle Beat with certificate of recognition at ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
 
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Buena Park Basketball Team Honored
Supervisor Nelson was honored to recognize Buena Park High School Varsity Basketball 2015-16 with a special commendation and photo with the OC battle flag to recognize their fight through early- year adversity and game frustrations to morph into a CIF playoff contender.

Under the direction of new coach Aaron Riekenberg, the team bought into the mission of working as a team and adopting the discipline, poise, cooperation and performance seen in the Pyramid of Success made famous by UCLA coach John Wooden.

The turnaround was amazing and a team that had suffered years of failure suddenly was shocking Freeway League powers to ultimately finish second in league, win 2 CIF 3AA playoff games and come within 2 games of taking a CIF championship title.

Their 23-8 season was a reflection of efforts by Joe Galvan, the OC Register Players of Character honoree, a Freshman who was MVP, a Division 1 football player who took up hoops and a coach who believed in focus, finish and fight on, a mission-motto that Supervisor Nelson sends to outstanding athletes year-round as part of his student-athlete recognitions program.

Congratulations and best wishes to Coach Riekenberg and the coming 2016 Coyotes in a bid for CIF next year!
 

Coach Arron Riekenberg and 2015 team received Supervisor’s commendation for overcoming adversity and making CIF 3AA playoffs.
 
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Miss La Habra Winners Announced
In what has become one of the premier nights of fun, family and frayed nerves by 14 contestants for the title of Miss La Habra and her court of princesses, the 68th annual Miss La Habra Pageant came off like magic at the community center last Saturday night in front of a crowd of 300 attending.

Under the guiding hand of program director Cindy Singer and production manager Christy Wyant, 14 young talents spent the day competing in interviews, specialized talents and a review of each of their amazing resumes of success, academic accomplishments and civic contributions to qualify as finalists in the evening gala.

At the end of the night…the new Miss La Habra was announced with Kristen Sauceda taking honors along with Princesses Alexyss Gomez, Madelynn Sopp, Norma Mendoza, and Stephanie Da Broi.

Ms. Sauceda and her court will also serve as Corn Festival royalty and attend city events, parades, and community appearances at the Chamber of Commerce and City Hall.

Each of the winners had an amazing repertoire of incredible personal successes with many in ASB, National Merit Scholars (one with a 4.5 GPA), team captains in Cheerleading or Varsity Sports, and for anyone who thinks it’s all cute smiles and evening gowns, one has a Black Belt in Krav Maga, the Israeli Defense Special Forces martial arts technique designed to end a fight in 3 seconds.

Best wishes to the former Miss La Habra, Carrera Vilaubi and her court and congratulations to the La Habra Lions, City Council and staff and the sponsors –donors who make the civic appearances, scholarships and Miss La Habra pageant one of the premier events in Orange County.
 

Policy Advisor Steve Spernak enjoyed the Miss La Habra Pageant with the royal court, their family, Lions Club and City Council Saturday night.
 
 
County Commissions and Committees
The Fourth District has vacant appointments on the following commissions or committees:

  • 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
 
OC Animal Care Pet of the Week
Click on the image above to view a larger version.
 
 
OC Waste Announcement
 

Click on the image above to view a larger version.
 
 
Events
 
 
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Anaheim Events

What: Anaheim Chamber Leads Lunch
When: March 23, 2016
Where: Holiday Inn & Staybridge Suites Anaheim Resort 1915 S Manchester Ave Anaheim CA 92802
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

What: Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening - Digital Doc
When: March 24, 2016
Where: 5642 E. La Palma Ave., Ste. 208 Anaheim, CA
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Brea Events

What: 13th Annual St. Patrick's Party
When: March 18, 2016
Where: 502 Sievers Ave. Brea, Ca 92821
Time: 6:30 PM - 11:30 PM

What: Parks, Recreation & Human Services Commission
When: March 22, 2016
Where: Conference & Training Center - Level 2 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Buena Park Events

What: High School Art Show Award Ceremony
When: March 18, 2016
Where: 6650 Beach Blvd. Buena Park, CA 90622
Time: 6:00 PM

What: City Council Meeting
When: March 22, 2016
Where: 6650 Beach Blvd. Buena Park, CA 90622
Time: 5:00 PM

Fullerton Events

What: Soroptimist International of Fullerton Luncheon
When: March 21, 2016
Where: Howard Johnson Hotel (formerly Anaheim Park Hotel), 222 W. Houston Way, Fullerton
Time: 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM

What: Happy Hour Networking - Fuoco Pizzeria Napoletana
When: March 18, 2016
Where: Fuoco Pizzeria Napoletana 101 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

La Habra Events

What: 37 ANNIVERSARY & CLIENT APPRECIATION DAY
When: March 19, 2016
Where: Primarily Hair 820 E. Whittier Blvd. La Habra, CA 90631
Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

What: Board of Directors Meeting
When: March 22, 2016
Where: La Habra Chamber of Commerce 321 E. La Habra Blvd La Habra CA 90631
Time: 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Placentia Events

What: Sunset Mixer Shanghai Garden Restaurant
When: March 23, 2016
Where: 1448 N. Kraemer Blvd Placentia
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

What: Ribbon Cutting and Mixer Orchid's Little Secret Boutique
When: March 31, 2016
Where: 117 S. Bradford Avenue Placentia
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 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

Audra Fishel
Policy Advisor /
Communications Director

Steve Spernak
Policy Advisor

Natalie Wieckert
Policy Advisor
 
 
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