| 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, August 22nd at 9:30am in the Hall of Administration – 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana 92701. The agenda may be accessed here.
Please see photos and descriptions below of some of the events our office attended 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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| A Note from the Supervisor |
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| County Business |
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In my role as Supervisor I occasionally encounter a situation wherein my experience as a practicing lawyer, negotiator and businessman are useful tools in understanding and resolving complex contractual matters. These are useful skills in monitoring the County’s relationship with its vendors and service providers to ensure that the County is well served and protected. This was most apparent during a contractual dispute that serves as a reminder that on occasion contracts fail and protecting the county’s interest is a priority.
Late last year the County resolved a contractual dispute with Tata Consultancy Services over misrepresentation and fraud concerning the replacement of the County’s property tax management system software. The dispute arose following the vendor’s failure to deliver the replacement software it promised under the terms of the contract. The agreement voted on and awarded by the Board of Supervisors in April, 2008 was for a $6.4 million dollar project to be delivered in late 2010. It became clear after several delays and change orders that the vendor misrepresented its ability to deliver and was taking steps to hide that fact from County staff and the Board.
After voting to cancel the contract and hire outside litigation counsel Theodora Oringher, the County sought return of the cost of the contract and fees. Working with our County Counsel and Mr. Theodora we successfully made our case before the court and negotiated a legal settlement of $26 million dollars. The amount exceeded the cost of the contract and settled the fraud claims. This matter highlights the importance of overseeing and managing County government with vigilance. |
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| County Updates |
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| County Wellness Initiatives Save Taxpayers Millions in Lower Employee Health Costs |
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On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors approved rates for employee Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) health plans through Cigna and Kaiser for 2018. These plan rates are negotiated annually and are established based on County employee claims over the past year and projected medical and prescription costs for 2018.
The County’s employee HMO health plan rate changes for 2018 are better than industry trends for the region. The Cigna Health Plan increases by 6.55%, which is slightly below Cigna’s trend of 6.86% in the region due to its continued partnership with the County on wellness initiatives.
The Kaiser Health Plan will have a decrease of 1.45% next year. This is due in part to the 2014 implementation of the OC Healthy Steps Wellness Program where employees engage in activities that promote sustained lifestyle change. The Wellness Program empowers employees to take charge of their health and well-being by providing cost-effective health management tools to assist them in maintaining or improving their health and well-being so they can be happy and productive in their service to the citizens of Orange County. In fact, employees are actively participating in OC Healthy Steps Wellness Program with an 86% participation rate versus industry average 47% participation.
While savings are difficult to quantify, the County’s 2016, 2017 and 2018 medical renewals compared to market averages have far exceeded the target savings of $1.5 million annually. For the first six months of 2018 alone, based on enrollment, the proposed Cigna rates are anticipated to save the County $1.1 million while the Kaiser rates are expected to save $3 million. The County has already saved more than $1.2 million in avoidable direct health care costs and over $3.2 million in avoidable indirect health care costs. |
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| The OC Social Services Agency Permanent Housing Programs |
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| The Social Services Agency is committed to strengthening individuals, preserving families and protecting vulnerable adults and children. The Housing Support Program (HSP) assists homeless families in the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program by providing them with rental assistance that will allow them to quickly move from homelessness into stable and permanent housing. Since inception in 2014, HSP has successfully placed 135 families in permanent housing. In addition to HSP, SSA administers the Bringing Families Home (BFH) Program to help reduce the number of children in the child welfare system whose primary barrier preventing them from reuniting with their family is stable housing. The OC Social Services Agency is one of twelve California counties to receive an allocation from the state for the BFH program. Through this new program, SSA anticipates being able to serve 31 families annually, for a total of 62 families through June 2019. Both of these programs include housing identification, rent and moving assistance and case management services. |
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| Safe Surrender Saves Lives in Orange County |
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A healthy baby was safely surrendered to Anaheim Fire & Rescue (AF&R) Station 1 late on Tuesday afternoon. The baby and mother were assessed by AF&R’s Nurse Practitioner and Firefighter/Paramedics before being transported to a local hospital for care and observation. The baby is currently in the care of the County of Orange Social Services Agency’s Children and Family Services (CFS) division.
California’s Safely Surrendered Baby Law was first created in 2001 and was signed permanently into law in 2006. In Orange County, persons can safely and anonymously surrender their child up to three days old in any hospital emergency room, fire stations displaying the Safely Surrendered Baby logo as well as the Social Service Agency’s Orangewood Children and Family Center.
County of Orange social workers place safe surrender children in a licensed foster home while finding the best adoptive family for the infant. An individual surrendering their child have 14 days in which to change their mind. Since 2002, there have been 74 safe surrender incidents across Orange County.
For more information about Safe Surrender in Orange County and find brochures on the law in English, Spanish and Vietnamese, visit http://www.ochealthinfo.com/phs/about/family/occp/safe. |
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| OCTA |
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| County-wide Active Transportation Efforts |
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For the past five years, the OCTA Board and staff have been working with cities throughout Orange County to develop transportation corridors for residents that choose to walk, run or ride to their destinations. Now after years of work in cooperation with our various city partners there is an interconnected system of pathways and roadways that enables easier travel from point to point without setting foot in a car or bus.
The early efforts started with identifying active transportation corridors throughout the county and working with city officials and various public works departments to create a network of pathways. For example, nearly 40% of the bikeways identified in the Active Transportation Plan (ATP) have been built – segments of which make up the OC Loop. The 66-mile regional bikeway network in North Orange County is 70% complete traversing 17 cities, 200 parks and 180 schools. There is still work to be done on The Loop in Yorba Linda and along the Union Pacific right of way in Brea and La Habra to bring the project to completion.
In an effort to further advance the ATP, OCTA has partnered with the Southern California Association of Governments to develop a marketing campaign – “Go Human” – to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety and encourage residents to use the various corridors throughout the county. The effort has produced a pilot project along Hazard Avenue to illustrate barrier-separated bikeway concept.
The OCTA continues to add resources to the program such as recently selecting an engineering consultant to assist in coordination and improvements in all 35 local jurisdictions – bolstering efforts to finish incomplete segments and identifying pedestrian pathways and bikeways. The results of the engineers findings and recommendation is due in early 2018. |
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Click on the image above to view a larger version.
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| In the Community |
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| La Habra Corn Festival |
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The Fourth District community gathered at El Centro Lions Park this past weekend for shopping, games, rides, and music! A variety of local vendors sold their products, from jewelry to the popular fidget spinners. Nelson staffers maintained a booth at the festival throughout the weekend to distribute County informational brochures and promotional items. On Saturday morning, Supervisor Nelson participated in the annual parade, greeting residents from a convertible car!
We extend our gratitude to the La Habra Lions Club, who as always successfully hosted this community event. The Corn Festival is the signature event for the La Habra Host Lions Club. It has been a success for decades and continues to be the highlight of the social calendar in La Habra.
For more information please visit: http://lahabracornfestival.com/ |
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| Mary Overholt Turns 100! |
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Congratulations to Brea Senior Center Directors Tim Takahashi and Stacey Knight for keeping the secret and delivering a surprise celebration honoring the 100th birthday of Mary Overholt.
In a room packed with friends and family at the Senior Center, Takahashi worked as the MC and introduced Brea Councilmember Christine Marick and members of the Brea Rotary who presented her with honors and a check for her crochet club.
Never to miss the fun with seniors and staff, Policy Advisor Steve Spernak delivered the Supervisor’s Lifetime Achievement award to celebrate her incredible accomplishments in living through two World Wars, a dozen presidents, and seeing historical heroes from the Wright Brothers first-flight to landing on the moon.
Mary is a resident of Fullerton but makes the trip to the Brea Center twice a week to enjoy friends and the loving attention the staff deliver to her and hundreds of seniors daily.
When Spernak asked her the secret to a long life, Mary replied, “ stay away from doctors !”, which had the room erupt in laughter and smiles.
Congratulations to an American legend and happy birthday from Supervisor Nelson on your 100th! |
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Policy Advisor Steve Spernak delivered Supervisor Nelson’s Lifetime Achievement commendation during birthday celebrations in Brea. |
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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
- Orange County Visitors Association
- Senior Citizens Advisory Committee
If you are interested in serving on one of these committees, please call Audra Fishel at (714) 834-3440. |
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| Pet of the Week |
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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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City of Anaheim Events
What: Anaheim Chamber after Hours Mixer
When: August 17
Where: Sheraton Park Hotel, 1855 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim
Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm
What: Government Affairs Committee
When: August 18
Where: Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, 2099 s State College Blvd Suite 650, Anaheim
Time: 12:00pm-1:30pm
City of Brea Events
What: Concerts in the Park
When: August 16
Where: Historic City Hall Park
Time: 6:30pm-8:00pm
What: Brea Farmer’s Market
When: August 17
Where: N/W/C Birch St and State College Blvd, Brea
Time: 4:00pm-8:00pm
City of Buena Park Events
What: Civic Theatre under the Stars: Jesus Christ Superstar
When: August 12
Where: Ehlers Event Center, 8150 Knott Ave, Buena Park
Time: 8:15pm-10:00pm
What: Summer Concerts at Buena Park Downtown: Scot Bruce, a Tribute to the King
When: August 16
Where: Buena Park Downtown Mall, 8308 on the Mall, Buena Park
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
City of Fullerton Events
What: Soroptimist International of Fullerton Luncheon
When: August 21
Where: The Old Spaghetti Factory, 110 Santa Fe Ave, Fullerton
Time: 11:45am-1:00pm
What: Connecting after hours-Fullerton College
When: August 23
Where: Fullerton College, 321 E Chapman Ave, Fullerton
Time: 5:00pm-7:00pm
City of La Habra Events
What: Coffee with a Cop-at Starbucks
When: August 16
Where: Starbucks Coffee, 1950 W Whittier Blvd, La Habra
Time: 8:00am-10:00am
What: Health Fair-VCC the Gary Center
When: August 19
Where: VCC: The Gary Center, 201 S Harbor Blvd, La Habra
Time: 10:00am-1:00pm
City of Placentia Events
What: Certified Farmers Market
When: August 15
Where: SW Corner of Yorba Linda & Kraemer Blvd, Placentia
Time: 4:00pm-8:00pm
What: Networking at Noon
When: August 25
Where: Bradford Square Vintage Senior Living (Pavilion)
Time: 11:30am-1:00pm
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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
George Cardenas
Policy Advisor
Audra Fishel
Policy Advisor /
Communications Director
Steve Spernak
Policy Advisor
Natalie Wieckert
Policy Advisor
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