Board of Supervisors orange arrow View Online Version
Chairman Shawn Nelson - 4th District Update
In This Issue
orange arrow County Updates
orange arrow OCTA
orange arrow In the Community
orange arrow Library Corner
orange arrow County Commissions and Committees
orange arrow Pet of the Week
orange arrow Events
September 15, 2017
Volume 8 Issue 18
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, September 26th 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
 
 
 
County Updates
County Supervisors Approve Resolution to Expand Law Enforcement Services in Flood Control Channel
The Board of Supervisors approved a resolution to expand law enforcement services in the flood control channels with the adoption of a resolution at the Board of Supervisors meeting on September 12, 2017.

The resolution will dedicate enhanced law enforcement services to the Orange County Flood Control District’s flood control channels and convene local municipal law enforcement agencies to discuss and formulate a shared public safety response protocol for the flood control channels. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be the lead law enforcement agency, and will work with local public safety agencies to coordinate efforts.

The County of Orange, through the Orange County Flood Control District (OCFCD), manages more than 380 miles of flood control channels designed to safely convey runoff and provide necessary drainage and flood protection to adjacent communities. Flood control channels were never intended for human habitation and have not required active law enforcement services.

Approximately 70 miles of the County’s regional trail system, which is maintained by OC Parks, is located on OCFCD property adjacent to the channels. The Santa Ana River Trail (SART) regional trail, which stretches for 30 miles along the channel, is one of the most used trails in the County and registers more than eight million users annually. The SART has recently experienced an increase in unauthorized homeless encampments along the trail. Based on a recent census conducted by CityNet, 422 individuals are living in unauthorized encampments in the open space adjacent to the SART between Chapman Avenue and Ball Road.

The County of Orange has dedicated resources to address the encampments in a variety of ways, including a $720,000 contract with CityNet for a six month pilot program. The aim of the pilot program is to connect individuals encamped in the area to resources and housing solutions, and since inception, 51 individuals have connected to shelter or housing options. In addition, the County has brought online 500 additional shelter beds in the last year, with 400 beds at the Courtyard Transitional Center in Santa Ana and 100 beds provided at Bridges at Kraemer Place in Anaheim.

The County of Orange is building a system of care to connect those experiencing homelessness to available resources and assistance. To learn more about the system of care and the work the County is doing, visit the Office of Care Coordination website www.ocgov.com/gov/ceo/care.
 
 
OCTA
OCTA Logo
OCTA Seeks Public Input on Open Space Preserves

Draft plans outline how wildlife and habitat are to be preserved through Measure M freeway mitigation program
Public input is being sought on draft plans released this week that will guide the management of valuable wildlife and habitat on the Orange County Transportation Authority’s open space properties in the Aliso Canyon Preserve in Laguna Beach and Hayashi Preserve in Brea.

As part of Measure M, Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, OCTA has purchased seven open space properties from willing sellers to preserve the land and permanently ensure that valuable animal and plant species can thrive for generations to come.

The preserves are being purchased to offset the impacts of construction on 13 Measure M freeway projects being built throughout Orange County.

The draft resource-management plans for the last two of the seven OCTA properties have been released for public review. The plans outline how the open-space properties will be managed and monitored to ensure that wildlife and native habitat are protected.

The plans also address fire-prevention measures and managed recreational use of the properties by the public where and when appropriate, while still ensuring that endangered animal and plant species remain unharmed.

The public can review the plans and comment online by visiting www.OCTA.net/RMP.

Three public meetings are also being planned to allow for review and comments in person. One is planned for 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 4 at OCTA headquarters, 600 S. Main St. in Orange, during the OCTA Environmental Oversight Committee meeting.

The time and exact location of the other two public meetings, which will take place in Brea and Laguna Beach, are being finalized and will be posted online.

The 90-day public review and comment period ends Dec. 1.

Measure M, originally approved in 1990, was renewed in 2006 with support from nearly 70 percent of voters. When planning for the renewed Measure M, OCTA believed it was important to work with the environmental community and wildlife agencies to find the best way to offset the effects of construction of freeway projects on the environment.

Rather than take a piecemeal approach to mitigating individual project impacts, OCTA took a comprehensive approach, allowing for the preservation and protection of large areas of open space with the most sensitive habitat and wildlife. That approach resulted in the Measure M Freeway Environmental Mitigation Program.

Through the process, OCTA has worked closely with local environmental groups and with state and federal wildlife officials to develop a conservation plan. In exchange, the wildlife agencies have agreed to streamline the permitting process, allowing OCTA to more quickly deliver much-needed freeway projects.

A total of 5 percent of Measure M’s freeway budget is available for this program, expected to total more than $280 million over 30 years.

So far, OCTA has acquired seven open space properties, totaling more than 1,300 acres. Previously, resource-management plans were approved for the other five preserves – at Ferber Ranch, O’Neill Oaks, Hafen, Saddle Creek South and MacPherson.

In addition to the land purchases, 12 restoration projects are currently funded throughout Orange County. Funds will aid in removing invasive plant species and restoring about 350 acres of open space to its native habitat.

The areas now being protected connect with other open space giving wildlife greater area to move. They also include endangered and threatened habitat and species, including plants, fish, reptiles, birds and mammals.
 
 
In the Community
Clark Park Opening Day
Football has a new home at Clark Field. This past weekend we marked the Inaugural “Opening Day" for Fullerton Junior All-American at the newly renovated sports fields. On Saturday nearly a dozen teams were joined by more than 200 hundred cheerleaders, fans and families to watch the players play football. The day started early with flag football players - ages 9-11 - taking the field at the improved Hawk’s Point. Friends and families were led in cheers by the teams cheerleading squads — rooting and waving their pompoms for their players. At the same time on the adjacent multi-purpose field, the Fullerton Bears were taking on the Broncos (ages 10-11) in a game of contact football. With sidelines lined with friends and family, the young football players played an excellent game.

The day of football was particularly remarkable for the organization as well as the players. Like so many youth sports programs the challenge of finding suitable practice and game fields can diminish an organizations ability to serve the many children who would benefit from playing youth sports. Junior All-American players are mostly Latino and African-American children from underserved communities most of whom receive a “scholarship” - meaning their fees are waived - to play on the team. When asked about the Bears home openers, Fred Jung, Junior All-American Founder and President, remarked “there are few things we as citizens can do on a local level that impacts these many families and this many children. The allowance OC Parks and Supervisor Nelson to give our young football players and cheerleaders a permanent home is nothing short of amazing and will serve to amplify how important civic minded people can be on our society. And, I am terribly grateful to all who had a hand or two in giving back to our community."
 

Policy Advisor George Cardenas presents a certificate of recognition to Fred Jung


Policy Advisors Audra Fishel and George Cardenas enjoying opening day


Clark Park renovated fields with new turf

 
dotted line
 
Black Chamber of Commerce Awards
Bravo to Mr. Bobby McDonald and the Orange County Black Chamber for another amazing event this past Saturday as he presented the 26th annual Chamber Banquet hosted in The Hangar at the Orange County Fairgrounds.

The program opened with the recognition of amazing World War II veterans in the audience followed by a moving Posting of the Colors by the Buffalo Soldiers that brought the audience to its feet in witness to their legendary reputation in American military history.

The 500 attending celebrated the contributions and importance of California State University Fullerton highlighting the legacies of its two former Presidents - Dr. Gordon and Dr. Cobb, both African-Americans following speeches and tributes by award recipient Dr. Mildred Garcia, Current CSUF President.

Additionally the importance of So Cal PBS was spotlighted as historic video clips highlighting HBCU's among others was viewed by the audience. There was also special mention of the work across decades of the Council of African-American Parents - an amazing organization that has provided a pathway to success for many young students.

As the program progressed, scholarships were presented to college students; and more special guests in the audience were recognized and applauded. Ken Hill (2015 Villager Award Recipient), Dr Carmen Tillery Taylor (2016 Villager Award Recipient), Patricia Kelley (2014 Villager Award Recipient) were all present at this historic event in support of all the work that continues under the leadership of Bobby McDonald (2015 Villager Award Recipient).

Deputy Chief of Staff Mark Lopez, representing Supervisor Nelson, was proud to deliver honors recognizing OCTA Senior Community and Business Relations Specialist in Bekele DeMissie. Demissie was presented the 2017 Community Service Award by the Chamber for his universe of services and leadership nurturing relationships with civic groups, elected and public agencies.

Policy Advisor Steve Spernak represented the Supervisor and extended his congratulations to the PBS team who promoted the Ken Burns’ documentary Vietnam with a Vietnam era Huey helicopter put on static display for photos and memories of a war 50 years ago. Documentary premieres Sept 17th.

Congratulations to this year’s community award recipients and the hundred who support the work, leadership, scholarships and civic-military contributions of the OC Black Chamber of Commerce.
 

Deputy Chief of Staff Mark Lopez delivered Community Service Award honors to Bekele DeMissie from Supervisor Nelson.


Policy Advisor Steve Spernak helped honor PBS and the promotion of the new Ken Burns documentary Vietnam at the Black Chamber Awards.
 
 
Library Corner

Click on the image above to view a larger version.
 
 
County Commissions and Committees
The Fourth District has vacant appointments on the following commissions or committees:

  • Assessment Appeals Board No.1
  • Orange County Visitors Association
If you are interested in serving on one of these committees, please call Audra Fishel at (714) 834-3440.
 
 
Pet of the Week
 
OC Animal Care Pet of the Week
Click on the image above to view a larger version.
 
 
Events
 

Click on the image above to view a larger version.
 
dotted line
 
City of Anaheim Events

What: Ribbon Cutting- Mimi’s
When: September 21
Where: Mimi’s Anaheim Harbor, 1400 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim
Time: 12:00pm-3:00pm

What: Opening Night: Vaughn Fahies Jazz & Friends
When: September 21
Where: Highway 39 Event Center, 1563 S State College Blvd, Anaheim
Time: 6:30-9:00pm

City of Brea Events

What: Outdoor Movies
When: September 16
Where: Village at La Floresta, 3301 E Imperial Hwy, Brea
Time: 8:00pm-9:30pm

What: BYP: Getting Hot & Spicy
When: September 20
Where: Buffalo Wild Wings, 240 S Brea Blvd, Brea
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm

City of Buena Park Events

What: Opening Reception: The Dream is the Truth Exhibiting Artist Program
When: September 15
Where: Buena Park City Hall, 6650 Beach Blvd, Buena Park
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm

What: Cultural Excursion: Solvang Danish, Solvang CA
When: September 16
Where: Buena Park Community Center, 6688 Beach Blvd, Buena Park
Time: 8:00am-8:00pm

City of Fullerton Events

What: Free Flu Shot
When: September 16
Where: St Jude Urgent Care, 2251 N Harbor Blvd, Fullerton
Time: 6:00pm-12:00pm

What: Creative Conversations Charity Pairing Dinner with Cheech Marin
When: September 18
Where: The Matador Cantina, 111 N Harbor Blvd, Fullerton
Time: 6:00pm-10:00pm

City of La Habra Events

What: Detail Garage Public Grand Opening
When: September 16
Where: Detail Garage, 2436 W Whittier Blvd, La Habra
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

What: CHP 550 Squid Club Golf Tournament
When: September 18
Where: Hacienda Golf Club, 718 East Rd, La Habra Heights
Time: 7:00am-6:00pm

City of Placentia Events

What: Certified Farmers Market
When: September 19
Where: SW Corner of Yorba Linda & Kraemer Blvd, Placentia
Time: 4:00pm-8:00pm

What: Networking at Noon
When: September 22
Where: Bradford Square Vintage Senior Living (Pavillion), 1130 N Bradford Ave, Placentia Time: 11:30pm-1:00pm

 
 
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
 
 
Stay Connected!
house icon http://ocgov.com/gov/bos/4/
envelope icon Mark.Lopez@ocgov.com
phone icon 714.834.3440
arrow icon Manage Subscription
 
facebook  twitter
spacer
Copyright 2017 County of Orange, California
You are currently signed up to the 4th District newsletter. To unsubscribe, click here.