| 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 13,, 2018 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 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
| Board Updates |
|
| Care Coordination Newsletter |
|
Click on the image above to view a larger version. |
| |
|
| |
| OCTA |
|
|
|
| Nightly Freeway Lane and Ramp Closures Begin for I-405 Improvement Project |
|
Traffic improvement is on the way for motorists driving on the 405 to and from north Orange County. Intermittent nighttime lane and ramp closures on I-405 began earlier this week and will continue routinely as construction for the Improvement Project ramps up.
Nightly closures will start as early as 9 p.m. and are expected to be finished by 5 a.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. weekends. It is recommended that drivers plan ahead to avoid delays by checking the interactive map and signing up for weekly construction alerts on the project website. All necessary freeway lane closures for the project are expected to occur overnight.
The $1.9 billion highway project, the largest under construction in California, is being led by the Orange County Transportation Authority, in partnership with Caltrans. The project adds one regular lane in each direction, between Euclid Street and I-605, as promised to voters through Measure M, Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements. The project also adds a second lane in each direction, which combined with the existing carpool lanes, will create the 405 Express Lanes.
Weather permitting, construction activities will continue over the next few months, including restriping portions of the freeway and setting up concrete barrier on the outside of the freeway to protect work areas for activities such as tree removals and grading.
More significant construction activities, such as the first paving operations and bridge demolition activities, are anticipated to begin later this year. The project is set to be completed in 2023.
Additional closure information is available and updated in real-time on a mobile-friendly, interactive map available at www.octa.net/405map.
For more information on the I-405 Improvement Project or to sign up for construction alerts, visit www.octa.net/405improvement. |
| |
 |
| |
| OCTA Selects Firm to Implement O.C. Express Lanes
Kapsch TrafficCom USA will integrate services for design, installation and operation of 91 Express Lanes and 405 Express Lanes |
|
The Orange County Transportation Authority has selected Kapsch TrafficCom USA to design, install, operate and maintain the electronic tolling and traffic management systems for the 405 Express Lanes and 91 Express Lanes in Orange County.
Kapsch, headquartered in Virginia, was selected from among four bidding and two short-listed firms interviewed to provide toll lanes system integrator services for the two separate express lanes facilities.
Kapsch, which has been in business for 125 years and has worldwide experience in the tolling and transportation industries, won the contract for $42.3 million – a savings of more than $10 million compared to the other qualified bidder.
The contract includes design, development, testing, and installation of a complete electronic toll and traffic management system for both toll facilities. That will include state-of-the-art lasers, transponder antennas and cameras to monitor and enforce tolls in the express lanes.
The contract for services on the 91 and 405 Express Lanes is for an initial term of 10 years.
The 91 Express Lanes has been in operations for 22 years. In 2003, OCTA purchased the facility, consisting of two tolled lanes for 10 miles in each direction at the median of State Route 91, between SR-55 and the border with Riverside County. In 2017, another eight miles was added, extending the 91 Express Lanes to I-15 in Riverside County.
Since taking over operations, the 91 Express Lanes has become an international model for effective congestion management pricing.
Construction of the I-405 Improvement Project, including the 405 Express Lanes, began in January and is expected to open in 2023. The 405 Express Lanes will consist of two lanes in each direction at the center of I-405, between Costa Mesa and the border with Los Angeles County.
Estimates indicate that drivers that choose to travel in the 405 Express Lanes can drive that 16-mile stretch of I-405 in about 15 minutes, compared to about 30 minutes in regular lanes when the improvement project is finished.
Kapsch was selected through a procurement process that weighted several factors, including qualifications, staffing and project organization, work plan, technical approach, and price.
The firm will provide and maintain closed-circuit television cameras for both express lanes facilities and will provide and maintain roadside systems, including nine changeable message signs for the 405 Express Lanes.
A traffic operations system also will be built and staff provided to monitor traffic incidents and conditions along the 405 Express Lanes, similar to what exists on the 91 Express Lanes.
After the final contracts are signed, Kapsch will begin replacing the existing tolling equipment on the 91 Express Lanes and will work closely with the design-builder of the 405 Improvement Project to plan the installation of tolling equipment for the 405 Express Lanes. |
| |
|
| |
| Friendly Reminder |
|
| Daylight Saving Time Begins |
|
 |
| |
 |
| |
| Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour before going to bed Saturday night. Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 11 at 2:00am, when “Spring Forward” occurs and we “lose” one hour. |
| |
|
| |
| In the Community |
|
| Brea Coyote Town Hall |
|
Due to several incidents and complaints the County has received, Supervisor Nelson hosted a Town Hall at the Brea Civic & Cultural Center for a discussion of the coyote presence in our neighborhoods. Supervisor Nelson had the California Department of Fish and Wildlife as well as OC Animal Care on hand to answer questions. OC Animal Care delivered a very informative PowerPoint presentation on how to prevent future Coyote – to – human or pet interactions.
All residents are asked to call OC Animal care immediately with any sightings or incidents regarding Coyotes.
Please click on the presentation below if you missed the meeting and, again, call OC Animal Care immediately regarding any coyote sightings or incidents.
OC Animal Care: 714-935-6848
Please view the PowerPoint here. |
| |
Supervisor Shawn Nelson
Supervisor Shawn Nelson addresses the crowd and answers questions
OC Animal Care and Fish and Wildlife Staff
|
| |
|
| |
| County Celebrates New State of the Art, 30,000-Square-Foot OC Animal Care Shelter with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony |
|
The County of Orange celebrated the completion of OC Animal Care’s new shelter with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 7. The new, modern OC Animal Care shelter at 1630 Victory Road replaces the aging OC Animal Care shelter in Orange built in the 1940s.
Officials from some of the contract cities, including Tustin, Costa Mesa, Fountain Valley, Newport Beach, Villa Park and Yorba Linda, were in attendance to take self-guided tours of the new facility. On behalf of his City Council colleagues and staff, Tustin Mayor Al Murray presented the County of Orange with a Certificate of Recognition, stating he looks forward to continuing the partnership.
Dogs will be housed in indoor/outdoor temperature-controlled kennels and can play in multiple dog exercise yards, which also double as meet-and-greet areas for potential adoptions. Cats will be provided large cages, group cat rooms and even “catios” for their lounging pleasure. The abundant use of natural light, superior ventilation and acoustical control will reduce the stress of the animals, increasing their adoptability.
Construction of the new shelter was approved by the Board of Supervisors on April 12, 2016. OC Public Works and the Board-approved contractor Snyder Langston began construction in August 2016. Land acquisition and construction of the new facility cost approximately $34.5 million.
The new facility is located on an approximately 10-acre site. It includes a two-story, approximately 30,000-square-foot main building, six stand-alone kennel buildings, multiple dog play yards, a “catio” (secured outdoor play area for cats), a barnyard and a “rabbitat” (rabbit housing area). The new OC Animal Care shelter will serve 14 contract cities and unincorporated County areas.
A family-friendly grand opening is scheduled for March 24, when members of the public will be invited to explore the new shelter campus, participate in fun activities and become familiar with the new OC Animal Care facility. After the interpretive grand opening celebration concludes on March 24, members of the public will have the opportunity to adopt animals from the new OC Animal Care facility beginning March 25.
For additional information, please visit www.ocgov.com. |
| |
Policy advisors Natalie Wieckert, Audra Fishel, Steve Spernak and Chief of Staff Denis Bilodeau
4th District Animal Care Community Outreach Committee member Charice King and 4th district staff Steve Spernak
OC Animal Care volunteers
OC Community Resources Director Dylan Wright and a cute kitten
A playful puppy enjoying the new play yard |
| |
|
| |
| Supervisor Honor “Best and Bravest’ at OCFA Awards |
|
Congratulations to Kay Kearney and her cast of volunteers, donors and OCPFFA crew who delivered another fantastic evening of moments and memories honoring the Fire personnel of OCFA at the 10th annual “Best and Bravest” awards dinner.
Hosted in Laguna Hills, the dinner receptions was attended by almost 600 guests, Fire personnel and VIP from each of the 14 contract cities to show their appreciation for the day-to-day services and the rare response to monster wild-fires and high-drama rescues like the recovery of 21 people from the top of a ride at Knott’s’ Berry Farm.
Hosted thru the Exchange Club of Orange County, the night began with Pipes and Drums, invocations and keynote introductions by Kearney who introduced TV reporter Michele Gile who read each commendation and team response.
The program lasted 90 minutes and included the remarkable achievements and fire-fighting heroism by OC’s Bravest. Included in the awards were honors given to Career Firefighter of the Year from 9 Battalions, Reserve Firefighters, Fire Explorers, Managers and Professional Staff that included Business Services, Community Risk, Operations, Organizational Planning and Support Services.
Special congratulations to the Unit Citation /Medal of Courage honorees in Derek Biering, Thone Nguyen, Jeremy Ruiz and Rodrigo Jimenez who rescued 5 victims with repeated entry/recoveries in a fully-involved fire in Santa Ana at great personal risk to save the lives of others.
On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, it is our great pleasure to partner with the people of Orange County in extending our thanks and appreciation to all the remarkable heroes at the OCFA! |
| |
Policy Advisor delivered congratulations to Kay Kearney for her incredible awards program
OCFA honorees for heroism, professional performances, rescues and operations |
| |
|
| |
| Veterans Briefing for Policy Advisors |
|
Policy Advisors from each of the Supervisor’s offices met with VSO Director Renee Ramirez and two board officers of the OC Veterans Advisory Council for their quarterly briefing on issues, funding, Veteran projects and performance objectives this past week.
The meeting every 90 days with these specialized staff members allows the Supervisor’s to secure real-time reporting on how the County services their Veterans, partners with the VA, handles referrals, works the homeless crisis and helps military in transition get into college or remedy legal issues.
Discussed at this month’s meeting were the status of the funding for former military related to scholarships and grants along with how best to connect to the 22 Veterans who are on the city councils countywide.
Mission also includes getting emergency rapid-rehousing for the 600 homeless Veterans located in the county during the point-in-time count across the OC. The good news is that Care Coordinator Susan Price remains dedicated to matching supply with demands for beds in OC for the homeless who have a military background.
VSO Director Renee Ramirez delivered her VSO Fact Sheet that outlines the ‘operational tempo’ of her staff and offices with: 20,000 Veterans served each year, with 9,000 calls a year and their helping with the 18,000 claims submitted each year with an average wait time of 44 minutes.
Free of charge services for Veterans includes: service connected disability, survivor benefits, education, burial benefits, pension claims, aid and attendance and general VA benefits. Call the VSO in OC at (714) 480-2788 or (714) 480-6555.
For more information on the Veterans Service Office, please visit http://www.veterans.ocgov.com or send an email to Steve.Spernak@ocgov.com in the offices of Supervisor Shawn Nelson.
Click here for the VSO document |
| |
Policy Advisor Steve Spernak joins Supervisor’s aides at Veteran Service Office quarterly briefing |
| |
|
| |
| County Commissions and Committees |
|
The Fourth District has vacant appointments on the following commissions or committees:
- Audit Oversight Committee
- 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 |
| |
Click on the image above to view a larger version. |
| |
|
| |
| Events |
| |
| Explore OC’s Agricultural Past! |
|
Please join OC Parks and the OC Historical Commission as we celebrate the farming history of Orange County. This family-friendly event will feature agricultural-themed crafts, a petting zoo, live music, a photo booth, blacksmith demonstrations and tours of the park. Food will be available for purchase.
The OC Historical Commission has invited local historical societies to be on site to help you discover the rich history of Orange County so you can connect with historical resources in your own community.
Tours of the park will begin every hour starting at 10:30 a.m. with the last tour at 1:30 p.m.
Event is free. Parking will be available at St. Thomas More Catholic Parish, 51 Marketplace, Irvine, CA 92602. |
| |
Click on the image above to view a larger version.
|
| |
|
| |
City of Anaheim Events
What: Anaheim Chamber Leads Lunch
When: March 14
Where: Embassy Suites-Anaheim South, 11767 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove
Time: 11:30am-1:00pm
What: Government Affairs Committee Meeting
When: March 16
Where: Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, 2099 S State College Blvd Suite 650, Anaheim
Time: 12:00pm-1:30pm
City of Brea Events
What: Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting-California Wax Center & Skin Care
When: March 13
Where: 715 E Birch St, Brea
Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm
What: Spring Boutique
When: March 16 & 17
Where: Brea Community Center
Time: March16 9:00am-6:00pm, 17 9:00am-4:00pm
City of Buena Park Events
What: High School Art Show Awards Ceremony
When: March 16
Where: Buena Park City Hall, 6650 Beach Blvd, Buena Park
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
What: Elementary Art Show Submissions
When: March 20
Where: Buena Park Community Center
Time: 7:00am-5:00pm
City of Fullerton Events
What: Yoga in the Garden
When: March 10
Where: Fullerton Arboretum, 1900 Associated Rd, Fullerton
Time: 9:00am-10:30am
What: SLDC Young Professionals-Taco Tuesday Networking Mixer
When: March 20
Where: The Slidebar Rock N Roll Kitchen, 122 E Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton
Time: 5:00pm-8:00pm
City of La Habra Events
What: Friendship Square Quilt Guild Quilt Show
When: March 10 & 11
Where: La Habra Community Center, 101 W La Habra Blvd, La Habra
Time: March 10 10:00am-5:00pm, 11 10:00am-4:00pm
What: Lighting Express Wash Grand Opening
When: March 13
Where: 100 W Whittier Blvd, La Habra
Time: 11:00am-1:00pm
City of Placentia Events
What: Artesanos Village, Craft Fair
When: March 10
Where: Hecho en Mexico, 173 W Santa Fe Ave, Placentia
Time: 9:00am-2:00pm
What: Easter Egg Hunt
When: March 18
Where: Tri City Park, 2301 N Kraemer Blvd, Placentia
Time: 12:00pm-3:00pm
|
| |
|
| |
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. |
|
|
|
|
 |
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! |
|
|
| |
  |
|
|
 |
|
