Orange Countians suffering from certain chronic ailments will soon be able to access County-issued ID cards authorizing their use of medical marijuana under state law. The OC Supervisors joined 34 other California counties which have already implemented the card system under Proposition 215, which passed with 56% of the statewide vote in 1996.

The final vote was 4-1, with Supervisor Nguyen the lone "no" vote against the plan.

Qualifying card recipients must have a note from a doctor or caregiver, submit an application to the OC Health Care Agency and pay a $150 fee. While ID card possessors are still subject to prosecution under federal law, they will be provided protection under state law and be able to justify their use of cannabis to local law enforcement.

The voters of California are clearly behind this. Testimony before the Board, both by doctors and chronic sufferers was overwhelmingly supportive. California has joined a growing list of states in providing relief to those suffering from chronic pain and wasting diseases. The federal government will eventually join us. The War on Drugs should not be a war on the weak and the sickest among us.

First District Supervisor Janet Nguyen's request for a new County outreach office in Westminster was questioned at length by Supervisors during our July 17 meeting. The proposal would have provided Nguyen with a Westminster field office which would have housed County personnel to provide outreach regarding services available. Estimated cost was just above $100,000 annually.

No other Board members have such field offices. I have cities in my district-such as La Habra-that are much further away than Westminster. The First District does have the highest concentration of County service recipients, but it also has by far the highest number of county offices and clinics.

The Board will take up the issue again next week, but my concerns remain. Field offices in a compact county like OC may not be needed at all. Our new 211 service hotline can already answer numerous questions (in several languages) without the need for additional office expenses.

Second District Supervisor John Moorlach announced today that he will challenge aspects of the 3% at 50 pension granted in 2001 to the OC Sheriff's Deputies.

Parts of the pension benefit may have unconstitutionally exceeded the County's debt limit, only allowable by popular vote. By granting retroactive pension hikes, the previous Board may have also violated the state's ban on gifts of public funds.

Most cities and counties statewide also approved a retroactive 3% at 50 benefit and now face a total unfunded liability topping $50 billion. A legal challenge by the OC Board of Supervisors would garner wide support among other public agencies grappling with the same issue. It would also engender fierce opposition from public safety unions. The legal case would ultimately be decided by the California State Supreme Court.

Moorlach has agendized this issue for discussion at our July 31 Board meeting. Rescinding the retroactive part of the pension would save the County upwards of $500 million. It would mean pension reductions for about 500 current retired deputies and DA investigators.

My office has worked closely with Moorlach's office, as well as with the outside counsel hired to analyze the case. Our conclusion is that the pension granted in 2001 likely violates the State Constitution. This will bear heavily on my vote at our July 31 meeting. If the Board votes to rescind the 2001 action, we will face a strong union legal challenge. State courts would decide who is right.

It is a legal question with enormous financial implications for counties, cities, taxpayers and retirees.

As Vice Chair of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), I joined my colleagues in insisting that pay raises be spread out among both veteran and entry-level coach operators. We toughed out a 9 day strike by coach operators that crippled OC public transit for our 220,000 daily riders and won the equity that we sought.

The teamsters union agreed to a competitive 14.7% wage increase over the next three years. The total package was only $200,000 more than the one we offered when the strike began. Originally, the union insisted that all raises go to the 60% of drivers who had worked at least 5 years, with nothing to newer employees. Many of those striking would have actually received nothing under the proposed contract.

The final agreement reflects the Board's desire that raises must be spread fairly among all employees. While veteran drivers will receive a larger wage increase the first year, entry-level salaries will remain competitive to attract younger coach operators. Raises being equal the second and third years. We value our coach operators and the service they provide. Service levels have returned to 100% as of today.

COUNTY COMMISSION OPENINGS:
Fourth District residents are being sought to fill a number of vacancies on Orange County commissions. Those interested should call Eileen DePuy in my office at 714-834-3440 or email me directly.

Assessment Appeals Board: Hear appeals on property tax assessments. Meets irregularly based on need. Paid $150 to $200 per session. Must be a California licensed attorney, CPA, appraiser or real estate broker.

Veterans Advisory Council: Advises the Board of Supervisors and County staff on veterans' issues. Meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

Development Processing Review Committee: Advises the County on permitting, codes and procedures for private developments in unincorporated areas. Meets the first Wednesday of the month at 8:30 a.m..