Welcome to this edition of the Fifth District Report, an electronic newsletter keeping you updated about the events taking place in Orange County and in the Fifth District. It is my hope that you find this distribution informative and I would encourage you to contact me regarding any thoughts, comments, or concerns you may have.

PatBates@ocgov.com

IN THIS ISSUE...

1. Board Bulletin Board

2. Transportation Information

3. County Connections

4. Health Care Herald

5. Environmental Memos

6. Notes From The Field

7. Critter Chronicles

8. South County Calendar

9. Fifth District Wrap-Up

OUR STAFF..

Justin McCusker:
Chief of Staff

Sergio Prince:
Executive Director of Public Affairs

Jeff Corless:
Executive Policy Advisor

Elise Lampe:
Executive Policy Advisor

Chip Monaco:
Executive Policy Advisor

Ruth Strachan:
Executive Secretary II

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Special Criminal Grand Jury Investigation Report

Acting Sheriff Jack Anderson reported to the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, recapping discoveries outlined in District Attorney Tony Rackauckas’ Special Criminal Grand Jury Investigation Report on the murder of Theo Lacy inmate John Chamberlain in 2006. I am deeply troubled by the findings in this report, which uncovered a culture of widespread abuse in our jails, deputies failing to follow Sheriff’s Department policies and procedures, as well as a lack of concern for the welfare of inmates and fellow law enforcement professionals.

Clearly, supervising deputies failed to properly carry out their duties. The deputies identified as having been involved were placed on leave immediately, pending the Sheriff’s further investigation in cooperation with the District Attorney and Federal Bureau of Investigation. My Board colleagues and I are fully committed to ensuring the current system is overhauled and this culture is eradicated. Acting Sheriff Anderson will provide weekly reports to the Board and public indefinitely. He has my full support for the immediate implementation of all necessary remedies. To see the District Attorney’s executive summary of the grand jury report, please click here.

Proactive Planning at South County’s Prima Deshecha Landfill

The current operational area at the Prima Deshecha Landfill is anticipated to run out of capacity in 2020. This may seem like a long time but, factoring in the time it will take to plan, permit and engineer the next phase, 2020 will be here before we know it. In fact, the remaining phase is the most critical piece within our landfill system, which will ensure Orange County’s landfill capacity needs are met through 2067. To proactively prepare for this need, the Board approved an important geotechnical contract, ensuring that the next phase will be permitted and ready for use prior to 2020. The County has established an outstanding reputation in taking affirmative steps in effectively managing its landfill system and continues to serve Orange County residents and businesses in a cost effective and efficient manner.

Cogeneration Central Utility Facility

In its effort to embrace sustainable projects with the opportunity for long-term cost savings for Orange County taxpayers, the Board approved a contract for the second phase of the Cogeneration Central Utility Facility. This facility will provide 10.4 mega-watts of power, which will supply electrical, heating and cooling utilities to County buildings as well as state and federal buildings located in the Civic Center campus in Santa Ana. This project will increase the County’s utility service reliability at a significantly reduced cost while paying for itself in eight years. From that point forward, the County will realize an annual savings of more than $5 million per year in utility costs. I am very proud of this effort and will continue to challenge staff to find similar opportunities to provide tremendous benefits to Orange County taxpayers.

OCTA Grant To Fund Bus Shelters In San Juan Capistrano

In addition to serving as your Fifth District Supervisor, I also serve on the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors. In that role, I was pleased to attend the April 1 meeting of the San Juan Capistrano City Council to announce that OCTA had selected the city to receive $241,500 to build five bus shelters at its highest ridership stops. To view a photo of the grant award presentation, please click here.

I’m delighted OCTA can help fund the bus shelters, which will serve a great many San Juan Capistrano residents. All five shelters are located close to the San Juan Capistrano Metrolink station and will be designed to coordinate with the unique architectural character of the city. The shelters will also be well lit to enhance safety & visibility for riders and are expected to be completed in September, 2009. For more information, please click here.

South County Metrolink Service Alert

Beginning the weekend of April 12, Orange County trains will be replaced by bus service between the Oceanside and Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo train stations. Track maintenance will take place in several locations along this route over 4 consecutive weekends. The bus replacement service will continue to operate over the four weekends and is scheduled to end the weekend of May 3. For more information, please click here.

Proposed Bus Service Improvements and Service Changes

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors will hold a public hearing at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, April 14, at the Orange County Transportation Authority, 550 South Main St., Orange, California. The public hearing is for the purpose of considering major route modifications to routes 470 and 471; implementation of new Route 671 OC Flyer service; cancellation of Route 686; and implementation of new Route 792 OC Express service. For more information, please click here.

TCA Improves Cell Phone Service For Toll Road Drivers

TCA is committed to improving cell phone service along the 241, 261 and 133 Toll Roads and is working with Caltrans and several carriers to construct cell sites needed to provide seamless service to those driving The Toll Roads. Eight cell site locations are along the Eastern Transportation Corridor. When these sites are operational, there will be seamless wireless service in this area. TCA anticipates that access agreements will be in place by May 1 and construction will begin on Sites 3, 6 and 7 about a month after receiving final Caltrans approvals and encroachment permits.

Orange County Boy Scouts – Join the Adventure!

The Orange County Council is one of the largest youth-serving agencies in the County, serving over 54,000 youth with educational programs that instill values, develop social leadership skills, and promote physical fitness and environmental awareness.

Cub Scout and Boy Scout age boys are invited to “Join the Adventure” by signing up for Scouting at neighborhood style registration events at middle schools and junior high schools throughout Orange County. Boy’s joining Scouting at sign-up events will also receive a free Scouting water bottle and T-shirt.

Scouting recruitment events will take place on Saturday, April 19, 9-11 AM; Tuesday, April 22, 6-8 PM; and Wednesday, April 23, 6-8 PM. For more information or to find a Scouting sign-up location near you, please click here.

OC Parks Headquarters Moves to Irvine Ranch

After years of hard work and preparation, OC Parks recently moved its base of operations from downtown Santa Ana to Irvine Ranch Historic Park.

Though the majority of the park is still in the planning process, OC Parks has renovated and moved into the building that formerly housed the headquarters of the Irvine family’s ranch and land development business. The Irvine Ranch consisted of a sprawling agricultural operation that once covered much of present day Orange County. Also on the site, the Katie Wheeler Branch Library – a faithful reproduction of the original Irvine family ranch house – opened in February. For more information, please click here.

OC Community Resources and OC Community Services

Our County Executive Officer Thomas Mauk this week appointed Steve Franks as the Director of the newly-created OC Community Resources and Karen Roper as Director of OC Community Services, an organizational unit within OC Community Resources.

The OC Community Resources department was formed last month as part of the County’s reorganization to consolidate departments and improve the County’s financial position through the sharing of administrative resources and achieving economies of scale. As director, Franks is responsible for overseeing the delivery of services and staff of OC Community Services, OC Public Libraries, OC Parks and OC Animal Care. Aligning these four service systems will increase access to and improve the delivery of services to our community. Franks has worked for the County for more than 25 years and most recently served as an executive manger for the Health Care Agency.

Roper will report to Franks as part of the OC Community Resources Executive Management Team and Director of OC Community Services. Her responsibilities include OC Housing, Human Relations, Veterans Services, Community Investment, and the Office of Aging & Homeless Prevention. She most recently served as the Executive Director for the Office on Aging & Homeless Prevention and has more than 27 years of service with the County.

These appointments support the successful establishment of OC Community Resources and will result in this new consolidated agency operating in the most efficient, accountable and responsive manner possible.

Substance Exposed Babies in Orange County

The Substance Exposed Babies Study describes the findings from a two-phased multi-method assessment of prenatal substance use. The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence rate of babies exposed to alcohol, tobacco or other drugs (ATOD) prior to birth. For more information, please click here.

MHSA Workforce Education and Training

The Health Care Agency’s draft plan to seek $8.2 million in Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Workforce Education and Training funding is now available for public review and comment through May 2. The MHSA Workforce Education and Training Plan includes nineteen separate programs/projects aimed at increasing the diversity of the public mental health workforce in Orange County. For more information, please click here.

TCA Completes Bobcat Study

TCA is committed to improving cell phone service along the 241, 261 and 133 Toll Roads and is working with Caltrans and several carriers to construct cell sites needed to provide seamless service to those driving The Toll Roads. Eight cell site locations are along the Eastern Transportation Corridor. When these sites are operational, there will be seamless wireless service in this area. TCA anticipates that access agreements will be in place by May 1 and construction will begin on Sites 3, 6 and 7 about a month after receiving final Caltrans approvals and encroachment permits.

Habitat Restoration at Laguna Niguel Regional Park

Laguna Niguel Regional Park is looking for a maximum of 25 volunteers to assist with non- native plant removal at “Narco Channel” on site. Work with County staff and learn about non-native plants and their negative effect on our park land. This is a labor intensive volunteer opportunity and not appropriate for small children (volunteers 16 years and over only please). Dates available: April 5, April 12, April 19 and April 26 – 8 AM to 12 noon. Volunteer Registration required prior to volunteering. Please RSVP to Angeline.santiago@RDMD.ocgov.com. For more information, please click here.

Citizen Science on the Beach - Grunion Greeters Wanted!

Volunteer “Grunion Greeters” experience a grunion run and witness the remarkable behavior of the silvery little fish as they come completely ashore to spawn. Peak spawning season typically occurs from April through early June. Grunion runs occur late at night, twice a month, after the highest tides associated with a full or new moon.

Volunteers must attend a workshop prior to spawning season (advanced RSVP’s required). An Orange County workshop will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 6:30-8:00 PM, at the Muth Interpretive Center in Newport Beach. Space is limited. For more information, please click here.

Dana Point Earth/Ocean Day Neighborhood Cleanup

Kids & adults are invited to help cleanup their neighborhood, Lantern Village, and Dana Point Harbor on Saturday, April 19 at 9 AM (gloves and bags provided). An after-party will be held at La Plaza Park with free pizza and refreshments for participants. For more information, please click here.

Earth Day San Clemente

Enjoy live entertainment, displays, demonstrations, vendor booths, and Kid’s Area with arts & crafts and face painting. Saturday, April 19, 10am – 2pm, Parque Del Mar (next to the San Clemente Pier). For more information, please click here.

Celebrate Parkland!

Please join Laguna Canyon Foundation and The Conservation Fund in celebrating the addition of five parcels to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Your vote for Proposition 12 in 2000 has enabled them to purchase a total of 238 acres with park bond funding administered by the California Coastal Conservancy. Land acquisition is part of their ongoing effort to preserve, protect and enhance the South Coast Wilderness.

When: Wednesday, April 23 at 4:15 PM
Where: Acquisition site
Park: At or near Alta Laguna Park and follow the signs to the ceremony

For more information, please call Laguna Canyon Foundation at 949-497-8324 or e-mail lagunacf2@lagunacanyon.org.

TCA Native Habitat Spring Tours

The public is invited to enjoy our spectacular wildflowers this spring as part of the Transportation Corridor Agencies’ (TCA) 2008 Native Habitat Tour Series. The tours are led by biologists and scientists through open space areas that were protected or restored during construction of the 73, 241, 261, and 133 Toll Roads. The first of four free tours offered by TCA is:

Siphon Reservoir
Burn Recovery Hike
April 12, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Explore the trails and learn more about the flora, fauna, geology and history of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists and OC Parks staff! Below are a few of the opportunities that are being offered. For more information, please click here.

• Saturday, April 12
  Wildflower Hike
  9-11:30 a.m.
  Look for edible plants and learn to identify native bloomers on this 5-mile hike with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists Nadine Nordstrom and Len Gardner. Meet at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations suggested: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3.



• Sunday, April 13
  Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride
  9 a.m.-noon
  Enjoy ocean and canyon views on this 8- to 15-mile ride led by Laguna Canyon Foundation mountain bike trail assistants. RESERVATIONS AND HELMETS REQUIRED, call 949-923-2235. Meet at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Big Bend Staging Area (ask for directions when making reservation). Parking: $3.



• Thursday, April 17
  Fitness Hike
  9-11 a.m.
  Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 3.5- to 5-mile hike with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist Helen Flanagan. Meet at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, just north of 73 Tollroad). Reservations suggested: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3.



• Saturday, April 19
  Keep It Wild Volunteer Day
  8-11 a.m.
  Volunteers help Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks staff with exotic plant removal and other restoration projects. Meet at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations suggested. For additional information, please call 949-923-2235. Free (parking fee waived).



• Saturday, April 19
  Techno Trek
  9 a.m.–noon
  First join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist David Louton for a short discussion and demonstration of high-tech items for the trail such as GPS devices, green lasers, binoculars, cameras, portable weather stations and astronomy aids. A moderate, 3.5-mile hike to practice using this equipment will follow. Meet at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, west side, just south of El Toro Road intersection). Reservations suggested: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3.



• Sunday, April 20
  Birding Hike
  8-11 a.m.
  Spot spring and migratory birds with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist Paul Klahr on this hike through one of the most diverse plant communities in the United States. Bring binoculars. Meet at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Nix Nature Center, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 5 miles south of I-5/405). RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3.
  
  

Saturday Morning Nature Walks at O'Neill Regional Park

Join Park Rangers or Naturalists for an easy 1.5 mile nature walk through various habitats to learn about the Park's diverse plant communities and local wildlife. Meet at the Nature Center Amphitheatre on Saturday mornings at 9:00am. The Nature Walk is canceled if the park receives significant rainfall within the previous 48 hours. Please call the park office at (949) 923-2260 for current conditions and program schedule. For more information about Saturday Morning Nature Walks, please click here. For information about O'Neill Regional Park, please click here.

Saturday Night Campfires at Caspers Wilderness Park

Bring family and friends to camp out and join park staff for the Saturday Night Campfire Program at Caspers Wilderness Park from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. This 1 hour program involves various activities such as slide shows, live animals, poetry, singing, theatrical skits, as well as many artifact and ‘eco-fact’ displays, including animal skulls and skins. This program is limited to overnight family campers. For more information, please call the park office at (949) 923-2210 or click here. For information about Caspers Wilderness Park, please click here.

Sunday Morning Nature Walks at Caspers Wilderness Park

Join Park Rangers for an easy 1-mile nature walk to learn about the park's diverse plant communities and local wildlife. Meet near the old windmill on Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. The Nature Walk is canceled if the park receives significant rainfall within the previous 48 hours. For more information, please call the park office at (949) 923-2210 or click here. For information about Caspers Wilderness Park, please click here.

America's Family Pet Expo Returns to Orange County

America's Family Pet Expo, the world's largest consumer pet show, returns to the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa on Friday, Saturday & Sunday (April 11, 12 & 13) from 10 AM to 6 PM. Dancing dogs, petting zoos, an exotic bird show, a parade of Adorable Adoptables, and Gibson "The World's Tallest Dog", are only the beginning. This fun-filled, family-friendly event features more than 1,000 animals from hundreds of species in stage shows, demos and competitions.

At America's Family Pet Expo, participants emphasize the importance of responsible pet care of a wide variety of pets, teach the principles of proper pet selection and training, offer a vast array of fine pet products, promote pet adoptions, and help people to better appreciate the wonderful ways in which pets make our lives better. For more information, please click here.

Living History Day – Second Saturdays at the Mission

On Saturday, April 12, come and enjoy Mission San Juan Capistrano's Living History Day. Also known as 'Second Saturdays', this event is held on the second Saturday of each month, 11 AM – 2 PM. The Living History Society helps history come alive for visitors of Mission San Juan Capistrano. This group of dedicated volunteers entertains adults and children of all ages, sharing their love of history through the characters they portray. The Society creates drama and intrigue while providing historical information through stories, demonstrations and crafts. For more information, please click here.

Among my many meetings, briefings, and other supervisorial activities, I also:

• Attended the 18th Annual Regional Cities Ball hosted by the South Orange County Regional Chambers of Commerce. For more information, please click here.
• Met with representatives of the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs to discuss the Police Community Reconciliation Program
• Attended the South Coast Apartment Association’s 8th Annual Greater Excellence in Management & Maintenance Awards Banquet to present a special award. For more information, please click here.
• Joined El Toro Water District officials for a tour of the El Toro Regional Reservoir. The R6 Reservoir, which currently holds 275 million gallons, is the largest covered drinking water reservoir in all of Orange County. The focus of the tour was to provide an overview of how imported water is conveyed to South County, the County's dependence on imported water, and what South County is continuing to do to improve the system and reliability of supply.