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. Health Herald

4. County Connections

5. Critter Chronicles

6. Notes From The Field

7. South County Calendar

8. 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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Sheriff-Coroner Selection Process Update

At Tuesday’s meeting, the Board of Supervisors discussed procedures and protocols for conducting the public interviews of our Sheriff-Coroner candidate finalists, which will be held May 27. After formal review of 48 applications from around the nation, executive search firm Bob Murray & Associates recommended 10 candidates for interviews based on their law enforcement experience, professional credentials and years of service in public safety.

With regard to the process, I stated that the interviews should be fair and objective, including one round of baseline questions for all candidates followed by additional questions from each Supervisor that may be specific to each candidate and their experience. Please be assured that we have worked diligently to ensure a fair, professional and transparent selection procedure. To view the list of finalist candidates to be interviewed on May 27, please click here. To view the discussion at our May 13 Board meeting, please click here.

A-4 Skyhawk Veteran’s Memorial

In 1999, the Board of Supervisors took possession of a decommissioned A-4 Skyhawk plane at the request of the Orange County Marine Corps Memorial Foundation (OCMCMF) whose plan was to erect a Veteran’s Memorial in the Civic Center’s Walk of Honor adjacent to the Hall of Administration. As a non-profit organization, the OCMCMF has spent the last nine years fundraising for this project, finally reaching their goal of $250,000.

I supported action to finalize the agreement between the County and OCMCMF, allowing the project to be completed in honor of our brave men and women of the United States Marine Corps. Lastly, we salute the late Captain Dan McCoy (Ret. – Santa Ana Police Department) who created the vision for this project. To view plans for the site, please click here. To view an artist rendering, please click here.

Victim Assistance Grants

Each year, the State of California’s Office of Emergency Services offers non-competitive grant funding for a $2.5 million program consisting of victim, witness assistance and gang victim services in Orange County. The County budgets matching funds of $27,500 for this program. A non-competitive grant requires that the County contract with the State procured contractor, Community Service Programs (CSP). Specifically, CSP will administer Restitution Services, Witness Services, Statutory Rape Victim Services, Domestic Violence Assistance Program Services, and Child Dependency Services. These important services are among the array of public safety programs offered to victims in need.

Quality Assurance Board for Institutional Health Services

At last week’s Board meeting, there was discussion regarding whether the Emergency Medical Services Quality Assurance Board should investigate emergency situations that occur within our jails. At this week’s meeting, the Health Care Agency (HCA) offered as an alternative the creation of a Quality Assurance Board specifically for Institutional Health Services.

I support bringing together Sheriff’s Department and HCA staff and members of the community with correctional medicine experience to discuss medical issues arising in our jails. HCA staff will be working with County Counsel to resolve matters concerning medical confidentiality and disclosure and will report back to the Board with proposed bylaws in 60 days.

Oso Parkway/I-5 Interchange Improvements Update

As a result of discussions with the California Transportation Commission (CTC), the Oso Parkway/I-5 interchange improvements project is on target for accelerated funding by the CTC this June. We have worked diligently with Caltrans to ensure this project remains a top priority for the Commission with no further delays.

I-5/Crown Valley Parkway Off-Ramp Improvements

I’m also pleased to report that Caltrans will soon begin improvements at the intersection of the southbound I-5/Crown Valley Parkway off-ramp. Construction is expected to begin within two weeks and should be complete by the end of the year.

The project proposes to widen the southbound off-ramp at the Crown Valley Parkway intersection. Currently, the off-ramp has 2 left-turn and 2 right-turn lanes. The project will add a third dedicated left turn lane for motorists traveling eastbound on Crown Valley Parkway as well as 4-foot shoulders and a concrete retaining wall on each side of the ramp. Once the new lane is added, an additional 400 vehicles will be able to move through the intersection each hour than are currently able to do so, relieving congestion on the off-ramp and the freeway.

Streambed Alteration Agreement for 241 Toll Road

The California Department of Fish and Game has issued a Streambed Alteration Agreement for the 241 Toll Road, finalizing 63 measures the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) committed to implement to protect fish and wildlife resources during construction and operation of the roadway. As part of the Agreement, TCA will submit a Biological Resources Management Plan to the Department of Fish and Game with specific design and implementation features “to ensure the long term perpetuation of the existing diversity of habitats through restoration in the project area and adjacent urban interface zones and to prevent offsite or indirect effects.” For more information, please click here.

Hot Spell Brings Risk of Heat Related Illnesses

The National Weather Service is predicting near record high temperatures for some areas of Orange County over the next several days, and area residents are urged to take precautions to prevent heat related illnesses. Remember that your pets need extra water and shade, too! For more information, please click here.

Registrar of Voters to Kick-Off Early Voting

The Orange County Registrar of Voters is set to begin Early Voting for the June 3, 2008 Statewide Direct Primary at 11 locations throughout Orange County. Early Voting will run from May 18 to May 27. Early Voting is suitable for many voters that do not wish to vote-by-mail and also cannot make it to their polling place on Election Day. The Registrar of Voters is providing Early Voting at convenient locations throughout Orange County including John Wayne Airport and various malls and city halls. Early Voting will also be taking place at the Registrar of Voters office. For more information, please click here.

Registrar of Voters Extends Hours on Registration Deadline

The Orange County Registrar of Voters has extended its office hours for this coming Monday, May 19, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to allow greater flexibility for citizens wishing to register to vote for the June 3, 2008 Statewide Direct Primary Election. The Registrar of Voters will also be offering early voting and will accept voted vote-by-mail ballots during the extended hours. Any eligible citizen may register to vote and any registered voter in Orange County may vote at the Registrar of Voters office, 1300 South Grand Avenue, Building C, Santa Ana.

Early Voting Offered at John Wayne Airport

John Wayne Airport (JWA), in cooperation with the Registrar of Voters, will offer travelers the opportunity to be among the first to cast their ballots in Orange County’s 2008 primary election. Between Saturday, May 17 and Tuesday, May 27, the Orange County Registrar of Voters will offer early voting at JWA, between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.

As the voting booths are located on the Terminal Concourse, beyond the security screening checkpoints, voters wishing to cast their ballot at JWA must be ticketed passengers, or Airport employees or tenants with valid identification. For more information, please click here. For information about registering to vote, please contact the Registrar of Voters at www.ocvote.com or (714) 567-7600.

Open House Kicks Off National Public Works Week

Orange County Public Works hosts its annual Open House, Collector Car and Motorcycle Show on Saturday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its Katella Yard Facility. This year’s event features an Alternative Fuel Vehicle Expo and exhibits on construction equipment operation, graffiti abatement, road engineering, pump station and dam operations, County trails, and other displays. Kids will have the opportunity to see heavy duty construction equipment up close, play in an air-filled jumper and participate in many interactive activities. There will be free hot dogs, chips and drinks for all visitors.

The Open House will be located across from the Honda Center at the Katella Yard Facility at 1750 Douglass Road in Anaheim. For more information about the Open House, please call (714) 567-6300. For information on OC Public Works, please call (714) 834-2300 or click here.

Emergency Medical Services Week: May 19 thru 25

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week in Orange County marks its 6th anniversary in 2008, promoting health and safety through awareness and education. The County of Orange Health Care Agency and its EMS partners throughout Orange County have planned a month-long celebration featuring free services, demonstrations, and educational opportunities.

Most EMS Week events are free and open to the public, and we encourage you to participate. Education and prevention are two important ways we can keep ourselves and our families safe from harm. For more information, please click here.

Explore Orange County History: “A Day at the Ranch”

The Orange County Historical Commission and OC Parks invite the public to explore Orange County’s newest historic park – Irvine Ranch. “A Day at the Ranch” will take place at Irvine Ranch Historic Park, 13042 Old Myford Road in Irvine (across the street from the Irvine Marketplace) on May 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This special preview event is free and open to the public. For more information, please click here.

JWA Awarded Prestigious Airport Safety Award

John Wayne Airport (JWA) has been awarded the Airport Safety Award by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Western Pacific Region. Each year, one airport in the region is recognized for its ongoing commitment to operational safety.

According to George Aiken, Manager of Safety and Standards for the FAA's Western-Pacific Airports Division, JWA has maintained a consistent record of operational safety despite the limited size and high number of operations occurring on the airfield on a daily basis. The FAA found that JWA’s ability to safely host a diverse operational mix of aircraft routinely in close proximity both in the air and on the ground was exemplary of the safe and efficient manner in which the Airport operates.

2nd Annual Trevor Win’E Memorial Day Fitness Challenge

As a way to say “thank you” to our military troops serving overseas, the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) will host the 2nd Annual Trevor Win’E Memorial Fitness Challenge on Monday, May 26 at 9 a.m. at its Training Facility Drill Grounds (located at 1 Fire Authority Rd. in Irvine). The money raised will buy cooling vests for soldiers serving abroad. The Challenge is in memory of Army SPC Trevor Anthony Win’E, from Orange, who was killed in the line of duty in Iraq in 2004. Team workouts will occur simultaneously on Memorial Day at the OCFA Drill Grounds and other locations world-wide, including fire departments, police departments, and CrossFit affiliate gyms. For more information, please click here.

Improving the Quality of Life of our Shelter Animals

I recently met with Animal Care Services (ACS) to discuss concerns about current conditions at the Animal Shelter, including the lack of warm water for bathing the animals inhabiting the facility. As a result of these discussions, ACS agreed that a portable hot water unit would be an excellent addition to the Shelter. The new hot water unit will enable all dogs in the Shelter to be bathed in warm water, increasing comfort levels for volunteers and pooches alike. The water heater is among the enhancements ongoing at the Animal Shelter and demonstrates ACS goals of improved customer service, encouraging volunteers, and providing a better quality of life for our Shelter animals.

TCA Native Habitat Spring Tours

These tours are led by biologists and scientists through open space areas protected or restored during construction of The Toll Roads. The fourth and final tour offered by TCA is:

BONITA WETLANDS
Restoration & Bird Watching Tours
May 17
Bird Watching: 6 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Restoration Hike: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Guided Hikes in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

• Saturday, May 17
  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. Bring your own work gloves or use the ones provided. Wear sunscreen, a hat, sturdy shoes, and long sleeves. Meet at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations suggested. For additional information, call 949-923-2235. Free (parking fee waived).



• Saturday, May 17
  Native Plants & Pollinators Hike
  8-11 a.m.
  Join Sarah Jayne, Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist and president of the Native Plant Society, to learn about the plants of Laurel Canyon and their pollinators. 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, May 18
  Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride
  9 a.m.-12 p.m.
  Enjoy ocean and canyon views on this 8- to 15-mile ride led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists and 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, May 22
  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, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, west side, just south of El Toro Road intersection). Reservations suggested: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3.
  
  

Events and Programs at OC Parks

To see a list of events and programs being offered in the month of May at OC Parks throughout the 5th District, please click here.

Rancho Days Fiesta at Heritage Hill Historical Park

On Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Rancho Days Fiesta at Heritage Hill Historical Park will celebrate the colorful history of the Saddleback Valley with music, entertainment and crafts for the whole family. Piñatas, butter and ice cream churning and candle dipping are just some of the period-appropriate activities available. The day will include traditional performances of Native American music and dance, Ballet Folklorico de San Juan Capistrano and much more! Heritage Hill Historical Park is located at 25151 Serrano Road in Lake Forest. For more information, please click here.

10th Annual ‘Fun with Chalk’ Street Painting Festival

The 10th Annual ‘Fun with Chalk’ Street Painting Festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, located at 24932 Veterans Way in Mission Viejo. This nationally renowned Festival features hundreds of artists of all ages and levels who create masterpieces directly on asphalt. Art workshops, free entertainment, music, and food will be available both days. Admission and parking are free. This is one annual family event you should not miss! For more information, please click here.

Passport to San Juan Capistrano History

Celebrate National Historic Preservation Month! San Juan's celebration - a "Passport to San Juan Capistrano History" - will culminate in their annual historic building tour on Saturday, May 17, 11 AM – 3 PM. A free shuttle bus will take tour participants between the Library and the Los Rios District for the complete tour. For more information, please click here.

10th Annual Laguna Hills Memorial Half Marathon & 5K

This Memorial Day, May 26, marks the 10th annual City of Laguna Hills Memorial Half Marathon & 5K (previously the Saddleback Memorial Half Marathon & 5K). This favorite Memorial Day running event takes place in the fabulous 5th District cities of Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Woods, and Laguna Niguel. Runners and walkers of all experience levels are invited to come out and enjoy the Memorial Day festivities! With a half marathon (13.1 miles), 5K Run/Walk (3.1 miles) and a Kid’s Run (1/2 Mile), there is something for everyone! Online registration for the 2008 event will remain open until May 21. For more information, please click here.

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

• Toured the Santa Ana jail
• Attended the Kinship Center dinner and salute in honor of my colleague, Supervisor Bill Campbell
• Adjourned the Board of Supervisors meeting in memory of Nancy Russell Shank of San Clemente