Dana Point Harbor Water Quality Monitoring Plan

Improved water quality throughout the County remains a top priority for me. The Board’s approval on Tuesday of the Harbor Water Quality Monitoring Plan will allow coordinated monitoring of all harbors within the jurisdiction of the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board. This coordination will ensure all information and lessons learned from previous efforts are utilized to best address any challenge other harbors may face. As such, I believe this endeavor will provide for improved results in our harbors.

Improvements Approved for Ladera Ranch

The Board approved Amendments within two Ladera Ranch Community Facilities Districts to allow for completion of a variety of community-based projects including street improvements, water improvements, storm drains, and utilities.

Senior Non Emergency Medical Transportation

The Senior Non Emergency Medical Transportation (SNEMT) Program will continue with its current vendors: St. Jude Hospital, South County Senior Services, and St. Anselm’s Senior Cross-Cultural Community Center. The SNEMT Program provides transportation services for seniors who are ineligible for the Orange County Transportation Authority’s Access program, but still need assistance getting to non emergency medical appointments. The continuation of these contracts will cut down on the confusing process of sending seniors to a different provider. For more information about senior transportation, please click here.

Science Adventures Day Camps Coming to OC Parks

The Board granted a license to Science Adventures Day Camps to provide educational opportunities for our residents this summer. Each day camp will last one week and begin on the dates listed below at the following park locations:

Laguna Niguel Regional Park (949) 923-2240	June 23 & 30; July 7, 14, 21 & 28
Craig Regional Park (714) 973-3180	June 21 & 28; August 4 & 11
Mason Regional Park (949) 923-2220	July 28; August 4
Yorba Regional Park (714) 973-6864	June 23 & 30; July 7 & 14

For more information, please contact OC Parks staff at the designated phone number provided above.

Musick Jail Expansion Presentation

At our Tuesday meeting, Acting Sheriff Anderson updated the Board with progress being made on planning and design for the James A. Musick Jail Enhancement Project, which is in its early phase. To view the presentation, showing initial concepts and potential renderings for Board review, please click here.

COPLINK

I joined my Board colleagues in supporting the Integrated Law & Justice Agency for Orange County (ILJAOC) Joint Powers Authority agreement. ILJAOC was formed in 2006 to facilitate the integration and sharing of criminal justice information. Members of the ILJAOC joint powers authority include all Orange County cities; the Superior Court; the University of California at Irvine (UCI) Police Department; and the County of Orange.

COPLINK is one of several initiatives under ILJAOC management. COPLINK allows criminal justice agencies to find associations and spatial relationships between suspects, their associates and crimes. COPLINK can sort crime patterns and affiliations, linking them for immediate analysis and enhancing officer and public safety.

As Supervisor of the District with the most cities contracting with the Sheriff’s Department for Police Services, I am pleased we have achieved this major milestone, which establishes greater connectivity among numerous law enforcement agencies to keep criminals off the streets and stop crime before it happens.

DNA Analysis for Investigations

Currently, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Forensic Science Services Division (FSS) contracts with Applied Biosystems for human identification reagent kits for DNA typing conducted in their DNA Laboratory for investigations. My Board colleagues and I approved a price increase to the contractor’s agreement due to the need for purchasing additional reagent kits. In recent months, many local police agencies in Orange County have increased their demand for FSS to analyze and process DNA used in their respective investigations. This is a regional service provided by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to a number of local law enforcement agencies.

Law Enforcement Information Exchange

The Board ratified the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, allowing the Sheriff's Department to participate in the Southern California Law Enforcement Information Exchange (SoCal LInX). According to the 9-11 Commission Report, inadequate information-sharing among law enforcement agencies was one of the greatest failures of government leading up to the 9-11 terrorist attacks. LInX is a law enforcement tool that addresses this problem.

LInX is a regional warehouse of law enforcement records databases, which significantly improves the sharing of information among participating agencies including identifying and locating criminals, terrorists and their supporters. It also identifies, assesses and responds to criminal and terrorist risks and threats in the effort to prevent, detect and prosecute criminal and terrorist activities. The Counties of Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura currently participate in the Southern California sector of LInX.

Crown Valley Traffic Relief Project Update

As part of the ongoing construction on the north side of Crown Valley Parkway, the outside westbound lane between Marguerite Parkway and Puerta Real will be closed periodically during the next few weeks between the hours of 9 AM and 3:30 PM to facilitate the construction of the new westbound lane.

In addition, the southbound right turn lane on Marguerite Parkway to westbound Crown Valley Parkway will be closed continuously during the construction of the new right turn lane. Both the new westbound lane on Crown Valley Parkway and the new southbound right turn lane on Marguerite Parkway are expected to be completed by the end of June. The median and parkway landscaping improvements are expected to be completed by the end of August. Every effort will be made to minimize impacts to residents, businesses and motorists throughout this and all phases of construction. For more information, please click here.

OCTA Youth Summer Bus Pass

Make this summer the perfect summer! Head for the beach, spend the day at the amusement park, or go shopping at the mall with friends. You can do it all with an OCTA Youth Summer Bus Pass. It’s the perfect pass to ride to wherever you want to go in Orange County.

With a youth Summer Bus Pass, you can ride anywhere OCTA buses go for just $40. It’s good for unlimited rides from June 1 through August 31. That means you can catch a wave in the morning and the latest summer blockbuster in the afternoon. All you have to do to qualify is be age 18 years of age or younger. Summer is almost here, so don’t wait. Make this the perfect summer with the perfect ride – an OCTA Youth Summer Bus Pass! For more information, please click here.

Bus Service Change Highlights

Bus Service Change Highlights summarizes upcoming service improvements to the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) bus system. These improvements are made to better serve you, their customers. Service may be adjusted four times a year (March, June, September and December) and allows OCTA to respond to customers’ comments and suggestions to improve the bus system. For specific route and schedule information, please look for OCTA’s Bus Book — dated June 8, 2008 — on buses and in schedule racks throughout the County. For more information, please click here.

Bus Service Change Highlights to be implemented on June 8 in the 5th District include:

ROUTE 89
Mission Viejo to Laguna Beach
Saturdays & Sundays: Add summer-only late evening service from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. between the Laguna Hills Transportation Center and the Laguna Beach Bus Station.

OC FAIR FLYERS
Saturdays & Sundays: Begin summer weekend service during the Orange County Fair to the Fairgrounds from San Juan Capistrano (Route 691). This is a direct service route to the Fair with no stops. Get a schedule onboard.

Drivers Choose The Toll Roads to Save Gas

A recent survey of commuters who drive Orange County’s Toll Roads (State Routes 73, 133, 241 and 261) shows many choose the routes to save gas. Known for free-flowing traffic, Orange County’s 51 miles of Toll Roads allow more efficient gas consumption and the option to avoid congested traffic on the 91, 405 and 5 Freeways.

Between April 3 and April 30, TCA conducted an electronic customer survey, with more than 28,000 people responding. About 86 percent of respondents rated TCA’s customer service either “outstanding” or “good” and about 88 percent ranked their overall experience using the Toll Roads as “outstanding” or “good.” The survey data will help TCA improve customer service and operations. For more information, please click here. To view the Customer Survey Results, please click here.

Foothill Ranch Library Closed on Saturday, May 24

Cabriole Street will be closed for street maintenance Saturday, May 24, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM. As it is difficult to safely access Foothill Ranch Library via another route, the County of Orange has decided to close the Library for the entire day. Regular library hours will resume Sunday, May 25.

New Signage for Dana Point Harbor

OC Dana Point Harbor has placed two temporary signs on Harbor Drive. These signs will show the design theme for the new sign program in Dana Point Harbor. The signs will be located at the following locations:

• Median Sign - placed in the median on Dana Point Harbor Drive between Embarcadero Way and Golden Lantern.
• Pole Sign – placed on the southeast corner of Dana Point Harbor Drive and Golden Lantern.

Teen Safety Conference: “Is Your Teen at Risk?”

Parents and teens are invited to attend the “Is Your Teen at Risk?” Safety Conference on Saturday, May 31 from 8am – 1pm. The half-day conference is designed to address a variety of issues and challenges our youth face today. This program is a collaborative effort between the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Orange County Fire Authority, California Highway Patrol, Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Capistrano Unified School District, California Youth Services, and other professionals working in the field of youth risk prevention and education.

Program topics include: substance abuse, chemical dependency, teen driving, street racing, internet safety, computer addictions, youth violence, bullying, teen depression, eating disorders and more. The conference will take place at Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 92629. There is no cost to attend this event. Breakfast and Lunch will be available. To register, please click here. For more information, please click here.

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Below are Memorial Day observances taking place in the 5th District to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation and freedom:

10^th 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! For more information, please click here.

Mission Viejo Memorial Day Observance

The City of Mission Viejo will host a Memorial Day Observance at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, May 26, at the new Veterans Memorial Plaza, located adjacent to the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way. The keynote speaker is Lieutenant Colonel Chad Hedleston, Commanding Officer, Headquarters Battalion, First Marine Division, USMC, Camp Pendleton. James Parker, seventh grade student at Newhart Middle School and winner of the Borders Books teen poetry contest, will read his poem: “None Have Died in Vain”.

The United States Marine Corps Color Guard from the Headquarters Battalion, First Marine Division will present the colors. The Invocation will be provided by Rich Atkinson, Chaplain-Mission Viejo Police Services. Members of VFW Post 6024 will provide the Rifle Salute. Nikki Rockett, a Capistrano Valley High School Student will sing the National Anthem and the Mount of Olives Chancel Choir, under the direction of Greg Ellis, will present several songs during the ceremony. The buglers from the Orange County Sheriffs Department will play taps at the conclusion of the ceremony. For more information, please call 949-470-3000.

Sentimental Journey: The Music of World War II

For every generation, the popular songs of their day provide a unique glimpse of everyday life. To escape shortages, rationing, and the pangs of separation, Americans sang and danced to the music of the great band leaders, to the topical pop hits of Broadway and Tin Pan Alley, and to the best of the Hollywood hit parade from the movies. Through film and video segments and classic recorded music, the City of Mission Viejo pays special tribute to the musical hit parade of World War II in this special SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY Memorial Day celebration.

Date: Monday, May 26
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: Mission Viejo City Hall
Fee: $5 (Veterans are free)

San Clemente Memorial Day Observance

On May 26, the City of San Clemente will once again host a day to remember our fallen soldiers of war. The program will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville. This program is co-sponsored by the SC South Coast Detachment, Marine Corps League, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, MOWW, and many civic organizations and volunteers. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please click here.

Tips for Memorial Day Air Travelers

Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of summer travel season and is traditionally one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. John Wayne Airport (JWA) expects the heaviest airport traffic of the holiday on Friday (May 23) and Tuesday (May 27).

Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and give themselves extra time to find parking, check their luggage and go through the security checkpoint to ensure they are at their gate in time for their flight. JWA encourages passengers to acquaint themselves with current TSA security and baggage screening requirements as well as airline policies. Arriving two hours prior to the flight departure time will help ensure a smooth travel experience. For more information, visit www.ocair.com or call 949-252-5200.

2^nd 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.

Public Budget Workshop Set for May 30

Orange County residents are invited to attend an introduction to the County’s FY 2008-09 budget. Copies of the proposed budget will be available. The workshop will begin at 10 a.m. on May 30 in the Board of Supervisors hearing room, Hall of Administration, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd. in Santa Ana. For directions, please click here.

The free workshop will include discussion of upcoming issues and their anticipated budgetary impact. Some of the topics to be discussed include the budget recommendations overview for FY 2008-09, continuous electronic monitoring with GPS, public mass notification system services, and the DNA laboratory. To pre-register online, please click here. For more information, please call 714-834-6203.

Changes Coming to John Wayne Airport

Change is in the air and on the ground at John Wayne Airport (JWA). Designed to serve 8.4 million annual passengers, the Thomas F. Riley Terminal served nearly 10 million passengers in 2007. As a result, security screening checkpoints, baggage claim, parking and other terminal facilities are operating beyond their design capacity. JWA’s multi-year “Airport Improvement Program” will bring much needed facility improvements to business and leisure travelers who use the Airport. Construction of a new overnight parking area is well underway, restrooms are being renovated, and new power receptacles have been installed in Terminals A and B so passengers can charge their electronic devices.

This fall, Parking Structure B1 will be removed to make room for the new passenger terminal. The new overnight parking area will become Temporary Parking Lot C, located south of existing Parking Structure B1. Lot C will be available for passenger parking until a replacement parking structure is built. During this time, the Airport will have a few hundred less spaces than at present. Travelers are encouraged to allow more time to find parking or consider alternate methods of transportation, especially on the Airport’s busiest days, Tuesday and Wednesday. For more information, please click here.

Early Voting in Orange County

As reported in my newsletter last week, Early Voting for the June 3 Primary Election began last Sunday and will run through May 27. Any registered voter registered in Orange County can vote at any Early Voting site. Early Voting is especially convenient for voters who will not be able to vote at their polling place on June 3. For a complete list of Early Voting sites, please click here.

Registrar of Voters Reminds Voters of Vote-by-Mail Option

The Orange County Registrar of Voters is inviting voters to join the growing number of Permanent Vote-by-Mail voters in the County of Orange. The deadline to request a Vote-by-Mail ballot, whether you wish to receive one permanently or just this election, is Tuesday, May 27.

The County of Orange is approaching 35% of registered voters requesting Vote-by-Mail ballots either permanently or one-time. Vote-by-mail voters are provided flexibility when they vote. Vote-by-mail votes received prior to Election Day are processed prior to Election Day and are the first results reported on Election Night. For more information, please click here.

Ballot Options Chart for Decline-to-State Voters

Something new for the June 3 Primary is a ballot options chart. The Registrar of Voters (ROV) observed firsthand and heard from you that the ballot options in February for Decline-to-State voters was a little confusing. To that end, the ROV has developed an easy-to-read chart that will be placed on your table next to your voter roster. This will provide a graphical representation for Decline-to-State voters so they will know their options. For this election, all three major parties (Democratic, Republican and American Independent) are allowing crossover Decline-to-State voters to vote their party ballot.

Exit Drills in the Home

Nationwide, more than 4,000 people die each year and more than 20,000 people are injured in fires. In the event of a fire, time is of the essence and every second counts! Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly. Once a fire starts in a home, there is no time to plan on how to get out. You may have only 1-2 minutes to get out safely. Sit down with your family and make a step-by-step plan for escaping a fire in your home. For more information, please click here.

Disaster Preparedness for Pets

Guided Hikes in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Explore the trails and learn 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, May 24
  Wildflower Hike
  8-11:30 a.m.
  Join Laguna Canyon Foundation naturalist Dick Newell as he brings the intricacies of nature in focus and helps you spot some late-spring bloomers. This 3.5-mile hike has some steep climbs. Bring plenty of water and binoculars. 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.
  
  
• Thursday, May 29
  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 Toll Road). Reservations suggested: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3.
  
  
• Saturday, May 31
  Fitness, Flora, Fauna and Fun
  8-11:30 a.m.
  Exercise your mind and body with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists Dan Carreras and Dave Terrack on this 3.5-mile hike. Bring plenty of water and binoculars. Meet at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road). 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.

8^th Annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Show

Dana Point Harbor is one of the most spectacular marinas along the California coast. Always full with the highest-quality boats, Dana Point Harbor is home to thousands of watercraft and enthusiasts who enjoy all types of water sport activities throughout the year.

New and used boats and products will be on display both in and out of the water at the 8th Annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Show, May 29 – June 1. The show has earned the reputation as one of the finest and has grown to be known as “the biggest little Boat Show” in California. Each year the show draws close to 100 boats in the water (both power & sail), 50-75 trailer boats on land, and between 50-75 exhibitor displays.

The Boat Show depends upon many volunteers to staff much of the shows infrastructure, such as in-water dock masters, parking attendants, ticket sales, show control, volunteer direction and shuttle/parking managers. In return you'll receive FREE admission for you and a significant other, a FREE lunch and FREE parking! For more information, please click here.

• Attended a Dana Point Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony to present a Certificate of Recognition in honor of the grand opening of Greenfield Communications in Dana Point