Grand Jury Review of Jail Medical Services

The Orange County Grand Jury conducted an investigation and review of medical services provided throughout the County jail system. The report focuses on review of staffing levels, length of time to conduct staffing background checks, staff turnover ratios, and the use of technology and communications.

I have included the County’s approved response to this report, verifying that the Health Care Agency has either implemented or is currently studying and developing action plans for implementation of the Grand Jury’s recommendations. I have also asked staff to provide follow-up to the Board on their progress with recommendations that have yet to be implemented. To view the Grand Jury report, please click here. To view the County’s response, please click here.

Office of Independent Review

At Tuesday’s meeting, the Board of Supervisors voted to appoint Steve Connolly as Executive Director of the newly created Office of Independent Review (OIR). Connolly joins the County after seven years with the Los Angeles County OIR. He will begin his new position on September 1.

The OIR was established to monitor, assist and advise the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner in investigations of peace officer complaints and incidents of death or serious injury to persons while in custody of the Sheriff’s Department. Additional responsibilities of the oversight unit include providing status reports and findings to the Board of Supervisors and Sheriff-Coroner on OIR investigations, reports to the community, as well as recognition of employees who perform their duties in an exemplary manner. For more information, please click here.

OCERS Comprehensive Annual Financial Report

The Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) Board of Retirement is required to furnish a sworn statement, exhibiting the financial condition of the retirement system to the Orange County Board of Supervisors. To that end, the Board received and filed the 2007 Financial Statements of OCERS. To view sections of the OCERS Comprehensive Annual Financial Report pertaining to the Statement of Plan Net Assets, Statement of Changes in Plan Net Assets and Notes to the Basic Financial Statements, please click here. For more information, please click here.

Free SAT Practice Test at Mission Viejo Library

The Mission Viejo Library is offering a free SAT practice test day on Saturday, August 30 from 9:00 AM -1:30 PM. High school students will be able to take a full-length SAT exam under realistic testing conditions without affecting their college record. The test will be held in the Saddleback Room at the end of City Hall. Students need to bring is two #2 pencils and a calculator. Pre-registration is required. Teens may pre-register either in person at the Reference Desk or by calling 949-830-7100 ext. 5105.

Participating teens and their parents are also encouraged to come to the Saddleback Room at the Mission Viejo Library on Thursday, September 4 from 6:00-7:00 PM for the SAT Score Back and Parent Information Night. At this time students will receive a score report showing their strengths and weaknesses.

Harry Lawrence: “Mr. Laguna”

On Tuesday, my office had the great pleasure of presenting a proclamation to Mr. Harry Lawrence, also affectionately known as “Mr. Laguna.” The occasion took place in the Laguna Beach City Council Chambers, where Harry also received commendations from President Bush, Governor Schwarzenegger, Congressman John Campbell, Senator Tom Harman, Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, in addition to the Laguna Beach City Council and the Chamber of Commerce.

Harry has the nickname of "Mr. Laguna" for a very good reason. A Laguna Beach resident since 1947, he has been the driving force behind numerous organizations and beautification movements that helped make Laguna Beach the special place it is today. Additionally, this year on October 1, Harry will celebrate his 95th birthday – which will be officially declared “Harry Lawrence Day” in Laguna Beach! For more information about legendary civic activist Harry Lawrence – “Mr. Laguna” – please click here.

OCFA’s Heavy Rescue 6 Ready for the Big One

In the wake of the recent earthquake just south of Chino Hills, Orange County Fire Authority’s (OCFA) ability to respond to a large scale earthquake or other major emergency including terrorism and industrial accidents is greatly enhanced with Heavy Rescue 6. This state-of-the-art rescue truck is available for a local response with a highly-trained staff of Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) personnel.

Heavy Rescue 6 will respond to earthquakes or other disasters that require search and rescue, breaching, breaking, cutting, and shoring. Equipment on Heavy Rescue 6 is the best and contains the most technically advanced equipment including a wide variety of saws, torches, lumber, and extrication tools along with a full complement of ropes and rigging. For more information, please click here.

Treasurer Chriss Street

The District Attorney of Orange County has finished his investigation into various allegations of misconduct by Treasurer Chriss Street and concluded the evidence does not support any findings of wrong doing and considers the matters closed. For more information, please click here.

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! For more information, please click here.

Events and Programs at OC Parks

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

Living History Day and Second Saturday Art Fair

On Saturday, August 9, 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 from 11 AM to 2 PM. The Living History Society makes history come alive for visitors of Mission San Juan Capistrano. The Society creates drama and intrigue while providing historical information through stories, demonstrations and crafts. For more information, please click here.

Also on August 9, San Juan Capistrano will host it's "Second Saturday Art Fair" from 11 AM to 5 PM. The Art Fair is a monthly event, showcasing over 50 artists, craftspeople, musicians, and performers who display their work in the parks and plazas along downtown Camino Capistrano, Verdugo and Los Rios Streets. It is held in conjunction with Living History Day. For more information, please click here.

54th Annual Fiesta Street Festival

The San Clemente Street Festival is held on picturesque Avenida Del Mar, where the two main blocks of downtown San Clemente are dedicated to an entire day of FUN on the second Sunday in August from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

The Fiesta Street Festival has a variety of activities that attract numerous families and visitors to the "Spanish Village by the Sea" each year. The Fiesta Street Festival on August 10 features three stages, and participants can enjoy music throughout the day and into the evening. Whatever your taste is in music and dancing, the Fiesta will have it.

More activities include a Salsa Challenge, arts & crafts show, Classic Car & Harley Bike show, exhibits, clowns, jugglers, face painters and much more. Booths will provide an array of international food, refreshments and games for all ages. Contests for all ages are also planned, such as a Pie Eating Contest, Hula Hoop Contest, Diaper Derby, Piñata Contest, Jump Rope, Tortilla Toss and a Pickle Eating Contest. For more information, please click here.

• Attended a Laguna Beach City Council meeting to present a proclamation to legendary civic activist Harry Lawrence, affectionately known as “Mr. Laguna.”