February 15, 2008 |
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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 Update
3. Important Health Information
4. South County Calendar
5. Fifth District Wrap-Up
OUR STAFF..
Justin McCusker:
Chief of Staff
Sergio Prince:
Executive Director of Public Affairs
Eileen Takata:
Executive Policy Advisor
Jeff Corless:
Executive Policy Advisor
Elise Lampe:
Executive Policy Advisor
Ruth Strachan:
Executive Secretary II
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BOARD BULLETIN BOARD |
No Board Meeting This Week
There was no regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Supervisors this week. Our next Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 26. |
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TRANSPORTATION UPDATE |
TCA Appeals Coastal Commission Decision on 241 Toll Road
The Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) has filed an appeal to the decision by the California Coastal Commission, which objected to the coastal consistency certification for the 16-mile Toll Road completion in South Orange County on February 6.
The appeal was filed with the U.S. Department of Commerce. Under the federal Coastal Zone Management Act, the Secretary of the Department of Commerce has the authority to override the Coastal Commission’s objection to the consistency certification if the Secretary finds that the Project is consistent with the objectives and purposes of the federal Coastal Zone Management Act or is necessary in the interest of national security. The federal regulations establish a 235 day deadline for the Secretary's consideration of the TCA's appeal. For more information, please click here.
2008 Freeway Projects
The Orange County Transportation Authority will move forward this year with beginning a number major overhaul projects on Orange County’s freeways totaling $2.8 billion. Many of these projects will be completed over the next ten years funded by several programs including the Measure M ½ cent sales tax and the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) consisting of federal and state gasoline tax dollars for highway rehabilitation.
I am including below a preliminary list of the projects planned in the county and will provide project specific updates for you throughout the year. Some projects are ready for construction and others are in the design or study phase. Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any questions.
Ready for Construction:
Interstate 5 Freeway
- Improvements at the Oso Parkway interchange, $30 million
- Improvements at the Pico interchange, $5 million
- Improvements at the Culver Interchange, $3 million
- Additional lanes from SR-91 to the Los Angeles County line, $335 million
State Route 22 Freeway
- New lanes from Valley View to SR-55
Under Design and Awaiting Estimates:
Interstate 5 Freeway
- Improvements at the Camino Capistrano interchange, $20 million
State Route 57 Freeway
- New Northbound lane from Orangethorpe to Yorba Linda, $70 million
- New Northbound lane from Yorba Linda to Lambert, $70 million
State Route 91 Freeway
- New Eastbound lane from SR-241 to SR-71, $100 million
Interstate 405 Freeway
- Interchange improvements at SR-22, $180 million
- Interchange improvements at I-605, $220 million
Under Study:
Interstate 5 Freeway
- New HOV Lanes from Avenida Pico to Pacific Coast Highway, $250 million
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IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION |
Influenza Activity Increasing in Orange County
Reports from health care providers and laboratories indicate that influenza activity in Orange County is increasing, mirroring a trend being seen in the rest of California and nationwide. In addition to influenza, there are a number of other respiratory viruses circulating in the community. Flu shots are still available from the Orange County Health Care Agency for individuals at-risk of severe complications from influenza. These include adults 50 years of age and older, those with chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease, children from six through 59 months of age and pregnant women. Information about flu shots is available by calling the Health Care Agency’s Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448. For more information, please click here. |
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SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR |
37th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales
A different type of tourist is traveling along the West Coast this winter and heading to Baja during its annual migration: the majestic California Gray Whale. The whales began their migration in late November, but from March 1 through March 9, thousands of these 35-ton leviathans will splash through the Fifth District seaside community of Dana Point – the West Coast’s premier location to meet and greet these incredible creatures – during the 37th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales.
The Dana Point Festival of Whales is one of Southern California’s largest seafaring celebrations and reaches out to whale admirers around the world. Dana Point is teeming with festivities every winter during this special time of year, offering something for everyone. Festival highlights include parades, street faires, art exhibits, concerts, environmental activities, educational opportunities, crafts, and of course, whale watching excursions that will allure even the most steadfast landlubber out to sea! For more information, please click here. |
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FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP |
Among my many meetings, briefings, and other supervisorial activities, I also:
- Met with Acting Sheriff Jack Anderson to discuss current events
My office also:
- Attended an Orange County Forum luncheon on International Trade and Investment featuring His Royal Highness, Prince Andrew, The Duke of York
- Attended a Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting event to present a Certificate of Recognition in honor of the Grand Opening of Laguna-Dana Urgent Care in Laguna Niguel
My staff and I look forward to continually providing you updated information in our Fifth District Newsletter and website.
Please feel free to contact my office with your concerns, comments or questions at (714) 834-3550.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your Supervisor for Orange County's Fabulous Fifth District.
Thank you so much for your support! |
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