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 Tuesday, April 28. For Agenda & Meeting Information, please click here.

Live Internet broadcasts of Board of Supervisors meetings are available and archived as video-on-demand. To view live and/or past Board meetings, please click here.

2nd Annual South County Senior Summit

On Tuesday, May 26, I will once again be joined by the Orange County Office on Aging and South County Senior Services to host the 2nd annual South County Senior Summit. This free event will be held at the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Parkway, in Laguna Hills. Registration will begin at 8 AM, with the program from 9 AM to 12 noon.

The focus of this year’s Senior Summit will be “Baby Boomers, Their Parents, and Technology”, and will feature two leading experts of the caregiving world. Columnist Jane Glenn Haas of The Orange County Register will speak about senior care issues that Baby Boomers and their parents face; and Susan Ayers Walker, nationally renowned senior technology expert and founder of SmartSilvers Alliance, will discuss and present emerging technology specifically designed to support the aging-in-place process.

Many older adults would prefer to stay in their home for as long as possible, in a comfortable and familiar setting; and many senior citizens are more willing than ever to embrace technology that will significantly enhance their quality of life. Such products promote independence, greatly ease communication for older family members, and assist with vital caregiver needs. The products and information presented at this Senior Summit will address these issues and much more.

Attendees of this popular event will be served a complementary continental breakfast and lunch, as well as be able to visit informative vendor booths and win fabulous door prizes. The program will also commence with a stirring “Tribute to our Veterans” ceremony. Seating is limited and reservations are required! To RSVP for the 2nd annual South County Senior Summit, please call the Office on Aging at 1-800-510-2020 today.

Taxpayers Oversight Committee

The Taxpayers Oversight Committee (TOC) is an independent committee formed after the passage of Measure M in 1990. The committee upholds the integrity of the measure by monitoring the use of Measure M funds and ensuring that all revenue collected from Measure M is spent on voter-approved transportation projects.

The TOC is currently recruiting for the 2009 term! If you live in the First, Second, Fourth or Fifth Supervisorial District and are interested in applying, click here to fill out the application. Applications will be accepted until May 1, 2009. For more information regarding the application process, please contact Alice Rogan of the Orange County Transportation Authority at (714) 560-5577 or email her at arogan@octa.net For more information, please click here.

Community Indicators Report Available Online

The ninth annual Community Indicators Report, published by the County along with its partners – the Children and Families Commission of Orange County and the Orange County Business Council – was presented to the Board of Supervisors last month. Included in the report are key markers of economic, social and environmental trends in Orange County, along with comparisons to other areas in the state and nation.

Each year, the Community Indicators report is assembled through a collaborative effort by many County departments, as well as other agencies and organizations. These groups have contributed information and data during the preparation of the report that allows for a broad range of statistical markers to be included. These indicators are used by many public and private organizations as they develop their own internal strategic plans and policies. The 2009 Community Indicators report is available online here.

Mission Viejo Television Wins Awards

Mission Viejo Television (MVTV) won three national Telly Awards for three community programs that were among more than 14,000 entries from across the globe at the 30th Annual Telly Awards.

The City received the prestigious awards for “The Animal House – Wildlife Special,” directed by Chris Cardenas, and the “20th Anniversary Special,” produced and directed by Eric Winter. With the help of Sheriff’s Deputy Brad Blakely, the “Safety, Teens & Traffic” show also received a Telly Award.

MVTV, which is available 24/7 on Cox Cable channel 30, is Mission Viejo’s government access channel that broadcasts live City Council meetings and produces an array of local, informational and youth programs as well as a community bulletin board.

The three award-winning programs can be seen on MVTV channel 30 or via live video streaming on the City’s Web site at http://cityofmissionviejo.org. For more information about MVTV, call 949-581-6888 or visit the City’s Web site.

Mission Viejo’s Chief of Police Sets Sail for Retirement

Mission Viejo’s Chief of Police Services Lt. Steve Bernardi retires today after serving as the City’s chief since 2003 and after more than three decades in law enforcement. Under his strong leadership, Part 1 crimes – the most serious of offenses – have dropped by 22 percent; injury traffic collisions have decreased by 41 percent; and the City has seen a 17 percent drop in overall traffic collisions. Bernardi has also been instrumental in strengthening the department’s community policing program and enhancing the services it provides the public.

Through his tenure, Mission Viejo has continually been ranked as one of the safest cities in the nation and was named the safest city in 2007. Bernardi has served the department with strength, dignity and honor. He has certainly raised the bar in Mission Viejo and I wish him the very best in his retirement.

Bernardi’s post will be filled by Lt. Mike Gavin, a 23-year Orange County Sheriff’s veteran, who most recently served as watch commander at the Central Men’s Jail Complex in Santa Ana.

Dana Point Harbor Underwater Cleanup Event

Dana Point Harbor is looking for volunteer divers to scour a section of the harbor floor for lost and discarded items in an effort to enhance water quality and maintain environmental integrity. On Saturday, May 2, the Harbor is hosting its first annual Underwater Cleanup Event from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Participating divers must be certified. Prizes will be awarded for the most unusual recovered items. Registration is $20. To register, contact the East Marina Office at (949) 496-6137. For more information, please click here.

Sheriff’s Department’s Bloodhound Demonstrates her Skills

The Sheriff’s Department received a special request from a resident in Lake Forest last month. A critically ill woman facing a high-risk operation had a long-time desire to see firsthand how highly-trained bloodhounds find missing persons, fugitives and lost evidence.

The woman’s interest in bloodhounds developed after reading Virginia Lanier’s Bloodhound Series of crime novels.

On March 30, the woman got her wish when Taffy the Bloodhound sidled up beside her. Led by Sheriff’s Reserve Captain Doug Williams, Taffy demonstrated how she searches an area to make a discovery in a simulated search and rescue at a local park.

Taffy is the department’s longest serving bloodhound, who has used her keen sense of smell to search for missing children and older adults, as well as escapees for the past nine years. Earlier this year, the prestigious American Kennel Club honored Taffy as its Search and Rescue Dog of the Year.

Click here to see photos of the event.

Earth Day 2009 Volunteer Opportunities and Events

Laguna Niguel’s Spring Planting at Niguel Botanical Preserve
Saturday, April 25 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
29751 Crown Valley Pkwy., Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Participants will help plant, build and fix garden projects in a 20-acre flowering garden with a great view. For more information, please click here.

Mission Viejo’s Artes de la Vida
Saturday, April 25 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Village Green at Oso Viejo Community Park
24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, CA, 92692

Artes de la Vida blends celebrations of Earth Day, Arbor Day and the arts into one event. For more information, please click here.

The Ecology Center Earth Day Celebration and Plant Sale
Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
32701 Alipaz St., San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

While every day is Earth Day at The Ecology Center, on April 25 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. doors will be opened to the community for a special celebration. Bring your family and friends for the grand opening of the demonstration gardens, plant sale and hands-on educational experiences for all ages. For more information, please call (949) 443-4223 or visit http://www.theecologycenter.org.

Newport Beach’s Earth Day 2009 – Learning From Nature
Sunday, April 26 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center
2301 University Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660

There will be scavenger hunts for all ages, science discovery and craft booths, environmental exhibits, an opportunity drawing with great prizes, refreshments, live music and much more! Please visit http://www.newportbay.org/earth09a.htm for more information.

South Coast Wilderness Guide

Spring has arrived! The landscape is green and lush with poppies, lupines, goldfields, popcorn flowers and a rainbow of California natives bursting into bloom. So why not come out and explore the 20,000-acre South Coast Wilderness with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists and OC Parks staff? The Fifth District is blessed with abundant open space for your enjoyment. The following guide will help you on your way to exploring all there is to offer:

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Information: (949) 923-2235 or www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast

Managed and staffed by OC Parks. Open daily from 7:00 a.m. - sunset for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. Parking is $3.

Staging Areas:

• Willow Canyon - on Laguna Canyon Road just south of El Toro Road.
• James Dilley Preserve - on Laguna Canyon Road just north of the 73 toll road.
• Little Sycamore Canyon - on Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405. (Site of the James & Rosemary Nix Nature Center) Open daily from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Laguna Heights - trailhead for West Ridge Trail and other routes into Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, located next to Alta Laguna Park in Laguna’s Top of the World neighborhood

• Ranger Headquarters - Gate 1 located at 28373 Alicia Parkway. Parking is $3. Lot is open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Canyon View - Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas to Canyon View Park)

• El Moro Visitors Center - Open Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 6:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Historic District Tours are available second Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. For information, call (949) 376-6200 or visit www.crystalcovealliance.org.

Laguna Niguel Chamber Community & Business Expo

The much-anticipated Laguna Niguel Chamber Community & Business Expo is taking place Saturday, April 25, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Learn more about what local business have to offer with more than 50 vendors on hand. With this year's theme being Earth Day, the event will aptly center on environmental awareness. Throughout the event, attendees will be treated to live entertainment, savory food and refreshing beverages from local eateries, plus fun bounce houses for the kids. For more information, please click here.

Sierra Sage Wildflower Walk

Join the Sierra Sage Chapter of the Sierra Club and enjoy the beautiful, natural spring scenery of the Donna O’Neill Land Conservancy on Saturday, April 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-18, and free for conservancy members. Click here for more information.

Dana Point Grand Prix

The Dana Point Community Cycling Foundation is pleased to present the 3rd annual Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling on Sunday, April 26 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Top professional and amateur riders and teams from all over the country will be competing at the event. Highlights of the Grand Prix are five Shimano Youth Series races and the Pro Men’s race. The day-long community event also features an interactive Fan Zone, live entertainment, top bike manufacturers, the Oakley “Rolling O”, and a food court. The event will be featured in USA Cycling’s National Racing Calendar. For more information, please click here.

Bugs and Butterflies at Riley Park

Discover Riley Park’s Butterfly Garden and learn about the intricate connections between bugs, butterflies, birds and bees on Sunday, May 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Planted with native plants that attract caterpillars and adult butterflies, the Butterfly Garden offers a unique opportunity to witness the full life cycle of butterflies. Wagon Wheel Natural History Association will present a host of exhibitors covering subjects that include unique and unusual insects, native plant gardening, life cycles of butterflies and water conservation. Experience entomology first-hand at this special annual event. The event is free and parking is $3.00. For more information, please click here.

Creative Chalk Walk

The public is invited on Monday, May 4 to view the creative chalk art creations from the May 2-3 Street Painting festival. From 10 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., docents from the Mission Viejo Senior Citizen Activities Committee will describe the details of the colorful and imaginative works created by street painters from around the globe. The viewing will take place at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center in Mission Viejo. For more information, call (949) 470-3062.

San Juan Capistrano’s Farmers Market

The Old Capistrano Farmers' Market is held every Wednesday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Yorba Street at El Camino Real, across from the Historic Town Center Park. More than 20 vegetable, fruit and flower vendors participate and sell their farm-fresh goods. The Market also includes fresh breads and olives all right in the heart of historic downtown!

• Presented a resolution to Lt. Steve Bernardi in honor of his retirement from Mission Viejo Police Services at the Mission Viejo City Council meeting
• Attended the San Juan Capistrano Chamber’s Legislative Committee meeting