Office of Independent Review

On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors received a report from Stephen Connolly, the Executive Director of the Office of Independent Review (OIR). The OIR was established by the Board nearly a year ago 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, providing reports to the community, and identifying and recognizing department employees who perform their duties in an exemplary manner.

Mr. Connolly provided the Board with an update on OIR activities over the past eight months. He also reported the results of the Sheriff’s Department’s internal investigations into the inappropriate use of force and surveillance during the November 18th and January 13th Board of Supervisors meetings.

My Board colleagues and I will use this first OIR report to evaluate the effectiveness of the OIR as the report raised several questions regarding the objectivity of the analysis. As we move into the budget planning process for the next fiscal year, the Board will address shortfalls and consider procedural changes to ensure the function of the OIR is being carried out as intended.

Deferral of Development Fees

In response to the economy and continuing sluggish home sales in Orange County, the Board voted to extend for an additional year the deferral of certain developer fees. This action authorizes OC Public Works to continue to defer collection of certain road, library, park and other development fees in an effort to support local businesses and the economy by reducing initial development costs.

Projects List for Proposition 1B Allocation

In November 2006, California voters approved Proposition 1B, a $19.9 billion statewide ballot initiative to address critical transportation needs throughout the State. Orange County will receive approximately $61.6 million from this measure over a period of 10 years. As such, the County receives funding in various allocations.

On Tuesday, the Board approved the list of projects to receive funding from the 2nd and 3rd allocations which includes $5,512,056 for county projects and $3,674,704 for city projects. Although the State has suspended Proposition 1B disbursements effective December 17, 2008 and it is uncertain as to when the funds will be made available again, it is important that we approved project funding allocations so that they can be submitted to Department of Finance for approval in order to receive the funds as soon as they become available. To view the approved projects to receive Proposition 1B 2nd and 3rd allocation funding, please click here.

To view the amended 1st Allocation Projects List, of which many Fifth District roads projects will benefit from, please click here.

Construction Alert: Aliso Viejo Street-Enhancing Project begins May 26

Work is expected to begin May 26 on a project to build an asphalt overlay on Aliso Creek Road from Eastwing to substantially improve the roadway. The work will take place between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. until the end of June and will require reducing Aliso Creek Road to one lane and periodically closing the intersections of Glenwood, Columbia/Argonaut and Aliso Viejo Parkway.

Traffic control and detours will be in place but motorists can expect some delays. When the work is completed, motorists will experience a much smoother ride for years to come. For more information, please contact the Aliso Viejo Public Works Department at 949-425-2530 or pworks@cityofalisoviejo.com.

Project Study Report for the I-5 Freeway from SR-55 to the El Toro “Y”

The Renewed Measure M Program includes a project to add new lanes and improve interchanges on the Santa Ana Freeway (I-5) from the Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-55) to the El Toro “Y” area. The next step in the project development process is the preparation of a project study report (PSR), which analyzes alternatives and determines project feasibility and preliminary costs. The PSR is also used to secure state and federal funding for subsequent phases of the project. On Monday, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors approved the selection of an engineer firm to offer consultant assistance for the preparation of a PSR for this project.

Traffic Light Synchronization for Alicia Parkway

As part of the voter-approved Proposition 1B transportation bond initiative, $250 million was designated for the Traffic Light Synchronization Program (TLSP). OCTA will receive $4 million in TLSP funds. The Alicia Parkway Corridor was chosen as one important arterial corridor to receive initial funding. On Monday, the OCTA Board of Directors approved the selection of a program consultant to assist in the installation and implementation of traffic light synchronization on Alicia Parkway.

MAY 19 SPECIAL ELECTION

California’s Statewide Special Election is taking place Tuesday, May 19 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. It is a wonderful privilege in a democracy to have a choice and the right to voice your opinion. Whether you cast your ballot at a polling place or by mail, I encourage you to take the time to play an active role in deciding California’s future.

Click here to view the Voter Information Guide provided by the California Secretary of State which gives information about the ballot propositions.

To find your polling place, click here.

OC Human Relations 2008 Hate Crime Report

A distinguished panel of Orange County civil rights leaders will discuss the 2008 OC Hate Crime Report upon its release on Tuesday, May 26 at 10:00 a.m. The event, which will be moderated by Ken Inouye, OC Human Relations Commissioner, will take place at 1300 S. Grand Building B, Conference Room A/B in Santa Ana. For more information, please contact OC Human Relations at (714) 567-7470.

Rancho Days Fiesta at Heritage Hill Park

OC Parks and Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest will celebrate the colorful history of the Saddleback Valley with music, entertainment and crafts at Rancho Days Fiesta taking place on Saturday, June 6 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The celebration will include dancing horses and an Acjachemen invocation ceremony as well as performances including Native American music, Ballet Folklorico de San Juan Capistrano and Native American hoop dancer Terry Goedel. There will also be piñatas and free crafts projects for the kids. Visitors can help churn and taste homemade ice cream and butter, dip candles, grind corn and more. There will also be an opportunity to tour the park’s historic buildings and Native American Village.

Admission is $3 for children 3 to 12 years old and $4 for adults. For more information, call the park at (949) 923-2230 or go to the OC Parks website by clicking here.

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Update

As of this week, the World Health Organization (WHO) is reporting 6,497 H1N1 Flu cases in 33 countries. The WHO Pandemic Alert Level remains at Phase 5. WHO reports show 2,446 laboratory confirmed human cases of infection in Mexico, including 60 deaths. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported 3,352 confirmed H1N1 cases in 45 states and the District of Columbia with a total of three related deaths reported. There are 193 confirmed and 202 probable cases in California. Orange County has reported 23 confirmed and 14 probable H1N1 Flu cases. The County’s Health Care Agency continues to coordinate efforts with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the CDC and is providing daily updates on its website. For all the latest, including tips on how to protect yourself from getting sick, click here.

The latest edition of the OC Dana Point Harbor Report is now available. The issue includes an update on water quality improvements that have been made as well as restroom renovations at Dana Wharf. To view the newsletter, please click here.

Mary's Trail Ribbon Cutting

Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks are celebrating the completion of the .25-mile Mary’s Trail adjacent to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park’s Nix Nature Center on Saturday, May 23, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. I’ll be joining in the festivities and will present a resolution in honor of completion of the trail. Dedicated to Mary Fegraus, founding executive director of Laguna Canyon Foundation, and funded by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, Mary’s Trail provides park visitors of all ages and abilities with an introduction to the natural features found throughout the park. Interpretive signs along the trail engage visitors in using their senses of sight, smell and hearing to discover the coastal canyon habitat. For more information about the event, please click here.

Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce Street Fair 2009

The Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce, along with its Community Partner, the City of Aliso Viejo, will host a Street Fair in the Aliso Viejo Town Center along the main thoroughfare on Saturday, May 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is free. My office will be hosting a booth to provide information about County services. For more information, call (949) 635-1634.

Dana Point's Pedestrian Bridge Dedication

You are invited to join the Dana Point City Council on Friday, May 22, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. to dedicate the new PCH Street Improvements and Pedestrian Bridge located at PCH and Dana Point Harbor Drive/Del Obispo Street. In addition to viewing the new improvements, the local artists who designed and created four beautiful tile mosaics for the bridge project will be recognized. For any questions related to the event, please call (949) 248-3571.

Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center and Conference Center Grand Openings

On Saturday, May 23 the public is invited to a special dedication ceremony marking the official grand opening of the Aliso Viejo Aquatic and Conference centers.

The City-owned facilities, which are operated by ClubCorp, include a resort-style swimming complex and an impressive meeting space designed for weddings, birthdays, corporate meetings, parties and more. The special event takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and includes free swimming and self-guided tours immediately following the dedication ceremony at about 11:00 a.m.

For more information about the City's Aquatic Center, call (949) 598-9200 and for more information about the City's Conference Center, visit www.cityofalisoviejo.com. Information about the grand opening ceremony is available by calling Gracie Duran at (949) 425-2519.

KSBR’s Annual Birthday Bash

The 20th Birthday Bash of Orange County’s listener supported radio station, FM 88.5 KSBR, is coming! The event also marks the 30th Anniversary of jazz music on KSBR. More than 25 headliners will play with each other in a giant jazz jam, creating a once-in-a-lifetime concert for both the artists and the audience. The event starts at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 24 at the Village Green at Oso Viejo Park. To purchase tickets or to get more information, please visit www.ksbr.org/bash.html.

Spring Fling Dance for Seniors

San Juan Capistrano’s Spring Fling Dance for Seniors will take place Thursday, May 28 at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, 25925 Camino Del Avion, from 6:00 - 9:00pm. Even if you don't dance, you’re encouraged to come enjoy a nice dinner and music by the Old Smoothies. The cost is $15.00 and includes dinner. For more information, call (949) 493-5911.

Capistrano Valley Symphony Presents: Saturday at USO

Set in one of the most beautiful and historic outside venues in all of Southern California, the Capistrano Valley Symphony proudly performs The California Pops at the Mission San Juan Capistrano. The marriage of this historic adobe courtyard of lush gardens and flowing fountains, with an orchestra is something that truly must be seen to be appreciated. For information about tickets, please call (949) 240-8584 or visit www.capistranovalleysymphony.org

• Participated in the OC Green Task Force meeting
• Attended the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs Committee meeting
• Met with various department heads to discuss department budget requests for FY 2009/10
• Attended the Waste Management Commission meeting