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 INFORMATION

3. COUNTY CONNECTIONS

4. SOUTH COUNTY NEWS

5. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT

6. HEALTH HERALD

7. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS

8. CRITTER CHRONICLES

9. NOTES FROM THE FIELD

10. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

11. FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP

OUR STAFF...

Chip Monaco:
Chief of Staff

Don Hughes:
Policy Advisor

Sergio Prince:
Policy Advisor

Kristen Thornton:
Policy Advisor

Ray Grangoff:
Policy Advisor

Sabrina Ross:
Policy Assistant

Katie Angotti:
Policy Assistant

Ruth Strachan:
Office Manager

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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, January 12. 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.

Public Safety Budget Working Group

I formed a working group last month comprised of Sheriff Hutchens, District Attorney Rackauckas, CEO Mauk, Supervisor Campbell and myself to discuss and develop solutions to the significant shortfalls being experienced within our public safety budgets. As you know, the Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney’s Office must rectify shortfalls of $24 million and $6 million, respectively, for this fiscal year. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Department faces a $65 million shortfall next year while the District Attorney’s Office is looking at a $20 million shortfall. These shortfalls directly result from the dramatic decline in sales tax revenue we’ve experienced, which fund a significant portion of our overall public safety budgets.

I can inform you that the working group continues to meet regularly and we are making progress in our discussions about approaches toward potential solutions. Above all, these meetings represent a concerted effort by your elected County representatives to work collaboratively to ensure our mutual number one priority is met, protecting the safety of our residents. I will continue to provide updates about the progress of these meetings in future newsletters.

OCTA Reduces Tolls on the 91 Express Lanes

On January 1, 91 Express Lane users again saw tolls go down by 50 cents during two time periods during the week. For those traveling in the eastbound direction from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. each Wednesday the toll dropped from $5.45 to $4.95. Additionally, the toll dropped from $4.10 to $3.60 between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. on Fridays.

The toll reductions are part of the OCTA’s congestion management pricing policy for the 10-mile toll road. The board-approved policy calls for reducing and raising tolls based on traffic demand. With the latest decrease, OCTA has lowered tolls during 33 time slots since October 2008. To view the new toll schedule, please visit www.octa.net/91tolls.

Water Main Work to Cause Lane Closures

Emergency work to repair a ruptured reclaimed water main on Alicia Parkway, just south of Pacific Park Drive, will require lane closures that could result in traffic delays. This will affect traffic for the communities of Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo and Laguna Hills.

Moulton Niguel Water District's emergency repair of the water main, which begins Monday, January 11, will require two of the three southbound lanes to be closed for an extended period of time, possibly more than a week. The lane closures will be restricted from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. However, the right turn lane from eastbound Pacific Park Drive to Alicia Parkway will remain open.

Motorists are encouraged to find alternate routes while the work is being completed. For more information, please call the Water District at (949) 831-2500.

2009 Strategic Financial Plan

The County of Orange’s 2009 Strategic Financial Plan, which was adopted by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday December 15, 2009, is now available online for the public to easily access.

The 2009 Strategic Financial Plan (SFP) represents a “point in time” snapshot of the County’s fiscal position and provides an overview of the County’s anticipated revenues, financial expenditures and potential issues that may impact the County’s resources. The SFP provides a five-year operating budget forecast and prepares for the development of the next fiscal year budget.

To view the approved 2009 SFP and to sign up for County email updates, please click here.

Foreclosure Prevention Workshop

The public is invited to attend a workshop on Saturday, January 23 designed to help homeowners avoid foreclosure.

The Orange County Home Ownership Preservation Collaborative is teaming up with the City of San Juan Capistrano and the Orange County Association of Realtors to offer the free workshop in both English and Spanish as a service to the community.

The English workshop is from 10:00 a.m. to noon; followed by the Spanish workshop from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the San Juan Capistrano Community Center, located at 25925 Camino Del Avion. Registration begins 30 minutes before the programs start.

Lenders and housing counselors will be onsite to provide individual counseling and other assistance for families worried about or experiencing foreclosure. Counselors will be available for confidential one-on-one meetings to offer free advice and answer questions. Homeowners are encouraged to bring their loan documents.

Reservations are recommended and are available by e-mailing myhousingforall@aol.com. For more information, and to register, please visit http://oc.myhousingforall.org

Rancho Santa Margarita Photo Contest

2010 marks the 10th anniversary of incorporation for the City of Rancho Santa Margarita. In celebration of this wonderful milestone, the City is hosting a 10th Anniversary Photo Contest: “Rancho Santa Margarita Through Your Eyes.” Residents are encouraged to take pictures around the community that illustrate why Rancho Santa Margarita is a great place to live.

Selected entries will be showcased in upcoming editions of the Community Living Magazine and will be displayed at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center. The entry deadline is March 9, 2010. For more information please click here. For official rules and entry form, please visit www.cityofrsm.org.

Dana Point 2009 Parade of Lights Award Winners

Almost one-hundred boats decorated with lights from mast to hull participated in Dana Point’s 2009 “Santa’s Surfin’ Safari” Parade of Lights. Despite stormy weather, the boats and their captains sailed along the shore bringing holiday cheer to the Southland. Sailing vessels of all sizes decorated with strung lights, inflatable holiday figures, and, of course, Surfin’ Santas dotted the shore over two-weekends in December. Following the end of the parade, judges began four days of intense debate to name award winners in various categories, including Best Animation, Best Use of Lights, and Judges’ Choice. To see pictures of the decorated parade boats and a list of award winners, please click here and here.

Children Need a Second Dose of H1N1 Vaccine

As a reminder to parents, children aged 6 months through 9 years of age (under 10 years of age) are recommended to receive two doses of H1N1 influenza vaccine for protection. Many Orange County children have received their first H1N1 vaccine dose and now are due for their second dose. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the two doses be provided at least 28 days apart preferably; the second dose may be provided later without needing to start the series again.

H1N1 vaccine is increasingly available throughout Orange County. Parents should check first with their medical provider. Additionally, many schools are now offering H1N1 vaccination clinics and the Health Care Agency continues to offer free H1N1 vaccinations to individuals who do not have other resources to obtain a vaccination. An HCA appointment may be made by the County’s Health referral Line at (800) 5648448. Additional information on H1N1, including additional vaccination locations can be found at www.ochealthinfo.com.

H1N1 Vaccine Available at Walgreens

The Walgreens in Aliso Viejo is now carrying the H1N1 vaccine as a service to the community. According to store officials at 26531 Aliso Creek Road, the vaccine is available for people 9 years of age and older during store hours while supplies last. The cost is $18.

The store is open from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; from 9 to 6 p.m. on Saturday; and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, please call (949) 448-0082.

Free Seasonal Flu Shots

The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) will be holding a free seasonal flu shot clinic at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo, on Saturday, January 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The clinic is offered to those 50 years or older, caregivers or individuals who suffer from chronic health problems. HCA will be providing the shots free of charge. For more information please call (949) 470-3062. Note: This clinic will not be providing shots for the H1N1 Virus.

Public Urged to Conserve During Imported Water Supply Shutdown

South County residents and businesses are urged to conserve water while our imported water supplier shuts down its plant for a week this month.

The Diemer Filtration Plant, a Yorba Linda-based water treatment plant that serves South County, is expected to perform necessary maintenance and upgrades from January 25 through January 31. The facility, owned and operated by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), provides much of South County's potable water needs through two regional water pipelines.

While some water agencies in South Orange County have groundwater supplies to help offset the effects, many will institute mandatory restrictions during the shutdown. As a precaution, all consumers should voluntarily conserve water whenever and wherever possible.

To improve your conservation efforts, remember the following tips:

• Plan ahead: Delay new landscape and construction projects until after Jan. 21.
• Turn your sprinklers off completely, both in your own yard and in HOA common areas, during this period.
• Do not wash your car or other vehicles.
• Do not hose down your driveway, patio or other paved areas.
• Repair leaks and replace malfunctioning toilets.
• Do not refill fountains, spas, ponds or pools.

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Pet

With another year upon us, you’ve surely taken time to reflect on your New Year’s Resolutions… but did you remember to include your pets? If not, here are some great resolutions to consider for you and your pets:

• Enroll in a training class to improve your pet’s social skills and obedience
• Instead of joining a gym, take your dog out for regular walks
• Update your pet’s ID tags, microchips and emergency numbers
• Provide regular dental care for your pet, which includes brushing, to help reduce tartar build-up and gingivitis
• Get regular check-ups and vaccinations to keep your pet happy and healthy
• Get involved in hospital pet therapy program, or volunteer at a shelter

Laguna Niguel Regional Park Office Closed

The Park Office at Laguna Niguel Regional Park will be closed indefinitely for extensive repairs. Park Rangers will continue to patrol the park and the park will operate on its normal hours. Annual Park Passes will be sold at the park entrance weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and Saturdays and Sundays between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

For picnic shelter reservations, please call 1-800-600-1600 or click here to book online. For additional assistance, e-mail the park at lagunaniguel@ocparks.com or call 866-OCPARKS. To visit the park’s website, visit http://www.ocparks.com/lagunaniguelpark/.

Living History Day at the Mission

Let the San Juan Capistrano Mission volunteers bring history to life at Orange County’s only mission. Wander through the grounds and see the oldest building still in use in California, Father Serra’s Church built in 1782. Listen to the volunteers tell stories of life at the mission and watch them demonstrate how Southern California residents lived in the 1800s. Visit the San Juan Capistrano Mission this Saturday, January 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and try panning for gold from noon to 2:00 p.m., both free with paid admission.

“Moon Over Buffalo”

On the Edge Theatre Production, a community theater group, is proud to present the comedy “Moon Over Buffalo” to the public. The show will be presented on Friday, January 8 at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 9 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The show will also run the following weekend on Friday, January 15 at 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 16 at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. All shows will take place at La Paz Intermediate School Theater located at 25151 Pradera Drive, Mission Viejo. Tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for students and seniors.

For more information, please click here or call (949) 458-2243.

“Of Mice and Men”

The John Stienbeck Classic novel “Of Mice and Men” has been re-created by the performers at the Cabrillo Playhouse as their first play of 2010. The play will run from January 8 to January 31 and will be performed each Thursday through Sunday at 8:00 p.m. (2:00 p.m. on Sundays). For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.cabrilloplayhouse.org/ or call the box office at (949) 492-0465.

Lake Forest Snow Fest 2010

Snow is forecasted in Lake Forest on Saturday, January 30! Come be a part of this annual City of Lake Forest wintertime tradition and hit the snow laden slopes at Pittsford Park from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sleds and saucers will be available for you and your family to slide down Mount Pittsford. There will also be a free snow play area for kids 5 and under. Pre-registration is required and will take place January 13, 14, and 15. To register, please call (949) 461-3450. Fore more information, click here.

Stone Carving Workshop

The Laguna College of Art and Design is now accepting registrations for its winter stone carving workshop. The ten week course begins on January 16. The course costs $350, which will include basic tools and materials. For more information please click here.

In addition to my many meetings, briefings, and other supervisorial activities, I also:

• Participated in a Working Group meeting to discuss Public Safety budgets
• Performed the official swearing-in of Aliso Viejo’s incoming mayor, Phil Tsunoda.
• Attended the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce 28th Annual Installation Breakfast
• Attended the OC Division of the League of Cities’ Advocacy Committee meeting to present a County Update