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. HARBOR HAPPENINGS

7. CRITTER CHRONICLES

8. NOTES FROM THE FIELD

9. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS – EARTH DAY

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 Advisor

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, April 20. 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.

Air Canada Begins Service at John Wayne Airport

This week, Air Canada operated its first flights between Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport and John Wayne Airport. The new, year-round service will operate with a 120-seat Airbus A319.

The new Orange County/Toronto route is part of Air Canada’s major service expansion to California this summer which also includes a new route to San Diego, more service to San Francisco and the introduction of a wide-body aircraft on select flights to Los Angeles.

Air Canada’s service to Toronto increases the number of non-stop destinations from John Wayne Airport to 20 and the number of commercial airlines offering service from Orange County to 11 (plus two commuter airlines). To view Air Canada’s press release, please click here.

Surface Movement Radar at John Wayne Airport

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently installed the most technologically advanced ground radar system, known as Airport Surface Detection Equipment-Model X, or ASDE-X, at John Wayne Airport. Currently, there are 29 airports nationwide utilizing this new runway-safety tool.

Through surface movement radar, various sensors and aircraft transponders, ASDE-X enables air traffic controllers to detect potential runway conflicts by providing detailed coverage of movement on runways and taxiways. The new technology is able to determine the position and identification of aircraft and transponder-equipped vehicles on the airport movement area, as well as aircraft flying within five miles of the airport. The new system will be especially helpful to controllers at night or in bad weather when visibility is poor.

For additional information on ASDE-X, please click here.

John Wayne Airport Construction Traffic

This month, large trucks have begun delivering oversized steel and other structural elements for the construction of new Terminal C at John Wayne Airport. Because the trucks will be utilizing the John Wayne Airport roadway system, drivers are being asked to exercise extreme caution and adhere to all posted speed limits and traffic advisories. Speed limits have been reduced. All traffic violations will result in double fines in the construction zone. To view a map of the affected area, please click here.

In addition, to facilitate steel delivery and erecting of Terminal C, a 330-ton crawler crane will be onsite now through summer 2010.

For more information about the airport improvements, please contact the construction information line at (949)252-5273 or visit http://www.ocair.com/Improvements/default.htm.

Silver Star Service Banner Day

The County of Orange has always honored the sacrifices of the men and women in our Armed Forces. On May 1, 2010, the County will join The Silver Star Families of America and several cities and counties throughout the United States in declaring Silver Star Service Banner Day to honor the wounded and ill troops and veterans of our Armed Forces.

The Silver Star Banner and Flag are recognized as symbols of remembrance and honor for those individuals wounded or incurring illnesses during combat while honorably serving in our Armed Forces.

Dog License Amnesty

Now through May 15, the County of Orange is offering pet owners a break from late and back fees for unlicensed dogs. Owners will be able to renew their expired licenses or obtain new licenses with no worry of extra charges. This program is being offered to all dog owners living in the 17 cities and unincorporated areas served by OC Animal Care.

Dog owners are urged to take advantage of this special opportunity if a license is past due, even if it has been several years, or has never been purchased. Not only will this program help relieve some of the burden on residents’ pocketbooks, it will also help more animals find their way back home if they are lost. For more information on the amnesty program, please contact OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 or click here.

Saddleback Memorial is among Nation’s Top 100

Congratulations to Saddleback Memorial Medical Center for once again being listed as one the nation’s best 100 hospitals by the Thomson Reuters research company. Saddleback Memorial has been on this list twice in the past three years. The selection process is based on several factors including financial performance, clinical outcomes, efficiency in operations, and safety and satisfaction of patients. The CEO of Saddleback Memorial, Steve Geidt, attributes much of the success to the implementation of an electronic medical records system that has increased the hospital’s efficiency and accuracy on a number of levels.

San Clemente Chamber of Commerce Tops Ranks

Congratulations to the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce which has been ranked in the top 1% of chambers of commerce nationwide. In February, the San Clemente Chamber was awarded a Five-star Accreditation by the United States Chamber of Commerce for its positive contribution to the City of San Clemente and its utilization of pragmatic and effective internal policies. There are only 55 Five Star rated chambers in the United States.

Laguna Niguel Resident Receives Congressional Gold Medal

On March 10, the U.S. Congress gave the Congressional Gold Medal, its highest civilian honor, to the 1,102 women who served in the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program during World War II. The U.S. Army Air WASP program, from 1944-1946, placed women at domestic airbases to relieve male pilots to be sent overseas. WASPs ferried planes on bases and stress tested every fighter, bomber, transport, and trainer aircraft in the Air Force inventory.

Among those honored on March 10 was Mary Reineberg Burchard, a Laguna Niguel resident, who served in the WASP program. When WWII broke out, Mary closed her medical practice and was chosen for the program from over 25,000 applicants for the WASP program. After intense training, Mary was pinned with her silver pilot wings and began two years of service in Arizona. Since Mary could not travel to Washington D.C. for the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony last month, her strength, passion, and fearlessness in service are to be celebrated in a local ceremony on April 16, which I am honored to attend. For more information about Mary Reineberg Burchard click here and the WASP program please click here.

Free Water-Saving Hose Nozzles

As part of the County of Orange’s ongoing water quality conservation efforts and in cooperation with South Coast Water District, OC Dana Point Harbor’ is providing complimentary water-saving hose nozzles to Boat Slip Licensees. The nozzles are intended for use on the dock hoses and serve to reduce water flow while increasing water pressure. The limited supply will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and are available for pick up at the East and West Basin Marina offices. For additional information or questions, please Dana Point Marina Company at (949) 496-6137 or Dana West Marina at (949) 493-6222.

Pet Project Foundation’s 17th Annual Wag-A-Thon

On Saturday, April 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. get ready to “Wag N Roll” with your canine companions in Dana Point Harbor to support the life-saving work of Pet Project Foundation and the San Clemente – Dana Point Animal Shelter.

Guests can participate in pet contests, visit the Bowser Bazaar and enjoy live music, Doggie Dashes and refreshments. The Urban Mushers, Southern California working snow dogs, will be on hand to provide demonstrations of the work they do. Additionally, guests can have their picture taken with this year’s celebrity dog “Marley” from the movie “Marley & Me”.

To help the shelter animals by raising money, guests are invited to participate in The Wag-A-Thon. All paid Waggers will receive a doggy themed t-shirt designed by local artist Lucy Ferguson and a goodie bag brimming with treats and toys. Sign up by April 19 to receive a free Wag bandana for your pet. Pre-registration for the event will be held at Coffee Importers in Dana Point Harbor, Saturday, April 17. For more information about the event, please click here.

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Wildflower Hike

Blooming wildflowers are dotting the hillsides around Southern California. This Saturday, April 10 come and learn how to identify all the beautiful spring wildflowers with the help of a County Park Ranger on a moderate 3.5 mile hike in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Tours meet at the Willow Staging Area along Laguna Canyon Road and last from 8:30-11:30 am. There is a parking fee of $3 and a requested donation of $2 per person for the tour. Reservations are required, so if you want to join the hike please call (949) 923-3702. For more information on the wildflower hike, please click here.

Thursday, April 22 marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and communities from all over the Fifth Distinct will be celebrating the planet through fun and creative activities. Whether you prefer educating yourself about the environment or taking a more hands on approach like planting trees, there is something for everyone to help observe this eco-friendly Earth Day:

Earth Day Campground Native Tree Planting Project
April 17 from 9:00 am to noon

Come out and help Doheny State Beach replant a variety of trees and shrubs throughout the campground. Get your hands a little dirty and learn about the plant life native to your own back yard. This day of growth does require working gloves and a shovel.

Dana Point Earth/Ocean Society Annual Neighborhood Cleanup
April 17 at 9:00am

Kids and adults are invited to help cleanup Lantern Village and the Dana Point Harbor. Volunteers will be provided with pizza and refreshments as well as the opportunity to browse educational booths and win prizes. Participants should meet at Doheny Beach at 9 am to sign up and get supplies. For more information, click here.

San Juan Capistrano’s 9th Annual Earth Day Fair
April 22 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

This event will feature hands-on displays, kid friendly information, and giveaways with presentations and exhibitions from Dana Point Ocean Institute, OC Waste & Recycling, and Caspers Wilderness Park just to name a few. It will take place at the San Juan Capistrano Community Gym on at 25925 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano CA 92675. For more information, click here.

The Laguna Niguel Earth Day Celebration
April 24 from 8:30 am to noon

This celebration will involve going green through volunteering to plant, clean and weed Laguna Niguel’s 18 acre Niguel Botanical Preserve. Make sure you bring gardening tools including gloves, shovels, rakes, old clothes and a big smile! This event is for all ages. For more information, click here.

Ocean Institute Earth Day Celebration
April 24 & 25 at 9:00 am

Showing the community how to go green this Earth Day, the Ocean Institute will be spreading awareness about preserving the environment in fun and innovative ways! On Saturday and Sunday, visitors can track their carbon footprint, discover how native plants can help save water and learn about garbage gyres. There will also be fun, eco-friendly crafts and educational hands-on activities throughout the weekend. Attendees can also volunteer for a beach clean-up at 9:00am and get free admission for the day. For more information, click here.

4th Annual Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling

This weekend, Dana Point will host the 4th Annual Grand Prix of Cycling, one of the top bicycle racing events in the United States. The two-day event features a 2.3 mile “Killer Cove” time trial, where bicyclists will reach speeds up to 45 mph, and a winding six-turn criterium race on the bluffs above the harbor. Along with the professional competition, there will be a number of races throughout the weekend for the public to participate in including races for children and amateurs with prizes awarded to the top finishers. For more information about the race, please click here.

Carnival Colossal & Expo

For some fun in the sun, visit the Carnival Colossal & Expo from Friday, April 15 through Sunday, April 18. The future site of La Pata/Vista Hermosa Sports Park and Aquatics Center in San Clemente will host mechanical rides, games, food, live bands, and more. The event is FREE to enter with tickets available for purchase for all games and rides. All proceeds will benefit the future sports park. For more information, call (949) 276-8866 or click here.

Marine Send-Off BBQ

San Juan Capistrano is celebrating its adopted 1st Battalion, 11th Marines (1/11) with a pre-deployment BBQ on Saturday, April 17 at the San Juan Capistrano Historic Town Center Park, 31806 El Camino Real. The 1/11 Artillery Battalion will be deploying to Afghanistan in early May and this is a wonderful opportunity to show your support for these courageous individuals. The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. and will last until 4:00 p.m. and will provide a number of fun activities including a pie eating contest, live entertainment, and BBQ. All proceeds from the event will go towards helping to support the families of those being deployed. For more information about the event, please call (949) 443-6317 or the City's Web site at www.sanjuancapistrano.org.

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

• Received a briefing on Fifth District projects from OC Waste & Recycling
• Attended an OCTA Highways Committee meeting
• Attended the TCA Board meetings