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. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

2. BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

3. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

4. SOUTH COUNTY NEWS

5. COUNTY CONNECTIONS

6. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT

7. HARBOR HAPPENINGS

8. SAFETY SENTINEL

9. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS

10. HEALTH HERALD

11. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

12. 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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State Senate Confirmation

The California State Senate voted unanimously Monday to confirm my appointment to the Corrections Standards Authority (CSA). As you may recall from previous newsletters, I was appointed by the Governor last year to the CSA Board. Pending my confirmation, I have served since that time on the CSA Board in a provisional capacity.

Working with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the CSA partners with city and county officials to develop and maintain standards for the construction and operation of state and local jails and juvenile detention facilities as well as the training of state and local corrections personnel. Click here to read a press release.

Goodbye Chief Preciado

Chief Probation Officer Colleene Preciado retired Thursday after 34 years of public service to the County of Orange.

Under Chief Preciado’s leadership, Orange County Probation has become a model for Probation Departments across the state. She has implemented innovative new programs designed to reduce recidivism rates, help make productive citizens out of juvenile offenders, and provide services in a more efficient manner. Despite significant budget challenges in recent years due to the economy, the Probation Department has continued to meet and exceed performance standards.

I am wishing Chief Preciado a long and happy retirement. She will be missed. To read a resolution commending Chief Preciado, please click here.

Weed Abatement Program

Every March, the Board of Supervisors authorizes OC Public Works to send written notices to property owners in the County’s unincorporated areas instructing them to remove weeds and other fire hazards from their property. This year, affected property owners were given until April 13, 2010 to comply.

On Tuesday, the Board authorized OC Public Works to conduct inspections and utilize a private contractor to clear vegetation as needed from private properties that have not yet removed the combustible vegetation from their property. All associated costs for the removal will be added to the property owner's tax bill as directed by Board Resolution. For more information about the Weed Abatement Program, please call (714) 955-0111. To view the Public Notice, please click here.

Energy Efficiency Grant Funding

On Tuesday, the Board accepted $2,761,600 in federal stimulus funding from the U.S. Department of Energy in the form of an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. The majority of the funds will be used to install energy efficient lighting systems at County facilities to help reduce electrical usage and realize savings for the County’s general fund. The grant funding will also be used to develop a master energy strategic plan, which will consider solar thermal and photovoltaic benefits and provide an energy audit strategy for County-owned facilities.

County of Orange Public Health Laboratory Grant

On Tuesday, the Board accepted a grant from the California Department of Public Health to host an Assistant Laboratory Director Fellow in our Orange County Health Care Agency Public Health Laboratory (OCPHL). The State grant will cover the salary and training for the position for two years. At no cost to the County, the Fellow will assist the OCPHL Director and Laboratory Manager in daily operations, as well as provide supervision and additional support to laboratory staff.

San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library Donation

The Board approved a generous donation from the San Juan Capistrano Friends of the Library in the amount of $35,620 to go toward purchasing new carpet and building a computer and study nook in the Children’s section of the San Juan Capistrano Library.

Deadline Extended for Measure M Taxpayers Oversight Committee

The deadline for applications to serve on the Orange County Transportation Authority’s Measure M Taxpayers Oversight Committee for the 2010-2013 term has been extended to May 14, 2010. The eleven-member committee monitors OCTA’s use of Measure M funds and ensures that all revenue collected from Measure M is spent on voter-approved transportation projects. For more information about the committee and to access the online application, please click here.

Street Work on Pacific Park Drive

Construction is expected to begin next week on westbound Pacific Park Drive between La Paz Road and Alicia Parkway, as part of the City of Aliso Viejo's ongoing efforts to maintain a high level of service on its city streets.

The work includes concrete curb and median replacement, asphalt removal and replacement, traffic loop detector installations, and pavement markings. The road will remain open during the work but will require daily lane closures.

Traffic delays are possible so taking alternate routes is recommended. Construction is expected to be completed by mid May, depending on the weather.

Rancho Santa Margarita Sphere of Influence Study Update

Since July 2009, my office, along with representatives from the Orange County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), the City of Rancho Santa Margarita, and the unincorporated communities of Coto de Caza and Las Flores, has been meeting at least monthly to study long-term governance options for the unincorporated communities of Coto de Caza, Las Flores, Wagon Wheel and Stonecliffe. With studies completed, this information will now be presented through town hall meetings to residents.

At the May 12 LAFCO Board meeting, the respective communities’ comments will be heard and discussed along with LAFCO staff’s recommendations regarding future governance options for these communities. Interested community members are always welcome to attend LAFCO Board meetings to provide input.

Avoid the Summertime Passport Rush

Planning to travel this summer? Apply for your passport now and avoid the rush! The Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department offers passport services at the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana, 211 W. Santa Ana Boulevard, in Room 202. The courthouse is open weekdays between 8:00am and 4:30pm, except county holidays. As an added convenience, passport photos can be purchased on the spot for $15. To save time, applications can be completed in advance at www.ocrecorder.com. For more information, please click here.

“Tobacco and Hollywood” Poster Unveiled

Congratulations to San Clemente High School Student Alexandra Gerrain whose “Tobacco and Hollywood” poster was chosen by the County of Orange Health Care Agency’s Tobacco Use Prevention Program (TUPP) to be displayed at the Krikorian Theater in San Clemente.

Smoking in movies has been shown in research to increase the likelihood that youth will start smoking. To help counter the influence that smoking in movies has on youth, TUPP joined with community leaders, educators and students for this countywide poster contest. Alexandra’s was one of several posters chosen to be displayed at various locations throughout the county. More information about TUPP can be found online at www.ochealthinfo.com/tupp.

“Adventures in Writing” Short-Story Winners

Winners of the “Adventures in Writing” short-story contest, sponsored by Irvine Barclay Theatre and Orange County Public Libraries, have been named! Of the ten winners chosen, six are from the Fifth District. They include Brook Eisele of San Clemente, Jessica Guerinot and Veronica Guerinot of Laguna Beach, Joesphine Kim and Ashkaan Mahjoob of Laguna Hills, and Erin Koyamatsu of Aliso Viejo.

All of the student winners will have their short stories published in the eighth edition of the “Adventures in Writing” book, which will soon be available in all County libraries. A celebration to honor these young authors will take place Saturday, May 1 at the Tustin Library at 11:00 am. All of the budding authors will be onsite to read excerpts from their stories and sign copies of their book.

Dana Point Harbor Update

The charm of Dana Point Harbor is one to be envied by many and I take great pride in working hard to preserve its unique appeal for all of those who enjoy its many recreational opportunities and amenities.

One of the hallmarks of Dana Point Harbor is our longstanding commitment to host as many locally-owned and operated shops and restaurants as possible. This approach, combined with the long nautical history of opportunity for our boating and marine enthusiasts, makes our harbor the place where generations of families, friends, residents and tourists continue to return. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors took another important step to preserve our heritage in the harbor by extending our existing merchant and restaurant leases.

As many of you are aware, the County has been navigating a very cumbersome process to initiate its revitalization project in Dana Point Harbor. During this process, many of our merchants and restaurants worked diligently to support the County’s efforts. This support was critical when our permit was being heard by the California Coastal Commission. I would like to thank our merchants and restaurants for their continued partnership as well as our Dana Point Harbor staff for furthering this Board’s commitment to help our local businesses during these difficult economic times and continuing to build upon the solid foundation of public-private partnerships.

Open House for OC Fire Watch Volunteers

On Tuesday, April 27, the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and I will be holding an open house for Fire Watch volunteers. Fire Watch volunteers work to deter arson, report possible fires, and report behavior that could lead to catastrophic wildfire in our wilderness areas. Fire Watch volunteers are deployed during red flag conditions that occur when situations of low humidity are coupled with high winds.

There are a number of volunteer Fire Watch groups throughout the county. Last year, OCFA and OC Parks joined me in officially launching the OC Fire Watch program, which is sponsored by the County and utilizes County volunteers in our OC Wilderness Parks. Together, these groups have formed the “OC Fire Watch Network.” They meet regularly to discuss methodologies and offer input based on the experiences of their respective groups.

The OC Fire Watch Network Open House will provide volunteers, as well as anyone interested in joining a Fire Watch program, the opportunity to network and to learn about the different Fire Watch groups and what they do. The Open House will be held at 6:00pm at the OCFA Headquarters located at 1 Fire Authority Rd. in Irvine, Ca. For more information about the Open House and OC Fire Watch, please visit www.OCFireWatch.org.

Restaurants in South County Recycle Food Waste

CR&R Waste and Recycling Services has begun recycling food waste at restaurants in Aliso Viejo, Dana Point, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano.

The one-year pilot program, which started April 5, has participating restaurants now separating their food waste into green bins, much like how residents separate glass bottles and aluminum cans for recycling at home. CR&R trucks pick up the food waste three times a week and take it to a California Bio-Mass Inc. composting facility in the Coachella Valley.

According to experts, about 40 to 45 percent of restaurant waste is food and the average restaurant throws away more than 50 tons of organic waste in a year.

The year-long program is funded through a grant from the County of Orange Waste and Recycling Department. With recent state legislation requiring cities to divert 50 percent of their waste from landfills to recycling facilities, the County is hoping to aid in that effort while helping the environment.

South Orange County restaurants participating in the program include:

Aliso Viejo: Cosmo's Italian Kitchen, On The Border, Renaissance Hotel, Romano's Macaroni Grill and Chili's Grill and Bar

Dana Point: Salt Creek Grille, Ritz Carlton and the St. Regis Monarch Beach

Laguna Hills: The Laguna Hills Mall, Ruby's Diner, California Pizza Kitchen, Onami Restaurant and King's Fish House

Laguna Niguel: Mimi's Café, TGI Friday's, Coco's Bakery Restaurant, Fred's Mexican Café and Henry's Market Place

Rancho Santa Margarita: El Torito, Canyon Fireside Grill, Wood Ranch BBQ and Grill and TGI Friday's

San Clemente: San Clemente Inn, Fisherman's Restaurant and Bar, Gordon James Grill and Bar, Tommy's Restaurant and Talega Golf Club

San Juan Capistrano: El Adobe de Capistrano, Sarducci's Capistrano Depot, El Campeon, The Vintage Steakhouse and South Coast Farms

Water Awareness Day

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita is excited to invite the public to its annual Water Awareness Day. Offering a day of fun for all ages, the event will take place on Saturday, May 1 from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the Upper Oso Reservoir. Free hot dogs, popcorn, snow cones and sodas will be available along with great activities such as digging for fossils, making water cycle bracelets, face painting and cool crafts. Families can also learn about Upper Oso Reservoir’s water recycling programs and get some helpful hints on how to conserve water at home, which is great for the environment and that water bill. For more information, please click here.

Bicycle Safety Rodeo

Aliso Viejo Police Services is hosting a Bicycle Safety Rodeo for children on Saturday, April 24 at the cul-de-sac near Iglesia Park, 24671 Via Iglesia. The Bicycle Safety Rodeo, taking place from 10:00am to noon, is part of the "Be Healthy Be Fit" fair and is designed to educate parents and children about the safety aspects of riding a bicycle on streets and roads. The rodeo will include a fun bicycle course, helmet fitting provided by Police Services and more. Kids should bring their bicycles, helmets and the whole family to the free event. More information about the Bicycle Safety Rodeo is available by calling (949) 425-2563.

Doheny Wood Car Show

The Southern California Woodie Club is hosting its annual Doheny Wood Car Show on Saturday, April 24 at Doheny State Beach. Over 100 classic Woodies will be on display and prizes will be awarded to the best vehicles. There will also be raffles, food, and artwork on display. The free event will take place from 8:00am to 3:00pm. For more information, please click here.

Don't miss Mission Viejo's Arts Alive

Arts Alive, the annual intergenerational spring arts festival, is returning to Mission Viejo April 24 and 25. The free weekend festival will meld expression, education and the environment into an interactive community event at Oso Viejo Community Park (24932 Veterans Way). Visitors will enjoy a wide array of cultural, artistic and environmental activities including the 12th Annual Fun with Chalk street painting exhibit and Oso Creek Sense of Place Trail Flag Project. The festival is from 10:00am to 4:00pm. For more information, please click here.

Imagination Celebration!

Imagination Celebration has arrived! This annual month long spring festival of the arts is presented by Arts Orange County and the Orange County Department of Education and is intended for children, teenagers and families throughout Orange County. Don’t miss these upcoming South County events:

• April 23 to 26- “The Boxcar Children” at the Laguna Playhouse Youth Theatre
• April 24- “Opening the Door to Art” at the Laguna Art Museum
• April 24 and 25- “Arts Alive” at Oso Viejo Park in Mission Viejo
• April 27- “Library Fairy Storytelling Show” at the El Toro Library
• May 1- “9th Annual International Festival” at Soka University

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

• Chaired the County’s Public Safety Working Group meeting
• Met with a number of constituents on district related issues
• Attended the Aliso Viejo City Council meeting to provide a presentation on OC Fire Watch. Click here to view the City’s resolution supporting the program.
• Provided a County Update to the Aliso Viejo Republican Women Federated