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. CRITTER CHRONICLES

8. NOTES FROM THE FIELD

9. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

10. 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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Orange County Public Budget Workshop

Orange County residents are invited to attend the County’s annual Budget Workshop for an introduction to the County’s Fiscal Year 2010-11 budget. The workshop will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 28 in the Board of Supervisors’ hearing room, County Hall of Administration, 333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana.

The free workshop will include an overview of OC Public Works’ energy conservation initiatives, John Wayne Airport improvements and the Probation Department’s GPS program and monitoring center. Copies of the 2010-11 budget will be available. The budget workbooks and augmentation requests can also be found on the County’s website by clicking here.

For more information about the public budget workshop, please call (714) 834-6203.

2010 Orange County Bikeways Map

In conjunction with Bike to Work Week, the Orange County Transportation Authority released the latest edition of the Orange County bike map, which is available now online.

During the development of the 2009 OCTA Commuter Bikeways Strategic Plan, valuable input was gathered from the public (many of which are active bicyclists), as well as OCTA’s Citizens Advisory Committee. This public feedback helped to identify what bicyclists need from a map, and helped OCTA address these issues in this year’s updated map.

Some of the new features include a map with identification of steep grades, segment lengths, trail access points and even bike shop locations. There is also an interactive map online that allows users to select the specific information in which they are interested. To view the 2010 Orange County Bikeways Map, click here.

Volunteers Sought for Citizens Advisory Committee

OCTA is seeking qualified volunteers for its Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC). The 34-member CAC committee, appointed by OCTA’s Board of Directors, provides input and advice on transportation projects, studies and outreach activities. Members serve two-year terms and must live in Orange County.

OCTA is looking for individuals with community involvement representing a group or groups with an active membership/constituency, a demonstrated interest in community activities and transportation issues, and a willingness to dedicate no fewer than 20 hours per year to OCTA meetings/activities. Committee members are asked to participate in roundtable discussions and hear special presentations on various transportation projects, programs and services.

Applications for the 2010-2012 term will be accepted through May 28, 2010.

Click here to download an application or contact Alice Rogan at (714) 560-5577 or arogan@octa.net for more information or to request an application.

OC Public Works Open House and Collector’s Car Show

Orange County Public Work’s Annual Open House and Collectors’ Car Show will be held Saturday, May 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the “Glassell Yard,” located at 2301 Glassell Street in Orange. The Open House will provide Orange County residents the opportunity to see firsthand the broad spectrum of services and programs that Public Works has to offer as well as showcase an array of collectors’ cars for all to enjoy. Along with complimentary food and drinks there will also be games and prizes. For more information, please click here.

Laguna Hills Memorial Day Half Marathon & 5K

The City of Laguna Hills is gearing up for its Half Marathon and 5K on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31.

The City is hosting the run for the 12th year and is expecting more than 6,000 participants on race day. The event will feature a half marathon 13.1 mile run through Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, and Aliso Viejo, a 5K Run/Walk looping through Laguna Woods Village, a half-mile Kid’s Run, and a community Finish Line Expo with live entertainment and vendors. Runners can register on race day or in advance by clicking here.

Traffic delays may affect your morning route that day as certain streets will be impacted by the course route that starts at the Laguna Hills Mall. Plan ahead and visit www.LagunaHillsHalfMarathon.com for resident information, expected delays, suggested detour routes and more.

San Clemente Boys Win Armed Services Essay Contest

Of the six students named first place essay winners in the Armed Services’ YMCA annual essay contest, two are from the Fabulous Fifth District! The contest, which asked participants to submit an original essay about “My Military Hero,” was open to all children of U.S. active duty or retired service members in grades 1 through 12.

First grader Michael Canahui from San Clemente won first place in the First & Second Grade category and third-grader Connor Reid, also from San Clemente, won in the Third & Fourth Grade category.

Both boys were honored in Washington D.C. last week at the YMCA’s 23rd Annual Recognition Luncheon where they each received a $500 savings bond. The winning entries are currently on display in various locations around Washington, D.C. For more information and to view the winning entries please click here.

Dana Point Harbor 10th Annual Boat Show and 1st Annual Green Expo

The Dana Point Harbor’s 10th Annual Boat Show and 1st Annual Green Expo is just around the corner! Come to the Harbor June 3-6 to see the latest models of an array of watercraft including kayaks, boats, jet skis, yachts and more!

In conjunction with the Boat Show, this year’s event will also feature the 1st Annual Green Expo. On display will be many different eco-friendly products and services for everyday living. There are tons of exciting activities planned and just one ticket will gain you entrance into both shows. For more information on the Boat Show, visit www.danaboatshow.com; and to learn more about the Green Expo, visit www.ocgreenexpo.com.

Click It or Ticket Mobilization

If you're planning to hit the road for an early summer getaway, be sure that everyone in the car wears their seat belt on every trip, day and night. Law enforcement throughout the state will be looking for unbelted drivers and passengers as part of the 2010 Click It or Ticket mobilization May 24 - June 6. This year, fines and fees have increased from $132 to $142 for first-time adult seat belt violations. For children under 16, the fine is now $445 for a first-time offense. No warnings will be issued, only citations.

More than 150 local law enforcement agencies statewide and the CHP will participate in this year's Click It or Ticket mobilization. Funding to support California's Click It or Ticket campaign was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Family Bug Hunt

Take your family on a hunt for creepy crawly bugs this Saturday, May 22 at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Adults and children of all ages can join Resource Specialist Laura Cohen for an insect search along a 1.5 mile easy nature walk. The program costs $4 per person for materials and parking is $3. Reservations are required by calling (949) 923-2235. For more information please click here.

5th Annual Lake Forest OC Duathlon & Saddleback Community 5K

The 5th Annual O.C. Duathlon will be held Saturday, May 22 in conjunction with the Saddleback Community 5K Run and Fitness Walk. The Duathlon race, which starts at the Aliso Creek Bike Trail at 7:00 a.m., will consist of a 5K run, 40K bike, and finally a 5K run with more than 500 competitors expected to participate. The Saddleback Community 5K will also begin at the Bike Trail at 7:40 a.m. and run simultaneously with the bike portion of the Duathlon. For more information about the O.C. Duathlon and the Saddleback Community 5K, please click here.

Lake Forest 3rd Annual Prelude in the Park

On Sunday May, 23 the El Toro High School Instrumental Music Department will be holding its annual Prelude in the Park from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This free music concert in Pittsford Park will feature students from the string orchestra, symphonic band, wind ensemble, and jazz band. The event will also feature a spring shopping boutique, family fun activities, and food for sale. Bring your own blankets and lawn chairs to setup on the park lawns to enjoy the concert. For more information, please click here.

KSBR Birthday Bash in Mission Viejo

The 2010 KSBR Birthday Bash will be held Sunday, May 30 at Oso Viejo Park in Mission Viejo. This jam-packed jazz concert will feature over 25 artists, including 8 secret superstar performers. Concert doors open at 3:00 p.m. for ticketholders to browse the numerous food and merchandise vendor booths with stage performances beginning at 5:00 p.m. Tickets are available by clicking here. For more information please click here.

This week, my office participated in the following activities:  

• Attended the OC Green Fair
• Attended the South Orange County Mayors Association Meeting
• Attended the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Command Staff Meeting
• Attended the World Affairs Council of Orange County Dinner
• Presented 12 Fifth District high school students named 2010 National Merit Scholars with certificates of recognition
• Provided a certificate recognizing the grand opening of Orange County Bicycle Garage in Laguna Hills