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. MEMORIAL DAY MESSAGE

2. PAT’S PERSPECTIVE

3. BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

4. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

5. COUNTY CONNECTIONS

6. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT

7. HEALTH HERALD

8. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS

9. HARBOR HAPPENINGS

10. CRITTER CHRONICLES

11. NOTES FROM THE FIELD

12. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR – MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCES

13. 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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Across Orange County and the nation, we will pause Monday, May 31 to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. We will honor the soldiers, sailors, and airmen for their courage, heroism, and commitment to a cause greater than themselves. As important as remembering our fallen heroes, is remembering what they died for - the ideals that we, as Americans, all hold dear.

In observance of Memorial Day, according to the U.S. Flag Code, American flags should be flown at half-staff until noon, and then raised to the top of the pole. At 3:00 p.m. local time, all Americans are asked to pause for a moment of silence. As we pause to remember those who have fallen, join me in sending a special message of thanks and appreciation to those Americans who are currently serving at home and abroad. They are in our hearts and prayers.

Orange County Fire Authority Budget

During Thursday’s Orange County Fire Authority meeting, the Board of Directors was asked to approve the Fire Authority’s FY2010-11 Budget, which included salary increases for employees. To fund the salary increases, the Board was also asked to approve an increase to fire permitting fees by 4.06%.

During these difficult economic times, I do not feel a fee increase is appropriate or justified. I believe responsible government should not balance its budget on the backs of taxpayers. To that end, I asked that the Board not approve the budget, which assumed the salary increases, or the fee increases. The Board concurred and the budget vote was put off for a future date to give staff time to develop alternatives that do not include fee increases.

Auto Theft Task Force

On Tuesday, the Board voted to approve a Memorandum of Understanding to continue to participate in the Orange County Auto Theft Task Force. Formed in 1993 to deter, investigate, and prosecute vehicle theft crimes, this countywide task force includes the Orange County District Attorney and law enforcement agencies from throughout the county.

From 2007 to 2008, the number of vehicles stolen in Orange County decreased by 19.7%. In 2008, only 4% of the state’s auto thefts took place in Orange County, though we have more than 8% of the population. The agreement approved by the Board extends the task force to 2018.

Upgrade to Public Safety Communication System

The Board approved using $1.5 million in federal Homeland Security grants to upgrade 20 of the County’s microwave radio terminals. The “Hot Standby Microwave Upgrade Project” will make necessary improvements, allowing terminals to be integrated into the system of towers already connected across the County. Incorporating and enhancing the system will increase the radio capabilities of the departments that utilize the system, including law enforcement, fire services, lifeguard, and public works. Upgrading the radio system will fortify the communication infrastructure of our County, ensuring that in a time of emergency the lines of communication between public safety agencies will remain open.

Prop. 1B / Prop. 42 Funding Allocations

The Board of Supervisors approved a list of projects to receive Proposition 1B and Proposition 42 state funding for the fourth quarter of this fiscal year. The County will receive $27 million through Prop. 1B and between $15.4 million and $19 million through Prop. 42 for road enhancement projects.

The Board of Supervisors also approved $7 million from Prop. 42 funding to be allocated directly to cities within the County of Orange, on a per capita basis, under the “City Aid Program” for city level transportation related projects.

Under the Prop. 1B program, the Fifth District will receive funding for the following projects: Antonio Parkway Widening, La Pata Avenue Construction, 3rd segment of Moulton Parkway Widening, and improvements at the Oso Parkway and Antonio Parkway intersections.

To view the project list and additional information regarding the Proposition 1B funding program, click here. To view the Proposition 42 project list and funding amounts, please click here.

Laguna Niguel Library Expansion Project Out to Bid

The Board approved plans and specifications for the Laguna Niguel Library Expansion & Remodel Project and authorized advertising the project for bids. The design plans call for the addition of 3,800 square feet and updating the interior and exterior façade to match the City of Laguna Niguel’s new Civic Center Complex, construction of which is currently underway.

It is important to note that the County’s portion of funding for this project will come from the revenue received for County land that was purchased by the City of Laguna Niguel to build the new Civic Center Complex.

For information about bidding on this project, please click here.

Orange County’s Child Abuse Prevention Council

The Raise Foundation has been the designated Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC) for the County of Orange since 2003. As the County's CAPC, The Raise Foundation is charged with increasing community awareness of child abuse prevention. It accomplishes this through public events and campaigns, training sessions for professionals, and involvement with community-based services.

On Tuesday, the Board approved an Agreement which will allow The Raise Foundation to continue serving as the County’s CAPC for an additional year. The Board also received The Raise Foundation's Annual Report. To view the Report, please click here.

For more information about The Raise Foundation, please click here.

Elderly Nutrition Program Funding

The Board approved amendments to agreements with Community SeniorServ, Inc. and Age Well Senior Services, Inc. (formerly South County Senior Services, Inc.) to provide additional federal funding received in the amount of $640,307 for the Elderly Nutrition Program. The additional funding will be used to provide 33,208 meals, as well as needed equipment and supplies, computer equipment and software, system upgrades, and a congregate swipe card system that tracks participant data.

Travel Safety Tips for Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the summer travel season and is traditionally one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. John Wayne Airport expects airport traffic to be heaviest on Friday, May 28 and Tuesday, June 1. In 2009, nearly 100,000 passengers traveled through JWA over Memorial Day weekend.

Visitors to the airport should be aware of ongoing construction activities around the Riley Terminal. Passengers and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and give themselves one-and-a half to two hours to find parking, check their luggage and go through the security checkpoint.

As part of JWA’s Improvement Program, construction is underway on Terminal C and Parking Structure C, both scheduled to open in late 2011. During construction, some roadways have been narrowed and drivers may experience temporary lane closures. Visitors to JWA are encouraged to exercise caution when navigating airport roadways and follow posted speed limits. To view a detailed map for more information, please click here.

Metrolink Service Updates

As part of the Metrolink Service Expansion Project, there will be adjustments to Metrolink service affecting the Fifth District on Saturday and Sunday, June 5 and 6. Due to signal work needed for the expansion of train service, trains will not be operated south of the Irvine Metrolink Station. All Inland Empire-Orange County Line Saturday and Sunday service (trains 859 and 860) will be canceled on those days and Orange County Line Saturday and Sunday service will not operate south of Irvine Station. Trains 661 and 663 will originate at Irvine and Trains 662 and 664 will terminate at Irvine.

Please note: Metrolink is advising that in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday, Metrolink trains will not operate on any line on Monday, May 31. Regular service will resume on Tuesday June 1, 2010.

For more information, please visit metrolinktrains.com or amtrak.com.

Environmental Mitigation Program Update

On Monday, the Orange County Transportation Authority Board approved conducting appraisals of additional properties under the Measure M2 Freeway Environmental Mitigation program, a coordinated plan that aims to lessen the environmental impacts of freeway projects.

The program was approved during the passage of M2, Orange County's renewed half-cent transportation sales tax. Through land acquisition, the Measure M2 Freeway Environmental Mitigation program offers habitat protection, restoration and connectivity. Approximately $25 million is available for acquisition or restoration over the next two years.

OCTA's Environmental Oversight Committee, which I chair, has evaluated the biological value for all properties that have been submitted for consideration under the program. The committee will be making its recommendations for property acquisition and restoration to the full Board later this year after appraisals and negotiations are completed. Currently, 14 properties rank highest in restoration value.

Dump the Pump Week!

June 14 though 18 is Dump the Pump week!! OCTA is encouraging drivers during this week to find alternate ways to commute to work. In doing so, you will cut down your gas bill, reduce traffic on our roadways and help the environment! To pledge to take a “greener” option to work and for more information and commuter resources, please click here.

New Online Tool for Tax Refund Claims

The Orange County Clerk of the Board’s Office has launched a new online “Claim for Refund of Taxes and/or Penalties Paid” tool that provides residents a way to complete and track their property tax claim forms online.

The new online process helps claimants ensure that all required information is complete – reducing processing and wait time. The tool creates a claim form that residents can print out and provides helpful instructions, including where to mail the signed form and a reminder to attach all supporting evidence. Once the form has been received by the Clerk of the Board, claimants may then track the status of their claim online.

This website enhancement makes it easier for residents to file a property tax refund claim and know their claim status. The Claim for Refund tool is the first of several planned online tools to assist Orange County residents with various property assessment and taxation functions. For more information or to use the Claim for Refund tool, visit www.ocgov.com/cob.

Fifth District Residents Climb Mount Everest

Recently, two Fifth District residents reached the peak of the tallest mountain in the world. Ryan Dahlem of Aliso Viejo and Mike Chapman of Mission Viejo safely reached the summit of Mount Everest at 29,029 feet high!

Dahlem, 40, who made the climb with his father, John, from Huntington Beach, is an administrator from St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano. Chapman, 54, is a software engineer for Raytheon and a father of three. The men were joined by three other Orange County residents including Bill Burke, 68, of Costa Mesa who holds the record for being the oldest American ever to reach the summit.

I would like to congratulate the group for achieving such an amazing feat and I wish them a safe return home.

Mobile Multi Service Center to Deliver Services in San Clemente

The County’s Mobile Multi-Service Center, a one-stop service center for homeless individuals and families to receive supportive services from nearly 60 agencies, will be making its next stop at Los Alisos Intermediate School (25171 Moor Avenue, Mission Viejo) on Wednesday, June 9, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The mobile unit, in conjunction with the Lestonnac Clinic, will provide medical services, social service consultations and referrals, and links to housing and employment. For more information, please click here.

Whooping Cough on the Rise

Orange County Health Care Agency advises residents that pertussis cases, commonly known as “Whooping Cough,” are on the rise locally and across the state this year. Infants are at greatest risk of severe illness from pertussis including pneumonia, encephalitis and, in the most severe cases, death.

The best way to protect infants is to ensure those around them are vaccinated. Pertussis vaccinations are included in the schedule of routine childhood vaccinations. In addition, one dose of pertussis vaccine “booster” is recommended for adolescents and adults to replace their next Td (tetanus diphtheria) booster. It is important for those who will be around newborns, especially their mothers, other household members and healthcare personnel, to be vaccinated with Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis), preferably prior to exposure to the infant. The booster can be given in an interval shorter than the usual 10 years for Td boosters in these situations.

For more information, please contact your healthcare provider or call the Orange County’s Health Referral Line at 1 (800) 564-8448 or visit http://ochealthinfo.com.

Heal the Bay’s 2009-2010 Annual Beach Report Card

The 2009-2010 Annual Beach Report Card from Heal the Bay confirms that Orange County’s ocean water quality continues to improve. 98% of the County’s beaches received an A or B grade during April-Oct (known as the AB 411 time period). The report sates, “Orange County grades for both year-round dry weather and the AB411 time period were among the best on record and again well above the state average.”

For a full copy of the report, please click here. For more information about Orange County Beaches, please visit http://www.ocbeachinfo.com.

Dana Point Harbor Boat Show and Green Expo

From June 3-6, Dana Point Harbor will host the 10th Annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Show. This year, the event will also be accompanied by the 1st Annual Green Expo. Come view all the latest watercraft including kayaks, boats, jets skis, and yachts as well as learn about eco-friendly products and services that are available locally.

For more information on the Boat Show, visit www.danaboatshow.com; and to learn more about the Green Expo, visit www.ocgreenexpo.com.

Tips for Traveling with your Pet

Summer is just around the corner and if you’re like most of us that means you’re probably beginning to think about summer vacation plans. This year, why not take your pet with you on your family trip? After all, vacations can be enjoyable for your furry friends too. To help make your vacation enjoyable for you and your lovable pet, here are a few tips:

• Before you travel, make sure to check that the climate and destination for your vacation are appropriate for your animal.
• When traveling by air, verify the airline policies for your carrier, as some airlines restrict how and when pets can fly.
• Know the leash laws of your destination, where pets can and cannot go with you, and where a 24-hour veterinarian’s office is in case of emergency.
• Be prepared for any unexpected delays by bringing extra supplies such as food, water, and waste bags.
• Most importantly, take the opportunity to enjoy quality time with your pet.

San Clemente Garden Club 2010 Garden Tour

On June 5, the San Clemente Garden Club will present its 2010 Garden Tour featuring six different coastal gardens throughout San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. From 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., join other garden enthusiasts while roaming through these magnificent gardens on a own self-guided tour. For more information and to order tickets, please click here.

To honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation’s freedom, I encourage you to attend one of the many Memorial Day observances taking place this weekend within the Fifth District:

Dana Point Memorial Day Services at Pines Park

Monday, May 31 from 10-11:30 a.m.
Pines Park, 34941 Camino Capistrano
Free and open to the public
Click here for more information.

Laguna Hills 12th Annual Memorial Day Half Marathon & 5K

Monday, May 31 at 7:00 a.m.
Laguna Hills Community Center, 2555 Alicia Parkway
$65 Half-Marathon, $25 5K Run/Walk, $18 Half-Mile Kids Run, and $12 Diaper Dash
Click here for more information.

Lake Forest 21st Annual Memorial Day Address by Laguna Woods resident, Chaplain James Juhan

Monday, May 31 from 11a.m.-12:00 p.m. El Toro Memorial Park, 25751 Trabuco Rd
Free and open to the public
Click here for more information.

Mission Viejo Veterans Memorial Plaza Remembrance

Monday, May 31 at 8:30 a.m.
Veterans Memorial Plaza near Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way
Free and open to the public
Click here for more information.

Mission Viejo Sentimental Journey: Music of WWII

Monday, May 31 from 9:45-11:00 a.m.
Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way
Free and open to the public
Click here for more information.

San Clemente Memorial Day Observance

Monday, May 31 from 10:30 a.m.- noon
San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville
Free and open to the public
Click here for more information.

San Clemente Ceremony Honoring WWII and Korean War Veterans

Monday, May 31 at 1:30 p.m.
Park Semper Fi at the Marine Monument
For all Armed Services
Click here for more information.

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

• Presented a certificate of recognition to Dana Hills High School sophomore Ryan Lindeborg for placing sixth at the national 2009 Siemens Competition in Math, Science, and Technology
• Met with members of the Orange County Grand Jury
• Chaired the Coastal Coalition monthly meeting
• Attended the OCFA Board of Directors meeting
• Attended the OC Government Leaders Prayer Breakfast
• Participated in an interview with WTS - Women in Transportation
• Adjourned the Board of Supervisors meeting in memory of Aliso Viejo resident Geoffrey Chao