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. HEALTH HERALD

4. LIBRARY LESSONS & SESSIONS

5. HARBOR HAPPENINGS

6. CRITTER CHRONICLES

7. NOTES FROM THE FIELD

8. SOUTH COUNTY SUMMER CONCERT CALENDAR

9. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT

10. FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP

OUR STAFF...

Don Hughes:
Chief of Staff

Kristen Thornton:
Deputy Chief of Staff

Ray Grangoff:
Deputy Chief of Staff

Sergio Prince:
Policy Advisor

Sabrina Ross:
Policy Advisor

Brian Probolsky:
Policy Advisor

Ruth Strachan:
Office Manager

Click here to subscribe.

Click here to unsubscribe

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, July 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.

Measure M2 Environmental Oversight Committee

In addition to my role as Vice Chair of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), I also serve as Chair of the Measure M2 Environmental Oversight Committee (EOC), which makes recommendations to the OCTA Board of Directors regarding the allocation of environmental freeway mitigation funds and monitors the implementation of the Master Agreement. The Committee consists of representatives of OCTA, resource agencies, environmental groups, and the public.

Last week, the EOC reviewed and endorsed a draft acquisition plan that outlines the details of the appraisal, negotiations and escrow process for acquisition of properties being considered under the Measure M2 Freeway Mitigation Program. The OCTA Board of Directors will consider approval of the finalized acquisition plan late July. The appraisal process for the 14 acquisition properties began late June and is expected to take six to eight weeks to complete.

For more information about the EOC and the Freeway Mitigation Program, please click here.

Pacific Park and Aliso Creek Road Intersection Project

Work to improve traffic flow at the intersection of Pacific Park Drive and Aliso Creek Road in the City of Aliso Viejo begins Monday, July 19. This essential project is being funded with Measure M funding. The project includes adding right-turn lanes from eastbound Pacific Park onto Aliso Creek Road, and northbound Aliso Creek Road onto Pacific Park Drive.

During construction, motorists may experience short delays, as eastbound Pacific Park Drive and northbound Aliso Creek Road will be reduced to two lanes in these directions. Traffic control signs will detour motorists through and around the construction zone. Pedestrian traffic will also be re-routed at this intersection. Construction is expected to take place from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day, but the sidewalk and lane closures will be permanent during construction. The intersection project is expected to be completed in September. For more information about the project, please click here.

Youth Summer Bus Passes

Hey, kids! Don’t be stuck at home this summer! Hop on board an OCTA bus! Go to the beach, the mall, your grandma's house, a ball game, amusement park, the movies, a skate park, or your summer job – practically anywhere you want in Orange County. For only $50, the OCTA Youth Summer Bus Pass provides unlimited bus rides from through August 31 for kids 18 and under. For more information, please click here.

Kid’s Corner: Rail Safety Education & Activity Hour

OCTA is partnering with local libraries to co-host a series of fun, free and educational events for children this summer. The Be Rail Safe team is utilizing a bilingual comic book, “Rail Tales with Max & Lucy,” to help teach youths the importance of rail safety.

On Saturday, July 17, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM, the San Clemente branch library will host an event that includes a reading of the comic book, a safety presentation, coloring and fun activities. The San Clemente Library is located at 242 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, 92672. For more information about the Be Rail Safe program, please click here.

Stay Cool This Summer

As we know, summer often brings high temperatures that increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be fatal.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting and dizziness.

Warning signs of heat stroke can include extremely high body temperature, unconsciousness, confusion, hot and dry skin (no sweating), a rapid, strong pulse, and a throbbing headache. If symptoms of heat stroke occur, immediately call for medical assistance, move the person to a shady area and begin cooling their body with water.

Recommended precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses include:

• Drink plenty of water; don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure. Wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, when in the sun; and use sunscreen.
• Avoid unnecessary exertion if you’re outside or in non-air conditioned buildings. If you’re working outdoors, take frequent rest and refreshment breaks in a shaded area.
• Never leave children, elderly people or pets unattended in closed cars or other vehicles.
• Check on those who are at high risk to make sure they are staying cool – including seniors who live alone, people with heart or lung disease, and young children.
• Stay cool indoors. If your home is not air conditioned, visit public facilities, such as shopping malls and libraries, to stay cool.

OC Public Libraries Summer Programs

Another way to stay cool this summer is to visit your local public library. OC Public Libraries (OCPL) is providing a wonderful array of FREE fun-filled educational events and programs this summer for the whole family, from toddlers to teens to parents and seniors. To see a listing of OCPL events taking place in July at a branch library near you, please click here. For more information about OC Public Libraries, please click here.

Summer Programs at OC Sailing & Events Center

The OC Sailing and Events Center, located at OC Dana Point Harbor, provides sailing and water based experiences to the community while also hosting social and business events. To view a listing of programs offered at the OC Sailing and Events Center this summer, please click here. For more information about the OC Sailing and Events Center, please click here.

Mission Viejo Dog Park Coming Soon

The Mission Viejo City Council in April approved a dog park to be built on a city-owned vacant lot on Felipe Road, south of Fieldcrest. Local proponents of the Mission Viejo Dog Park have created a website to inform residents of Mission Viejo and neighboring cities on the status of the park. For more information, please visit www.MVDogPark.com.

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park: Yoga for Seniors

Enjoy a peaceful, 1.5-mile walk as you learn yoga stretches, breathing and relaxation exercises with Laguna Canyon Foundation senior volunteers. Tuesday, July 20, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM at beautiful Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2 per person. For more information, please click here.

Dana Point: Concert in the Park

The City of Dana Point invites you to enjoy a late afternoon of current and Classic Rock & Pop with “Firefly” at Heritage Park on Sunday, July 18, 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM. For more information, please click here.

Laguna Beach: An Evening of Celtic Music

The City of Laguna Beach invites you to enjoy an evening of original, contemporary and traditional Celtic music with the electrifying musical quartet “The Fenians” at Bluebird Park on Sunday, July 18, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. For more information, please click here.

Rancho Santa Margarita: Stevie Nicks Tribute

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita invites you to enjoy an evening with Stevie Nicks tribute band “Bella Donna” at Central Park in the Civic Plaza on Sunday, July 18, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. For more information, please click here.

San Juan Summer Nites

The City of San Juan Capistrano invites you to enjoy an evening of Classic Rock with “The Trip” at Historic Town Center Park on Wednesday, July 21, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. For more information, please click here.

Ladera Ranch: 70’s Disco Tribute

On Friday, July 23, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM, “The Disco Kings” are coming to the Town Green in Ladera Ranch, straight from Studio 54, transported through space and time, live before your eyes! For more information, please click here.

Laguna Beach Festival of Arts: Smooth Jazz Series

Laguna Beach Festival of Arts invites you to enjoy an afternoon of jazz, pop and funk with Grammy and Emmy nominated trumpeter Greg Adams on Saturday, July 24, 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM. Admission to the concert is free with purchase of a Festival of Arts ticket. For more information about this and other Festival events, please click here.

Mission San Juan Capistrano: Music Under the Stars

The Mission San Juan Capistrano invites you to enjoy an evening of Motown, Soul and R&B with “The Derek Bordeaux Group” on Saturday, July 24. Concert gates open at 5:30 PM; Music begins at 6:30 PM. For more information, please click here.

Brad Parks Inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame

San Clemente's Brad Parks was inducted last week into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. As the founder of wheelchair tennis, Parks is the first ever wheelchair tennis inductee.

During an amateur freestyle skiing competition, Parks suffered a disabling injury when he was 18. He began experimenting with tennis as a method of therapy; and in 1976, wheelchair tennis was born.

The first wheelchair tennis tournaments were held in 1977 and interest in the sport grew quickly. This success motivated Parks to found the National Foundation of Wheelchair Tennis, as the organizing body for the sport. As more athletes became involved, the Wheelchair Tennis Players Association was formed, giving players more authority in the governance of tournaments, clinics and expansion of the game.

Parks started the first international wheelchair tennis event, the U.S. Open, held in Irvine. He was the tournament chairman for 18 years. Today the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour is comprised of more than 157 tournaments in more than 40 countries, exceeding a total of $1,500,000 in prize money.

In 1985, as a result of increased international presence at the U.S. Open, the World Team Cup was started with five nations, not including women or quad players. Today, this prestigious event has enjoyed the participation of 52 nations in its 25 year history and features men, women, quad and junior competitions.

Parks is also credited with spreading the sport internationally by holding clinics throughout Europe, Asia and the Pacific. In 1988, the International Wheelchair Tennis Federation (IWTF) was formed to govern this growing international sport, with Parks as the inaugural president. In 1998, the IWTF was fully integrated into the International Tennis Federation, making it the first disabled sport to achieve such a union on the international level.

Thanks to the resilience of Brad Parks and his indelible pioneering spirit, almost 100 countries offer wheelchair tennis programs today; and the sport is played at all four Grand Slams of tennis!

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

• Attended the OCTA Board of Directors meeting.
• Participated in a Correctional Standards Authority Board of Directors meeting.
• Received a monthly briefing from the Dana Point Harbor Director on OC Dana Point Harbor programs and projects.