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. FIFTH DISTRICT CITY NEWS

4. SAFETY SENTRY

5. CRITTER CHRONICLES

6. SENIOR SENTINEL

7. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS

8. NOTES FROM THE FIELD

9. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT

10. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

11. 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

Alton Parkway Extension Project Update

In December 2009, the Board awarded a construction contract for the Alton Parkway Extension Project, consisting of the construction of a 1.1 mile, six-lane divided roadway from Irvine Boulevard in Irvine to Commercentre Drive in Lake Forest.

I’m pleased to report the Alton Parkway Extension Project is one step closer to completion. This project will be of great benefit to area residents, as it, together with the extension of Alton Parkway between Commercentre Drive and Towne Centre Drive at the 241 toll road, will finally close the gap in Alton Parkway.

The project was advertised for competitive bids in 2009, as it was believed project approvals from state and federal resource agencies were forthcoming. My office, along with the Board of Supervisors, OC Public Works, and staff from the Cities of Lake Forest and Irvine, worked diligently to obtain the approvals from the state and federal resource agencies.

With the required permits now having been issued, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the necessary permit conditions in support of this construction project. It is anticipated construction will begin September 2010. Stay tuned for future updates on this project in my newsletter!

Real Estate Fraud Prosecution

In March 2009, the Board approved the establishment of a $3.00 recording fee to be used to fund a specialized DA unit dedicated to prosecuting, investigating, and deterring real estate fraud crimes in Orange County. To that end, the Board this week received the District Attorney’s Annual Report on Real Estate Fraud Prosecution for 2009-2010.

The report details the work of the real estate fraud unit during fiscal year 2009-10, with over 400 complaints and referrals of potential real estate crime received by the DA. It is estimated these complaints represent potentially over 1,000 victims and over $100 million in losses. 298 investigations are on-going. The DA has also filed 36 cases and has had 14 convictions. To see the DA’s report, please click here.

Board Supports Chelsea’s Law

On Tuesday, the Board voted to support AB 1844, also known as Chelsea’s Law. Chelsea’s Law imposes longer sentences on sex offenders, requires repeat sex offenders to be tracked by GPS for life, bans sex offenders on parole from public parks, and uses a “containment model” strategy that involves treatment, intensive monitoring, and polygraph tests to reduce recidivism among sex offenders. The bill, which has passed the Senate, will be sent to the Assembly for final approval of amendments and on to the Governor for signature.

READ/Orange County Services to Continue

The Board approved the renewal of a Master Agreement with Lighthouse Creative Group for 4 additional one-year periods to allow uninterrupted READ/Orange County services for OC Public Libraries' patrons and to meet the growing literacy education needs of our community. Funding for this Agreement is provided by the California Library Literacy Services Grant. The READ/OC program provides:

• Tutoring in basic literacy skills.
• Lessons that are confidential, individualized, and highly goal oriented.
• Training for volunteers who want to help others read and write.
• Ongoing support services to learners and tutors.
• Workplace literacy programs for local businesses.

OCTA Seeks Applicants for Special Needs Committee

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is seeking qualified volunteers to serve on its Special Needs Advisory Committee. The Committee represents a broad base of individuals with disabilities, as well as senior citizens, and advises OCTA on methods to promote integrated public transit services and help improve communication with special needs customers.

Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in persons with disabilities and/or senior citizens. Committee members must commit to serving a 3-year term, be willing to dedicate at least 12 hours per year to OCTA meetings and activities, be at least 18 years of age, and reside in Orange County.

Applications for the 2011 term will be accepted through September 13. To request an application, please contact Gaile Raymer at (714) 560-5339 or graymer@octa.net. To download the application, please click here. For more information, please click here.

Measure M and M2 Progress Reports

On Monday, the Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors received the quarterly report for the Measure M Expenditure Plan. This report highlights freeways, streets and roads, and transit program accomplishments from April through June 2010. To view this progress report, please click here.

Additionally, the progress report for Measure M2 from April through June 2010 is also available online. Despite current economic conditions, implementation of Measure M2 continues at a fast pace. This report highlights progress on M2 projects and programs. To view the M2 progress report, please click here.

OCTA CEO Receives National Recognition

Officials from the American Public Works Association (APWA) presented Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) CEO Will Kempton with an award recognizing his work and dedication to public works projects at its annual awards ceremony in Boston last week.

APWA selected Kempton in May as a recipient of the award, which industry leaders consider to be one of the most prestigious honors given by the 2,000-member organization. The award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated professionalism, expertise and dedication to advancing the field of public works and improving the quality of life in their communities.

Southern California’s public works officials and civil engineers also honored Kempton in May as one of the nation’s top 10 public works leaders in the U.S. and Canada.

Kempton, a 35-year veteran in the transportation industry, joined OCTA in 2009. Prior to becoming OCTA’s top executive, he served as Director of Caltrans. For more information, please click here.

WANTED: Aliso Viejo Youth to Lead Pledge of Allegiance

The City of Aliso Viejo is seeking local youth organizations interested in the opportunity to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of City Council meetings.

Since the beginning of the year, different youth organizations have started City Council meetings by leading the Council and public in the Pledge of Allegiance. The young boys and girls are introduced by Mayor Phil Tsunoda, receive City pins, and a group photo is taken and posted on the City's website.

The youth involvement is part of the City's 2010 celebration, “Year of the Youth”, which is the brainchild of Mayor Phil Tsunoda.

"Involving our kids in civic activities benefits them and our City," Mayor Tsunoda said. "Leading the Pledge of Allegiance gives these youngsters exposure to City government and reinforces the importance of civic pride and involvement in our community."

Aliso Viejo youth organizations interested in leading the Pledge should contact Kelly Tokarski, the City's Public Information Consultant, at 949-395-4448 or ktokarski@cityofalisoviejo.com.

For more information about Aliso Viejo’s Year of the Youth celebration, please click here or visit "Mayor Phil Tsunoda's Top 10 Message for 2010," under his biography section.

Comment Period Open for Fire Hazard Severity Maps

Cal Fire has released its Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps for Orange County cities. These maps are now subject to a comment period through October 1. All Orange County cities are urged to engage in this review process, as the final maps can impact local land use decisions, as well as local insurance rates and other issues impacting city residents and elected officials.

Maps for all Orange County jurisdictions can be found here. Questions on the maps and review process can be directed to Dean Cromwell or Dave Sapsis of Cal Fire.

ReadyOC "Promise to Prepare" Training

More than 3.2 million people live in Orange County and less than 30 percent have done anything to prepare for an emergency. If you’d like to help increase this percentage and support your local community as a volunteer, here’s your opportunity!

ReadyOC is hosting two “Promise to Prepare” training sessions, including one in South County, aimed at increasing awareness and understanding about the ReadyOC emergency preparedness campaign. Attendees will receive ReadyOC wristbands and other items. The events are free and open to the public. No reservations are necessary.

The South County training session will be held Tuesday, August 31 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Dana Point City Hall (Council Chamber Room), 33282 Golden Lantern Street, Dana Point. For more information, please click here or contact Jenny Corsey at (714) 663-8188 x308 or readyorangecounty@gmail.com.

CATOPIA Event at OC Animal Care

Please join OC Animal Care for CATOPIA – a celebration of cats – Saturday, August 28, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, to find the purrfect cat or kitten to add to your family. All cats adopted will receive free spay/neuter services, significantly reducing the total cost of the adoption. Cat adopters will also go home with great giveaways to help their new pet get started in its new home. For more information, please click here.

Dog and Cat Vaccination Clinic in South County

Fallen behind on vaccinations for your dog or cat? Catch up at the next Dog and Cat Vaccination Clinic in Rancho Santa Margarita! Clinics are held the first Wednesday of every other month at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM. The next clinic is Wednesday, September 1.

No appointment necessary. Pets are treated on a first-come, first-served basis. Dogs must be on leashes and cats must be in carriers. Owners 18 years or older must accompany their pets. Cash only. AVID micro identification chips will also be available. For more information, please click here and here.

Do you have a Chronic Disease?

The Office on Aging is working with the Health Care Agency and non-profit organizations to expand the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program in Orange County. The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program is a 2 ½ hour workshop given once a week for six weeks. The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program teaches participants:

• techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation
• appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance
• appropriate use of medications
• communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals
• proper nutrition
• how to evaluate new treatments

Orange County Ranked 2nd in State for "Green" Businesses

Orange County was recently ranked the second best location in the state for having the highest number of green workplaces, according to the Environmental Defense Fund. Overall, Orange County has 275 green businesses and is only topped by Los Angeles. Rankings were based on companies whose principal products and services are in environmental efficiency and similar sectors. For more information, please click here.

Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park: California Natives

Escape the summer heat while exploring the biodiversity of Wood Canyon on a leisurely, 2.4-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (100-ft. elevation gain) through a canopy of oaks with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers! Saturday, August 28, 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd., turn right on Glenwood, which turns into Pacific Park, and right on Canyon Vistas to Canyon View Park). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Donation: $2 per person.

For more information, please click here.

Aliso Viejo Gymnast Repeats as National Champion

Earlier this month, Kyla Ross of Aliso Viejo won her second consecutive U.S. Junior National All-Around Gymnastics Title at the 2010 Visa Championships held at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut.

Kyla scored a two-day all-around total of 116.450, clinching the beam title with a routine that included a front aerial to a flip-flop layout step out and stuck a round-off double back dismount on the final day of competition. She also earned 3rd place in the vault and floor exercises, respectively, performing a double-twisting Yurchenko on vault and a double Arabian in her first pass on floor. Congratulations, Kyla!

10th Annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo

The Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo, celebrating its 10th anniversary, is great entertainment for the entire family, not to mention the richest 2-day rodeo in the nation, with over $200,000 in prize money this year!

The top 30 rodeo contestants in saddle bronc and bareback riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, bull riding and team roping are coming this weekend to the rodeo grounds at Ortega Highway and Avenida La Pata in San Juan Capistrano for this chance of a lifetime. Proceeds from the RMV Rodeo will benefit local charities. For more information, please click here.

South County Summer Concert Series

Laguna Niguel: 50s/60s Rock n’ Roll

The City of Laguna Niguel invites you to enjoy an evening with “Tommy Tassi and the Authentics” at the Crown Valley Community Park Amphitheater on Friday, August 27, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM. For more information, please click here.

Dana Point: Music of the 1950s

The City of Dana Point invites you to enjoy music of the 1950s performed by “The Platters Live!” on Sunday, August 29, 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM at Lantern Bay Park. For more information, please click here.

Laguna Beach: Blues Rock

The City of Laguna Beach invites you to enjoy an evening with “Steve Copeland and Raging Sun,” performing ‘Hot Blues from the West Coast’ at Bluebird Park. Sunday, August 29, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. For more information, please click here.

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

• Presented a Resolution in Memoriam at a public reception celebrating the life of Claes Andersen, owner of the Hotel Laguna, who recently passed away. For more information, please click here.
• Attended the monthly meeting of the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee.
• Attended a meeting of the Legislative Alliance of South Orange County.
• Attended a special meeting of the Public Pensions Subcommittee of the Little Hoover Commission to hear a discussion about Orange County’s innovative pension reform efforts.
• Attended the Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors meeting.
• Received a briefing from OC Public Works regarding Fifth District projects.
• Attended the Planning for High-Speed Rail in Orange County Conference at Brandman University in Irvine.
• Attended a planning meeting for the 2011 South County Senior Summit. Stay tuned for more information.
• Attended a Housing & Community Development Commission meeting to hear a presentation on the many outstanding accomplishments of OC Community Services.
• Provided a certificate of recognition to Habitat for Humanity of Orange County on the occasion of their Open House for the Calle Rolando development in San Juan Capistrano.
• Attended the CalOptima Circle of Care Awards ceremony to present a certificate of recognition in honor of the Laguna Beach Community Clinic.
• Toured the Whatever-It-Takes Full Service Partnership and CHOICES Homeless Drop-In Center.
• Attended a meeting of the Orange County Taxpayers Association.
• Attended the Congressional Delegation Panel at the Orange County Forum.