Header image with Photo of Supervisor Pat Bates. Followed by office information
October 1, 2010

Pat Bates's Picture


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. SAFETY SENTRY

4. REGISTRAR REGISTER

5. COUNTY CONNECTIONS

6. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS

7. NOTES FROM THE FIELD

8. CRITTER CHRONICLES

9. LIBRARY LESSONS AND SESSIONS

10. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT

11. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

12. 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

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Volume 4 Issue 39
BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

2011 County Redistricting Process

On Tuesday, the Board received a report from the Ad Hoc Redistricting Committee, comprised of Supervisors Nguyen and Campbell, on the status of the current redistricting process, as well as a brief history of past redistricting processes, and what actions need to take place before the Final Redistricting Committee presents its recommendations to the Board by September 30, 2011.

As a result, the Board directed the CEO issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for data and mapping services to develop working documents for the Committee, as well as an RFP for outside legal counsel to assist the Committee with the complex legal requirements during this process.

For more information on this item, please click here.

Dana Point Harbor: West Basin Marina

On April 12, 2005, the County entered into a management agreement with TBW Company for the West Basin Marina in Dana Point Harbor, which is set to expire October 31, 2010.

On Tuesday, the Board approved a month-to-month agreement with TBW Company and directed a Request for Proposals (RFP) be developed for the West Basin to ensure boaters and the County are presented with the best possible proposal, taking into account costs to boaters and the benefits of having a new management agreement that would include improvements to West Basin Marina facilities.

Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness Board

As previously directed by the Board of Supervisors, OC Community Services has been aligning resources to support implementation of the County’s Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness. Also identified as critical to the success of the Ten-Year Plan is development of an organizational leadership structure.

To that end, the Board of Supervisors this week authorized the creation of a 17-member Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness Board to provide accountability and oversight and to serve as an advisory body for the Board of Supervisors. In doing so, we also approved the selection of Supervisor Moorlach to represent the Board of Supervisors as Chair of the newly established Ten-Year Plan Board.

For more information, please click here and here.

OC Parks Commission Appointment

The Board unanimously supported my nomination of Rancho Santa Margarita resident Justin McCusker to serve as my 5th District appointee on the OC Parks Commission.

The OC Parks Commission acts as an advisory body and makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors regarding plans and policies for the acquisition, development, maintenance and operation of the County’s Harbors, Beaches and Parks. For more information, please click here.

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

OCTA Strategic Planning Initiative

On Monday, following the regular meeting of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors, the OCTA Board participated in a Strategic Planning Discussion and Workshop to consider the future of the agency. To that end, the Board reviewed and discussed OCTA’s Mission, Vision, Values, Goals and Performance Measures for the Strategic Planning Initiative, a comprehensive plan for the next five years.

The purpose of the workshop was to solicit input from the Board on the direction and goals of OCTA. Topics of discussion included critical trends in transportation, programs OCTA should be involved in over the next five years, and plans to maintain the agency’s financial stability.

The workshop was also attended by senior staff and members of the Strategic Planning Oversight Committee, which includes members of the public. The outcome of the meeting will set the direction and standards for the rest of the strategic planning process.

For more information, please click here.

91 Express Lanes Toll Reductions

Beginning Friday, October 1, tolls during three time periods on the eastbound 91 Express Lanes will decrease. The toll reductions are part of the Orange County Transportation Authority’s congestion management pricing policy, which calls for lowering or increasing tolls based on traffic demand.

The policy is designed to optimize 91 Express Lanes traffic flow at free-flow speeds, as tolls during the three time periods will be lowered by 50 cents. To that end, commuters traveling in the eastbound direction will see the following toll reductions:

  • $4.10 to $3.60 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Tuesdays
  • $5.45 to $4.95 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Wednesdays
  • $3.60 to $3.10 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Fridays
For more information, please click here.

Rideshare Week: October 4 – 8

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) celebrates Rideshare Week, October 4 – 8, with a weeklong campaign to promote awareness to Orange County commuters and employers. Rideshare Week is an annual statewide campaign that promotes carpooling, public transit and other alternatives to driving alone as a means of easing traffic congestion and improving air quality.

Everyone wins with a better environment when you pledge to Share the Ride, but there are fabulous prizes to win, too! For more information, please click here.

SAFETY SENTRY

RED FLAG WARNING ISSUED TO ORANGE COUNTY

This week, the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) received notification of a Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service, due to the risk of dry lightning strikes and gusty outflow winds. Within minutes of being notified by OCFA, OC Fire Watch volunteers and partnering agencies, such as The Toll Roads, prepared to mobilize in the event the fire conditions were elevated to a Red Flag Alert.

Although wildfires ignited by lightning are rare in Orange County, the Red Flag Warning provided a “wakeup call” that such disasters can strike when we least expect it. The warning also served as a reminder that we live in a region extremely vulnerable to wildfire, particularly during the current peak fire season, as the 2007 Santiago Fire and 2008 Freeway Complex Fire painfully demonstrated.

As a result of these devastating firestorms, OC Fire Watch was born, providing Orange County residents and organizations the opportunity to participate in protecting our wildlands and neighboring communities from such disasters. For more information on OC Fire Watch, including how to get involved, please visit www.OCFireWatch.org.

Meet Your Local Firefighters: October 2 & 9

Meet your local Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) firefighters during a special community open house Saturday, October 2, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at your local OCFA Fire Station.

The Oct. 2 event will be followed by OCFA’s 5th Annual Open House on Saturday, October 9, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at 1 Fire Authority Road in Irvine.

The Oct. 9 event at the OCFA Regional Fire Operations & Training Center will provide the public a unique opportunity to see live fire demonstrations, put out make-believe fires, take a ride in a fire engine, try on firefighter turnouts, and learn about fire safety – all in a fun-filled environment!

For more information on the Oct. 2 and Oct. 9 OCFA events, please click here and here.

Orange County Fire Authority: On the Front Line

The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) has released the latest issue of its newsletter, On the Front Line, featuring information on timely OCFA activities and issues. To view OCFA’s On the Front Line, please click here.

Walk to School Day: October 6

Several South County schools will take part in International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 6, when students throughout the world will walk to school with their adult guardians instead of riding in cars, placing emphasis on the healthy benefits of walking and the need for more safe walking paths.

The goal of Walk to School Day is to encourage more adults and children to walk to school together to raise awareness on:

  • The importance of teaching children safe walking behaviors, such as how to cross streets, and how to select safe routes to school.
  • How easy and enjoyable walking is, as adults and children spend healthy, active time together doing the world's simplest exercise – walking!
  • Taking specific steps to create more walk-friendly communities, such as advocating for more crosswalks, sidewalks, crossing guards and better driver behavior.
For more information, please click here.

REGISTRAR REGISTER

Helping our Military and Overseas Voters

After months of design, programming and development, the Orange County Registrar of Voters (ROV) has launched the only full-service military and overseas voter assistance center at the local level.

In 2008, national news reported men and women of our armed forces did not receive their ballots in time. As a result, Congress passed the Move Act, an amendment to existing federal laws that govern military and overseas voting. As such, the ROV has incorporated full compliance with the Move Act and much more.

Our military and overseas voters can now check their registration, register to vote, and provide a secure email address for ballot delivery. Additionally, these voters can now go online to download and print their specific precinct ballot, and are also now able to vote and return it.

For more information, please click here and here.

COUNTY CONNECTIONS

Citizens Sought to Serve on Grand Jury

Qualified citizens are invited to take part in the 2011-2012 Orange County Grand Jury recruitment drive, which kicks-off Friday, October 1. Interested applicants should be aware the complex and diverse responsibilities of grand jurors make it necessary to give a serious commitment to the time requirements, as Grand Jury service requires a full-time, one-year obligation from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012.

For more information, please click here and here.

Protect Your Cell Phone Number from Telemarketers

All cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies this month. As a result, you will start to receive unwanted sales calls and YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS.

To prevent this, please call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222. It is the national DO NOT CALL list. By calling this number, your cell phone number will be blocked for five years, but you must call from the cell phone you want to have blocked.

For more information, or to register your cell phone online, please click here.

ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS

Orange County Coastal Coalition

The Orange County Coastal Coalition provides stakeholders and the public an opportunity to learn about and collaborate on current topics affecting our coastal cities and those inland, too. As such, our meeting on September 23 provided a forum to learn about Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Measure M2 Environmental Programs.

As Chair of the Coastal Coalition, I opened the meeting by providing an overview on two environmental programs being led by OCTA.

On November 7, 2006, Orange County voters approved the renewal of Measure M, the half-cent local transportation sales tax, for an additional 30 years, from 2011 to 2041. Measure M2 is expected to raise $11.8 billion to improve Orange County’s transportation system, including OCTA’s two new environmental programs.

A total of $243.5 million has been designated to mitigate the environmental impacts of freeway improvements through the Mitigation and Resource Protection Program (Freeway Mitigation Program) and $237.2 million has been dedicated to provide a competitive grant process through the Environmental Cleanup Program (Water Quality Program) to help local agencies clean up highway and street runoff and meet Clean Water Act standards.

Both programs were launched fall 2008, with the creation of two oversight committees to make recommendations to the OCTA Board of Directors on how each program is to be designed and implemented.

In addition to serving as Vice Chair of the OCTA Board of Directors, I also serve as Committee Chair for the Mitigation and Resource Protection Program, which makes recommendations to the OCTA Board on the allocation of environmental freeway mitigation funds and monitors the implementation of a master agreement between OCTA and state and federal resource agencies.

Dan Phu, OCTA Program Manager, provided the Coastal Coalition a PowerPoint presentation on the Measure M2 Freeway Mitigation Program. To view Dan’s presentation, please click here.

The Mitigation and Resource Protection Committee received 83 acquisition submittals and 30 restoration submittals. After undergoing a ranking process for both groups, the Committee plans to make their recommendation for funding to the OCTA Board this fall.

Garry Brown, who serves as Orange County Coastkeeper CEO, also serves as Committee Chair for OCTA’s Environmental Cleanup Allocation Committee, which makes recommendations to the OCTA Board on the allocation of funds for water quality improvements. To that end, Garry provided the Coastal Coalition a PowerPoint presentation on the Measure M2 Water Quality Program. To view the presentation, please click here.

The Water Quality Program will take a two tier grant funding approach. Tier 1 (up to $19.5M total) will fund catch-basin related Best Management Practices (BMPs). A call for projects will take place late 2010, with project funding available summer 2011. Tier 2 (up to $38M) will provide regional funding for capital intensive BMP comprehensive pollutant mitigation projects. A call for projects will take place spring 2012, with project funding available winter 2012-13.

With input received Sept. 23, we will continue to use our meetings as an opportunity to learn and discuss important issues related to our coast. Please join me at our next Orange County Coastal Coalition meeting Thursday, December 2 at 9:00 AM in Newport Beach Library, as our program will feature Orange County’s 2009 Annual Ocean, Harbor and Bay Water Quality Report, and Newport Beach’s Harbor Area Management Plan.

To be placed on the email distribution list for Coastal Coalition meetings, please send your email address to betty.ruano@ocpw.ocgov.com.

TCA Restores 44 Acres of Coastal Sage Scrub Habitat

The Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency recently announced fulfillment of its environmental commitment to restore 44 acres of coastal sage scrub along two stretches of the 241 Toll Road: the eight-mile segment from Portola Parkway (northbound) to Antonio Parkway, and the three-mile segment from Antonio Parkway to Oso Parkway.

Over the past 15 years, the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) has restored or enhanced over 2,100 acres of native habitat. TCA is also a major contributor to the Central/Coastal Natural Communities Conservation Plan, which set aside nearly 39,000 acres of habitat for 42 species.

For more information, please click here.

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

Heritage Hill Historical Park: Dig It! Archaeology Fair

Dig It! Archaeology Fair will take place Sunday, October 3 at Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This fun family event will provide visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the field of archaeology, including hands-on activities and demonstrations, as well as an excavation dig area! Admission is FREE!

For more information about Dig It! Archaeology Fair, please click here. For more information about Heritage Hill Historical Park, please click here.

Enjoy Autumn Events at OC Parks

To see a list of events and programs being offered the month of October at OC Parks throughout the 5th District and Orange County, please click here.

CRITTER CHRONICLES

Help Your Pet Find Its Way Home

In the unfortunate event your pet ever becomes lost, pet licensing and other forms of identification are essential for your pet's safe return, as animals wearing updated ID tags have a far greater chance of being reunited with their owners.

The law requires dogs over four months of age be licensed. Though not mandatory, OC Animal Care also recommends licensing cats, as they can easily be reunited with their owners when they come to OC Animal Care wearing a license tag. In addition, having a microchip implanted in your dog or cat serves as a permanent, secondary ID in case their collar/license tag also gets lost.

Pet Licensing is available online at www.ocpetinfo.com. However, as OC Animal Care does not service every city in Orange County, you should check the website to ensure your city falls within its jurisdiction.

OC Animal Care will be hosting a Low-Cost Microchip and Vaccination Clinic on Tuesday, October 5 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The fee for a microchip is just $28, a small price to pay should your dog or cat ever become lost, as a license or microchip could very well be your pet’s safe ticket home!

The microchip component for the October 5 clinic is a ‘pilot’ service and, if successful, may also be offered at future OC Animal Care clinics.

For directions to OC Animal Care, please click here. For more information on OC Animal Care’s monthly vaccination clinic, please call (714) 935-6848 or click here.

LIBRARY LESSONS AND SESSIONS

Family Film Feature: Monsters, Inc.

The San Juan Capistrano Branch Library is pleased to present Monsters, Inc., the acclaimed animated film from the creators of Toy Story. Enjoy FREE admission and popcorn at this fun family event Saturday, October 2 at 11:00 AM. For more information, please call (949) 493-1752 or click here.

Fall Programs at OC Public Libraries

OC Public Libraries (OCPL) provides a wonderful array of FREE fun-filled events and programs for the whole family – from toddlers to teens to parents and seniors. To see a listing of OCPL events taking place in October at a branch library near you, please click here. For more information about OC Public Libraries, please click here.

FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT

"Mr. Laguna" Celebrates Harry Lawrence Day

The community of Laguna Beach stopped by Main Beach on Friday, October 1, to toast legendary Mr. Laguna, Harry Lawrence, on his 97th birthday.

In 2008, the Laguna Beach City Council honored Harry Lawrence and officially declared his birthday, October 1, as "Harry Lawrence Day." Among his 60+ years of community service in Laguna Beach, Harry was the driving force behind the purchase and cleaning up of Main Beach Park, now known as the City’s "Window to the Sea". He also personally co-signed the note for the famous Laguna Playhouse, and founded the City’s Beautification Committee, amid many other pages of accomplishments.

For more information, please click here.

San Clemente Dance Team Earns Top Honors

The San Clemente High School dance team has established itself the top program in Orange County and among the top five in the Western United States, as the squad was named Grand Champion at the 2010 USA National Dance and Drill Competition held at the Anaheim Convention Center.

During the summer, the dance team could also be seen participating at various community events, as well as conducting dance clinics for area youth and serving as mentors at the Boys and Girls Club. As such, the girls received a plaque from the San Clemente City Council this year, commending the dance team’s accomplishments in competition, excellence in performing arts, and commitment to community service.

For more information, please click here.

Las Flores Barbershop Quartet Wins Championship

Tesoro High School’s Barbershop Quartet placed first in the Barbershop Harmony Society Far Western District High School Quartet Contest, as sophomore Andrew Schmitt and juniors Brian Maietta, Connor Spencer, and Steven Reilly, aka “The Rolling Tones,” received a standing ovation from the audience.

To see the boys in action, please click here.

SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

10K Trail Run, Ridge Walk and Mountain Bicycle Poker Ride

This fun-filled family event takes place Saturday, October 2 at the Las Ramblas trailhead, located at the east end of Camino Las Ramblas off the I-5. The event kicks-off with a 10K Trail Run at 7:00 AM, followed by a self-directed Ridge Walk in the local hills at 8:30 AM, and ends with a first-time Mountain Bicycle Poker Run at 11:00 AM.

For more information, please click here.

Laguna Niguel Community Fair

The Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce invites you to enjoy the annual Laguna Niguel Community Fair on Saturday, October 2 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The Fair features fun activities for the whole family, as well as FREE entertainment, vendor booths giving away FREE samples and selling their products and services, FREE food tastings from local eateries, as well as FREE parking & admission!

For more information, please click here.

Doheny State Beach: Battle of the Paddle

The Battle of the Paddle returns to Doheny State Beach on Saturday and Sunday, October 2 & 3. The event is a stand-up paddle (SUP) festival, including races and demonstrations for people of all ages and skill levels, and much more.

For the sport’s elite, the Battle of the Paddle presents a championship-style race, offering the sport’s largest cash purse – over $25,000! The event also presents an opportunity for newcomers to learn about the sport. In addition, the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association will feature kid’s activities throughout the weekend.

For more information, please click here.

Laguna Beach: First Thursdays Art Walk

Join over 40 member galleries throughout Laguna Beach on Thursday, October 7 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for the City’s First Thursdays Art Walk – a FREE festive, cultural evening held the first Thursday of each month, featuring artist demonstrations, exhibition openings, music, dance, and much more! For more information, please click here.

San Juan Capistrano: Second Saturday Events

On Saturday, October 9, enjoy Mission San Juan Capistrano's Living History Day. Also known as Second Saturdays, this event is held the second Saturday of each month from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The Living History Society makes history come alive for visitors, creating intrigue while providing historical information through stories, demonstrations and crafts. For more information, please click here.

But wait, there’s more! The San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce also hosts its Second Saturday Art Fair on October 9 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Art Fair showcases over 70 artists, craftspeople, musicians and performers, who exhibit their artistic prowess throughout historic downtown San Juan Capistrano the second Saturday of each month. For more information, please click here.

FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP

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

  • Participated in the Orange County Transportation Authority Strategic Planning Workshop.
  • Received a briefing from the Director of John Wayne Airport on the status of the Airport Improvement Program.
  • Attended the Orange County Transportation Authority / Transportation Corridor Agencies / San Diego Association of Governments (OCTA/TCA/SANDAG) Coordination Meeting to discuss transportation projects of mutual interest.
  • Toured top tier properties recommended for acquisition by OCTA as part of the Measure M2 Environmental Oversight Program.
  • Received a briefing on the status of the proposed Dana Point Desalinization Project.
  • Received a healthcare update from Health Care Agency staff.
  • Attended a retirement reception for Solveig Darner to present a proclamation in honor of her 19 years of service as Community Liaison for the City of Laguna Niguel. For more information, please click here.
  • Adjourned the Board of Supervisors meeting in memory of Dorothy Latasa Kiefer of Laguna Niguel, and Audrey Palmquist of Laguna Woods.
My office also:
  • Attended the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee meeting.
  • Attended a briefing on financial aspects of the Mental Health Services Act.
  • Received a briefing from CalOptima on Federal Health Care reform.
  • Toured Irvine Ranch Conservancy property with representatives of the Orange County Transportation Authority, CA Department of Fish and Game, and Irvine Ranch Conservancy.
  • Provided a proclamation in honor of Commander Mark A. Lakamp of the U.S.S. McClusky.
  • Provided certificates of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremonies for Chin’s Acupuncture Center in San Clemente and SeaFit Studio in San Juan Capistrano, respectively.
My staff and I look forward to continually providing you updated information in our Fifth District Newsletter and website.

Please feel free to contact my office with your concerns, comments or questions at (714) 834-3550. It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your Supervisor for Orange County's Fabulous Fifth District.

For an ADA version of our newsletter, click here.

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