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. HEADLINE NEWS

2. BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

3. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

4. COUNTY CONNECTIONS

5. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT

6. HEALTH HERALD

7. CRITTER CHRONICLES

8. ENVIRONMETNAL MEMOS

9. NOTES FROM THE FIELD

10. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

11. 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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Don’t Miss the 3rd Annual South County Senior Summit

I’m pleased to announce that my office is hosting our third annual South County Senior Summit on Friday, March 5 in Laguna Woods Village, Clubhouse 3. Joining me in presenting this enormously popular event is the Orange County Office on Aging, Laguna Woods Village and Age Well Senior Services.

The theme of the 2010 Senior Summit is “Your Health and Financial Wellness: Looking into the Crystal Ball.” Back by popular demand is Dr. Laura Mosqueda, Director of Geriatrics, UC Irvine, who will speak on important health issues relevant to older adults. Additionally, a panel of renowned experts in the financial and service industries will discuss the current economy and its impact on vital services for older adults and their caregivers.

The event will begin at 8:00 a.m. with a complimentary continental breakfast for all attendees. While at the Summit, guests will be treated to an array of vendor booths, featuring important information and many free giveaways. There will also be a number of drawings during the program, offering audience members the opportunity to win fabulous prizes, as well as a complimentary lunch to be served at the conclusion of the event.

The South County Senior Summit is an outstanding opportunity for residents to become better acquainted with the many programs and services available to them through the County of Orange.

Seats for the Senior Summit are going fast, so don’t delay, reserve your place today! For authorized entry into Laguna Woods Village, RSVPs must be received by February 26. For more information and to RSVP, please call the Office on Aging at (800) 510-2020.

To download the invitation, please click here.

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, March 2. 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.

Waterline Relocation Project at Crown Valley & Alicia

This week, South Coast Water District began work on a waterline relocation project at the intersection of Crown Valley Parkway and Alicia Parkway. The project will relocate the 40 inch water line that currently runs across the new Laguna Niguel City Hall site and place it under Alicia and Crown Valley.

The project will take 30-40 days to complete. Traffic on southbound Alicia and on both directions of Crown Valley will be impacted. Construction will take place between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday-Friday and sometimes Saturday. Significant delays can be expected so please allow additional time to travel through this area and, if possible, take alternate routes.

Roadwork Construction Alert For Aliso Creek Road

On February 22, the City of Laguna Niguel will begin repaving Aliso Creek Road between Alicia Parkway and La Paz Road. The project is expected to be completed by late March 2010, weather permitting. A rubberized asphalt overlay will be constructed and the existing handicapped curb ramps will be modified to meet the latest ADA requirements. Expect traffic delays during construction and consider taking alternate routes if possible. For additional information, please call (949) 362-4341.

Ride Metrolink to Chinatown to Celebrate Chinese New Year

On Saturday, February 20 Metrolink riders can take the train to Chinatown in Los Angeles to attend the Chinese New Year Parade and Festival from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The 111th Annual Golden Dragon Parade starts at 1:00 p.m. The first 100 guests will receive complimentary Metrolink round-trip tickets, courtesy of VPSI Commuter Vanpools. For more information, visit OCTA.net/Lunar2010.

Help Orange County Get What We Need for the Next 10 Years

In March, more than 130 million addresses across the country will receive a 2010 Census form by mail or hand delivery. The 2010 Census will document the changes in our nation since the last decennial census in 2000, and tell us how we’ve evolved as a country. Because census data affect how more than $400 billion in federal funding is distributed to tribal, state and local governments, the census also will frame the future of our country and our community for the next 10 years.

Here’s what you should know about the 2010 Census:

It’s easy. One of the shortest census forms in history, the 2010 Census form asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete.

It’s important. Census data are used to reapportion seats in Congress and ensure proper district representation in state and local governments. Information from the census helps determine locations for child-care and senior centers, new roads, hospitals, schools and community centers.

It’s safe. By law, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot share respondents’ answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. All Census Bureau employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn for life to protect the confidentiality of the data and violations are punishable by fine or imprisonment.

Finally, the most efficient way to respond to the 2010 Census is to complete the form as soon as it arrives and return it in the postage-paid return envelope. Census workers will visit households that do not return forms to take the count in person.

For more information about the 2010 Census, visit 2010census.gov.

Rancho Santa Margarita Honors Three Deputies for Service

Every year, Rancho Santa Margarita Sheriff’s Deputies select a few outstanding officers and staff members who have notably served the community. This year, Deputies Jack Ackerman and Jason Finley were each named “Deputy of the Year.” Both officers have served on the Special Enforcement Team since November 2008, collecting over 450 arrests between the pair. Together, they investigate crimes involving narcotics, gangs, theft, burglary, robbery, graffiti, registered sex offenders and more.

Also recognized was Investigative Assistant Ann Guba who was chosen to receive the American Legion Award for Merit for 2009 for her commitment to excellence on the job. Her recent success on the case of a high profile break-in at Tesoro High School is one of many exemplary accomplishments in her six years of service.

Investigative Assistant Ann Guba, Deputy Jack Ackerman, and Deputy Jason Finley have each dedicated themselves to promoting the well-being of their community and I extend commendations for their service toward enhancing the quality of life for residents in Rancho Santa Margarita.

Orange County Among Top 10 Healthiest Counties

Orange County has ranked among the ten healthiest counties in the state according to a recent report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Orange County was the only county to make the list from Southern California. The study, which was based on county-by-county health statistics for 56 of California’s 58 counties, also found that Orange County residents are less likely to smoke or be obese compared to state-wide averages.

The Health Care Agency attributes Orange County’s high rankings to the success of many individuals’ healthy behaviors, community partnerships, a culture that supports a healthy and active lifestyle, and the services in place to protect and promote the health of our residents. To view the full report, please click here.

Mission Hospitals Forum

Officials from Mission Hospital, both the Mission Viejo and Laguna Beach locations, are holding a public meeting to identify areas where the hospitals can improve. The forum will provide an opportunity for hospital officials to learn more about the residents they serve and see what they can do to better improve quality of life in surrounding communities. The forum will take place Thursday, February 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Mission Hospital Laguna Beach auditorium located at 31872 Coast Highway. For more information, please call (949) 499-1311.

The Kid’s Pet Parade

The San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association is hosting its annual Kid’s Pet Parade on Sunday, February 28 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with registration beginning at 11:30 a.m. Children ages 5 through 12 are encouraged to craft creative costumes in which they can show off their pets. Critters will be judged on several categories including the Cutest, Most Unusual, Best Team Costume (Owner & Pet), Funniest, and Most Obedient. In addition to these honors, there will be a “Judges Prize” and the winner will be awarded a spot in the Swallows Day Parade. For more information, please click here.

American Shore & Beach Preservation Association

I am pleased to announce that I have been selected to serve as a Board member on the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association.

The American Shore & Beach Preservation Association is a nation-wide organization that is dedicated to preserving, protecting and enhancing the beaches, shores and other coastal resources of America. As one of two members on the ASBPA Board from Orange County, I will be in a position to advocate on behalf of our residents to ensure the protection of our coastal resources as well as improving the health of our shoreline through proper management and responsible economic development. I look forward to working with my colleagues at the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association to achieve these goals.

Keep It Wild Volunteer Day

Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks staff is seeking volunteers to help with various restoration projects on Saturday, February 20 from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. The Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center is located on the west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405. All help is appreciated and parking is free! Reservations are required and can be made by calling (949) 923-2235.

After School with Starr Ranch Biologists

The Audubon Starr Ranch Sanctuary invites kids ages 8 through 12 to come visit the Ranch after school over three days this winter to learn how biologists conduct research on wild animals and their habitats. Starr Ranch protects 4000 acres of wildlands in southeast Orange County. The program is offered Thursdays 2/18, 2/25, 3/4 OR Fridays 2/19, 2/26, 3/5 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The cost is $30 for the three-day session and reservations are required. For reservations, call (949) 858-0131. For more information, please click here.

San Juan Capistrano State of the City

Join San Juan Capistrano Mayor Londres Uso as he presents the State of the City address on Wednesday, February 24 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The event, which is hosted by the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce, will take place at the El Adobe de Capistrano restaurant. Hurry, because tickets are going fast. For more information, call the Chamber at (949) 493-4700.

2010 Lake Forest Community Preparedness Academy

Enrollment is underway for the 2010 Lake Forest Community Preparedness Academy. The Academy, which is designed to teach Lake Forest residents the basics of disaster preparedness, is offered as a joint partnership among the City of Lake Forest, Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the Orange County Fire Authority. As part of the instruction, participants will be certified in First Aid / CPR and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) use. The classes run for eight consecutive Wednesdays, beginning February 24 at 6:00 p.m. For more information or to enroll, call (949) 461-3548.

Dana Point Coastal Arts Concert Series

Don’t miss the next performance in the Dana Point Coastal Arts Concert Series taking place Thursday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m. The string chamber ensemble Camerata Nova Solisti will perform music by Baroque and Classical masters from Europe and Latin American as well as compositions from contemporary, classic rock and pop genres. The performance, which is sponsored by the City of Dana Point, will be held at St. Edward's Church located at 33926 Calle La Primavera in Dana Point. For more information, please click here.

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

• Participated in an interview on Laguna Wood’s TV6 Live to discuss the South County Senior Summit
• Met with Regional Manager of Southern California Edison/SONGS Nuclear Power Plant to discuss safety issues and the recent false activation incidents
• Provided a County Update and presented a proclamation at the 10th Anniversary of the Lake Forest Republican Women Federated
• Presented a State of the County speech to the Orange County Association of Realtors
• Met with the OC Dana Point Harbor Director to receive an update on Harbor issues