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. SOUTH COUNTY NEWS

5. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT

6. HEALTH HERALD

7. CRITTER CHRONICLES

8. ENVIRONMETNAL MEMOS

9. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

10. 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

Click here to subscribe.

Click here to unsubscribe

Third Annual South County Senior Summit a Great Success!

Today, I had the pleasure of hosting my 3rd annual South County Senior Summit. This enormously popular annual event was held in Laguna Woods and attended by over 1,000 South County older adults and caretakers. Joining me in co-hosting the 2010 Senior Summit was the Orange County Office on Aging, Age Well Senior Services, and Laguna Woods Village.

To view the official event program, including the days and times the Senior Summit will be televised in South County on Cox Communications and on Laguna Woods Village Channel 6, please click here. I’ll also provide more information as well as photos of the 2010 Senior Summit in next week’s newsletter.

Real Estate Fraud Program

At Tuesday’s meeting, the Board received an update on the first year of operation of the District Attorney’s Real Estate Fraud Unit.

The Board approved the establishment of the Fraud Unit last March. As part of that action, the Board authorized the District Attorney to collect a $3.00 recording fee for certain real estate transactions in order to provide a funding source for the specialized unit to prosecute, investigate and deter real estate fraud crimes.

The District Attorney informed the Board that public response to the program has been outstanding, with more than 340 real estate fraud complaints reported from April 13, 2009 to February 11, 2010. Of the complaints received, 29 have resulted in criminal cases being filed and, so far, the District Attorney has received 14 convictions. It is estimated that these complaints represent over 1,000 victims and over $100 million in potential losses. To view the District Attorney’s Power Point presentation, please click here.

The Real Estate Fraud Hotline is (714) 347-0850. For more information, please visit www.orangecountyda.com.

Weed Abatement Program

Every March, the Board of Supervisors authorizes OC Public Works to send written notices to property owners in the County’s unincorporated areas instructing them to remove weeds and combustible vegetation identified as hazardous or a public nuisance. Typically, 90% of the approximately 2,000 affected property owners voluntarily remove weeds and fire hazards from their properties, demonstrating a consistently high level of community involvement in the County’s Weed Abatement Program.

This year, affected property owners have until April 13, 2010 to comply, after which time the County will conduct inspections and clear vegetation as needed and all associated costs will be added to the property owner's tax bill as directed by Board Resolution.

For more information about the Weed Abatement Program, please call (714) 955-0111. To view the Public Notice, please click here.

Military Supplemental Pay

On Tuesday, the Board approved the continuance of military supplemental pay and benefits for County employees that are currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

On October 16, 2001, the Board of Supervisors approved a resolution to provide supplemental pay and benefits to assist employees serving in support of the National Emergency declared by the President as a result of the 9-11-01 terrorist attacks. On February 3, 2009, the Board reaffirmed the continuance of this program and it remains in effect until the National Emergency ends, or until terminated by the Board.

County employees continue to be called to duty and continue to serve in support of the National Emergency and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some have been activated for indefinite periods of time, and the recommended supplemental pay and benefits allows them to support the military efforts without a negative financial impact to them and their families. Last year, there were 44 employees who received the supplemental pay. The numbers of employees on leave as well as the amount of the supplement to be expended fluctuates throughout the year. Currently, there are 20 employees receiving the supplemental pay.

Rancho Santa Margarita Settlement Agreement

The Board of Supervisors approved an agreement with the City of Rancho Santa Margarita that settles a boundary dispute involving approximately 500 acres known as Chiquita Ridge located on the eastern perimeter of the city.

As a result of this agreement, the City will be deeded 92 acres of land in the southern portion of Chiquita Ridge and will be able to develop a total of 55 acres of land with 23 of those acres dedicated to a sports park. During the negotiations with the City, the Endangered Habitats League and the Rancho Mission Viejo Company joined the County in an effort to protect the Chiquita Ridge area, located in the Southern Subregion NCCP/Habitat Conservation Plan area, from additional development.

The agreement entered into by the City and County represents a solution that not only protects the City’s rights to the 92 acres, but also preserves over 400 acres of Chiquita Ridge as County parkland and protects the viability of the Southern Subregion NCCP/Habitat Conservation Plan.

Appointment to Cal Optima

The Board of Supervisors voted to appoint Fifth District Resident Jim McAleer to the vacant consumer position on the CalOptima Board of Directors this Tuesday. A long time health care advocate and foster parent, Jim currently serves as the Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association of Orange County.

CalOptima is an integrated health care system that administers health insurance programs for Orange County children, low income families, and persons with disabilities. For more information about CalOptima, please visit http://www.caloptima.org.

Aliso Viejo Street Rehabilitation Project

The City of Aliso Viejo will begin a road rehabilitation project on Pacific Park Drive between Cheyenne and Aliso Viejo Parkway on March 17.

The project, which is expected to be completed by mid-April, includes grinding and replacing existing asphalt pavement, replacing accessible curb ramps, and restoring roadway striping. During the course of the project, travel lanes will need to be reduced although all efforts will be made to avoid lane closures during peak traffic times (mornings and evenings). Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes if possible.

For more information, please call the City of Aliso Viejo’s Public Works Department at (949) 425-2530.

MADD Presents Prestigious Deuce Award

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) recently honored Rancho Santa Margarita Deputy John Barbour with it’s “Deuce Award” in recognition of his exemplary service to the community in the apprehension of impaired drivers over the past year.

The Deuce Award Program was developed as a way to recognize committed law enforcement officers who help to keep our roads safe from alcohol-impaired drivers. This is the third consecutive year that Deputy Barbour has received the Deuce Award, with an impressive 29 DUI arrests in 2009, 26 in 2008 and 26 in 2007.

Youth Football Academy

Football 360 Youth Football Academy will hold position specific camps every Saturday from March 13 through July 31, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Tesoro High School. The cost is $10 per 2-hour camp, along with a one-time registration fee of $35. Orange County Junior All-American Football, Pop Warner and flag football players of all ages are welcome. For more information, please send an e-mail to football360academy@gmail.com.

H.E.A.R.T. Strong

Laura's House, a Ladera Ranch based domestic violence prevention organization, has started a weekly support group to educate teens ages 14 to 18 about healthy relationships. H.E.A.R.T. Strong is part of the Healthy Emotions and Attitudes in Relationships for Teens (H.E.A.R.T.) outreach that the organization offers for youth.

Each week, the H.E.A.R.T. Strong support group will explore a new topic, including domestic violence and families, media portrayal of relationships, boundaries and communication, and safety planning.

Information on H.E.A.R.T. classes and other programs and services offered by Laura's House is available at laurashouse.org or by calling the Counseling and Resource Center at (949) 361-3775.

Spelling Bee Winner

Last week, 12-year-old Kenley Farace from St. Margaret’s Episcopal School in San Juan Capistrano won first place at the 47th annual Orange County Scripps National Spelling Bee. After 13 rigorous rounds of spelling, Kenley out-spelled 70 other competitors from all over the county to become the champion. The winning word was “evulsion,” meaning the act of forcible extraction. Kenley will now go on to represent Orange County at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, DC this June. Good Luck Kenley!

San Clemente Wrestler Heading to State Finals

Last weekend, San Clemente High School wrestler Preston Quam qualified for the CIF State Championship after taking second place in the qualifying CIF-Southern Section Meet. He advanced to the finals after scoring three consecutive wins but lost in the final match to defending state champion Morgan McIntosh of Calvary Chapel. Preston now heads to the State Championship tournament where he hopes to prevail and bring wrestling glory to the Fifth District. Good Luck Preston!

Friday Night Live

A recent report by the Partnership for Drug Free America indicates that alcohol use by teens is on the rise nationally, though Orange County rates lower than the state and national averages.

Orange County Health Care Agency supports several efforts to address the problem of teen drinking including a program called Friday Night Live. The County administers Friday Night Live in partnership with the Orange County Department of Education. The Program, which takes the form of clubs on high school campuses, works to engage teens in positive activities that reduce the use of alcohol and other drugs as well as helps them develop strategies to positively influence their peers. More information about Friday Night Live can be found at http://www.ocfnl.org/Home.htm.

Dog License Amnesty Program Approved

At Tuesday’s meeting, the Board approved a new Orange County Dog License Amnesty Program which will allow OC Animal Care to waive all late fees and penalties associated with delinquent dog licenses.

During the 45-day amnesty program, running April 1, 2010 through May 15, 2010, OC Animal Care will provide licenses to dog owners at the rate of $24 for altered dogs and $100 for unaltered dogs. In addition, OC Animal Care will give owners intending to alter their pet a 2-week grace period in order to receive the $24 license rate.

Dog licensing is required by County Ordinance for the purpose of rabies control but other benefits include the quick return of lost dogs to their owners. Dog owners can license their pets using OC Animal Care’s website, over the phone, or by visiting our customer service office at the shelter. For more information, please click here.

San Clemente Named an Innovative Place to Live

The March issue of Sunset Magazine has named San Clemente as one of the top 20 most innovative places to live in the West. The article sites the City’s efforts to “Go Green” including that it is considering a pilot program for recycling surfboard waste, which can be used to make car bumpers and pave roads.

The City has established a number of innovative environmental programs as part of its Sustainability Action Plan including the Clean Ocean Program. The City also provides grant funding to help non-profits and local public schools toward reaching their environmental sustainability goals. For more information about the City of San Clemente’s environmental programs, click here.

Festival of the Whales

The 39th Annual Festival of Whales is finally here! This weekend, March 6-7, will be the first weekend of the event and there are plenty of activities scheduled. For a detailed list of all events please click here. From a parade, to shows, to educational lectures, the Dana Point Festival of Whales has something for everyone. So bring the family over to the Harbor this weekend or next weekend, March 13-14, and take part in the fun!

Charity Golf Tournament for Injured Marines

Coto de Caza is inviting the public to join in honoring injured Marines through a Charity Golf Tournament. The event will take place at the Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club on Monday, March 8. For more information please call (949)546-3100.

Meet Your Marines Car Wash

The Laguna Niguel Military Support Committee would like to invite everyone to meet and support the City’s adopted Marines of the 1st Battalion, 4th Regiment at the 3rd Annual Meet Your Marines Car Wash. The Car Wash will take place at the Plaza De La Paz shopping center on March 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information, please click here.

San Clemente Presents: “Memories of WWII”

During the months of March and April, the City of San Clemente has 12 special events planned to enhance the “Memories of WWII” exhibit, which opened last week at the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens and will run through April 18. The WWII exhibit is open from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays, Closed Mondays and open 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Tuesdays. For more information on the exhibit or the special events planned by the City, please click here.

Send-Off BBQ for Adopted Marines

On April 17, the City of San Juan Capistrano will host a send-off BBQ in honor of the City’s Adopted 1st Battalion of the 11th Marines, who will be deploying to Afghanistan in May. The BBQ will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the City's Historic Town Center Park (31806 El Camino Real) and will feature live entertainment, a pie-eating contest, and a host of activities for folks of all ages. For more information, please click here.

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

• Met with OCTA representatives regarding the I-5/Oso Parkway Interchange Project
• Met with the Sheriff regarding the proposed Beds for Feds program
• Attended LAFCO’s Rancho Santa Margarita Sphere of Influence working group meeting
• Met with the Director of John Wayne Airport to receive a briefing on the Airport Improvement Program
• Met with a representative from the League of Women Voters
• Hosted the 3rd Annual South County Senior Summit
• Attended the Dana Point Festival of Whales Opening Ceremony
• Adjourned the Board of Supervisors meeting in memory of long time Fifth District resident and public servant Mike Eggers