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. PAT’S PERSPECTIVE: A SPECIAL REPORT

2. BOARD BULLETIN BOARD

3. SOUTH COUNTY NEWS

4. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

5. REGISTRAR REGISTER

6. COUNTY CONNECTIONS

7. SENIOR SENTINEL

8. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS

9. NOTES FROM THE FIELD

10. CRITTER CHRONICLES

11. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT

12. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

13. 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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Memorial Day Observance

Memorial Day weekend has long been considered the unofficial start of summer, a season many Americans look forward to year-round. During summertime, we enjoy warm weather, spend time at the beach, and vacation with our families. It is a time like no other, when we take a respite to enjoy the wonderful freedoms our country provides. So it is fitting that at the start of this season, we take time to remember those who have fought and died to preserve our freedoms.

This Monday, Memorial Day, we will pause to remember the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have died in defense of their fellow citizens – men like nineteen year old Private First Class (PFC) Ross McGinnis.

In August 2006, PFC McGinnis and his platoon were serving in Adhamiyah, Iraq. While he and four other soldiers were on patrol, a grenade was thrown into their vehicle. Private McGinnis could have easily jumped out of the vehicle, leaving the other four behind. Instead, he threw himself on top of the grenade. This courageous act resulted in the loss of his life, but also the survival of his four comrades. For his valor, Ross McGinnis was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

We are very fortunate to live in a nation that abounds with men and women like Ross McGinnis. It speaks to the basic goodness of the American character that such selfless heroes are raised in this country. It is something worth honoring and celebrating, as we shall on Memorial Day. Please enjoy a safe and happy holiday weekend and remember to give thought to all those who have served and sacrificed on our behalf.

La Pata Avenue Gap Closure / Camino del Rio Extension

The La Pata Avenue Gap Closure and Camino del Rio Rio Extension Project achieved a milestone this week, with the Board of Supervisors certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and approving the final alignment for the project.

La Pata Avenue is planned to be widened from three to five lanes, beginning 2,700 feet south of Ortega Highway to the existing road terminus at the County’s Prima Deshecha Landfill. From its existing terminus, the road will then be extended to Calle Saluda and Avenida La Pata in the City of San Clemente.

The project also includes the extension of Camino del Rio from its existing terminus in the Forster Ranch Community of San Clemente to the proposed Avenida La Pata.

These gap closures have been on the Orange County Master Plan of Arterial Highways (MPAH) in various configurations since 1963 and in their current approximate alignment since 1981. They have also been shown on the City of San Clemente General Plan since 1982 and are reflected in applicable Specific Plans of the Talega and Forster Ranch communities.

This project is significant to the region for a number of reasons, as the proposed gap closures will provide a parallel roadway to Interstate 5 in southern Orange County, improving traffic congestion and public safety. The project will also provide improved arterial access to the Forster Ranch and Talega communities as well as the future Rancho Mission Viejo (RMV) Ranch Plan development.

Over the past two years, the County has conducted an extensive public outreach effort to engage all surrounding cities, utilities, and adjacent Home Owners Associations. All stakeholders are in support of the project and the approved alignment.

During the EIR process, some residents expressed concerns about potential noise impacts. Following the responses to those concerns, no formal opposition has been received. In addition, the project identifies ample mitigations for noise with the use of rubberized asphalt paving and sound walls.

Even with this milestone, the project still has a significant funding gap that will need to be resolved before construction can commence (currently planned for 2013). Only about $33 million of the $77 million for the construction phase of the project has been identified.

The County is currently seeking federal NEPA clearance for the La Pata Avenue portion of the project in an effort to make it eligible for potential federal funding. Other potential sources of funding include Measure M2, the City of San Clemente and the County of Orange.

This project will provide a vital link for regional transportation, as well as a necessary alternate route to I-5 Freeway, particularly in times of emergency. As such, securing funding and expediting this project is a top priority for the Board of Supervisors and especially for me, as it affects my District.

I will continue to keep you updated on the progress of this project as it moves forward. To view the project map and approved alignment, click here.

FY 2011-12 Recommended Budget

In accordance with a new provision in the State of California Budget Act, the Board approved the recommended budget submitted by the CEO, as the new provision now requires counties to adopt a baseline recommended budget before conducting the required public hearings.

County budgets are required to be transmitted to the State by September each year. The new provision is intended to provide counties necessary funding through September in the event a budget cannot be adopted by July 1.

Although the County of Orange always adopts a budget prior to July 1, compliance with the State Budget Act required this procedural approval. The Board will hold the required public hearing on the FY 2011-12 Recommended Budget on June 14 & 15.

To view the FY 2011-12 Budget Workbook, to be approved as the FY 2011-12 Recommended Budget, please click here.

Grand Jury Report on Detention Facilities

The California penal code requires the Grand Jury to “inquire into the condition and management of the public prisons within the County.” In February, the 2010-2011 Grand Jury released their report on the County’s detention facilities.

The report was extremely positive and found that facilities were generally clean and in good condition. The Grand Jury also noted that technology (cameras and motion sensors) have kept disturbances to a minimum and found that facilities are not overcrowded.

On Tuesday, the Board approved the required response to the report, affirming much of what the report contained. Our County detention facilities have come a long way since the negative reports conducted in the wake of the Chamberlain death. Much credit goes to the men and women of the Sheriff's Department for making the necessary reforms.

To view a copy of the Grand Jury Report and the Board’s response, please click here.

Senior Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Program

The Board this week approved agreements for Senior Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (SNEMT), as the program fills a critical need for Orange County’s frail older adults.

The purpose of the program is to provide a coordinated community-based system of non-emergency medical transportation for older adults who lack other reasonable means of medical-related transportation and to assist older adults to remain independent and healthy at home and avoid premature institutionalization.

Effective July 1, the SNEMT program will be available to all persons age 60 and older, including all Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) ACCESS eligible clients. SNEMT is currently funded through local Tobacco Settlement Revenue and Federal New Freedom Funds.

It is anticipated that in early FY 2011-12, the SNEMT program will benefit from increased funding provided by OCTA's Renewed Measure M (M2). Approximately one percent of the total net M2 revenue has been approved by the voters in support of expanding mobility choices for seniors and persons with disabilities, which will supplement SNEMT services.

The current SNEMT contracted service providers include:

• St. Anselm’s Cross-Cultural Community Center (Area 1 – North County)
• Age Well Senior Services, Inc. (Area 2 – South County)
• Abrazar, Inc. (Area 3 – Central/West County)

For information on how to connect with the SNEMT program, as well as many other County programs for older adults and caregivers, please call the Office on Aging at (800) 510-2020.

For more information, please click here and here.

Social Services Agency Contract Renewals

This week, the Board approved several Social Services Agency contract renewals that make up the County’s continuum of care for children and adults. The varied programs serve both the physically ill and mentally ill residents of Orange County.

To that end, the Board of Supervisors approved contract renewals as well as new contracts for support services to Orange County residents served by the Social Services Agency, including foster youth and children, as well as citizens who have been adversely affected by the economic recession during the past several years.

Services provided by these community-based organizations range from assisting families toward reunifying with their children, supporting dependent youth in becoming self-sufficient, facilitating the provision of Medi-Cal and CalFresh benefits to eligible County residents, and providing case management and job training services to help Welfare-To-Work clients achieve self-sufficiency.

Over 90% of the funding for Social Services comes from State and Federal Funds, as less than 10% comes from County funds. These vitally needed contracts will allow the Social Services Agency to continue serving thousands of children and families living in Orange County.

Child Abuse Prevention and Intervention Services

Since 1974, the County and The Raise Foundation have successfully partnered to educate the public about the prevention and treatment of child abuse. To that end, the Board this week renewed The Raise’s Foundation’s contract to act as the County’s Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC).

For information about The Raise Foundation or how to prevent child abuse, please click here.

The County’s Social Services Agency also contracts with five other organizations (Boys Town California, New Alternatives, Inc., Olive Crest, Child Guidance Center, Inc., and Orange County Child Abuse Prevention Center) to provide critical services to families at risk of or affected by child abuse.

These include sexual abuse counseling services, parent education and coaching services, and monitored visitation services. All of these programs have the same goal of preserving or reuniting children with a happy, healthy and safe home. To access these services or report child abuse, please call the County’s 24-hour toll free hotline at (800) 207-4464.

Health Care Agency Contract Renewals

This week, the Board also approved several Health Care Agency contract renewals. These programs include:

Behavioral Intervention and Violence Prevention

This contract renewal provides for comprehensive system-wide school based Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS) and Violence Prevention Education (VPE) programs for teachers, parents, children and adolescents from the 28 school districts.

The PBIS program is based on a philosophy of positive social expectations with accompanying policies, procedures and interventions that are designed to be data driven, effective, and to produce change across the entire school system.

The VPE program targets specific areas, including exposure to violence, gang prevention, hate crimes, conflict resolution, and other violence prevention programs, such as date violence and child abduction.

Homeless Multi-Service Center Services

The Multi-Service Center program provides services to mentally ill homeless adults and veterans to meet their most basic and immediate needs. The primary goal of the program is to provide access on a daily basis to a safe facility, where homeless mentally ill adults can receive basic support that assists with nutrition, health and hygiene.

Mental Health Crisis Services

These programs serve Orange County children and transitional age youth, who are Seriously Emotionally Disturbed and/or Seriously Mentally Ill, and provide individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, medication support, case management, and therapeutic behavioral services.

Adult Mental Health Services

These services are delivered along a continuum of care model that addresses individual needs of the client based upon their stage of recovery and are targeted to reduce reliance on the mental health system and increase self-responsibility.

Redistricting Committee Update

The County Redistricting Committee, which is charged with making recommendations to the Board on new supervisorial districts, met on Thursday this week. The Committee received presentations on each of the 24 maps submitted by the public or Board offices.

Over the next month, the Committee will be meeting throughout the County to receive public input on the proposed maps. To view the maps that were submitted, please click here.

For more information, please click here.

Youth Summer Bus Pass

As reported in my newsletter last week, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is encouraging young people across Orange County to hop on the bus this summer with the Youth Summer Bus Pass.

The summer pass is good for unlimited travel on OCTA buses from June 1 through August 31 for youths under the age of 18. The special pass is designed to be a fun, promotional program that encourages kids to use the bus to get around during the summer.

The Youth Summer Bus Pass costs $50 and entitles users to discounts at participating businesses throughout the County. Passes can be purchased by clicking here or at any Ralphs supermarket in Orange County.

John Wayne Airport Memorial Day Holiday Travel Tips

Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the summer travel season and is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods of the year. John Wayne Airport (JWA) expects airport traffic to be heaviest on Friday, May 27 and Tuesday, May 31. In 2010, over 100,000 passengers traveled through JWA between Friday before and Tuesday after Memorial Day.

Visitors to JWA during Memorial Day weekend should be aware of ongoing construction activities around the Riley Terminal. Passengers and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, giving themselves at least 90 minutes to find parking, check their luggage and pass through security to ensure they are at their gate in time for their flight.

For more JWA Memorial Day holiday travel tips, please click here.

Voter Registration Closed for Special Election

Voter registration for the San Juan Capistrano Special Municipal Election closed May 23. State law requires that to vote in a scheduled election, a potential voter must submit a voter registration form at least 15-days prior to an election.

The polls will open at 7:00 AM on June 7. For more information, please click here.

Orange County Food Establishments: Awards of Excellence

The Orange County Health Care Agency’s Environmental Health Division has issued 3,189 Award of Excellence certificates to Orange County food facilities. These establishments were recognized by Environmental Health’s Food Protection Program for their outstanding food safety and sanitation practices in 2010.

The Food Protection Program focuses on the inspection of retail food facilities in order to promote the safe and sanitary preparation and service of foods, prevent food borne illness, and protect consumers from adulterated food products.

Included in the Award of Excellence Program are food establishments such as restaurants, catering businesses, meat/seafood markets, retail bakeries, supermarkets, supermarket/bakery combinations, as well as public and private schools with food production service.

To view a complete list of recipients and award criteria, please click here. For more information, please click here and here.

Heal the Bay: 2010-2011 Annual Beach Report Card

Heal the Bay has released the results of its 2010-2011 Annual Beach Report Card. The report provides “A–F” grading for 455 California counties, based on water quality data collected from April 2010 to March 2011. Heal the Bay emphasizes that the better the grade a beach receives, the lower the risk of illness to ocean users.

In addition, the report spotlights the year’s California “Honor Roll” beaches that did not exceed state bacterial standards, as well as the ten “Beach Bummers,” which are California beaches that had the poorest water quality during the year.

Significant findings in Heal the Bay’s 2010–2011 Annual Beach Report Card regarding Orange County beaches include:

• Orange County’s grades for both year-round dry weather and the AB411 period (April 1 – October 31) were reported as “Excellent” and “again above the state average”.
• 97% of Orange County beaches received A or B grades during the AB 411 period. The statewide average was 90%.
• 96% of Orange County beaches received A or B grades during the year-round dry weather period (April 2010 - March 2011). The statewide average was 88%.
• A total of 13 beach locations in Orange County were listed as Honor Roll beaches, including five in the City of Laguna Beach and three in the City of San Clemente.
• Poche Beach in San Clemente and Doheny North Beach were the only beaches in Orange County that did not meet state standards, as the County continues to work toward solutions to achieve these standards.

Monthly Teen Contest: OC Voices & Visions

Orange County teens (ages 12 to 18) are invited to enter their creative works in a contest sponsored by OC Public Libraries (OCPL). OC Voices & Visions showcases works of prose, poetry, art and film. A new theme is announced at the beginning of each month, with entries due by the last day of the month. Winning entries are published in the Voices & Visions website.

The theme for the month of June is “My Place.” All entries must relate to the theme and will be judged in part on how well they interpret it. Entries must be the teen’s original work, using only non-copyrighted materials in their production. Entries will be reviewed by a panel of librarians. Winners of the June contest will be posted on the Voices & Visions website in August.

Teens may enter only one work per category each month but can enter in more than one category. They must also have a valid OCPL card to enter. For more information, please click here and here.

I’m pleased to report that a Voices & Visions winner for the month of April is from the 5th District! Chris Matula of Coto de Caza, an 8th grade student from Serra Catholic School, won in the Poetry category, as the theme in April was “Friendship.” Chris Matula’s winning poem, “The River Inside,” will be posted next week in the Voices & Visions website.

Caspers Wilderness Park: Great American Backyard Campout

Join OC Parks, REI and thousands of campers across the nation for the National Wildlife Federation's Great American Backyard Campout on Saturday, June 25, as Caspers Wilderness Park will be participating in this fun event.

A variety of activities will be offered at Caspers, including ranger-led hikes and campfire programs. Campsites are first come, first served and spots will fill up quickly. Register online by visiting www.ocparks.com. When you arrive at Caspers Wilderness Park, let them know you are participating in the Great American Backyard Campout.

For more information, please click here.

OC Animal Care: Adoption Events

Animals for Armed Forces

OC Animal Care is honoring past or current members of our Armed Forces and their families by providing them FREE adoptions during their Animals For Armed Forces adoption event Saturday, May 28 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Limit two animals per household.

For more information, please click here and here.

Paw It Forward

Sponsored by the Desperate Paws of Orange County Dog Club, OC Animal Care will host a Paw It Forward adoption event Saturday, June 4 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The first 20 dogs adopted will receive a $50 discount on their adoption fee as well as a FREE training session!

For more information, please click here and here.

Greg MacGillivray: IWFF Lifetime Achievement Award

Laguna Beach resident Greg MacGillivray, an Academy Award-nominated filmmaker and ocean conservationist, recently received the 2011 International Wildlife Film Festival (IWFF) Lifetime Achievement Award.

For more than 35 years, Greg and his team at MacGillivray Freeman Films, based in Laguna Beach, have reached and inspired tens of millions of viewers with their award-winning IMAX films, setting the gold standard for giant-screen educational films that promote conservation.

MacGillivray has produced 36 films for IMAX Theatres, including the Oscar-nominated films “The Living Sea” and “Dolphins.” In 1998, his blockbuster film “Everest” achieved unprecedented critical acclaim and box office success, and is currently the highest grossing IMAX film in history. In addition, MacGillivray is the only producer to have three films, including “To Fly,” “The Living Sea” and “Everest,” inducted into the IMAX Hall of Fame.

For more information, pleases click here.

Laguna Hills: Memorial Day Race & Community Expo

The Memorial Day Half Marathon takes place this Monday in the beautiful South County cities of Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Woods and Laguna Niguel.

Bring the entire family to the Finish Line Community Expo on Monday, May 30 from 7:30 AM to noon at the Laguna Hills Community Center, 25555 Alicia Parkway, for live entertainment, bounce houses for the kids and over 50 booths!

For more information, please click here and here.

Mission Viejo: Memorial Day Ceremony

The public is invited to commemorate Memorial Day with a special ceremony at 8:30 AM on Monday, May 30 at the Mission Viejo Civic Center. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony in the Saddleback Room at Mission Viejo City Hall, 200 Civic Center.

From May 27 through June 10, the Civic Center courtyard will also feature an American Heroes Tribute to honor and remember military personnel from the City's adopted Headquarters Battalion, First Marine Division.

For more information, please click here.

Dana Point: Memorial Day Services at Pines Park

The City of Dana Point and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934 and will hold their annual Memorial Day Services at Pines Park on Monday, May 30 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

There is FREE curbside parking along Camino Capistrano and side streets, as well as chair seating for 300 persons on site. For more information, please click here and here.

San Clemente: Memorial Day Observances

The City of San Clemente will once again host a day to remember our fallen soldiers on Monday, May 30 from 11:00 AM to noon at the San Clemente Community Center, 100 N. Calle Seville, followed by a Park Semper Fi Ceremony from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM at the Marine Monument / Pier Bowl.

Both Memorial Day observances are FREE and open to the public. For more information, please click here and here.

Lake Forest: Memorial Day Liturgy

A Memorial Day Mass remembering those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 30 at Ascension Cemetery in Lake Forest. For more information, please click here.

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

• Attended the CalCoast H2O Conference in San Diego as Orange County’s Director.
• Attended the Orange County Government Leaders Prayer Breakfast.
• In observance of the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, adjourned the Board of Supervisors meeting in memory of 22 members of American Legion Post 257 in Laguna Woods who have passed away since Veterans Day 2010.

• Provided certificates of recognition to the Orange County Department of Education in honor of Cielo Vista Elementary, Marco Forster Middle School, Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate School and Trabuco Hills High School, respectively, for their exceptional students involved in the Peer Assistance Leadership (PAL) Program.
• Presented a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for REUSE Jeans in Laguna Beach.