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. SOUTH COUNTY NEWS

3. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

4. COUNTY CONNECTIONS

5. REGISTRAR REGISTER

6.. HARBOR HAPPENINGS

7. HEALTH HERALD

8. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS

9. CRITTER CHRONICLES

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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Laguna Canyon Road Widening Project

On Tuesday, the Board awarded a contract to Hillcrest Contracting, Inc., for the Laguna Canyon Road Segment 4, Phase 1 Widening Project to enhance roadway safety. The County and Caltrans are working cooperatively to implement the project.

The County will widen the roadway shoulders along Laguna Canyon Road from south of El Toro Road to State Route 73, to accommodate bike lanes and El Toro Road intersection improvements.

Phase 1 of construction will add one northbound approach lane south of the El Toro Road intersection along with traffic signal modifications to the intersection.

The County will construct the intersection work within the State’s right-of-way and Caltrans will own and maintain the widened roadway upon project completion.

Construction on this phase of the project is expected to be complete late 2011. For more information, please click here.

La Pata Avenue Gap Closure Seeks NEPA Clearance

The Board approved the selection of LSA Associates, Inc., for preparation of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental documentation for the La Pata Avenue Gap Closure Project. NEPA documentation will support efforts to secure federal funding for the project.

The total project cost is anticipated to be approximately $90 million. LSA & Associates also prepared the Project Report and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the La Pata Avenue/Camino Del Rio Extension Project.

The recent completion of the EIR will enable the project to compete for state and local funds; however, preparation and approval of NEPA environment documentation is needed to make the project eligible for federal funding opportunities.

For more information, please click here.

Human Resources Department

This week, the Board received a presentation from the Performance Auditor on his audit of the County’s Human Resources department (HR). The report, which was officially released a couple of weeks ago, identifies needed reforms. The report points to several areas for improvement and makes recommendations for reducing waste, eliminating system abuses, and creating a more efficient HR management structure.

It is not surprising that waste and inefficiency exists in a bureaucracy the size of the County of Orange. This is precisely why the Board created the Office of the Performance Auditor and launched this report – to make recommendations for eliminating waste, find and correct the inefficiencies, and ultimately provide better service to the taxpayers.

With each of these audits, we make the County better. This audit provides a roadmap of reform going forward. Chairman Campbell appointed Supervisor Nelson and me to serve on a special ad-hoc committee that will be tasked with examining each recommendation and putting in place plans to implement the needed policy changes.

While the size and scope of government is something that can be debated, most can agree that the rapidly rising cost of government is a concern that needs to be addressed. In federal, state and local government, we find ourselves paying more for the same or lesser level service. This is unsustainable and will only lead to passing on more debt to future generations.

This report includes solid recommendations for reversing that trend. It provides for over $100 million in costs savings without conducting any layoffs or furloughs. All the recommendations deserve consideration and my hope is that most, if not all, will be implemented.

One concrete reform I believe can make a significant difference is the use of an outside third party to serve as lead negotiator during collective bargaining with our employee associations. Having someone that is not “of the bureaucracy” with a specific skill set in negotiations can go a long way in wins for the taxpayer at the bargaining table.

While a portion of this report has made some headline worthy revelations that must be addressed, our main focus should remain on implementing the needed reforms that comprise the bulk of this report. I look forward to being a part of these reforms and working on this Board’s behalf on the subcommittee.

South County Economic Summit

The Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and South Orange County Regional Chamber of Commerce are partnering to co-host the South County Economic Summit on Friday, June 17 at the St. Regis Monarch Beach.

This important economic and business forecast will feature a panel discussion with leaders from vital South County industries as well as keynote speaker Ed Learner, Director of the UCLA Anderson Forecast. Registration begins at 7:30 AM, with the program beginning promptly at 8:00 AM.

For more information, please click here.

San Juan Capistrano: I-5 Roadway and Bridge Widening

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is expected to begin a construction project next week, which covers a one-mile stretch of the I-5 Freeway from Camino Capistrano to south of San Juan Creek Road. Funded by the State Transportation Improvement Program, the $13.2-million project is expected to be completed by mid-2013.

To prepare the construction staging area, the contractor will work the first two weeks with traffic closures from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM to place construction area signs, temporary K-rails, and re-stripe the main line and ramps. After the staging work is complete, the project will be constructed during day shifts, with a few night shifts as required.

For more information, please click here and here.

Public Invited To Weigh In On Transit Options

Residents are invited to community meetings next week to offer input on the Orange County Transportation Authority’s (OCTA) Transit System Study, an effort to develop new, affordable ways to provide cost-effective bus services.

The study is an in-depth look at OCTA’s existing transit system, analyzing ridership, travel patterns, route productivity, population and employment density.

The study will provide OCTA with guidance on ways to provide more efficient service for riders and look at various transit alternatives, including traditional fixed-route buses, shuttles and vanpools.

The meetings all are scheduled from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM on the following dates:

• Tuesday, June 14
  Laguna Hills Community Center, Heritage Room
  25555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills CA 92653
  Served by bus routes 87 and 91
  
  
• Wednesday, June 15
  Downtown Anaheim Community Center, Hall B
  250 E. Center Street, Anaheim CA 92805
  Served by bus routes 42, 43, 47
  
  
• Thursday, June 16
  Santa Ana College, Building A, Cesar Chavez, Room A-210
  1530 W. 17th Street, Santa Ana CA 92706
  Served by bus routes 51, 57, 60

County Redistricting Committee Update

The Orange County Redistricting Committee, which is charged with making recommendations to the Board on new supervisorial districts, continues to hold meetings. Public hearings were held this week in the cities of Buena Park and Orange, respectively. The Committee sought public input on each of the 24 maps submitted by the public or Board offices. To view these maps, please click here.

The Committee will continue to hold public meetings over the course of this month. In South County, a meeting will be held at Mission Viejo City Hall on Thursday, June 23 at 6:00 PM. To view the full schedule, please click here.

San Juan Capistrano Election Certified

This week, the Registrar of Voters certified the results of the Special Municipal Election held in San Juan capistrano. Measure B was a choice for voters between two different developments. 33.7% of the City's residents voted, representing 6,683 voters. The measure passed with 55.8% of the vote.

Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Plan

On Monday, June 13, the Dana Point City Council will conduct a public hearing to consider the California Coastal Commissions’ suggested modifications to the City’s prior approval of the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Plan and District Regulations. The meeting will begin at 6:00 PM.

For more information, please click here.

Vessel Safety Check Event

Dana Point Harbor boaters can benefit from a FREE Vessel Safety Check on Saturday, June 25 from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. For more information, please click here.

New Law Requires Tdap Vaccine

A new California state law requires all students entering 7th through 12th grades to provide proof of having immunization against pertussis before starting school. In Orange County, an estimated 280,000 children need a pertussis vaccine booster (Tdap) before the 2011-12 school year.

The new law, AB 354, applies to all public and private schools. Parents are being urged not to wait for the new school year, since there will be no grace period. Under the new law, these students will not be allowed to start school without proof of vaccination.

For more information, please click here and here.

Eye on Influenza

The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) has released its final Eye on Influenza update of the influenza season, which is now officially over. However, HCA encourages continued surveillance for influenza-like illness year-round to detect any novel viruses or other outbreaks.

For more information, please click here.

Orange County Health Needs Assessment Newsletter

The Orange County Health Needs Assessment (OCHNA) has released its most recent newsletter, Stone Soup Gazette, which provides the public an opportunity to learn about current health events in Orange County.

To view the May/June edition of Stone Soup Gazette, please click
here. For information about OCHNA, please click here.

Orange County Coastal Coalition

The Orange County Coastal Coalition, which I Chair, provides an opportunity to learn about and collaborate on current topics affecting not only our coastal cities, but those inland as well.

To that end, our June 2 meeting provided a forum to hear from the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Board as well as the San Diego Regional Water Quality Board on their vision regarding the primary duty of the Regional Boards to protect the quality of the waters within the Region for all beneficial uses.

Mr. Kurt Berchtold, Executive Officer of the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board shared his Regional Board’s vision of the use of task force models in addressing and attacking issues around particular projects, as well as implementing solutions and achieving goals that benefit the receiving parties in the jurisdiction of the Santa Ana Regional Board.

One of these task force models is being utilized to adopt a draft permit for controlling stormwater issues between Orange County Coastkeeper and the scrap metal recycler industries.

Mr. David Gibson, Executive Officer of the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board shared an overview of 3 main objectives of the San Diego Regional Board, including:

1. Basin Plan Update, which consisted of projects for completion in time for the next triennial review, and prioritization of a wetlands policy.
   
   
2. The Regional Stormwater Permit overview and structure.
   
   
3. Monitoring, Assessment and Outcomes bringing priorities to the Board on these issues, with the Board wanting to see Tier 4 Performance measures as the goal and a strategy plan for San Diego Bay.

Help your lost pet find its way back home!

Licensing a pet helps them find their way back home if they are ever lost. If your pet is found, OC Animal Care will call and send you a letter of notification. Licensing also provides information to support investigations of cruelty, neglect, abandonment, and dog bites.

The law requires that all dogs in Orange County over the age of 4 months be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. Dog owners must license their dogs within 15 days of acquisition or within 15 days after the license becomes due. Owners must provide proof of a California approved rabies vaccination to obtain a license.

Cat licensing is optional and available through OC Animal Care, too. All licenses must be renewed annually. To license your pet online, please click here. For more information, please click here.

17th Annual DAWG Walk and Pet Faire

The Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) in partnership with Mission Viejo Animal Services Center will host its 17th Annual DAWG Walk and Pet Faire on Saturday, June 18. The event will take place from 8:00 AM to noon at the Norman P. Murray Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo.

This family event includes a display of K9 Athletes in Action, pet contests, pet and wildlife exhibits, pet faire, entertainment, raffles, music, refreshments and much more. Dogs needing loving, new homes will be available for adoption. For more information, please click here.

OC Animal Care: Under the Big Top

OC Animal Care invites you to a memorable day Under the Big Top at their annual Pet Fair on Saturday, June 25. The event from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM will feature hundreds of adorable animals available for adoption, as well as pet-friendly vendors and rescue organizations, a costume contest for your four-legged friend, and lots of food and fun!

For more information, please click here and here.

Pacific Marine Mammal Center Reopens: Come on down!

Well-known celebrity and wildlife philanthropist Bob Barker participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony this week at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) in Laguna Canyon to reopen the visitor area that was destroyed by the December 2010 flood.

Because PMMC is the only rescue organization for marine mammals in Orange County, it was critical that the facility be functional as soon as possible in order to avoid injured or stranded animals being left unattended on our beaches.

After months of repair, and with Bob Barker’s generous donation of $250,000 to fund the flood relief efforts, PMMC is back in working order. In recognition of his support to the organization, PMMC renamed their visitor viewing area to the “Bob Barker Marine Mammal Viewing Area.”

The ribbon cutting ceremony was followed by the release of sea lion patient “Barker” – named in honor of Bob Barker’s generosity to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. For more information, please click here and here.

Dana Point Harbor: 2011 Boat Show and Green Expo

The 2011 Dana Point Harbor Boat Show and Green Expo runs through June 12, with features such as sustainable boating demonstrations and marine conservation activities. The beautiful waterfront of Dana Point Harbor serves as a natural backdrop to the Boat Show and Green Expo, where marine and land related conservation issues merge.

For more information, please click here and here.

San Clemente: Student Beach Concert

The 12th Annual Beach Concert Series at San Clemente Pier is “Bringing the Bands to the Sand” on Friday, June 10 at 6:00 PM. Join the community to enjoy the San Clemente High School & Shorecliffs Jazz Band and celebrate live music on the beach with the sunset as your backdrop and FREE seating on the sand.

For more information, please click here.

San Juan Capistrano: Summer Nites Concert Series

San Juan Capistrano's opener of its 2011 Summer Nites Concert Series will be Wednesday, June 15 at Historic Town Center Park. "Steely Jam,” a tribute to Steely Dan, will headline from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Admission is FREE, with food and beverage available for purchase. Blankets and beach chairs are welcome, but pets aren't allowed.

For more information, please click here and here.

Laguna Niguel: Water Safety Presentation

With summer nearly upon us, water safety will once again be a concern for parents and their children. Please join Laguna Niguel Police Services and the Orange County Fire Authority for a Community Safety Presentation on Thursday, June 16 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Crown Valley Community Park.

For more information, please click here.

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

• Attended a Miocean Foundation event in support of their efforts to clean up our local shoreline.
• Presented certificates of recognition in honor of the Heart & Soul Award winners at O’Connor Mortuary.
• Attended the Laguna Niguel City Council meeting to present a proclamation on behalf of the Orange County Transportation Authority in appreciation of the City’s contributions and partnership in Measure M1 funded projects and programs.
• Met with Laguna Beach city officials to discuss various issues of mutual interest.
• Adjourned the Board of Supervisors meeting in memory of Myrtle Hanson of Capistrano Beach.

• Provided a proclamation in memory of Susan Trager of Laguna Beach.
• Provided a proclamation in honor of Ann Quilter, who was named 2011 Woman of the Year by the Women's Club of Laguna Beach.