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. SOUTH COUNTY NEWS

4. HARBOR HAPPENINGS

5. AIRPORT ARRIVALS

6. HEALTH HERALD

7. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS

8. NOTES FROM THE FIELD

9. LIBRARY LESSONS & SESSIONS

10. SAFETY SENTRY

11. SENIOR SENTRY

12. CRITTER CHRONICLES

13. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT

14. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR

15. 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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No Board Meeting This Week

Due to the Fourth of July holiday, there was no regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Supervisors this week. To view the Board meeting schedule for 2011, please click here.

Our next Board meeting will be held Tuesday, July 19. For Agenda & Meeting Information, please click here.

Live Internet broadcasts of Board of Supervisors meetings can be viewed online and are archived as video-on-demand. To view live and/or past Board meetings, please click here.

I-405 Closure July 16 and July 17

Residents across Southern California are gearing up for the 53-hour closure of the San Diego Freeway (I-405), dubbed as "Carmageddon".

The closure will take place on Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17 along a 10-mile stretch of the freeway. Construction crews will close the northbound segment between the Hollywood Freeway (U.S. Route 101) and the Santa Monica Freeway (I-10) for the demolition of the bridge in the Sepulveda Pass.

Crews also will close four miles of the southbound lanes between the Hollywood Freeway and Getty Center Drive ramps.

While the closure will not affect the portion of the 1-405 in Orange County, residents from Orange County are being asked to plan their weekend trips accordingly to avoid potential region-wide traffic impacts.

For more information on the I-405 Sepulveda Pass project and the upcoming closure, visit Metro’s website. For schedules on Metro bus and rail, visit the schedules page.

Metrolink Increases Service, Introduces New Fare Options

As part of the Metrolink Service Expansion Program, Metrolink has rolled roll out additional rail service in Orange County along with new fare options that will take passengers to more places for a low cost.

The service expansion includes six new trains on weekdays as well as eight new trains on weekends.

Six new weekday trains run between Fullerton and Laguna Niguel / Mission Viejo stations during the afternoon and evening hours.

Passengers also can take advantage of the new OCLINK pass. For $7 for adults and $6 for seniors and the disabled, riders can use the new pass for all-day travel on weekdays on local OCTA buses as well as Metrolink trains within Orange County between Buena Park and Anaheim Canyon stations to San Clemente station.

Aliso Viejo Turns Ten!

Last week, I was pleased to join local residents and community leaders to celebrate Aliso Viejo's 10th anniversary, as the City officially turned 10 years old July 1 and celebrated the milestone with a weekend of special community events.

On Friday, Mayor Carmen Cave welcomed guests at a special anniversary dinner and spoke about how far the City has come since its July 1, 2001 incorporation. She joined fellow council colleagues Mayor Pro Tem Donald Garcia, Council Member Greg Ficke, Council Member Bill Phillips and Council Member Phil Tsunoda in the community celebration.

On Saturday, the party continued as residents of all ages packed the Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center for the City's "Birthday Bash" that featured free entry, music, activities and tons of fun in the sun. To see photos of the festivities, please click here. For more information, please click here.

Parking on the 4th of July at Dana Point Harbor

Fourth of July weekend is typically one of the busiest periods at Dana Point Harbor. As such, we make every effort to accommodate all those visiting the Harbor to ensure an enjoyable experience for boaters and non-boaters alike.

As expected, this past 4th of July was a very busy weekend at the Harbor. While most visitors were able to park their vehicles at an offsite location or at one of the parking lots within the Harbor, there were some that encountered problems with access to specific parking lots and areas.

Upon further review, we discovered there were some problems with unauthorized use of the parking lots reserved for boaters. As we look back on the past weekend and analyze the successes and shortcomings of this year’s plan, we are committed to working more closely with the Harbor staff, merchants and boaters alike to ensure the parking situation at Dana Point Harbor is properly addressed for future special events and holiday festivities so all can enjoy the celebration with friends and family.

JWA Parking Access and Revenue Control System

John Wayne Airport (JWA) began rolling out the first phase of its new state-of-the-art Parking Access and Revenue Control System (PARCS) on Thursday, July 7.

PARCS will be installed first in Parking Structure A2. The new system will feature two options: a traditional paper ticketed system and a new ticketless feature.

Additional features of PARCS, to be implemented in the future, include a pay-on-foot station in Parking Structure C and a parking space count system that will allow passengers to see how many spaces are available at each level.

Passengers exiting the parking facilities at JWA during this transition may experience delays as users become acquainted with the new system. For more information, please click here and here.

A Look at Health in Orange County’s Hispanic Community

The Orange County Health Needs Assessment (OCHNA) has released its latest report titled “A Look at Health in Orange County’s Hispanic/Latino Community” – an exploration of the health needs and disparities that persist in Orange County’s Hispanic/Latino population.

To view the OCHNA report, please click here.

Testing the Waters 2011

Annually, the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) issues a report regarding ocean water monitoring. This year’s report, “Testing the Waters 2011,” provides an analysis of water quality and public notification at coastal beaches in the United States.

NRDC uses a five-star system to rate 200 beaches across the country for water quality, testing frequency, promptly issuing closure/advisories, and posting closures/advisories at beaches and online. California received more “Five-Star” ratings than any other state, with a total of nine; four of which were in Orange County, including beaches at Salt Creek, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Bolsa Chica.

Other highlights in this year’s report include:

• Orange County was recognized for the 2010 Rapid Methods Demonstration Project, as the first agency to use the qPCR rapid test method for issuing beach water quality notifications at coastal beaches in the United States.
• Orange County was commended for its efforts to provide a collaborative, integrated, regional ocean water quality monitoring program for the County by partnering with stormwater and sewage treatment agencies to share monitoring resources and eliminate sampling redundancies.

Living History Workshops at OC Parks Historical Locations

John C.F. Luzader, a nationally-regarded authority of living history programs at historic sites, will present two workshops on designing and presenting living history programs. The workshops will take place July 14 & 15 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest; and July 16 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana.

For more information please click here.

Doheny State Beach Update

The Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association (DSBIA) has released its monthly DOHENY UPDATE to inform the public about special events as well as current conditions at the State Park. To view the DSBIA July newsletter, please click here.

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.

The theme for the month of July is “You Are Here,” which is also the theme for OCPL’s teen Summer Reading Program. All entries must relate to the theme and will be judged in part on the teen’s interpretation. Entries will be reviewed by a panel of librarians.

Teens may enter only one work per category each month but they can enter in more than one category. Entries must be the teen’s original work, using only non-copyrighted materials in their production. They must also have a valid OCPL card to enter.

Winners of the July contest will be posted on the Voices & Visions website in September. For more information, please click here.

I’m pleased to report that a Voices & Visions winner for the month of May is from the 5th District! Carter Jenkins, an 8th grade student from St. John’s Episcopal School in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita, won in the Prose category, as the theme in May was “Heroes.” To read Carter Jenkins’ winning entry, “The Room," please click here.

Speaking of the Summer Reading Program, the children’s theme is “One World, Many Stories.” Summer reading is fun for kids of all ages! You can read what you like, keep track of your reading time, and win prizes at your favorite branch library through July 31.

Additionally, OCPL has released a video to promote the children’s Summer Reading Program, which was filmed at Ladera Ranch Library and stars a librarian from that branch, as well as OCPL’s mascot, Booker T. Dog. To view the video, please click here. For more information on the Summer Reading Program, please click here.

Last, but not least, the 5th District had a runner up in a statewide contest to produce a video promoting the “You Are Here” theme. Anna Hazlett, Snehal Chitalia and Rebecca Haggard, who use the El Toro Branch Library, had one of the top three submissions in the California Library Association’s Teen Video Challenge. To view the girls’ outstanding entry, please click here.

New Carbon Monoxide Alarm Requirements

Per California Senate Bill 183, as of July 1, 2011, all existing single family homes are now required to have carbon monoxide alarms. All other types of residences, such as apartments, condominiums, etc., will need carbon monoxide alarms beginning January 1, 2013. For more information, please click here.

CalOptima Honored for Service to Alzheimer’s Community

For its commitment to serving people with Alzheimer’s disease and supporting their caregivers, CalOptima received the Community Partner of the Year Award from the Alzheimer’s Association Orange County Chapter.

As the second largest health plan in Orange County, CalOptima serves 1 in 6 Orange County seniors, including many affected by Alzheimer’s disease. CalOptima OneCare (HMO SNP), a program for seniors eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits, is a frequent sponsor of the Alzheimer’s Association Orange County Chapter Memory Walks.

CalOptima also invites the Association to participate in its Community Alliances Forums and Conferences, which bring together outreach organizations for seniors and families with medical or social services needs. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and fourth in Orange County, according to the local chapter.

For more information, please click here.

OC Animal Care: Foster Program Information

Each year, when the weather begins to warm up, kittens pour into OC Animal Care by the litter. While some kittens are quickly put up for adoption, others are too young to be placed in permanent homes. This is where OC Animal Care’s dedicated Foster Caretakers step in!

Foster Caretakers provide food, shelter, socialization and love to underage kittens until they are big enough for adoption at the shelter. If you’re interested in becoming a Foster Caretaker or learning more about the Foster Program, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (714) 935-6194.

Summer Dangers for Dogs: Watch Out for Foxtails!

Foxtails are weeds that look like the tails of foxes and are often found along paths and roads. During the spring, they are soft and green; but by summer, the seed heads dry and detach from the plant and can stick to an animal's fur, often becoming embedded in dogs’ toes, ears and eyes.

They are very difficult to remove, as they are barbed like a fish hook. They penetrate the dog’s body, causing infections and abscesses. They can also travel and lodge in their spine and internal organs. Unfortunately, pet owners often don’t know their dog has ingested a foxtail until it’s too late.

For more information, please click here.

Students Claim Surf Titles, Achieve Academic Excellence

A day before graduating from San Clemente High School, Tory Gilkerson went to the head of her class in the surfing world. Competing in Surfing America's USA Championships at Lower Trestles last month, Tory captured her third U.S. title in the Girls Under-18 Longboard Division, a USA surf title she also won in 2008 and 2010. The next day, she received her high school diploma.

Not to be outdone, in the Boys Under-18 Longboard Division, Kris Williams of Laguna Beach also became the 2011 U.S. Champion. For more information, please click here.

Also last month, San Clemente High School (SCHS) won its 11th National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) National Championship, while Shorecliffs Middle School claimed its ninth NSSA National Championship. SCHS’ Breyden Taylor won the high school men’s national title; and Colt Ward from Shorecliffs won the Middle School Boys national title, with Mason Shaw winning the longboard competition.

While South County students were surfing to victory on the waves, several were honored by NSSA for their academic prowess. Tia Blanco, Daniel Tieman, Griffin Colapinto, Kei Kobayashi, Colt Ward, and Corey Colapinto from Shorecliffs Middle School; Malia Ward from Bernice Ayer Middle School; Scott Weinhardt and Josh Benjoya from Dana Hills High School; and Eric Weinhardt from Marco Forster Middle School were named 2011 NSSA Surfer Scholars.

Laguna Niguel: Rule the Pool

The City of Laguna Niguel invites kids to enjoy a night of water volleyball, inter-tube races, diving board contests and music at “Rule the Pool” Friday, July 8 from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Teens may not leave until 10:00 PM unless released to a parent. For more information, please click here.

San Juan Capistrano: Second Saturday Art Fair

The San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce hosts the Second Saturday Art Fair on Saturday, July 9 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, featuring over 70 artists and performers throughout historic downtown San Juan Capistrano. For more information, please click here.

San Clemente: Ocean Festival

The San Clemente Ocean Festival is celebrating 35 years of “The Greatest Show on Surf!” Come join the fun on Saturday & Sunday, July 16 & 17 at the San Clemente Pier. For more information, please click here.

Rancho Santa Margarita: Summer Concert Series

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita’s Summer Concert Series takes place from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday evenings, beginning July 17 with Mark Wood & The Parrot Head Band – a tribute to Jimmy Buffet. For more information, please click here.

Mission Viejo: Movie of Character

The public is invited to enjoy the second part of the critically acclaimed mini-series “John Adams” on Sunday, July 17 at Mission Viejo City Hall. The PG-13 film airs at 2:00 PM. For more information, please click here.

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

• Presented a proclamation to the City of Aliso Viejo in honor of its tenth anniversary of cityhood.
• Chaired the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Environmental Oversight Committee meeting.
• Participated in the Human Resources Department Audit Ad Hoc Subcommittee meeting.

• Met with representatives of California Access to be briefed on their programs.