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August 5, 2011
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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. ENVIONMENTAL MEMOS
6. HEALTH HERALD
7. CRITTER CHRONICLES
8. NOTES FROM THE FIELD
9. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT
10. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR
11.
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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| BOARD BULLETIN BOARD |
No Board Meeting This Week
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, August 9. 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.
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| SOUTH COUNTY NEWS |
Enhancing South County's Water Supply Reliability
After two years of construction, South County’s newest domestic water reservoir is nearly complete, as water recently began filling the 244 million gallon Upper Chiquita Reservoir. The process will take approximately 70 days to complete.
The Upper Chiquita Reservoir is the largest domestic water reservoir built in South County since the 1970s. The Santa Margarita Water District, Moulton Niguel Water District, South Coast Water District, and the cities of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano partnered to fund the design, construction, and maintenance of the reservoir. Customers within these service areas will have access to the reservoir’s water supply.
Because South County is almost entirely dependent on imported drinking water to meet daily needs, new domestic water reserves like the Upper Chiquita Reservoir are needed to ensure sufficient storage in the event of a supply disruption.
The new reservoir is connected to the regional water supply via the South County Pipeline. When fully operational in late-September, the Upper Chiquita Reservoir will be able to provide drinking water to 168,000 South County families (or about 500,000 individuals) for one week in the event of an emergency or planned service disruption.
For more information, please click here.
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| TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION |
Moulton Parkway Smart Street Receives Prop. 1B Funds
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors approved the programming of $3,421,017 in Proposition 1B State-Local Partnership Program (SLPP) funds for Segment 3 (Phase 2) of the Moulton Parkway Smart Street Project in the City of Laguna Woods.
The Measure M2 Fair Share SLPP Grant Matching Program provides funding on a dollar-for-dollar basis, which will be matched with the City’s Measure M2 fair share funds for the construction phase of the project.
The Moulton Parkway Smart Street Project will improve roadway traffic capacity and streamline traffic flow through traffic signal synchronization, bus turnouts, intersection improvements, additional travel lanes, turning lanes, and on-road bike lanes within the project limits.
Segment 3 (Phase 2) is the last phase of Moulton Parkway Smart Street Project, from north of El Toro Road to north of Santa Maria Avenue, and is entirely within the City of Laguna Woods, which is the lead agency on this portion of the project.
Previously, the City of Laguna Hills completed work for Segment 1. Segment 2, from south of Santa Maria Avenue to El Pacifico Drive, was completed by the County in May 2011; and the first phase of Segment 3 was completed by the County in June 2011.
Take the Train to Where the Turf Meets the Surf
Need an idea for a fun weekend adventure? Take Metrolink to the horse races at the Del Mar Race Track!
During race season (July 23 – September 4), Metrolink is offering round-trip weekend train service for a flat fare of $28, so you can enjoy the pageantry, ponies, concerts and races where the turf meets the surf in beautiful Del Mar.
The Metrolink Del Mar Train runs from LA Union Station to the Solana Beach Station, stopping at Orange County stations along the way, with a FREE shuttle provided from the Solana Beach Station to the Del Mar Race Track.
Tickets for the Del Mar Train can be purchased at any Metrolink station using any Metrolink Ticket Vending Machine. Simply select the “Special Ticket Options,” then choose "Del Mar/Solana Beach Ticket."
For more information, please click here.
Award-Winning Map Helps Cyclists Navigate OC Bikeways
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has released an updated version of the Orange County Bikeways Guide as part of the “Share the Ride” program, encouraging people to consider bicycling as a low-cost transportation option that also helps promote wellness, provides transportation options, reduces vehicle miles of travel and improves air quality.
The Orange County Bikeways Guide is a comprehensive countywide map showing the three classes of designated bikeways. The updated map provides a detailed depiction of Orange County’s existing bikeways, locations of steep grades, mileage and the location of bike shops to assist bicycle riders in more efficiently planning their trips. The guide also includes bicycle safety tips, bicycling laws and information on how to extend a bike trip by combining it with the bus or train.
An OCTA outreach team recently presented the updated guide at this year’s Esri International User Conference, the world’s largest event dedicated to GIS technology. The map received a 3rd place award in the Large Format Map Product category in the mapping competition.
For more information and to download the Bikeways Guide, please click here.
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| COUNTY CONNECTIONS |
Board Appoints Interim Public Defender
The Board of Supervisors has appointed a veteran employee of the Office of the Public Defender to serve as Interim Public Defender.
Frank Ospino was selected for the interim appointment to succeed Deborah Kwast, who retired August 2 after serving more than 30 years with the Public Defender’s Office, including the last eight years as Public Defender.
The Office of the Public Defender provides high quality legal representation to indigent clients in the criminal and delinquency courts, advocates the parental rights of clients in the dependency courts, and works to protect the rights of individuals in the mental health courts of Orange County.
For more information, please click here.
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| ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS |
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. As such, our July 28 meeting provided a forum to hear from the City of San Clemente and the City of Costa Mesa on projects to preserve and protect the quality of the waters within our region.
Mr. Tom Bonigut, Assistant City Engineer for the City of San Clemente, presented the City’s vision for beach nourishment by using sand replenishment to increase the their shoreline 50 feet. The City of San Clemente project began over ten years ago as a recon study by the US Army Corps of Engineers.
The City of San Clemente’s project began over ten years ago as a recon study by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The City recently submitted a Chief of Engineers Report for Congress to be reviewed and receive comments on the project. The goal of the project is to protect the infrastructures near the coast and nourish the beach by replenishing the sand. To view the presentation, please click here.
Mr. Bart Mejia, Senior Engineer and Project Manager for the City of Costa Mesa, presented an overview of the Fairview Park Wetlands and Riparian Habitat Project. The City of Costa Mesa project began six years ago and has completed Phase I by adding lined ponds that do not seep to Fairview Park, as the project currently relies on artificial irrigation.
Phase II is currently under construction to make sustainable irrigation by adding ponds with streams; and Phase III will complete the trails. Valves and sensors monitor the water flow, which is improved by keeping it from the water district and the ocean. The project goal is to restore the park to its natural habitat without disrupting wildlife and the environment. To view the presentation, please click here.
To be placed on the email distribution list for Coastal Coalition meetings, please send your email address to andrea.toscano@ocpw.ocgov.com.
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| HEALTH HERALD |
Recruitment for CalOptima Board of Directors
The Board of Supervisors is seeking a candidate to serve on the Board of Directors for CalOptima, the County Organized Health System that administers the Medi-Cal Program in Orange County. The recruitment seeks to fill one vacant health care provider position on the Board. The position is for a four-year term with an additional four-year appointment possible.
The current seat available must be filled by a person who may be any one of the following: a hospital administrator; an administrator of a managed care organization; a health care service provider; a person from an organization representing healthcare providers; or other health professional. Applicants must also be residents of or employed in Orange County.
Individuals are sought who have prior experience on comparable boards, knowledge of the Orange County health delivery system, intergovernmental and community relations, and understand fiscal management principles for large organizations.
To be considered for an appointment, please mail or hand deliver a completed application and resume to Health Care Agency / Human Resources at 405 W. 5th Street, Suite 300, Santa Ana, CA, 92701.
Applications will be accepted through August 31 and are available on the Health Care Agency’s website by clicking here. For more application and recruitment information, please call Donnie LaPlante at (714) 834-5522.
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 August edition of Stone Soup Gazette, please click here. For information about OCHNA, please click here.
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| CRITTER CHRONICLES |
Become an Angel for Animals
Join OC Animal Care and the Angels’ Wives under the Big Red Hats at Angel Stadium this Saturday, August 6, for the 4th Annual "Angels for Animals" event. From 4:00 PM through the 2nd inning, fans can purchase mystery bags containing baseballs autographed by current Angels players and coaches.
Proceeds will benefit the Angels Baseball Foundation and local animal shelters. For more information, please click here.
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| NOTES FROM THE FIELD |
Doheny for Best State Beach!
Doheny State Beach is in the running to be named "Best State Beach" in Southern California by a program from Vons/Pavilions, Coca-Cola, and California State Parks. The first, second, and third place beaches will be awarded $25,000, $15,000, and $10,000, respectively. The funds will go toward beach clean-up, lifeguard support, and maintenance efforts.
The campaign is also encouraging the public to volunteer on September 17 for International Coastal Clean-up events that will be held at the winning beaches. For more about how you can vote for Doheny State Beach as the Best State Beach in Southern California, please click here.
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| FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT |
South County Girl Wins National Gymnastics Championship
Lake Forest's Savannah Stocker recently won the all-around championship in her division at the 2011 USAIGC National / International Gymnastics Championships in Indian Wells, as the fifth grader from Rancho Canada Elementary School won gold in the Level 7 competition for 9-10 year olds, taking first place on the balance beam and floor exercise.
In individual competition, Savannah won the gold medal and national championship on the bars, a gold medal on the balance beam, and a gold medal on the floor exercise, with the top score of the entire competition for both days in all events. For more information, please click here.
South County Man Impresses at World Championships
Mission Viejo's Ken Ernst won gold and silver medals last month at the 19th World Masters Athletics Outdoor Stadia Championships in Sacramento. More than 4,800 athletes from 93 nations, ranging in age from 35 to 101, participated in the two-week long event.
Competing in the 45-49 year old division, Ken took second place in the 8K cross country run, finishing behind Israel's Dev Kremer. In the team competition, Ken led the U.S. contingent to a gold medal finish, with Great Britain and Germany earning silver and bronze. For more information, please click here.
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| SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR |
Lake Forest: Symphony in the Cities
On Sunday, August 14, the City of Lake Forest will host a live performance by the Pacific Symphony, themed "Celebration of Youth." The concert in Pittsford Park begins at 7:00 PM. There will also be a "musical playground" for children at 5:30 PM. Children participating in the conducting clinic will have the opportunity to assist Maestro Carl St. Clair during a portion of the concert. For more information, please call (949) 461-3450.
San Clemente Fiesta Street Festival
The exciting San Clemente Fiesta Street Festival on Sunday, August 14 features fun and activities for the whole family and FREE admission! For more information, please click here.
Laguna Beach: World Famous Art Festivals
Art festival season is in full swing in Laguna Beach – daily through the end of August – featuring a wide array of outstanding art and entertainment. For information on the Festival of Arts / Pageant of the Masters, please click here. For information on the Sawdust Art Festival, please click here. For information on Art-A-Fair, please click here.
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| FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP |
In addition to my many meetings, briefings, and other supervisorial activities, I also:
- Participated in the Coastal Commission Whale Tail Press Conference in Dana Point Harbor. To view photos of the event, please click here.
- Participated in the Human Resources Department Audit Ad Hoc Committee meeting.
- Met with local elected officials at a stakeholders meeting to discuss AB 262 regarding boundaries for the Regional Water Quality Control Boards.
- Presented a certificate of recognition to Loraine Patton, who was named the Laguna Woods Historical Society Honoree of the Month for August.
- Attended the inaugural mixer of the Orange County Green Chamber.
My office also:
- Provided a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Asada in the City of Laguna Beach.
My staff and I look forward to continually providing you updated information in our Fifth District Newsletter and website.
Please feel free to contact my office with your concerns, comments or questions at (714) 834-3550. It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your Supervisor for Orange County's Fabulous Fifth District.
For an ADA version of our newsletter, click here.
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