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September 2, 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. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
3. AIRPORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
4. HARBOR HAPPENINGS
5. SAFETY SENTRY
6. NOTES FROM THE FIELD
7. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS
8. HEALTH HERALD
9. CRITTER CHRONICLES
10. LIBRARY LESSONS & SESSIONS
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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| BOARD BULLETIN BOARD |
No Board Meeting This Week
There was not a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Supervisors this week. To view the Board meeting schedule for 2011, please click here.
A Special Meeting of the Board of Supervisors will be held September 6. 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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| TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION |
OCTA Public Member Selection Update
The Orange County Transportation Authority’s (OCTA) Executive Committee has completed interviews of the top ten candidates vying for the seat of Public Member on the OCTA Board of Directors and on Monday voted to send three forward to be interviewed by the full Board.
On September 26, the Board will interview Michael Hennessey of North Tustin, Eddie Northen of Coto de Caza, and Roy Shahbazian of Orange, after which the OCTA Board will conduct a final vote to determine the new public member to serve on the Board.
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| AIRPORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES |
John Wayne Airport: Labor Day Weekend Travel Tips
John Wayne Airport anticipates a busier-than-normal travel period during the Labor Day weekend through Tuesday, September 6, with the busiest travel days expected Friday before Labor Day and on the Monday holiday.
Passengers and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead and give themselves 90 minutes to two hours to find parking, check their luggage and go through the security checkpoint to ensure they are at their gate in time for their flight.
For more information, please click here and here.
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| HARBOR HAPPENINGS |
Dana Point Harbor: Labor Day Holiday Weekend Advisory
In many parts of the United States, Labor Day represents the end of the summer, but here in Orange County, some of the best weather of the year follows Labor Day, so our summer does not really end until well into October.
The following are tips for enjoying the Labor Day holiday weekend in Dana Point Harbor:
- Public parking and picnic areas fill up early, so plan accordingly.
- If you are a boater, plan ahead and bring supplies to your boat early; and if you have guests coming, make plans to meet them at the parking gate.
- Attendants will be monitoring parking gates during the holiday weekend.
- Campers, RVs and trailers are prohibited in marina lots and may be towed.
For more information, please click here.
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| SAFETY SENTRY |
Expect Increased Police Patrols for Labor Day Weekend
Police patrols will be increased throughout Orange County over Labor Day weekend, September 2–5, in an effort to reduce the number of persons killed or injured in alcohol related crashes, as DUI saturation patrols have proven to be an effective method for achieving this goal.
Simple tips to keep you and your family safe while on the roadway this weekend include:
- Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.
- Before drinking, designate a sober driver.
- If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
- If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1;
Remember, Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk! If you know someone who is about to drive or ride a vehicle while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
National Emergency Preparedness Month
September is National Preparedness Month. It's time to stop and see how ready you are. It can be the difference between helplessness and recovery.
Click on the links below for more information on how to prepare your family and workplace for emergencies.
Stay tuned for information on the 4th Annual South County Disaster Preparedness Expo to be held October 22 at the Norman Murray Community Center in Mission Viejo.
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| NOTES FROM THE FIELD |
OC Fire Watch “Dry Run”
With over 200 trained volunteers, OC Parks recently conducted an OC Fire Watch drill to test the efficiency and capabilities of the AlertOC system and the response capabilities of our OC Fire Watch volunteers.
Red Flag Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service and the Orange County Fire Authority(OCFA) based upon low relative humidity, high temperatures and sustained winds. In such an event, OC Parks and OC Fire Watch volunteers prepare for the likelihood of a Red Flag Alert and possible deployment within 24 hours.
On August 19, an automated AlertOC email, text message and/or telephone call advising of a simulated Red Flag Warning went out to each OC Fire Watch member. A simulated Red Flag Alert was issued the following day at 8:30 AM, and all OC Parks Rangers and OC Fire Watch volunteers sprang into action.
Fire season in Orange County has not closed for several years, and wildfires can occur anytime. Through the valuable assistance offered by the volunteers of the OC Fire Watch program, we hope to limit or eliminate the spread of wildfires in our fire prone areas of Orange County. We thank our volunteers for their dedication and service.
For more information, please click here and 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 September newsletter, please click here.
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| ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS |
California Coastal Cleanup Day
OC Dana Point Harbor will join the more than 800 other locations throughout the State in the 27th annual California Coastal Cleanup Day. The State’s largest volunteer event will be held Saturday, September 17 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Those interested in volunteering can obtain more information by contacting OC Dana Point Harbor at (949) 923-2236 or simply check-in during the event adjacent to Jolly Roger restaurant on the Wharf.
In addition, OC Dana Point Harbor is organizing the 6th annual Underwater Cleanup Event the same day from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This is part of OC Dana Point Harbor’s continuing efforts to improve water quality in the Harbor.
For more information, please click here and here. For Coastal Cleanup Day activities taking place at OC Parks facilities throughout Orange County, please click here.
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| HEALTH HERALD |
First Human West Nile Virus Case of 2011 Confirmed
A Buena Park man has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) infection, becoming Orange County’s first confirmed human WNV case of 2011. This is the 19th human case of West Nile Virus reported in California this year. Nationally, 77 cases have been reported, including three WNV-related deaths.
Although West Nile Virus activity has been low in Orange County over the last two years, it is important to recognize that WNV is endemic in Orange County, recurring every year during the summer months and continuing into the fall. The best way to avoid West Nile Virus infection is to take precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites.
For more information, including recommended WNV precautions, please click here and here.
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| CRITTER CHRONICLES |
Low Cost Pet Vaccination Clinic Now Offered Every Month
Due to popular demand, beginning September 7, a low cost pet vaccination clinic will be offered the first Wednesday of every month at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center at 22232 El Paseo in Rancho Santa Margarita. Services include:
- Dogs – Rabies vaccination $7, DHPP $16, Bordatella $13, Lyme $22
- Cats – Rabies $7, FVRCP $16, FELV $18, Purevax $20
- AVID microchip $28
Cash only. Pets must be secured on leashes or in pet carriers. For more information, please contact the Community Services Department at (949) 216-9700.
Celebrate Cats at OC Animal Care!
Join OC Animal Care in celebrating all that is wonderful about cats! Through September 10, all adopters who find their purrfect feline companion will receive a FREE goodie bag filled with cat supplies! For more information on OC Animal Care special adoption days, please click here.
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| LIBRARY LESSONS & SESSIONS |
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 September is “Action.” 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 may 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 August contest will be posted on the Voices & Visions website in October. For more information, please click here.
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| FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT |
South County Swimmer Captures U.S Junior Title
Rising Mission Viejo Nadadores distance swimmer Janardan Burns recently captured his first U.S. Junior Title by winning the 1,500 meter freestyle at the Speedo Junior National Championships in Stanford. Janardan, who will soon begin his junior year at Aliso Niguel High School, won in a lifetime-best 15 minutes, 34.36 seconds, shaving nearly ten seconds off his previous best time.
For more information, please click here.
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| SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR |
Labor Day at Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center
Spend Labor Day at the Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center and receive a discounted rate to enjoy a host of fun-filled activities and specials. The September 5 celebration at 29 Santa Barbara in Aliso Viejo is from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. For more information, please call (949) 425-2559 or click here.
Rancho Santa Margarita: Hyundai Hope on Wheels 5K
Hyundai and its nonprofit organization, Hyundai Hope on Wheels, in sponsorship with the City of Rancho Santa Margarita, are hosting a 5K race/walk along with a Celebration of Life Family Fun Day, complete with games and activities for the whole family. The event will be held on Labor Day, September 5 to support groundbreaking pediatric cancer research efforts at The Hyundai Cancer Institute at CHOC Children’s Hospital. For more information, please click here and here.
Dana Point Harbor: Tall Ships Festival
The 27th annual Toshiba Tall Ships Festival, the largest annual gathering of tall ships on the West Coast, will take place September 9–11 in Dana Point Harbor. Enjoy the smells, sounds and sights of real working ships, and visit interactive living-history encampments, including blacksmiths, scrimshaw artists, knot tiers, and the infamous Port Royal Privateers. For more information, please click here.
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| FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP |
In addition to my many meetings, briefings, and other supervisorial activities, I also:
- Chaired the OCTA Special Executive Committee Meeting to conduct the 2nd Round of interviews for the OCTA Public Member.
- Served as the welcoming host at the OCTA Orange County Jobs Now Summit.
- Attended the 2011 California Local Agency Formation Commission (CALAFCO) Annual Conference in northern California and was elected to represent the Southern Division on the CALAFCO Board.
My office also:
- Discussed the proposed Trout Ladder Program with San Juan Capistrano city officials.
- Provided a certificate of recognition in honor of the 75th birthday celebration of the San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club.
- Provided a certificate of recognition in honor of the ribbon cutting ceremony for Orange Coast Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge in San Juan Capistrano.
Wishing you and yours a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!
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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