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April 13, 2012
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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. REDEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENTS
3. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
4. AIRPORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
5. HEALTH HERALD
6. COUNTY CONNECTIONS
7. NOTES FROM THE FIELD
8. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS
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
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 2012, please click here.
Our next Board meeting will be held Tuesday, April 17. Regular Board meetings begin at 9:30 AM in the Hall of Administration. 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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| REDEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENTS |
Redevelopment Oversight Board Action
The County’s Redevelopment Oversight Successor Board met on April 12 to discuss the County’s redevelopment funding commitments and to determine the enforceability of those commitments.
The Board’s recommendations will be forwarded to the State Department of Finance, which will decide if the Oversight Board’s decisions are valid. The Department of Finance has the authority to overrule the Oversight Board’s decision, and that decision is final and not appealable.
The item of particular interest on the Board’s agenda was the determination of the enforceability of the County’s Redevelopment funding commitment with the Rancho Mission Viejo Company to provide 1800 units of affordable housing in the Ranch Plan development.
The Oversight Board voted to approve the plan as an enforceable obligation and eligible to use redevelopment funding to complete the affordable housing element. This project, when completed, will allow the County to meet its affordable housing requirement.
The Oversight Board approved the use of $10 million in redevelopment funding to initiate the first affordable housing project in the Ranch Plan. As the County moves forward in the development of this housing, the Redevelopment Oversight Board will review and determine the enforceability of the individual elements of this plan to ensure compliance with the use of redevelopment funding.
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| TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION |
OCTA Citizens Advisory Committee Accepting Applications
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is currently recruiting Orange County community leaders to serve on the volunteer Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC).
This 34-member committee, appointed by the OCTA Board of Directors, plays a significant role in representing a broad spectrum of community perspectives on transportation projects, studies and outreach activities.
Members of the community interested in serving a two-year term on the CAC may visit www.octa.net/cac to learn more and apply. All applications must be received by Monday, April 30. For more information, please click here.
OC Bridges Program Update
Measure M2 includes a program known as OC Bridges, which entails building seven bridges (both underpasses and overpasses) to separate car traffic from trains along the Orangethorpe Rail Corridor in the cities of Placentia, Fullerton and Anaheim.
On Monday, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors approved a revised funding plan for the OC Bridges Program. While the $578 budget remains the same and the projects are meeting schedule targets, adjustments were needed to accommodate for increases in state funding, decreases in federal funding, and an additional $8.87 million from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway.
In addition, the revised funding plan reduces the City of Fullerton’s contribution to the State College Boulevard railroad grade separation project from $10.6 million to $2.1 million.
To view the presentation given to the OCTA Board, please click here.
California High Speed Rail Business Plan Update
At Monday’s Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors meeting, the Board received a presentation on the Revised 2012 California High Speed Rail Authority’s Business Plan.
The revised draft business plan proposes a lower overall cost of $68.4 billion for the blended system, reduced from the $78.2 billion estimate for the blended approach in the November Plan (full phase one was estimated at $98 billion in the November Plan). It also includes investment in the “bookends” of the system, estimated at $3.5 billion with the Initial Operating Segment identified to be the Southern California Section from Merced to Los Angeles (previously to Anaheim).
To view the OCTA staff presentation, please click here.
On Thursday, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) approved the Revised 2012 Business Plan, adding language affirming Anaheim will continue to be a part of the high-speed rail system and committing that the CHSRA will work to identify an alternative that will provide a “one-seat” ride from San Francisco into Anaheim.
Angels Express Ridership Hits Home Run
Metrolink partnered with the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) to launch the Angels Express trains for the Angels baseball team’s opener Friday, kicking-off the new season with strong ridership numbers.
More than 1,200 passengers took the trains to the first game of the season Friday night, coming from Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire.
To kick-off the new season and return of the special trains, more than 300 people participated in an event at the Irvine station that included free prizes, free food from Rubio’s and live music by Playlist 92.7 FM.
The Angels Express trains run during all weekday home games that begin at 7:05 PM. The special train service start from Los Angeles Union Station, Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo and downtown Riverside.
Please visit the OCTA website for more information on fares and schedules for the Angels Express trains.
Ride FREE to Fiesta Broadway
On Sunday, April 29, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) will be hosting an event at the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center to promote Metrolink service to the Fiesta Broadway celebration event in Los Angeles, known as the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the world!
FREE Metrolink tickets will be given away to the first 100 people. For more information, please click here.
The Toll Roads Traffic and Revenue Update
The Foothill Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency (F/ETCA) reported toll revenues of $9,114,417 and transactions of 4,794,106 for the month of March. Revenues were up 4.1% and transactions were down 2.6%, as compared to March 2011 figures.
The San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency reported toll revenues of $7,940,121, a 3.1% increase from March 2011. The SJHTCA transactions were 2,171,674 for the month of March, which represented a 2.3% decrease.
FasTrak App for Smartphones Coming Soon
Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) Board of Directors received a presentation on a new smartphone application that will make things more convenient for FasTrak customers. The app was developed by TCA and will allow customers to manage their FasTrak account through their smartphone.
The app has been submitted to Apple Computer for certification to use on iPhones. Look for the app to be available in the next month.
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| AIRPORT ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES |
WestJet Resumes Non-Stop Service to Calgary
On April 29, WestJet will resume daily, non-stop international service between Orange County's John Wayne Airport and Calgary, Alberta, Canada. WestJet currently operates daily, non-stop service between Orange County and Vancouver.
WestJet began service at John Wayne Airport in May 2011 with one daily non-stop flight to Vancouver, British Columbia and began non-stop service to Calgary, Alberta, Canada in June 2011.
Passengers traveling south from Canada to the United States will be able to take advantage of the customs preclearance system in Canada. For more information, please click here.
Fly from Orange County to Mexico
Fly to Cabo San Lucas or Mexico City beginning June 3, when AirTran Airways begins offering Orange County travelers the first international flights from John Wayne Airport (JWA) to Mexico. The new service will make it easier and more convenient than ever to get to these popular business and leisure destinations.
Via AirTran Airways – a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines – travelers can now book flights between Orange County and Cabo San Lucas/San Jose del Cabo or Mexico City by visiting www.airtran.com.
The County is thrilled that AirTran Airways is bringing Orange County our first-ever non-stop service to Mexico. Recently-opened Terminal C, along with the beautiful and efficient new international arrivals facilities, will make JWA the airport of choice this summer for travel to Mexico, Canada or any one of our 20 non-stop destinations.
AirTran Airways will serve passengers from Terminal C at JWA. Passengers will see the name AirTran on signage and aircraft until the integration with Southwest Airlines is complete.
For more information, please click here.
Antique and Classic Radios on Display at JWA
A collection of antique and classic radios will be on display at John Wayne Airport through July 16. The collection will be exhibited in the Vi Smith Concourse Gallery of Terminal A across from Gates 2 through 5, and in Terminal C across from Gates 18 through 21.
For more information, please click here.
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| HEALTH HERALD |
Orange County among Top 10 Healthiest Counties in State
For the third consecutive year, Orange County was ranked among the ten healthiest counties in the state. A study released last week by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation ranked Orange County sixth for health outcomes and eighth for health factors among 56 California counties, based on county-by-county health statistics.
For all three years, Orange County has been the only county in Southern California to rank in the top ten. The 2012 County Health Rankings report also found Orange County residents are less likely to currently smoke or be obese as adults and have better access to healthy foods compared to state-wide averages.
For more information, please click here.
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| COUNTY CONNECTIONS |
Focus on Children and Families
The Orange County Board of Supervisors has declared the week of April 21-28 as the Week of the Young Child, bringing attention to the needs of young children and their families.
A resolution presented during the April 3 Board meeting saluted organizations working to improve early learning opportunities and recognize those who make a difference in the lives of young children.
Studies demonstrate that quality early education prepares children for Kindergarten and life. Children who have at least one year of quality early education perform better in school, have lower rates of juvenile delinquency, higher high school graduation rates and earn more as adults. The programs also benefit parents by allowing them to focus on their work responsibilities.
The County of Orange has conducted a countywide survey of child care needs and developed a resource list to help employees find a quality child care program near their work or home. A new website will soon offer information and resources to both employees and the public.
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| NOTES FROM THE FIELD |
Caspers Wilderness Park: Adventure Day
OC Parks invites the public to enjoy Adventure Day at Caspers Wilderness Park – a FREE fun-filled day of musical entertainment, guided hikes, raffles, hiking and camping clinics, OC Register Wildflower Photo Contest, and more.
From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, families and friends of all ages can partake in numerous activities, including games of ring toss and cowboy lasso. Learn about native wildlife, wildlflowers, bugs, raptors, conservation, navigation, and Native American and Orange County History, too.
For more information, please click here, here and here.
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| ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS |
Baseline Monitoring of Orange County Marine Protected Areas
Mark your calendars for Thursday, April 26 from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM, as the Orange County Marine Protected Area Council will be meeting at Newport Beach Public Library for a presentation on Baseline Monitoring of Orange County Marine Protected Areas.
For more information, please click here.
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| CRITTER CHRONICLES |
America’s Family Pet Expo
Please visit OC Animal Care at Booth 1572 at America’s Family Pet Expo on April 20–22, as they will be bringing lots of adorable animals for adoption. This event is a must for all animal lovers! For more information, please click here.
19th Annual Wag-A-Thon
The Pet Project Foundation is hosting the 19th annual Wag-A-Thon in Dana Point Harbor in support of the animals at the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter on Saturday, April 28 from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. For more information, please click here.
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| LIBRARY LESSONS & SESSIONS |
Laguna Niguel Library Expansion Update
Despite delays with subcontractor issues and weather-related delays, the Laguna Niguel Library Expansion project has made considerable progress to date and should be at a significant completion milestone during the month of June.
At this time, the estimated date of completion is July 27. However, if favorable conditions continue, it is hoped this completion date will be improved. To view the Laguna Niguel Branch Library Expansion Status Report from OC Community Resources, please click here.
OC Public Libraries to Co-Host Sixth Annual Literary Orange
On Saturday, April 14 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, OC Public Libraries and UC Irvine Libraries will co-host the sixth annual Literary Orange at the UC Irvine Student Center. Orange County’s premier literary event, Literary Orange brings authors, readers and libraries together for a celebration of literature.
Literary Orange offers attendees and fans the opportunity to engage with an exciting array of authors, purchase their books and have them signed, ask questions, and learn about the writing process. Popular best-selling authors Paula McLain and Lisa See will serve as keynote speakers, along with over 40 authors of various genres.
For more information, please click here.
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| FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT |
South County Dancers Win National Titles
Two Fifth District high schools recently captured national championships at the United Spirit Association Dance/Drill Nationals.
The San Clemente High School Dance Team was the Grand Champion 1st Runner Up for the second consecutive year and won championships in the Intermediate Dance and Character events.
Additionally, the Aliso Niguel High School Dance Team won national titles in the Open Large Dance Division and the Open Character Division and placed second in the Pom Division.
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| SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR |
San Juan Capistrano: Earth Day Fair
Make plans to celebrate San Juan Capistrano's eleventh annual Earth Day Fair on Thursday, April 19 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the San Juan Capistrano Gymnasium, 25925 Camino del Avion. Families can learn from hands-on displays, environmental computer games and receive plenty of FREE giveaways. For more information, please click here.
Laguna Niguel: Parent/Teen Workshop "Drug Trends"
The Orange County Sheriff's Department will address current drug and alcohol related issues facing our teens on Thursday, April 19 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM in Laguna Niguel at the Crown Valley Community Park View Room. For more information, please click here.
Irvine: Family Autism Event
This special evening on Monday, April 30 at Pretend City in Irvine is a FREE event for children and their parents/siblings/caretakers to have fun along with other families in an autism-friendly environment. RSVP required. For more information, please call (949) 428-3900 ext. 233 or click here.
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| FIFTH DISTRICT WRAP-UP |
In addition to my many meetings, briefings, and other supervisorial activities, I also:
- Attended the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) meeting.
- Attended the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) F&A Committee Meeting.
My office also:
- Attended the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) Board of Directors meeting.
- Attended the Mental Health Board study session.
- Attended Supervisor Bill Campbell’s 70th birthday celebration.
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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