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June 22, 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. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
3. SOUTH COUNTY NEWS
4. SAFETY SENTRY
5. REGISTRAR REGISTER
6. TAX-COLLECTOR COLLECTIBLES
7. HARBOR HAPPENINGS
8. NOTES FROM THE FIELD
9. HEALTH HERALD
10. AIRPORT ARRIVALS
11. CRITTER CHRONICLES
12. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT
13. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR
14. 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 |
Military Supplemental Pay
The Board approved the continuance of supplemental pay and health benefits for County employees serving on active military duty.
On October 16, 2001, the Board approved a resolution to provide supplemental pay and benefits to assist County employees serving in support of the National Emergency declared by President Bush as a result of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
As our nation continues to wage the War on Terror, employees continue to be called to duty. Supplemental pay and benefits help these men and women support military efforts overseas without facing negative financial impacts at home.
The resolution applies to employees whose military base pay is less than their County base pay. The amount of supplemental pay received by the employee is the difference between their County base pay and their military base pay.
Last year, 26 County employees received continued supplemental pay and benefits at a total cost of $286,459. There are presently eleven employees serving on active duty.
For more information, please click here.
Increased Cell Service at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
The Board approved a revised agreement with Southern California Edison and Verizon Wireless to update their wireless communication facility at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.
The facility was first approved in 2003, and this communications equipment upgrade will provide additional cell service to park visitors and the surrounding area. Additionally, fees collected from the annual license continue to provide support for ongoing maintenance and service at the Park.
For more information, please click here.
Rotary Club Donation to Laguna Niguel Library
The motto of the Rotary Club of Laguna Niguel is “Service Above Self,” as it provides public service through meaningful community and international service projects. Through fundraising and contributions, the Rotary Club of Laguna Niguel donates over $50,000 each year for educational and charitable programs of various community organizations.
To that end, the Rotary Club of Laguna Niguel has selected Glenn R. Johnson Scale Models to design and construct a scale model Bas Relief Map of the City of Laguna Niguel, which will be placed in the newly remodeled Laguna Niguel Branch Library. The detailed scale model map, valued at $15,000, will serve to educate the public about the physical topography of Laguna Niguel as well as local points of interest, such as trails, parks, lakes, and prominent features of the City.
This project supports the Rotary Club of Laguna Niguel's goal of enhancing and supporting education as well as OC Public Libraries' mission of Empowering and Enriching Our Communities.
2-1-1 Orange County
The County has contracted with 2-1-1 Orange County since November 2006 to provide regional information and referral services. 2-1-1 Orange County is the only comprehensive Information and Referral Call Center in Orange County designated by the California Public Utilities Commission to provide health and human services, non-emergency referrals (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) via the 2-1-1 telephone number.
On Tuesday, the Board approved a new Agreement with 2-1-1 Orange County for FY 2012-13, which will include creation of a weblink from the County's website directly to the 2-1-1 website. The new weblink will provide additional services to Orange County residents in need of human services, such as shelter, housing, food, clothing, and other basic needs.
For more information, please click here.
Domestic Violence Shelter-Based Programs
The Domestic Violence Shelter-Based Program provides immediate shelter and other services to Orange County victims of domestic violence and their children. The services (24 hours per day, 7 days per week) include a shelter and crisis hotline; temporary housing; meals; counseling; referrals to community resources; a drop-in center for victims who need support services; arrangements for school-aged children to continue their education while residing at the shelter; and emergency transportation.
To that end, the Board approved the award of contracts to Human Options, Inc., Interval House, Laura's House, and Women's Transitional Living Center, Inc. for continued provision of domestic violence shelter-based program services to victims and their children during FY 2012-13.
For more information, please click here.
Adopt-A-Channel Pilot Program
The Board approved an agreement with the Disneyland Resort that authorizes the Resort to adopt a reach of the Anaheim-Barber Channel in the City of Anaheim, between Ball Road and Euclid Street.
Similar to Caltrans' Adopt-A-Highway Program that has been successful for many years, Disneyland Resort will assume responsibility for maintaining this 1.5 mile reach of channel for two years. The Disneyland Resort discharges runoff to this reach of channel, which ultimately flows to Huntington Harbor and Anaheim Bay.
Under the agreement, the Resort will be responsible for keeping the channel clean and free of trash, solid debris, and graffiti on a greater frequency than could otherwise be achieved by the County’s current limited resources.
In an effort to expand this program countywide, OC Public Works proposes to use the information from this pilot program to develop a countywide adoption program for the Orange County Flood Control District’s flood control channel system.
For more information, please click here.
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| TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION |
OCTA M2 NCCP/HCP Status Update
In November 2006, Orange County voters passed the Measure M2 ½ cent transportation sales tax that enables the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) to provide funding for freeway and road projects for the next 30 years. The M2 Environmental Mitigation Program provides funding for programmatic mitigation to offset impacts of the thirteen M2 freeway projects.
The mitigation program is designed to streamline the biological permitting processes through partnerships with state and federal resource agencies. The mechanism to accomplish this process is through the development of a Natural Community Conservation Plan / Habitat Conservation Plan (NCCP/HCP).
OCTA’s NCCP/HCP is currently under development in coordination with state and federal resource agencies. The plan seeks to integrate the acquired properties and restoration projects that OCTA has funded and will fund in the future through the M2 Environmental Mitigation Program and outlines the long-term management requirements for acquisition properties.
On Monday, the OCTA Environmental Oversight Committee, which I am pleased to Chair, received a presentation from OCTA staff on the approach and status of the NCCP/HCP. In addition, the presentation included updates on the acquisition properties and restoration projects OCTA has funded to date.
To view the PowerPoint presentation, please click here.
Comment Period for I-405 Project Extended
The comment period deadline on the draft environmental document for the San Diego Freeway (I-405) project has been extended from July 2 to July 17 to allow more time for the public to weigh in on the proposed improvements.
The time extension comes after last week’s fourth and final public hearing on the project, in which members of the public and city officials asked for more time to review the alternatives. In all, more than 500 residents participated in the four public hearings held in Costa Mesa, Westminster Rossmoor and Fountain Valley.
The Orange County Transportation Authority is partnering with Caltrans for outreach efforts of the environmental phase of improving the I-405 between the SR-73 and the I-605. The draft environmental impact statement / draft environmental impact report, which considers the effects associated with the project alternatives, is available for review on Caltrans’ website.
Alternatives include adding one general purpose lane in each direction, adding two general purpose lanes in each direction, adding one general purpose lane and one toll lane in each direction that will be managed together with the existing carpool lane, or a no-build alternative.
Comments may be submitted by mail to Smita Deshpande, Caltrans District 12 at 2201 Dupont Drive, Suite 200, Irvine CA, 92612 or by e-mail at 405.dedcomments.parsons@parsons.com. For more information, please click here.
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| SOUTH COUNTY NEWS |
San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station Update
Southern California Edison (SCE) participated in the first of a series of public meetings hosted by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on June 18 in San Juan Capistrano. The purpose of the NRC meetings is to update the public and surrounding communities on the progress of the SONGS outage, and answer questions and concerns from the audience.
SCE provided comprehensive details on the status of the plant investigations and testing results. After completing more than 60,000 tests on the steam generator tubes at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Units 2 and 3, and performing significant analysis of the test results, SCE executives confirmed that the cause of the unexpected tube-to-tube wear is “fluid elastic instability” or excessive tube vibration.
For more information, please click here.
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| SAFETY SENTRY |
Traffic Safety Checkpoint in Rancho Santa Margarita
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI / Driver’s License Checkpoint in the City of Rancho Santa Margarita on Friday, June 22 from 6:30 PM to 2:30 AM.
For more information, please click here.
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| REGISTRAR REGISTER |
June Primary Election Certified
The Orange County Registrar of Voters has certified the official results of the Statewide Primary Election held June 5.
Total turnout from the election was 26.5%, with 17.5% of voters casting their ballot by mail and 9% of voters voting in their polling place. In 2010, overall turnout was 30.1%, as vote-by-mail voting was 17.7% and polling place voting was 11.1%.
The Registrar of Voters produces detailed reports focusing on overall turnout, turnout by precinct, turnout by districts, turnout by cities, and more. These detailed reports can be found by clicking here.
For more information, please click here.
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| TAX-COLLECTOR COLLECTIBLES |
Notices of Delinquency
The Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector (TTC) has mailed Notices of Delinquency to those who have not paid in full their property taxes for the 2011-2012 tax year. Delinquent taxes from the 2011-2012 tax year will go into default status if payment is not received by 5:00 PM, Monday, July 2, either having a USPS postmark or paid online by midnight.
Taxpayers who have not yet paid their secured property taxes can still make a payment online with no convenience fee up to midnight, July 2, by using your bank account with the TTC’s eCheck payment option. Just click here and enter either the parcel number (APN) or property address in the appropriate field. Payment by Credit Card is also available until midnight, July 2 (a 2.5% convenience fee is added).
If taxes are not paid by July 2, a $15 redemption cost will be added in addition to a penalty of 1.5% per month, as of the first of each month, until all costs, penalties and taxes are paid in full. After five years in default status, a property can be sold at a public auction.
If you have any questions, please e-mail ttcinfo@ttc.ocgov.com or call (714) 834-3411 from 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM, Monday through Friday.
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| HARBOR HAPPENINGS |
Boating Advisory: Placement of New Buoys
To enhance safety for all vessels in proximity of the Dana Point Harbor entrance, the 5 MPH zone at the Harbor entrance has been expanded. This new initiative was developed by the Boater Safety Forum, which included local boaters, paddlers, Yacht and Sailing Clubs, watercraft rental groups, commercial fishermen, OC Dana Point Harbor Department, the City of Dana Point, OC Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol, and the U.S. Coast Guard and Auxiliary.
After confirmation from the U.S. Coast Guard, Private Aids to Navigation Manager, it was determined that expansion of the 5 MPH zone in this area will create a safer transition between the open ocean and the Harbor.
Test buoys were placed last week, with the remainder of the buoys placed this week to accomplish the creation of this expanded 5 MPH zone. Please refer to signage on the buoys noting that anchoring will not be allowed within 500 yards of the new expanded 5 MPH zone to keep the Harbor entrance area clear of anchored vessels.
To see a map of the affected area and a sample buoy photo, please click here.
OC Dana Point Harbor: Fourth of July
The Fourth of July will be upon us sooner than we think and, along with thousands of locals and visitors, a series of parking and traffic management challenges.
OC Dana Point Harbor continues to actively engage the community, local police services and employees in proactively addressing potential issues and will be implementing specific parking management elements similar to last year’s holiday.
Around 7:30 PM, Police Services will be closing all entrances to the Harbor along Del Prado and PCH. During the closure, no vehicles will be allowed into the Harbor except for public transportation and emergency vehicles. The closure will remain in effect until the Harbor is emptied after the fireworks show (approximately 10:30 PM). Those wishing to come to the Harbor should make arrangements to arrive well ahead of the planned closure.
To view the notice sent by Dana Point Police Services, or for more information, please click here. If you have any questions regarding the notice from Dana Point Police Services, please contact Deputy Brett Gardner during business hours at (949) 248-3517 or blgardner@ocsd.org.
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| NOTES FROM THE FIELD |
Doheny State Beach: “South Swell”
The Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association (DSBIA) has released its 2012 summer edition of its e-magazine, “South Swell.” This edition takes you on the first of three hikes near Doheny, while Ranger Jim Serpa shares his Top 10 list of special moments in his career, and Doheny Lifeguard Todd Shanklin breaks down each special beach zone lifeguards patrol along the shoreline.
For more information, please click here.
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| HEALTH HERALD |
Fifth District Resident Appointed Health Care Agency Director
Mark Refowitz has been appointed to serve as Director of the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA). Mr. Refowitz, a resident of San Clemente, has served as HCA’s Interim Director since February 7 and previously served as HCA’s Deputy Agency Director for Behavioral Health Services.
For more information, please click here.
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| AIRPORT ARRIVALS |
JWA Wins Prestigious Communications Awards
John Wayne Airport (JWA) was recently honored at the 2012 Marketing and Communications Conference, sponsored by Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) and at the 37th Annual PROTOS awards, hosted by the Orange County Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (OC/PRSA).
JWA earned first place in the ACI-NA Excellence in Marketing and Communications Contest for its 2010 digital Annual Report, while OC/PRSA honored JWA with a PROTOS award for the Media Day Press Tour, “John Wayne Airport’s Terminal C Takes Flight,” held in November 2011. The PROTOS award is the highest award given by OC/PRSA for achievement in the public relations field.
To see JWA’s award-winning annual report, please click here. To learn more about JWA’s Terminal C, please click here. For more information, please click here.
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| CRITTER CHRONICLES |
Pet Fair 2012
On Saturday, June 30, OC Animal Care is kicking off summer with their biggest event of the year – Pet Fair 2012! The event will feature hundreds of adorable animals available for adoption, as well as pet-friendly vendors and rescue organizations, an adoptable-dog parade, and lots of food & fun!
For more information, please click here.
18th Annual DAWG Walk & Pet Faire
Residents are invited to attend the 18th Annual DAWG Walk & Pet Faire on Saturday, June 23 in Mission Viejo. The fun-filled family event, hosted by the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center and Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG), includes an impressive display of K9 Athletes in Action, pet contests, and pet and wildlife exhibits.
The fun takes place from 8:00 AM to noon at the Norman P. Murray Community Center and Oso Viejo Park at 24932 Veterans Way. For more information, please click here or call (949) 470-3045.
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| FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT |
South County Girl Named OC Register Player of the Year
Lacrosse teams across Orange County have been trying to contain Santa Margarita High School midfielder Adrienne Anderson for four years. But very few had any success.
Adrienne, The Orange County Register's Player of the Year for 2012, capped her career at the school by scoring 54 goals and recording nine assists this season. She also had 61 groundballs, forced seven turnovers and had 62 draw controls, helping the team advance to the semifinal round of the County playoffs.
For more information, please click here.
South County Middle Schools Claim Surf Titles
South County middle schools swept the top three positions in the Scholastic Surf Series Middle School State Championships held recently in Oceanside, as Shorecliffs Middle School captured the state title, while Bernice Ayer and Marco Forster middle schools placed second and third, respectively.
Students who captured titles in individual categories were: Kayl Coto, Marco Forster (boys shortboard); Rio Donaldson, Bernice Ayer (boys longboard); Rachel Tilly, Shorecliffs; (girls longboard); and Luke Overin, Bernice Ayer (co-ed bodyboard). Complete results can be found here.
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| SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR |
Laguna Beach: Shakespeare in the Park
The Laguna Beach Arts Commission is presenting their final performance of “Shakespeare in the Park” on Friday, June 22 at 6:30 PM at the Heisler Park amphitheater. For more information, please click here.
Aliso Viejo: Celebrate Summer
Savor a fun-filled community event and the summer season with nature, music and activities on Saturday, June 23 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Aliso Viejo Library. For more information, please click here.
Dana Point: 30th Annual Concours d'Elegance
The Dana Point Concours d'Elegance, host of the premier celebration of automotive heritage in Southern California, is scheduled June 23 and 24 at the St. Regis Resort and in the City’s Sea Terrace Park. For more information, please click here.
South County: OCPL Summer Events
During the summer months, OC Public Libraries (OCPL) makes a special effort to offer fun, free programs for the whole family. To view a list of July library events in the Fifth District, 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 Alton Parkway Ribbon Cutting event. For more information, please click here. To view photos of the occasion, please click here.
- Met with representatives of Inside the Outdoors, an Orange County based environmental education nonprofit organization that provides programs to over 140,000 K-12 kids annually.
- Attended a WTS-OC reception to bid a fond farewell to Caltrans District 12 Director Cindy Quon.
- Adjourned the Board of Supervisors meeting in memory of Robert Ross Sinclair of Laguna Niguel.
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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