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July 27, 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. ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS
4. NOTES FROM THE FIELD
5. HEALTH HERALD
6. HARBOR HAPPENINGS
7. LIBRARY LESSONS & SESSIONS
8. CRITTER CHRONICLES
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
Ruth Strachan:
Office Manager
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| BOARD BULLETIN BOARD |
Board Approves El Toro Master Developer Selection
In March 2003, the County and the City of Irvine entered into a property transfer agreement regarding the reuse of parcels on the site of the former Marine Corps Air Station at El Toro. This property, which is situated adjacent to the Great Park and Interstate 5, totals 100 acres.
Last November, the Board directed staff to pursue options for development and long term use of the land. After a successful procurement process, the Board approved the selection of Lowe Enterprises Inc. to fulfill the role of spearheading this reuse process. Lowe will assist the County with planning and property management of a viable development.
For more information, please click here.
Grand Jury Reviews Orange County Vector Control
The Board recently reviewed the 2011-2012 Grand Jury Report on the Orange County Vector Control District (OCVCD). Formed in 1947, OCVCD is primarily focused on the control and eradication of carriers of infection diseases – such as mosquitoes, rats and fire ants – and provides various surveillance and education programs to protect public safety.
After participating in ride-alongs and interviewing key staff and stakeholders, the 2011-12 Grand Jury made nine findings associated with streamlining operations, increased communication, and better promotion of OCVCD’s core mission.
Additionally, the Grand Jury provided six recommendations that outline how they believe their recommendations can best be accomplished. Overall, the Grand Jury found the organization to be well run, though relatively unknown to residents.
For more information about the Orange County Vector Control District and their service to the community, please click here.
Treasurer Tax Collector Reduces Transaction Fees
Upon direction from the Board to reduce transaction fees, Treasurer Tax Collector Shari Freidenrich was able to renegotiate lower rates with our third party credit card processors.
To that end, the Board approved a Resolution, lowering the Service Fee for each credit or debit property tax payment transaction from 2.50% to 2.30%. Additionally, Visa Consumer Debit card holders will have the option of being charged a flat rate of $3.95. These new, lowered rates will go into effect August 1 and will save taxpayers approximately $250,000 annually.
To view your property tax bill or pay online, please click here.
Board Approves Basic Life Support Rate Increase
The County established an Emergency Medical Services program in 1977 to oversee emergency pre-hospital care. At that time, the Board chose to set the maximum rates that ambulance companies could charge for emergency transports.
This rate is known as the Basic Life Support or BLS rate. Approval of these emergency ambulance transport rates by the Board ensures that transportation costs are fair and equitable for both the ambulance providers and general public.
Annual rate increases are calculated using the cost of living increase, as dictated by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and brought to Board at the beginning of each fiscal year for consideration. Based on the CPI increase, the Health Care Agency and the Emergency Medical Care Committee recommended a 2.7% increase, raising the BLS rate by $18.85 to a new total of $717.07.
This item passed 3 -2, as I opposed the proposed increase. Notwithstanding the excellent service provided by our private ambulance providers, it was difficult to consider supporting a rate increase, in which the cost to provide service is passed along to our private business owners because government funded health care doesn’t pay its full share.
In effect, due to the mix of private payers, government payers and cash payers, ambulance companies must rely on increased payments from private payers to make up the under-funding by government health plans. It was a difficult decision; however, protecting taxpayers from ever increasing private health insurance rates took precedence.
For more information, please click here.
Risk Management Performance Audit
The Board received the first six-month status report on the Risk Management Department’s effort to implement performance audit recommendations.
In January 2012, the Board received the Performance Audit of CEO/Risk Management (RM). The Performance Audit of RM was conducted to provide County policy makers, executive management and the public with a comprehensive assessment of RM’s performance. The audit identified several key performance strengths and areas for improvement.
For more information, please click here.
Scenic Preservation Easement in Coto de Caza Vacated
At the request of the CZ Master Association and homeowners in Coto de Caza, the Board voted to vacate a portion of an existing scenic preservation easement located within the backyards of several residential lots located on Lyra Way.
The scenic preservation easement had been inappropriately recorded onto these lots during the final tract map process and was intended to be coterminous with the adjacent open space lot behind their backyards, which is maintained by the CZ Master Association and serves as the main buffer area between residential development and Riley Wilderness Park.
The easement, however, inadvertently extended onto the residential lots, adversely affecting the property owners in establishing any backyard accessory structures, such as swimming pools and free-standing barbecues, for which other lots in the Coto de Caza community are routinely granted permission.
With the easement vacated, the property owners can now have full use of their backyards; and the scenic preservation easement for the adjacent open space lot has not been affected.
Special Closed Session: County Executive Officer Resigns
On Thursday, the Board held a special closed session and voted to accept the resignation of County Executive Officer (CEO) Tom Mauk. Mr. Mauk’s resignation takes effect Friday, August 3. I wish Mr. Mauk well in his retirement and want to recognize his strong support in helping me resolve many policy issues specific to the Fifth District.
The County’s Chief Financial Officer, Bob Franz, will serve as Acting CEO for the next few weeks, as the Board works to appoint an interim CEO. The Board intends to do an in depth search for a permanent CEO, which will likely take several months. I am committed to hiring a CEO who will be reform oriented, responsive to the needs of the public and respectful of the taxpayer’s dollar.
For more information, please click here.
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| TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION |
High-Speed Rail Construction Moves Forward
Governor Jerry Brown last week signed into law a bill that authorizes the sale of $4.7 billion in bonds approved by California voters in 2008 to fund construction of the California high speed-rail system. The $4.7 billion will fund construction of 130 miles of track between Bakersfield and Madera, combined with $7.9 billion in matching federal and local funds. The money also calls for upgrades to commuter-rail systems in the Bay Area and Southern California, including Metrolink and urban rail mass transit improvements.
The Bakersfield to Madera segment is the first segment of what is intended to eventually be a rail line that will travel from San Francisco and Sacramento to Anaheim and San Diego. High-speed rail officials expect to begin construction in 2013.
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has repeatedly expressed concern to the California High Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) about its 2012 Business Plan, including its ridership and revenue projections. The OCTA Board will continue to monitor this project closely and work with CHSRA to address concerns on behalf of Orange County residents.
Road Closure on Sand Canyon
Due to road construction, the City of Irvine has scheduled Sand Canyon Avenue to be closed between Oak Canyon and Laguna Canyon Road from 8:00 PM, Friday, July 27 through 5:00 AM, Monday, August 6.
Those seeking to get to the local Orange County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center are suggested to take an alternate route that avoids Sand Canyon Avenue. For more information, please click here.
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| ENVIRONMENTAL MEMOS |
SCE Receives NRC Inspection Report for SONGS
Southern California Edison (SCE) has received the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Augmented Inspection Team report regarding the unusual degradation of steam generator tubes in San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) Units 2 and 3.
The report provides comprehensive information on the issue, including response actions by SCE plant operators to the tube leak in Unit 3, the causes of the wear, as well as outstanding issues the inspection team is still reviewing.
For more information, please click here and here.
South Orange Coastal Ocean Desalination Pilot Plant
The Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC), the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) and the project participants of South Coast Water District, Moulton Niguel Water District, Laguna Beach County Water District, the City of San Juan Capistrano and the City of San Clemente, would like to invite you for a guided tour of the South Orange Coastal Ocean Desalination (SOCOD) Pilot Plant on Friday, August 3 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Attendees will have an opportunity to see and hear firsthand about the developments unfolding in the Southern California world of water, and the SOCOD team of expert engineers will be available throughout the day to answer questions about this ground-breaking water supply plan for Orange County's future.
The open house is FREE. Stop by for a tour of the project and a brief presentation regarding current state and regional water issues. The pilot plant is located adjacent to San Juan Creek in the Doheny State Beach parking lot.
For more information, please click here.
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| NOTES FROM THE FIELD |
Poche Beach Maintenance
I’m pleased to report that my office, the City of San Clemente and OC Parks have worked together to receive approval from the California Coastal Commission, California Regional Water Quality Control Board, and the Army Corps of Engineers to perform maintenance on the channel outlet at Poche Beach in San Clemente.
The permit allows for maintenance as needed to help keep the access way open and available for public beach access. As the County of Orange is always interested in providing better public access to our beaches, parks and open space, the ongoing maintenance at this site is yet another way we can accomplish this goal.
For more information, please click here.
Doheny Update
The Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association (DSBIA) has issued the latest edition of DOHENY UPDATE to better inform the public about events and conditions in the State Park.
To view the DSBIA August newsletter, please click here.
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| HEALTH HERALD |
Get Active with HCA's New Resource Directory
The Health Care Agency (HCA) has created a resource directory to help Orange County residents find new ways to be active and have fun. The searchable, online list includes physical activity classes, parks with swimming pools, ball fields, tennis courts, and much more.
For more information, please click here.
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| HARBOR HAPPENINGS |
Dana Point Harbor Satisfaction Survey
OC Dana Point Harbor continually strives to improve the services provided in the Harbor. Throughout the year, they issue several Advisory Notices, including Boater, Community, Weather and Traffic Advisories to keep you informed of important events and information.
To assist them in their efforts, you are invited to take a short survey to help gauge if the Advisory Notices effectively provide information important to the overall needs of the Boaters, Merchants and General Public.
This survey will close August 10. For more information, please click here and here.
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| LIBRARY LESSONS & SESSIONS |
San Clemente Library Closed August 12
Every year on the second Sunday in August, the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce presents the Fiesta Street Festival on Avenida Del Mar from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
As it has done in the past, the San Clemente Library will be closed on the annual Fiesta Sunday, being held August 12 this year. A notice will be posted at the closed branch and regular hours will resume the next day.
Treasures in your Attic?
Is there a treasure in your attic? Bring your small treasure to the San Clemente Branch Library for an evaluation Monday, July 30 at 7:00 PM and find out! For more information, please click here.
eReader Open House
Learn how to download library books for FREE at the eReader Open House on Wednesday, August 15 from 10:00 AM to noon at the El Toro Branch Library, 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest. For more information, please call (949) 855-8173 or click here.
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| CRITTER CHRONICLES |
Angels for Animals
Join OC Animal Care and the Angels’ Wives on Saturday, August 17 for the 5th Annual “Angels for Animals” event at Angel Stadium! From 5:00 PM through the 2nd inning, fans can purchase 'mystery bags' containing memorabilia autographed by Angels players and coaches. Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet shelter animals!
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Angels Baseball Foundation and local animal shelters. For more information, please click here.
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| FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT |
South County Baseball Team Wins Pony World Series
The Mission Viejo Pony ‘8 and under’ team won the Pony World Series in San Jose, California last weekend. The All-Star team beat Fountain Valley 1-0 to clinch the series.
The team’s ascent to the World Series follows its victory at the Southern California Super Regional Championship on July 15. Mission Viejo beat the top teams from southern California and faced the division winners from Hawaii, northern California, Arizona and 13 other western states in winning the Pony World Series.
Members of the team include Cole Dietch, Jake Tyler, Will Burns, Alex Weinzimer, Tyler Damato, Chase Christner, William Reichert, Connor Dietch, Reggie Demetre, Austin Blanco, Hunter Snow and Hunter Sablatura. Congratulations are also in order for team manager Jimmy Tyler, Coaches Steve Dietsch, Terry Reichert and CJ Snow, and MV Pony president Rob Frias.
For more information, please click here.
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| SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR |
Laguna Niguel: Summer Concert Series
Enjoy the FREE and always popular Laguna Niguel Summer Concert Series, featuring Derek Bordeaux Band on Friday, July 27 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM at Crown Valley Community Park Amphitheater. For more information, please click here.
Irvine: Summer Games at OC Great Park
Parenting OC Magazine’s 8th annual Parenting and Kids Expo will move to The Great Park in Irvine on Saturday, July 28 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, as part of a new event called Summer Games at the OC Great Park. For more information, please click here.
Mission Viejo: Prelude in the Park
Residents seeking a cornucopia of food, fun and music should pack their chairs and blankets and head to Mission Viejo’s Village Green on Saturday, July 28 for the Target Symphony in the Cities, featuring the Pacific Symphony. Prelude in the Park festivities kick-off at 4:00 PM at Oso Viejo Park, 24932 Veterans Way. For more information, please click here.
Aliso Viejo: Lip Dub
The City of Aliso Viejo is inviting residents, businesses, schools, churches, groups and organizations to take part in its one-of-a-kind Lip Dub, a giant street party set to music, on Sunday, August 19. This is a chance to help promote the City and make history. For more information, please click here.
San Juan Capistrano: Open Space Ridge Event Registration
Registration is available for the San Juan Capistrano Rotary Club’s 5K and 10K Trail Run and Mountain Bike Poker Ride on Saturday, October 6. Various prizes will be presented for each event. 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:
- Attended a meeting of the Orange County Mental Health Board.
- Received a briefing from the Director of the Orange County Health Care Agency.
- Participated in a Special Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Orange County Fire Authority.
- Participated in a Special Meeting of the Executive Committee of the Orange County Fire Authority.
- Met with Senator Tom Harmon to discuss Newport Harbor dredging.
- Attended a Joyful Child Foundation event, commemorating what would have been the 16th birthday of Samantha Runnion.
- Adjourned the Board of Supervisors meeting in memory of Lynda Roth 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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