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January 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. COUNTY CONNECTIONS
3. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
4. LIBRARY LESSONS & SESSIONS
5. AUDITOR AUDIBLE
6. SENIOR SENTINEL
7. HARBOR HAPPENINGS
8. WATER WORKS
9. HEALTH HERALD
10. NOTES FROM THE FIELD
11. CRITTER CHRONICLES
12. SOUTH COUNTY NEWS
13. FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT
14. SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR
15. 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 |
Urban Areas Security Initiative/Homeland Security Grants
The Board accepted federal funding that will assist with disaster and emergency preparedness. The $1.25 million in Urban Area Security Initiative funds will be used for improving communication infrastructure and providing the County with the ability to better detect chemical hazards. To see a full list of the projects funded, please click here.
The second funding allocation the Board accepted Tuesday was $4.9 million from the FY 2011 Homeland Security Grant. This grant helps local jurisdictions prevent, deter, respond to and recover from threats and incidents of terrorism. To see a list of the projects funded, please click here.
Private Armed Guards at JWA Airfield Gates
The Board this week approved a contract with Heritage Security Services. The company will provide armed security guard services to enforce access control procedures, required by the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration. These services are related to vehicle inspections at three perimeter vehicle gates that provide access to the Air Operations Area at John Wayne Airport (JWA).
The perimeter vehicle gates, which provide access to airport tenants and authorized visitors, had been previously staffed with law enforcement officers from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. However, with the addition of Terminal C to JWA, there was a need to reassign those Sheriff’s deputies to enforce safety in Terminal C. Working in collaboration with the OC Sheriff’s Department, it was decided to backfill the vehicle gate assignments with private security services to contain costs.
The contract is for a period of one year, effective January 25, 2012, through January 31, 2013, in an amount of $766,448, renewable annually for four additional one year periods.
Over the term of the contract, the airport will realize approximately $1 million in cost savings compared to using Sheriff’s deputies at the gates and adding additional deputies in Terminal C.
For more information, please click here.
Follow-Up Audit on Correctional Medical Services
In March 2009, the Board received the Performance Audit of the Health Care Agency (HCA) / Correctional Medical Services (CMS) Report. The audit identified a number of issues (48 findings and 58 recommendations) regarding the service delivery of health care to inmates in the County's jail system.
To that end, the Performance Audit Director has completed a follow-up audit of this program to examine the progress made in addressing the original audit's findings and recommendations. Of the 48 initial findings, HCA has fully addressed 25 (52%), partially addressed 18 (38%), did not address one (2%), and the remaining four findings were determined to no longer be issues.
Over the last two years, CMS has worked to improve their performance, implement the audit recommendations, and provide a better service. Their actions taken deserve applause. When performance audits are released, it is very tempting for departments to become defensive, ignore problems and maintain the status quo.
I am pleased CMS made the difficult decision to take the recommended corrective actions. At my direction, CMS will report back to the Board in six months on progress made to implement the follow-up recommendations.
To read the follow-up audit, please click here.
Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness
The Board of Supervisors approved the final Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness. In doing so, the Board also approved the final Commission to End Homelessness Bylaws, Policy Recommendations for Year-Round Emergency Shelter, filing of the Ten-Year Plan Quarterly Report, and directed staff to develop a Funding Allocation Policy and Process document for year-round emergency shelter.
OC Community Services has been working with the Commission to End Homelessness (C2eH) and it’s implementing groups to solicit community input on changes to the Ten-Year Plan, including the 2011 homeless point-in-time count and survey results, updates to changes in the Bylaws, and community input on goals and strategies.
One of the goals in the Ten-Year Plan is to improve the effectiveness of Orange County’s emergency shelter year program. To that end, funding sources will need to be identified and cost-efficiencies and/or reallocation of existing eligible funding will be explored to leverage limited available public and private resources.
OC Community Services anticipates developing the Funding Allocation Policy and Process (FAPP) during the first quarter of 2012 and will return for Board approval of the FAPP and the release of a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for year-round emergency shelter development.
For more information, please click here.
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| COUNTY CONNECTIONS |
Rental Assistance Waiting List to Open Soon
The Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA) will open its Waiting List to accept pre-applications for housing assistance from February 15 through February 29.
The Section 8 Waiting List is the only opportunity for very low-income families, seniors, disabled persons, and individuals to obtain a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher; and the February 2012 Waiting List opening may be the only opportunity for Orange County residents to apply for many years to come.
Beginning February 15, applications for the Waiting List will be available online or at participating cities and branches of Orange County Public Libraries. Applications will also be available at select community organizations. Numerous community partners will have computers available to apply online and applicants are strongly encouraged to use this method, which will provide an immediate confirmation.
Note: No applications will be accepted at cities, libraries, or the OCHA office.
Applications can be submitted three ways, including:
- Online at www.ochousing.org, beginning 12:01 AM on February 15 through 11:59 PM on February 29; or
- Fax to (714) 667-6544, beginning 12:01 AM on February 15 through 11:59 PM on February 29; or
- Mail to OCHA, P.O. Box 22005, Santa Ana, CA 92702 and postmarked from February 15 through February 29.
Only one application per household will be accepted. Accepted applications will be grouped by preference categories (veteran, senior, disabled, working family or individual residing within OCHA’s jurisdiction). Applicants will be randomly placed within their qualifying preference group.
For more information, please click here, here and here or call the OCHA Waiting List Information Line at (714) 480-2740.
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| TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION |
OCTA Initiates Countywide Bikeways Planning
On Monday, a countywide bikeways program to improve opportunities for bicycle travel was approved by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors.
The program, OC Bikeways, seeks to improve bike path connectivity throughout Orange County. It will be based on a successfully completed pilot project conducted in the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Fullerton, La Habra and Placentia.
Expanding biking routes is beneficial to residents by providing alternative travel options. It also expands the reach of bus and train service by helping commuters make last mile connections along their route. Bicycle riding also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality.
New OCTA Chairman Announces Goals
Newly selected Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Chairman Paul Glaab unveiled his strategic initiatives for the agency for the year ahead, placing focus on exploring options for bus and rail commuters as well as fast-tracking Measure M2 project delivery.
The Chairman’s priorities call for implementing first and last mile connections for rail users, making use of federal, state and local funding and creating a financial strategy to speed up M2 project construction.
For more information, please click here.
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| LIBRARY LESSONS & SESSIONS |
Laguna Niguel Library Expansion Update
The Laguna Niguel Library remodel was originally expected to be completed in November 2011. However, in mid-September, construction was stopped due to financial difficulties experienced by the contractor. Construction deficiencies were also identified.
The bonding company subsequently hired a different construction firm to finish the project. Work on the project was delayed while the new firm assessed the project and addressed the various financial issues.
Work was initiated again on the project in late November. While there were some initial delays, momentum on the project is increasing, including:
- The new Fire Suppression, Irrigation, and Domestic water utilities to the building have been completed
- Entry Tower feature 95% complete
- Decorative beam tails and eves complete
- Roofing inspection completed and signed off by County Inspection
- Installation of new roofing system to commence on 1-18-12
- Decorative trellis at entry 75% complete
The next significant milestone will be the building exterior. The mock up is scheduled to be completed for review once the new roof installation is completed.
Please be assured that every effort is being made to move forward with the project in an expeditious manner. While some of the original sub-contractors have elected to not continue on with the project, the new construction firm promptly established new sub-contractors to refill the void in accordance with the original construction agreement.
The revised project completion was targeted for the end of April. Although the official date has been pushed out due to the various delays associated with the transition, I’m pleased to report that the construction team remains confident the April completion date is still obtainable if favorable conditions continue.
Overdrive Digital Bookmobile Coming to Laguna Woods
The Overdrive Digital Bookmobile will be at the Laguna Woods Branch Library on Saturday, February 4 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The large semi-truck type vehicle will provide patrons with an opportunity to have “hands on” experience with multiple e-reader devices.
This is an excellent opportunity for residents who may have a new e-reader device but aren’t sure how to effectively download e-books. Additionally, for those who may want to purchase an e-reader but aren’t sure which, they can come and try each of them out. OC Public Libraries staff will also be on hand to assist.
This event is FREE of charge and open to the public. For more information, please click here. For information on upcoming eReader Open House events, please click here.
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| AUDITOR AUDIBLE |
Recruitment Begins for Orange County Auditor-Controller
The Board of Supervisors has initiated the recruitment process to select the County’s next Auditor-Controller. The Board is seeking candidates to replace David Sundstrom, who is resigning as of January 31 to become Auditor, Controller, Treasurer and Tax Collector in Sonoma County.
Information about the Auditor-Controller recruitment, including the educational and professional qualifications, as well as a link to the online application can be found on the County’s website. Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply as soon as possible since the recruitment will close on February 24.
For more information, please click here.
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| SENIOR SENTINEL |
National Council on Aging's Economic Security Initiative
Financial scams targeting seniors have become so prevalent that they’re now considered “The Crime of the 21st century.” Why? Because seniors are thought to have a significant amount of money sitting in their bank accounts.
As millions of older adults continue to fall prey to financial scams each year, please click here and here for tips to help protect yourself or an older adult you know.
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| HARBOR HAPPENINGS |
Embarcadero Parking Lot Asphalt Repair
On Monday, January 30, a portion of the asphalt parking lot near the Wind & Sea Restaurant in Dana Point Harbor will undergo repairs, with some existing asphalt and concrete being removed and replaced with new asphalt paving. Work is scheduled to last only one day to minimize disruptions to Harbor patrons and surrounding businesses.
For more information, please click here.
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| WATER WORKS |
MWDOC Director Jeff Thomas Elected Board President
The Board of Directors of the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) unanimously elected Director Jeffery M. Thomas as Board President during its January 18 meeting. In his capacity as Director, Mr. Thomas represents MWDOC Division Six, which is comprised of San Clemente, Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, portions of Lake Forest, Irvine and Tustin, and unincorporated areas of Orange County.
For more information, please click here.
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| HEALTH HERALD |
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 January/February edition of Stone Soup Gazette, please click here. For information about OCHNA, please click here.
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| NOTES FROM THE FIELD |
Nix Nature Center: Rocks and Fossils of Orange County
Join OC Parks and the Laguna Canyon Foundation in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park on Saturday, February 4 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM for a special Weekend at the Nix Nature Center: Rocks and Fossils of Orange County. This amazing event will be fun for the entire family. Space is limited.
For more information, please click here.
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| CRITTER CHRONICLES |
Final Weekend for Adopt a Shelter Rabbit Month
OC Animal Care invites you to hop on down for the final weekend of Adopt a Shelter Rabbit Month. All adopters who find their forever bunny will receive a free spay/neuter for their new pet and a gift bag filled with rabbit goodies.
For more information, please click here.
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| SOUTH COUNTY NEWS |
South Orange County Reliability Enhancement Project
To improve safety and reliability for South County’s electric utility customers, SDG&E plans to upgrade the decades-old lines, poles and substations within the cities of San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and unincorporated areas of Orange County.
To that end, SDG&E will host an open house at Mission San Juan Capistrano on Wednesday, February 8 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, as their staff will be on hand to discuss the South Orange County Reliability Enhancement.
For more information, please click here.
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| FIFTH DISTRICT SPOTLIGHT |
South County Veterans Memorial Receives High Honor
The Saddleback College Veterans Memorial has been selected to receive the prestigious George Washington Honor Medal Award, the highest award given by the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge National Awards Program. The award recognizes exceptional projects that reflect the highest ideals of the American spirit.
College President Dr. Tod Burnett will receive the award Saturday, February 11 at the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo from the Orange County Chapter of the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. Also saluted will be the planners, builders and donors whose project paid tribute to our men and women who served or are currently serving in our armed forces.
For more information, please click here and here.
South County Student Debater Academic All American
17-year old Regan Grishaber, a senior at Aliso Niguel High School, has been named a National Forensic League (NFL) Academic All American in recognition of speech and debate excellence and academic success. Academic All Americans must hold an NFL degree of Superior Distinction or higher and also demonstrate outstanding character and leadership.
Regan is currently the No. 27 ranked Lincoln-Douglas debater in the nation. His success includes winning the Lexington Winter Round Robin, where he came out on top of a field of the nation's top 14 individual debaters, giving him his fourth "bid" for the Tournament of Champions, held in May at the University of Kentucky.
For more information, please click here.
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| SOUTH COUNTY CALENDAR |
Aliso Viejo: Snow Fest
The City of Aliso Viejo will change Grand Park into a winter wonderland with Snow Fest on Saturday, January 28. The event will feature refreshments & music and takes place in three sessions from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For more information, please click here.
Lake Forest: SnowFest
Not to be outdone, the City of Lake Forest will host its SnowFest event on Saturday, January 28 from 11:00 AM to 3:45 PM at Pittsford Park. For more information, please click here.
Laguna Beach: Friday Flicks at the Forum
On Friday, February 3 at 7:00 PM, enjoy a free film screening at the Festival of Arts Forum Theatre, as the Laguna Beach Arts Commission will be screening the film “Bill Cunningham New York.” For more information, please click here.
San Clemente: The White House Garden
San Clemente’s Casa Romantica presents the only west coast showing of The White House Garden, a Smithsonian travelling exhibition capturing the history and beauty of one of the oldest continuously maintained landscaped gardens in America, on display through February 26. For more information, please click here.
Dana Point: World Class Music
The start to Dana Point Symphony's inaugural 2012 season is just around the corner. Each performance will showcase a 50-piece orchestra, international soloists, and exhibits by visual artists from Dana Point and the surrounding area. 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:
- Delivered a County Update at a meeting in Laguna Niguel for the Monarch Summits’ HOA President’s Council.
- Participated in the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors meeting.
My office also:
- Joined San Juan Capistrano city leaders and Governor Jerry Brown at an event in honor of the City of San Juan Capistrano’s 50th birthday. For more information, please click here.
- Attended the Orange County Coastal Coalition meeting. More on this in next week’s newsletter.
- Attended the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce Awards Ceremony and Board Installation Dinner to provide certificates of recognition in honor of their award recipients for 2011.
- Participated in the South County Senior Summit planning committee meeting.
- Attended the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce Legislative and Transportation Committee meeting.
- Attended the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee meeting.
- Attended the South Orange County Economic Coalition meeting.
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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